Later Mughals v1.c9.s16.3

v1.c9.s16.3

The bridegroom's gifts* to the bride were provided on a regal scale by the Emperor's mother, and sent to the bride's quarters on the 15th Zul Hijja (11th December, 1715), accompanied by many nobles, who were entertained by Qutb-ul-mulk. On the 20th the ceremony of applying henna to the bridegroom's hands and feet was carried out, and the persons who brought it were entertained in the usual way.† On the 21st (17th December, 1715), the whole of the Diwan-i-am and the courtyard (jilau khana), both sides of the road within the palace, and the plain towards the Jamuna were illuminated by lamps placed on bamboo screens. About nine o'clock in the evening, Farrukh-siyar came out by the Dihli Gate of the palace, seated on a moveable throne and wearing, according to usage, the clothes sent to him by the bride's father, of which Khemsi Bhandari had been the bearer. The Emperor was preceded by platforms, on which stood women singing and dancing as they were carried along. Fireworks were let off. The Emperor entered the house of Amir-ul-umara and there completed the usual ceremonies. Those observed on this occasion were a mixture of Muhammadan and Hindu usages. One which caused much remark was the offer to the guest of a drink made of rose-water, sugar, and opium. This mixture was pressed on them by the Rajputs on the plea that it was the custom of their country. Many Muhammadans drank of it, but some objected. There was another thing never seen before in an imperial wedding. A gold plate had been made with five divisions, and each of these divisions was filled with precious stones. In one, diamonds; in another, rubbies; in the third, emeralds; in the fourth, topazes; and in the fifth, which was in the centre of them all, large and valuable pearls.* Farrukh-siyar returned late at night, bringing the bride with him to the palace, which he entered by the Lahor Gate, it being unlucky to go and come by the same route. The festivities continued to the end of the month.†