The Legacy of Muslim Rule in India c9.s2.2

c9.s2.2

The nobles ladies were numerous and spendthrift. Pelsaert says that as a rule they have three or four wives All live together surrounded by high walls called the *mahal*, having tanks and gardens inside. Each wife has separate apartments for herself and her slaves, of whom there may be 10, or 20, or 100, according to her fortune. Each has a monthly allowance for her (expenditure). Jewels and clothes are provided by the husband according to the extent of his affection²⁴ Their Mahals were adorned with superfluous pomp and ornamental dainties. The ladies made extensive use of gold and silver, for ornaments and jewellery, as well for their utensils and table service.²⁵ Even their bedsteads were lavishly ornamented with gold and silver.²⁶ During the earlier period, there is also mention of gold bath-tubs and gold horse-shoes.²⁷