Muslim Slave System in Medieval India c12.35

c12.35

How many slaves were on duty in the Kings palace? It is difficult to surmise. One can only say - in thousands and thousands. At the gate there was the *nawbat* or the royal band played by a large number of instrument players in relay service - trumpets, drums, flagesletters, pipes etc. Hundreds were needed for carrying royal *alams* or standards, for wielding of fans to keep away flies from the royal person and wafting breeze, for carrying of *Chatr* (parasol) and *Durbash* (royal baton), and for attendance near the throne. The head of the Household staff, *Sarjandar* and *Sarsilahdar* or Commander of the Royal Bodyguard and head of the Royal Armour-bearer, required other hundreds of slaves to help them carry out their assignments. Among other officials in charge of domestic attendance were *Sar-abdar* (or *Aftabchi* of the Mughals) who looked after the washing and toilet arrangements of the Sultan, the *Kharitadar* who looked after the royal writing case and *Tahwildar* who looked after the purse. Each of these officials had subordinate slaves and servants. The *Chashnigir* (the predecessor of the *Bakawal* of the Mughals) supervised the royal kitchen with hundreds of subordinate slaves working under him. *Sar-Jamadar* was in charge of the royal wardrobe, the *Saqi-i-Khas* of wines and other drinks. The *Mashaldar* supervised the lighting arrangements of the palace, and the provision of lamps, candlesticks, lamp-stands etc. All these functionaries had a regular staff of subordinates comprising mainly of slaves.⁶²