Social and Political Life in the Vijayanagara Empire (A.D. 1346 – A.D. 1646) v2.c21.s2.t1.1

v2.c21.s2.t1.1

Whether it was in the presence of the king or on the battle-field, in regard to foreign ambassadors or leaders of merchant guilds, washermen or dancing-girls, the people of Vijayanagara observed certain rules of procedure in public matters. Paes tells us the following: "Before you enter the place where the king is there are two gates with many guards, who prevent any one from entering except the captains and men who have business there; and between these two gates is a very large court with its verandahs round it, where the captains and other honoured people wait till the king summons them to his presence."¹ As regards admission into the palace, especially on grand occasions, Paes continues thus: "They do not admit every one at once (they allowed us to go into the open part that is between the gates), but there go inside only the wrestlers and dancing-women, and the elephants, which go with their trappings and decorations, those that sit on them being armed with shields and javelins, and wearing quilted tunics."² Then again: "The different pavilions are separated by doors, so that no one may enter unless he is invited."³