History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v3.c36.s3.4

v3.c36.s3.4

The public anxiety was prolonged through the 5th day, when his fever and weakness continued without abatement. But such was Aurangzib’s strength of mind that he showed his face in the Audience Hall for a moment that evening and the next, leaning on a mace and receiving the presentation of the royal standards. The courtiers were reassured by the sight of His Majesty, and the rumours of his death in the bazars were stilled. On the 7th day the four highest grandees of the State were granted audience at his bedside. The illness continued for a month more, but there was no longer any cause for public alarm or disorder. On 22nd May he sat for a time on the marble throne in front of his bedroom in Delhi fort, and on Friday the 23rd and 30th he went to the Jama Mosque in a litter to pray in public. During this period he also showed himself daily to the outside public at the balcony of morning salute (*jharokha-i-darshan*), and attended the presentation of the standards in the Audience Hall in the evening, though still weak and ailing.