History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v4.c65.s10.4

v4.c65.s10.4

Meantime the large tent which served as the Hall of Public Audience in Aurangzib's camp, had been richly decorated for this historic scene. "All the high grandees and *mansabdars*, great and small, had by order come fully armed to the Hall and each taken his stand at his proper place. Bahramand Khan, the superintendent of the Private Audience Chamber, marshalled the ranks and regulated the ceremony." When Sikandar arrived at the door of the tent, the Chief Paymaster, Ruhullah Khan, with a train of high officers, welcomed him and ushered him into the Presence. The fallen monarch made his bow at the foot of the conqueror's throne. His extreme beauty and combined grace of youth and royalty excited universal admiration and pity for his fate. Even Aurangzib was touched: he spoke soothingly to Sikandar, "God's grace be on you! You have acted wisely and chosen your own good. I shall exalt you with many favours and gifts. Be composed in mind." Then he seated Sikandar on his right hand, close to his grandson Muizz-ud-din, and presented him with a gorgeous robe of honour, a dagger set with jewels, worth Rs. 7,000, a pearl necklace with an emerald pendant, worth Rs. 13,000, a jewelled crest (kalgi), and a costly mace. The deposed Sultan was enrolled among the Mughal peers with the title of Khan (lord), and a pension of one lakh of Rupees a year was settled on him. The princes and nobles present shouted their congratulations and made the customary presents to the Emperor.