A Forgotten Empire (Vijayanagar): A Contribution to the History of India c14.166

c14.166

"Each elephant has a separate compartment, the walls of which are extremely solid, and the roof composed of strong pieces of wood. . . . Opposite the Mint is the house of the Governor, where are stationed twelve thousand soldiers on guard. . . . Behind the Mint is a sort of bazaar, which is more than three hundred ghez in length, and more than twenty in breadth.¹ On two sides are ranged houses and forecourts; in front of them are erected, instead of benches (*kūrsi*), several lofty seats constructed of beautiful stones. On the two sides of the avenue formed by the chambers are represented figures of lions, panthers, tigers, and other animals.² Thrones and chairs are placed on the platforms, and the courtesans seat themselves thereon, bedecked in gems and fine raiment."