A Forgotten Empire (Vijayanagar): A Contribution to the History of India c14.180

c14.180

“The throne, which was of extraordinary size, was made of gold, and enriched with precious stones of extreme value. . . . Before the throne was a square cushion, on the edges of which were sown three rows of pearls. During the three days the king remained seated on this cushion. When the fête of Mahanawi was ended, at the hour of evening prayer, I was introduced into the middle of four *estrades*, which were about ten *ghez* both in length and breadth.¹ The roof and the walls were entirely formed of plates of gold enriched with precious stones. Each of these plates was as thick as the blade of a sword, and was fastened with golden nails. Upon the *estrade*, in the front, is placed the throne of the king, and the throne itself is of very great size.”