The Early History of the Deccan (Parts I–XI) v2.c15.s3.t4.4

v2.c15.s3.t4.4

According to the Nitisāra of Pratāparudra the king should grant frequent audiences to his subjects at prescribed times. Since he does not hear complaints without a previous appointment, they will be left without redress unless they have regular opportunities of submitting their grievances to him. It is stated in the *Mudrāmātyam* that whilst a king holds a durbar the women-folk should stand behind him, the poets to his right, the *vandis* (the bards) who praise him to his left, and the singers in front of him. His ministers, his relatives, and the princes, with officers of the standing army and learned men, should surround him.¹