Life and Conditions of the People of Hindustan (1200–1550 A.D.) c5.s2.t1.49

c5.s2.t1.49

6. *Household Staff.*—Apart from his *haram*, his slaves and other attendants, and his courtiers, the Sultan employed a host of people to look after the protection of his person, his recreation and his domestic attendance in general. They were organized in separate departments under their own officers and supervisors who were all paid by the monarch from his personal funds and were directly responsible to him. Foremost among the needs of a monarch was that of personal protection.² Two separate officers, the *Sar-Jandar* and the *Sar-Silahdar*, were charged with this, the former being the first in rank. The *Sar-Jandar* was the commander of the Imperial Bodyguard. He was a prominent nobleman of the realm and was paid a huge salary.³ He commanded and supervised the life-guards, composed of the royal slaves, who were conspicuous for their devotion and efficiency.⁴ The *Sar-Jandar* was responsible for the security and protection of the royal person and had summary powers in the execution of his duties.⁵ The second officer, the *Sar-Silahdar*, was the head of the Imperial armour-bearers. The royal sword was in his keeping.⁶ His duties, on the whole, were of a ceremonial nature, not unlike those of the bow-bearers of the Sassanian monarchs.¹