Life and Conditions of the People of Hindustan (1200–1550 A.D.) c5.s3.28

c5.s3.28

The *nisar* was a ceremony of somewhat different import, having probably originated in the superstition of ‘the evil eye’, and resembling the Hindu custom of *utara* and the ceremony of *Arti* to-day. It consisted in taking platefuls of gold and silver coins or jewels, and scattering them to the crowd of indigent and poor or to any other assemblage, after being passed over the head of the monarch a number of times. Several occasions, for instance the convocation of a darbar, the entry of the Sultan into the capital after a victory, the peaceful and successful conclusion of delicate negotiations, and other unusual moments were carefully watched and the evil influence of the sinister spirits was evaded through many devices, among others through offering *nisar* for the person of the monarch. Similarly *nisars* were offered as a precautionary measure on several occasions of happiness and gaiety, for instance when the monarch recovered from an indisposition or illness, or a son was born to him, or a prince or princess was married. If a Sultan honoured the house of a noble with his visit, the latter usually offered a *nisar* presumably to keep away the evil spirits. *Nisars* were similarly offered to sweethearts (not excluding males) to preserve their charms and attainments.¹