Life and Conditions of the People of Hindustan (1200–1550 A.D.) c5.s3.46

c5.s3.46

To give a general idea of the royal court: The hall of audience was situated in the centre of the palace with a number of gates leading to its entrance, all of which were heavily guarded. On arrival for business or presentation, a visitor was announced with a flourish of trumpets at the first gate. On proceeding to the second gate, he was received by the *Naqib* wearing a jewelled tiara and carrying a mace, and by his staff of *chaush* holding gold and silver crested canes. They led him to the third gate where his name and other particulars were taken down by the scribes. Here the visitor had to wait until the hour of presentation arrived. Inside the hall of audience (named by Muhammad Tughlaq ‘the hall of a thousand pillars’) sat the Sultan on the throne with his legs crossed in oriental fashion. In front of the monarch sat the *Wazir* with his staff of secretaries and clerks. The *Hajib*, the *Barbak* and the *Vakil-i-dar* all occupied their positions. To the right and left of the Sultan sat the religious functionaries, the nobles, members of the royal family, and other distinguished persons. After permission for the presentation had been accorded, the visitor was introduced in to the hall by the *Hajib* and was conducted to the place of obeisance. There he underwent the formalities of presentation mentioned earlier, or perhaps if he came on business of State, he handed over his petition to the *Barbak* who took it to the throne. After the Sultan retired from the hall of audience, the *Hajib* went and handed over the papers to the *Vakil-i-dar* who disposed of them according to the Sultan’s commands.²