Life and Conditions of the People of Hindustan (1200–1550 A.D.) c6.s3.t1.16

c6.s3.t1.16

Besides such occasional expenditure, minor occasions also cost the treasury a large amount. For instance, if the Sultan went to a place for the first time, his august visit was celebrated with suitable gifts and entertainments.² For the State, the Sultan and his vast *entourage* was a very great drain of public money.³ Unfortunately his requirements did not cease with his earthly existence, and were looked after by the State even after his death. When a monarch died, a big establishment with a special staff was created to look after his spiritual assistance in the next world; a costly mausoleum was constructed over his grave; charity houses were opened around it; and special reciters of the Holy Book were constantly busy offering prayers for the benefit of the royal soul. An immense quantity of food was spent in charitable feeding which attracted an unusually large crowd of professional beggars to the capital.⁴