Life and Conditions of the People of Hindustan (1200–1550 A.D.) c7.s2.t1.22

c7.s2.t1.22

³ Compare K., 139-40 for the Floating Palace. It was modelled on the Floating Bazar and was fitted on two huge boats. The woodcarvers, metal-workers, decorators and furnishers of the capital had spent all their ingenuity and talent for design to give this palace a most exquisite appearance. The Floating Palace had three storeys. Compare ibid., 144 for a detailed description of the ‘Mystery House’. It was built on the bank of the Jumna in Agra and was composed of three rooms on the ground floor adjoining one another. The central room was designed in an octagonal shape and fitted with a large water tank. Over this tank was constructed on alcove from which a secret passage led into adjoining chambers. Care was taken that the water from the tank, even when it was over-full, did not escape into these adjoining rooms. A person on entering the tank, went into the alcove, and pass-