Life and Conditions of the People of Hindustan (1200–1550 A.D.) c7.s2.t1.62

c7.s2.t1.62

The subject of conveyances is also interesting, since people usually had to provide for themselves. For an ordinary journey, people went on horse-back or travelled in *gardun* or wheeled carriages of great variety. In Khambayat, it is reported, coaches and chariots of great beauty were used. They were closed and covered like the rooms of a house; their windows were adorned with gilded leather or silk hangings; their mattresses were made of silk. Their quilts and cushions were similarly very rich.² Women moved about in covered conveyances. For small distances they usually hired a *Dola* for women, which was a palanquin-like structure supported on bamboos and conveyed by special porters in batches of eight, who worked in shifts. There was also a diminutive form, known as *Doli* which has already been referred to. *Palkis* (palanquins) were used by richer classes of people especially for long distances. The halting stages were provided with inns (*saray*) and shops, and with relays of men and animals, and even spare conveyances.³