Life and Conditions of the People of Hindustan (1200–1550 A.D.) c7.s3.t1.38

c7.s3.t1.38

We shall conclude this account of the chase with a few more remarks on royal hunting. Though the facts of the reign of Firuz Tughluq may not have a very close bearing on the reigns of his predecessors and successors, they will give us a fair idea of the royal *Shikar* equipment. Afif, his chronicler, informs us that when Firuz Tughluq used to go out for the chase, a big procession was formed. Forty to fifty special standards and two specially designed emblems adorned with peacock feathers, accompanied him. The emblems were carried in front of the Sultan on both sides. Just behind them were four trained wild animals and birds of prey, to the left and right of the monarch respectively. A vast number of other animals, namely, cheetahs, panthers, lynxes, hounds, eagle and falcons with their keepers on horseback followed the Sultan. Ibn Batuta informs us that a great many nobles used to go with the Sultan to the chase with their tents and canopies and a big crowd of porters and attendants. The chase of Sultan Firuz Tughluq, sometimes lasted from seventeen to eighteen days at a stretch.⁴