Life and Conditions of the People of Hindustan (1200–1550 A.D.) c7.s3.t2.14

c7.s3.t2.14

We shall describe in this connection certain new additions that were made by Mughal emperors to the existing features of a royal Jashn. We have mentioned earlier that Humayun introduced the system of river picnics on the Jumna and built for that purpose a double-storeyed building of wood on four giant boats containing all sorts of provisions for a pleasure party. The Emperor used to go out with chosen favourite nobles and ladies on the Jumna to enjoy himself with music and dancing. The ‘Mystery House’ to which a reference has already been made was sometimes converted to serve for a social party. In such a case, the water of the octagonal tank was emptied and the floor was spread with rich Persian carpets. An elevated dais was raised for the monarch and the visitors, and musicians made themselves comfortable on the floor. The whole building was tastefully decorated with brocade and embroidered cloth. The two side rooms on the ground floor were furnished with the necessary number of bedsteads, betel-leaf boxes, goblets, drinking vessels, and other furniture for lodging the monarch. The top floor was decorated with weapons and armour, prayer-carpets, books and ink-stands and specimens of calligraphy and paintings, to serve probably as the retiring room for the royal party. Fruits, drinks, and all necessities, were provided in the building. Sometimes, the water reservoir was used for bathing and people entered it, after taking preventives for cold, to stay and enjoy themselves all day long.¹