Life and Conditions of the People of Hindustan (1200–1550 A.D.) c7.s3.t2.16

c7.s3.t2.16

Humayun similarly instituted the system of what came to be known as Mina Bazars under his son and successor. These were not separate and elaborate bazaars; only six stalls were constructed in the double-storeyed building on the boats to which we referred above. A miniature orchard was laid out on the boat and pots of flowers were provided, to give the whole place a most pleasant appearance. The stalls were supervised by ladies of rank and position who were chosen to act as saleswomen, while the Emperor went about bargaining and buying.¹ Under Akbar this system of bazars was greatly elaborated. Instead of modest stalls there was now a bazar, where the ladies and the Emperor in turn acted as customers and salesmen. This was a regular market and all sorts of merchandise was sold. In fact, a regular treasurer and auditor were appointed to look after this section of the royal activity. We know very little about these intriguing affairs beyond what Abu'l Fazl chooses to tell us. According to him the purchases of the Emperor were nothing but ‘an excuse for acquainting himself with information of all kind’ through his fair dealers. There was a great degree of freedom and accessibility in these Mina Bazars. For instance, when the Emperor acted as salesman and dealer, the ladies and other persons approached his stall without any interference or interruption on the part of the royal guards and ushers. So that apart from bargaining over an article, people used the opportunity to tell him all their grievances and sorrows.²