Life and Conditions of the People of Hindustan (1200–1550 A.D.) c7.s3.t3.45

c7.s3.t3.45

¹ Compare an early reference to these arched pavilions in T.M. (III), 87-8. The arches were decorated with military weapons to receive Qutb-ud-din Aibak on his return from Ghazni after his marriage with the daughter of Yildiz. Compare an account of the public reception of Ulugh Khan Balban after his suppression of the Ranas of Sirmur Hills. Sultan Nasir-ud-din and people gathered on the Hauz-i-Rani. According to the chronicler the plain looked like ‘a multi-coloured flower garden’ through the effect of the rich dresses and other paraphernalia of decoration. (Vide Raverty, 834-5, for details.) Compare B., 106, for the reception of Sultan Balban on his return to Delhi after suppressing the Bengal rebellion. When Mu’izz-ud-din Kaiqubad returned to Delhi after meeting his father Bughra Khan, liquors and wines were stored in big jars and distributed free to the gathering of people. (Vide B., 164.) Compare the account of Amir Khusrau for the public reception of Khusrau Khan in Delhi by Murabak Shah Khalji in Kulliyat 700. Ibn Batuta gives two separate accounts of public receptions under Sultan Muhammad Tughluq. In one case, when the emissary of the Caliph entered the city of Delhi with the robes of the Abbasid Caliph and letters of recognition, a huge procession was formed to welcome him. Eleven four-storeyed arches of solid structure were built in Delhi to celebrate the event. All of them were decorated with embroidered silks and provided with male and female dancers and musicians to entertain the crowds of common people. Big jars of sweet drink (sharbat) were placed in them. Betel-leaves and sharbat were distributed free to all who joined the celebrations. (Vide K.R., I, 92, for details.) The other account is about one of the usual receptions given to the Sultan himself on his return to Delhi from numerous successful campaigns. Sixteen elephants decorated with gilded trappings and royal parasols were taken out for the royal procession and the royal route through the city of Delhi was decorated with silks and the walls were adorned with rich hangings. (Vide K.R., II, 38).