The State in Ancient India: A Study in the Structure and Practical Working of Political Institutions in North India in Ancient Times c17.83

c17.83

The permanent seat of the empire, as usual, presented a glorious spectacle. Bāṇa testifies that Sthāṇvīśvara, when capital of the kingdom, resounded with sounds of triumph, beating of drums, songs of troubadours and minstrels. The palace was magnificent and had a white-washed street wall.³ Of Kanauj Yuan Chwang writes that "it was very strongly defended and had lofty structures everywhere; there were beautiful gardens and tanks of clear water, and in it rarities from strange lands were collected . . ."⁴