The Administration of the Sultanate of Dehli c9.49

c9.49

Equally prominent in all ceremonial functions, though of much inferior rank, were the ushers or *naqībs*.⁹ They were also used to proclaim orders to the soldiers and to the populace. They ran in front of the royal cavalcade announcing in a loud voice the presence of the sultan.¹⁰ Their chief was called the *naqīb-u'l-nuqabā*, whose insignia of office consisted of a gold mace and a gold tiara surmounted with peacock feathers. He sat on a platform in front of the door leading into the hall of audience and scrutinized every new-comer.¹ He and his assistants delivered the formal eulogies on occasions of feasts and celebrations.²