Mughal Administration c10.s1.3

c10.s1.3

Both Shah Jahan and Aurangzib held no public *darbār* on Wednesday, but reserved that day for holding a court of law. "The Emperor came direct from the *darshan* window to the *Diwān-i-khās* (or Hall of Private Audience) at about 8 A.M. and sat on the throne of justice till midday. This room was filled with the law-officers of the Crown, the judges of Canon Law (*qāzis*), judges of Common Law (*ādils*), *muftis*, theologians (*ulema*), jurists learned in precedents (*fatāwa*), the superintendent of the law-court (*dārogha-i-adālat*), and the *kotwāl* or prefect of the city police. None else among the courtiers was admitted unless his presence was specially necessary. The officers of justice presented the plaintiffs one by one, and reported their grievances. His Majesty very gently ascertained the facts by inquiry, took the law from the *ulema* and pronounced judgment accordingly. Many persons had come from far-off provinces to get justice from the highest power in the land. Their plaints could not be investigated except locally; and so the Emperor wrote orders to the governors of those places, urging them to find out the truth and either do them justice there or send the parties back to the capital with their reports." (*Studies in Aur. Reign*, Ch. ii.)