Mughal Administration c11.40

c11.40

Late in the reign of Aurangzib the highest nobles began to be rewarded with the right of carrying a standard (*alam*) and kettledrum (*naqqara*) with themselves. But they were not to beat the kettledrum in the imperial camp or capital, nor when holding public darbar in their provinces. As a special mark of favour for service of the highest importance, we read of a nobleman being permitted to strike up his kettledrums from the door of the imperial tent as he set out on his expedition.