Promotion of Learning in India during Muhammadan Rule (by Muhammadans) c11.35

c11.35

was in the habit of calling for food, when these seventeen learned men, after washing their hands, seated themselves in front of the Sulṭān, who was himself seated on the couch. A large chair was then brought close to the bed and the different dishes placed on it, and the Sulṭān commenced eating. Food was also placed before his seventeen companions, who were, however, forbidden to partake of it in his presence. When the King had finished, they carried their plates away to their houses and ate there.” ¹