Page:Aurangzíb and the Decay of the Mughal Empire.djvu/103

Rh the ground, on the further side, opposite the great gate. The roof of this hall was supported by rows of columns, and beautifully painted and gilt, and in the wall which formed its back was, and still is, the famous jharukhá, – the ample open window where the Great Mogul daily sat upon his throne to be seen of all the people who thronged the spacious court. On his right and left stood the Princes of the Blood; and beneath, in the hall itself, within a silver railing, were grouped the four Secretaries of State, and the chief nobles and officers of the realm, the Rájas, and the many ambassadors who came from foreign States, all standing with eyes cast to the ground and hands crossed in the customary attitude of respect, while the King's musicians discoursed 'sweet and pleasant music.' Further off, and lower down, outside the silver rail, the array of Mansabdárs and lesser nobles and officials gleamed with colour and jewels and steel, while the rest of the hall and the whole court were thronged with every class of the subjects, high and low, rich and poor, all of whom had the right to see and have audience of the Emperor. Once there, however, no one might leave the Presence until the levee was over.

The scene on any State occasion was imposing, and almost justified the inscription on the gateway: 'If there be a Heaven upon earth, it is Here, it is Here.' The approach of Aurangzíb was heralded by the shrill piping of the hautboys and clashing of cymbals from the band-gallery over the great gate: –