Page:Aurangzíb and the Decay of the Mughal Empire.djvu/97

Rh chambers, open to the four winds, where the afternoon siesta might be enjoyed during the heats.

Two main streets, perhaps thirty paces wide, and very long and straight, lined with covered arcades of shops, led into the 'great royal square' which fronted the fortress or palace of the Emperor. This square was the meeting-place of the citizens and the army, and the scene of varied spectacles. Here the Rájput Rájas pitched their tents when it was their duty to mount guard; for Rájputs never consented to be cooped up within Mughal walls. Here might be seen the cavalcade of the great nobles when their turn to watch arrived.

'Nothing can be conceived much more brilliant than the great square in front of the fortress at the hours when the Omrahs, Rájas, and Mansabdárs repair to the citadel to mount guard or attend the assembly of the Am-Khas [or Hall of Audience]. The Mansabdárs flock thither from all parts, well mounted and equipped, and splendidly accompanied by four servants, two behind and two before, to clear the street for their masters. Omrahs and Rájas ride thither, some on horseback, some on majestic elephants; but the greater part are conveyed on the shoulders of six men, in rich palankins, leaning against a thick cushion of brocade, and chewing their betel, for the double purpose of sweetening their breath and reddening their lips. On the one side of every palankin is seen a servant bearing the píkdan, or spittoon of porcelain or silver; on the other side two more servants fan the luxurious lord, and flap away the flies, or brush off the dust with a peacock's-tail fan; three or four footmen march in front to clear the way, and a chosen number of the best formed and best mounted horsemen follow in the rear.