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Kings And Chronicles : The Mughal Courts

Question
CBSEENHS12027564

 Darbar-i Akbari

Abul Fazl gives a vivid account of Akbar’s darbar:

Whenever His Majesty (Akbar) holds court (darbar) a large drum is beaten, the sound of which are accompanied by Divine praise. In this manner, people of all classes receive notice. His Majestry’s sons and grandchildren, the grandees of the Court, and all other men who have admittance, attend to make the Komish, and remain standing in their proper places. Learned men of renown and skilful mechanics pay their respects, and the officers of justice present their reports. His Majesty, with his usual insights, gives orders and settles everything in a satisfactory manner. During the whole time, skilful gladiators and wrestlers from all countries hold themselves in readiness, and singers made and female, are in waiting. Clever jugglers and funny tumlers also are anxious to exhibit their dexterity and agility.

Questions:

(i)    Explain main activities taking place in the Darbar of Akbar.

(ii)    Explain different forms of salutation to the ruler.

(iii)    How did Emperor begin his day? Explain.

Solution

(i) The main activities taking place in the Darbar of Akbar were as under : Whenever His Majesty (Akbar) holds court (darbar), a large drum is beaten, the sounds of which are accompanied by Divine praise. In this manner, people of all classes receive notice. His Majesty’s sons and grandchildren, other men who have admittance, attend to make the komish and remain standing in their proper places. Learned mon of renown and skilful mechanics pay their respects. His Majesty, with his usual insights, gives orders and settles everything in a satisfactory manner.

(ii)    The different forms of salutation to the ruler indicated the person’s status in the hierarchy: deeper prostration represented higher status. The highest from of submission was sijda or complete prostration.

(iii)    (a) The emperor began his day at sunrise with personal religious devotions or prayers, and then appeared on a small balcony, the jharoka, facing the east. Below, a crowd of people (soldiers, merchants, craftspersons, peasants, women with sick children) waited for a view, darshan, of the emperor.

(b) After spending an hour at the jharoka, the emperor walked to the public hall of audience (diwan-i-am) to conduct the primary business of his government. State officials presented reports and made requests. wo hours later, the emperor was in the diwan-i-khas to hold private audiences and discuss confidential matters. Occasionally, the emperor viewed the works of highly reputed artists or building plans of architects (minar).