Indian Antiquary Vol 17

Author(s): John Faithfull Fleet, Richard Carnac Temple
Publisher: Swati Publications

Page 66

58
THE INDIAN ANTIQUARY.
graciously been accepted, the Maharaja had a splendid tent pitched with red and gold carpeting, an elevated seat and 30,000 [!] chairs around it. A number of other tents with silver poles and silken ropes surrounded the large one, all guarded by gold-turbaned servants, who had silver bátons in their hands. All the troops having been drawn out, and the line through which His Excellency was to pass arranged, the two princes Sher Singh and Kharak Singh were sent to inform Lord [William] Bentinck that everything had been got ready; whereon the Governor-General at once proceeded to the bank of the river, whilst the Mahirája approached it on the other side to meet him, and the Maharajâ's artillery having fired a salute, they proceeded together to the tent where they took their seats, surrounded by English officers and Sikh Amirs. The nazarána having been presented, the Governor-General touched it with his hand according to the usual custom, and then a hundred ornamented trays representing boats were brought in, loaded with costly garments, rabies, corals, pearls, diamonds, silver, gold, and various curiosities from Kashmir and Multân, as well as other presents, such as every kind of silk and gold embroidered cloth, heaps of woollen stuffs, necklaces of jewellery, swords, muskets, bows and arrows, pistols, carbines, battle axes and lances. The Maharaja presented to the Governor-General in addition to the above, four fleet horses with golden saddles, and two mountain-like elephants, for which he expressed his best
thanks and then took leave.
34. The Maharaja having after these two interviews determined to give an entertain. ment to the Governor-General on the third day, ordered all the preparations to be made, and these consisted in furnishing a splendid tent with elegant carpets. Musicians, singers and dancers of both sexes were ready to enliven the feast, and thousands of chandeliers with crystal pendants were hung up to illuminate it. Food and drink of every variety, with fruits and confectionery, having all been provided in the greatest abundance, and the countless chandeliers, lamps, candles and flambeaux lighted in the evening, the scene presented a magical and fairy-like aspect. Ranjit Singh despatched the Maharaja Gulab Singh to apprize the Governor-General that all was ready, who then
[FEBRUARY, 1888.
entered his carriage with his retinue and started immediately. He was met half way by Ranjit Singh, who then conveyed him to the improvised banqueting hall, where the English guests sat on chairs, and the amirs in their usual manner. Then the musical entertainment began with dancing and singing, in which the blooming beauties of the Panjab naturally played the chief part. Refreshments were partaken of, and potations indulged in to such a degree that the effect of the latter began to manifest itself at last in an uproar, to drown which the Mahârâja immediately gave orders for the bands to strike up, and when the tremendous noise made by the united kettle-drums, bugles, fifes, trumpets and clarionets ceased, the Maharaja added to the abovementioned gifts for the GovernorGeneral one more elephant with a golden hauda, with two beautiful horses, and presented to all the English guests shawls, golden turbans, and robes of honour, after which they took their leave and departed.
35. On the evening of the fourth day the Secretary of the Governor-General made his appearance on horseback in the camp of the Maharaja, and invited him to an entertain. ment, whereon he left his camp with the amirs of his darbár, and was met on the road by the Governor-General, who took him to a brilliantly illuminated tent in which beautiful English ladies were sitting on one side, and gentlemen on the other. A band played, refreshments were served, and the Governor-General presented the Maharaja with horses having golden saddles, with Indian and Chinese curiosities, wonderful garments, beautiful turbans, necklaces of diamonds and of other precious stones. Lastly the Mahârâja took his departure.
36. The Maharaja having, through the Sardar Hari Singh, conveyed to the GovernorGeneral his desire to witness the military exercises of British troops, the latter invited him to be present. Accordingly all the European and Indian troops, cavalry and infantry, were drawn out, and after performing some manoeuvres they exhibited some target practice with muskets and artillery. After which the Mahârajah first ordered the Raja Dhyan Singh, who had some knowledge of the matter, as well as a number of his bodyguard, to show their skill, and they were successful in hitting the target.