DARBAR HALL
arranged and organised everything in his vast Empire, and stamped on every detail of administration the impress of his creative mind and his formative touch.
Inheriting the fragments of a few provinces from his father, he united the whole of Northern India under his vigorous, organised and peaceful rule. He gathered round him an array of warriors and statesmen, financiers, poets and learned men, such as no subsequent monarch in India could boast of. More than this, he welded his Empire by an equal trust in all his subjects, and by a generous toleration of all creeds, such as was unknown in his age in any other part of the civilised earth.
By the side of the monarch stood the heir-apparent, Prince Selim, and all eyes were turned on him. Something was known of his recent undutiful conduct towards his father; but the facts were veiled in mystery, and not a word on the subject was uttered. Under the throne there was a large enclosure surrounded by silver rails, in which were assembled the Grandees of the Empire—Rajas, Mansabdars, Omrahs, and Ambassadors from foreign Courts. Generals whose courage and skill had won decisive battles in distant parts of India, and whose vigour and wisdom had ruled the destinies of provinces, were gathered in that circle. Other honoured chiefs and nobles stood outside the rails, while a vast concourse of people stood silent and expectant before the Hall of Audience.
According to custom, some royal horses, richly caparisoned, were brought and passed before the Emperor, and then a long line of elephants covered with gold-embroidered cloth. The huge beasts
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