Answer:
Chronides lay down with great precision the rules denning status amongst the Mughal elites. In court, status was determined by spatial proximity to the king. The place accorded to a courtier by the ruler was a sign of his importance in the eyes of the emperor. Once the emperor sat on the throne, no one was permitted to move from his position or to leave without permission. Social control in court society was excersied through carefully defining in full detail the forms of address, courtesies and speech which were acceptable in court. The slightest infringement of etiquette was noticed and punished on the spot. The forms of salutation to the ruler indicated the person?s status in the hierarchy: deeper prostration represented higher status. The highest form of submission was or complete prostration. Under Shah Jahan these rituals were replaced with chahar taslims and zamindar (kissing the ground). The protocols governing diplomatic envoys at the Mughal Court were equally explicit. An ambassador presented to the Mughal emperor was expected to offer an acceptables form of greetings - either by bowing deeply or kissing the ground, or else to follow the Persian custom of clasping one?s hand in front of the chest. On special occasions such as the anniversary of accession to the throne, Id, Shah-i-barat and Holi, the court was full of life. Perfumed candles set in rich holders and palace walls festooned with colourful hangings made a tremendous impression on visitors. The Mughal Kings celebrated three major festivals a year the solar and lunar birthdays of the monarch and Nauroz, the Iranin New Year on the vernal equinox. On his birthdays, the monarch was weighed against various commodities which were then distributed in charity.
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