1 MAHARAJA RANJIT SINGH. ; 489
2 on the banks of a canal, separated from the Mahardjd’s gardens by only
3 ‘a few hundred yards. On arrival at the camp, the park of Sultén Mah-
4 mid’s artillery thundered forth a royal salute. No pains had been spared by
5 the Mahardja’s officers to promote the comfort of the deputation. In
6 addition to the spacious tents which had been pitched in green mango groves,
7 small buildings had been constructed by the Mahardjd’s orders for the com-
8 fort and accommodation of the members of the mission, and these were cooled
9 by means of khas-khas tattis, or blinds, Each of these buildings had
10 been well furnished with bedsteads, having handsome silk coverlets and
11 mattresses, embroidered quilts, &. About the grounds were scattered
12 a number of buildings,* including a zenan-khdnd encircled by a large
13 garden, with shady trees and a canal running between. Constant irrigation
14 kept the banks and vicinity always green and fresh, and in the shade of
15 these trees the Maharaja passed his hot weather, drilling and mancu-
16 vring his troops. Between the parade ground and the gateway, which opened
17 on a fine level plain, was always pitched a small scarlet and gold embroidered
18 shawl tent, entirely open in front. Here the Mahardjd used to retire
19 soon after dark to rest and take his sleep in the open air, guarded by his
20 trusted sipahis. His sword and shield always lay by his pillow, and a
21 horse, saddled, stood constanly ready in front of his tent. In the morning
22 he was always to be seen either on horseback or on an elephant, inspecting
23 the drilling of his troops, or supervising the artillery practice.
24 The members of the mission had their andience of introduction to the
25 Mahardj&é on the morning of 29th May. They were escorted into the
26 presence of the Mahardj4 by Rajd Suchet Singh and Sardar Ajit Singh.
27 On their reaching the verandah, the Mahardja’s minister, Raj4 Dhidn Singh,
28 came forward and conducted the British Officers round the palace to the
29 hall of audience. At the entrance of this hall stood the Maharaja himself,
30 who, after a friendly embrace, led the officers to the upper end of the hall
31 and gave them seats on pold chairs, opposite himself. After the Mahardj4
32 had taken his seat on a gold chair, all his chiefs squatted on the floor round
33 him, with the exception of his Minister Dhidn Singh,~ who remained
34 standing behind his master. After the usual enquiries about health, the
35 presents from Lord Auckland to the Mahardjé were produced. They
36 consisted of His Lordship’s picture, set in a star of very handsome diamonds,
37 suspended by a string of large pearls; a pair of gold-mounted pistols; a
38 splendid Damascus sword, in a golden scabbard, inlaid with precious stones,
39 and two thorough-bred Cape horses, with housings and accoutrements of gold,
40 richly studded with turquoises and enamel. Ranjit Singh examined each
41 of these articles very minutely, and seemed to count every pearl and jewel
42 before he made them over to his treasurer. It was a mere ceremonial
43 interview, and no business was transacted that day. The time was chiefly
44 occupied in replying to Ranjit’s numerous questions on a.variety of subjects—
45 riding, hunting, fighting, drinking, &c. On the 31st May, the mission was
46 received at the Mahardja’s palace for the purpose of transacting business.
47 After a few enquiries and compliments, the Maharajé proceeded to his private
48 apartment, and a few minutes afterwards the distinguished members of the
49 mission were requested to follow him. The Mahardjd was found seated cross-
50 legged ona large silver chair, with the boy Hird Singh sitting before him, and
51 * These no longer exist at what was the summer retreat of the ‘Panjab Lion.’ What is now
52 left is a neglected baradari on the bank of the canal, which reminds old residents of Adina-
53 nagar, of its past grandeur and magnificence. Mango trees still existin abundance at the spot,
54 the luxuriance of which has been maintained by means of canal works and drainage, and it is to
55 The Maharaja in his
56 summer retreat of
57 Adinanagar.
58 The first audience of
59 introduction.
60 , The second inter-
61 view, 31st May 1838.
62 this day a place of refreshment and enjoyment for the people in the burning heat of June .
63 and July.
64 Sri Satguru J agjit Singh Ji eLibrary NamdhariElibrary@ gmail.com