Tales from later Mughals

Symbols of Culture
One of the important features of feudal culture was
that it was regarded below the dignity of aristocrats to walk
on foot like ordinary people. Rich, influential and high
officials always used some conveyance suitable to their
status in order to impress people by showing their power
and wealth. The British officials also adopted this tradition
to maintain their status in the eyes of the local population.
One of the examples is the procession of the President
of the Company of Madras. When he went out he was
accompanied by 400 native soldiers as his personal guards
and his movement was announced by the beating of
kettledrums warning passers-by to clear the way for his
procession. He had his own flag which was decorated with
shining stars. Even his council members used some
privileges such as aftabgir or umbrella, which was reserved
only for high ranking official.
Whenever the Resident of Murshidabad came out of
his house, servants stood in line on both sides to offer
salaam and pay their respects by bowing in front of him. His
conveyance was accompanied by a company of horsemen as
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