Little Falls transcript. [volume] (Little Falls, Morrison County, Minn.) 1876-1894, 1884-10-03
VISIT 70. AN .IyDill PRINCE.
From the Chicago Inter Ocean. j

Of one OF the most powerful princes in
India, the Guicowar. While travelling
in India in 1868 I had been Informed
that this prince received European tray
elers corlrteously, and was assured that,
once established as his guest, I should
assist at festivals and ceremonies which
it would be difficult to witness at any
other court in India. Thanks to numer
GUS letters Of introduction, which I had
procured from persons OF influence at
Bombay, I was certain to be we'll re-
ceived by the prince, and to be able
to crafty my strong desire to
see purely Mahrattah court. The Off
GER with whoro ] was staying offered to
introduce me TO- some influential peo-
pie about the court. We accordingly
proceeded to the city, which is connect
ed with the English encampment by a
good road, nearly two mile long, pass
ing through charming scenery.
At length we came to a large monu-
mental gateway, danksd by high,
round towers, the facade Of which is
painted with figures Of monsters and
diviDities, and the Guicowars soldiers
presenting arms to us, we entered the
city. After short drive We aighted
from our carriage before the palace Of
Tatia Sahlb Kilidar, to whom, I ex~
pressed O. wish to be presented. This
palace, a large brick building differs
from the neighborirg houses only in
the richness Of the carved woodwork
and the profusion Of color On its facade.
The ground floor is laid out in shops,
and single door, very narrow, gives
access TO the interior My companion,
without hesitation, proceeded to ascend
dark staircase, nearly perpendicular.
! and SO marrow that could easily touch
both walls with my elbows. It was
closed in at the summit by a heavy trap
| door. which servant opened and
closed after us. How" asked. "can
people who, am told, live surrounded
! by almost supernatural luxury, con-
denim themselves to go up and down
such a break-neck affair."" The cap
tain explained the reason Of this singu-
larity.
! The Manhattan mobiles came into this
country as usurpers :mere peasants sons,
they had expelled the ancient nobility.
Being exposed to the vengeance of the
dispos sessed hand owners, each Of them
made his palace u fortress difficult of
approach. Afterward their constant
ouarrels with the sovereign induced
them to return, as s. measure OF pre-
cauti,n, to system established as a
precaution against the dagger Of the as
sassin. The staircase always opens in
to q guard room, and surprise Is impos-
sible, for one man could easily defend
the passage against hundred,
We traversed s1ndry large rooms.
several courts and a labyrinth Of cor
ridors. The Mouse seemed full OF
soldiers and attendants Of the Kllidar
it was more like barrack than a pa
lace. Some were playing with dice,
others singing to the accompaniment OF
the lutte, and many were stretched, fast
asleep, on the floor. On story after
story we were received by all usher
bearing a silver wand, who showed us
the way. When we reached the fifth floor
we came on a spacious terrace, cover
ing the whole palace, surrounded by ele-
giant apartments with galleries in front
supported on columns. Contrary to the
European custom, which gives the up
per story to servants, here the master OF
the house always occupies it himself
indeed, it is by far the coolest and pleas
ATTEST part of the house. Out of reach
Of the emanations from the bazaars,
che apartments admit the air freely
and the terraces, succeed, and shelter.
ed from tho sun by thick awnings,
are transformed into spacious rooms.
We were shown into the presence Of
Tatia Sahib, who advanced and shook
hands with us. Taken unawares by ou1
visit, he was still in undress, which was
excused by the heat Of the day and
very graciously apologized for not hay
ing received me in manner worthy Of
The honor I conferred upon him. W.
sat down on sofas, which were placed
in veranda supported by Moorish CT
cades, the walls of which We're covered
with glasses, pictures, and native curl.
osities. The Kilidar was q man Of be-
tween twenty five and thirty years o.
age and the most perfect type of Nah
rattah. His bust, bare and bronzed wa'
admirably formed; his features deli
cate and exceedingly handsome. Eli
expression was somewhat fierce, al
though his large black eyes always il
motion, his rich earrings, and pear
necklaces that hung down upon hi
breast, gave him an effeminate all.
had long conversation with him abou
Europe. He assured me that the Kin,
would be happy to see me, and wonlt
do his best to make my sojourn agreed
BILE. On taking leave, he made me
thousand pyotestations Of friendship
4 begged me to consider his palace m,
own. Thence we called on several othe
mobiles, and everywhere 7 met with. th,
same warm reception, The Capital,
proposed that we should call on grea
Hindoo lady, the widow, Of Harribakti
the late Keeper Of the Royal Treasury
who, free from control, and Of advanced
ideas, liked to frequent good Europea,
! society. 5Z: @.5.s5., y TT
T Rare, indeed, in that country, is th
" opportunity 81 entering the house o
great fortune and high caste. Til
rules of the Zenana are SO strict, tb
prejudices 50 deeply rooted, that eyel
7 widows scarcely dare break through tia
'tspurdah SCREEN" the word commonl,
used in India to designate harem life.
1 M. = ~ 1 10y L
a room hung with damask and nlagniti
Gently decorated. Draped in thil
veil Of rose colored silk and half reclin
ing On velvet cushions she shone fortl
s in the midst Of Ill her splendid sur