Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1903-01-10
QUAINT SHOW AT THE DURBAR.

QUAINT SHOW AT THE DURBAR.
The viceroy, Lord Curzon of Kedles-
ton, aud Lady Curzon and the Duke
and Duchess of Connaught on Tuesday
reviewed the retainers of the ruling
chiefs in the Durbar arena at Delhi,
India. The variety of custume and
paraphernala afforded one of the most
striking pictures of the Durbar festiy-
tiles. C0ntingents from all parts Of
Greater India participated mostly re-
tanning the distinctive features of their
customs The flags aud others emblems
of the State of Clutch were carried on
camels and elephants, accompanied by
armed men on stills, while Arab irregu-
lars danc ed past the Viceroy to the
music of their own instruments. The
famous gold and silver guns of the State
of Baroda attracted much attention.
The ancient Maharatta flags, descended
from the Mogul emperors, were borne
past on an elephant carriage. The
martial Rajputs were clad in mall
armor.
State bards, camel kettledrums, richly
caparisoned elephants and horses and
agile swordsmen, many shouting bat
theories, followed one another in quick
succession. A royal elephant carriage,
two stories high, showed how the
palace ladies accompanied the princes
Of bygone days.
The retinue of the State Of Kashmir
included fine detachment of cuirass-
iers and huge giant.
The great Sikh states were represented
by large soldier like bodies of men, arm
ed with maces, spears, matchlocks and
hand grenades. Each contingent was
headed by an elephant bearing gor-
geous howdah, in one of which the sacred
book of the Sikhs occupied the place oi'
honor. The book was guarded by the
chief priest. ThevenerabIe chief Nahha,
escorted by men mounted on richly ca
prisoned horses and accompanied by
hounds and hawks, was striking feature
Of the display, which, for wealth OF
coloring, diversity Of components and
number of spectators, may be considered
to have been the most brilliant of the
durbar display.
Almost incalculable wealth of gold
and silver was displayed as the seeming
ly never ending medley of elephants,
camels, troops, musicians and carriages,
representing the different Indian states,
passed and maneuvered before the dais.
The elephants carried howdahs and trap
pings of the purest gold and silver
There were carriages of pure silver and
sedan chairs of gold.
During temporary stoppings of the
procession half dozen handsome
carried all on one elephant played
different airs, while the state retainers,
clad in mail and armed with lances and
swords, yelled their battle cries and
fought in the arena.
The Maharajah of Jaipur sent horse
men in complete armor, riding on golden
saddles and carrying lances, with red
and white pennons. The Maharao OF
Kota sent many camels, carrying swivel
guns, force of military ascetics and
number of quaint musicians. The camel
men of the Maharajah of Alwar wore
uniforms of blue and yellow. An ele-
phant carriage, drawn by four elephants,
followed the Alwar hOrsemen, who were
clad in mail armor and whose horses
reared in salute to the royal personages
present. An elephant from the State Of
Data also saluted the dais, salaaming
several times before it. The Shanmer
of Burmah carried golden gongs and tea
pots and wore golden helmets. The car
riage of the State of Jind was of pure
silver and drawn by four black horses,
with golden harness. The carriage of
the State of Patiala was also of silver,
decorated with gold. A dwarf from
the State of Nabha was followed by a
giant of feet 10 inches high. The con-
tingent from Kashmir closed the process
sion.
The Duchess of Connaught wore a
black and white dress, and Lady Curzon
appeared in a violet-colored costume.
A small but brilliant reception, closing
the durbar festivities, was given at Delhi,
India, yesterday evening by the Viceroy,
Lord Curzon of Kedleston, 10 the ma
tive princes. The Duke of Connaught
and the Duchess of Connaught were
present and they spent some time bid
ding farewell to the guests of the even
ing.
Following an order of King Edward,
coronation medals of gold will be pre-
sented to the ruling princes of India and
sent to few foreigners. Two thousand
silver coronation medals will be given to