Sanjogita: Or The Princess of Aryavarta - A Historical Fiction Novel by K K Sinha

Author:K K Sinha [Sinha, K K]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sony Publications
Published: 2022-06-04T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER XIV

And, Oh! If there be an Elysium on earth,

It is this, it is this

Thomas Moore

To describe a city the extraordinary magnificence of which emerges to our view out of the dark wilderness of hundreds of years is a task that would have tried the marvellous resources of the talented “opium eater” whose “Confessions” stands unrivalled and whose “Levana” – a wonderful piece of poetic prose, indeed an apt illustration of the principles he himself lays down in his masterly essay on style – extorts the admiration of the literary world. To paint in graphic language the exhibition of wealth and the display of architectural ingenuity at Kanouj could very well put the powers of a Ruskin to the test. But this is not all; my difficulty is much aggravated not only by the poverty of my own powers, but also by the uncommon enhancement of the splendour of the imperial city on the eve of the Yag celebrations of its King and the bridal of its Princess. The preparations for the ceremony were in full progress. Kanouj was at its best. The splendid mansions of the richest of the rich as well as the unpretending hovels of the poorest of the poor were excellently renovated and appeared in an altogether new garb. The city was charmingly decked. It seemed as if the people and their Raja had combined their strength for a grand exhibition – exhibition of wealth and exhibition of valour; but the wealth and the valour of the Hindus needed no exhibition – needed no trumpeting forth; their wealth and their valour were unquestionable facts; the world knew it and we too know it. Whether Kanouj abused its wealth or prostituted its valour is a question to which history has already given an unambiguous answer. But we are digressing, we must look after our story. Kanouj was beautified in a right royal style. Artistic structures richly ornamented with precious materials were erected for the bands of skilful musicians that were brought together for the joyous occasion. The various gates of the city were variously decorated – some with beautiful flowers, some with gold and others with ivory. Arrangements for light were splendid; posts festooned with fragrant flowers held up well made lamps and tastefully lined the streets. At every turn of the road beautifully prepared bowers with costly seats kept under their shade and with liveried attendants to minister to the wants of an incoming traveller could be seen; music also was there provided for his entertainment. Incontrovertible evidences of Maharaja Jeychand’s liberality existed on every side; the road itself was over spread with valuable pieces of embroidered cloth especially made for the purpose; and at suitable places, lotuses were prettily strewn. Soldiers in quilted mail, mounted guard and constituted an edifying element in a brilliant scene; well selected warriors of gigantic stature clad in their bright military style armed cap – a – pie with their glittering weapons arrested the attention of those that entered Kanouj. The temples with their golden domes and glittering cupolas diversified the charming spectacle.

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