Which one of the following rituals was not associated with the reign of Shah Jahan? |
Chahar Taslim Sijda Zaminbos |
Sijda |
The correct answer is Option (3) → Sijda The forms of salutation to the ruler indicated the person’s status in the hierarchy: deeper prostration represented higher status. The highest form of submission was sijda or complete prostration. Under Shah Jahan, these rituals were replaced with chahar taslim and zaminbos (kissing the ground). The protocols governing diplomatic envoys at the Mughal court were equally explicit. An ambassador presented to the Mughal emperor was expected to offer an acceptable form of greeting – either by bowing deeply or kissing the ground, or else to follow the Persian custom of clasping one’s hands in front of the chest. Thomas Roe, the English envoy of James I, simply bowed before Jahangir according to European custom and further shocked the court by demanding a chair. |