DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.5827#0247
208 LIVES OF THE MOGIIUL EMPERORS.
tulwars and spears, are frequently seen in the neigh-
bourhood of these dilapidated structures, where they
generally congregate for purposes of plunder. A camel
is usually led by one of the party, to carry provisions
and other necessaries, and likewise any booty they
may chance to secure. Such groups render it hazar-
dous to travel alone among the ruins in this neighbour-
hood. The building in the distance is the celebrated
Jumma Musjid or Grand Mosque of Shahjehanabad.
On the nineteenth of September, Baber set out
to make a tour through his new dominions, in order
that he might be an eye-witness to the manner in
which the several provincial governments were con-
ducted. He first proceeded to Gualior. This is a
strong fortress in the province of Agra, about seventy
miles south from the capital. It is built upon a hill
three hundred and forty-two feet high on the north
side, where it is so steep as to be nearly perpendicu-
lar. It was considered impregnable, from its natural
position, until taken by Major l'opham by escalade in
1780. The storming party was led by Captain Bruce,
brother to the celebrated traveller. It is abundantly
supplied with water from several large natural caverns
within the fort. During the whole period of the Mo-
ghul empire — that is, from its establishment under
Baber to its decline under Aurungzebc — the fortress
of Gualior was used as a state prison, where all ob-
noxious members of the royal family were confined,
and an extensive menagerie of wild beasts of every
description was kept for their entertainment.
The emperor in his way to Gualior visited a place
where he had ordered a palace to be erected and
tulwars and spears, are frequently seen in the neigh-
bourhood of these dilapidated structures, where they
generally congregate for purposes of plunder. A camel
is usually led by one of the party, to carry provisions
and other necessaries, and likewise any booty they
may chance to secure. Such groups render it hazar-
dous to travel alone among the ruins in this neighbour-
hood. The building in the distance is the celebrated
Jumma Musjid or Grand Mosque of Shahjehanabad.
On the nineteenth of September, Baber set out
to make a tour through his new dominions, in order
that he might be an eye-witness to the manner in
which the several provincial governments were con-
ducted. He first proceeded to Gualior. This is a
strong fortress in the province of Agra, about seventy
miles south from the capital. It is built upon a hill
three hundred and forty-two feet high on the north
side, where it is so steep as to be nearly perpendicu-
lar. It was considered impregnable, from its natural
position, until taken by Major l'opham by escalade in
1780. The storming party was led by Captain Bruce,
brother to the celebrated traveller. It is abundantly
supplied with water from several large natural caverns
within the fort. During the whole period of the Mo-
ghul empire — that is, from its establishment under
Baber to its decline under Aurungzebc — the fortress
of Gualior was used as a state prison, where all ob-
noxious members of the royal family were confined,
and an extensive menagerie of wild beasts of every
description was kept for their entertainment.
The emperor in his way to Gualior visited a place
where he had ordered a palace to be erected and