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general movement became almost a melee. There
was hurry and bustle and elbowing and pushing
about for some time. This lasted till the nazars
were over and the Nizam stood up to go back
into the Mahal.

" The durbar was held in the hall or pavilion
called the Khilwat, but outside in the open yard
could be seen crowds of retainers and servants
and military guards scattered all round—besides
the Maisaram Guard of Honour placed in front.
Crowds of people were seen in the great courtyard,
scattered in groups here and there, and one of the
chief features of the scene that lent a fairy charm
to it, was the great number of flambeaux that
starred the gloom.

" The Nizam fully realised the importance
of pomp and grandeur as assets of state for a
ruler ; but kept them in the background as a foil
to his own dignified simplicity. He had a wonder-
ful veye for scenic effect, and so long as he lived,
the ceremonial occasions which called for display
of pomp in a becoming style were punctiliously
observed.

" The personality of a ruler has a marked
influence upon the conditions of life in his State
and gives a style and colour to his surroundings,
and dominates even those changes which time
gradually brings about. I cannot think of our
old Hyderabad without thinking of the late Nizam
and the halo of magnificence surrounding him.