ter function he performed with a degree of
pomposity truly Asiatic, dwelling with open mouth very audibly on some
of the most sounding and emphatic syllables in a way that appeared to
strangers almost ludicrous, [493] as shown in the following instance:
"On advancing, the Chobdars or heralds proclaimed the titles of this
princely cow-keeper in the usual hyperbolical style. One of the most
insignificant-looking men I ever saw then became the destroyer of
nations, the leveller of mountains, the exhauster of the ocean. After
commanding every inferior mortal to make way for this exalted prince,
the heralds called aloud to the animal creation, 'Retire, ye serpents;
fly, ye locusts; approach not, iguanas, lizards and reptiles, while
your lord and master condescends to set his foot on the earth.'" [494]
The Dahaits ran before the Raja's chariot or litter to clear the way
for him and announce his coming; and it was also a principal business
of the caste to carry the royal umbrella above the head of the king.

6. The umbrella.

The umbrella was the essential symbol of sovereignty in Asia like the
crown in Europe. "Among the ancient Egyptians the umbrella carried
with it a mark of distinction, and persons of quality alone could use
it. The Assyrians reserved it for royal personages only. The umbrella
or parasol, says Layard, that emblem of royalty so universally
adopted by Eastern nations, was generally carried over the king in
time of peace and sometimes even in war. In shape it resembled very
closely those now in common use; but it is always seen open in the
sculptures. It was edged with tassels and usually decorated at the top
by a flower or some other ornament. The Greeks used it as a mystic
symbol in some of their sacred festivals, and the Romans introduced
the custom of hanging an umbrella in the basilican churches as a part
of the insignia of office of the judge sitting in the basilica. It is
said that on the judgment hall being turned into a church the umbrella
remained, and in fact occupied the place of the canopy over thrones
and the like; and Beatian, an Italian herald, says that a vermilion
umbrella in a field argent symbolises dominion. It is also believed
that the cardinal's hat is a modification of the umbrella in the
basilican churches. The king of Burma is proud to call himself The Lord
of Twenty-four Umbrellas, and the Emperor of China carries that number
even to the hunting-field." [495] In Buddhist arch