This principality was small, but there was a deal of wealth in it because of its emerald mines and turquoise pits.

The durbar brought out princes and princelings from east, south and west, and even three or four wild-eyed ameers from the north.

The British government at Calcutta heard vaguely about this fete, but gave it scant attention for the simple fact that it had not been invited to attend.

Still, it watched the performance covertly.
Usually durbars took months of preparation; this one had been called into existence within ten days.
Elephants and camels and bullocks; palanquins, gharries, tongas; cloth of gold and cloth of jewels; color, confusion, maddening noises, and more color.

There was very little semblance of order; a rajah preceded a princeling, and so on down.