How did the game of chess went on in Mir Sahib’s divankhana?
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Answer:
It was in the times of Wajid Ali Shah. Lucknow was drowned in sensuality. The big and small, the rich and the poor – all were sunk in it. Some were engrossed in dance and music, some just revelled in the drowsiness induced by opium. Love of pleasure dominated every aspect of life. In administration, in literature, in social life, in arts and crafts, in business and industry, in cuisine and custom – everywhere sensuality ruled over. The state officials were absorbed in fun and frolic, the poets in descriptions of love and the pain of separation, the artisans in zari and chickan work, the business men in dealings in kuhl, perfumes and cosmetics. All eyes were drowned in sensuality. No one knew what was happening around the world. Quail fights were on. Rings were being readied for partridge fights. Somewhere the game of chausar was being played, with its attendant noises. Elsewhere a pitched chessboard battle was on. From the king to the pauper – all were engrossed. So much so that if a beggar had money he preferred to spend it on opium or its extract than bread. ‘Playing games like chess or cards or ganjifa sharpens the mind, improves the mental faculties and helps to solve complex problems.’ Such arguments were being forcefully advanced.