Mughal Emperors Dined on Floor, Not Tables; Drank Only Ganga Water

• Mughal emperors typically ate sitting on the floor on "dastarkhwan" (a large, ornate cloth/carpet), not at tables and chairs.
• The "dastarkhwan" was a luxurious, often embroidered cloth laid over thick carpets, essential for all royal meals.
• Mughal cuisine was rich, colorful, and artistically presented, with dishes often decorated with gold/silver leaf and fruits cut into elaborate shapes.
• Post-meal, chewing "paan" (betel leaf) was a significant cultural practice, prepared with various aromatic ingredients.
• Mughal emperors, especially Akbar, preferred drinking water exclusively from the Ganga river, transported from afar, with a dedicated department managing its supply.

Why It Matters: Mughal emperors' dining habits showcase their opulent lifestyle and cultural fusion.