DUBAR, diebar (Hind. and Pers., darbar, door of admittance), in India, Afghanistan and Persia, a state audience at which important public hearings are given, decrees or decisions announced, distinguished foreign visitors re ceived, and treaties, etc., made. These func tions are often of great splendor and under British rule there have been several famous durbars in India. The first after the downfall of the Mogul empire and the Mutiny was held 1 Nov. 1858 at Allahabad. Lord Canning then announced the sovereignty of Queen Victoria, and offered amnesty to all but actual murderers of the English. Each viceroy since has held them to impress the Hindus. One of the most magnificent was held by Lord Lytton in 1877, when Queen Victoria took the title of empress of India. The then Prince of Wales had just been visiting India, and been received with enthusiastic demonstrations, and the viceroy summoned the feudatory rulers and their re tinues to a great durbar at Delhi, where the proclamation of the new title was made, and festivities, including a grand ball, games, parades, fireworks, convocation of the Indian orders, etc., were held. Another of great
splendor was given at the same city on 1 Jan. 1903, to proclaim the accession of Edward VII. The growing native unrest led King George V and his consort to visit India for their Im perial coronation. The most brilliant durbar in modern times was held at Delhi on 12 Dec. 1911 in connection with the coronation cere monies. Unexpected changes were announced for the administration of India, involving the transference of the capital from Calcutta to Delhi. The name gdurbarD is used also for the audience chamber, as we speak of a church (building).