It was with Akbar that the massive harem morphed into a prison. Inside each of the 5000 women had separate apartments; each apartment section was guarded by the most trusted of females and outside by an army of eunuchs. It was then circled by a group of Rajput faithful, and then further out were gate porters. Any visitor had to check in there first, ask to see an inmate (because technically they were prisoners). The request was passed back through lines, eventually reaching the lady, who was asked if she wished to see this visitor. Visitors were then allowed in