and other Special Remarks Treated of in This First Volume of ASIA THE Description of Persia Fol. 1 It s Ancient Limits and Extent ibid. It s Present Limits and Boundaries Fol. 2 The Province of Persia or Fars Fars why so call'd Fol. 3 The Description of the Chief City Schiras ibid. The Description of Maragascan Fol. 4 The Tower Tzehilminar ibid. The Ruins of the Ancient Persepolis Fol. 5 The Cities and Towns contain'd in this Province Fol. 6 The Description of the Road from Schiras to Ispahan Fol. 7 The Dukedom of Lar with the Description of its Metropolis Fol. 8 The Temperature of the Air Nature of the Soil c. ibid. Schirwan or Scerwan in Ancient Times call'd Media Atropatia or Little Media The Modern Names of Media Atropatia with its Boundaries Fol. 9 The City Schamachie with its Description ibid. Culistan Castle why so call'd Fol. 10 Amaleck Cana's Tomb. The Village Mordow Heid Ibrahius's Tomb. Tirihaba's Tomb ibid. The Cities of Ere 's Sequi and Derbend with their Description and the Story of King Tzumzume Fol. 11 The Tombs of Pyrhr Muchur and Imam Curchud Fol. 12 The City Bachu ibid. The Mountain Barmach ibid. The Trade Military Strength and Change of Government of this Province with the Description of the Country of Muscur ibid. The Province of Parthia or Erack The Modern Names and Bounds of Parthia Fol. 13 The Situation and Bounds of the City Ispahan with its Description ibid. The Description of the King's Palace and of the Famous Market-place Fol. 14 The Persians Belief concerning Mehedi ibid. Places of Games and Exercises Houses of Entertainment The Famous Coffee-house in Ispahan The Garden Tzarbag Fol. 15 The Suburbs of Ispahan The Manners and Religion of the Kebbers Fol. 16 The City Jarustan ibid. The Situation and Description of the Cities of Cashan Saba Rhey and Com with the Description of the Village Casmabath Fol. 17 The City Casbin its Situation and Description The King's Palace with the Bath Haman Charabe made famous by the Story of Lockman Fol. 18 Schahesader's Tomb Fol. 19 The Village Achibaba whence denominated ibid. The Temperature of the Air and Nature of the Soil ibid. Scorpions of Cashan ibid. The Tarantula of Persia describ'd and compar'd with that of Puglia in Italy Fol. 20 The Chief Trade of Cashan and Com the exceeding Rich Trade of Ispahan Yasde and Caxome ibid. The Province of Aderbeitzan or Aderbaijon formerly call'd Great Media or Satrapene The several Modern Names of Great Media The Bounds of Aderbeitzan The Description of the City Tabris Fol. 21 The Towns and Places of Note in Aderbeitzan The Situation of the City Sultania ibid. Sultania built by Sultan Chodabende The Description of Chodabende's Tomb and Schach Ismael's Mosque Fol. 22 The Chief Streets and Market-place with their Temples and a Description of Schach Sefi's Tomb Fol. 23 By whom this Tomb was built and the great Revenues belonging to it Fol. 24 The Description of the Tomb of Seid Tzeibrail ibid. The Villages of Basun and Sengoa Fol. 25 The City Caxem The Village Cencem Places lying between Ardebile and Caswin ibid. The Situation and Description of the Province of Iran or Carabach Fol. 26 Drangiane or Sagistam its Borders and the several Names of its Metropolis and Chief Towns ibid. The Country of Nixabur or Nisabur with its Situation ibid. The Province of Kilan or Gilan The Denomination and Situation of Kilan and its Division Fol. 26 The County of Rescht The County of Kesker The City Curab and Town of Astara with the Borders of the County Langercunan Fol. 27 The Nature of the Soil Productions of the Country Wild Beasts Fish Constitutions of the Inhabitants their Apparel and Language Fol. 28 Their Religion and Government Fol. 29 The Plains of Mocan or Mogan with a Relation of their Inhabitants ibid. The Province of Betziruan with its Description Fol. 30 The Caspian Sea The several Denominations of the Caspian Sea with the Length and Breadth thereof ibid. The divers sorts of Fish found therein Fol. 31 The Province of Mazanderan Its Borders and a Description of the Chief City Ferhabad ibid. The City Eskerf The Apparel of the Inhabitants of Mazanderan Their Language and Government The Nature of the Soil and Temperature of the Air Fol. 32 The Country of Chusistan The several Denominations and Bounds of Susiana with its Chief Cities Inhabitants Rivers c. Fol. 34 Carmania or Kerman otherwise Kirman The several Names and by what People Inhabited with its Division ibid. The manner of their Buildings With the Description of the Village Cambru and the Fort there Fol. 35 Meir Abbas Tomb ibid. The Nature of the Inhabitants of Wild and Great Carmania and the Commodities of the Country Fol. 36 Gedrosia or Circan The several Names of Gedrosia with its Chief Towns The Country of Mecheran with its Commodities ibid. The Province of Moghostan The Bounds of Moghostan The Village Ciuciululion The Metropolis Mina Of their Trees Beasts c. Fol. 37 The Province of Lorestan ibid. The Province of Chorazan The Cities Mesched and Herat With the Production of the Country Nature of the Inhabitants and their Government Fol. 38 The Province of Siston It s Situation and Description with the Nature of the Inhabitants and Temperature of the Soil ibid. Aria or Ery The several Names and Bounds of Aria with its Chief Towns Temperature of the Air and Fertility of the Soil Fol. 39 Dagestan or Tagestan It s Situation Division Metropolis The Diet Nature and Customs of the Inhabitants ibid. The Kingdom of Amadan The Description of its Principal City call'd Amadan c. Fol. 41 Persia in General Of the Air ibid. The Nature of its Soil Its Plants and Grain Fol. 42 43 The Beasts breeding therein Fol. 44 45 Its several sorts of Inhabitants Fol. 46 Their Complexion Nature Shape and some peculiar Customs Fol. 47 48 Of their Venery Their Apparel Fol. 49 50 Their Oeconomy or House-keeping Fol. 51 52 Amfion or Opium Thea Coffee and Tobacco Fol. 53 Of their Marriages Fol. 54 Of their Funerals Fol. 55 Astronomy Fol. 56 57 Of their Poesie Fol. 58 Their Lawyers and Physicians and their Language Fol. 59 60 Their Arms and Militia Fol. 61 62 Their Coins Weights and Measures Fol. 63 Their Trade Artificers Manufactures and several Employments and the King's Revenue Fol. 64 65 Of their Buildings Travelling and their Religion Fol. 66 to 72 Of their Festivals Fol. 72 The Policy in Government Oeconomy and Splendor of the Court Fol. 74 Government of the Peculiar Provinces Fol. 80 The Dynastie of their Kings Fol. 83 The Country of Georgia Extent of Georgia Fol. 85 The Division of the Country Its Fertility Wild Beasts Rivers Lakes and Language c. Fol. 86 The Province of Imereti or Basciaciuk It s Extent and the King's Titles c. Fol. 87 The Province of Cacheti The Situation of this Province and the Reason of its Name ibid. The Province of Cardel or Carduel The Bounds of
this Province How the King came to be dispossest The Persians Invade Georgia Luarzab Imprison'd and Murther'd Fol. 88 The Persian quits the Country The Georgian Women much desir'd by the Persian Nobility Teimuraz flies to the Turks who assist him with a potent Army Fol. 80 The Province of Guriell with its Situation Fol. 90 The Province of Mengrelia anciently Colchis The Borders of Mengrelia The Air The Inhabitants afflicted with many Diseases The Rivers in this Country ibid. Their Sturgeon of divers kinds Their Venison Birds Beasts c. Fol. 91 Several sorts of Mengrelians Their first Money Trade with the Turks Houses c. Fol. 92 Their Habits Their homely Manner of Entertainment Recreations Nuptial and Funeral Ceremonies Fol. 93 Of their Physicians How they go to War Their Charity to Strangers Their Government The Royal Seat of the Dominion The Occasion of the first Revolt Fol. 94 The present King of Megrelia call'd Dadian Conquers the Abcassians and makes War upon Imereti Dadian an excellent Prince Their Punishment of Malefactors Fol. 95 Their manner of determining Differences The Wealth of their Patriarchs Their Bishopricks Of their Priests Of their Baptism St. Georges Feast Fol. 96 Their Fasts Superstitions and Ceremonies at Funerals Fol. 97 Avogastes or Avogasie Its Borders and several Names with the Chief Towns thereof ibid. The several sorts of People about Mengrelia and Mount Caucasus The Inhabitants of Mount Caucasus their manner of Living Riches Trade Habit Wars Fol. 98 The People call'd Lazi or Curten and what they be ibid. The Black Sea The several Names of this Sea Subject to frequent Storms Why frequented by the Cossack c. Fol. 98 The Province of Circassia Who the Circassians are The Rivers Bounds and Lords of the Country How they are Govern'd The Situation and Description of the City Terki Fol. 99 How Garrison'd The Habits of the Circassians Their Employments Language and how they Govern their Children Fol. 100 Their manner of Living What Arms they use Their Encouragement of Theft Their different Opinions in Religion Ceremonies us'd at the death of the Nobility Their Degrees c. Fol. 101 Albania The Cities and Chief Towns of Albania The Air and Government of this Country Fol. 102 The Province of Curdistan Its Bounds and the Habit of the People ibid. Their Language Living Government and Religion Fol. 103 THE EMPIRE of the GREAT MOGOL AND INDIA Of India in General INDIA why so call'd It s Division Extent and Bounds The largeness of its Circuit Its Rivers Fol. 104 The Course of the River Indus The River Ganges with its Riches The Lake Chiamay Fol. 105 Their floating Bridges Mountains Beasts c. Fol. 106 Their Fruits and Plants as Betel Areka Cate with their several Uses Fol. 107 The general Name of the Inhabitants Their Division into several Tribes The Brahmans highly esteem'd Fol. 110 The Original of the Brahmans Fol. 111 The several Sects of the Brahmans Fol. 112 Their way and manner of Living with their Habitations Study and Government Fol. 114 The Ceremonies at the Birth of their Children c. Fol. 116 A strange Fable of their Immortal Elixir The manner how they Marry their Children Fol. 117 The Punishment of Fornication Their great Observation of Good and Bad Days c. Fol. 118 Their Account of Time Fol. 119 The Fabulous Story of Gasjendre Mootsjam and their several Superstitions with the Sick and at the Funerals of their Deceased Fol. 120 The Liberty of their Women and in what manner they are oblig'd to accompany their Husbands into the other World Fol. 121 Burning not allow'd by the Mahumetans The Funeral Ceremonies of the Brahmans Fol. 122 123 A pleasant Quarrel betwixt a Christian and an Indian Fol. 123 Cages for Birds like Hospitals Their great love for Cows ibid. Strange Marriages of Bulls and Cows Fol. 124 Why the Indians have Cows in great esteem ibid. The Brahmans forbid the eating of Flesh and why ibid. The Soudras and Settreas condemn'd by the Brahmans for eating of Flesh The Brahmans Diet c. ibid. The Fast-days of the Brahmans The Fast Dauli The Diet of the Indians Fol. 125 Their several sorts of Liquor c. Fol. 126 Their Apparel Places of Recreation Furniture of their Houses The Indians go always Arm'd The manner of Living of the Nobility and Persons of Quality Fol. 127 The Women good Dancers Their Games and Pastimes The manner of the Great Mogol's Hunting What Beasts they chiefly Hunt Fol. 128 The manner of Hunting the Lion by the Great Mogol Their Language and manner of Writing Fol. 129 A brief Vocabulary of the Malayan Tongue ibid. The Court Language is wholly Persian Fol. 134 The Creation of the World in Ten Bodily Appearances of Wistnow or Mahadeu Of the Creation of the World ibid. The Mountain Merowa The four Ages of the World The ten Appearances of Wistnow They acknowledge in some measure a Trinity Fol. 135 They believe a general Conflagration of the World ibid. Matsias or Matx Altar the First The Charge of Bramha ibid. Caurams or Courmas Altar the Second The Riches of the Sea ibid. Waras or Warrahas Altar the Third Mahadue's strange Shape in his third Appearance Fol. 136 The Giant Hirnac's Representation ibid. Narsings Altar the Fourth Hirenkessep's Request to Bramma His Edict ibid. Vannams Altar the Fifth begins with the Second Age call'd Tretrsingke The Request of Vannam to Bell Ragia c. Fol. 137 Prasserams or Paresje Ramas Altar the Sixth Braman and Braminin a Married Couple she being barren they both retire into a Wilderness and there pray to Mahadeu to give them Children who grants their Desire Fol. 138 Reneka Murther'd for what Reason and how restor'd to Life again Fol. 139 Rams or Ram Katas otherwise Dajaratha Ramas Altar the Seventh Rawan's Request to Mahadeu Fol. 140 Kistnas or Cristnas or Crexnos Altar the Eighth Narret's Prognostication of Denki c. Fol. 142 The Opinion of the Wonders of Kistna ibid. Bhodes or Boudhas Altar the Ninth The Description of Boudhas c. Fol. 143 Callenkyns Altar the Tenth It s Description and Continuance c. ibid. Of their Religion in general A General Toleration in India Their Vedam or Law-Book what it contains ibid. The Brahmans Opinion of God The Extract of Garrouda and Annemonta Mahumetanism profess'd in some Places Their high esteem of Ramma Idols giving Answers like Oracles Their Belief and Opinion of the Immortality of the Soul Fol. 144 The Commandments imposed by the Brahmans The several Pagodes of Wistnow and Eswara in Carnatica Strange things related by the Brahmans of their Pagodes Fol. 145 The manner of Worshipping Wistnow and Eswara Fol. 147 The Feasts Gawri Dewi and Tsewartre with divers other Festivals peculiar to several Sects Fol. 148 Their Worship of several Deities Fol. 149 The Brahmans Belief concerning the Transmigration of the Soul Fol. 150 Places accounted Holy and visited by the Brahmans Fol. 151 The Religion Customs and Constitutions of the Hassenists or
Air c. Fol. 199 The Kingdom or Territory of Caximir Its Borders Situation and Extent ibid. Great Heats in March and the Effects thereof The difference of Air in the Mountains The Women very handsom European Plants and Herbs here in great abundance Fol. 200 The Description of the City and Lake of Cachemire A wonderful Spring on the Confines of this Kingdom Fol. 201 A Description of the Mosque at Baramoulay A strange Fable of a Stone The Character of the Cachemirans Fol. 202 Caximir Conquer'd by the Mogol Fol. 203 The Territories of Banchish Jangapore and Jenba Their Situation and Boundaries c. ibid. The Kingdom of Dely. It s Situation and Limits Jehan Ahad a new City how Seated ibid. Sixty thousand Houses consum'd by Fire Anno 1663. Fol. 204 The Furniture of their Houses Dely stor'd with divers sorts of Fruit from other Parts The several sorts of Provisions in Dely. The Description of the Castle Fol. 205 The Course of the River Jemini Fol. 206 The Nature of the Tree Baxama Fol. 207 The Kingdom or Province of Mando or Bando The Description of the City Mando c. Fol. 207 The Territory of Sanga or Chitor and Utrad The Description of the City Chitor anciently very Famous ibid. By whom destroy'd Fol. 208 The Productions of the Province Utrad ibid. The Kingdom of Zurratte or Cambaya By whom and why call'd Cambaya It s Extent and Limits The Sea-Port Towns ibid. The City Amadabath or Ahmedabath The Reason of its Name and its Description Fol. 209 The Description of a stately Pagode and two Magnificent Tombs Fol. 210 The Description of Surratte with several Remarks of note therein Fol. 211 The Legend of Oman Hidal Chan. The Haven or Harbor of Sohali The Fertility of the Soil The Derivation of the Name and Situation of Cambaya The Compass and Strength thereof It s Description c. Fol. 212 The Description of the City Brotha The Jurisdiction of this City The Tomb of Polmedony whereunto Pilgrimages are made The Description of Goga The City Bysantagan Fol. 213 Pattan a very large City Daman a large City Conquer'd by the Portuguese Anno 1559. The City Bazaim Fol. 214 The Productions of the Country c. Fol. 216 Serpents and other noxious Creatures Fol. 217 The Ancient and Modern Inhabitants of Surratte The Apparel of the Persians of Surratte their Diet c. Fol. 218 The Description of the People Their several Feasts The Original of Fire-Worship Fol. 219 Their Ceremonies of Fire-Worship Their Initiation of their Children Their Marriages and Nuptial Ceremonies Fol. 220 Their Burying-places and Funeral Solemnities Fol. 221 The Riches and Trade of Surratte Fol. 222 The Government of Surratte Fol. 223 The State of the Chan or Supreme Governor Their Punishment of Criminals The Religion of the Surratteans The Opinion of the Benjans concerning the Creation Fol. 224 The Kingdom or Territory of Chandish or Sanda It s Name with the Description of its Metropolis call'd Brampore It s Strength and manner of Government Fol. 237 The Provinces of Berar and Narvar Their Borders and Principal Cities Fol. 238 The Province of Gwaliar or Gualier It s Chief City The Mogol's Treasure kept here ibid. The Kingdom of Agra or Indostan It s Name and Metropolis A great and famous Castle ibid. The Description of the Royal Court Fol. 239 The Jurisdiction and Extent thereof Fol. 240 The Product of the Country Fol. 241 The Country of Bulloits It s Situation and the Fertility of the Soil ibid. The Province of the Hendowns or Hindous It s Meteopolis Fertility of the Soil and Manners and Customs of the Inhabitants Fol. 242 The Province of Sanbat or Sanbal and Bakar It Borders Some Special Remarks A Magnificent Tomb ibid. The Province of Nagrakat It s Metropolis and the Splendor thereof c. ibid. The Provinces of Siba Kakares and Gor. Their several Metropolisses and other Chief Towns c. Fol. 243 The Provinces of Pitan Canduana and Patna Their several Boundaries and Principal Cities ibid. The Kingdom of Decan Its Borders Extent and Metropolis ibid. Chaul a great City where the Portuguese have two Forts The famous Mountain Il Morro di Ciul The Fertility of the Soil The Air c. Fol. 244 The first Conqueror of Decan The ancient Name of the Kings of Decan A Story of a prodigious Gun Fol. 245 The Kingdom of Ballagate It s Name Extent and the Cities therein contain'd Fol. 246 The Kingdom of Cuncan or Visiapour It s Extent and Chief Cities ibid. The Description of its Metropolis Visiapour Fol. 246 247 The City Tamba ibid. The Kingdom of Cuncan how Water'd Fol. 248 The Armenian Stone found near Ustabado The several Inhabitants of Decan and Cuncan Their Complexion and Constitution Their Habits and some Superstitious Customs The Arts by which they are maintain'd and their several Manufactures Fol. 249 Their several Coins and Weights Their Arms both Offensive and Defensive ibid. Their manner of Fighting A Gun of an incredible bigness The Inhabitants speak several Languages The manner of their Marriages and Funerals Fol. 250 The King's Name and Title His Court and Attendance Adel Schiah takes Goa twice from the Portuguese ibid. The King of Cuncan desires Assistance of the Netherlanders and grants them great Immunities Fol. 250 251 A Peace concluded between the King of Visiapour and the Portuguese Fol. 251 The King professes the Mahumetan Religion Fol. 252 Many Portuguese reside in Cuncan Fol. 253 DIRECTIONS For Placeing the SCULPS IN THIS First Volume of ASIA THe Title Persia sive Sophorum Regnum Fol. 1 Schamachie Fol. 9 Derbendt Fol. 11 Ispahan Fol. 13 Kom Fol. 17 Saba ibid. Cachan Fol. 18 Soltaine Fol. 21 Ardebeile Fol. 25 Caspise Zee Fol. 30 Tabula Colchidis Hodie Mengrelie Fol. 90 Magni Mogolis Imperium Fol. 104 The Ten Altars Matsias or Matx the first Fol. 135 Caurams or Courmas the second ibid. Warras or Warrahas the third Fol. 136 Narsing the fourth ibid. Vannams the fifth Fol. 137 Passerams or Paresje Ramas the sixth Fol. 138 Rams or Ram Katas the seventh Fol. 140 Kistnas or Cristnas or Crexno the eighth Fol. 142 Bhodes or Boudhas the ninth Fol. 143 Callenkyns the tenth ibid. The Court of the Great Mogol Fol. 160 Schach Selim Fol. 169 Schach Jehan Fol. 172 Schach Oranchzef Fol. 174 Nurmahal Fol. 188 Rauchenara Begum Fol. 193 Begum Saheb Fol. 194 De Stadt Souratte Fol. 211 Dabul Fol. 214 Visiapour Fol. 246
ASIA ASIA THE FIRST PART BEING An Accurate Description OF PERSIA And the Several PROVINCES thereof The Vast Empire OF THE GREAT MOGOL And other Parts of INDIA And their Several Kingdoms and Regions WITH The Denominations and Descriptions of the Cities Towns and Places of Remark therein contain'd The Various Customs Habits Religion and Languages of the Inhabitants Their Political Governments and way of Commerce ALSO The Plants and Animals peculiar to each Country Collected and Translated from most Authentick Authors and Augmented with later Observations Illustrated with Notes and Adorn'd with peculiar Maps and proper Sculptures By JOHN OGILBY Esq His MAJESTY's Cosmographer Geographick Printer and Master of His MAJESTY's Revels in the Kingdom of Ireland LONDON Printed by the Author at his House in White-Friers M.DC.LXXIII TO HIS Most Serene and Most Excellent Majesty CHARLES II. By the Grace of God OF GREAT BRITAIN FRANCE and IRELAND KING DEFENDER of the FAITH c. This Fifth Volume of His ENGLISH ATLAS Viz. ASIA Being the Latest and most ACCURATE DESCRIPTION OF THE Kingdom of Persia THE EMPIRE of the GREAT MOGOL And other Parts of INDIA Is Dedicated and with all Humility Presented BY Your Majesties Cosmographer AND LOYAL SUBJECT JOHN OGILBY A NEW MAP OF ASIA TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFULL THE GOVERNOR DEPUTY AND COMMITTEES OF THE honble EAST INDIA COMPANY This new Map of ASIA according to the best and latest Observations and Discoveries is most humbly Presented and Dedicated by Iohn Ogilby Esq his Majesties Cosmographer THE General Description OF ASIA ASIA by some call'd Semia from Sem the eldest Son of Noah to whose Lot it fell and now by Navigators The Levant from the Italian Word Levante i. e. The East from its Easterly Situation hath been generally accounted by Ancient Writers the biggest of the Three formerly Known Divisions of the WORLD and by some estimated equal to the other Two EUROPE and AFRICA and is moreover Ennobled with several grand Prerogatives above the rest For here that Glorious Work of Creation first manifested it self and terminated in that greatest of God's Handy-works the Formation of Man Here flourish'd the Terrestrial Paradise or Garden of Eden which our first Parents Inhabited Cultivated and in the end by their Disobedience lost And as the Creation so also the Redemption of Man-kind was here wrought by our Blessed Saviour's Incarnation Nativity Preaching Miracles and lastly Suffering upon the Cross and Resurrection And here the Divine Monument of his Passion the Holy Sepulchre is yet preserv'd by God's Providence even under the Guardianship of Infidels themselves From hence as from the Fountain of Plantation and first Inhabited Part of the World Colonies were sent forth into all Parts and the whole Globe of Earth was supply'd with People Here was the first Foundation of Cities Institution of Laws and Government Civilising of Manners Original of Arts and Sciences and the Communication of all Literature both Divine and Humane to the rest of the World And as the two first Great and Famous Empires of the World the Assyrian and Persian were here Founded and succeeded each other continuing for the space of 1368 Years namely from the Year of the World 2000 to the Year 3368 so at this day the greatest Empires of the Universe are contain'd in this Part thereof as namely the Turkish Empire which though it extend it self into Europe yet the greatest part of it is contain'd within the Verge of Asia that of the Sophi of Persia that of the Emperor of China that of the Great Cham of Tartary which two last Empires are now by Conquest united under one Head viz. the Great Chan and that of the Great Mogol Of the Seven Wonders of the World Four were in Asia namely The Temple of Diana at Ephesus The Mausoleum or Sepulchre of Mausolus at Halicarnassus The Walls of Babylon and the Colossus or Statue of the Sun at Rhodes Of the other three one is in Europe viz. The Statue of Olympick Jupiter the other two are in Africa viz. The Pharos or Watch-Tower and the Aegyptian Pyramids Lastly Of the Fruitfulness and Pleasantness of this Part this may serve for a great Argument That here was chosen out by God himself that Land of Promise for his Chosen People to dwell in which the Scripture it self sets forth by the Commendation of A Land flowing with Milk and Honey And Cicero represents it no less advantageously in one of his Orations to the People of Rome in these Words Caeterarum Provinciarum Vectigalia Quirites tanta sunt ut iis ad ipsas Provincias tutandas vix contenti esse pâ—ssumus Asia verotam opima est fertilis ut ubertate agrorum varietate fructuum magnitudine Pastionis multitudine earum rerum quae exportent facile omnibus terries antecellat The Tributes and Taxes Renowned Romans gather'd from other Provinces are scarce sufficient for the Maintenance and Defence of the Provinces themselves but Asia is so fertile that in the plentiful Production of its Corn-fields the variety of its Fruits the richness of its Pastures and the multitude of those things which for their Rarity are Exported into other Parts it far excells all the Earth beside And thus far Cicero's Commendation of Asia agrees with the common Suffrage of other Writers namely That Asia in general for Fruitfulness Delight and being well Peopled is far superior to Africa and for costly Traffick and its abundance of high-valu'd Commodities which hereafter shall be particulariz'd exceeds Europe also and may well stand in competition with the new-found World America with all its Mines of Gold Of the Denomination of Asia COncerning the Denomination of Asia there is some variety of conjecture as upon all such Occasions happens but the most generally receiv'd is and that by the Authority of Herodotus That it is deriv'd from the Nymph Asia who is reckon'd by Hesiod among the Forty Daughters of Oceanus and Thetys in this Verse 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Crisia and Asia and Calypso fair This Nymph the Wife of Japetus and Mother of Prometheus is said to have been a Queen of great Power and Authority extending her Dominions through a great part of Asia and thereby to have given Denomination to the whole However others derive it from Asius the Son of Cocytus others from Asius the Son of Manaeus the Lydian others from another Asius an ancient Philosopher who gave the Palladium to the Trojans But the Learned Bochart as in all his Etymologies he goes a more critical way to work so also in this deriving it from the Word Asi which in the Punick Tongue signifies A Middle because it lies in the a Hinc intranti dextra est Africa laeva Europa inter utrasque est Asia Plin. middle between Africa and Europe or perhaps because the Mountain Taurus runs through the middle of it from East to West as Strabo observes thereby dividing it into two Parts Asia Interior and Exterior that Part to the North
the same length reckoning from Araxis to the River Indus a thousand eight hundred and forty English Miles and the breadth from Oxus to the Persian Sea eight hundred and ten Botteras makes the breadth from North to South to be eighteen Degrees a Tract of eight hundred and ten Miles But Olearius confutes all these Writers in this Point and affirms That Persia hath 12 Degrees in breadth from North to South for if you take the utmost Limits or Corners which lie at both the opposite Seas viz. the Caspian Sea and Persian Gulf you will find that the City Hasum by the Inhabitants call'd Resht is situate scarce two Leagues from the Caspian Sea under 37 Deg. and Ormus at the Persian Gulf in 25 Degrees so that the extent of this breadth is but 12 Degrees a Tract of two hundred and eighty German Miles Its Borders This Kingdom hath for Borders in the East the River Indus the Mogol's Countrey as also the Countrey of Zakatey On the West it conterminates with Diarbek and Great Armenia the Countries of the Turks the River Tigris and the Lake Giocho on the North it verges with the Caspian Sea or Bachu besides the Tartars from Usbeki or Zagatey and a part of Muscovy to the Eder or Vola and on the South is partly wash'd by the Persian Gulf the rest limiting with Ormus and a little part of the Indian Sea Cluverius affirms That the Empire of Persia is on the North inclos'd with the Caspian Sea the River Oxos and Mount Caucasus on the East with the River Indus in the South with the Indian Sea and Persian Gulf and in the West with the Euphrates and Tigris the Nifean Mountains and River Araxis The same Borders are set down by Golnitius viz. on the East the Stream Indus and a part of Tartary on the North the Tartars besides the Oxos and the Caspian Sea on the West the Turks the Lake Giocho and Euphrates Tigris and Araxis and on the South the Persian Gulf call'd Elkatist and the Indian Sea In ancient Times Persia also compris'd the Countries of Gedrosia Carmania Drangiana Arachosia Paropamisis Bactriana Marigana Hyrcania Aria Parthia Persis Susiana Assyria and Media most of them in this Age having receiv'd new Names as shall be made appear more at large hereafter The same Cluverius divides the Modern Dominion of the Sofi into the following Countries or Provinces to wit Sark Cusistan Elaran Tarsi Arak Elsabar Diargment Corasan Sablestan Candahar Sigestan Sigesimur Kirman and Goadel besides the Kingdom of Ormuz and the Indian Province of Guzaratte but this last is now under the Great Mogol This Dominion comprehends the Province of Persia or Forsistan which comprises the Regions of Lahor and Sofian Servan Adherbajon Arak or Hierak divided into the Provinces of Casbin and Armadan the Countrey of Guilan or as Texeira saith Gheylon or Kilan Sayabat Strava Diargument besides the Substitute Countries of Mazandaran beyond which Texeira places along the Caspian Sea Bostam Sabzabah and Nixabur formerly Metropolises of so many Kingdoms but of late reduc'd to peculiar Lordships or Dominions But the Persians at this day possess Korazan Candahar the Kingdoms of Sistan and Hucenche besides the three Kingdoms of Curdistan one of which is peculiarly call'd Malaga or Miraga containing part of Chaldea and Assyria and extends to Bagdat Sagistam Tabastan Kablestan or Sablestan Nimruz Stakar Lorestan or Luristan Ciran Eri Kirman and several other Isles are also under the Jurisdiction of the Persians The most eminent Provinces in Persia are at this day as Olearius affirms Pasargadas the most South-East Province of Persia Erak Fars Schirwan Kilan Adirbeitzan Thabristan or Mazanderan Iran or Karabach Chorasan Sablustan Sitzestan Kirman Chusistan Tzisire and Diarbek Others make the Kingdom of Persia to contain the Province of Persia in the Country Language call'd Fars Erak Adirbeitzan Iran or Karabach Drangiane or Sagistan Nixabur Kilan Mokan or Mogan Betziruan Mazanderan Chusistan Carmania Gedrosia or Cirkan Kache Guadel Nakran Mogostan Lorestan Chorazan Siston Aria or Erie Dagestan and Amadan The Province of Persia or Fars THE Province of Persia anciently call'd Persis from which the whole Kingdom is so call'd is in the Country Language nam'd Fars and Farsistan which last properly signifies The Country of Fars for Stam in the Persian Tongue generally signifies A Country Niger besides several others call it Azamia and the Turks according to Megisser Farsik It is a great Country and hath on the East the two Carmania the West part thereof borders at Susiana now call'd Suse or Suster otherwise call'd Kusistan the North verges with Media now Sarch and the South shoots to the Persian Bay or Sea of Ormus The Coast of Persia is every where an open and sandy Plains and without Harbors yet the Inhabitants call all those Places where Boats can put in Brendor that is A Haven The Sea-Coast of this Province comprehends the Country inhabited by the Nautaques Arabians and Mihelus or Nichilu which have their Name from that Sea-Coast and maintain themselves by Piracies They pay Tribute to the Sefi yet some of them own the Portuguese and Sail freely with their Passes which secures them from being molested by the Portuguese Carraks On the Bay of Persia stands the Fort Rexel and more Northward into the Country lies Resh Ceyfadin that is The Tract of Sand of Ceyfadin The Metropolis of this Province is Schiras by the Italians and Sir Walter Raleigh nam'd Siras and according to Mr. Herbert from the pronunciation of the Persians themselves Scheraz By reason of its Situation on a Plain some term it Imurezam that is A Plain-City Ben Jonas calls it Syahaz Osirus Niras Sephanus Cynebatha and Ctelius Cyropolis though mistaken as Mr. Herbert affirms because all the ancient Geographers place the City of Ciropolis near the River Cyrus in Hyrcania lying in 39 Degrees and a half Northern Latitude whereas Sciras lies in 28 Degrees and 44 Minutes Aelian affirms That there is a Ciropolis in India and Pliny hath observ'd a River of the same Denomination in Armenia but none of the Ancients make mention of any City of that Name yet nevertheless Garcias de Sylva and Fiqueroa certainly believes Schiras to be the ancient City of Ciropolis lying in the Province of Pasargadas Herbert would have Scheraz to be deriv'd from the word Sheer which signifies Milk in the Persian Tongue or else from Sherap which is A Bunch of Grapes for no Place in all Asia affords better Vines Some but especially Philips of Ferrara would have Sciras to be the ancient City Persepolis or at least that Sciras was built out of its Ruins on the same Foundation but this is a grand Mistake because Schiras is not an ancient City and the Place where Persepolis stood is above ten Persian Miles to the Northward from Schiras Yet nevertheless Mr. Herbert affirms that Schiras was raised out of the Ruins of Persepolis Some ascribe the building of this City to Jamshid
Man of Persia call'd Heid Ibrahim Heid Ibrahims Tomb. held in great veneration amongst the Persians as a very ancient Monument and left undemolish'd by Tamerlane who destroy'd all things else hereabouts It is Chappel-like inclos'd with a Stone Wall having before the access to it two fair Courts in the first whereof appear many Tomb-stones whereon are Engraven in Arabick several Inscriptions under it are also divers Vaults which receive a glittering Light through little low Windows In one of the deepest Vaults stands a high Stone Altar with two Steps on the one side a Door leads into a Penetrale or Withdrawing-Room the Floor whereof is cover'd with rich Tapestry at the upper end hangs a Table of Stone with this Inscription in Arabick To God I commit my Actions he is my Helper On the right-hand is another Vault which contains eight Chappels or sepulchral Monuments and from that you enter into a third wherein stands the Tomb of the Prophet himself round about which are plac'd great Candlesticks with Wax Tapers which are kept continually burning and from the Roof hang also Lamps So choice are the Persians of this Tomb that they do not willingly admit any Strangers to see it Near the Village Pyrmaraas stands another celebrated Monument in a Rocky Mountain Tirihabba's Tomb. in which lies bury'd a Saint call'd Tirihabba the Master or Instructer of Heid Ibrahim over the Door of it stands written O God open this Door This Tirihabba as the Persians say was always on his Knees incessantly praying clad in a grey Coat upon which his Disciple Heid Ibrahim obtain'd from God that his Tutor after his Decease as well as in his Life-time might be found in a zealous and praying Posture whereupon it is reported that after his Death he continu'd in that Posture as if he had been living with other such like Stories not over easily to be credited Round about Tirihabba's Tomb are divers Caves cut in the same Rock furnish'd with Beds where the Pilgrims Lodge when they come to make their Offerings DERBENDT By the said Village next to Ibrahim's Tomb is a Cavern seventy two Foot long and twenty broad Vaulted with square Stones in which the Inhabitants preserve Snow Ice and Water in the Winter against the Summer for themselves and their Cattel because there is little good Water else thereabouts Pyr Mardechan 's Tomb. Two Leagues and a half from Schamachie towards Ardebil stands the Tomb of a Saint call'd Pyr Mardechan whose Memory is also in great Adoration amongst the Persians The City Ere 's On the Borders of Armenia lies the City Ere 's or Aras near the River Aras whence it takes Denomination at this day call'd Arisbar once the first City of Serwan on that side of the Countrey but much ruin'd and in a manner quite desolate On the Borders of Servan towards Georgia stands the City Sequi and on the Confines of Media the City Giavat The Situation of the City Derbend The City Derbend by the Turks call'd Demircapi or rather Temircapi that is Iron Gate lies West of the Caspian Sea in 85 Degrees Longitude and 41 Degrees and 30 Minutes Northern Latitude according to Olearius's observation It extends in length from East to West half a League and hath in breadth from North to South and from one Gate to the other onely four hundred and fifty Paces The Waves of the Caspian Sea upon which it stands beating against the Walls blocks up the Passage on that side which together with the inaccessible Mountains on the other side gives it the foremention'd Name of Temircapi or Iron Gate to the Kingdom of Persia it reaches on one end to the foot of the Mountains on the other to the Sea Not onely several Writers but also the Inhabitants to this day affirm that this City was built by Alexander the Great whom they call'd Iscander as a Retreat or place of repose for his Army and from his own Name call'd Alexandria whereas in truth he onely erected the Castle and Wall on the South side but that on the North side was built by Nawschirwan an ancient King of that Countrey The Walls are high and broad built of that sort of Stone before mention'd which seems commix'd with broken Mussle-shells Over one of the Gates of the Wall which was built by Alexander are certain Lines written in Syriack Characters and in another place Arabick with some strange Hieroglyphicks worn out by Time and not legible d ee Description of the City This City is divided into three parts the uppermost stands upon an acclivity of the Mountain being the Residence of the Governor fortifi'd with Guns and Garrison'd with five hundred Soldiers of two several Nations viz. Ajurumlu and Coidurscha The middle part inhabited by Persians hath been several times ruin'd once by their own King Emir Emse Chodabende's Son when he re-took the City from the Turkish Emperor Mustafa to whom the Townsmen had freely surrendred it The lower part being not five hundred Paces long hath at this day very few Houses left standing being now nothing but a parcel of Gardens Orchards and Plough'd-Lands It is said that this part was formerly inhabited by the Greeks wherefore it is to this day by the Persians call'd Schaher * Junan probably from Iones Junan that is The Greeks City Both the Walls are founded on Rocks The Shore also about Derbend being all very Rocky is altogether unfit for Anchorage and unsafe Harbor for Shipping On the Mountains which are very wooddy above the City appear the Ruines of a Wall which as they say extended fifty Leagues along the Caspian Sea it appears by some parts of it yet remaining of six Foot high to have been of equal breadth with the present Walls of the City which are so broad that a Coach may drive upon them Moreover on the upper side of the City stand several Castles apart on several Hills whereof two the nearest to the Town being built square are kept in indifferent good Repair and well Garrison'd There are also divers woodden Watch-houses from whence they have a clear and large Prospect and can timely see the approach of any Enemy there being continual Watch kept in them Amongst other Remarks near the City Tzumtzume's Tomb. is the Tomb of Tzumtzume of whom the Persians relate this following Story Eissi a great Prophet amongst the Persians passing by there on a certain time and finding a Man's Scull lying on the Ground desirous to know whose Scull it was pray'd to God to make it again a living Person whereupon he became immediately so inspir'd that he breathed the Breath of Life into it and asking who he was he reply'd Tzumtzume once a wealthy King of this Countrey who possess'd a great City abounding with all things That he had spent daily forty Cammels load of Salt A certain number for an uncertain had forty thousand Head of Kine forty thousand Stage-players forty thousand Servants who wore Pearls
what occasion built we find not on the said Mountain but the greatest Wonder is how such a quantity of Brick or Stone could be carry'd up such a vast heighth it requiring above three hours time to get to the top by reason of the steepness of the Mountain Situation and Description of the City Saba The City Saba is by the Persians accounted to lie in eighty five Degrees of Longitude and in thirty of Northern Latitude but Olearius hath found the same to lie fifty six Minutes more Northerly and Rui Gonzales de Clavaco places the same in thirty Degrees and eighteen Minutes Northern Latitude The Plains about the City are in some places Morassy the City it self built on a Plain which on the right side hath the Mountain Elwend which rising exceeding high appears very pleasant at a distance This City which is not very big lies inclos'd with a slight Wall and hath many ruin'd Houses The glory of this City is the Gardens and Orchards which are full of Pomegrate and Almond-Trees Not far from the City the Inhabitants plant Rice and Cotton in which their chief Trade consists The City Rhey A day and a halfs Journey Eastward from Saba in the same Latitude lies a City call'd Rhey now very ruinous and the adjacent Countrey red and infertile occasion'd as the Persians say from a War rais'd against Hosseyn one of their great Saints by Omarsand who getting the better and having possess'd the Countrey by right of Conquest suddenly had a Curse upon his impiety in shedding innocent Blood for he had slain Hosseyn in Battel whereupon the City then populous and the Countrey fertile suddenly became desolate and barren Situation and Description the City Com. Eleven Leagues from Saba lies the City Com which according to the Persians observation lies in 85 Degrees and 40 Minutes Longitude and in 34 Degrees and 40 Minutes Northern Latitude but Olearius makes the same to lie 18 Minutes more Southerly viz. in 34. Degrees and 23 Minutâ—o Northem Latitude Com an ancient City and by Ptolomy call'd Guriane was formerly very big as appears by several Ruines of Houses and of an old Wall at a good distance round about it It lies in a Plain like Saba and being inclos'd within a Wall hath the Mountain Elwend on the right side which appears white with sandy tops at a great distance from whence descend two Streams which are convey'd through the City in a broad Chanel which by melting of the Snow in March often overflows much of the Town and some years the Flood hath been so great that it hath wash'd away many Houses but in the Summer it is pretty dry The Suburbs belonging to the City extend half a League When any Strangers come into this City the Women either through Superstition or the Jealousie of the Men are not suffer'd to shew themselves and especially to Frenchmen yet nevertheless they make shift sometimes to procure private access Description of the Village Casmabath A days Journey from Com lies the great Village Casmabath where the Houses are most of them joyn'd to one another with Arches Four Leagues from Com lies another Village call'd Caem Abao According to Texeira Erack comprises also the Cities Nahaoand Targazin and Damaoand formerly counted within the Jurisdiction of Aderbajon Davity tells us that Damaoand is the City which Minadoi names Diagman and places the same on the Borders between Persia properly so call'd and great Media Texeira also writes that the City Taharon is the same with Giem which Davity would have to be John the Persian's Guieche being the Metropolis of a Kingdom near Aderbajon Swaert also places in this Province the Countrey of Thaparstam which he supposes to be the ancient Pathienne a Countrey lying Northward and the Passage through inaccessible Mountains and troublesom Ways into Hircania but this is certainly the Countrey Taberstam which Texeira onely names with Hinel its Metropolis The City Casbin Casbin as the same Texeira and Olearius have it is a City belonging to the Province of Parthia or Erack notwithstanding John the Persian makes it a peculiar Kingdom and is in some Maps plac'd near Aderbajon in others farther towards the North-East than Rey Xarear It s Situation and Description The City Casbin or Caswin by others call'd Casbin and formerly Arsatia lies as the Persians and Arabians inform us in 85 Degrees Longitude and 36 Degrees and 15 Minutes Northern Latitude as Olearius hath also observ'd It is situate on a barren and sandy Plain about half a days Journey from which on the South side begin the high Mountains Elwend which extend South-West towards Bagdat or Babylon The City is a League in circumference hath no Walls nor any Soldiers in Garrison because it lies a great way from an Enemy yet as they say hath a hundred thousand Inhabitants out of which on all occasions a good Army might easily be rais'd The ordinary Houses are built of Stone after the Persian manner which though they seem mean on the out-side yet are handsome and well contriv'd within having several Apartments white or else curiously Painted All the Streets being unpav'd and the Ground naturally sandy the least Wind raises Dust and makes it very troublesom walking to the Inhabitants There are no Springs nor Wells but all the Water is convey'd from the Mountains in Pipes laid under Ground into publick Cisterns where it is free for every ones use There are also many Conservatories wherein they keep Ice and Snow to use in Summer The City hath two great Maidans or Market-places the chiefest whereof is call'd Atmaidan being somewhat longer than that of Ardebil though not so broad On the South side thereof stand large and magnificent Structures built most of them by the Princes or Chans of Persia In the Bazars or Shops of this Market-place as also in the Senke Maidan which lies more Westward commonly all manner of Rarities and rich Merchandizes are to be had at reasonable Rates especially Turkoises Rubies and Granates But after Sun-set another kind of Trade is driven on the East side of the Maidan viz. divers Cahbeha or Girls of Pleasure stand in a long Row with cover'd Faces holding up their Coats and behind every one of them an old Woman call'd Delal who carries a Cushion and Blanket or Cotton Quilt on their Backs and an unlighted Candle in their Hands which as soon as any one comes and discourses with the Cahbeha she lights and presents the Party whereupon he turning up their Vails bids her whom he fancies best follow him In this City are likewise above fifty Metzids or Temples Temples whither the Persians daily go to their Devotions the chiefest is Tzame Metzid towards the South not far from the Maidan where their Sabbath or Friday Meeting is principally celebrated There are also many well built Caravansera's for strange Merchants and likewise many publick Baths The King's Palace Near the great Maidan is a large and
and barbarous Cruelties of Osman's Soldiers But in the Year 1603. Abbas having obtain'd the Crown of Persia march'd with great expedition to Tauris and what with the inclination of the Citizens towards him by reason of their extream aversion to the Turkish Government and the use of the Cannon he brought with him which till that time the Persians scorn'd as not becoming valiant Men after six Weeks Siege took the City Notwithstanding all the several Brunts that this City underwent Minadoi affirms that Anno 1607. it had six Leagues in circumference but since that time also the Calamities and Ruines of War have fall'n heavy upon it especially in the Year 1618. wherein Schach Abbas caus'd it to be wholly deserted and lest desolate upon the Turkish Armies approach The Countrey about Tebris may all be over-flow'd The Towns and Places of note in Aderbeitzan The most eminent Places near this City are 1. Salmas not far from which Scander and Joonxa Sons to Cara Issuf defeated Xarock the Son of Tamerlane 1. Maragag or Mararga 3. Cuzaculan 4. Sancan 5. Sofian perhaps the ancient Sofia Sancan by the common People call'd Sengan but by the Learned Persians Zengian that is to say Sighing of the Soul was of old before its destruction by Tamerlane and divers Invasions by the Turks a great City for Commerce and Trade and full of handsom Buildings and had also another Name for it receiv'd this Denomination of Sencan from a Tartarian King of the Family of the Usbechies who having taken and demolish'd it put all the Inhabitants to the Sword and thereupon it is become at this time a little unwall'd Town and meanly built It lies on a Hill between Tebris and Sultanie upon a parching sandy Ground and in some places overgrown with low Brambles Half a League from the City on the right side runs a Ridge of the Mountain Taurus in the Countrey Language call'd Keider Peijamber from one of their old Prophets who is said to lie there bury'd It extends from North to South as far as Curdistan At the foot of this Mountain lies a pleasant Valley wherein are several Villages as Keintze Hazimur and Camal By Sengan run two Ways Northerly though the one which leads to Tebris bends more Westerly and the other on the right hand leading to the City Ardebil more towards the East Three Leagues Northward from Sengan flows a a Brook in the Countrey Language call'd Sarmusack Ciai The Situation of the City Sultania The City Sultania a Boundary between the Province of Arack and Aderbeitzan lies in 84 Degrees and 5 Minutes Longitude and in 36 Degrees and 30 Minutes Northern Latitude three days Journey Northward from Caswin or Casbin on a pleasant Plain It hath on each side pretty high Mountains especially on the right side where stands the foremention'd Moâ—ntain Keider It is much more in length than breadth and appears at a great distance by reason of its many high Houses Spires and Turrets but the Walls very much decay'd and ruinous It is said that in former times it was one of the most eminent and stateliest Cities in this Countrey Sultania built by Sultan Choda bende About half a League from this City on the right hand of the Way which comes from Hamedan stands a large Stone Gate and Tower belonging to the City and is said to be the remainder of an old Palace which as likewise the whole City was built by Sultan Muhammed Chodabende a Tartar of the Family of the Usbechies out of the Ruines of the City Tigranocerta of which Tacitus makes mention in several places as appears by the Name of Sultania for till after his time the Kings of Persia did not Intitle themselves Schach but Sultan as the Turks do at this day as also from an Inscription on his Tomb yet to be seen The Fields about this City as the Inhabitants relate were formerly very unfruitful but King Chodabende Cultivating the same made it not onely very fertile but also exceeding pleasant moistening it with Water which was convey'd a great way under Ground in Pipes They add moreover that the same Night that the foremention'd King dy'd who was going about to add to the Building of the City and to fill the same with a new supply of Inhabitants fetch'd from other Countries the People that were then in it began to leave it insomuch that in that Night fourteen thousand Women march'd out of the same on seven thousand Cammels two on each Cammel Nevertheless after this it flourish'd for some time and was daily increasing in Riches and Repute when Chotza Reschid King of Persia whom Josaphat Barbaro calls Giausam upon a Mutiny of the Inhabitants destroy'd a great part of it and not long after Tamerlane compleated the destruction thereof There remains a great part of the Walls of a very strong and sumptuous Castle which was also the King's Palace built of Freestonâ— with many square Towers of which some are yet to be seen but the onely Structures standing yet in view are two Meschaiches or Mosques wherein Sultan Mahumeth Chodabende lies bury'd The Description of Chodabende's Tomb. the Inscription on whose Tomb as we said before speaks him the Builder of Sultania all things about the same being exceeding curious and above all it s three Gates though not of Copper as Bizarro writes yet of polish'd Steel The greatest Gate which is opposite to the Maidan or Market cannot as they say be open'd though never so many Men endeavor it unless they speak these words Beask Aly Buckscha that is Be open'd for Aly's sake and then it turns so easily upon the Hinges that a Child may open it The Roof is very high and rises by degrees towards the middle into a round Tower The Walls are overlaid with white and blue glaz'd Stones form'd into several Shapes and Characters It hath a Gallery or long Walk jutting out like a Balcony over which are certain Repositories where there lie several Arabian Books some a quarter of a Yard deep and three quarters long the Characters in them are three Inches long and every second Line neatly written with Gold and Ink all transcrib'd out of the Alcoran Several Leaves of one of these Books came to the hands of Olearius who kept them as a great Rarity At the farther end of this Temple in the Way towards the Meherab or Altar the Tomb of the Sultan Mahumed Chodabende appears through a very fine polish'd Grate which is accounted a great piece of Art because it is made of Indian Steel each Bar about the thickness of a Man's Arm and all of them so neatly joyn'd together that no Joynts are seen it is said that it was cut out of a whole Piece as also the Gate and that seven years were spent in India about the making of them Moreover there are two great Guns to be seen in the same Emerad or Mosque with a Mortar-piece each plac'd on Carriages with four Wheels besides Demi-cannons
the troublesom Valley of Perdelisk and the other extends Eastward Three Leagues from Chivi lies another Village call'd Hoin and beyond it a Valley that is scatteringly inhabited Five Leagues from the before-mention'd Hoin appears the City Scial at the foot of a Mountain so inconsiderable that it is scarce worth the mentioning from whence you go through narrow Roads very foul and troublesom which brings you first to Derram in the Countrey of Taron where all the Fields quite to Caswin are Planted with Cotton Eight Leagues from Derram is the Village Ibrahim so denominated from the Builder thereof A League farther runs the Stream call'd Chizil-Uzen which augmented with several Brooks and Rivulets falls into the Caspian Sea From thence you soon arrive at Caswin The Province of Iran or Carabach Situation and Description THe Province of Iran by most especially by the Vulgar call'd Carabach lies between two famous Rivers viz. the Araxes and Cyrus now call'd Aras and Cur It compriseth part of Armenia and Georgia or Gurtz and is divided into sixteen Counties viz. Cappan Tzulfa Schabus Sisian Keschtas Sarsebil Eruan or Iruan Kerchbulach Achstawa Aberan Schorgel Sarschat Intze Thaback Meleck Thumanis Alget and Vzilder In these Counties are several fair Cities Villages and Fortresses of which the best known are Berde Bilagan Schemcur Kentze Bercuschat Nachtschuan Ordebat Bajefied Macu Magasburt Tiflis and Tzilder It is a very fertile Countrey abounding especially in Silk and hath been often Invaded by the Turk who borders upon it Drangiane or Sagistam Borders of Sagistam DRangiane at this day call'd Sagistam borders in the North and West with Aria in the East with Arachosia or Cabul and in the South at a part of Gedrosia The several Names of its Metropolis According to Olearius and Ananias the Metropolis of this Province is call'd Sistam which Ananias will have to be the City Propstasia of Ptolomy otherwise nam'd Phrada whereas Davity saith Sistan and Sagistam are two several Provinces and will rather have the City which Anaâ—ias calls Asiam to be the Propstasia of Ptolomy by reason of the similitude in the Names which will not hold good if as some are of opinion Sistan be a contraction of Sagistan The other Towns according to the same Ananias are Bigui which is the Begis of Ptolomy Canasi Mulete Bachagi Aeloud perhaps the ancient Aricada of Ptolomy and Timocaim of which last Marcus Paulus Venetus makes mention The chief Towns The chiefest Towns in this Province according to Olearius are Sistan Chaluck Ketz c. Ptolomy also places the River Drange in this Province which glides Southerly from the side of the Mountain Bagoe In the Maps and by Ananias this River is call'd Ilment but the whole Countrey being surrounded with Mountains hath so pent it up that it can scarce find any Passage There are but few Towns in this Province the People are under the Subjection of the Persian Sophi and use Persian Manners and Customs Here Texeira makes us believe contrary to the receiv'd Opinion that there is a Mountain on which some of the Persians to this day worship their ancient God Orimasda or the never-dying Fire The Countrey of Nixabur or Nisabur Situation of Nixabur THe Countrey of Nixabur is by Texeira plac'd between that of Carason Usbeck Tartary and Turkestan The Metropolis is also call'd Nisabur and according to Olearius not far from Mesched being in 102 Degrees and twenty Minutes Longitude and in 38 Degrees and 40 Minutes Northern Latitude The Countrey is full of Sandy Desarts which are in a perpetual motion as if they boyl'd though there be no Wind. Near the City Nisabur lieth a Mountain on which are found excellent Turkoises so call'd perhaps from the Name of the Countrey in which the Hill lies namely Turkestan The Province of Kilan or Gilan Denomination and Situation of Kilan THe Province of Kilan or Gilan by the Ancients call'd Hircania hath receiv'd that Denomination from a peculiar People nam'd Kileck It lies between high Mountains and the Caspian Sea like a Cross on an even Plain which being clayie Ground is much fertiliz'd with many Brooks and Rivers that fall from the neighboring Mountains but in some places it was heretofore unpassable by reason of the Water untill King Abbas rais'd a Cawsey which crosses the whole Countrey from Astarabath to Astara so that you may now travel with great ease It conterminates in the South with the Province of Erack in the North with the Caspian Sea and in the West and North-West at Schirwan or the Mountains of Schamachie and the Plains of Mocan This Province af Gilan is divided into twenty Counties Division in which there are several Towns Villages and Hamlets viz. Kisilagatsch Maschischan Buladi Cilekeran Disekeran Rihk Lahetzan Deschtewend Lengercunan Schichkeran Howe Lissar Kesker Masanderan Marancu Astara Nokeran Lemur Tzeulandan Rescht and Astarabath You enter this Province on the South from Erack through a narrow but well known Road by Writers call'd Caken or The Straight of Hircania but in the time of Alexander it was call'd Pylae and is the same which Olearius calls now The Caspian Gate The Way is very narrow through which you come into the Province of Kilan At the Mouth of this Pass are two Streams that coming from the right and left side of Erack conjoyn their Waves and gliding along come at last to a Stone Bridge which being Vaulted and accommodated with several Rooms of Entertainment supplies the place of a Caravansera and passing thence divide again and fall by two Mouths into the Caspian Sea Beyond the Bridge you come into a fair Road which presently divides it self into two Ways one leading to Ardebil and the other to Kilan the first is very troublesom and dangerous by reason of many Rocky Descents and steep Passages incumbred with great Stones and often so narrow that a Camel and a Horse can scarce pass one by another but the right Way that leads to Kilan is rather worse having such Caverns and Precipices that Travellers are forc'd to walk afoot and lead their Horses over the Mountains of which at the same Season one side is very cold and the other extream hot but more Northerly through Kilan are very pleasant Shades with all manner of Fruit-Trees and others fit for Timber In a Valley near the Stream Isperuth lies a Village call'd Pyle Rubar encompass'd with Hills Though this Village be at the Entrance into Kilan yet the Persians will not allow it to belong thereto but to the Mountains of Tarum A League from Pyle Rubar in the middle of the River Isperuth are to be seen the Ruines of an old Wall and Bridge destroy'd as they say by Alexander the Great The Country of Rescht The County of Rescht borders North on the Caspian Sea West with Kesker and East with the River Isperuth It hath a City of the same Name which is also the Metropolis it stands two Leagues
regard of their swift running and withal made so tame that the Huntsmen carry them on their Horses and most Gentlemen keep them as we in England do Mastives for the security of their Houses The Rivers abound with all sorts of Fish Fish so that Kilan hath not onely sufficient for her own Provision and Store but enough to furnish both her Neighbors and Strangers at remoter distance Constitution of the Inhabitants The Inhabitants of this Countrey are of two sorts viz. the Talians who for the most part possess the Mountains and the Kilaneans who inhabit the Plains The Kilaneans by reason of the Climate they live in are generally of a more sallow Complexion than the Persians being a surly and self-conceited People especially those that dwell between Mazanderan and Kesker who relying on the Strength of their Countrey often bid defiance to the Kings of Persia Their Apparel The Habit of these People in general is much shorter than of other Persians occasion'd by the wetness of the Place wherein they live onely herein they differ that the Kilaneans wear Caps of course Linnen and the Talians of black Sheep-skins The Talian Women being of a better compos'd Countenance than the other wear not so many Head-clothes as their Neighbors Virgins braid their Hair in many Locks which hang down about their Shoulders some above forty but Women have onely eight or twelve They wear in stead of Shoes woodden Sandals which are fastned on by a Button between their great Toes yet they trip very nimbly with them even in the most plashy Ways And the Men go barefoot which is the cause that they generally have such broad Feet Their Language The Language of this Countrey as the People is two-fold The Kilanean and the usual Persian differ onely in some few Letters but the Talian hath so little resemblance with it that they scare understand each other for proof whereof we give this Instance Speck in the Talian Language signifies a Dog in the the Persian they call it Seck and the Gilans say Seggi But in Mazanderan they speak the common Persian Tongue There is no Province in Persia wherein the Women have so much Respect and do so little Work as Kilan where they employ themselves onely in points of Huswifery as Spinning Weaving making Dubarsita or Syrrups which they sell in great quantities to Houses of publick Entertainment for in other Places they Till the Ground and Sowe Rice and whil'st the Man Ploughs the Ground the Woman in her best Apparel brings the Seed into the Field in Baskets which he takes and scatters abroad she Weeds whil'st he Waters the Land and as he Reaps the Corn she binds it up in Sheaves which being brought home by him she Threshes Sifts and Sells And here we are to observe that every mans particular Ground lies behind or about his Dwelling This Countrey by reason of its strong Situation seems almost invincible being surrounded by a continu'd Ledge of Rocky Mountains through which there are but four Passages the first whereof runs Northward by the Desart of Mocan through the Province of Lengercunan the second South-West through Mazanderan Ferabath and by Astarabath through Chorazan These Ways or Passages are as Oleareus supposes the Portae Caspiae or Caspian Gates mention'd by Strabo Pliny Solinus Ptolomy and others of the Ancients and they might so be call'd because they led out of Persia to the Caspian Sea and are indeed so narrow that through some of them two Horses or Camels cannot go abreast and in others scarce one as particularly appears by the Description of Pyle Kubar Within this Province is reckon'd the City Derbend near the Caspian Sea where there is also a narrow Passage being the Iron Gate before mention'd out of Tartary into Persia Camels go with ease along this Way to Gilan but Men that ride that way excepting some desperate People are forc'd to lead their Horses over the Mountains wherefore a few Men plac'd at these Entrances may keep a great Army out of the Countrey And that the Way over the Mountains might be kept secure a great Wall was built from that City fifty Leagues in length down to the Caspian Sea and onely one Gate through it and this in part is manifested by the Name Derbend for Der signifies a Gate and Bend a Line Moreover as we hinted before whoever takes notice of this City and the Countrey about it will certainly conclude that Derbend is the strongest and safest Door to those that will travel by Land through Persia and that if the same be secur'd it is impossible for any on that side to come thither And they are no less safe by Sea in regard no Ships can approach the Shore by reason of the many Sands and shallow Water the Cossacks onely now and then with their small Vessels pilfer along the Sea-Coast Their Religion Most of the Inhabitants are either down-right Mahumetans or of the Sect of Hanifa and keep Aaly's Feast on the twenty fifth of January Their Government This Kilan was heretofore under the Heptarchy of seven petty Kings yet all having or at least assuming to themselves an arbitrary Power and as they gain'd an opportunity took advantage of each other and yet some of them continu'd in Power till Schach Abbas a little before his Death subdu'd the same The Plains of Mocan or Mogan Description of the Plains of Mocan NOrthward from Kilan near the Sea lies a Champain Countrey water'd by several narrow but deep Rivulets the chiefest whereof are Uskeru and Butaru which have Bridges over them towards the Sea The whole Tract of Land ere you come to the Mountains is very full of Villages Garrison'd with the King's Soldiers each under a peculiar Captain to resist the Invasions of the Turks to which purpose those Villages are assign'd for their Maintenance and the Rusticks not onely pay a certain Tribute to them but they have Lands also set out which they must Till for the Soldiers This Champain contains sixty Leagues in length and twenty in breadth bordering in the South at Kilan and in the West verging the Province and Mountains of Betziruan On this Plain which the Turks call Mindualuck that is A thousand Chimneys and the Persians Mogan or Mocan dwell several sorts of People which in the Reign of Hossein making an Insurrection under one Jesid being vanquish'd were condemn'd thither and not permitted to live in any other Towns or Villages they are by one general Name call'd Sumeck Rajeti According to our Law-Term they hold in Villenage that is The Kings Villains because from Generation to Generation they are the King's Slaves and have small Allowances according to that most inferior Qualification Their chief Support is gain'd by keeping of Cattel which they drive in the Summer to the Mountains where they â—â—nd good Pasturage and wholsom Air but in the Winter they return to the Plains Their Children go stark naked in Summer but
a great Wood through which is a broad Way shadow'd by high Trees This Road is very plashy because many little Brooks run in it which in the Winter makes it so deep and rotten that the Camels though they have long Legs often sink up to the Knees Four Leagues from this Village lies a strong large and populous Place call'd Saru where the King hath a magnificent Palace and thereby has gain'd the repute of a City though consisting chiefly of a sort of Thatch'd Houses except a few scatter'd Dwellings that are Tyl'd It is call'd Saru which signifies Yellow from the abundance of Oranges and other yellowish Fruits that grow about the same Beyond Saru lie several great Plains which in former Ages were overgrown with Woods but since that being clear'd and Manur'd they are become very fertile and the Ways which then were very deep are now the Ground lying open to the Sun become very hard and some places of late made into Pav'd Cawseys These Plains are also inhabited by several People most of them Christians sent thither from divers Countreys An. 1620. to make several Plantations especially from Armenia and Georgia The Way from Saru hath all along the sides Houses rais'd onely of Boughs and Mud viz. of the Trees which were cut down in the same place by the Inhabitants to make the Countrey fit for Cultivation This Province is divided from the South to the North by the River Teggine Rude which taking original out of the Mountains more Southward of the Rice-Valley runs through it as also the City Ferhabad two thousand Paces from which it discharges its Waters into the Caspian Sea having in the Way receiv'd so many Brooks Streams and Rivulets that from the City Saru it is Navigable with flat-bottom'd Boats made on purpose of the Bodies of great Trees to Row with Oars Some of them can carry ten or twelve Men or Goods of the like Burthen The Townsmen of Ferhabad often go out a Fishing for their Pleasure into the Caspian Sea with such Boats and make use of them in the City to go from one place to another The Brook Cinon About a League from Ferhabad glides the Erook Cinon which also sends its Water into the Caspian Sea and is somewhat broader than the Teggine Rude The Countrey Lahetzan The County Lahetzan where the best Silk is to be had campriseth the Towns Lenkeru Cutzesbar and Amelekende The Countrey of Chusistan Situation of Chusistan with us several Denominations CHusistan that is The Countrey of Chus lies between Fars or Persia and the Stream Ditzel and was anciently by Mercator and since by Olearius call'd Susiana and as the same Olearius believes comprised Elam from whence came the Elamites Cluverius will have Chusistan to be the ancient Assyria and Susiana the Countrey at this Day call'd Elaran in which he partly agrees with Olearius Bounds of Susiana Susiana as Ptolomy saith conterminates in the North wiâ—h Assyria in the West with Babylon in the East hath * Properly so call'd Persia and in the South Borders at part of the Persian Gulf. Susiana compris'd anciently Meltilene Elimais Cabamene Characene Cissia Chaltapitis and the fertile Countrey of Dera The eminentest Rivers which water'd Susiana Rivers were Moseus Oroates by Ptolomy nam'd Rhunates by Ammianus Vatrochites and Euleus by the Prophet Daniel Ulai both which had such exceeding clear Water that the Kings would have no other to drink The Inhabitants of Susiana were Elamites and Cossites Inhabitants Chief Cities The chiefest City was anciently call'd Susa mention'd by Daniel in the place where he speaks of the destruction of Persia and foretells the beginning of the Grecian Monarchy It is now nam'd Desu not far from which was the Royal Palace Susan lying at the Stream Ulai by Pliny call'd Uleus where Ahassuerus who Reign'd over a hundred and twenty seven Provinces made the great Feast to all his Princes mention'd in sacred Writ The other populous and Trading Cities are Alewas Ramehormus Schabur Asker and Arhan The Inhabitants who have the Mountains to the Northward of them are forc'd by the violent heat to retire amongst them during the Summer Carmania or Kermon otherwise Kirman The several Names THis ancient Countrey by Ptolomy call'd Carmania is at this day nam'd Kirman and by Niger Kerman from its Metropolis According to Cluverius it compris'd anciently these Territories viz. Modomastice Parepaphitis Cabadine and Chantonice but at this day onely Kirman Goadel and Ormus It is inhabited by the ancient People Isaticheans Zuthians Gadanopidrans Camelobocians By what People inhabited Sozotes Agdenites Rhudians Arians Charadreans Pasargades and Armozens The ancient Cities were Carmania Samydace Alexandria and Armuze It is water'd by one River nam'd Samydace hath the Mountain Semiramis and the Wilderness Reobarle Kermon or Carmania is divided into two Parts the one Great Carmania Division which conterminates with the Sea and is by the Persians call'd Erach Ajan the other which lies farther into the Country and was anciently nam'd Wild Carmania hath now the Denomination of Dulcinde or as Corsal saith Rasigut Erack Ajan compriseth yet two Kingdoms viz. Macran and Guadel Besides these two Carmania's this Countrey comprehends Mogostan and the Kingdom of Ormus Wild Carmania borders according to Ptolomy in the North upon Parthia the West verges Persia the South looks upon Great Carmania and in the East it lies terminated by Aria The old Wild Carmania compriseth the well known Kingdoms of Lara and Oessa commonly call'd The Kingdom of Monbareca or Mombareck from the Name of the Governor besides the Countreys of Mogosthan The Countreys which lie to the Northward from the Tigris and Euphrates at the side of Persia were formerly possess'd by one Mombareck Son to a mighty Arabian which Texeira places hard by Bagdad or Babylon where there are many good Cities as Magdon Oexa and Ooreca surrounded with rich Land yet lying waste for fear of the Turks who have many Garrisons in this Mombareck's Countrey to guard those which pay him Tribute The greater Carmania borders in the North upon Wild Carmania in the East faces Gedrosia the West looks upon a part of Persia and a part of the Persian Gulf and the South is limited by the Indian Sea The River Bagrada so call'd by Ptolomy and plac'd in Wild Carmania is now nam'd Bintmir or as others Budmir by Niger Biserti and in the Arabick as Thevet affirms Biquelmick This Countrey Davity tells was possess'd by Zizaerian Arabians that formerly dwelt in Bassora Wild Carmania as Maginus writes hath not one City nor indeed doth Ptolomy mention any therein Great Carmania boasts the River Bassiri and the Cape Jasquette or Jasques about twenty five or twenty six Leagues from Ormus near the Persian Gulf opposite to Arabia Felix Ortelius says Ptolomy call'd it The Cape of Ormus Up into the Countrey lie the Towns Sirgian Tesirco Serent and Kirman or Kirmon the chief City of the Region
Risa or Eman Reza that is Holy Son of Aaly and is no way inferior in beauty and costliness to that of Schach Sefi at Ardebil John the Persian places Mesched which he calls Maxet sixty Leagues from Hery adding moreover that there is a Tower eighteen Foot high consisting wholly of massy Gold Arch'd on the top with Precious Stone on whose Pinacle if you will believe him is fix'd a Diamond about the bigness of a Chesnut which glittering in the Night may bee seen a League off The City Herat. Not far from Mesched lies the City of Nisabur but not to be compar'd with Herat which is the second best and biggest whither Schickhard supposes the ten Tribes of Israel were led into Captivity whence they never return'd Texeira affirms it built by Alexander the Great but Davity supposes it to be the City Aratha of Ptolomy Those that travel from Ispahan to Candahar must come through this Place The other Towns in this Province are Thun Tabeskileki Thabes Messinanalle all great Cities as also Sebsewar Turschis Cain Puschentz Badkis Meru Merwerud Tzurtzan Fariab Aschurcan Belch Barman Semcan Thalecan and Susen all populous and Cities of great Trade Merwerud by some call'd Marwoh was built by Alexander near the River Jehun or Oxus though Davity will have it to be the Antioche of Ptolomy in Margiana first call'd Alexandria the rest are by Davity call'd Tubas Cahem Tirbeth and Chirazza The River Oxos or Jehun which runs between the Province Turkestan and Usbeck and that on the other side call'd Maurenahar makes the Countrey exceeding fruitful especially near the City Herat where the best Manna is gather'd This whole Countrey abounds with Assa Foetida in the Persian Tongue call'd Inghze Production of the Countrey which is little esteem'd there sa also Surmah The Land about Thun abounds with Mulberry-Trees and consequently produces much Silk and about Cahem Saffron grows in great quantities In this Province are a sort of Cats which for their handsom colour and shape are sent through all Persia they resemble our Tabby or Cyprus Cats There are also Sheep of several colours some with grey or black others with white Hair or Wooll curl'd at the ends which is oftentimes three Inches long or more yet some have Wooll above an Inch long and others so short that it but just curls round some of them have long grey and shining Wooll white at the ends which curling behind appears at adistance like Strings of Pearl The Natives of Chorazan are Whites and very valiant but not civilis'd Nature of the Inhabitants The Inhabitants of most Cities make several Stuffs and drive a great Trade with the Indians Muscovites Tartars and others In Heart dwell many Indian Merchants who Traffick in Carpets made after the Turkish manner Silks Manna Inghze or Assa Foetida Saffron Surmah Precious Stones and other things The Goverment Chorazan is partly the Subjection of the Usbecks or Tartars of Zagatey who seeing the King of Persia Engag'd with the Turks made themselves Masters of most Places thereabouts notwithstanding they have been driven out of many parts of this Province by Schach Abbas The few Christians which are here are Melchites of the Greek Church and use their Liturgy Herbert places the Mountain Albors or Elburs in this Countrey but Olearius in the Province of Schirwan on which the ancient Persians were said to have built their Temple for their ever-burning Fire The Province of Siston Situation and Description of Siston THe Countrey call'd Siston or Sistam lies South-East from Chorazan towards the Sea or Gulf of Persia having Persia on one side and the Kingdom of Macran near India on the other Siston extending thirty Leagues in length comprehends fifteen Towns of which the Metropolis bears the same Denomination with the Countrey and lying according to Hues in 105 Degrees and 30 Minutes Longitude and 28 Degrees and 40 Minutes Northern Latitude is inhabited by five thousand People This Countrey is Morassy and unwholsom though Mountainous and the People hardy and much inclin'd to the Wars being within the Jurisdiction of Chorazan under the Subjection of the Sophy Aria or Ery The several Names and Bounds of Aria ARia or Ery by Pinetus Billius and Olearius taken for Turkestan Mercator calls it Sernere but Giravar and Herbert Hery though others as Niger Minadoi and Texeira affirm that it hath retain'd its ancient Name or at least that of Hery or Ery It lies Bounded according to Ptolomy with Paroparmisade in the East Parthia and Wild Carmania in the West Drangiane by Sagistam in the South and Margiana and a part of Bactriana in the North and as Strabo writes it extends to a certain part of Persia and Media and to the Northern Sogdia The chief Towns The prime City of this Province call'd Ery anciently Aria and by the Persians Sargultsar i. e. The City of Roses boasts that it can shew six or seven thousand Houses The other Towns are Sazuar or Sapzoar Cauran perhaps the Chadurine of Ptolomy Bachachi beyond which lies Caffa and Jarsadman the Lake of Burgian and the River Aria Temperature of the Air and Fertility of the Soil The Air in this Province is very hot and would be much hotter if not refresh'd by the Northern cool Breezes The Countrey is encompass'd with Woods and Mountains and in many places very fertile in the bearing of several sorts of Grain and Fruits especiall Vines the Wine whereof well Cask'd will as they say keep almost a hundred years About Ery grow likewise abundance of Roses and in the City Silk is so plentiful that it may be bought at a reasonable Rate three or four thousand Camels loads being vended in a day Moreover there is store of Rhubarb and Musk sold by the Inhabitants who are Mahumetans Dagestan or Tagestan Situation of Tagestan THe Countrey of Dagestan as Ptolomy Dionysius the Alexandrian and Strabo write was a part of the Province of Albania comprehended between Iberia and the Caspian Sea though Cluverius and Golnitius would have Albania lying betwixt Iberia and the Caspian Sea to be the Eastern part of Georgia Some joyn this Countrey to Persia as a part thereof notwithstanding Ptolomy hath separated them Others affirm that Dagestan was formerly call'd Susiana and Golnitius that it was old Susiana and now Elaran but Olearius avers that it is Chusistan It lies divided from Cincassia by the River Bustro and Southward a quarter of a League from Derbend by a small Brook from * Properly so call'd Persia and extends Northerly with Mountains along the Caspian Sea to the City Terki Tagestan signifies A Mountainous Countrey for Tagh in the Countrey and Turkish Language is a Mountain and Stan in the Persian a Countrey Moreover the Inhabitants call themselves Tagestan Tartars that is Highland or Mountain Tartars but the Persians name them Lesgi for they dwell between the Mountains twenty and thirty Leagues Westward from the Caspian Sea
slew Constantine in Battel who then was King of the Countrey An. 1507. it was Govern'd by a King call'd Pancrace after which the King dividing his Kingdom into four parts gave the same to his four Sons giving them equal Power leaving onely the Superiority to the eldest to whom he had given the best and biggest part wherefore this Prince is respected by all the other and being of greater eminency is honor'd with the Title of Mepet-Mepe which in the Countrey Language signifies The King of Kings the rest being contented to be call'd Princes of Georgia which at this day are six in number for besides the four before mention'd Extracted from Royal Blood there are two others who at first were Deputies to Mepet-Mepe being Governors of two great parts of hâ—s Dominions beyond the Black Sea but at last rebelling against him made themselves Masters thereof as we shall hereafter relate more at large The Province of Imereti or Basciaciuk THe Province of Imereti or being the Centre and strongest part of the Countrey was without doubt the ancient Iberia It is fortifi'd with several Mountains especially towards the South side of Persia wherefore the Persians never make any Inroad that way It borders on the West at Dadian or Mengrelia and at Gunel This Countrey hath a City of the same Denomination besides many other inferior Towns The King's Title The King or Prince or King that Governs this Countrey is call'd Ghiorghi that is Georgian and with a shorter Title of Mepet-Mepe which they use onely in writing but speaking they generally call him Giorghi Mepe that is The Georgian King but the Turks call the Princes as well as the Countrey People thereof Basciascive or Basciaciuk that is Bare or Uncover'd Head Formerly the Princes of Dadian and Guriel were subject to the Prince of Basciaciuk or Imereti and serv'd him as Gentlemen of the Horse one holding his Stirrup and the other the Bridle when he mounted on Horseback but being of late grown more powerful they have not onely freed themselves from his Authority but made themselves his Equals nay by their Warring against him are fear'd not onely by him but by other neighboring Princes Anno 1622. when the Prince of Dadian had obtain'd a Victory against the Prince of Imereti and done him much hurt he forc'd him to send Agents into Persia to request Aid there with promise to become Tributary to the Sofi if he would send him the Soldiers which lay in Garrison in the Towns of Teflis and Gori under the Command of a Georgian Nobleman call'd Battoni Mehrab but Schach Abbas receiv'd the Message with much displeasure refusing their Presents and Request saying that they did it out of a private Design and treacherous Intention yet proffer'd him some Persian Soldiers but the King disliking to admit Strangers into his Countrey refus'd that Offer and Espous'd one of the Prince of Dadian's Sisters so closing the Breach that had been made upon him The Province of Cacheti Situation of this Province EAstward from the Province of Imereti lies Cacheti which being a part of Iberia and perhaps also of Albania was the Dominion of the youngest Brother of the four before-mention'd call'd Teimuraz who kept his Court in a City nam'd Zagain or Zagam which is one of the chiefest in this Countrey and next to that Grim or Grien The King and Nobles whom they call Asnauri take more pleasure in living in Huts in the Countrey than in the City which they account a fit place for Handicrafts Mechanicks and the vulgar sort of People to dwell in All the Georgians are wedded to this Opinion that all those who are not Asnauries or Noblemen will not debase themselves to live in the City or drive any manner of Trade but leave it to be perform'd by Strangers as Armenians Jews and many other the like People themselves spending their time either in the Wars or in Tilling of their own Lands for which reason they were by the ancient Greeks justly call'd Georgi that is Agricultors or Husbandmen The reason of the Name Georgian For this reason also there are but few Cities in this Countrey and those but of small consequence yet is it every where well inhabited and full of large Timber Houses after the fashion of the Countrey and likewise many handsom and well built Churches This Countrey was formerly Govern'd by peculiar Princes the last whereof was call'd Teimuraz The Province of Cardel or Carduel The Bounds of this Province THe Province of Cardel or Carduel lying Southward from Cacheti or Imereti borders with its South side upon Persia a extends Westward to that of Teimuraz and lies near Great Armenia of which perhaps it is a part The chiefest City call'd Teflis lies in a very secure place which being water'd by a small River nam'd The Chiur gliding from an adjacent Mountain and falling into the Araxes is accounted to be the Zogocara of Ptolomy a City of Great Armenia and as Joseph Barbosa affirms there are yet to be seen the Tombs of the Kings who Rul'd this part of Georgia which in the beginning of this Age had a Prince call'd Simon who afterwards dy'd in Prison at Constantinople and afterwards another nam'd Luarzab Heir and Nephew of Simon who with Teimuraz Prince of Cacheti was by the Persians driven out of his Countrey and carry'd alone to Persia where he dy'd without Issue After him about the Year 1622. the King of Persia plac'd a Mahumetan Son to a deceased Bagred Myrza and Nephew to the Prince of Luarzab in this Dominion not to possess it as supream Governor but as a Deputy or Chan as all other Chans of Persia the occasion whereof hapned thus How the Kings of it came to be dispossess'd In the War between the Turks and Persians whil'st they Treated about a Peace and the Armies of both Parties stood each on their Defence and disputed the Business of the two aforesaid Georgian Princes under whose Subjection they were to stand for the Turks would have them under their Jurisdiction the King of Persia told the Turkish Agent who Treated with him about Peace That Teimuraz and Luarzab were and ever had been his Subjects in testimony of which he could command them into his Army when he pleas'd Whereupon the Agent reply'd That they should be his if he could make them come Upon which the King sending for them they in obedience to his Command were coming but seeing the Turkish Army so near durst not declare themselves for the Persians but flatter'd the one as well as the other excusing themselves to the Persians but came not into his Army which highly incens'd the King against them and as soon as a Peace was concluded and the Turkish Army gone out of his Dominions the King of Persia growing subtilly malicious and plotting Revenge sow'd the Seeds of Contention between Luarzab and Teimuraz and at last wrought it to that heighth that they fell to open War one with
Caspian Sea and many more are at this day so full of Georgian and Circassian Inhabitants amongst whom the Vulgar who are the greatest number remain Christians yet are but meanly instructed by reason their Pastors are both few and ignorant but the Nobles and most of the Soldiers as also many of the common People stirr'd up partly by ambition and partly out of covetousness hoping that by changing their Religion they might obtain something from the King who was always favorable to such Apostates and gave them Gifts continually to draw them to his Opinion and partly forc'd thereto by necessity are turn'd Mahumetans With these kind of People the King's Army was so much increas'd that Anno 1622. he had above thirty thousand Georgians besides a great number of Circassians and some strange Armenians some of which bore the chief Command as well in the Army as Civil Government of the Countrey and were rais'd to many of the highest Dignities as Sultans and Chans But besides these a great number of them not onely of the Vulgar but also of the Nobility who resisting the Persians at their coming into Georgia were subdu'd and by force brought from thence and made perpetual Slaves the number whereof was formerly so great that there was scarce a House in all Persia which was not full of them The Georgian Women much desir'd by the Persian Nobility None of the Persian Nobility but covet to Marry with a Georgian rather than their own Countrey Women because they are generally more beautiful and well Limb'd King Abbas himself had his Court full of them both Men and Women and scarce made use of any other But to return to Teimuraz Teimuraz flies to the Turks who assist him with an Army who spent some time in ranging through the Countreys of other Princes at last he went into the Turks Dominions where staying some years he was made Governor of the City Cogni and some other places of Cappadocia being for the most part inhabited by Greek Christians During his abode here he study'd how to revenge himself on the Persians and to get footing again in his own Countrey and at length in 1618. obtain'd a potent Army of Turks and Tartars besides his own Militia which for the most part consisted in the Nobility of Georgia who had declar'd themselves on his side and many others who had always faithfully serv'd and accompany'd him during his Misfortunes These Nobles also took their Wives Arm'd and Mounted on good Horses along with them who following the Examples of their Husbands performed many heroick Acts. Teimuraz thus reinforc'd march'd farther into Persia than ever any of the Turks Armies had done before and at last came up to the City Ardebil which being by the Persians accounted a holy place or Sanctuary because of the Tomb of their prime Saint Schach Sefi and the Royal Seat of the King he endeavor'd by all means possible to destroy whil'st the Serdar or General Hali Bassa should with another Army of three hundred thousand Turks and Tartars keep the Persians employ'd in another part This General had also Command that however it hapned he should endeavor to make himself Master of Ardebil and afterwards settle Teimuraz Chan and Dellu Melik again in their Dominions and also to Winter in some convenient place in Carabag and re-take the Province of Scirvan and the Metropolis Schamachie This Dellu Melik was a Melik or Armenian Lord and formerly a Christian but apostatiz'd and became Substitute to the King of Persia against whom he rebell'd for the King having commanded him to carry all the Armenian Christians to Ferhabad he on the contrary carry'd them to Georgia where he united himself with Temuraz Chan who both submitted themselves to the Turks protection and by this means Melik became a great Enemy of the Persians and had himself been in the last Fight Mean while two Capigies or Messengers came into the Turkish Army with great speed from the Grand Seignior at Constantinople to the Serdar or General to tell him that he should endeavor to make as advantageous an Agreement with the Persians as he could possible and return with all expedition to Constantinople because the Europeans had invaded him in other parts so that this great preparation of the Turks came to nothing to the loss of many of his Men whil'st the Persian return'd Conqueror to his Court Teimuraz also march'd back to his Countrey which the Turk had given him to Govern The Province of Guriel Situation of Guriel Southward from Mengrelia and beyond the Black Sea on the Borders of Cappadocia Trabizonde and Cogni lies a Province call'd Guriel which as Della Valle affirms being a part of Cappadocia or Colchos and lying more Southerly from Imereti than Mengrelia was Anno 1620. Govern'd by one of the two last Princes call'd Jese and the other Prince Govern'd Mengrelia The Province of Mengrelia anciently Colchis The Borders of Mengrelia THe Countrey which the Ancients call'd Colchis is at this day by the Inhabitants nam'd Dadian and Odisci and by the Turks Mengrelia It borders in the East upon the River Fas or Faso by the Inhabitants nam'd Rione near the Province of Imereti or Basciaciuk in the South looks upon Guriel in the North touches the Countrey of the Abcassians in the West conterminates with the Black Sea and Circassian Mountains and in the North-East respects at some distance Mount Caucasus Niger and Ananias make it to border in the East upon Georgia in the West at a Bay of the Black Sea in the North at the Asiatick Sarmatia and in the South on a part of Cappadocia and the Countrey of Trebizonde towards the side of the Black Sea and a part of Great Armenia From Constantinople they can travel in less than eight days by Water into Mengrelia which is the best and most populous Countrey of all Georgia The Air of this Province is very moist by reason of its Situation The Air. for on the one side it hath Mount Caucasus out of which flow many Streams The Woods with which it is overgrown prevent the swift passing of the Clouds and the nearness of the Sea and constant Winds which blow from the same bring commonly Mists and Rain The Inhabitants afflicted with many Diseases The Inhabitants are generally troubled with the Spleen which turns to the Dropsie if they use not good Medicines The Tertian and Quartan Agues are also very common here Ancient People commonly die of Rheums and Apoplexies Youth of the Jaundise and Dropsie The Cold is also very great here though there is no appearance of it till the latter end of December from which time there likewise falls abundance of Snow till April The Countrey is very Morassie near the Sea but very Hilly up into the Inland Rivers in this Countrey Mengrelia is also divided by several Rivers which like most of the great Rivers of Asia have their head Springs in Mount Caucasus and disembogue into the
Parties who make Responces one to another often repeating the word Ohi. This time of Mourning sometimes lasts three years The Bishop also celebrates Mass for the Deceased to his great benefit getting many times five hundred Crowns After Mass is finish'd they all give the Bishop a Treat and new Habits to all the Priests which attended the Funeral for the greatest Costs and Charges which they bestow on any thing is on these Solemnities They also invite the Prince or Lord of the Countrey to mourn over the Deceased whose Dogs they place under one Pavilion his Horses under another and under a third his Sword as also other things which he us'd when he was living The Prince being naked from his Middle upwards and bare-footed falls on his Knees under each Pavilion where giving himself several blows on the Face he cries prays and sighs after which rising he goes to the House of the Person which invited him where a Feast is prepar'd for him and also a Present Commemoration of the Dead The next day after Easter-day is the Commeration of the Deceased on which they carry Meat to the Graves where they set a Chest strew'd on the top with Flowers putting also a lighted Wax-Candle thereon The Priest having Consecrated the Mâ—at they carry it to a great Tree which stands before the Temple where each Family eat their own This kind of making Merry they believe to be a very meritorious Act. Physicians are highly approvâ—d here There is no Place in the World where Physians are better receiv'd and approv'd of and especially French and Italians of which when they get one they endeavor by all means to stay him in their Countrey and the reason of this may be because they have none of their own but a sort of Women who pretend experience and knowledge in the Vertue and Preparation of some medicinal Plants and Drugs They give no other Food to their Sick but stamp'd Barley mix'd with some Leaves of Coriander and a little Wine In the greatest Feavers they cover the Patient with Willow Leaves They never Purge them unless desir'd and then give them the Juice of Tithimal or Devils-Milk They also make use of Rhubarb infus'd into some kind of Liquor proper against Feavers and Agues Those that have onely Physick to provoke Seige pass for able Physicians in this Countrey For Feavers they have learnt this Medicine from the Abcassians viz. They put the Patient into the coldest Water that can be got in all the Countrey and hold him a considerable time therein by two lusty Fellows and this they account an infallible Remedy How they go to War All the Mengrelians go to War insomuch that the Prince notwithstanding the Countrey is but small is able in a short time to raise thirty thousand Men but commonly every House provides one Man but all the Nobility in general are obliged to follow their Prince As these People are mightily inclin'd to Warring so they carry all the best things they have with them They never make any Attempts in the Night but spend it in Mirth and Jollity They keep no Order or Discipline in their Battels yet nevertheless they gain daily remarkable Conquests on the Prince of Imereti or Basciaciuk's Subjects and force the Prince himself to be always in a posture of Defence sometimes driving him to the City of Cottis and compelling his Subjects to secure themselves in the Mountains whensoe're the Dadians make an Invasion into his Countrey The Dadian having of late years endeavor'd to make himself Master of his Countrey and to that purpose caus'd his Guns to be carry'd thither but having no Persons that were able to manage a Siege he was forc'd to desist The Women as well as the Men travel on Horseback with a sharp Crown'd Hat made of Cloth Lin'd with Sable Skins and with Embroider'd Coats Ladies of Honor according to the Custom of the Countrey generally follow their Princess in rich Habits Page also comes after with a Foot-stool cover'd with Velvet and Embroider'd with Silver on which they mount and dismount their Horses When the Court travels it is a most pleasant Sight to behold the several troops of Ladies all mounted on stately Steeds follow the Prince They are very hospitable to Strangers The Mengrelians are for the most part very civil and hospitable to Strangers the greatest Lords accounting themselves oblig'd if a Stranger request any thing of them When they salute any Person they kneel down on the Ground To those that bring them good tydings they give a Spoonful of Sugar which the Prince with his own Hand puts into the Mouths of his Messengers Their Govement The Countrey of Mengrelia is at this day Govern'd by a supream Prince who is styl'd Chesilpes Dadian Chesilpes signifies King and Dadian is the Name of his Family he is one of the powerfullest Princes of this Countrey yet not deriv'd from the Kings of Georgia but from one of his Commanders or Servants who took this part of the Dominion into his possession of which he was Eristave or Governor The Royal Seat of the Dominion The ancient Kings of Georgia kept their Seat in the City Cottis and sent Deputies into the several Provinces to manage Affairs of State and Government the most eminent whereof was the Eristave of Odisci or Colchis call'd Dadian One of these Kings of Georgia which then posses'd the whole Countrey between the Caspian and Black Sea to Mount Taurus and Azerum and Northerly to Caffa divided his Dominion amongst his Children keeping nothing for himself but the Territories of Basciaciuk or Imereti Odisci Samsche and Guriel which also were Govern'd by his Eristaves The Turk on the one side sensible of his weakness took from him the City Teflis eight days Journey from Azerum and on the other side the Persian took Taurus and all that part of his Realm which lies between Taurus and Gaguete The State thus impair'd the Eristaves or Vice-Roys of the other Provinces found themselves to be almost as powerful as the King himself and therefore let slip no opportunity to make themselves absolute Matters of the Places which they Govern'd The occasion of the first Revolt Upon a Set-day on which all the Kings Deputies sat with him at the Table his Cup-bearer after Dinner proffer'd him Drink as also all the other Nobles in order according to the Custom of the Countrey by virtue of which all those that had the Cup presented to them are oblig'd to make Presents to the Cup-bearer each according to his Quality Next after the King the Cup was presented to Dadian who before he made his Present ask'd Artabeg one of those that sat near him and accounted the most ingenious and eminent Person at the Court what Present he intended to give the Cup-bearer whereupon Artabeg answering A hundred Crowns mov'd Dadian to make one far greater which Artabeg observing promis'd the Cup-bearer a thousand Crowns upon the delivery of the
Garden Fruit. Barley mix'd with chopt Straw serves in all those Eastern Countreys the Horses in stead of Oats there growing none here Candahar often changes its Lords The Territory of Candahor hath many strong holds viz. Calabust on the Borders of Persia Samandower lying between Calabust and Candahar and many others The Countrey and City of Candahar lying between Persia and the Mogol's Realm often changes its Lord being one day under the Jurisdiction of the Persians and another under the Mogols though at present under the first and hath in this later Age been the occasion of a great War between the Mogols and Persians Ananias from the information of a Persian call'd Anvadat saith that the King of Balassy first gave this Countrey to the Persian for assisting him against the Mogollans and Tartars yet Jarrick tells us that the King of Candahar whom he calls Candazar gave his Realm to the Great Mogol when he was not able to defend it any longer against Abduxan King of Usbeck The King of Persia himself pretends in a Letter written to the Chans of Sciras that the Province of Candahar always belong'd to the Crown of Persia and that the Mogol had unjustly taken it from him which is confirm'd by F. Bernier who saith that the Mogol King Ecbar taking Candahar from the Persians by force kept the same during his Life When it became subject to the Great Mogol and its several vicissitudes Anno 1618. the City of Candahar became subject to the Great Mogol for the Persian Governor thereof whether out of dislike to the Persian Government or whether Brib'd with a great Sum of Money selling the Countrey and Garrisons to the Great Mogol entred into his Service according to the Examples of other Persians Chorazans and Usbecks who Listed themselves in the foremention'd Prince's Service The Persian hath often demanded the same again by Ambassadors as in the Year 1622. a little before it was re-taken by Schach Abbas King of Persia who march'd thither some Months before with a mighty Army to Fight against the Great Mogol According to the Letter which the King sent to his Peers the City Candahar was not taken by violence but the Townsmen surrendred themselves and most of the Inhabitants de serted the same with all their Goods because they were sensible that the City could not be defended against so vast an Army there being not above eight hundred in it After this Candahar fell again into the hands of Schach Jehan not by force of Arms but by means of the Governor Alimerdancan who also surrendred himself he having before been suspected of Treason by the King of Persia who had sent for him to give an Account of his Transactions Anno 1649. in February the Fortress Candahar after a Siege of forty days and discharging of many great Guns which made two Breaches in the City Walls was taken again by Schach Abbas the Second The Indostans had not surrendred the Fort so soon had they not wanted Provisions and Gunpowder It is a wonder that this Fortress of Candahar standing on the Borders of two mighty Kingdoms and having been so often contested for was not better furnish'd with Ammunition and Provisions but perhaps the Mogol suppos'd that his Ambassadors whom Schach Abbas put off with Delays would have concluded a Peace the Soldiers in Garrison else fighting very valiantly insomuch that they could not be discern'd to abate any thing of their courage notwithstanding the foremention'd want After the conquering of the City a Persian Horseman or Quizilbasci was commanded to stand upon the Guard without the Gate till such time as all the Indostan Soldiers were come out of the fame as a testimony of the Persians Victory against the Indostans he was Accoutred in this manner viz. On his Back hung a Tyger's Skin on his Head in stead of a Turbant he wore a round Copper Helmet with a Plume of Feathers hanging down behind on both sides of the same in his Hand he held a Truncheon On the fifth day after the Conquest the Indostan Soldiers march'd out of the City to Cabul lying eight days Journey from Candahar They were according to the Agreement not allow'd to take any thing with them more than what each Man could carry on his Horse and not without being search'd because some things were forbidden them to meddle with The Citizens for the most part promising to be obedient to the King of Persia staid in the Town Myrub Chan who had conquer'd the Fortress Bust was made Governor of Candahar and charg'd on pain of Death to be very careful in the preservation of it After Schach Abbas had conquer'd the City and Fortress of Candahar and given order for repairing of the demolish'd Walls he went with his Army back to the City of Herat. Some days after Myrub Chan the new-made Governor of Candahar sent a flying Post to the King to inform him That it was certainly reported the Mogol was coming towards Candahar with six hundred thousand Men and that one of his Sons was already entred into the City Cabul with ten thousand Men which being affirm'd by several Messengers that came one after another the King sent his Chans back with the Army immediately to Candahar where the Persians in good order expected the Mogol to give him Battel The Mogol's Army coming thither three days after Encamp'd at first about half a Mile distant from the Persians whilst the Trumpets sounding the Indostans with loud shouts fell in amongst their Troops which consisted most in Oxen and some ordinary Tartarian Horses the Persian Horses being too dear for a common Mogol Trooper to buy The Battel being very fierce at first the Persians behav'd themselves very valiantly and when their Reserve came up with them they unawares fell upon both Wings of the Enemy breaking their Ranks and killing their General who had behav'd himself nobly but ventur'd too far amongst the Persians and putting them to flight kill'd great numbers of them in the pursuit yet there were about six thousand Persian and not above two thousand Indostans slain in this Battel The Indostans left all their Ammunition and Provisions to the disposal of the Persians whilst the Mogol having no mind to adventure any farther march'd back with his Army The Persian Chans leaving half their Army before Candahar Encamp'd themselves before the City and march'd back to Herat with the other half Candahar Besieged Whilst the Persians possess'd Candahar it was twice Besieg'd in vain by the Mogol Schach Jehan the first time it escap'd being taken partly by ill Conduct and private Correspondence of the Persian Omrahs that were in the Mogol's Service and the most eminent at his Court and partly by the Respect they bare to their native Prince for they all behav'd themselves very ill and would not follow the Raja Roup who had already planted his Standards on the Walls towards the side of the Mountains The second time it was hapned not to be taken
is the utmost Northern part of the Mogol's Jurisdiction The Chiefest Towns thereof are call'd Decalce and Purhola The County of Gor lieth North-east from Kakares and is very Mountainous The River Sersily takes its Original in this Country and after long Course Southerly discharges it self into the Ganges The Metropolis bears also the name of Gor. The Provinces of Pitan Canduana and Patna THE Province of Pitan conterminates Northwards at that of Kakares Eastward at the River Sersily Southward at the Territory of Patna and Westward at that of Siba It is water'd by the Stream Canda which empties it self on the Borders into the Ganges The Chief City is nam'd Pitan The County of Canduana verges Westward on the River Sersily which divides it from Pitan This and the Territory Gor are the furthest Limits of the Mogol's Jurisdiction to the North-east The Metropolis is call'd Carhacatenca The Province of Patna borders Westward at the River Ganges Eastwards at Sersily and the County of Jesuat and Northwards at Pitan The Territories of Jesuat Merat and Vdessa THE Territory of Jesuat borders on the West at that of Patna and on the East at Merat The Chief City thereof is call'd Raiapore Merat joyns On the East to Udessa and on the West to Jesuat It is a Mountainous Country and hath Nariel for its Head City The Province of Udessa is the furthest part of this Jurisdiction Eastward and hath Jekanat for its Metropolis The Kingdom of Decan THE Kingdom of Decan is according to Juan de Baroes generally taken for the whole Extent which the Country of Cuncan comprehends because the Inhabitants call that Tract of Land Cuncan which extends it self along the Sea from North to South to the River Aliga and from East to West from the Sea to the Mountains of Gate So that these People are call'd Cuncanyns and not as the Portuguese improperly stile them Canariins But the Coast of Decan which extends Eastward to the Mountains of Gate is call'd The Kingdom of Decan and the Inhabitants Decanyns and as Linschot hath it this Country is also call'd Ballagate that is The Upper Gate for Balla signifies Upper and Gate A Mountain Or rather the Country of Ballagate by Ananie call'd Bilagate is that Land which extends over and among those Mountains as appears by the Description of Linschot who makes three Kingdoms of this Country dividing it into Ballagate Decan and Cuncan All these three Countries taken together border on the North at the Kingdom of Cambaye or Zurratte with the Stream Bate between both and also at the Kingdom of Orixa on the East at the Kingdom of Narsinge on the West at the Sea on the South at Canara being parted by the River Aliga This Country extends it self along the Sea above 250 Italian Miles or as Ananie saith full sixty two German that is from the Mouth of the Stream Bate to that of Aliga or rather as Juan de Baroes hath it from Chaul to the River Aliga in Sintacora is sixty five Spanish Miles But Texeira and other Modern Writers rightly distinguish the Country of Decan from that of Cuncan or Visiapour by its extent to the North calling that Country Cuncan which extends to the South and that which lies more to the North and nearer to Cambaye Decan Decan borders on the North at Cambaye on the East at the Mountain of Ballagate on the South at Cuncan and on the West at the Sea It extends from the South to the North along the Sea-coast of Sifferdan to Negotana a Tract of twenty Leagues and runs up into the Country near Cambaye The Metropolis of Decan according to Texeira is call'd Hamedanager by Ananie and some others singly Danager by others Amdadanager who place it up in the Country and make it the King's Residence affirming That he made this the Seat of his Realm because of the pleasant Situation of the City and the delightful Gardens about the same Yet there are some that make Beder or Bider by Barbosa call'd Mavider the Metropolis of all Decan and Residence of the Kings Next to this is reckon'd the City of Decan In this Kingdom lies also a City built near the Sea-shore which Texeira calls Chaul but Baroes Chiaul by Della Valle Ciul and Chaul and by Barthema Ceuul which by Castald is taken for the ancient City Camane of Ptolomy It lies ten Leagues to the Southward of Bazzain in 19 Degrees and 50 Minutes of Northern Latitude two Leagues from the Sea near a River which by the help of the Flood coming from the Sea brings up Ships close to the Walls of the City It runs up a great way into the Country from whence it takes its Course trending through Hills and Valleys till it discharges it self into the Sea making a spacious Haven in the midst of the Bay below the City The Portuguese have two Forts here whereof the one was built Anno 1520. by Diego Sequeira who obtain'd leave of the King for it The other built by the Moors is on the other side of the Haven viz. on the Right hand when you enter into it To the Southward of this Haven lies a famous Mountain in the Portuguese Tongue call'd Il Morro di Ciul that is A Member of Ciul which commands both the City and Harbor having a Fortress built on the top which is in a manner inaccessible and belong'd formerly to the Moors of Decan that is to Nizam Schiah King or Lord over all the adjacent County This Fortress was conquer'd by the Portuguese who with discharging their Musquets at an Elephant which was by the Moors plac'd to defend the Gate with a great Chain in his Mouth so frighted him that he remov'd to one side and permitted the Portuguese to creep under his Belly and make themselves Masters of the Place But others relate that the Place was taken after this manner viz. When the Portuguese had first with a handful of People defeated a considerable Party of the Moors and put them to flight they retreated to the Fort Il Morro di Ciul where they thought to be secure from the fury of the Portuguese but an Elephant being wounded in the Battel and retiring amongst them towards the Fort fell down dead at the entrance of the Gate which then could not be shut against the Portuguese who by firing boldly upon their Opposers soon made themselves Masters of the Place which since that time they have made much stronger and by that means defended the City Chaul from the continual Assaults of the Moors Pyrard tells us That there are two Cities call'd Chaul in one of which inhabit abundance of Handicrafts and Tradesmen In this City is a famous Temple dedicated to the Goddess Crangene Without the City is a Toll-house Also the Chief Church of the Portuguese stands near the Sea-shore not far from which is a Cloister of the Jesuits with a Church dedicated to St. Peter Southward from Chaul by the Sea lies a Place by Barbosa
Moors The Women not permitted to go to their Temples Fol. 152 The Order of the Derwises amongst the Hassenists The Diet of the Hassenists with several of their peculiar Customs Fol. 153 The Nature and Complexion of the Hassenists Fol. 154 The Habits of the Mogollans Fol. 155 Christians dispers'd all over India ibid. The Realm of the Great Mogol otherwise Hindostan or Indostan The Bounds of the Kingdom It s Circumference Extent and Division Bengala a Fertile and Rich Kingdom Fol. 156 Indostan supply'd with Elephants and Horses from other Parts Caravanseras or Houses of Entertainment Indostan very Rich. The Indians manner of Sailing The Inhabitants of Indostan The Trade and Manufacture of the Country Fol. 157 The Omrahs Children Inherit not their Fathers Estates The Quality and Office of an Omrah The Mansebdars The Rouzindars Fol. 158 The Mogol's Infantry His whole Military Strength computed Fol. 159 The Court Splendor Magnificence and Riches of the Great Mogol The Description of the Mogol's Court at Lahor King Chorram's Cavalcade from Agra to Lahor Fol. 160 The King's Train and Splendor of his Court Fol. 161 His Entertainment of Ambassadors ibid. His Revenues Fol. 163 The Weights Measures and Coins of the Country ibid. Their manner of Travelling Fol. 164 Their Musick The Chief Officers of the Mogol's Court Fol. 165 The Execution of Criminals The King's Guard Three Orders of Chans The King sits in Person in Court Fol. 166 Variety of other Punishments for Criminals ibid. The King's Robes given to the Omrahs He is weigh'd upon his Birth-day with great Ceremony ibid. Their way of Salutation and the Reverence they shew their Prince ibid. The King 's Chief Officers in Cities and Sea-Ports Fol. 167 Of the Name and Title of Mogol The Reason of the Name Mogol and its Signification The Signification of Chan ibid. The Extract and Descent of the Mogol Kings The Great Mogol from whom descended Fol. 167 The Expedition of Tzingiz Chan. A Tartarian Prince settles in India and becomes Founder of the Royal Family there Fol. 168 Ecbar's Character and Death Scieco Gio succeeds his Father by the Name of Schach Selim Fol. 169 Several Opinions concerning Selim's Issue Fol. 170 Chosrou Rebelling against his Father is Defeated ibid. The mutual Constancy of Chosrou and his Lover ibid. Chorrom takes up Arms against his Father the Mogol with the Occasion of his Rebellion Fol. 170 171 Another Relation of Ecbar's Death and Selim's Reign Fol. 171 Chorrom succeeds Selim ibid. The Issue of Schach Jehan The Character of his Children Fol. 172 He sends his Sons to Govern several Provinces keeping onely the Eldest at home Fol. 173 Emer Jemla's Plot against the King of Golconda Fol. 174 The King of Golconda narrowly escapes from the Hand of Oranchzef The great Friendship betwixt Oranchzef and Emer Jemla ibid. Emer sent with an Army against Decan Fol. 175 Schach Jehan falls desparately sick ibid. The four Brothers take up Arms each in his own defence ibid. Oranchzef's subtile Letter to Moradbeck ibid. Emer suffers himself to be made Prisoner by Oranchzef Fol. 176 His Army appeas'd by Oranchzef ibid. Oranchzef and Moradbeck joyn their Forces together Fol. 177 The Mogol raises Forces against his Sons though unwillingly ibid. Soliman Chekouh Darasja's Son made General against Chasausa He fights Chasausa's Army and gets the Victory ibid. The Courage and Passion of Jesseingue's Wife Fol. 178 A violent Humor of Darasja ibid. The Policy of Oranchzef ibid. Darasja resolv'd to fight Oranchzef though contrary to his Fathers Will and the Advice of his Friends Fol. 179 The Ordering of the Battalia Fol. 180 Moradbeck's Valour Fol. 181 A notable piece of Treachery and the Effects thereof ibid. Oranchzef's Behavior after the Battel and Darasja's miserable Condition ibid. Oranchzef marches streight with his Army to Agra Schach Jehan circumvented in his Design Fol. 182 The Counter-Policy of Oranchzef and his Letter to his Father Fol. 183 The Advice given to Moradbeck He Sups with Oranchzef is surpriz'd and imprison'd Fol. 184 His Army goes over to Oranchzef ibid. Darasja's Management of Affairs cavill'd at by the States-men ibid. Darasja betakes himself to Amadabad and is honourably entertain'd by Schach Navazecan Fol. 185 Oranchzef engageth with Sultan Sujas ibid. Sultan Sujas guilty of the same fatal Error with Darasja Fol. 186 Oranchzef returns to Agra He grows jealous of Sultan Mahmoud his Son and Emer Jemla ibid. Chasausa put to flight by Emer Jemla Sultan Mahmoud seiz'd on and sent to Govaleor Fol. 187 Oranchzef's Policy to take Darasja The Battel between Darasja and Oranchzef Darasja's Flight and Misery Fol. 188 Darasja betray'd by the Raja Catche The Siege of Tatabacar Fol. 189 Darasja is made Prisoner by Gioncan and carried in Triumph through the City of Deli Fol. 190 A Consultation held Whether to put him to Death or send him Prisoner to Govaleor ibid. Darasja murder'd Tatabacar surrendred Fol. 191 Soliman Chekou taken and imprison'd He is brought to the Court ibid. The Poust what it is Moradbeck's Death ibid. Chasausa flies for Refuge to the King of Racan He requests a Ship to transport himself to Mecha but is deny'd His Plot against the King of Racan discover'd He is pursu'd overtaken and defeated What became of him uncertain Fol. 192 His Family ill treated but at last pardon'd yet soon after extirpated by the Conqueror Fol. 193 Emer Jemla's Death Surratte surpriz'd by a Robber The Robber taken and committed to Prison but escapes ibid. The Dea sh of Schach Jehan Begum Saheb receiv'd into Favour The Mogol's Ambassadors abus'd by the Persians The King of Persia dies Fol. 194 Paropamisa or Candahor Sablestan and Balassy The Bounds of Paropamisa and its Inhabitants ibid. The Head of the River Indus The Extent of the Country and its Chief Towns ibid. Candahor a Place of great Trade The Temperature of the Air. It often changeth its Lords When it became subject to the great Mogol and its several Vicissitudes Fol. 195 Candahor Besieg'd by the Mogol Schach Jehan Fol. 196 The Fortress Calabust taken by the Persians ibid. The Description of the City Balassan ibid. The Government of Balassan Fol. 197 The Towns and People of Sablestan ibid. The Kingdom of Cabul Its Borders and the Derivation of its Name c. ibid. The Territory of Multan Its Borders This Country Famous for excellent Bowes and Arrows ibid. The Country of the Bullochs or Bobochs or Kingdom of Ballochy otherwise Haican or Hangi-chan The Borders and the Nature of the People Fol. 197 The Province of Bucker or Buckor Its Borders and the Trade of the Chief City Suckera Fol. 198 The Kingdom of Send or Sind otherwise call'd Diu and Tatta The Etymologie of its Name Its Borders Tatta a Place of good Trade The Chief Commodities ibid. The Provinces of Sorit Jesselmeer and Attack Their Borders Limits and Boundaries ibid. The Province of Penjab or Pengab The Signification of its Name The Description of its Chief City Lahor The Nature of the
take them away On the North side of the City as you go to Ispahan lies a Mountain over which you travel along a Stony Road through which runs a Stream which waters all the adjacent Gardens and Orchards Three Leagues to the Northward of Schiras stood a large Caravansera which though half ruin'd yet by its great Walls and Arches sufficiently testifies its former Magnitude This Province contains four great Cities besides Schiras viz. Casirum Bunitzan Firusabath and Astar as also the Towns Arboy Chiminar Sava the Metropolis of Savas formerly the Country of the Massabates It comprises likewise Firusbate Berdezzil Senorgande Cazaran by Texeira call'd Carriu and by Ananie Casrum also Camara Zemilen Bendarepe Serustan Agiane c. Texeira also places in this Province these Towns and Villages viz. Tarum Iaharom or Jarum Lasta or Lastan Stahabanon Neriz Pacah Daragued and Duzgun near Lastan between Comoron and the City Lara eighteen Leagues from Ormus There are also the Cities of Rey and Gibal The first City of this Province according to Figueroa is Guin as also Benaru with the Ruins of the Castle Gabriel in the utmost Confines of the Kingdom of Lara though both Places lie very near one another in a great Plain The City Guin is separated from the rest of Persia by high Mountains over which you must travel to go to Jarum and thence with the Caravans through the Desart It is apparent that this City hath been built many Years and Peopled by a Colony of Persians because the Inhabitants are of a better Spirit and more Morallised than the neighbouring wild Arabians Their Complexion also is whiter and the Habit of the Women neater and more Civil On the left Hand going from Guin lies a Village call'd Denia full of fair Houses About two days Journey from Guin lies the little City Horum so call'd from its Beauty and great plenty of Dates as also another of the same denomination between Cabrestan and Lara Between Guin and Horum you meet with a barren and uninhabited Desart of three days Journey not having in all that way above two Pits of Water The Village Tarum which is the Chief of many Villages was much decay'd Anno 1630. The Inhabitants thereof are subject to the Prince of Lar. It hath under its Jurisdiction the Village Seid Geuder beyond which is a large Plain and at a small distance runs the Brook Absciur which signifies Salt Water A little further is a Village call'd Pelengon that is A Panther so nam'd from the great number of that sort of Beasts breeding thereabouts Two Leagues from Pelengon you come to a narrow way between the Mountains in the Persian Tongue call'd Der Tenghi Cebar Rud that is The narrow Gate of four Streams because in Rainy Weather four great Currents which come from several Places unite their Waters there After three or four Leagues travelling through a pleasant Way you come to a Place call'd Curihazirgon that is The Merchants Grave perhaps so call'd because a Merchant died and was buried there Four Leagues further lies a solitary and ruin'd Place nam'd Ser Zehi Rizevon about which stands onely a few Huts shaded on one side by a Grove of Date-trees And four Leagues further is Tastek inhabited by none but the Rabdary or Watchmen to guard the Way Two Leagues from Tastek along an even Way between the Mountains lies a Place call'd Abi Dungher the utmost extent of the Dukedom of Lar and the beginning of the Country which belong'd to the King of Ormus when he was absolute Master of Persia and Arabia The Road from Schiras to Ispahan Travelling from Schiras to Hispahan you pass by these Places viz. First the Village Zargan in which is a handsom and well-built Mosque Four Leagues further you come to Mahin which being an open Town contains between five and six hundred Houses but is so inclos'd with Gardens and Orchards of all sorts of Fruit-trees that it rather seems at a distance a shady Grove than a Town A little forward from Mahin you come to another Village call'd Amanzada consisting onely of a few Houses all enclosed within a Wall'd Caravansera in which stands also a rich Pagode out of whose Revenue all Travellers that rest there are maintain'd for three days The whole way from Mahin to this Caravansera is very craggy and troublesom to travel and is border'd on the left Hand by a high Mountain whose top lies crown'd with Snow till the middle of Summer Three Leagues from Amanzada lies Ugion a Village on a Plain and between both a very steep Mountain whose Southern side is full of Lentisk Trees out of which drops Mastick In this Place stands a Mosque to which the Natives shew great Reverence by reason of a Tomb in which lies Interr'd one of Aly's Successors and the Villagers report that many sick blind and decrepit People have receiv'd Health and been restor'd to their Sight and Limbs by imploring the aid of the foremention'd Person whom they account a Saint The Plain on which this Village is situate is water'd by a small River whose Stream though muddy is yet very full of Fish Four Leagues from Ugion is Acopas a small Village enclos'd with a Mud-wall and surrounded with high Mountains In the middle of the Village on a Mount stands a small decay'd Fort round about which and within the Walls are above a hundred Houses most of them Inhabited by Circassians Hard by stands a large Caravansera and not far from it a Garden planted with divers sorts of Fruit-trees and curious Walks of Cypress and Palm-trees which one Alavardy Chan planted a little before his death Four or five Leagues from Acopas lies Curcuzar a small Fortified Town with a Caravansera adjoyning All the way between Acopas and Curcuzar is low and Morassie the Air also is unwholesom Wherefore the Persians have not without great reason call'd this Place Curcuzar which signifies Infectious Air. Beyond this is the Village Dergriger three Leagues from which stands a Caravansera and another pretty Town next to which follows Comixan containing about fifteen hundred Families A little beyond Comixan lies the Dorp Mahiar And lastly between that and Hispahan about a League from the latter is a Village nam'd Jarustan The Province of Persia is water'd by a large River call'd Cur which is a corrupt Name of Cyrus Philip of Ferara in his Geography Olearius and others will have this to be the same River which the Latins call'd Begradas But Della Valle contradicts this Opinion affirming That Bendemir is the Name of a Bridge which lies cross the River near the way coming from Ispahan to Schiras but its right name is Curis as is before mention'd for Bend-Emir signifies The Bridge of Emir because the Persians call a Bridge Bend and Emir was the Name of the Builder The ancient Writers make mention of two Rivers in Asia which bear the Name of Cyrus the one whereof having washt Armenia and Albania discharges its Water into the Caspian
Sea and as Olearius says is at this day call'd Cur or Aras The other which we now speak of glides from the North to the South through Persia by the Walls of the City Schiras and falls into the Persian Gulph From the Banks of this River the famous Cyrus was thrown in his Infancy and gave his Name to the Place and not to that where he was born which was call'd Agradat Most of the Persian Geographers as Olearius Garcias de Sylva Figueroa and others judge the River Cur or Bendemir to be the same with Araxes This Araxes is the biggest of all those Rivers which water the Provinces of Persia and Lara notwithstanding which it is not very broad but runs in a narrow Channel in many Meanders between high Mountains being well replenish'd with all sorts of Fish This River takes its Original out of the Mountain Jessel lying between the famous Cities Suster and Margascan formerly call'd Susa and Persepolis and first directingits Course Southward bends afterwards to the East separating the ancient Province of Susiana from the Western part of Carmania and so enters into the Kingdom of Persia and after having receiv'd the Waters of many little Rivolets and divided the Province of Kerman and the ancient Caramie Foelix finding its Current to the Sea stopt by the exceeding high Mountains it returns with great force to the North-East being grown bigger than before and much deeper by the Waters which fall from the fore-mention'd Mountains thence it again runs Southward visiting the ancient Gedrosie and at last falls into the Indian Sea making a spacious Bay Near the Ruins of Cehil Minar and the ancient Persepolis glides the River Pelevar which takes its Course towards the South and falls into the Cur after having first water'd one of the fruitfulest Parts of Persia Persia is very Mountainous in several Places but they are not altogether sterill for the Mountains of Neriz have many Iron Mines and some relate that many Smaragds are found in this Province About ten or twelve Leagues from Schiras are several high Hills full of Palm and Lentisk-Trees where breed many Wild Hogs The Inhabitants of Schiras which is common to all the other Provinces of this Kingdom are very white the Women generally beautiful and the Men well-proportion'd There is also a great Trade driven in Schiras occasion'd by the Caravans which coming from Samarcand and Zagatay pass through this Place with great Quantities of Silk Musk Rhubarb and Turcoises all which those of Chorazzan receive from the Merchants which come from Catay or the Northern China And by this means Schiras furnishes other Countries with Provisions as Wooll Copper and many other things besides Distill'd Rose-water for they make another sort than we in Europe by decocting the Roses They also get abundance of Silk from the Silk-worms they breed here and have likewise Rubies Balayses which come from the City Balasan and great store of Lazuus Stones and Tutty Persia or Fars is not very cold though its Situation be more Northerly than the other Provinces for in December all the Gardens about Schiras are green and the Trees retain their Leaves because the Ground being moisten'd by so many Rivers is not onely preserv'd from all extraordinary Scorchings but so cooled and the Fruit becomes ripe so late that it may be preserv'd all the Winter and kept very good till March. The Country about Schiras and the Plains between the Mountains and the River Pasa is naturally dry and barren The Country about Rexel near the Sea-coast yields very excellent Wheat and also good store of Fruit That Tract of Land which extends Southerly produces abundance of Dates as also the Ground about the City Com but no Vines The Country of Tarom with the other neighboring Places are all planted with Date-trees under whose the Inhabitants sow Cotton There is also abundance of Sweet-briar out of whose Flowers the Inhabitants distill a sort of Water which they call Gulaep that is Rose-water Out of the gaping Ciefts of a high Mountain in the Country Stahanon distils a Liquor or Juyce which the King of Persia causes to be gather'd by Persons sworn for that purpose which yearly take up thirty Meticals or about forty or fifty Ounces of the said Distillation which by the Persians is call'd Monmaky Cony that is Precious Water and is kept onely for the King's Use it being as they affirm an excellent Antidote against all Poyson and an infallible Remedy against inward Bruises as also outwardly apply'd for Sinew-strains Contusions and the like The King many times bestows some of it upon those Princes that are in League with him as an extraordinary Mark of his Favor In stead of this the Turks use Terra Sigillata the Mahumetans of the Eastern Countries Pazar Cony which is a kind of Jews-Gum gather'd at Maxulpata or Musulipatan in India but is not of that Vertue and Power as this of India About Schiras the Persians find a sort of bitter Root by the Apothecaries call'd Cost from the example of the Arabians and Persians though they generally add the Word Talk to the same viz. Cost-Talk that is Bitter Cost to distinguish it from the common Indian Cost which they call Cost Xerir that is Sweet Cost The Bitter Cost hath a Root very hard and firm of a yellow Colour somewhat inclining to white if it be fresh and good but if it be digg'd out of season or carelesly dry'd it becomes blue or brown The Shell or Rind is streak'd and the Pulp white and bitterish The old Roots are very unsavory and ill-tasted It is brought into Europe either in round Pieces or else in long Slices The Country about Lastan produces abundance of Ingo by the Apothecaries call'd Assa foetida In Fars and Persia especially about Schiras they have very excellent Wine the best in all Persia which they call Xarao or Charab and it is sent to all Parts of the Country especially to the Court for the King and his Nobles drink no other and if any Person of Quality entertains another he always treats him with this Wine This Province also produces Bezoar-stones which the Persians properly call Pazahar which is a Compound Word of Pa and Zahar the first signifying Against and the other Poyson They are chiefly found in a County call'd Stabanon three days Journey from Lara where also grows in the Fields a Plant like Saffron which the Goats eating causes the foremention'd Stones to grow in their Stomachs and are esteem'd above all other Gems by the King of Persia Nay the Fields wherein the said Goats graze are constantly guarded and the collecting of the Stones look'd after by Officers appointed particularly for that purpose There is also a Stone by the Physicians call'd Lapis Judaicus that is The Jews Stone and by the Persians and Arabians Ager Alyud that is The Stone of Judas There is likewise the Armenian Stone otherwise call'd Lapis Lazuli and in the Persian Tongue nam'd Ager Armeni
Arabia to these Provinces Wherefore this City is much frequented by Merchants as well Persians and Arabians as Benjans and Jews and to that purpose are built many Caravanseras for the accommodation of strange Merchants that come thither with their Commodities This City hath been much ruin'd by Earthquakes one of which in Anno 1400. threw down above a hundred Houses and another Anno 1593. above three hundred or as Texeira affirms five hundred at which time also many Water-Cesterns and the greatest part of the City Walls were spoil'd The ancient Castle formerly built by a Georgian call'd Melek on a Stone Rock on the East side of the City was also cast down A League from Lar is a Caravansera call'd Charcaph The last Place in this Dukedom of Lar at the entrance of the Country which belong'd to the King of Ormus when he was absolute Master of his whole Kingdom on the Main Continent of Persia and Arabia is Abi Dunger Concerning the Climate we cannot say there is any great Cold at Lar the Air being so temperate that in March you can scarce get into the City for the abundance of Flies and Gnats which in great Swarms fill the Air. But in June there blows such a hot and dry Wind that on all Places over which it passes it leaves Impressions as of Fire and withal scorches the Faces Hands and Legs of Strangers to their great trouble and pain call'd therefore by the Persians Bad Semum that is An infectious and burning Wind. The whole Country of Lar is very destitute of Water for there are neither Brooks Springs nor Wells onely in several Places on the Road are plac'd Troughs which catch the Rain-water which serves for the accommodation and refreshment of Travellers Mr. Herbert says this Water is very unwholesom and occasions many Distempers as well in the Inhabitants as Strangers viz. Rheums Sore Throats and Worms in the Legs which causes Itching and Lameness and is not to be cur'd without taking out the Worm and this must also be done with great care for if the Worm chance to break it causes Putrefaction and Numbness in the Part affected which is only to be remedied by continual cutting and slashing of the Flesh There is nothing worthy of praise in all the Country about Lar but the Charitable Inclinations of divers of the Inhabitants who besides the Cesterns which the ancient Kings of Lara and their Governors made for the Publick good and Refreshment of the Inhabitants and Travellers which come daily hither in their last Wills appoint certain Persons to build with their Estates Cesterns Caravanseras and Alms-houses some great and others little according to their Capacities and Zeal in their Religion and by this means there are so many Cesterns that the adjacent Plain is full of them and the Water therein is very clear and cool in Summer notwithstanding the great Heat About Lar and the Parts adjacent are several sorts of Fruit-trees as Oranges Lemmons and the best Dates in all Persia Most of the Inhabitants live on Dates partly by making them their Food and partly by selling and bartering them for other Necessaries Between Lar and Gamron grows abundance of Assa Foetida by the Maleyans and Javanners call'd Hin The ancient Inhabitants of this Country were Arabians of which there are yet many living SCHAMACHIE Schirwan or Scerwan in ancient Times call'd Media Atropatia or Little Media The modern Names of Media Atropatia THis Province anciently a Kingdom is at this day in the Countrey Language call'd Schirwan and Xirwan or Xyruan and generally by the Europeans Serwan Magin supposes Xyruan to comprehend all Media though it be onely a part as Minadoi Leunclavius Olearius and others have observ'd who take it onely for old Media or Atropatia Our Mr. Jenkinson will have the same to be Hircania But Schirwan is rather the Northern Media as appears by the nature of the Soil for accordtng to Herodotus and Strabo that part of Media is mountainous as the Countrey now call'd Schirwan is found to be The Bounds This Province conterminates in the East with the Caspian Sea on the West with Georgia on the North with Albany and somewhat higher with the wandring Tartars which inhabit between Mount Caucasus and the River Volga and in the South it juts out against Great Armenia where the River Canack running betwixt serves for a Boundary and thence passes on till at last it comes to limit Great Media It s whole length is accounted about a hundred Miles The Metropolis of this Province of Schirwan is by divers Writers differently nam'd by Bizarro and Barbaro Sumachia by others Samachia and by the Spaniards Namachi but the common Name is Schamachie of which Namet here is but one City in Media or Persia notwithstanding Ferrarius in his short Geography makes mention of two one anciently call'd Ciropolis and the other Samunis It lies in 84 Degrees and 30 Minutes Longitude and 40 Degrees and 50 Minutes Latitude about six days Journey from the City Derbend or Demircapi by reason of the turnings and by-ways which you must travel through the Mountains but it is not above two days Journey along the Caspian Sea through Bacuy and the Mountains of Lahats and very passable either on Foot or on Horseback The Cammels commonly go the first Way finishing the Journey according as they are laden It is situate in a Valley betwixt Mountains which prevent its being seen till you come just upon it The Castle thereto belonging stands on a Hill near the City Walls which together with the City was built as the Persians affirm by King Schirwan Sehach The Description of the City Schamachie This City formerly was much bigger in circumference than at this day having been much ruin'd in King Abbas's time by the Turkish Wars It was anciently divided into two parts each being severally inclos'd with a Wall but the foremention'd King seeing that the Turks aim'd at nothing but strong and well fortifi'd Places for the better maintaining of their Conquest and never medled with open Villages also observing that the Forts lying in the middle of the Countrey and not on his Borders did him more hurt than good he caus'd the Walls of the Southern part of the City to be pull'd down and likewise those that inclos'd the Cities Tauris or Tabris Nachtzuan and Kentze This South part of Schamachie lies like a peculiar Town separated from the Northern by a little Hill which serves as a publick Market-place to both It is said that when the Turk conquer'd this City and went about afterwards to fortifie it he demolish'd the Persian Tombs to repair the City Walls with the Material thereof The North part of the City lies at the foot of another Hill and being somewhat less than the foremention'd South part is surrounded with a sleight Stone Wall so ruin'd that though the Gates which are five in number belock'd you may get into the City at any time of the Night over the
Walls The Streets in both Towns are narrow and the Houses built of Stone or Earth are very low after the Eastern manner The Caravansera's or Royal Inns. Hard by the Market-place stand two great Caravansera's or * Built at the Kings Charge Royal Inns provided with many Galleries and large Rooms in which the Merchants of other Countreys dispose of their Commodities which they sell by whole-sale The one call'd Schach Caravansera is appointed for the Muscovites who lay up their Goods in the same The other nam'd Losgi Caravansera is built for the Circassian Tartars who also bring thither their Merchandise which for the most part consists in Horses Women young and full grown Maids and sometimes little Children which they either buy or take from the Russians on their Borders or else from one another Moreover the Jews have their Residences in the Caravansera Losgi bringing very fine Wooll thither from Tabessaran The Hamans or publick Baths There are likewise three publick Hamans or Baths in the City which are very much frequented by the Persians two of them stand open in the day-time for the Men and in the Night for the Women The third call'd Hammam Schech being onely for Men near which stand two large Trees which are held in great veneration by the Persians as having been planted there by one of their Saints call'd Schich Murith who not far from thence lies bury'd in a Metzit or Temple to which the People flock more than to any other in the City which contains in all six Metzits or Temples The Revenues which the Baths produce yearly are bestow'd on those things which go to the setting forth of their Funerals and what happens to be over and above is distributed amongst the Poor The Bazar or Market-place On the South side of the City is a Bazar or Market-place with several little Streets or rows of Shops furnish'd with all sorts of Cotton Stuffs Silk Cloth-of-Silver Bowes Arrows Simiters and other Manufactures which are all to be bought at easie Rates The Inhabitants are generally Persians Armenians and Georgians speaking each their peculiar Languages besides the vulgar Tongue of Scervan which is the Turkish There is nothing remarkable or of Antiquity in this City excepting the great Tower which Mr. Cartwright affirms to be built of Free-stone and Flint intermixt with the Sculls of their ancient Noblemen who being overcome and taken Prisoners in a War against the King of Persia were put to death and had their Heads so fixt for a signal Mark of terror to prevent future Insurrections But this Assertion is by some deny'd and judg'd to have been grounded upon the appearance onely of Heads carv'd there in Stone Half a League Northward from the City on a pretty high Hill call'd Caleculistan appear the Ruines of a decay'd Fort where there is a large Cave Vaulted with Free-stone and near it a deep Well Culistan whence denominated The Persians have a Tradition that Schirvan an ancient King of this Province caus'd this Castle to be built in memory of Culistan one of his Concubines from whom it also took Denomination They add moreover that it was taken by Alexander the Great and afterwards by him demolish'd But it is more probable that it receiv'd the Name of Culistan from an adjacent Valley made very fruitful by a Brook and exceeding pleasant in the Spring from the variety of Tulips and other diverse colour'd Flowers Culistan signifying a Valley of Roses Tulips or whatever sort of curious Flowers and Cale a Castle or Fort. Not far from Cale-Culistan towards the side of Schamachie stand two Chappels on another high Hill In the first and chiefest which is built in form of an oblong Square appears a high Sepulchre Rail'd about each Bar arm'd at the top with an Iron Spike and adorn'd with Tassels or small Pennons of divers colour'd Cloth In the other Chappel are other Tombs bedeck'd after the same manner being the Sepulchres of their Saints to whom the Persians often kneel and pay their usual Devotions This last Chappel leads to a deep Vault Amaleck Canna ' s Tomb. in which they say Amaleck Canna one of their King's Daughters lies bury'd who being forc'd by her Father contrary to her Inclination to Marry a Tartar Prince slew her self and some have reported that all Virgins thereabouts come yearly to the foremention'd Burying-place of Amaleck Canna to Mourn there over her Tomb. 'T is true indeed the Inhabitants of Schamachie and those also of the neighboring Villages in some Weeks in the Summer do repair to the foremention'd Mountain not for Amaleck Canna's sake as some imagine but rather for the coolness of the Air which at that Season they find upon the tops of those Hills when at the same time it is intolerabe hot below Some Artificers and those of the meaner sort that use Manufacture go thither in the Morning and having tarry'd there all day at their Work return to their Houses in the Evening but the Nobility commonly take up their Residences there for three Moneths together during which time the Heat continues The Cattel at that time also are driven to Mount Elburs where there is not onely a temperate Air but also good Pasturage The Elburs is part of Mount Caucasus bordering on the side of Tabesseran and Georgia and may plainly be seen from Culistan and other Mountains The Worshippers of Orimasda fled to India It is said that in ancient times the Persians preserv'd and worshipp'd their Orimasda or ever-burning Fire on this Elburs but at this day neither the Fire nor the Worshippers thereof are according to Texeira and others to be found in all Persia nor Jesche but some relate that they are fled from thence to India where they affirm is at this day a sort of Fire-Worshippers At Schamachie is yet to be seen a Cross of hard black Wood which some believe was a piece of Noah's Ark. The Village Mordow To this City belongs a Village call'd Mordow which in the Turkish Language signifies Morass because the Countrey about it is Fenny and all drown'd with abundance of Water which descending with the concourse of many Brooks and Rivulets falls with such violence that the disturbed Waters never freeze in the hardest Winter The Rusticks live here like the Tartars in Astracan in little Houses like Huts In the foremention'd Village and in others thereabouts dwell a People call'd Pedar which speak a peculiar Dialect though not much differing from the Turks and Persians and are of their Religion with some different Perswasions for they account it a great Crime to eat their Meat hot holding it as an Abomination that any should breathe upon it which if any one chance to do they will not touch it but judge the same to be defil'd by their prophane Breath Three Leagues from Mordow lies the Village Tachousie and three Leagues from Schamachie lies Pyrmaraas in which is the Tomb of an eminent Saint or Holy
in their Ears and as many more inferior Servants Then said Tzumtzume to Eissi Who are you and what is your Religion To which the Prophet answer'd I am Eissi who teach the true Belief Tzumtzume reply'd hereupon Then I will embrace your Belief After which he begg'd of Eisi that he would permit him to die again for he rather chose to die than to be depriv'd of that happy Life he formerly enjoy'd Whereupon his Request was granted by Eissi and Tzumzume suffer'd to return a lifeless Carcase to his Grave Near the same Tomb stands an old Tree on a Bank rais'd in form of a Stage inclos'd within a Wall four Yards high and seven in the square to which rhere is an Ascent by several Degrees or Steps One side of Derbend is noted for Tomb-stones and Monuments amounting to several thousands most of them three Foot broad and on the top of them Arabick and Syriack Characters Engraven The Persians relate the following Story of the foremention'd Tomb viz. That not many Ages after after Mahomet a King call'd Cassan Reign'd in Media who in a Battel against the Tagestan Tartars whom the Persians call Lesgi losing many thousands of his Men caus'd the chiefest of his Officers to be bury'd in the foremention'd place with Tomb-stones and Inscriptions to perpetuate their Memory There is yet another peculiar Coemeterie or Burying-place towards the Sea surrounded with a Wall within which are to be seen four of the foremention'd kind of Tomb stones together by the Persians call'd Tziltenan and by the Turks and Tartars Kerchler They say also that forty Princes all devout Men who dy'd in the aforesaid Fight lay bury'd there Wherefore the Persians both Men and Women come daily to kiss the Tomb-stones and laying their Hands upon them Pray very devoutly In the City Derbend dwell no Christians but onely Mahumetans and Jews of the Tribe of Benjamin There is no considerable Trade driven here except that the Tartars bring their stoln Children as also full grown Turks and Russians to sell which afterwards are sent farther into Persia The Tombs of Pyrhr Mucur and Imam Churchud A quarter of a League from the City where the Borders of Persia and Tagestan are separated by a small Brook are two Sepulchres of Mahumetan Prophets The first being that of Pyrhr Muchar stands in a Plain and the other of Imam Curchud in the Mountains of whom the Tradition goes that he was ally'd to Mahomet and that being always with him he was instructed by him and liv'd three hundred years after him Moreover that going to the King of Cassan he so prevail'd with him by playing on a Musical Instrument and Singing that he drew him to side with the Lesgi or Tagestan Tartars But when he undertook to Convert the Lesgi who were Heathens and began to Preach amongst them they conspir'd against him and murder'd him His Grave is in a great Cavity cut in a Rocky Mountain the Coffin being onely four Planks nail'd together without any Ornaments and to be seen by all People onely with the leave of an old Woman who sits continually by to watch it But when they come hither to make Offerings they cover the Floor with Straw Mats and hang Tapestry before the Cavity in which the Coffin stands Women and Maids repair thither in great numbers from the City and other remote places and go bare-footed into the Sepulchre kiss the Chest and kneel down to Pray by it which done they make their Offerings to the old Woman who is reverenc'd as a holy Person and keeps a Lamp burning all Night long in the Tomb. Their Offerings consist in Cheese Butter Milk Bread Money Wax and the like The City Bachu Another City call'd Bachu or as others write Bacuse lies also near the Caspian Sea and is a safe Harbor for Ships insomuch that some Writers have given this Sea the Name of Mare de Bacu or The Sea of Bacu. The Mountain Barmach Three Leagues from the Village Tachousi lies the Mountain Barmach which appearing at a great distance is round and hath a very high steep Rock on the top which in the Turkish Language they call Barmach that is A Finger because it reaches above other Mountains like a pointing Finger From the Valley there leads a Way up to the same which is dangerous to be ascended by those that are unacquainted with it On the top of this Mountain the Air is so cold that the Grass and Herbs are as it were candy'd or crisp'd over with Ice when yet it is very pleasant and warm Weather below The broken Walls and other pieces of Ruine sufficiently testifie that it was anciently crown'd with a strong Castle and is said to have been built by Alexander and ruin'd by Tamerlane for at the foot of the high Rock is a Plain of fifty Rods square about which are to be discern'd the Foundations of an ancient thick Wall with Bulwarks In the middle thereof is a deep Well wall'd about and not far from thence two Tombs cover'd with great round Stones On the North side also and at the going up to the Rock stands a great piece of a Wall and heaps of Stone which without doubt are the Ruines of another Castle from whence several Steps lead to the top of the Rock where there is another Arch which serves for a third resting place Near the old Wall on the Stone Rocks grow Fig-trees in several places The Trade of this Province The Inhabitants of this Countrey drive a great Trade in Silk especially in the City Serwan where it is sold in such abundance that it is Transported from thence through all Muscovy and the East Countrey The City Ere 's also was formerly famous for the abundance of white Silk which the Merchants call'd Mammodees but through the long Wars and destruction of Serwan both Staples formerly so famous are now fail'd The Military Strength The Military Strength of this Province of Schirwan herein chiefly appears that the City Schamachie alone is able in time of need to set forth eighteen thousand Horse The natural Fortifications are also no less considerable the chief whereof is that foremention'd Pass call'd The Iron Gate being one of the strongest Bulwarks in the whole Province securing the Way against the Albains Russians Turks and Tartars Change of Government The ancient Kings of this Province with their several Dynasties and Revolutions are sufficiently known in History but the last of the native Median Kings was Aydar who was slain by Farrock Yacar whose Son Xa Ismael Sophi reduc'd the Kingdom to a Province since which time it hath been Govern'd by his Chans or Lieutenants There belong to the Province of Schirwan the Territory call'd Muscur extending along the Caspian Sea from Derbend to Kilcan comprising two hundred Villages But the chief Town in this Territory which is Govern'd by the Sultan of Derbend and lying near the Sea is call'd Schabran Description of the Countrey of
Royal Palace with an Orchard of vast extent belonging to it built by Schach Ismael some say Schach Thomas the Portico's and Arches are of Stone Painted and Gilded but the Rooms within are adorn'd with Sculpture and Imagery richly Gilded also and Painted all in Grotesque-work after the Persian manner Over against this Palace is another Orchard a Mile in circumference in which are divers Banquetting-houses and handsom Walks Set with all sorts of Fruit-Trees as Apples Pears Peaches Morello's Granates Almonds and the like but the cross Ways are the pleasantest being neatly Planted with tall Tzinar and Cypress-Trees which make a very delightful Prospect Tarantula Schahesade's Tomb. On the East side of the City is a Church-yard near which Scahesade one of Hosseins Sons lies bury'd in a handsom Metzid and because he is accounted one of the chief Saints the Persians are usually cited to this Tomb as to several others where their Saints lie bury'd to make Oath of such Matters as require solemn attestation and also upon common occasions if one Party doubts what the other saith he immediately calls him thither and puts this Question to him Hossein Pile Musef that is Dare you affirm what you say by this holy Tomb and the great Alcoran This City Casbin hath been the Residence and Seat of the Kings of Persia ever since the Reign of Schach Thamas who is said to have been the first that remov'd his Seat from Tabris thither The Village Achibaba whence denominated About four Leagues from Casbin lies the Village Achibaba at the foot of the Mountain near the Road to Sultania and Ardebil This Village receiv'd its Denomination from an old Man nam'd Achibaba to whom Schach Sefi gave the Village because he got a Ceild after he was a hundred years of age by a Woman almost as old as himself This Achibaba's Tomb is seen to this day in a great Vault Temperature of the Air. It is almost incredible how cold it is in Ispahan from November till March notwithstanding the City lies in one and thirty Degrees and a half of Northern Latitude but of this no other reason is generally given but the pureness and thinnes of the Air. Nature of the Soil The Soil about Ispahan is much lower than the Stream Senderuth by which means Nature prevents the great inconveniences which the excessive Heat would occasion here in Summer the Inhabitants being able to overflow their Lands and Gardens when they please which John the Persian says infects the Air but this is contradicted by Davity and it is certain that the Air about Ispahan is the wholsomest of all Persia except in some places near the Caspian Sea In and about Ispahan is plenty of all sorts of Provisions and the Mountains lying on each side of the City are also very fruitful and the Way from Ispahan to Arabia full of great Woods The same Countrey also produces excellent Wine the best whereof is as good as Canary and of all sorts of Fruits the best in the World Moreover the Countrey about Caxion abounds with all manner of Fruits About the City of King Xarear the Inhabitants gather abundance of Manna but it is not so pure and good as that of Hrey This Province likewise abounds with Horses and Mules and such lusty strong Cartel that they carry near double the Burthen of others Scorpions of Cashan There is no place in all Persia that is more infested with Scorpions than Cashan wherefore if they would wish any ill to befall a man they commonly say Acrab Cashan de Bestet stenet that is May Cashan Scorpions sting you in the Head Some that are most poysonous are Coal-black and about the bigness of a Man's Finger in thickness and length They run very fast and are in shape not unlike a Cra-fish onely they have a blunter Head and less Body By reason of these Animals the Inhabitants never sleep in Ground-Rooms but in upper Stories call'd Tzarmi The Townsmen say that a Stranger coming into the City and crying Men Caribem that is I am a Stranger the Scorpions will not meddle with him The most general Cure against the Stings of these Scorpions is a piece of Copper suddenly clapt on the Wound wherefore the Inhabitants continually carry the Copper Coin call'd Pull about them which they immediately lay on the place where they are bit and letting it lie a pretty while they afterwards anoint it with Honey and Vinegar The Tarantula of Persia There is likewise another sort of Animal about the City Cashan almost like a Spider for some hang by Threds and Cobwebs on the Trees and are by the Petsians call'd Eubureckhan and by the Italians and Spaniards Tarantula they breed in Rocky places for the most part under a certain Shrub with broad and strong scented Leaves by the Persians nam'd Tremne and by the Turks Jauschan These Vermine touching any part of a Man's Body leave a drop of Poyson on it like a drop of Water which causes great pain and strikes into the Stomach makes the Head to ake and benumming all the Limbs casts the Party into a deadly Sleep out of which he cannot be awak'd by any means whatsoever so long as the Poyson remains upon him being for the time bereav'd of natural Sense The best Remedy is to kill the Animal and lay the same on the benumm'd parts which they say draws out the Poyson again but if none of them can be got then they lay the Patient on his Back poure as much Milk down his Throat as possibly they can notwithstanding he immediately disgorges the same then they put him into a Trough which hanging up by three Strings they turn round till the Patient's Head being very giddy he is provok'd to vomit up all he hath in his Stomach and to Urine though not without great pain a white and thick Water which eases the Patient who nevertheless at certain times in the year endures great pain occasion'd by the remaining Poyson But that which is the greatest wonder of these Animals is that the Sheep run very eagerly after them and eat them without the least hurt The Tarantula of Puglia in Italy These Tarantula's of Persia seem to differ very much from those of Puglia in the Kingdom of Naples both in the strange operations they produce in the Persons stung by them as their admiring and being enamor'd of Colours especially Green their delighting to walk about some with a naked Sword others with a Glass of Water in their Hands their desire to paddle in Tubs of Water wherein green Leaves lie floating and such like fantastick Humors as also their wonderful manner of Cure namely by the Sound of Musick which stirs them up to such a furious fit of Dancing that by the violent motion of their Bodies they sweat out by Degrees the virulence of the Poyson and by often repetition of the Action at last recover their Health but of these things Athanasius Kircher hath a
more full Discourse in his Book De Arte Magnetica and we shall have occasion to speak more largely thereof when we come to treat of the Provinces of Italy in our Volume of Europe The Gardens about Com abound with Fruit especially Melons Both within and without the City Com are Gardens full of all sorts of Fruit and amongst others a sort of Melons about the bigness of an Orange speckled with all manner of curious Colours and of a sweet smell wherefore they are call'd Shammane and carry'd in the Hand to smell to like a Nosegay but their taste is not so good as that of other Melons which there are as sweet as Sugar The same sort of Melons are to be found in several other places in Persia as also a very strange kind of Cucumbers which are near three Yards long crooked and about the thickness of a Man's Arm and therefore call'd Schunchiar or Crooked Cucumbers which like Gurkins are laid in Vinegar and Salt and eaten raw Several Fields about the City are Sow'n with all sorts of Grain and Cotton Till within six Leagues to the Northward of Sultanie the Countrey is exceeding pleasant and fruitful the Fields being either Planted with Fruit-Trees or flourishing with Corn They belong to the Lords or Possessors of the several Villages thereabouts Four days Journey from Ispahan near the City Niris the Mountain Demawend incloses an Iron and Steel-Mine The Inhabitants of Cashan and Com are accounted a very thievish sort of People Cutlers and Potters the chief Trades of Cashan and Com. The chief Trades in these Cities are the Sword-Cutlers and Potters the best Sword-Blades in all Persia being made there the richest whereof are valu'd at twenty Crowns apiece The Potters Bake all manner of Earthen Ware and especially Cruises and Jugs which are sent from thence to all the Cities hereabouts that which sets the greater value on them is the Water thereabouts with which being fill'd and let stand a while soon after they are made they are exceedingly cool'd and consequently much hardned Besides the foremention'd Manufactures there are a great number of People employ'd in making of Silk Clothes Embroider'd with Birds and sorts of Imagery as also Lanskips and the like The rich Trade of Ispahan Yasde and Coxom Ispahan as being a Place of great Trade hath many large Caravansera's that is to say Inns or Store-houses where the Merchants with their Horses Cammels and other Beasts of burthen take up their Lodging and lay up their Goods for which the King receives a certain Revenue But the places where the great Riches of this City appear most visibly are the several Shops of the Maidan and Bazar where there are continually to be seen Bars of Gold and Silver Damask Pearls Precious Stones raw Silk and Cloths of all sorts There are also vended here great quantities of Anniseeds and divers other Drugs which the Jews and others put off at a dear Rate The Carpets from Yasde made after the Turkish manner are the richest and finest in the whole World The same Place also produces abundance of Silk and Rose-water Caxom also is very famous for the abundance of Silk which comes from thence Lastly this Province is noted for Horses of an excellent kind both for shape and swiftness of foot which the Parthians for the most part make use of in their Wars SOLTANIE The Province of Aderbeitzan or Aderbajon formerly Great Media or Satrapene The several modern Names of Great Media THe Countrey of Aderbeitzan or according to Della Valla Adherbaigan or as Texeira will have it Aderbajon was anciently call'd South or Great Media Castald who names it Adilbegian takes it onely for a Tract of Media by Ptolomy call'd Daretis and Della Valla for a great part of Media but the Places which Aderbeitzan compriseth sufficiently testifie that it is Great Media yet by some modern Writers this Countrey is call'd Franck-Armenia because the Franck-Armenian Christians inhabit the same The Geography of Nubius makes mention that it was anciently the Northermost part of Assyria for it borders on Curdistan the ancient Assyria The Bounds of Aderbeitzan Aderbeitzan borders in the North and North-West at Schirwan in the South at Persia in the East at the Countrey of Kilan and Parthia or Hierack and in the West at Great Armenia But according to Olearius it juts against Curdistan and is separated from Schirwan by the Desart of Mogam and a by certain nnameless River from Carabach It is accounted ninety Leagues in length and compriseth several other lesser Counties viz. Erscheck Chalchal Meschin Tharumat Kermeruth Suldus Serah Utzan and others The chief Cities are Tabris or Taurus Sencan Sultanie Ardebil Merraga Nachtschuan Merend Rumy Chouy and Selmaseck The Description of the City Tabris The Metropolis of this Province is Tabris commonly call'd Tauris and by the Turks Tebris and is the City Terva of Paulus Jovius the Tigranoama of Nigro but according to Ortelius the same with the ancient City Ecbatane formerly the Seat of the Kings of Persia which is also affirm'd by Ananias Schrotterius and Hornius with many demonstrable Reasons out of Minadoi It lies at the foot of the Mountain Orontes perhaps the Mountain Carabag which Texeira places by Tabris eight days Journey Northerly from the Caspian Sea with which it conterminates on the West and on the South with Persia It hath no Walls but lies open on every side as most of the Cities in Persia do and was formerly according to Minadoi inhabited by about two hundred thousand People but John the Persian lessens the number above a half part before its destruction by the Turks There are many Caves under Ground and most of the Houses being very low are either built of a kind of Bitumen or Clay hardned by the Sun Within the compass of a hundred and fifty years last past this City hath undergone sundry Mutations both by the great Turk and the Persians for in the Year 1514. it was surrendred to Selymus the Turk who contrary to his Word exacted a great mass of Money from the Inhabitants and carry'd away with him three thousand Families amongst whom were the best Artificers in the City Afterwards in the Year 1535. it was by Solyman wholly given up to merciless rage and avarice of his Soldiers who left neither House nor Corner thereof unplunder'd abusing the miserable Citizens with all manner of insolency besides the most stately Palace of King Thamas together with the most sumptuous and rich Houses of the Nobility were by the great Turk's Commandment all ras'd down to the Ground and the greattest part of the best Citizens and beautifullest Persons of what Condition or Quality soever were carry'd away Captives And in the Year 1585. it was miserably spoyl'd by Osman Visier unto Amurat the Third and remain'd near four and thirty years under the Turkish Slavery during which time the poor Inhabitants suffer'd most unheard-of Miseries through the countenanc'd Outrages
of which so many breed here that the Fishermen dare not go into above four Fathom Water which Pomponius Mela seems to have observ'd when he saith in his Geography This Sea is more dangerous than any other by reason of the many Monsters that breed therein It hath been reported that in Kilan over against the Mountain Sahebelan where they breed most they are taken with Hooks fastned to thick Lines and Baited with Flesh Divers other sorts of Fish Nor doth it onely breed Monsters for contrary to the Opinion of Contareno and Bizarro it produces several sorts of excellent Fish as Salmon Sturgeon Carps an Ell long a sort of Herrings great Breams call'd Chascham Scwit or Schivit and a sort of Barbels a Yard and a half long but others less which are tough and not fit to be eaten The Inhabitants there catch another sort of Salmon-Trouts which they dry in the Smoak and Dress after this manner viz. They lay the smoak'd Fish wrapt in a Linnen or Cotton Cloth upon a hot Hearth and then cover it with Ashes till it be enough whereby it gaineth a most delicate taste This abundance of Fish breeding in the Sea causes the King of Persia to Farm out the Fishing thereof towards the Mouth of the fresh Rivers which brings him yearly considerable Sums of Money This Fishing Farm begins in September and lasts to the end of March during which time the Rivers are shut up to prevent Intruders that have no right to Fish there but all the rest of the year not onely the Rivers but the Sea it self lies free and open to all Persons This Sea in the Summer the Persians Tartars and Russians Navigate in sleight and miserable Vessels with which they dare not Sail but onely before the Wind nor venture from the sight of the Shore There are but few Harbors and those neither good nor safe the place between the Island Tzenzeni and the main Land is counted one of the securest and therefore the Persians always Anchor there in the Night they also us'd to Ride with their Vessels near Bacu Lenkeran and Ferabath according as the Wind favors them But the best in all that Sea is towards the East on the Tartars side and is call'd Chuaresm and Minkischlack but by some nam'd Manguslave This Sea according to Herodotus Ptolomy and Aristotle is distinct from all other being wholly inclos'd within the Land so that it may justly be call'd a Mediterranean from whence appear the Errors of Dionysius the Alexandrian Pomponius Mela Strabo Pliny Solinus Basilius Magnus and others who would make it to mix with the Scythian or Tartarick Sea or else a Bay of the Northern Ocean and not totally surrounded by the Land The Province of Mazanderan Borders of the Province of Mazanderan THe Province of Mazanderan or Mazanderon conterminates in the West with Gilan or Kilan the East Borders upon Estarabat the South touches Erack Media and a part of Gilan and the North verges with the Bacu or Caspian Sea Its length is accounted to be thirty Leagues and Compriseth twenty five Cities the Metropolis of which bears the same Denomination with the Province but Della Valla and Olearius name it Ferhabad and aver that formerly it was call'd Tahona Description of Ferhabad The City Ferhabad which lies about two thousand Paces from the Caspian Sea is in a great Plain and as Della Valla witnesseth in a few years after the first Building grew to the bigness of Rome or Constantinople but was not inclos'd with Walls Nor have the chief Cities in this Countrey any such Inclosures The Teggine Rude that is The Swist-River runs through the middle of the City over which there is but one Bridge but that neatly built in that place where commonly the greatest concourse or People is in other parts a good distance from the Bridge they Ferry over in slat-bottom'd Boats made of one great Tree This Place by reason of its nearness to the Caspian Sea and convenience of the beforemention'd River is accounted a Sea-port Town because the Ships Sail up to the aforenam'd Bridge where they drop their Anchors and though the Vessels are not very big yet all that drive this Trade viz. to the City Gilan Esterabad Bacu Demircapt and to Astracan in Muscovia lade and unlade here King Abbas not long since call'd it Ferhabad that is The City of perfect Joy which is an Arabick word compounded of Fer which signifies Joy and Habad that is Finished Two Reasons induc'd the King to build this City the one was a desire he had to beautifie his Kingdom and extend the Limits thereof for he built divers Cities in several other places the other was his kindness to this particular Region partly because it was the Birth-place of his Mother and partly because it was the strongest part of his Dominions for it lies on one side surrounded with the unnavigable part of the Caspian Sea and on the other with inaccessible Mountains through which none can come but by narrow and craggy Paths besides all which this Countrey lay remotest from the Enemy especially from the Turks The Houses in the beginning were not above a Story high and cover'd onely with Canes to keep out the Weather The Walls consist of a certain Stuff very common in this Countrey which being mix'd with Straw is call'd Calghil that is Straw and Earth to which a quantity of Sand being added and beaten like Mortar makes a most strong and durable Cement But the King's Palace is built of Sun-dry'd Brick which in the time of a great Fire proving a safeguard to it self and all within caus'd the King to command all the Houses to be built of the like Materials The City Eskerf Eastward from thence lies a City call'd Eskerf about two Leagues from the same Sea at the end of a large Plain near the foot of a Mountain which environs the same on the South side This City was also built by Abbas at the same time with Ferhabad It hath many Gardens and a great Bazar or Street full of Shops besides divers other meaner Houses standing without order among shady Groves in a delightful Plain which is full of Inhabitants sent thither by the King and is much frequented especially when the Court Resides there which is the greatest part of the Summer for in Winter Ferhabad was the Royal Chamber and this the King did to draw Inhabitants thither and cause a Trade and likewise because it was well seated for Hunting and other Recreations The Houses are built under high Trees and so shaded with the Boughs that they are scarce to be seen insomuch that one may doubt whether Eskerf be a City erected in a Wood or a Grove inhabited like a City In the middle of the Gardens behind the Houses stand Chambers or rather Galleries because they are onely cover'd on the top which being about a Man's heighth above the Ground are ascended to by Steps and serve both for Eating
that is Darius's City Beyond Darabghierd we see the Villages Dechair and beyond that the Wilderness of Moghokiel Next you come to a Mosque of an Imamsade's Tomb who was call'd Meir Abas Son to Iman Giafer Sadick a Man highly esteem'd amongst the Persians yet the Mosque is quite ruin'd notwithstanding it is near a Village About it are pleasant Gardens with all sorts of Fruit-Trees water'd by a little Brook At the entrance is a Court where several People superstitiously desire to be bury'd In the middle of this Court stands a great Palm-Tree by whose Foot runs another Brook replenish'd with all sorts of Fish for the Service of the Court. Meir Aba 's Tomb. On one side of the Mosque is Meir Abas's Tomb cover'd with sleight Turkish Linnen Here Della Valle says he found a bound Book and also some Leaves of an old Book with certain Medals which were brought from Kierrila and the famous Hossein's Tomb on which were Imprinted in Arabick Letters the name of GOD and some other pious words as Elhemdu lillah that is God be praised Beyond this Tomb you come between narrow Mountains which formerly serv'd for the Boundaries between the two Provinces of Persia and Lar when Lar was a peculiar Dukedom and not subject to the Persians Somewhat farther you come to the Village Furg and beyond it to several Heaps of Rubbish being the Ruines of an ancient Structure by the Vulgar call'd The Mountain of the King of Behmen who as they report Reign'd a considerable time in Persia before Darius was conquer'd by Alexander the Great Next you approach the Village Tascui and Seid Geuder in the County of Tarom the salt Water of Absicur the Village Pelengon and the Tenghi Cebarrud or Narrow Gate beyond which a Brook glides gently into a Moat near which Travellers commonly resting themselves cut their Names and Verses on the Rocks which shadow this Brook from the heat of the Sun all the day Hence you go to Pise or Pisce a little Village in the Countrey of Gurhe not far distant Next appears the Town Curihazirgon and Serzehirevevon the Mountain of Ginan and Countrey of Issur where the Way again parts into two one running by the Village Abidunghur to the City Mina and the other to Cambru In the Road to Cambru lies the Village call'd Ciah Ciacor the common Resting-place for Travellers beyond which is a Row of Houses nam'd Pailulon or Pailuli Dagheli that is At the foot of the Lulen full of Leaves for by these Houses grow abundance of Trees by the Inhabitants call'd Kuli Dagheli as if they would say Trees full of Boughs for out of the great Branches grow many lesser down to the Ground which taking Root produce new Trees which being very common in India are by the Portuguese nam'd Arbores de Raiz that is The Rooting Trees Lastly you come to the Fort and City Combru at present by the Persians call'd Abassi The nature of the Inhabitants of Wild and Great Carmania The Inhabitants of Wild Carmania are most of them Thieves and Robbers but in Great Carmania the Women work all sorts of Shapes on Cloth of Tissue or Silk of divers colours as also on Curtains Hangings Cushions and the like In this Province are made also excellent Saddles Bridles Spurs and all manner of Weapons for War The Inhabitants drink a kind of Beer in stead of Wine and make use of the Arabian Abe The Inhabitants in the Wilderness Reobarle which lieth in this Province live by Pilfering and are great Sorcerers like the Arabians Their Turbans are long but narrower than those of the other Persians with a great Lappet behind Herb Daru Kermon Amongst many other soveraign Herbs growing here there is one exceeding good against Worms call'd Daru Kerman or Daramnack Kermony which is to be understood two several ways viz. for a Medicine for Worms or for a Medicine from Kermon for Kermon is a compound word signifying not onely This Province but A Worm and Daru or Daramnack is a Physical Herb. The chiefest Commodities with which the Inhabitants Trade are Rose-water Wormwood or Daru Kermon and the Stone Surmah Commodities of the Countrey The Carpets made here are by the Persians call'd Caluchey by the Portuguese Alcatifas and commonly by other Europeans from their Example corruptly Alcatifs which are made in three several Places in Persia viz. the richest finest and dearest are made in Izad a City in Hierack where some are sold for a thousand Ducats the second sort are those of Kerman and the third from Carason There is also a black and glittering Stone found in this Countrey which looks as if it were strew'd with File-dust or Sand and is call'd Surmah of which there are two sorts one is found in Kerman as also in Carason which is of greatest value and the other Moches because it comes from Mochi or Mecha The Arabians Indians and Persians use this Stone much against the Distemper of the Eyes for the cure of which it is very prevalent being prepar'd with other things It is good to preserve Beauty insomuch that both Men and Women wiping their Eyes with the Stone wetted account themselves much younger and fairer Gedrosia or Circan Cache Guadel and Macran The several Names of Gedrosia THis Countrey by the Ancients call'd Gedrosia is at this day according to Castaldus nam'd Circan and by Olearius and Melam taken to be the Kingdom of Tarsus of which the Psalmist speaks Niger thinks it is compris'd in Carmania Maffeus calls the Gedrosians Nautaques which are the same the Portuguese call Motages Cluverius will have Gedrosia to comprehend Kesimur and Guzaratte and anciently the two Provinces of Paradene and Parisene and several People as the Orbites Parsires Musarnes and Rhamniers The chiefest Towns were Parsis the Metropolis Chief Towns Arbis and Cuni. Ptolomy borders Gedrosia in the North Borders at Drangiana or Cagisan and Arachosia or the Countrey of Cabul Carmania bounds the West the East borders upon India or the Kingdom of Cambaya and the South fronts the Indian Sea and includes the City Guadel with the Lands belonging thereto and the Towns Calamare and Partinis beyond the Mouth of the River Ilment sometimes call'd Arke near which the Motages and Nautaques reside The County of Mecheran In the same Tract in the Province of Kirman lies another County Eastward call'd Mecheran otherwise Macran and by Texeira Macron who hath given it the Name of a Kingdom with the Denomination of Kyche or Chike by the Portuguese call'd Cache between the Dominion of Guadel and the Abindes of Indostan and betwixt the Countreys of Persia and Send or India and to the Eastward of the Kingdom of Sistan The known Towns of Mecheran are Thir Kitz and Chalack The Metropolis is by some nam'd Mecheran The Inhabitants of Erack seldom come into this Province There is also a City by some call'd Cobinam where very excellent Looking-glasses or Mirrors of Steel are made The
River which waters this Countrey is now call'd Barbarum and formerly Arabis Commodities of Cache The Kingdom of Cache produces plenty of Hemp and Flax of which the Inhabitants make Linnen Cloth and affords Oyl of Gegelin and other sorts in great abundance There are likewise many Horses call'd Cachis from the Name of the Countrey which are as good as the Persian or Arabian Guadel hath its peculiar Xeque or Vice-Roy and Macran a particular Prince but Cobinam is under the Jurisdiction of the Sophy The Province of Moghostan Bounds of Moghostan THe Province of Moghostan which signifies Date-Tree Wood because that Tree grows all over the Countrey conterminates on one side with the Dukedom of Lar and extends from thence East and South of the places which verge with the Persian Gulf. There is another Moghostan anciently so call'd for the reason before mention'd but quite differing from this by Diodorus Siculus mention'd to lie in Arabia Felix not far from the Arabian Gulf. The Village Ciuciululion The first place in this Province as you travel out of the Countrey of Lar is Ciuciululion consisting of about forty Houses built a good distance from each other in a Wood of Dates Olive and other Trees which bear no eatable Fruits but onely Leaves from whence this Village hath receiv'd its Name Five Leagues from Ciuciululion passing towards the Metropolis Mina is a very mean Hamlet call'd Dazrack Near the Sea lies Benderi du Ser a small Town that is A Haven with two Mouths Not far from which is the Shore of Scechierri or Sechierri The Haven of Combru is about two days Journey from Mina and was formerly so call'd by the Portuguese but the Persian King Abbas taking it from them gave it the Name of Abassi from his own Name The Metropolis Mina The Metropolis of Moghostan call'd Mina which is two days Journey from Ciuciululion and twelve with Camels from Lar lies in 26 Degrees and 35 Minutes Northern Latitude and hath two Fortresses on the East side inclos'd within a Wall which runs directly through the Town and at a certain distance having some sleight Towers the biggest hath two great Gates one respecting the North and the other the South and almost quite surrounded with Water In the City Mina are two Baths near neighbors to each other the first is very large and formerly had several Shops and Houses about it which were most of them ruin'd Anno 1632. the other being much less is built upon a Hill on the East side of the great one and being wash'd by a little Brook is inhabited by the Beigh and his Guard which keep Watch all the Night and call aloud at certain hours according to a Custom amongst the Eastern People Not far from Mina lies Binder Ibrahim that is The Haven of Ibrahim Cuhesteck is a Town lying on the Coast of Mina near Ormus where the Air is so unwholsom that most Strangers coming thither are afflicted with the Disease of the Countrey in so violent a manner that few escape The Houses in Mina are made of the plash'd Boughs of Date-Trees In this Province grow abundance of Trees Trees by the Arabians call'd Nebo and by the Persians Conar which bear a small Fruit with a Stone in the middle like our Cherries the dry'd Leaves thereof rubb'd to Powder and put in Water not onely turn the same white but make it Lather like Soap which most People use when they Bathe themselves Here also grows a Tree call'd Amba brought from India In Moghostan and other Places in Persia Beasts breeds a strange sort of Beast in colour and shape like a Tyger but hath a Head and Snout like a Hog it makes a great screeking in the Night and desires to prey upon the dead Bodies of Men which it endeavors to scrape out of the Graves wherefore Della Valla believes it is the same Beast which the Latines and Greeks call Hyena or a Mungrel Wolf The supream Governor of Moghostan is styl'd Sceheriari and being subject to the Chan of Schiras keeps not his Court in the Metropolis Mina but in a neighboring Village where one Schach Sefi Reign'd Anno 1630. Lorestan BEsides the Provinces before mention'd those of Nimruz Sichar and Lorestan are reckon'd Members of the Crown of Persia though we onely know the Names of the two former but Lorestan some call Luristan and Paulus Venetus onely Lor which perhaps is the Name of its Metropolis for Stan is a vulgar word in Persia for Land or Countrey John the Persian places Lorestan ninety Leagues from Casbin and makes Cormana to be the Residence of the King of Persia but Texeira who calls it Cormatu and Cormavat affirms that it is onely a strong Place in this Province the Kings of which paid as a yearly Tribute fifty thousand Ducats The Province of Chorazan THe Province of Chorazan or Carason by Olearius taken to be the ancient Bactriana contrary to Davity who makes Bactriana a part of Zagatey or Usbeck Carason according to Davity compriseth the ancient Countrey of Margiana bordering upon the River Gehun by some styl'd Geichon and by others Oxus which according to Ptolomy conterminates in the North with Margiana Chorazan saith Davity comprises also a great part of Aria and Texeira places Kerman or Carmania between Persia and Carason and Ptolomy borders Carmania in the West with Persia and in the East at Ery Cluverius nevertheless takes Margiana for Elsabat which is accounted a part of Tartary and Zagatey Castaldus calls the ancient Margiana Jezelbas or Jesilbax that is Green Head the general Name given by the Tartars to Zagatey who formerly possess'd this Countrey and was first taken from them by Ismael Seff but afterwards being lost was by Schach Abbas re-taken and ever since kept Herbert divides Chorazan into three great Territories viz. Hery Farihan and Tocharistan anciently call'd Aria Paropamisa and Tocharia Chorazan according to Olearius conterminates in the East with Mazanderan and is divided into many lesser Counties amongst which Hery is the chiefest Chorazan taken for the ancient Margiana borders in the East upon Bactriana m the West faces Hircania or Starabat the South verges with a part of Aria and the North looks upon a part of Tartary or Scythia viz. from the Mouth of the River Oxus to a part thereof near Bactriana The City Mesched This Countrey comprehends many large Cities the chiefest whereof is Mesched otherwise Maxad and by the Persians call'd Thus. This City standing on a Hill near the River Habin is environ'd with Walls and strengthned with Moats Towers and other Fortifications insomuch that Texeira affirms there are three hundred Towers a Musquet-shot from each other and that with the Gardens and Banquetting-houses the City is accounted to be six Leagues in circumference and inhabited by a hundred thousand People In this City may be seen a stately Tomb of one of the twelve Persian Imams or great Saints of the Family of Aaly call'd Imam
Philosophy Notwithstanding there are not so many in Persia as in Europe which learn the Liberal Arts and Sciences yet they highly esteem those that study therein which they corruptly call Filosuf The Persian Phylosophers in Matters of Phylosophy and other Sciences highly esteem the Christian Books especially such as treat of Morality natural Phylosophy and Religion They also hold Disputations with great Confidence concerning the Mystery of their Religion with People that are or another Opinion quite contrary to the Turks who out of stubborness will not admit any to speak thereof Their Universicies For the Instruction of their Knowledge there are several Universities or Schools in the Cities which they call Madresia or Madressa and the Scholars Mederis the Chiefest whereof are at Ispahan Schiras Ardebil Mesched Tebris Casbijn Com Jest and Schamachie to all which the Sedder or Governor must allow a sufficient Maintenance which he receives from such Countreys as are free from Tribute and other Taxes to the King as Cochtzeh by Erwan Utzatznik near Carabach Tabachmelick lying between Georgia and Carabach and also Agdasch and Kermeru What they study The Learning in which they instruct them is Geometry Surveying Poesie Astrology moral and Natural Phylosophy Physick and Law They have all Aristotle's Works translated into Arabick and call him Danja piala that is The Cup of the World for as we may use the Cup to refresh our selves so we may likewise to inebriation so according to their opinion we may use and misuse Phylosophy for they say that strong Liquor and Phylosophy make good Orators but excess of both makes wise men Fools They teach their Youth Arithmetick so soon as they can write and read the Common-people use the Indian Figures but the Learned the Arabian Their Poesie and Orations are comprised in short Lessons and are studied both together because their Histories and Disputations are mixt with Verses and other Eloquent Expressions Their chief Book is as we said before Culustan that is Rose-Valley made by the famous Poet Schich Saadi Their chief Books and some Years since Translated into the German Tongue by Olearius it consists not onely in pleasant Prose but delightful Verses and therefore every Persian hath this Book in his House nay some there are which carry it in their memory and are therefore accounted very learned this they repeat at all Feasts and other Merry-meetings Delight in reading Histories Moreover they delight much in reading of Histories especially those of Aly's Life and Death as also of Hossein Aly's Son which are written in a lofty Style They have likewise several other Books as Chronicles as well of their own Kings Reigns and Wars as other eminent Transactions and these are term'd Mirchond Emveri Tzami Walehi Nussegri and the like amongst which the chiefest is Mirchond who in an excellent Style hath written a Persian Chronicle in Four Volumes which are there sold for two hundred Crowns but we cannot credit the Persians much in their Histories and Matters of Religion because they often mix fabulous Invention with real Truths The number of Books that treat of Philosophy are but small in these Countreys and those few are in the Hands of the most learned Persons who keep them as a great Treasure The Books that are generally sold there are either Romances or Verses treating of their Law besides which they have no Books worth mentioning Arms. THe Persian Horse-men are arm'd with Bowes The Housemens Arms. Arrows and a bending Sword like a Scymetar their main strength consists in the Cavalry and though their Horses are small and lean yet they are strong and swift The Hilt of their Swords is onely a cross Bar yet sufficient to defend the Hand and for the most part set forth with inchased work the Scabberds are either of red or black Leather and plated after the same manner as the Hilt their Belts are narrow and plain without any other Ornament or Colour than the skins naturally bear their Bowe-men are call'd Curtschi and their Musquettiers Tufenktschi for they have Musquets and also Pistols which they say Schach Abbas first brought in use among them They also have some great Guns which they use more in their Fortifications and Sieges than in a Field Battel Yet Anno 1604. Schach Abbas had one hundred and fifty Cannons when he beat off Vlutzali Bassa from Cigale They use many Stratagems In former times the Persians always engag'd their Enemies on Horse-back but since the use of Musquets was brought amongst them they have made a Body of Foot which in these last Wars hath done them great Service Moreover they are very subtile in contriving Plots and Stratagems to circumvent their Enemies At the Siege of Iruan Anno 1633. the Persians had a sort of Poyson in little Glasses which they shot with Darts into their Enemies Forts by which means they so infected the Air that it swell'd the Inhabitants Arms and Legs to an extraordinary thickness and by that means made them unable to resist Their defensive Arms are Brest-plates Shields Coats of Mail and Helmets The Soldiers of Persia made up of three Bodies The Soldiers of Persia are made up of three sorts The first sort are Turkomans which are like Hirelings and have Ziefs that is Pensions which the Sons inherit from their Fathers and are bound to furnish the King with a certain number of Horse as often as occasion shall require The second sort is that which Leunclaivus and Soranzo call Corrises or Coridsches but in the Turks Language might more properly be call'd Curchins or Georgians which receive no pay but have onely their Dyet Horses Apparel Arms Tents and all other Necessaries The third sort are Friends and Allies viz. Armenians and other Georgians who are Enemies to the Turks Four Degrees in their Militia In Persia are four Orders or Degrees in their Militia the first are Musquetiers or they that use Fire-arms not many years since brought in by King Abbas through the perswasions of Sir Anthony Sherley one of our three famous Sherleys so much celebrated in former times All the Musquetiers are Natives and Inhabitants of the Cities Musquettiers Towns and Villages though more dwell in the Villages than the Towns or Cities and they are accounted Tat or ignoble and may not wear the Tag but the common Turbant Formerly they continually fought on Foot yet march'd on Horseback like our Dragoons All the Captains of these and other Companies are by a Turkish Name call'd Juzbassi that is The Head of a Hundred for Juz is a Hundred and Bassi the Head notwithstanding they often have above two hundred and sometimes under one hundred in their Companies Those that dwell in several Provinces or Places meeting at a general Rendezvouz march together to the Army either with the Chans of the Province or else alone especially those that have no Chans Those of Mazanderan are accounted the best Musquettiers but there are more beside them
Sweet-meats and Snow in the midst of Summer to such places where they expect the Army to come For their better accommodation the Inhabitants of those Countreys in hopes of gain store up great quantities of all manner of Provision against the time that they expect the Army to come thither where they dispose of them at their own Rates which is not ordinary The Pay which a Trooper receives Their pay amounts yearly to five Tomans each Toman is sixteen Crowns with which he may maintain himself very handsomly there the Officers pay is either more or less according to their places Olearius tells us that the yearly pay of a private Soldier viz. of a Curtschi or Bow-man is three hundred Crowns with which he must maintain himself and his Horse and that of a Tufenktschi is two hundred The pay allow'd certain persons of Quality exceeds all the rest and extends to two or three hundred Tomans a year these also maintain whole Companies at their own Charge notwithstanding these Grandees are listed but as private Soldiers in the King's Book All the Persian Soldiers which receive the Kings pay are oblig'd to be ready upon his Command and if need require immediately to go to such places as they are call'd to No orderly Discipline in Battels The Persians observe no order of Marshalling their Forces in Field Battels the King onely placing the Chans over the Sultans and other Commanders according to the number of men which they have under them The Office of a Captain is onely to guard the place where he is appointed The Soldiers are not drawn out in good Order but confusedly mixt together and it often happens that the Musquettiers Bow-men Pikemen are all intermingled after a confused manner March close near an Enemy They for the most part make a running fight and turn about so soon as they have discharg'd upon their Enemy like our Men who retreat so soon as they have fir'd to make way for others Moreover when they draw near the Enemy or they come to a place where they apprehend any danger they keep close together in one Body Their Bag and Baggage with their Wives follow them at a good distance Their Train and Baggage riding on Camels if they go to meet the Enemy but at their return they ride before and the stoutest men between them and the Enemy their Encamping themselves is also in a confus'd manner and without Order taking up as much room as they can which though it be for their ease yet many times proves dangerous By this means the Ordu that is The Camp like a City the Army or Camp is like one of the greatest Cities in Persia and stor'd with all manner of Provision like a Market They cut off the Hair of their slain Enemies and carry the same about with them according to the Custom of the Countrey as a certain testimony of their Victory and Valor Rewards of valiant Men. Such Commanders as behav'd themselves valiantly are Presented with Suits of Cloth of Tissue as a requital for their good and faithful Service which as soon as they have receiv'd they immediately put on and give that which they put off to the Bearer Their Tents They use certain little Huts Tents or Pavilions in the Fields which are call'd Scervanli from the Province of Scervan where they are made They are for the most part cover'd with a strong Stuff and wrought like a Quilt which is very substantial against the Cold and Rain as also against excessive Heat they are round on the top like a Canopy and oval in form at the bottom There are likewise other smaller places of repose call'd Saivan or cover'd Places which serve onely as Tilts to keep off the Weather and the Sun Their Coyn. Their several sorts of Money THe currant Money in Persia is Silver and Copper The Silver Coyns are an Abas or Abascy Garem Abas or Chodabende Schahi Bisti Laryns or Lari Piasters and their Copper Coyn call'd Pul or Casbechi An Abascy is about a Crown in value though not above a quarter of an Ounce in weight These Abascies have their Denomination from Schach Abbas who caus'd them to be Coyn'd as also the half Abas and the Chodabendes because Schach Chodabende was the first maker of them The Schahis make each a quarter of an Abas and two Bisties and a half being the least Silver Coyn one Abascy The Laryns or Lari are two pieces of Silver of a certain weight bow'd together in two parts and stamp'd at the end with the Governor of Lar's Arms and hath its Name from the City or Dominion or from the Princes of Lar when they were absolute and not subject to the Kings of Persia And because the value of this Coyn consists onely in the weight and goodness of the Silver it passes currantly through all the Eastern Countreys and not onely allow'd by the Chans and Princes of Lar who first Coyn'd it but by all the Princes of Asia for the Turks Persians Mogulls and others Coyn the same with their proper Names But after the uniting of the Dukedom of Lar with the Persian Realm this Coyn hath much declin'd as Olcarius affirms In former times they had another Coyn call'd Lari which was of bended Silver Plate beaten out and stampt in the middle Some account five Laryns to make a Spanish Ryal and one Laryn passes amongst the Hollanders on the Island of Ceilon for twelve of their Stivers In Persia as also in all other Countreys passes a Coyn call'd Piaster each piece whereof is valu'd at a Crown Their Copper Money is in general call'd Pul and in particular Casbechi of which forty make an Abascy Each great City hath its peculiar Copper Coin which goes in no other Place and no longer than one year because the Stamp is alter'd every year The Coyn of one City is mark'd with a Deer and of another with a Goat Satyr Fish Serpent or whatever they fancy Moreover against their new Year which happens in February the old Casbechies are either call'd in or cry'd down after which two are not worth one and are forc'd to be brought to the Mint again where they are beaten out and stamp'd anew A Pound of Copper is sold here for one Abas of which they make sixty Casbechies They have also Xerafs or Xerafies or Xerafins of Gold which make eight Laryns and likewise Deniers which are about one Spanish Ducat and a half apiece But Texeira doth not clear this Point because in one place he saith that a Million of Gold Deniers makes almost twelve Millions of Spanish Ducats and in another place that fifteen hundred Deniers are near upon two thousand Spanish Ducats and in another place that fifty thousand Deniers are about seventy thousand Spanish Ducats But a Xerafin is by the Hollanders on the Island Ceylon accounted to be four Shillings Others affirm that the Coyns in Persia are Besorchs Pays Soudy Chay Mamoudy Laryn and
the Persians follow besides Tilling Husbandry and Planting all sorts of Fruits which they sell to advantage are several Manufactures and Arts but none turn to a greater Account than that of Writing Writing the most advantageous Employment and Silk-Stuffs the next they being utterly ignorant in the Art of Printing The next is the making of Silk-Stuffs for which purpose eminent Citizens keep Work-houses in the Persian Tongue call'd Carchane where many Persons are employ'd which brings them in great Profit yearly But Cito Indino which is very fine Callico spotted with divers Colours is brought thither out of India Most of the Artificers are Weavers Artificers Dyers or Painters who Trading in Cotton and Silk make curious Stuffs mix'd with Gold of the same but their Pieces reach not above eight or nine Yards a fit Pattern for a Persian Habit. The Jescht and Cashan Workmen being the most artificial know how to work all sorts of Shapes in Silk-Stuffs but especially their Characters so exactly that the best Writers cannot make their Letters better with a Pen. These Stuffs besides those that are made up into wearing Clothes are with Cotton and raw Silk Transported to other Countreys Vast quantities of Silk gather'd yearly It is generally accounted that in Persia there are every year gather'd ten thousand Zoom or twenty thousand Bales of Silk for a Zoom is two Bales each Bale weighing two hundred and sixteen Pound Of these twenty thousand Bales the Province of Kilan alone produces in a fruitful year eight thousand Schirwan and Chorazan each three thousand Mazanderan and Carabach each two thousand besides what Georgia which is also rich in Silk and other Places yield of all which not above a thousand Bales are kept to be wrought in Persia the remainder being sent to India Turky and Italy and by us and the Hollanders fetch'd from thence in Exchange for Copper Tin and Cloth which last is highly esteem'd by the Persians who are ignorant in the use of Wooll and making of Cloth insomuch that a Yard of ordinary Cloth at Ispahan will fetch eight nine or ten Dollars A free and open Trade in Prrsia The most and richest Traders in Persia are Armenian Christians who like our Chapmen carry their Wares from Place to Place for Persia is an open Countrey for all Nations to vend their Wares in In Cashan are three sorts of Silk-Stuffs the first that of which they make their Girdles the second is call'd Mileck on some of which are wrought divers Persian Motto's as also the Figures of Men Women Beasts and Plants all set off with choice variety of Colours the third sort is call'd Zerbaf or Mileckzerbaf which differ little from the former onely that the first is all of Silk and the others are wrought with Gold and Silver and onely worn by Ladies or us'd to make rich Furniture for their Chambers The King's Revenues The King 's yearly Revenues THe yearly Revenues of the Kings of Persia are said to amount to twenty Millions of our Money for not onely the Towns and Provinces pay great Tributes but also the Customs Taxes and Presents amount to a considerable Sum. The rich Province of Candahar alone when it is under the Jurisdiction of Persia pays in Tributes and other Taxes about two Millions and a half of Gold Iran and Babylon pay not much less and according to the Contents of the Dester or Exchequer-Register the Suburbs and Villages about Ispahan pay yearly forty thousand Dollars Customs taken off in Trade from Port to Port and of what paid Schach Thamas was the first King that took off the Customs formerly paid for the Transporting of Commodities from one Place to another being Farm'd for above a hundred thousand Tomans yearly each Toman being sixteen Crowns but afterwards he commanded them onely to pay the bare Fees of what Goods were Exported or Imported so that most of his Revenues came from the Lands Woods Vineyards and Fruits of which he had a seventh part of the Product They also paid for their Cattel viz. for forty Sheep fifteen Bisties yearly and for each Cow ten Besides which the Christians paid from Five to Eight in the Hundred according to the goodness of the Lands possess'd and Trade which they drove The Customs which are paid in Travelling for the securing of the Roads are very inconsiderable Some report that the River Senderuth in Ispahan raises yearly near sixteen thousand Dollars The Armenian Christians of which there are many thousands in the Countrey pay two Dollars apiece The annual Presents of the Chans and others amount also to vast Sums of Money for none according to an ancient Custom may appear before the King without a Present The value of the yearly Presents besides which the Magistrates and Governors expect their Gifts The Georgians also pay great Tributes to the Persian King for Vincent ab Alexandro affirms that one of those Princes pays yearly twenty thousand Escues or Crowns Not onely on the Borders but also up into the Countrey in the chiesest Cities and in many places where there are Bridges and great Throughfares both Strangers and Inhabitants are forc'd to pay Toll for Silk and other Merchandises Toll paid of most Goods besides which for each Bale of Silk made in the Countrey the King receives ten Dollars for each Mule that is sold one Abas for an Ass half an Abas for an Ox a quarter of a Dollar and for a Sheep one Casbechie The Pearl-Fishing of Barain brings him in twenty five hundred or three thousand Tomans yearly The Caravansera's which are inhabited by Merchants pay annually fifty thousand Dollars In Ispahan are twenty four which pay three hundred Tomans The King also receives twenty five thousand Dollars per annum from the Farm of Fishing in Rivers and from the Nefta springs four thousand The Baths and Houses of Entertainment pay a Tun of Gold and all Gardens forty Yards long and thirty broad nine Abas apiece The State of the Prince By these great Revenues the Wealth of this Kingdom sufficiently appears and the State of the Prince from his Golden Table and Dishes of which Schach Abbas had so many that as hath been said the making of them onely cost nine hundred thousand Ducats Olearius judges they might weigh thirty six hundred Pound And this Magnificence was not new for Xenophon affirms that the ancient Kings of Persia judg'd their greatest Glory to consist in their abundance of Golden Vessels Their Buildings The form of Noblemens Houses THe Houses of Noblemen are for the most part large containing many Apartments fitted for several uses each Room is built alone in a handsom form and separate from the rest so that you need not go out of one into another as is usual here but directly to that where you are design'd The Houses according to the Eastern manner have no Windows towards the Street are flat Roof'd and have very little Doors of one intire
or their next Addresses But the reciprocal presenting of these Princes one to another they look upon as such a Due that they expect it as a Debt and the neglect thereof hath bred so much animosity as hath caus'd a War and particularly between the Turks and the Persians Anno 1618. because King Abbas had many years neglected his Presents which amounted to a very considerable value to the Grand Seignior Those that bring the Ambassador's Presents to the King are a poor sort of people kept by the King for that purpose To every Present are order'd as many people to carry it as there are pieces and several sorts of things for every man is to carry but one piece though never so small And makes great returns Moreover the Persians make very great Presents especially to Strangers who are oblig'd to make a Return of a greater value and if the Person that is presented fail therein he that presented him doth not onely cry and lament as if he had sustain'd a great loss but also demands his Gift again or the value thereof The King's Wives call'd Begum The Kings Wives are three or four besides a great number of Concubines the Queen is in the Persian Tongue call'd Begum which is properly a Turkish Word and signifies a Lady but this name is by the Persians not onely given to the Queen but also to the King's Daughters Sisters and Aunts This Queen is the chief of all his Wives to whom the rest shew obedience The rest have another Name besides that of Begum viz. Maria Begum Zeineh Begum c The King's Concubines cannot attain to the Honorable Title of Begum but are styl'd Chanum No Concubines so styl'd Chanum signifies properly amongst the Turks and Tartars my Queen but amongst the Persians onely an eminent Woman wherefore the Relations and Consorts of Noblemen bear that Denomination But if there be more than one Chanum in the house viz. a Consort a Sister a Mother or any else they distinguish them to avoid mistakes according to their Age Quality or Office calling the Chief the great Chanum the others the little Chanum the second Chanum c. if there be but one the Husband the Son and all else call her my Chanum except the Servants who say our Chanum and hereby they know the Masters of the House but this is onely customary amongst persons of great Quality The King's Concubines are commonly of several Foreign Nations for the King especially King Abbas Persian Women not respected delighted not in Women of his own Countrey nor in those of his Relations wherefore there are but few Persian women seen at the Court except it be some or the Chans Daughters or other Ladies of Honor. Most of the Kings Women are either born in Georgia Circassia Muscovy or Armenia and many of them Christians but are oblig'd upon their coming thither to turn Mahumetans There are also Tartars extracted from the Family of the Usbeghi but most of the King's Concubines are Georgians which are very beautiful of good deportment and noble Extract in their own Countrey How the King bestows His Concubines The King oftentimes gives his Concubines in Marriage to some or other of his Nobles and with her a Portion viz. a Camel to carry her to her Husband if he doth not live in the City a Chieceve that is a coulor'd Seat which according to the Custom of the Countrey being set upon the Camel she may sit therein with great ease as also a Chest with her Clothes and Bedding Linnen Plate Jewels and all things which she possess'd in the Haram also two thousand Duckets which his an inconsiderable Portion for they are bound to maintain her at another Rate In any Progress the King's Wives always travel before in the Night to prevent being seen by the vulgar Sort and in his absence ride in little close Seats which hang on a Camels side viz. on each side of the Camel one which when the Camel-drivers have fitted they retire while the Eunuchs help in the Ladies Eunuchs onely attend the Haram and why which Custom was first instituted by Schach Abbas upon this occasion The King on a time marching with his Army in the Night and overtaking a Camel that belong'd to his Haram whose Seat hung down on one side he call'd to the Camel-driver who not appearing the King in a rage lighting off from his Horse endeavor'd with his shoulders to lift up the same but finding it too heavy and remounting his Horse to discover what might be the Reason of it's extraordinary weight he saw the Lady that was therein embracing the Camel-driver which so enrag'd the King that calling several of his Officers about him he immediately caused the two Malefactors to be beheaded and since that time the Camel-drivers never meddle with any thing but hanging on the empty Seats and taking them off The Order how the Haram travels If the King's Wives travel in Company with him they always ride on Horse-back unveyl'd but strongly guarded Moreover the King on all such occasions always rides in the Middle of his Haram and spends his time in Discourse first with one and then with another And when the Women of the Haram travel alone or in company with the King they always go in the following order A League before march a certain number of Eunuchs who drive all those that they meet with both by Night and Day out of the Way that they may not meet the Haram nay they have Power to clear whole Towns and Villages and wound and kill all such as contest and will not retire The Women never seen unveyl'd The Eastern Princes account it a great Abomination for any of their Women to be seen by their Subjects for not onely Ladies of Quality but also the meanest Slaves that belong to the Court are never seen by any strange men but onely the King himself and his Eunuchs After them follows a Company of Soldiers call'd Jasacksi which are like the King's Life-guard who prevent all Persons of what Quality soever from passing to the Haram Haram what it means Because the Word Haram is often mention'd we will explain what it means Haram is an Arabick Word and signifies properly amongst the Arabians that which is forbidden and disallow'd by the Law The Persian-Mahumetans and those that inhabit the Eastern Countreys of Asia understand by the Haram the Seraglio of Concubines and accordingly when they intend to say that the King or Prince is in the Womens Lodgings they say The King c. is in the Haram the Servants of the Haram and so with all other things The Recreation of the King's Wives The King never travels abroad nay not to the Wars without his Haram The King's Wives recreate themselves every Wednesday in Ispahan with great freedom in the Street Tziaharbag and in the Gardens thereabouts where they are attended by many Ladies of Honor but during their
which they travell'd always Entertain'd them at a Banquet on which they spent above twenty or thirty Talents They generally Din'd alone but sometimes their Wives and Children were permitted to sit with them at their Table as also the Kings Mother and Brothers If the King invited any to eat with him they sat with a Curtain drawn between them in such a manner that the King could see them and not be seen again King Cyrus as Xenophon observ'd plac'd those in whom he repos'd greatest confidence on his left and others on his right side because they say the left side lies more open to those that design to do Mischief than the right But these Entertainments were without freedom because the Guests were forc'd to cat with bowing Heads and cast-down Eyes The Kings never appear'd on foot to the People but always came out of the Palaces either in a Coach or else on Horseback Their care in visiting their Provinces They were wont to visit their several Provinces or else to send faithful Lieutenants to such Places where they could not go themselves to give order to all Husbandmen to let no Ground lie waste that the Merchants should promote their Traffick and Handicraftsmen be diligent in following their Employments that so they might be the better able to pay them their Tribute They also kept several Noblemen call'd Megistanes who always waited at their Doors to receive their Commands besides the Surene or Magistrate who set the Crown on the Kings Head and several who constantly attended to receive Ambassadors or all such as had Business with the King into whose Presence they could not be permitted without them Great numbers of Eunuchs were also kept at the Kings Court who attended on the Queens and Concubines The Kings Secretaries The Kings likewise kept their Secretaries who going into the Wars with them writ down all the Passages thereof as also the Edicts or Letters Patents which were given to the Governors the beginning whereof were to this effect The King saith thus Moreover when he writ to his Commanders he wish'd them Peace as also they to him His Letters were not onely written in one Language but in the several Languages of those People whom they Govern'd There were also some whose Office it was to tell the King the hour of the day and many other such like Officers amongst whom were some call'd The Eyes and Ears of the King Those Kings that liv'd lasciviously endeavor'd to die without pain by means of a Poyson which they kept onely for themselves and their Mothers This Poyson was made of the Dung of a small Indian Bird call'd Dicodre a piece whereof about the bigness of a Barley-corn being put into their Liquor caus'd them to die an easie and also a sudden Death They had stately Tombs at Persepolis Their Tombs Pasargades and Ecbatane on all which were Motto's and Inscriptions Engraven Education of their Sons The Kings Sons were highly reverenc'd and taught in the seventh year of their Age to Hunt and Ride the great Horse The eldest who was to succeed in the Throne was in his fourteenth year committed to the Charge of four Tutors who amongst the Persians were accounted the most wise just sober and valiant Men in their Dominions the first taught him Wisdom and the Rules of Government the second admonished him to affect Truth the third to curb the Desires of the Flesh and the fourth to fear nothing The Reward of approved Counsel If it hapned that any Man undertook to give the King Advice or Counsel in Business of great consequence he was plac'd on a square Cushion of Gold which he was permitted to carry away with him if his Advice was approv'd of but if not he was whipt about the Court. One of the Gentlemen of the Bed-Chamber wak'd the King every Morning and desir'd him to rise and mind the Concerns of the Kingdom which the God Merosomasdes had given to him They themselves judg'd and determin'd Causes pass'd the Sentence of Death on Criminals whom they kept some time in Prison before they were Executed They never condemn'd any Man for one single Crime but enquir'd what the general course of his Life had been and if they found that he had done more good than bad Deeds they releas'd him but if otherwise he was punish'd They also chose their Judges out of the most experienc'd Men in the Persian Law who enjoy'd their Places during their Lives What their Law prohibited Their Laws forbad Stealing Burglary to use violence to any and to rebell against their Princes Malefactors were committed to Prison with silver Shackles and golden Handbolts In the latâ—er time of the Persian Monarchy they had a Prison call'd Lethe into which were onely put Criminals that were condemn'd to die The Punishment of Nobles If any of their Nobility had committed a a Crime they de-oculated them but others were punish'd after another manner They cut not their Heads off with an Ax but a Rasor Sometimes they cut off the Head and right Hand of a Malefactor and nail'd them on a Cross others they burnt flay'd alive or ston'd to death Such as have many Children highly rewarded The King gave Gifts to all those that increas'd their Families by many Children and Registred the Names of those that at any time had done them good Service that when time and opportunity serv'd they might be requited nay they permitted them to sit by them kiss'd them and gave them a Silk Coat made after the fashion of the Medes and gave them leave to wear a Chain of Gold about their Necks and golden Armlets also a golden Simiter which is the greatest Mark of Honor amongst the Persians and as highly reverenc'd as the Star and Garter by us besides golden Reyns for their Horses They also gave them the Revenue of some Towns and the Command of an Army but the greatest of all his Royal Gifts was a golden Slipper The Division of the Countrey The whole Kingdom was divided into Satrapia's Counties or Lordships though Writers differ in the number of them for as some affirm Darius divided the same first into 360 Lordships over which three more principal Satrapae were plac'd Others write that Darius had onely a hundred and twelve Satrapia's or Lordships whose Governors were forc'd to give an Account of their Government to the first three Some also make more and others less But after the Parthians had made themselves Masters of Persia they divided the whole Realm into twenty Satrapia's several of them being Govern'd by one Person These Lordships were given to the Kings Sons and the King often in his Will gave all the Cities thereof to his youngest Son The Office of these Governors was to Command the Inhabitants protect their Goods gather in the Revenues and advise the King of all Transactions Besides these Governors of Countreys there were others who order'd Husbandmen Tradesmen and other People to be
Black Sea The first of them which rises Eastward is the Stream by the Ancients call'd Fasis and now Faso or Fas by the Scythians according to Thevet Debbassetcha and by the Inhabitants Rione which as Procopius affirms falls with such force and violence into the Sea that it makes the Water fresh for some Miles But this is contradicted by Agricola And Archangel Lamberti who hath seen the same several times says this River at first runs very swift from its Fountain Head but coming amongst the Plains it is so slow that 't is scarce discern'd to move and yet certain it is that its Water doth not commix with the Sea The Stream Faso disembogues it self into the Sea through two Mouths between which it makes an Island by the Ancients call'd Ea wherein the Turks in the Year 1578. built a Fort which was since pull'd down At the same time the Turkish Emperor Amurat took the City Teflis from the Persians supposing it would have been a very convenient Harbor for him to keep his Galleys in that from thence they might go with the more ease to conquer Persia which then he design'd and make himself Master of the City Colatis the Entrance and Key into the Countrey on that side to which purpose his Galleys also went a great way up the Stream But the Georgians having fortifi'd themselves at the Entrance of the River where it is narrowest Entertain'd them so roughly that they forc'd them to return Above the Island the Stream is above half a Mile broad where its Banks are also overgrown with Trees and frequented by Fishermen who come thither to catch Sturgeon Farther up into the River lie many small Islands of which several are Inhabited To each House which is built on the same belongs a small Barque made of a hollow Tree in which the Women Row from place to place Arrianus who by the Emperor Adrian's Command went to discover this River saith in one of his Letters that on the left side of the Mouth of the River he saw the Image of the Goddess Rhea in a Temple which in the time of the Emperor Emperor Zenon was Dedicated to the Virgin Recas The next River is Sceni-Skari that is The Horse-River by reason of its swiftness Arrianus and all those Geographers that follow him place other Rivers between the Faso and Sceni but by mistake for it is certain that the Sceni is the first Stream which falls into the Faso but afterwards receives the Abassin and Tachut the Abassin is the Glaucus of Strabo and the Tachut the Sigam of Arrian though he places it towards Copo There is at this day another Tract of Land through which this Stream flowing receives its Denomination TABULA COLCHIDIS HODIE MENGRELIE Next follows the River Enguria anciently call'd Asteltes which Arrian places near the Cianeus It falls with extraordinary swiftness from the Mountains inhabited by the Sovanies and swelling with the melted Snow that likewise glides from them to that heighth that it cannot be cross'd without a Barque The next in order to the Enguria is the Rivulet Heti which is not found in the Maps by reason of its smalness but is very eminent for a strange sort of Fish which is taken therein It discharges its Water into the Black Sea at a place call'd Gahbidas Another River nam'd d'Ochums glides through a Tract of Land call'd Tarscen from which perhaps the Name Tarsura had its original and by which it is mention'd in the Maps The next is the Echalis and after that the Stream Moquis which borrows its Denomination from the City and Bishoprick of Moquis through which it passes The last is the Stream call'd Coddors anciently Corax This divides Mengrelia from the Abascians as the Fasis from Guriel and Georgia In many places of Mengrelia are great Lakes especially on the Plains where the Ground sounds hollow when any one Rides over it which is no small testimony of the affinity between the Black and Caspian Seas to which may be added that in these two Seas one sort of Fishes are found for there is abundance of Sturgeon in the Black as well as in the Caspian Sea Several sorts of Sturgeon At the Mouth of the Paso and Enguria the Inhabitants catch abundance of Sturgeon from April till August of which they have three sorts one of which call'd Zuthi being of a far better taste than the rest is carry'd to the Court and dres'd for the King's Table The second sort call'd Angiachia differs not much from the first onely it is the bigger and the Flesh not altogether so good The third sort nam'd Poronci is yet larger and almost like a Buffalo but its Flesh is not comparable to the other The Inhabitants cut these Fish into pieces of two Hands breadth which the Salting dry in the Sun and afterwards use as Rarity Of the Rocs they make Caveare which putting into small Vessels they Salt setting it in the Sun till it condense into a Body or thick Substance The least Sturgeon call'd Zuthi hath a bigger Roe than the rest neither is any part of thrown away but the flat Bones which stick in the top of the Skin besides which it hath no other except a Gristle about a Finger thick which extends from the Head to the Tail The Fishermen have certain signs whereby to know when it is best Fishing as by the hollowness of the Water which from the melted Snow falling into the same is greedily coveted by the Sturgeon They also take here another sort of Fish call'd Suia and by the Turks Calcan Baluch which signifies a Pilcher being exactly of that form and cover'd with little Scales but hath two Eyes on one side the one grey and the other white This Fishing begins in December and continues till April In some Seasons there are abundance of Herrings in this Sea and the greater the number of them is the more Sturgeons they are sure to catch that year Anno 1642. the Sea had thrown so great a number of Herrings on the Shore between Trebizonde and the Countrey of the Abcassians that they lay above half a yard thick upon one another like a Bank There are also Oysters which the Fishermen throw into the Sea again when they catch them in their Nets yet some of them have course Pearls in them such as Pliny writes he saw in the Bosphorus of Thracia The Rivers are full of Voorn of which there are two sorts the one call'd Calmakka is very small and the other Aragoli which is bigger the first sort are catch'd in the North Sea and the other onely in the Rivers in which and on whose Banks are likewise Beavers contrary to Aristotle's opinion who affirms that no four-footed Beasts can live in the Sea Venison carry'd hence into Greece The Countrey abounds also with all manner of Venison and great numbers of Pheasants which Bird hath its Denomination from the River Fasis about whose Banks it breeds as also through all
Mengrelians for accounting them delicate Meat They have no Corn neither do they make use of Salt There are an innumerable company of Hawk sand Falcons which they teach so well in eight days that letting them flie at the Game they return with the same upon the gingling of a Bell and are from thence lent to Constantinople Persia and Georgia Their manner of living Hunting and Hawking is their chiefest Business and Recreation They inhabit neither in Towns nor Castles but fifteen or twenty Families together who erect Tents or Huts on the top of some pleasant Hill which they fortifie with a kind of Pallisado's that they may not be suddenly surpris'd and taken by their own Natives Some affirm that the Woods are their places of Residence and that when once they setlte themselves in any one place they never desert the same They endeavor to take away and sell one another for Slaves to the Turks who highly esteem these Countrey People Riches and Trade Their Riches and Merchandise consist in all manner of Skins Wax Honey and Slaves Their Nobles commonly sell their Vassals to the Turks in Barter for other Commodities There come yearly into the Haven of Eschissumuni several Ships from Lazi Trebizonde Constantinople and Caffa where they stay sometimes all the Winter The Merchants which come in them go not ashore with their Commodities but sell them aboard having beforehand given Oath or Hostages not to hurt one another Amongst other Customs peculiar to these People one is That they neither bury nor burn their Dead but put the Corps into the Body of some hollow Tree hanging up the Arms and Garments of the Deceased about it They go Cloth'd after the manner of the Circassians onely their Hair they wear otherwise Habit. They let their Mustacho's grow but shave their Beards On the contrary the Papari let all their Beards grow They maintain constant Wars against the Circassians and Mengrelians Wars and are good Soldiers both on Foot and on Horseback knowing well how to manage Fire-arms as also Simiters Bowes and Arrows The Alans and Zichi agree for the most part in their manner of Living with the Sovanians and Abcassians The Caracholians dwell also to the Northward of Mount Caucasus Some call them Caraquirquez that is Black Circassians for Cara is Black in the Turkish Language But they are of a fair Complexion and therefore we may rather suppose that this Name was given them because the Air of that Countrey which they inhabit is always dark and cloudy and full of Snow They speak the Ottoman Tongue notwithstanding they dwell in the midst of so many several forts of People but so exceeding quick that they can scarce be understood The Jesuite Archange Lamberti affirms that these People had their original from the Hunnes At the Black Sea dwell a sort of Mahumetans call'd Lesgi who acknowledge no Prince abroad but being divided amongst themselves are under many petty Governors in their Language call'd Myrza or Princes of which some have scarce twenty Men under their Command Moreover they are a robust and rude kind of People chusing rather to live in Villages in the Countrey than in wall'd Cities They are salvage and cruel and implacably hated by their Neighbors as a People that live by robbing and stealing The People call'd Lazi or Curten The Curten are Herdsmen THe People call'd Lazi otherwise Curten border upon Georgia and the Countrey of Trebizonde They inhabit the high Mountains along the Shore of the Black Sea They are a laborious People bred in the Woods and spend their whole Lives in no other Employment but keeping of Cattel The Black Sea The several Names of this Sea THe Water known to us by the Name of the Black Sea perhaps from the Example of the Greeks who according to Bellonius call'd the same Maurothalassa that is Black Sea or as Niger affirms by the Grecian Navigators Maurum is by the Inhabitants of Mengrelia and by the Italians call'd Mar Majore that is The Great Sea and by the ancient Greek and Latine Writers is mention'd under several Denominations for Herodotus sometimes calls it The Cimmerian Sea then The North Sea and in his fourth Book Auxiotheaton that is Worth the seeing Plutarch in the Life of Pompey and Eumenes and after him Ptolomy and Jornandes call it The Pontick Sea Pliny Pontus Axenus that is A Sea without Harbors But the common Name which the Latine Writers give it is Pontus Euxinus which in the Greek signifies A Sea with Harbors and is so call'd per antiphrasin as Ammianus Marcellinus affirms or that afterwards her Shores were provided of Harbors Towns and other Accommodations whereas before it was inaccessible and desolate and that so this Sea from Axenus or Harborless became Euxenus or Receptive It is subject to Storms The Black Sea is subject to many Storms and tempestuous Weather especially in Winter when the North Wind blowing cross the same fills the Skie over this Sea with Clouds and Darkness whenas inother Countreys it makes a serene clearness so that Horace justly said Illic umbrosiae semper stant aequare nubes incerta dies that is There always lie dark Clouds on this Sea from whence probably the Name of The Black Sea which is given to it proceeds There are no Islands in this Sea unless some small Rocks mould be nam'd Isles which lie near the Coast The Cossacks from Poland come into this Sea as Pyrates to meet with the Turks Frequented by the Cossacks and are absolute Masters thereof their place of Residence is at the entrance of the River Niger beyond the Mouth of the Black Sea Aelian tells us that there are many Tunneys caught in the Black Sea though Archangel Lamberti during his stay in Mengrelia never saw more than one of them which was brought as a strange Fish to the Patriarch's Table neither did the Fishermen of the Countrey know it but Aelian may perhaps have mistaken a Sturgeon for a Funny The Province of Circassia Who the Circassians are THe ancient People Zyches or Zyges according to Stephanus and Strabo whom Pliny places in the Asiatick Sarmatia about the Lake Meotis are at this day as George Interian and Scaliger affirm call'd Circassi or Circassians but amongst themselves Adiga and by the Poles Pient-Zorsti that is Inhabitants of the five Mountains Bronjof calls them Pythagoreans Ananias Pitorses Ramusco Comans and their Countrey Comania but Comania comprehends Colchis or Mengrelia Georgia and Albania These Circassians are those which are call'd Mamelus or Mamelucks and by the Turks in the time of the Soudans Zerhars There are two remarkable Streams The Rivers the one call'd Pisi which falls into the Lake Calbane the other Sil glides by Cabarta There are many other Rivulets of little note because a Man may wade over them The Countrey of Circassia shews it self like a Semi-circle from the South-West to the North Bounds where a large Inlet
is made by the Caspian Sea It is separated from Tagestan by the River De Bustro Others inhabit that part of Albania which in the East borders upon the Caspian Sea on the South verges Mount Caucasus in the North is bounded by the same Bustro and the Tartarian and Astracan Heath George Interian tells us that Circassia extends from the River Don formerly call'd Tanais all along the Coast to the Cimmerian Bosphorus now nam'd Vospeto or The Mouth of St. John and sometimes The Mouth of the Sea of the Zabachees from thence stretching beyond this Bay along the Coast of the Black Sea almost to the Cape of Bussi on the South-East to the River De Faso or according to Baro of Heberstein to the River Cupa or Coppa formerly Rhombites where on the North they border at Avogasia and possess the whole Countrey from the River Cuya to that of Meruli Their whole Coast extends outwards about seventy five Leagues but they possess above eight days Journey of the Lands lying into the Countrey on that side where they approach the Tartars John de Luca makes them to border in the North upon the Nagaian Tartars in the East to aspect the Cornuchi who are also Tartars though of another Religion and manner of Life in the South the Abcassians are their Neighbors and in the West high Mountains part them from Mengrelia and this is the largest extent of the Countrey from Taman to Derbend or Demircapi a City lying on the Shore of the Caspian Sea a Tract of twenty six days Journey This Countrey hath troublesom Ways to come to it viz. on the one side the Caspian Sea and on the other very high Mountains and deep Valleys As the Muscovites relate Alexander the Great could never get into it Between Taman and Tameruchi is a narrow Tract of Land with many Villages which are under the Jurisdiction of the Tzar of Muscovy and some Myrza's or peculiar Lords of his Court to whom he hath given them in requital of some good Service done From the Mountain Varrada to Cudescio which the Circassians possess along the Sea-Coast is a Tract of seventy five Leagues yet notwithstanding it is very fruitful is wholly destitute of Inhabitants They reckon thirty five Leagues from Cudescio to Abassia The People which dwell in these Mountains all themselves Christians as also those which have their Habitations in the Woods and on the Plains and are subject to peculiar Princes The chiefest Places under their jurisdiction and the distance thereof are these From Tomaruchi to Carbarei is eighteen days Journey a populous Countrey under the Jurisdiction of Schaban Ogoli Two days Journey more from Tomaruchi to Giana and as many from Giana to Codichoi From Giana to Bolettekoi it is four days Journey of which Countrey Gian Cosobey is Lord. From hence to Bezinada eight days Journey more From Bezinada to Carbatai eight more and from thence to Derbend ten The Lords of the Countrey The Princes Scaence and Temircas Allies to the Cham of Tartary are Masters of this Countrey The Princes Casibei and Sancascobei Brothers Command all the Villages along the Sea-shore which are all surrounded with Trees complicated together to keep out the Tartarian Horse Olearius tells that the Metropolis of the Circassians was formerly Terki but the great Tzar of Muscovy having subdu'd them Garrison'd all their considerable Towns with Russians forcing the Circassians to live in the Villages about them or else in peculiar Towns on this side of the River yet under the Jurisdiction of Myrza How they are Govern'd or Princes of their own who are sworn Subjects to the Tzar to whom they pay Tribute And when anygreat Differences arise in the Law they must be defended by the Russian Weiwodes the FORT TERCKI ent MARE CASPIUM The common Garrison is two thousand Men How Garrison'd under the Command of a Weywode and Colonel for in the City are three Pricases or Chancellors each having five hundred Strelitses under him besides the Turkish Prince Mussal hath five hundred Men attending at his Court who must joyn with the rest in cafe of necessity The Circassian Horses are more esteem'd of than the Tartarian for their extraordinary swiftness John de Luca affirms That there are no fairer People in the World than the Circassians but we approve not thereof for although the Men have well proportion'd Bodies yet they are swarthy and somewhat broad Fac'd their Hair is long and black which cutting off a Thumbs breadth from the Forehead to the Neck they leave a small Lock on their Crown which hangs down into their Neck The Women are generally well shap'd of a pleasant Countenance and indifferently fair of Complexion they let their Hair which is also black hang down intwo Braids over their Cheeks The Habits of the Circassians and go bare-fac'd The Mens Clothes are like those of the Tagestan Tartars onely their Caps being broader resemble those that the Jesuits wear Their Cloaks which are for the most part Sheep-skins hang by a String over their Shoulders on that side from whence the Weather comes for they cover onely half the Body Their Shirts being made of Cotton are Dy'd red The Women wear black Hoods Edg'd in stead of Lace with fine Cotton Cloth which they tie under the Chin. The Widows wear behind on their Heads two great blown-up Bladders cover'd with white Cotton on each side one which at a distance shews like three Heads In the Summer they go onely in their Shifts which are either colour'd red green yellow or blew and are open down to their Navels they likewise wear Amber Beads painted Shells Stones Tin and Copper Plates about their Necks which hang down below their Breasts The Women are very familiar especially with Strangers the Parents permitting their Daughters to be handled by any Person and if Strangers be Lodg'd in their Houses their Daughters in the Mornings visit them arid entertain them with amorous Discourses Virgins also go naked in the prefence of all Persons into the Rivers to Bathe themselves Their chief Employment is keeping of Cattel and Husbandry Their Employment Those of Terki and others near the Caspian Sea maintain themselves by Fishing and some of them Trade with Slaves Stags Oxen Tyger-skins and Wax which they plentifully find in the Woods The Women spend their time in embroidering of Linnen and the like It is accounted ill breeding amongst the Nobles to have any knowledge in Arithmetick or to drive any Trade because a Nobleman as they say should never trouble himself with anything but to preserve and defend his People Hunt and be a good Warriour Their common Tongue agrees with the other Tartars Their Language but most of them speak also Russian which is broken Sclavonian but they have no peculiar Alphabet so that when they have occasion to write they have recourse to the Jews who write for them in Hebrew Characters Their Marriages are nothing else but reciprocal Promises
Sobai Chobartei and Abacuas Ananias places also in this Countrey the City Derbend which he takes for the ancient Alexandria but Derbend is by others justly plac'd in the Province of Schirwan Niger makes the City Scamachie which he supposes to be the Samunis of Ptolomy in Albania but Olearius and others place the same rightly also in Schirwan One of the fairest Cities of this Countrey is Zitracha which Thevet calls Zitrack at present a City of great Trade Thevet makes the Metropolis of this Countrey to be Bambanach but Boterus Stran or Stranu formerly call'd Getara or rather Gagara which Niger supposes to be the City Bachu Ananias places here the Countrey of Hanse and Paults Jovius Gorgora of which he makes the Royal City Agazapes though Davity will rather have it to be the Gagara or Gangara of Ptolemy than the Stran or Bachu of Boterus The Air of this Countrey The Air of this Countrey is very healthful and temperate notwithstanding there is a Valley near Hanse constantly cover'd with thick Mists The Countrey near Armenia is partly low and partly mountainous and exceedingly fertiliz'd by the Rivers Cur and some others producing all sorts of Fruit-trees and Plants which are always green and with small trouble yield a fifty-fold increase Vines also thrive here nor want there tame and wild Beasts Scorpions and Spiders otherwise call'd Tarantula's Paulus Jovius tells us that the Albaneses are a valiant People and exceed herein the Mengrelians but Niger on the contrary that they are for the most part Herdsmen and take no delight in Matters of War Anno 1492. Mahomet the Turkish Emperor march'd with an Army against this Countrey from whence he return'd without effecting any thing by reason of the Cliffs and high Mountains over which the Horsemen were not able to pass About the Year 1500. Agasappas Govern'd Albania or at least a part thereof Government and pay'd Tribute to the Sophy of Persia This Countrey according to Thevet is under the Jurisdiction of him who Governs the Tartars which perhaps is the Chan of Zagatey The Inhabitants are Christians who live like the Georgians after the manner of the Greek Church The Province of Curdistan CUrdistan that is The Countrey of the Curdes by Davity reckon'd to be in Great Armenia was anciently by Ptolomy nam'd Gordene by Dion Corduene and by others The Countrey of the Cordiaques or Gordians Della Valle supposes this Countrey had no peculiar Name but was divided amongst many People of several Nations and that the Carduchans deserting the Army forc'd Xenophon with his Army to return back from whence he came They possess according to Purchas the City Bitlis and some other Villages and Mountains of the Countrey of Curduene as also the City Manuscute The Bounds of Curdistan The Curdes are a People who have their Residence in the Mountains which divide Media from the Province of Susiana now call'd Suster It also divides Turky from Persia and bordering at Aderbeitzan hath from East to West not above ten or twelve days Journey in breadth but extends a vast way in length from the North to the South It begins between the Countrey of Babylon and the Province of Chusistan towards the side of the Caspian Sea and extends Northward beyond Ninive between Armenia and Media near the Black Sea It is a strong Countrey and very difficult to come into by reason of the many Mountains which inclose the same It might justly be call'd an Arm of Mount Taurus which parting from it runs through Asia in this part quite into the Caspian Sea so that Nature seems to have delighted her self in making this Countrey as a Bulwark between these two great Realms of Persia and Turky as it was anciently a Boundary between that of the Romans and Parthians Some will have these People deriv'd from the Chaldeans and Mesopotamians for we find what they alledge many Princes of the Curdes in the Countrey of Bagdad Chaldea Carahemid and Diarhekir Moreover Chaldea is by the Turks and Persians call'd Curdistan from the People Curdes who Planted it The Habit of these People agrees with that of the Turks and Persians but is very mean The Habit of the People The Women go bare-headed and are very familiar with all manner of People Their Language and Living Their Language is peculiar and different from the Turks Arabian and Persian but hath most affinity with a certain course Speech of the Persians Many of them live in Huts in the Countrey and range up and down with their Cattel like the Tartars others live in Caves but all that have any Knowledge or Breeding dwell in the Towns They have no manner of Fruits but Feed on Butter Milk and Flesh They are very quiet and free from Pride The Government thereof The Eastern part of Curdistan which separates Media from Susiana or Suster near the City Hamadan and a Boundary of Persia was Anno 1618. Govern'd by one Hilao Chan who besides the annual Tributes and Acknowledgements sent his Son Myrza Chan to the King of Persia thereby to manifest the zeal he had to his Majesty's Service but because of the nearness of the Turks on the side of Assyria and a part of Susiana gave some suspicion to the King he resolv'd to assure himself of the Sons Inclination by placing him in his Father's stead in order to which the King sent for Hilao Chan to come with speed to Casbin where he then kept his Court there being a Report at that time that the Turk intended with a strong Amy to fall into the Countrey through the Borders of Media Hilao Chan not daring to disobey the King's Order fearing to run the same fate of many other Curdistan Lords his Neighbors who unawares offended a Prince that never let any Injury pass unpunish'd went with his Wife and Children and the rest of his Family to the Court where he no sooner arriv'd but the King receiv'd him very graciously telling him that he had great need of his Counsel on all occasions and therefore sent for him to stay by him whil'st his Son should Govern in his stead When the King went from Casbin to Sultania he told him that he would not give him the trouble to follow him in his Journey in respect of his age but order'd him to repair to Ispahan where he expected to find him at his coming thither The Nobility and primest Persons are free from this kind of Servitude Some of the also exceeding the rest in Might and Power are able to bring an Army of ten or twelve thousand Horse into the Field The Powerfullest of the Nobles shew not that Obedience as the Deputies and Subjects to their supream Governors in Europe for theirs consists onely in an acknowledgment that they live under the protection of one of the two Lords for notwithstanding they acknowledge them yet they live free Out of hopes of Gain the Curdes often change their Masters and as Cezy makes mention in his
Their Midwives which they call Dayas use also the dry'd beaten Fruit by mixing Betel amongst the same to force away the Secundine Many Precious Stones found here Between the Island Zeilan and the Cape of Comori near the Island Manar the Natives Fish for Pearl The Kingdoms of Decan and Golconda afford the Inhabitants excellent Diamonds India also produces Topazes Berils Rubies which the Arabians call Yacut Hyacinths Granats Smaragds Chrysolites Amethysts Agats Bezoar-stones and Borax Some Places also yield Gold and Silver and all manner of other Metals The Seasons in India are much differing from ours and one Coast from another Little Rain in India In Suratte and through all India there falls little or no Rain excepting at the Season in the Countrey Language call'd Pausecal which lasting about three Months begins in June and by reason of these constant Rains some name these three Months Winter Notwithstanding at this time as well in India as in other Countreys lying in 23 Degrees from the Equinoctial Line they feel the greatest and powerfullest Heat On all the Coasts of India the Rainy Seasons begin not at one time 's for it begins first in the Southern Countrey from the Cape Comoryn and runs from thence to the Northern Parts wherefore it begins later in Cambaya and other Northerly Places than at Goa where it appears on the eleventh of May. Wherefore the farther the Places lie to the Northward the longer it is before the Rainy Season comes thither And for the same reason the Persians in their Table-books and Almanacks set the down the Rainy Seasons to begin in India on the fifteenth of their third Month which they call Cordad and according to our Account of Time falls out on the twenty third of May For these Almanacks are made suitable to the Latitude of the Northern Countreys as to Cambaya Surat and many other Places where the Portuguese drive the greatest Trade The beginning of their Winter and Summer From the Kingdom of Cambaya which is the first Westward to the Cape of Comoryn along the Coast of Malabar Winter begins about the latter end of April and continues till August and at the same time from this Cape to the Coast of Cormandel it is Summer and the contrary in the following Moneths when it is Summer every where else for from August to April so long as it is Winter in the Eastern parts of India or on the Coast of Cormandel the Inhabitants Westward on the Coast of Malabar enjoy plenty of Summer Weather whenas both these Places lie under one Climate and in one Latitude Benefit of the great Rains Many years since it hath been found by experience that this Rain having continu'd some days in India and ceasing and fair Weather following for many Weeks after it begins to Rain with greater violence than before and therefore without doubt this Rain is the onely work of Divine Providence because India without these great Rains would not be inhabitable in those times by reason of the exceeding Heat and Drought which is made temperate by the Rain which also moistens the Ground being before parch'd and burnt and not onely makes these Countreys habitable but also fruitful causing the Ground to produce all things in a plentiful manner whil'st the Air grows much sweeter and pleasanter and much healthier for all Persons There is also this difference in respect of the several remote Countreys viz. the Rain being sooner and much more in one place than the other as in Bagnola and along the Coast of Cormandel to the Island Ceilon it begins and ends a Moneth sooner than on the Coast of Malabar In Bagnola the rainy Season continues four Moneths and sometimes it Rains eight days and Nights without ceasing whenas in Doly and Agra it is nothing near so vehement nor of that continuance three or four days passing together without a drop of Rain and commonly from Sun-rise till nine or ten a clock it Rains very little or not at all But the most remarkable difference is that the Rain which falls in these several places comes out of divers parts of the World as towards the City of Dely it comes out of the East in which Bengala lies whenas there and on the Coast of Cormandel it comes out of the South and on the Coast of Malabar always out of the West According as the Summer Heats come earlier or later or are hotter or milder so the rainy Season comes also sooner or later falls in more or less abundance and continues longer or shorter It seldom Rains at Dely till after several days abundance of Clouds are driven Westward Lastly this rainy or tempestuous Season is commonly by a corrupt Arabick word call'd Mauzon Mausem Anciently five thousand great Cities in India Ancient Geographers relate that in former Ages five thousand great Cities flourish'd in India the best of which was Nysa in which as the Natives affirm Father Liber or Bacchus was born and to this day all the Towns and Cities in India are very large and populous which is no wonder considering the Indians an ancient People never went out of their native Countrey Bacchus was the first that marching with his Army into India subdu'd them after which the Persians vanquish'd and possess'd the Countrey lying between the Indus and Ganges till Alexander having vanquish'd Darius defeated Porus King of India after this it enjoy'd the happiness of a luxuriant Peace every one under his peculiar King till they were invaded by the Portuguese the first whereof was Vasques de Gama who setting Sail Anno 1497 from Spain discover'd the Sea-Coasts from India after which others of the same Nation and lastly the English and Hollanders about the latter end of the last Age have made farther Inspections into these Countreys Their general Name All the Inhabitants of India are by a general Name call'd Indig or Indians though they have several other Titles given them according to their several Qualities or the divers Countreys wherein they reside All the Indians along the Coast of Cormandel Division and other Countreys thereabouts are divided into four Tribes viz. those of the Brahmanes Settrea's Weinsja's or Benjans and Soutra's others add a fifth but themselves think it not worthy to be reckon'd amongst them Diodorus Siculus and Strabo anciently divided these People into seven Tribes who all follow'd several Employments or Studies and amongst these the first were the Philosophers which without doubt were the Brahmans or Brahmines concerning whom they say that as amongst Beasts The Brahmans highly esteem'd the Cows amongst Birds the Gorouda which is a red Sparrow with a white Circle about the Neck amongst Trees the Rawasistow is the most esteemed so likewise amongst Men the Brahmans are best belov'd of God and therefore are highly reverenc'd and honor'd by their own Natives The Vedam or Law-Book hath not a little added to the Honor of this Tribe for by that Law no Brahman can be put to death
let his Crime be never so hainous but if for some capital Offence he hath deserv'd to die they onely put out his Eyes for they account it one of the five deadly Sins that cannot be pardon'd to put a Brahman to death wherefore whoever kills a Brahman must according to the Order of the Vedam go in Pilgrimage twelve years and beg Alms with the deceased Brahmans Scull out of which he must eat and drink whatsoever is given him and after expiration of that time be bountiful in giving Alms and build a Temple in honor of Eswara The Settrea's The second Tribe in order is that of the Settrea's consisting in the Nobility of the Countrey who are call'd Raies or Ragias and are as we say Comites Regis the King's Companions or Cousins who therefore writes in his Letters Raja of Raja's In ancient times this Tribe had onely two Branches the one call'd Souriwansjam and the other Somowansjam Souri signifies in the Countrey Idiome Samscortam or the Sun and Somo the Moon Besides these two there are at this day many other though of less Dignity because they degraded their Pedigree by mixing with other inferior Tribes wherefore those of the two Branches will not contract any Marriuges or affinity with them The Noblemens duty The Office of these Noblemen is to defend the Countrey oppose their Enemies take care for the maintenance of the Brahmans see that the Laws be not violated and in short to inspect the Government of the whole Realm The Weinsja's The third Tribe is that of the Weinsja's and comprehends some which are call'd Comiteia's and others Setti Weapari They maintain themselves by Merchandizing and Broakage which Office they are bound to perform with great fidelity and be contented with a reasonable Gain Most of them live after the manner of the Brahmans and like them never eat any thing which hath life when as those of the second and fourth Tribe eat Fish and Flesh Beef onely excepted which in the Vedam or Law-Book is generally forbidden to all the Tribes Moreover this Sect is also call'd Vanjans or Banans The Soudra's The fourth Tribe is that of the Soudra's and consists of the vulgar or common sort of People but most especially of Tradesmen and Artificers This Tribe is also divided into many several Branches distinguish'd by peculiar Names Of these the Family of the Wellaca's are chief whereof some Govern the Countrey and others live upon their Estates The Ambria's Next to these follow in order the Ambria's being for the most part Husbandmen the rest either Serve the Nobility or live by their Labor The Palla That Family styl'd Palla is the meanest of all the Soudra's The Cowrea's The Cawrea's are a very great Branch being styl'd The three hundred Warehouses from a Barthwuherri who after his parting from 300 Marry'd Women or Wives became a Samjasy and gave them leave to Marry other Men with promise that it should not redound to the disgrace of them nor their Successors From these Marriages this Family sprang into which are receiv'd all such as have lost their Pedigree and therefore they compare it to the Sea which receives the Waters of all Rivers and yet never becomes full Some of this Family are Governors but the most are such as Paint on Cotton which is partly us'd for Clothing in their own and partly transported to foreign Countreys The Sitties are Chapmen or Pedlars and some of them wanting Estates to Trade perform the Offices of Porters The Paly are either Drovers who sell Cattel Husbandmen Painters or Soldiers and were anciently accounted a valiant People The Cottewaneni Sitties and Illewanies Trade in all manner of Fruit and Jagara or brown Sugar The Caiclle are a despicable People most of the Women being Strumpets which they account no disgrace The Catalja's are Smiths working both in Gold and Iron Masons Carpenters and Bricklayers The Carreans Patnouwa's Maccova's and Callia's are Fishermen the first and third Fish with great Nets the second with small ones and the last after a different manner The Conapule are Scriveners the Gurrea's and Bargurrea's Herdsmen and the Berga's though the last are accounted a noble Family The Kiddi are generally Husbandmen but some of them Soldiers the Camawaers are also Farmers the Inmadi and Montrea's are for the most part Military and the Berga Willala's are Drovers The Family of the Corewa's have no setled Habitations nor City to dwell in but range up and down the Countrey with their Wives and Children sleeping in small Huts which they build in those places where they come and at their removal pull them down and with the rest of their Goods carry them away on Asses which they keep for that purpose They maintain themselves by making of Soupen and Tatous which are little Fans wherewith they winnow their Rice and Potlids to cover it when it boyls they also fetch Salt from the Seaside on their Asses Custom-free because they are poor and their Asses carry but small Loads The Women who generally go with a Basket under their Arms boasting themselves to be Fortune-tellers get great Sums of Money from ignorant People The Perrea's who are the Men for the Women are call'd Perresies are a very despicable People amongst these Heathens not being accounted worthy to be styl'd a Family nor suffer'd to live near others but dwell all together in a corner of the City and in the Countrey have not their Habitations in Villages but in Houses built at a large distance neither are they permitted to fetch Water out of any Wells or Pits belonging to the Villages but forc'd to dig some near their own Houses nor may they go through any Street or Village wherein the Brahmans dwell nay are forbidden to enter the Pagode or Temple of their Gods Wistwow and Eswara they do all manner of Drudgery which none else will undertake and eat Horseflesh and the like Carrion so that 't is no wonder why the other Tribes not onely despise but account them unclean especially the chief Brahmans This Family is divided into two Parries the one call'd Perrea's and the other Siripera's which last are Tanners Potters and the like The Perrea's being the first are of better esteem than the Siripera's and therefore will never eat in any of their Houses but the Siripera's are permitted to eat in the Perrea's where they shew them reverence by lifting up their Hands and rising from their Seats These upon the decease of one of the Comittys Ritties Palies and others are oblig'd for a small Reward to shave off their Beards and follow the Corps when it is carry'd out of the City or Village to be burnt Every one of these Tribes must perform the Office which he hath once undertaken as long as he lives without changing his Condition and neither expect to be promoted or fear to be degraded The Family of the Pulia's also is accounted unclean and are much despis'd for the other Tribes
they go to sleep How Persons of Quality live Persons of Quality live after a noble manner and when they are either in a Coach or on Horseback cause a Taffaty Flag to be carry'd before them The priviledge of the Inhabitants here is very great in this point for not onely great Persons but also every private Man of what Countrey or Religion soever may live at as high a rate as he pleases and imitate the King in his Fashions if he fancy them and his Estate be able to maintain it Every one that is able keeps a great number of Servants wherefore most of them live like Lords which they may easily maintain partly because the King notwithstanding he sees his Subjects richly Cloth'd and that they live with a great Retinue like Princes which have great Revenues yet he lets them live in quiet and undisturb'd never taking any thing from them though it justly belongs to him because the Indians are naturally inclin'd thereto for by reason of the abundance of mean People and cheapness of Provisions they may live nobly for a small matter allowing a Servant not above three Ropia's a Moneth each Ropias being 2 s. 6 d. Sterl to buy him Provisions and Clothes with There are likewise an innumerable company of Slaves which cost little or nothing the keeping for they wear nothing but a white Cotton Coat which is very cheap and eat little else but Rice and Fish a very common Food in this Countrey so that with small charge they can keep a great Family and the rather because the Commodities and Goods which are made by the Inhabitants are many and the increase of their Land by reason of its extraordinary fruitfulness almost incredible The Women good Dancers The Women are very expert in Dancing to the sound of divers Bells and other such like Instruments on which the Men play In Zuratte and divers other places in India are several Women-Dancers who are hir'd to Dance for Money having Rings about their Legs Strings of Pearl about their Necks and many other rich Ornaments Some also wear Breast-plates of Leather almost round like a Shield beset with Precious Stones and the like which glitter exceedingly in the Sun The Chans and other Nobles cause the foremention'd Dancers to Dance before them after Meals either to their own Voices or to the sound of a Cymbal and Tumbeck which is a kind of Tabor and two small Drums These People go stark naked from one City to another nay through the whole Countrey and sometimes to the Borders of other Countreys and maintain themselves onely by Dancing and Singing They wear gilded Rings on their Fingers Toes and in their Noses and each of them five gilded Copper Rings and two red Silk Armlets with Gold Buttons below their Elbows on their Arms. After the same manner they adorn their Legs also These Women besides their Dancing prostitute themselves to all those who desire them Their Games and Pastimes The Indians especially the Mogolleans spend much of their time in Hawking and for that purpose keep several sorts of great and small Hawks Their Dogs with which they Hunt are as Terry tells us like our Greyhounds though much smaller but Peruschi affirms that they have no Hunting Dogs but make Leopards and Tygers tame and teach them to Hunt and at one Leap to seize and kill the Game They also carry Guns with them when they go a Hunting and kill their Game with a single Bullet for smaller Shot they have none They are very expert in Shooting with a Bowe and Arrow their Bowes are made of Buffalo's Horns and their Arrows of Canes with which they shoot Birds flying and Beasts as they run at full speed The wild Fowl which keep in the Water they catch after a subtil manner viz. a Man going into he Water with an artificial Bird of the same kind which he designs to take imitates its Voice whil'st he swims under Water in such a manner that the artificial Bird being on the Crown of his Head appears just above the Water by which means coming near the Birds he pulls them down by the Legs and takes as many of them as he pleases As to what concerns their Pastime within their Houses they have Cards though differing from ours in the Pictures and in the number they also are expert in playing at Draughts They delight very much in the company of Quacks Juglers and the like the Quacks carrying poysonous Serpents in Baskets and suffering themselves to be bitten or stung by them at their pleasures the stung part swelling they immediately cure the same with Oyl and certain Powders which they lay thereupon afterwards proffering to sell the same Medicaments to the Spectators Juglers Their Juglers also are very dexterous in their Art and do strange things by the sleight of Hand viz. they set Dishes or wide open Baskets on the Ground three or four one above another which seem to be all empty as they set them down but in the taking them up one after another there seems to be living Birds in them either Turtle-doves or others which they seemingly cover again with the same Dishes turning them backwards and forwards as if they took them away the Birds being afterwards no more to be seen the Spectators not being able to discern either how they are brought thither or taken away The manner of the Great Mogol's Hunting The Great Mogol often goes a Hunting with a thousand sometimes two thousand Men. About Agra and Dely along the Stream Gemna as far as the Mountains as also on each side of the High-way which runs to Lahor is a large quantity of untill'd Land some parts are wooddy others overgrown with Grass of a Man's heighth In all these places are many Game-keepers who go from place to place to prevent Hunting or Hawking there except for Partridges Quails and Hares which the Indians catch in Gins or Snares so that there are abundance of wild Beasts in all places When these Keepers of the Game know that the King or Mogol is in the Field a Hunting and near their Station they acquaint the chief Master Huntsman with the quality of the Beast which is Hunted and where there are most of them whereupon all the Avenues to that place are guarded that Travellers may not go through that place but pass by on one side or other They Hunt several Beasts as Gazelles What Beasts they chiefly Hunt Nilgaux or grey Oxen Lyons Cranes and others They Hunt Gazelles with tame Leopards after this manner When they discover a Herd of Gazelles for they commonly graze five or six in a company they unchain the Leopard that lay Chain'd in a little Wagon where they are kept he being let loose doth not immediately run at them but goes creeping along to hide himself till the Gazelles passing by he leaps with incredible swiftness upon them and seizing one of them strangles the same satisfying himself by onely sucking the Blood
Valiant Massaaan Boyling Miniehi Singing Pingan A Dish or Platter Ecot A Tail Lari To shun or avoid Macanan Spittle Negri A City Cuntsican To whistle Basiudi To play Molam In the Evening Tombo Pounding Maganti A Cobweb Baiki Sending Connyt Saffron Pandecan Striking on an Anvil Pande bissi A Smith Totan To be indebted Becatta Saying Jemma Sunday Tydon Sleeping Timor Sweet Tompa To spill Tsiusi Pure or clean Gapit Snuffers Calmari Since yesterday Pande contsi A Lock-maker Gyla Folly Brossu A stink Ini brossu To stink Baiparas Fair. Sappangan A Piece Mansuiri To stick Caiu A Stick Antra To play Paian The Sight Coran Small Barat Heavy Sadab To taste Pangali A Spade Caersia baiki To furnish Sompa To swear Tsiarri To tear Battu A Stone Jurtilis A Secretary Tidor To sleep Fellimo A Sheet Andrior To melt Becatta To speak Terran To shine Prande rebor A Musician Boatsiamar To defile Romal A Napkin Suruan Sending Matti Dying Barnan Swimming Cappal A Ship Oran tua paran A Mariner Antrante To spin Itam Black Gallam To stop Campon manaro To save Dosa Sin Pucol To beat Jalan The Street Marri Tearing Tiaermin A Looking-glass Malon Disgracing Manys Sweet Addeparapas A Sister Doduer To look Baon The Shoulders Dyem To be silent Apon Fair. Matary Salt Peca Silver Tehylacca Sin Corni Business or Affairs Negle Steel Bantatan Dying Pienning A Dish Goethieng A pair of Scissers Calvenetten To pin Padang A Sword Salwacke A Shield Pockul To stand Byte secate I am sick Cras Strong Domba A Sheep Prau A Boat Dia She. Gergafien To saw Lear de caesia To look in a Glass The Speech the same but the Character different According to Della Valle all the Provinces in India have one and the same Language though peculiar Letters for notwithstanding that the Language or Speech is understood in divers Countreys yet the Characters are different The Learned sort or Brahmans have a Language and Letters by Kircher call'd Nagher which being accounted Sacred is onely known to their Tribe or Family and us'd amongst them as Latine amongst the Learned in Europe Their Characters are fair and large taking up much room They also differ much from the Letters us'd by the Benjan Merchants in Surat According to Mr. Edward Terry the Vulgar Tongue of the Countrey of Indostan hath great Affinity with the Persian and Arabian Tongues but is pleasanter and easier to pronounce It is a very fluent Language expressing many things in few words They write and read like us viz. from the Left to the Right Hand The Court-Language is wholly Persian In India and the Countreys under the Mogol's Jurisdiction the Persian Tongue is more common Indian being generally spoken by the Nobility at Court and us'd in all Publick Businesses and Writings which cannot seem strange to any considering the Mogollean Princes have their Extract from Tartary and Samarcand whence the Persian Tongue was first brought The Vulgar Mahumetans Peruschi tells us speak the Turkish Tongue but not so eloquently as the natural born Turks Learned Persons and Mahumetan Priests speak the Arabick in which the Alcoran and other Books are written The Malayan Tongue much us'd But no Language extends further and is of greater use than the Malayan so call'd from the City Malacka from whence it hath its Original It is spoken in all the Isles lying in the Straights of Sunda and through the adjacent Countrey but especially us'd by Merchants Linschot tells us That many People of divers Nations which came to build the City and settle in Malacka made this peculiar Language of all the other Indian Tongues consisting of the most pleasing Words and neatest manner and way of speaking of all other the Neighboring People which makes this Language to be the best and most eloquent of all India and also the most useful and easiest to learn For there is not one Merchant which comes from the neighboring Countreys to Trade here but learns this Tongue The Netherland East-India Company have lately printed a Dictionary of the Common Discourse in that Tongue as also the New Testament and other Books in the same Language Moreover the Holland Ministers in their several Factories in India teach in the Malayan Tongue not onely in their Churches but Schools also The Creation of the World in Ten Bodily Appearances of Wistnow or Mahadeu The Creation of the World THe Creation of the World as we have already mention'd the Brahmans ascribe to one Bramma by the Power given him from Wistnow or Mahadeu But these People rest not in the making of one for they form divers imaginary Worlds which in the form of an Egg drive on the Water which being without the Principal World is God himself as shall be declared hereafter more at large Some have not stuck to affirm That Bramma made fourteen Worlds agreeing with the Parts of Humane Bodies viz. the first and uppermost Celestial World out of the Brain the second out of the Eyes the third out of the Mouth the fourth out of the Left Ear the fifth out of the Roof of the Mouth the sixth out of the Heart the seventh out of the Belly the eighth out of the Privities the ninth out of the Left Thigh the tenth out of the Knees the eleventh out of the Legs the twelfth out of the Toes of the Right Foot the thirteenth out of the Toes of the Left Foot and the fourteenth out of the Air round about him Out of these Worlds he also created Man according to the qualities of Humane Bodies viz. Out of the first he created Men with Prudence and Understanding out of the second with Conduct in Transitory things out of the third good Orators out of the fourth subtile and crafty People out of the fifth Gluttons and debauch'd Persons out of the sixth Noble and Famous Men out of the seventh Slovens and Ill-natur'd out of the eighth Lascivious and Venerial Humorists out of the ninth Handicrafts and Husband-men out of the tenth Gard'ners and Rusticks out of the eleventh poor Laborers out of the twelfth Murderers Robbers and Thieves out of the thirteenth Oppressors of the Poor and out of the fourteenth People endued with all manner of excellent qualities In this manner they describe the great Bramma Creator of so many People and Worlds which they believe so firmly in every particular that they represent his Image in all their Pagodes or Temples with a Circle on every of the foremention'd Parts in stead of a World The World as we said before they affirm to drive on the Waters in the form of an Egg which incloses Heaven Earth and Hell In this Egg they also know how to find the fourteen Parts of the World Under the Earth they place Patalam that is The Infernal Pit above it the Surgam that is Heaven or Brammar-Lokon and above that Kailosom Lilaweicontam and Weicontam in which three last Places they say God himself resides The Earth or Globe of the
Arrow who by that means was bereav'd of all his Strength insomuch that he was afterwards no more than an ordinary Brahman Thus with Prasseram's Power also ended his Altar after a Reign of a thousand years after which Ram's Altar immediately commenc'd Ram's or Ram Kata's otherwise Dajeratha Rama's Altar the Seventh Rams of Ram Katas anders Dajerratha Ramas autaer de zevende There was at the same time in the Countrey of Assouthan a Ragia or King call'd Dasserat who had three Wives one of which nam'd Consila bore him a fair Son which by the Brahmans was call'd Wissote Ram who grew up in extraordinary Wisdom and Knowledge The second Wife Keggy bore a Son nam'd Barrat the third nam'd Sonnettry bare two Sons the one call'd Lekkerman and the other Setteroukan Ram was by the Brahman Wismawerter instructed in all Arts and Sciences in which he made so great a progress that after many extraordinary Atchievements he went up to Heaven and left his Authority to Hanneman a great Ape who had been his Assistant on Earth to whom he promis'd that he should be immortal that consecrated a Pagode in honor of him and that he would always protect his Servants on Earth This concluded the whole work of Ram's Altar and also the Tretangke or second Age which had lasted one Million two hundred sixty nine thousand years of which Ram had Reign'd two thousand years For the good Services done by the Apes to Ram in his time they are held in great veneration by the Indians and in the Kingdoms of Pegu Ceilon and other Places they set up several Figures of Apes in their Pagodes and this is affirm'd by Linschot who saith That in former Ages there was no greater nor more precious a Relick in all India than an Apes Tooth which being tipt with Gold and beset with Precious Stones was kept in a Pagode on the Mountain Piko d' Adam on the Island Ceilon to which place the Indians went in Pilgrimage from all places thereabouts nay some came thither out of several Countreys lying four or five hundred Leagues from thence The Portuguese coming to this Island about the Year 1555. to assist the lawful King who was depos'd by a Rebel they went up the foremention'd Mountain where ruining the Pagode they found nothing else but a small Cabinet full of Precious Stones and the Apes Tooth all which they carrry'd to Goa which when the Kings of Ceilon Bengala Bisnagar and others heard they sent Agents to the Portuguese Vice-Roy at Goa to request the restauration of the Tooth proffering as a Ransom for the same besides many Presents a Sum of seven thousand Ducats of Gold which upon the perswasion of the Arch-bishop was refus'd by the Portuguese who burnt the Tooth and threw the Ashes into the Sea Kistnas or Cristnas or Krexno the eighth Altar IN the beginning of the third Age Duapersingke a Ragia call'd Cans otherwise Campsa of the Family Brommerakkes who are a degree above the Deytes in the City Mottara lying about twenty or twenty five Miles beyond Agra the Court and Metropolis of the Great Mogol near the River Siemmena or Jemni This Ragia having a young Sister call'd Denki otherwise Deweki whose time being according to the Custom of the Countrey near at hand to be Marry'd he sent through all the City to find a young Man that might deserve her but what care and diligence soever he us'd he could meet with none whom she could fancy wherefore he sent some Persons on the same Errand to the next City Goggel or Gokalam lying three Miles from Agra on the opposite side of the Stream Siemmena The Agents at their return brought word that they had sound a pious Brahman call'd Wassendeu or Wassoudewa whom they judg'd might very well deserve her The Ragia Kans upon their recommendation sending for him gave him his Sister in Marriage and when she had attain'd to the twelfth year of her age and the Brahman to the nineteenth or twentieth the Chan according to Custom shew'd them to all his Subjects after which he commanded Denki and a certain Brahman call'd Naret experienc'd in the Art of Astrology or rather Cheiromancy and lately come into that Countrey to come before him requiring the said Brahman to look in Denkies Hand and to tell him whether she should be fortunate or unfortunate rich or poor have few or many Children be short or long liv'd live joyfully or sorrowfully what degree of Honor she should attain to and in short what would happen to her strictly charging him to declare the plain truth without flattery or dissimulation The Brahman looking into her Hand upon the Kings Command and having view'd the same bespake him after this manner My Lord and King according as the Lines appear here she will be the Mother of seven Children viz. six Sons and one Daughter the last whereof will bereave you of your Life and Crown and Reign in your stead This Prognostication of being destroy'd by his own Blood made the King exceeding sorrowful insomuch that he commanded Denki to depart out of his Presence as not worthy to see his Face nay he gave order to lock her and her Husband up in the Castle and to set strong Guards about the same and commanded all the Midwives that as soon as ever Denki was Deliver'd of a Child it should immediately be brought to him which was accordingly perform'd for no sooner was the unhappy Denki Deliver'd but the Infant was instantly carry'd to her Brother who forthwith kill'd it Thus he did six several times viz. to five Sons and one Daughter and when Denki had Conceiv'd the seventh time and Kans inform'd thereof he caus'd a stricter Guard to be kept upon her than before locking her up in a Chamber with seven Iron Doors and setting a hundred Soldiers to guard them strictly charging them that as soon as they heard the Child cry they should give him notice thereof that he might dispose of it as he had done of the rest In the Moneth Sawanne or Srawanam which is our August on the Day Aerhem being the eighth of the dark Moon the time of her Delivery approaching she was exceedingly troubled to think that this her last Child of which she expected to be Deliver'd should be so cruelly murder'd as all the former had been Sitting thus melancholy she was on a sudden without pain about Midnight deliver'd of a most beautiful Son whose Face was resplendent like the Moon in the Full insomuch that he enlightned the whole Room At this Denki rejoyc'd exceedingly and wondred not a little at her beautiful Son but very much lamented to think what hard fortune was decreed him But Mahadeu who had inspir'd this Child with his Divine Power gave him also Speech so that he comforted his sorrowful Mother with these Words viz. That she should rest satisfied and he would find means to escape his Uncles bloody Hands and also deliver her from her Imprisonment And turning to his Father he
is to happen there At Jembrenata they affirm that a Fruit call'd Nerou Pandou should appear constantly every day at Noon at the Feet or the Idol That at Sirateni about the foremention'd time there grows daily a Flower out of a Stone lying in a Trough full of Water before the Idol Eswara The Pagode at Trisinapoli is become famous by means of an Image standing in the same which is said to have worshipp'd Bramma in Person as we have already related at large Though the Pagodes of Wistnow and Eswara are of a considerable bigness being much larger than those of the lesser Numens yet are they not comparable to the Churches of Europe being very low and flat yet some of them have high Steeples as amongst others the Pagode near Tegnepatram commonly call'd The White Pagode In many places the Pagodes are built in the Fields and are without Windows or Holes so that no Light comes into them but through the Doors so that they are generally very dark they are commonly divided into three Walks the first being a Vault resting on Stone Columns into which any one may come it being always open In it are several Statues of Elephants Oxen Horses c. which are us'd in the Service of the Idol who is often drawn upon them through the Streets of the Cities The second having a strong Gate is open onely in the day-time but the Brahmans who inhabit the same suffer none to come in thither which is generally furnish'd with Images of horrid Shapes as Men with many Heads and Arms. In the third Isle which is lock'd up with a strong Door stand the Images of Wistnow and Eswara They represent their God Wistnow or Mahadeu according to Della Valle in the likeness of a small Stone Column which grows less and less from the bottom upwards The Name Mahadeu amongst the Indians signifies properly Great God whose Vertues they highly extol believing him to be very wonderful adding moreover that whil'st he liv'd on Earth he daily grew bigger and bigger nay that his Image still grows greater as it stands in their Temples They also represent Mahadeu in another Shape of Crystal and make Offerings at his Fet which consist in Milk Oyl Rice and the like They also represent him like a Man but having sixteen Arms on each side Round about the Pagodes is a large inclos'd Plain full of smaller Buildings serving for their lesser Deities In the Pagode of Wistnow Laetsemi Consort to Wistnow hath a Chappel as also Garrouda and Annemonta both faithful Servants of Wistnow The Image Garronda is represented like a Man with Wings that of Annemonta or Hanneman with a Face like an Ape On the foremention'd Plains stand Cisterns in which grows the Herb Toleje which with its use is mention'd before They never go on these Plains about the Pagodes but always with their right Side towards the Temple The Brahmans account their Pagodes to be the Houses and Residences of their Gods and therefore enter into them with great Reverence Part of the Customs for Goods sold and bought are bestow'd on them as also part of the Sandal Wood Benjamin and long Pepper and likewise of all Monies that are Coin'd They also go in Pilgrimage to the Pagodes and upon certain Feast-days make great Presents and Offerings to them By means of the great concourse to this Pagode it hath great advantages amounting to a vast Revenue which arises wholly from the Presents brought thither none of the Heathens going with empty Hands but discharging their Promises and Vows there which they make for the obtaining of Health or accomplishing any Business The manner of worshipping Wistnow and Eswara They seldom have any publick Meetings in their Pagodes nor any set-day for Worship but frequenly carry die Image of Wistnow and Eswara on their Shoulders through the Streets of the City viz. they carry Eswara's about every Month on the Amawasi or first day and on the ninth day after the new Moon that of Wistnow They are carry'd after this manner The Image is plac'd on a woodden Horse with his fore Feet rais'd and his hinder Legs standing on a Plank and so carry'd on the Shoulders of several Men before the Horse they bear lighted Torches and Umbrella's over its Head near the Horse stands one who constantly fans the Image to keep the Flies from it and when they have done they return it to the old place in the Pagode again where some appointed for that purpose Dance before the Image whil'st others Sing Anthems in praise of the Idol playing on Cymbals and beating on Drums It is also a Custom in this Countrey to devote young Virgins to the Pagodes after which they are bound never to Marry but spend their Lives onely in Dancing before their Gods to whom as they say it is so acceptable that they shall merit Heaven by it Each Person also according to his Sect by virtue of their eighth Commandment of internal Religion studies to do honor to his Idol bestowing on it all manner of Service which he supposes to be best pleasing to it The Wistnowa's strew their Images erected in honor of Wistnow with Flowers put rich Clothes on it adorn'd with Diamonds Rubies and other Precious Stones thereby to make him appear glorious In the Eyes of all Men. But their God Eswara they affirm delights in something else viz. to be wash'd constantly with sweet Waters which his Worshippers are no way negligent in performing but continually wash the aforesaid Deity with all sorts of perfum'd Waters They also carry these Images every year on their Festival days through the most eminent Streets of their Cities in a Wagon as high and large as an ordinary House those which draw it are Fishermen and the like mean People accompany'd by a a great number of divers Tribes which is a Custom observ'd through the whole Countrey The Image of Wistnow every year on the tenth of January in the afternoon they carry out of the City into the Fields on a woodden Horse where they let loose a Ram which they endeavor to kill as he runs as also a Fox which they strive to destroy with their Clubs but he commonly escapes them Towards the Evening they carry the Image home again through the Streets accompany'd with abundance of People carrying lighted Torches and at last set it in the old place The following day they shew honor to the God Eswara by carrying of his Image into the Fields after the same manner as also on the twelfth though not on Horseback but onely on Mens Shoulders The Feast Gawri Dewi On the eighth of January all the Marry'd Women of the Brahmans keep a Feast call'd Gawri Dewi and by the Seiva's Maha Secti in honor of Parvati to obtain long Life for their Husbands and that they may never be Widows This Feast lasts ten days and is kept after this manner viz. The Women make an Image of Meal Rice and a sort of red Grain for
by the Brahmans The Brahmans belief concerning the transmigration of the Soul The Brahmans believe that each Man hath had a Life before this present and that that which he meets withal in this whither good or bad is either a reward or punishment for his works in the former so likewise they maintain that no Man meets with any reward for his good works in this Life but is to undergo the punishments inflicted upon him for his sins in his former Life and that those which do good in this Life shall meet with a reward proportionable in that to come And notwithstanding few see any probability by their good works to attain to or merit Wemcontam that is Heaven or a place of everlasting happiness because that is onely appointed for the faithfullest Servants of Wistnow and Eswara and find themselves destitute of these Perfections requir'd thereto yet they speak much of the forgiveness of sins and in order thereunto have invented several means whereby they alledge the remission or forgiveness of sins may be obtain'd nay some of them are so superstitiously zealous that they undertake to do more than their Vedam requires of them meerly out of an ambition to live a more perfect Life in hopes that thereby they may obtain an extraordinary place in Heaven and therefore many undergo great hardships torture and punish themselves divers ways some wearing Iron Collars about their Necks of twenty four pound weight in form of a Grate four Foot square Others have Iron Chains made fast about their Legs at one end carrying the other on their Shoulders Some also go on woodden Clogs full of Iron Pins which are so sharp that it is a wonder how they can go upon them Many others there are who chain themselves by the Legs to a Tree resolving there to end their Lives Some also lock themselves up in little square Houses or rather Cages built on two Images of the Idol Mahadeu with intentions never to come out of them notwithstanding they endure great hardship partly by the heat and smoak of the many Lamps which they burn therein and partly for the inconvenience of the Rooms which are so little that they can but just sit in them with their Legs across under them on the Floor Others hang a considerable time on a cross piece of Timber by an Iron Hook driven into their Sides notwithstanding the pain and effusion of Blood whilst with a Shield and Sword which they hold in their Hands they Fence in the Air and Sing Songs in honor of their God Others wound and kill themselves before the Idols There are likewise some who being desirous to go to Paradise leap into the River Ganges across which they swim several times in hopes to be devour'd by the Crocodiles All those People that torture themselves after this manner are call'd Fakyrs or begging Monks of which some that go stark naked neither set nor lay themselves down to sleep at no time but when they will rest themselves or sleep they tie a Rope to a House or Tree with a piece of Wood at one end on which only leaning with their Arms and Head they sleep Places accounted holy and visited by the Brahmans Followers Besides these means the Brahmans have invented several others for remission of their sins and to purifie themselves viz. to visit such holy Places as are highly esteem'd amongst them the chiefest and holiest whereof are six viz. Ayot-ja Matura Casi Canje Awentecapouri and Dwaraweti Many things they relate of these Places viz. That all those which die in the Casi shall immediately ascend to Heaven whether Man or Beast but those that die in any other of the foremention'd Places shall go to Bramma and there having stay'd a considerable time shall return into the World again to be transmigrated into one or other Body but if they have liv'd out their time and have dy'd twice then they shall go directly to Heaven and not return again into this World They affirm that it is sufficient for the Vulgar to die onely in the holy Places from whence they undoubtedly go to Heaven These Places have each their Limits but are not of an equal bigness for that of Casi is but a Mile that of Ayot-ja twelve Leagues and notwithstanding they account it a happiness to die in one of them yet none are allow'd out of a longing desire of Salvation to bereave themselves of life there except at Preyaga of which more hereafter As to what concerns these Places in particular they are describ'd after this manner Ayot-ja lying twelve Leagues Northward from Casi was the Birth-place of Wistnow under the Name of Ram. In Matura near Agra the Great Mogol's Court Wistnow came into the World by the Name of Cristna Casi otherwise call'd Waranasi lying in Bengala near the Kiver Ganges twelve Leagues from Ayot-ja and twelve from Preyaga is situate twelve Leagues higher up the Ganges then Casi and nearer to the City Agra where three Branches of the Ganges uniting are accounted so holy that the Heathens believe those which die in this Water to be certainly purg'd from their sins and therefore this Place is very famous amongst them which indeed is no wonder because as they say all those which die there are happy The City Canje or Cansjewaram a great and well known City in the Kingdom of Carnatica hath many Pagodes and is therefore accounted very holy Awentecapouri or Awenteutica is a City lying Northward from Agra Dwaraka or Dwaraweti formerly lay near Zurratte but is said to have been wash'd away by the Sea In this Place they relate that Cristna dy'd and that his Body when according to the Custom of the Countrey it was going to be burnt was also wash'd away by the Sea and driven to Sjangernata or Prousotamai a Place near Bengala wherefore they account the Pagode Sjangernata to be very holy The visiting of these holy Places extends not onely to the forgiveness of sins but they also ascribe so great a power thereto that by the naming of them onely they believe they shall obtain pardon wherefore Persons of Quality that are religious read over the Names of them every Morning therefore those that cannot go to Casi and other holy Places content themselves onely with the bare naming of them They hold that the keeping of their Feasts and washing their Bodies with salt Water also merits remission of sins also they go in Pilgrimage to the Pagode Rammeswara by the Malabars call'd Rammanatakovil partly for the great Sanctity of the Place and partly because the Sea-water that flows by this Pagode is always clear and fit to wash in The like opinion they have of the Ganges and therefore the Inhabitants of Bengala which dwell about it have a Custom to bring all dying Persons thither and put one half of their Bodies into it to wash away their sins But all Persons are not permitted to wash themselves therein without paying Tribute to those Kings
murder their Fathers are ty'd to the Tail of an Elephant and dragg'd along the Streets so long till they die Others are kill'd by Elephants wild Beasts and Serpents No Malefactor lies above one Night in Prison and sometimes not at all for if he be apprehended in the Morning he is immediately carry'd before a Judge who either discharges him or passes Sentence upon him which if it be to be whipt he is immediately stript naked receiving his punishment in the presence of the Judge if to die they instantly carry him to the Bazar or Market-place This sudden way of punishing Offenders keeps the People in such awe that they seldom commit any Crime to deserve it The King's Robes given to the Omrahs It is said that the Mogol never wears a Sute of Clothes above one day after which he sends the same with great Ceremony to such Omrahs as are his Favorites who account it a great honor to be clad in the King's Robes He is weigh'd upon his Birth-day The Mogols Birth-day is kept as a great Festival on which he is weigh'd in the Scale against some Jewels Gold Silver Cloth of Tissue Butter Rice Fruit and many other things each of them successively being put into the Ballance all which falls to the Mollas or Priests share This is done in great state whil'st several Elephants hung with Chains Bels Gold and Silver Caparisons and Breastplates beset with Rubies and Emeraulds are brought before him From the weight of the King of which the Physicians take an exact Account they boast to know his Abilities When the Mogol is thus weigh'd he throws small pieces of Silver amongst the Spectators as also some Gold in the form of Flowers Cloves or Nutmegs but very thin and hollow which done he drinks with his Nobles Their way of Salutation The usual Salutation which the Indians shew to their King as also to one another is in the Persian Tongue call'd Teslim in the Indian Sumback and by a corrupt Name amongst the Europeans Sombaya The manner of Salutation is perform'd with the right Hand without taking off their Turbants with which they almost touch the Ground and lifting it up again very leisurely to their Mouthes as if they would kiss it and so still higher and higher by degrees till they hold it above their Heads After the same manner but with both Hands folded together they Salute and shew Reverence to their Gods and other Consecrated things The Indian Heathens in stead of wishing one another Health or a good Day salute one another with the Name of their Idol Ram. The Reverence they shew to their Prince When the King 's Vice-Roys come to the Court or any other place where he is they bow down their Heads to the Ground and touch the same with their Hands after which approaching him by degrees they bow several times one after another till they are very near him when they are search'd by those whose Office it is to see if they carry any Arms about them after which they go to touch his Feet whil'st he stands as if immovable The greatest sign of Friendship that he can shew them is to lay his Hand on their Shoulders Moreover the rest of the Kings of India who are not his Substitutes when they speak of him bow their Heads in sign of Reverence All the Mogol's Provinces are Govern'd by Sultans or Vice-Roys either Moors Heathens or others In the chiefest Towns and Sea-Ports are three Governors or Officers of the Kings viz. the Omar or Nabab who is the Governor or Lord of the City the Governor of the Castle and the King 's Confident call'd Vakea Nevis who oversees the other two The Omar being the Lord of the City Commands also in the Countrey round about and takes care to receive the Customs Excises and other Revenues of which he gives an Account to the King He bears the Title of Nabab which signifies My Lord and keeps two Deputies viz. one in the Countrey call'd Cavasioram whose Office it is with several hundred Bow-men to keep the Ways clear from Robbers and the other in the City nam'd Cotonal or Cutwal who performs the Office of Provost-Marshal seising on all Malefactors and committing them to Prison but his Power extends not without the Liberty of the City except by express order from the Governor The Omar or Nabab Treats of Peace and Matters of Traffique on the Boundaries and Sea-coasts Amongst them also is a Sabandar or Master of the Cinque-Ports The Governor of the Castle who seldom comes out of his Fortress takes upon him the Title of Omar The King 's chief Officers in Cities and Sea-Ports and may refuse the Nabab entrance into the Fort if he comes thither without the King's Order or with too great a Train He also orders the People to Watch and Ward causes the Drums to beat and Trumpets to sound three times a day and as often in the night at each time an hour and a half The Vakea Nevis or Inquisitor General takes notice of the Actions of the Nabab the Governor of the Castle and other eminent Officers inquires into all disorders and informs the Mogol by Letters every eighth day of what happens in that time in the City where he resides The Mahumetan Princes never give any Lands to their Officers for Inheritance nor do they enjoy their Employments any longer than their Princes please The Mogol's Eldest Son inherits the Crown unless for some misdemeanor or want of ability he is by the Father in his Life-time and with the Consent of his Council judg'd undeserving thereof The Indians derive their right of Inheritance from the Mothers side notwithstanding the Men commonly have the whole Conduct of the Realm as being fittest to command Of the Name and Title of Mogol The reason of the Name Mogol THey give their King the Name of Mogol because he is extracted out of a Tribe or Family of the Giagatian Tartars for there are many Tribes of Tartars which is properly call'd Mogol and belongs to the City Samarcand in the Province Giagata or Zagatai otherwise Usbeck which is the ancient Sogdiane and in the Persian Maps call'd Soghd For this reason many of his Subjects and especially the Mahumetan Soldiers which are in his Service though Native Indians call themselves Mogols or Mogolleans because they are deriv'd out of Tartary It s signification Terry tells us That the Name or Title of Mogol signifies Circumcised as he himself is and all the Mahumetans and from hence he is call'd the Great Mogol as being the Chief of the Circumcis'd Some also call him the Emperor of the Ganges The Provinces and Countreys between the Bay of Cambaya and that of Bengala as Telengone or the Kingdom of Visiapour Decan Golconda and many other Territories were not Govern'd in ancient Times by peculiar Princes but by one Supreme Head or by two at the most viz. The Southern Parts were Govern'd by the
Wound in his Head by a Stone which strook him down but recovering himself again and the Eunuch having bound up the Wound with his Turbant they afterwards escap'd by the shelter of the Woods RAUCHâ—â—â—ARA BEGUM Mean while the Servants of Sultan Banque with some of the foremention'd Mahumetans laid another Plot not unlike the former but the day being come one of the Conspirators being half drunk began the Work too soon and so spoil'd the whole Design But this incens'd the King so exceedingly against the unfortunate Family of Chasausa that he commanded the same to be quite rooted out sparing not so much as the Daughter he had married though she was suppos'd to be with Child Sultan Banque and his Brothers had their Heads cut off with blunt Axes and the Women being lock'd up in several Rooms died miserably with Hunger And thus ended the War which ambition of Rule had kindled amongst these four Brothers after the expiration of five or six Years viz. from Anno 1655 till Anno 1660 or 1661 and left Oranchzef in the peaceable Possession of this mighty Empire And now Ambassadors were sent to Oranchzef from several Neighboring Princes and States Oranchzef sick to congratulate his happy Victories but having scarce Reign'd two Years he fell sick of a violent Fever insomuch that it was reported he was dead and several were contriving to release his Father Schach Jehan which to prevent and to undeceive the People he caus'd himself in the height of his Distemper four several days to be carried into the Assembly of the Omrahs where calling for Pen Ink and Paper he wrote to Etbarcan and sent for the Great Seal which was kept by Raichenara Begum and commonly enclos'd in a small Bag seal'd with a Seal he always wore about his Arm fearing she had already made use of it for her Designs But soon after recovering he settled all things in good Order preferr'd those that had assisted and been faithful to him in the Wars especially Emir Jemla whom after he had vanquish'd Chasausa and drove him to the Sea side as was before mention'd he made Mir Ul Omrah which in this Realm is the highest Degree of Honor any of the Kings Favorites can arrive at and also Governor of Bengala and his Son Mahomet Emircan was made Great Bakchis that is General of the Horse and the second or third Place in the Kingdom And not long after he sent Emir Jemla with a mighty Army to the Raja of Achan whom he forc'd to flie towards the Mountains to the Kingdom of Lassa Emir Jemla's death But Emir Jemla was no sooner return'd from this Expedition but the Bloody Flux hapning amongst his Army he also died thereof Many other Remarkable Passages hapned in this Empire from Anno 1661 to 1667 of which we will only mention these sew viz. In the Year 1664 on the fifth of February the Mogol's Vice-Roy of Surat call'd Enachat Chan was inform'd by one of his Officers which liv'd two Leagues from the City That a great Army was advancing towards the Town the General whereof call'd himself A Servant to the Mogol and pretended to March with ten thousand Men to the City Amadabad but it afterwards appeared that this was only a Pretence he being in truth a great Robber nam'd Sawasi Which not a little amazing the Governor he caus'd immediately the Bridges which lay cross the Moat that inclos'd the City to be pull'd down notwithstanding it was dry in most places neither was there one Gun planted for a Defence which made him send to the English and Hollanders there residing for aid in this extremity which seem'd not a little strange to them for they having not above forty Men apiece in their Factories were forc'd to take each seventy or eighty Men more into their Service The next Morning Sawasi was advanc'd within a League and a half of Surat where resting near the Village Utena the Governor sent Messengers to request him That he would not come any nearer the City because many of the Inhabitants fled already for fear and that the Great Mogol would resent it very ill if he should offer the contrary But Sawasi not regarding this kept the Messengers in custody and still drew nearer the City in which about midnight there hapned a sudden Fire which burnt so furiously that it consum'd a considerable number of Houses Surat taken by a Robber Sawasi's People taking this opportunity march'd into the Town without any resistance though they might easily have been oppos'd The Governor having ten thousand Horse of the Mogol's went with them and his Chief Officers to the Castle whence he fired several Guns but did more mischief to the Houses than the Enemy who minded nothing but Plunder breaking open Windows and Chests which lasted several days till Sawasi having gotten a vast Treasure left the Place saying Long have I wish'd to get into Oranchzef 's Beard which I have now obtain'd For this rich and brave City Surat is for its Beauty and Stateliness by the Moors call'd The King's or Mogol's Beard The Robber taken and committed to Prison but escapes The Mogol seeing what a mighty Enemy Robber and Destroyer of his Countrey Sawasi was and that he could not hope to overcome him by force he having already an Army of a hundred thousand Men he thought to work that by Policy which his Power could not effect and therefore to get him into his custody he made him large offers of Honors and Preferment promising him the third Place in his Realm which Design taking effect according to his desires he was no sooner come to Court but he was there apprehended and committed to Prison But about three Months after he cunningly made his escape and although Oranchzef sent Agents after him to excuse his being kept a Prisoner and promising upon his Royal Word that he would prefer him to a high Degree of Honor yet he having been once caught in the Snare would not be taken again but reply'd That he thank'd him for his Proffers but he had rather be his own Master than another Man's Servant and that at one time or other he would pay Oranchzef for his kind Entertainment and so went again with his Army to Wingerla a Place which he had taken from the Mogol Mean while Oranchzef keeping his Father Schach Jehan close Prisoner in the Castle at Agra let him want nothing of Recreation or any thing else that he could possibly expect in such a place yet the good old Prince being worn out by age The Death of Schach Jehan dy'd Anno 1665. to the great grief as it is said of Oranchzef who shew'd all demonstrations of sorrow which a Son could express for the loss of his Father At the same time he went to Agra where Begum Saheb his Sister Begum Saheb receiv'd into Favor and formerly the chief Favorite of Darasja caus'd a Mosque wherein he was to stay some time before he went to
noted Towns are Sim the Chief of a County Sapurgan and Baglian Most of the Inhabitants are Benjans Their Houses are low and small They possess two strong Castles in one of which King Babar was born By reason of the abundance of Robbers spread through all the Countrey they us'd to spend three Moneths in the Journey from Cabul to Lahor whereas now they finish it in twenty days for a certain King of Cabul to prevent all Robberies caus'd very strong Houses to be built along the High-way in stead of Inns at a certain distance one from another and put Soldiers to inhabit the same by which means many of those Places are grown very populous and become Towns This Countrey produces a certain Fruit by the Druggists generally call'd Mirabalones It hath this many years been under the Mogol's Jurisdiction and generally maintains twelve or fifteen thousand Men in Arms for a Defence against the Persians Augans Balouchs and other Inhabiters of the Mountains Between Candahar and Cabul dwell a People in the Mountains call'd Afgans or Augans which range up and down the Countrey without having any certain Habitations but live onely by Robbing like the Arabians and demand Toll from such as travel through their Countrey The Territory of Multan THe Territory of Multan The Borders by Texeira Multon borders on the North at Candahar and Cabul on the West at Persia on the South at Haiacan or the Countrey of the Balouchs and in the South on Penjab Daviti Texeira and others place it far into the Countrey from Indus or Indostan and as it were in the heart of this great Countrey making it to border at the Kingdom of Mandou and the Countrey of the Hindouns but certainly they understand by Multan the Kingdom of Lahor otherwise Penjab which lies farther into the Countrey The Metropolis thereof according to Terry and Ananias bears the Name of Multan though Texeira makes Lahor the chief City of the Kingdom and affirms that the Multans dwell in the Countrey of Lahor Excellent Bowes and Arrows This Countrey is famous for the many excellent Bowes and Arrows which are made in it and are better and much neater than any other in all India The Bowes are made of Horn curiously joyn'd the Arrows are of small Canes both richly colour'd and varnish'd The Countreys of the Bullochs or Bobochs or Kingdom of Ballochy otherwise Haican or Hangi-Chan THe Countrey of the Bullochs is properly call'd Haiacan The Borders or Hiacan and by others Hangican It borders Northerly at the Province of Multan Eastward at the Province of Penjab and the River Indus South-East at Buckor Southward at the Territory of Taffa and Westward at the Mountains which separate Persia from India Some make this Countrey border on one side of the Pattans or Bottans Terry saith that this Countrey hath no nominated City but Davity calls the Metropolis Buckara which lies on the midst of an Island in the River Indus Others make Seckara the first City towards the side of the Kingdom of Multan But Buckara and Seckara seem to be one and the same City and is by Terry made the Metropolis of the Province of Suckor Next you come to the City Gorra after having travell'd three days through great Woods and five days farther to that of Norry the least Town in this Countrey towards the side of the Pattans This is perhaps that City which Ananias from the information of the Persian Anvadet calls Negariot The nature of the People The Bullochs who are Neighbors to the Pattans are a very resolute strong valiant and mighty People like Agents though mild in their Conversation yet stubborn Man-eaters Robbers and Pyrates yet some affirm that they are a very faithful People and will rather lose their Lives than suffer any as they travel in the Caravans to have their Goods taken away by Robbers They maintain themselves by carrying of Goods from Place to Place on Camels and other Beasts of Burthen of which they keep many They also till their Lands and worship the Sun The Province of Buckar or Buckor THe Province of Buckor or Buckar The Borders is divided by the River Indus to its great benefit It borders on the North on the Territory of Haiacan and Astack in the East at Jesselmeer in the South at Tatta and in the West at Haiacan before mention'd Terry calls the chief City of this Province Buckor-Suckor lying in an Island on the River Indus Others call this City Buckara or Buckero and Suckera and make it to be the Metropolis of the Countrey of the Bullochs and some as we said before make it to be the Metropolis of Multan The Trade of Suckera At Suckera a great Trade is driven with Indian Clothes and other Commodities The Inhabitants are Mahumetans The Chan or Governor which the Mogol keeps at Buckor-Suckor generally keeps a great number of Soldiers in the Castle to curb the Bullochs who are exceedingly addicted to Mutinying The Kingdom of Send or Sind otherwise call'd Diu and Tatta The Name and Borders THe Kingdom of Send or Sind so call'd by the English Portuguese and Spanish from its chief River Send or Sind anciently Indus near which it lies and by Terry from its Metropolis Tatta or the Countrey of the Abinds and by the Arabians The Kingdom of Diu Maffaeus seems to call it Dulcinde and makes it border in the South upon the Kingdom of Cambaya But Terry makes it border in the North with Buckar in the East upon Jesselmeer and Soret in the South touches the Indian Sea in the West faces the Mountains lying on the Borders of Persia and the Mogol's Countrey It is divided by the River Indus otherwise Sind which in its course through this Countrey makes many pleasant and delightful Isles and at last falls into the Sea near the City Sinde famous for many Handicrafts Tatta a Place of good Trade The Metropolis Tatta is very eminent for the Trade there driven formerly by the Portuguese Some English Travellers call'd it Gutu Netgar Tutta though commonly by the Natives Tutta onely without addition of the other Names The other Towns lying on this River are Cossompacco and Callitallowny and the Fortress of Seyvon beyond Tatta This Fort prevents the passage of such as come down the River The chief Harbor The chiefest Harbor is Lowribandel or according to Texeira Singlybandel three days Journey from the prime City Tatta This Haven of Lowribandel hath one Property beyond the rest viz. the Ships that come to an Anchor in the same are not eaten by the Worms as in the Havens of Sovally Chaul Dabul Daman Goa and other Places This Countrey is rich and fruitful and frequented by the Indians Portuguese and other People for Trade Here are divers sorts of fine Cotton-Linnen made The Commodities which the Inhabitants call Jarrin Turbants Oyl of Coco-nuts and abundance of Butter It also affords plenty of Sugar-Canes Pitch Rosin Leather-works wrought with
colour'd Silks which they use for Carpets Boxes Cabinets and other curious Wood-work Inlay'd with Mother-of-Pearl which by the Portuguese and others are carried from thence to India Tatta is one of the most eminent Provinces for Traffick of all India Many great Barques by the Inhabitants call'd Risles and Capuses come fraighted with all sorts of weav'd Stuffs Sugar Anniseeds and other Commodities down the River Sind from Lahor Multan Agra Dely Nandou Citer Utrad and other Places and putting into the Haven Lowribandel lay the said Commodies aboard of bigger Ships for Ormuz where they are unladen by Netherlanders Portuguese and Mahumetans The Inhabitants are all Mahumetans yet by reason of the great Trade which is driven in this Countrey there are commonly People of all Religions found in the same The Great Mogol Ecbar first conquer'd this Territory The Provinces of Sorit Jesselmeer and Attack SOret The Borders a small but rich Province borders Eastward at Zurratte in the West at Tatta in the North at Jesselmeer and in the South at the Sea The Metropolis is call'd Janagor or Ganagor The Territory of Jesselmer The Limits or Jesselmure verges Southward at Soret Eastward at Bando Northwards at Attack and Westward at Buckor and Tatta The chief City bears the same Denomination with the Countrey The County of Attack conterminates in the West The Bounds with Haiacan the River Indus onely parting them in the North it is bounded with Penjab and in the East with Jenba and Mando The Metropolitan Town bears the Name of Attack The Province of Penjab or Pangab The Name THe next is the Province of Penjab or Pangab which in the Persian Tongue signifies Five Waters for its Situation between five Streams viz. the Ravy Behat Obcan Wiby and Sinde or Sindar all which discharge their Waters into the Indus and make a great Lake somewhat Southward from Lahor The City of Lahor The chief City of this Territory according to Terry is Lahor but others affirm Lahor to be the Metropolis of Multan The City being very large and ancient is one of the most eminent Towns in all India and is no way inferior either in bigness or beauty to Agra It lies in 35 Degrees and 50 Minutes Northern Elevation and hath large and well pav'd Streets The Air in and about Lahor is very healthful The Air. There are also many remarkable Structures in the same as the Palace Mosques Hamans or Baths Tanks or Springs Gardens and many other delightful Places It is a spacious and fruitful Territory and the most pleasant Spot of Ground in all India and is that part of it which according to Della Valle was in the time of Alexander the Great Govern'd by King Porus. There is a Castle which being very large strong and artificially built in a delightful place of white hard polish'd Stones hath twelve Gates three whereof respect the City and the other nine lead into several parts of the Countrey Within this Castle is a stately Palace into which you enter through two Gates and two base Courts and after you have pass'd through the last you come to two parting Ways the one leading to the Durbar or Joreo where the King appears daily before the People and the other to the Diwanchane which is a great Hall wherein he spends part of the Night viz. from eight of the Clock till eleven with his Omrahs On the Walls of this Castle are Engraven the Images of Kings Princes and other Great Men as Schach Selim the great Mogol Ecbar's Son sitting on a rich Carpet under a costly Throne with his Son and his Brothers d' Han Schach or Daniel and Schach Morat on his right Hand and opposite to him Emorza Sherif eldest Brother to Chan Asorn With many other Persons of note The River Rawy which springs out of Mount Caximir and runs through the same with several Rivulets having finish'd a Course of three hundred Miles along a deep Navigable Channel discharges its Water into the Indus near the City Tatta not far from Diul It lies in 23 Degrees and 15 Minutes Northern Latitude The Kingdom or Territory of Caximir THe Kingdom of Caximir or according to some Cascimir and Cachmire by Mercator taken to be the ancient Arachosia or Archotis of Ptolomy and by Herbert for the ancient Sogdiana The Borders borders in the North at Mount Caucasus in the North-West at the Province of Banchish the Indus onely separating them in the South-East at Penjab in the West at Cabul and Northerly at the Kingdom of Maurenahar Jarrick conterminates this Kingdom with that of Rebat It is but a small Countrey and lies as Texeira tells us fifteen days Journey from Lahor and according to Herbert in 41 Degrees and 9 Minutes Northern Latitude about three hundred Miles from Agra Jarrich gives the Name of Syranacar both to the chief City of this Kingdom and to the Countrey it self lying in 30 Degrees Northern Latitude About three Leagues from the City is a Lake or Pool of sweet Water about fifteen Miles in circumference Navigable for great Ships yet not above half a League broad In the middle of it lies a pleasant artificial Island with a Royal Banquetting-house therein whither as Jarrick affirms the King resorts when he intends to recreate himself in catching of wild Geese and Swans Through the midst of this Lake as also through the Countrey glides the Stream Behat or Bhad which by its trending or meeandring Bays makes many Islands and at last unites it self not far from Jahor with the River Indus or as others say with the Ganges which last is somewhat improbable because of its distance towards the East Another River call'd Chanab by Jarrick Chenao and by Terry Nilab having also its original in this Countrey unites it self likewise with the Indus The Countrey abounds in Rice Wheat and other Provisions and also hath plenty of Grass Woods Gardens and Springs Of the Roots of their Mulberry-trees they plant Vines This Countrey formerly lay under Water The ancient Histories of the Kings of Caximir make mention that this Countrey was formerly a great Lake and that a certain ancient Man call'd Cacheb open'd a Passage for the Water through the Mountain of Baramoule But this seems to be incredible yet not but that this Countrey was formerly overflow'd with Water but to open a Passage for it through the foremention'd Mountain is a thing altogether impossible the Mountain being so very high and broad rather an Earthquake to which this Place is very subject opening the Earth swallow'd up a part of the Mountain and so open'd a Passage for the Water But however it was dreyn'd It s Extent and Situation Caximir is no more a Lake but at present a most fertile Soil about eighteen Leagues long and three or four broad interlac'd with many little Hills It is the farthest part of Indostan to the Northward from Lahor and inclos'd by Mount Caucasus the Mountains of the
with Water-courses Channels and some little Lakes and Rivulets and every where planted with European Trees and Flowers as Apples Pears Plumbs Apricocks Nuts and Vines European Plants and Herbs here in great abundance In the private Gardens of this Countrey grow Musk-melons Patequos or Water-melons Beets Raddishes most of our Potherbs and some which we have not yet these Fruits are not so good as those in Europe which proceeds rather from the ignorance of Gardners than the Soil wherefore the Mogols have not improperly call'd this Countrey The Terrestrial Paradice neither did the Great Mogol Ecbar without just reasons take so much pains to get it from the lawful Kings and his Son Schach Selim was so much taken therewith that he could not possibly forsake it often saying That he would rather lose all his whole Kingdom besides than Cachemire When Oranchzef came Anno 1664. from Deli to recreate himself in this Countrey in the Month of March all the Poets strove to exceed one another in making Verses in praise of the same which Oranchzef receiv'd rewarding the Authors of them very bountifully The Description of the City and Lake of Cachemire The chief Town of this Countrey bears the same Denomination with the Kingdom and being without Walls is three quarters of a Mile long and half a Mile broad It is situate in a barren Field about two Leagues from the Mountains which seem to make a Semi-circle about a Lake of sweet Water of about four or five Leagues in circumference This Lake is made by running Springs and Brooks which glide from the Mountains and discharges its Water through a navigable Channel into a River which runs through the middle of the City and hath two Bridges over it This Lake is also full of Islands which resemble so many pleasant Gardens with delightful Walks and Arbors and are surrounded with Poplar and other Trees which have Leaves about two Foot broad and are as tall as the Masts of Ships with Boughs onely on the top like Date-trees On the other side of the Lake upon the hanging of the Mountains are also abundance of Banquetting-houses and Gardens for which that place is most convenient because it hath a delicate Air a Prospect on the Lake Islands and a City and is full of Springs and Rivulets The best of all the Gardens being the Kings is in the Persian Language call'd Schach-Limar that is The King's Garden Out of the Lake they go into this Garden through a Channel between two rows of Trees planted along its Banks about five hundred Paces long This Channel leads to the King 's Sugar-house which is also in the midst of the Garden where begins another brave Moat reaching to the upper end of the Garden The bottom of the foremention'd Channel is pav'd with Freestone and the sides thereof rais'd also with the same Stone in the middle thereof are many Springs of Water which being in a row fifteen Paces distant one from another shoot up above the other Water Moreover there are Receptacles of Water like Ponds out of which by means of several Springs the Water rises up in many small Streams which make divers Figures This Channel ends at another great Banquetting-house not much unlike the former The foremention'd Pleasure-houses built almost like Cloysters lying in the middle of the Moat are surrounded with Water between the two rows of Poplar Trees they have Galleries or Balconies built round about them and four Doors opposite one to another two whereof fronting the two rows of Trees have two Bridges which lead cross the Water one on each side the other two front the two ends of the Channel Each Summer-house consists in a great Room in the midst of four lesser which make the Square the Walls of both the great and small Rooms are richly Gilded and Painted and full of Inscriptions in large Persian Characters the four Doors are very stately of large Stones with two Columns fetch'd out of the ancient Pagan Temples which Schach Jehan caus'd to be ruin'd The value of these Stones is not known nor of what species they are unless Marble or Porphyrie Most of the Houses are built of Wood two Storeys high not for want of Stone there being many old ruin'd Deuras or Temples but for the cheapness by reason of the abundance of Wood which grows on the adjacent Mountains from whence it may be fetch'd for a small matter and carried to the City along a little River The Houses built along the River side have each of them a Garden which hath a Prospect on the Water The other Houses that do not stand near the River have Gardens also and many of them a little Channel which runs into the Lake into which they can Row from their Houses in small Boats At one end of the City appears a very steep Mountain at the foot whereof are many fair Houses with Gardens and on the top a Mosque with an Orchard and Garden belonging to it In regard whereof the Inhabitants in their Language call this Mountain Hary Porbet that is Green Mountain Opposite to this appears another Mountain being also crown'd with a Mosque and likewise an ancient Structure which seems to have been a Deura or Pagode but it is call'd Tackt Souliman that is The Throne of Salomon because as the Mahumetans say Salomon built it when he came to Cachemire A wonderful Spring At the Confines of this Kingdom two or three days Journey from the City Cachemire a Spring near the foot of a Mountain works Wonders as the Mahumetans affirm in May when the Snow melts on the Mountains viz. it ebbs and flows for fifteen days together three times in a day in the Morning at Noon and at Night after the first fifteen days its Course is not so exact and after a Months time it stops altogether the remaining part of the year except in the time of great and long Rains when it overflows like other Springs The Heathens have on the Brink of this Spring a little Deura or Pagode built in honor of one of their Idols wherefore they have call'd it Send Brary as if they would say Water of Brary whither many People go in Pilgrimage to Bathe themselves Many strange Relations they give concerning the original of this Spring the Mountain at whose foot it springs extends in length from North to South and appears at a distance like a Plain somewhat rising in the middle and is about a hundred Paces broad on the top the North side hath some Verdure but quickly decaying for want of the Suns influence the other side on the West is shaded with Trees and Brambles Some distance from the High-way is a pleasant Seat of the ancient Kings of Cachemire and at present of the Great Mogol call'd Achiavela The most remarkable thing belonging thereunto is a Spring whose Water runs round about the Structure and through all the Gardens in many little Channels This Spring boyls with such great force out
They make them of two several sorts of Stuffs namely Inland Wooll which is much softer than the Spanish and another sort of Wooll or rather Hair call'd Touz which grows on the Breasts of wild Goats which breed in Tibet These last are much dearer than the first the Hair of Beaver not exceeding it in softness but it is very subject to Moths and Worms if not beaten and air'd They are much worn by the great Omrahs who give for some of them a hundred nay a hundred and fifty Ropias each Ropia being 2 s. 2 d. whenas those made of Inland Wooll cost not above fifty It is said that the King of Caximir Govern'd formerly over all the Mountains which extend to Tartary and over all Indostan quite to the Island of Ceilon The Histories of this Countrey make mention that the Dominions of the Raja of Gamon Cachguer and Serenaguer were anciently under the Jurisdiction of this Kingdom the Inhabitants whereof were all Heathens till about three hundred years ago that the Mahumetan Religion was instituted so that the greatest part are now Saracens Caximir conquer'd by the Mogol To prevent all Invasions the Great Mogol keeps four thousand Soldiers in Caximir which was formerly a Kingdom by it self and was Govern'd by an absolute King who pay'd Tribute to none till Anno 1665. that Ecbar conquer'd the Countrey at a time when the Inhabitants were at Difference and maintain'd War one against another for otherwise he could never have master'd it because Caximir is the most powerful of all the neighboring Kingdoms At present Caximir is Govern'd by a Vice-Roy of the Great Mogol's The present Governor is call'd Diaretcan sent thither by Oranchzef Moreover the Great Mogol Ecbar took this Countrey by force from the last King Justef Chan after the following manner viz. When Ecbar was about to conquer the Kingdom of Maurenahar and the King of Caximir lying between was preparing to prevent him he sent Alli Myrza to tell him that he should immediately come to Lahor and bring his Son with him where he should be well Entertain'd and receiv'd with as much kindness as could be expected from a neighboring Prince and Friend who would leave him in quiet possession of his Countrey and assure him of his Fidelity but if he resolv'd to hazard his Fortunes on an uncertain War he would not onely drive him out of his Realm but also make him his Slave and banish his Son The King of Caximir affrighted with these Threatnings surrendred himself immediately to Ecbar But Jacob Chan his Son who was not able to brook this Oppression fled and was immediately followed by so many Friends that he had Strength sufficient to drive the Indians out of his Fathers Kingdom and caus'd himself to be proclaim'd King yet he enjoy'd the benefit belonging to that Title not long for Ecbar being exceedingly enrag'd at his rebelling sent Ally Myrza and Cassem Chan with thirty thousand Men against him with Command to give him Battel But the young Prince not daring to Engage with such unequal Forces fled into the high Mountains of Bunkery whither Cassem Chan pursuing him by the guidance of some of the Natives made himself Master of all the Mountains and forc'd Jacob Chan to flie to Serenaguer where in a short time after he was Besieged and though the Place was very strong and he had Men enough he was forc'd to surrender himself and being bound Hand and Foot was carry'd to Indostan The Territories of Banchish Jangapore and Jenba Their Situation and Bounds THe Territory of Banchish lies Eastward a little Southerly from Chismeer from whence it is separated by the River Indus it borders Northward upon the People Cackares and Southerly at Jangapore The chief City thereof is call'd Bishur The Province of Jangapore lies on the Stream Caul one of the five Rivers which water Penjab It hath Siba on the East Banchish on the North Jenba on the South and Penjab on the West The Territory of Jenba Eastward from Penjab hath Jangapore on the North Nagracat on the East and Dely on the South The Metropolis thereof is Jenba The Countrey is very mountainous The Kingdom of Dely. Situation and Limits THe Kingdom or Province of Dely or Delly is by Terry call'd Dellee and by others Dely which signifies A Heart because it lies in the heart of the Mogol's Dominions and as Terry saith between Jenba and Agra Maginus places this Kingdom between those of Decan Narsinga Orixa and Cambaya and extending about the Province of Narsinga is separated from the Kingdom of Cambaya by great Mountains The River Jeming running along one side thereof serves for a Moat over which a Bridge with ten Arches leads into the City The ancient Metropolis being also call'd Dely was once a fair and large City and the Seat and Burying-place of the Mogol Emperors who afterwards remov'd from thence to the new-built Dely. Its Glory consisted in many Tombs in which above twenty great Kings and Lords lie buried The superstitious Indians flock thither in Pilgrimage It hath plenty of all things and was anciently the Seat of King Porus who near this Place was conquer'd by Alexander the Great when he came to Invade him with Elephants and abundance of Horses Three Leagues from the City on a place call'd Old Dely where King Homayon Father to Ecbar lies buried stands a great Marble Pillar or Pyramid which having a Greek Inscription is the greatest Remark in all the Province notwithstanding the Letters are almost worn out with age About fifty years ago Schach Jehan Father to the present Great Mogol Oranchzef causing a City to be built not far from Old Dely call'd it Schach Jehan Abad that is The Peopling of Schach Jeham and made the same the Metropolis of the Realm in stead of Agra where he said the Heat was too great in Summer Jehan Abad 2 new City how seated By reason of the nearness of the two foremention'd Places the Ruins of the old City hath serv'd for the new one and there is at present scarce any mention made of Dely but altogether of Jehan Abad which is a new City lying in a barren Field on the Banks of the River Jemna and built onely along one side of the Stream there being but one Bridge over the same which is laid cross several Hulks It is quite unwall'd on that side which respects the Water The Walls are of Stone yet not very tenible or defensive there being no Moats nor any Breastworks but round Towers after the old fashion about a hundred Paces distant from one another and behind them a Mud Wall about four or five Foot thick The circumference of the Wall with the Castle which is inclos'd in the same is about two Leagues and a half but if you include a long Suburb which runs to Lahor and being a Rellick of the old Dely is inhabited it will make above a League in a direct Line and a Circumference which cannot justly
be limited because between this Suburb and the City are spacious Gardens and Fields without any Buildings The Castle within which is the Mahalle or Seraglio besides other Royal Apartments is built round orather in a Semi-circle and looks upon the River between which and the Walls is a large sandy Plain where they generally let the Elephants fight and often Muster the Rajas or principal Omrahs Soldiers in the King's Presence who beholds the same out of his Hall Windows The Walls of the Castle in respect of the round Towers built after the old fashion are almost like those of the City but rais'd with Bricks and red Stones which appearing like Marble makes them much more beautiful than those of the City than which they are also much higher stronger thicker and more substantial against small Field-pieces Besides it is surrounded except on the Water side with a Moat of good Water abounding with Fish rais'd on both sides with Free-stone yet nevertheless a Battery planted with great Guns may easily beat it down Round about the Moat lies a large Garden which in all Seasons is full of green Trees and Flowers which with the red Walls make a pleasant Prospect Round about this Garden runs the great Street or rather a great Royal Court or Plain on which open two of the greatest and chiefest Gates of the Castle leading into the most eminent Streets of the City On the foremention'd Plain also stand the Tents of the Rajas who being in the King's Service watch every week by turns whilst the Omrahs do the same Duty in the Castle the Rajas delighting more to be in the Field than lock'd up in the Fortress On the said Plain they also breathe the King's Horses every Morning it serves also for a Bazar or Market-place where all sorts of Merchandise are sold and is the Meeting-place of several Philosophers and Astronomers as well Mahumetans as Indians Here also the great Cobatcan or Commissary of the Horse takes a special Account of all the Troopers Horses that enter into the King's Service viz. if he finds the Horses to be Turkish that is from Turkestan or from Tartary and big and able to do Service then he marks them with a hot Iron on the Buttock with the King's Mark and also the Omrahs under whom they Serve and this is no ill Invention to prevent the Troopers from lending their Horses one to another The foremention'd eminent Streets which end over against the two Gates of the Castle and on the Plain are about twenty five or thirty Paces broad and extend in a direct Line as far as the Eye can discern though that which comes out against the Gate of Lahor is much longer than the other but all the Buildings are like one another There are Arches on both sides of the Streets flat on the top without any Rooms over the same neither are the Walks underneath intire but the Arches are separated by Walls the space between which serves several Handicrafts and Artists for Shops to work in in the day-time and for Exchangers of Money to do their Business in and Merchants to dispose their Commodities to Sale which at Night they lock up in Warehouses The Arches over these Warehouses are built under the Merchants Houses which appear very fair at a distance and are very convenient for standing very high they are not onely out of the Dust but stand very cool and being in a manner even with the flat Roof of the Arches they walking on them may look into the Street and sleep on the same for coolness in the Night But besides these two eminent Streets there are five others which are not so direct nor streight but very like them in all things else Many other Streets indeed there are which run from all parts of the City and have most of them Arches but because they are built for Dwelling-houses for private People who are not curious in the uniformity of their Buildings they are neither so streight nor so broad nor so firmly built as the rest In all the Streets stand the Houses of the Mansebdans or petty Omrahs Persons of Judicature Merchants and others which are not meanly built It is certain there are many which are built of Brick or other Stones and divers of Clay and cover'd with Straw yet they are nevertheless very convenient having Gardens and Orchards belonging to them they are also very handsom within for besides the good Furniture the Straw Roofs are supported by long hard and strong Canes and the Walls Plaister'd and Whitened Amongst these indifferent fair Houses there are abundance of lesser which being built of Lome serve for Habitations for the Troopers and other meaner People belonging to the Bazar and the King 's Court. By reason of these slight Houses Dely is very subject to Fire Anno 1663. there were above sixty thousand Thatch'd Roofs consum'd by the Flame which was the greater as being augmented by the strong Winds that blow in the Summer which made it so fierce that it destroy'd many Camels and Horses there being no time to save them and also many of the King's Concubines which having never been out of the Seraglio were so bashful that they chose rather to be burnt than be sav'd by strange Men. By reason of these slight Houses of Lome Dely cannot be said to be any thing else than a company of Villages joyn'd together or rather a Camp with Tents onely erected in a better order and more convenient than usuall in the Fields As to what concerns the Houses of the Omrahs they stand also in most parts of the City especially along the Rivers and in the Suburbs If a House in these warm Countreys bears the Name of Handsom and Large it is infallibly very convenient viz. it is seated in a place where the Wind can come to it from all Corners especially the Northern it hath Gardens Orchards Fish-ponds and Springs large Vaults or Cellars with great light Holes to let the Wind in at The Inhabitants retiring into them in the heat of the day stay in them till about four or five a clock or else they have Cascanays which are little Houses of Straw or sweet-smelling Roots being very curiously made and commonly plac'd in the middle of a Park near a Pond or Spring that the Servants may with their Leather Jacks wet them on the out side The eminent Houses stand in the midst of a large Square and have not sloaping but flat Roofs on which they may sleep in the Night The Furniture of the Houses As to what concerns the inside of the principal Houses the Floors are cover'd with Cotton Quilts of four Fingers thick with a white Linnen Cloth laid over them in the Summer and with Carpets in the Winter In the chief Chambers near the Wall must also lie two or three Quilts cover'd with Silk and embroider'd with Gold and Silver for the Master of the House to sit on or for Persons of Quality that come to
visit him moreover on every Quilt lies a Cushion of Cloth of Gold round about the Chamber against the Walls stand also many of these great Cushions of Flannel or flower'd Sattin to sit on In the Walls about four or five Foot from the Floor they make several Windows of different fashions even one with another and adorn'd with Flower-pots and Porcelane Dishes but they have no Images of Men or Beasts because their Religion permits it not Most of the foremention'd Houses in Dely are furnish'd after one and the same manner though more or less rich according to the Quality of the Owners by which means Dely is not without many fair Buildings yet far inferior to our European Notwithstanding Dely is the Seat and Court of a mighty Prince and the Staple for many Merchandises yet it is not to be compar'd to London Paris or Amsterdam the richest and most valuable Commodities being oftner found in Ware-houses than Shops for where there is one Shop furnish'd with fine Cloths Silk-Stuffs mixt with Gold and Silver Turbants embroider'd with Gold Cloth of Tissue and other rich Commodities there are above twenty which fell nothing but Butter Rice Barley Pease Wheat and other Corn the common Food not onely of the Heathens who never eat Flesh but also of the vulgar Mahumetans and Soldidrs Dely stor'd with divers sorts of Fruit from other Parts In this City is a most excellent Fruit-Market and many Confectioners Shops who ih the Summer sell all sorts of dry'd Fruit brought thither from Persia Balk Bocara and Samarcand as Almonds Pistachoes Nuts Raisins Plumbs Apricocks and others In the Winter there are excellent Grapes brown and white which being wrapt up in Cotton are also brought from the foremention'd Countreys as likewise Apples two or three sorts of Pears and rare Melons which lasting the whole Winter are sold very dear There are no Fruits growing in this Countrey but Melons which being not very good are sold at a small rate Persons of Quality who take care to have the Seed brought from Persia and Till or Manure their Ground well may have excellent good Melons yet they are very scarce the Earth being so barren that after the first year they degenerate There is another sort of Fruit call'd Amba or Mangas which for two Moneths in Summer are very plentiful and cheap There are likewise all the year round Patecues or Water-Melons Their Preserves are very ill made being full of Dirt and Flyes The several sorts of Provision in Dely. Every Street affords Shops full of Bread which by reason there are but sew Ovens is not well prepar'd yet in the Castle is much delicate Bread sold and the Omrahs also make good Bread in their Houses not sparing Milk Eggs and Butter to put into it yet it commonly tastes mealy and burnt In the Bazars are several Cook Shops where Meat is dress'd but after a sluttish manner besides their Meat is very unwholsom for they commonly roast or boyl a piece of a Horse or Camel or of an Ox that dy'd in a Ditch so that all Persons who will eat good Meat must dress it in their own Houses In most parts of the City are Shambles where Flesh is expos'd to Sale but the Buyers must take special care that they buy not Mutton in stead of Goats-flesh because both their Beef and Mutton is very feaverish windy and bad to digest though well enough tasted The best Victuals in this Countrey is a raw Buck which is not sold in Joynts by Butchers but alive so that if any Person hath a mind to it he must buy a whole Buck which is very inconvenient because the Flesh though kill'd in the Morning will be tainted before Night They have no Capons in this Countrey the Inhabitants whereof are more compassionate to Beasts than Men whom they bereave of their Genitals to serve them in the Seraglio but in the Market are abundance of Hens which are cheap and good and amongst others there are a sort of little Hens with black Feathers which are very dainty and therefore dear There are also Pigeons to be sold but no young ones because they account it criminal to kill them There are also Pheasants but much smaller than ours which are taken in Nets and brought alive to the Market as they do Ducks and other Fowl As to what concerns the Fish there are few which love it notwithstanding there are some very good especiall two sorts the one is call'd Hinghala and the other resembling our Carps is call'd Rau. The Description of the Castle The Castle of which we have before made mention comprehends the Seraglio and other Royal Structures but they resemble not the European nor need they be like them for it is sufficient that they have the splendor and strength which this Climate requites There is nothing remarkable at the Entrance except two great Elephants of Stone which stand on each side of the Gate on the one sits the Image of Jemel the famous Raja of Chitor on the other that of Polta his Brother These are the two Heroes who with their Mother more valiant than they vex'd the Great Mogol Ecbar and shew'd excellent proofs of their Valour in the Towns which he Besieg'd resolving rather to die with their Mother than become subject to the Mogol By reason of this unheard of Valour their Enemies themselves have thought them worthy to have the two foremetion'd Statues erected in honor of them Having pass'd through the Gate of the Castle you come to a long broad Street which is divided into two by a Brook of running Watet and hath on each side a long Divan of five or six Foot high and four broad with several Arches like Gates On this long Divan Scriveners Registers and others have their several Offices out of the Press and Crowd of the People which pass by them along the Street which lies lower than their Shops on which also the Mansebdars or petty Omrahs keep Guard in the Night There is a Brook running through the midst of the Seraglio which fills other Moats with its Water and hath its original out of a River three or four Leagues from Dely whence it is convey'd in a Channel cross the Plains and between many Rocks which have been open'd with great difficulty and hard Labor Coming through the other Gate of the Castle there opens another large and broad Street which also hath its Divans on each side with Shops This Street being properly a Bazar is very commodious during the Rainy and Summer Season because it is covere'd with a long and broad Arch which on the top hath a fair Cupula through which it receives Light Besides these two Streets are several other lesser on the right and left side which lead to the Lodgings where the Omrahs watch twenty four hours once a Week by turns These Lodgings are very stately the Omrahs beautifying them at their own Costs and Charge and are commonly the great Divans
valiant of them use they often put their Enemies to flight This Countrey was formerly Govern'd by a peculiar King and belong'd not long since to the King of Pattan but of late hath been subdu'd by the Great Mogol who in the beginning kept his Court in the Metropolis thereof The Inhabitants are most of them Moors or Mahumetans the rest Heathens who live very miserably for being subdu'd by the Moors who bereav'd them of what they formerly possess'd they are forc'd to range up and down the Countrey from one place to another and are therefore call'd Joguez The Kingdom or Province of Mando or Bando THe Province or Kingdom of Mando otherwise Bando by the Inhabitants according to Texeira call'd Mandou and by Purchas Mandao borders in the East at Agra in the North at Dely in the West at Jesselmeer and in the South at the Province of Malway The Description of the City Maudo The Metropolis which bears one and the same Name with the Province hath six Miles in circumference It lies on a high Mountain the top whereof is flat and spacious The Ascent to the City is very high and steep and troublesom to walk up Not far from the foot of the Mountain is a large Town call'd Achabar Pore by which glides a broad River call'd Narbodag The top of the Mountain is overgrown with shady Trees in such a manner that it is very pleasant to â—â—hold either from the foot upwards or from the top downwards This wooddy Mountain serves as a Recess for Lions Tygers and wild Elephants In this City the Great Mogol hath a House or spacious Palace built of square Stone in which he often resides Not far from this Palace is a Cave cut in a Rock which is no less artificial than pleasant by reason of its coolness The Countrey is barren sandy and mountainous full of Lions Tygers and wild Elephants and produces great plenty of Costus in the Malayan Tongue call'd Pucho and Amphion or Opium There is also abundance of Azur with which the Inhabitants Trade to China Cambaya and Ormuz It is said that the valiant Amazones Reign'd in this Countrey but at present they retain nothing of their Predecessors Qualities but onely to Ride well on Horseback with half Boots and Spurs Whenever the Queen Rides abroad she is accompanied by at least two thousand Women on Horseback The Province of Malway or Malva THe Province of Malway or Malva bordering in the East at Narrat in the South at Chilor and in the North and West at Jesel is very fruitful The chief City thereof is call'd Rantipore the other Towns are Toda and Upen which Thomas Rohous makes to be the Metropolis A pretty way from the City glides the Stream Cepra which is a Branch of the Ganges which is said to fall into the Bay of Cambaya Near this Stream lies the City Callenda formerly the Court of the Kings of Mando or Bando The Territory of Sanga or Chitor and Vtrad THe Territory of Sanga or Chitor formerly a great and ancient Kingdom borders in the North-East and East at Malway in the West at the Mount Ranas and Jesselmeer and in the South at Zurratte and Chandi half way between the Towns Chitor and Asmeer The City of Chitor anciently a glorious City The Metropolis is also call'd Chitor but anciently Taxila and was the chief City of India when King Porus went to Fight against Alexander the Great It lies in 25 Degrees Northern Latitude on the top of a high Mountain inclos'd within a Wall of about ten Miles in circumference Before the ruine thereof it was a fair City not onely for its Buildings but also its Bulwarks and Walls for which reason it was in the Countrey Language call'd Citor that is The Fan of the World It may compare for antiquity with any City in India but at present it is not above three Miles in circumference There are yet above a thousand ruin'd Temples seen in the same several large though decay'd Palaces besides many stately Columns There is onely one Ascent which leads up to the City to which they go through four stately Gates along a Path cut in a Rock The chief Inhabitants at this day are Birds and wild Beasts which the Benjans hold in great veneration By whom destroy'd This City was formerly possess'd by an ancient Prince call'd Ranas whom King Gelaladin Acbar forc'd in the latter end of the former Age to leave his Kingdom and to flie into the Mountains from him call'd Ranas where he setled in the City Odipore to which he was forc'd by a long Siege which the Inhabitants werre not able to hold for want of Provisions The City when surrendred was by the Conqueror laid waste and so continues at this day Others affirm that Badur Sultan of Cambaya Besieg'd the City and that when the Inhabitants saw no likelihood to preserve it any longer they burnt all their Gold and Silver Precious Stones and other things and also themselves insomuch that above seventy thousand perish'd by the Fire which lasted three days together after which Badur enter'd the City Not long after the Kingdom of Cambaya was totally subdu'd by the Great Mogol The Province of Utrad conterminates with that of Chitor and lies near the City of Sinde The chief City thereof bears the same Denomination Productions of the Province of Vtrad This Countrey affords Sal Gemmae or Stone Salt by the Inhabitants call'd Geucar a Name deriv'd from Geu which signifies Barley and from Car which signifies Salt This Province also produces a certain Dreg or Gum by Physicians in the Latine Tongue call'd Assa Foetida and in English for its ill scent Devils-Dung Avicenna and other Arabians call it Altit the Indians Juden and the Benjans Inguh or Hing That which grows here is the least bitter of any The Plant which produces it is of two sorts the one is a high Tree or Bush with little Leaves not unlike those of Rew the other is like a Raddish and hath several great and small Stalks with Leaves almost like the Fig-tree This Plant grows best in Mountains and barren places it is gather'd in Harvest for about die latter end of the Summer the Gum begins to run out of it Theophrastus Dioscorides and others take this Gum to be the Juice of a Plant which they call Laser or Laserpitium The Benjans of Zurratte use this Gum in all their Meat and account no Dish or Sawce to be well made without it They also anoint all their drinking Vessels therewith nay they are so us'd to it that the strong scent which turns the Stomach of others is sweet and pleasant to them The Kingdom of Zurratte or Cambaya THe Kingdom of Cambaya hath receiv'd that Denomination from the Portuguese who so styl'd it from the City of Cambaya which being a Sea-port Town is better known to the Portuguese than any other in this Countrey by reason of the vast Trade which they drive there
But the Inhabitants call it Gazoraste or Zurratte and the Persians The Countrey of the Gaores or Cow-Worshippers because they adore those Beasts Some suppose Zurratte though improperly to be the ancient Gedrosia because Gedrosia is without the Limits of India and this Countrey or Kingdom within wherefore the King of Cambaya is call'd King of the first India The Extent and Limits of Zurratte This Countrey extends into the Sea like a Peninsula having a great Bay on each side the one lying towards the South is eighteen Leagues broad at the entrance of the Mouth but grows narrower and narrower and runs up North-East and by East above forty Leagues It verges in the West and South at the Indian Sea in the North it hath a broad ridge of Mountains and beyond them the Territories of Soret Jesselmeer and Bando in the East Chitor and Candish in the South the Kingdom of Decan with the River Gate between Maffaeus borders this Countrey in the East upon the Kingdom of Mando and other Provinces belonging to the Tartars or Mogols in the West with the Countrey of the Nautaques or Gedrosians in the North at the Kingdoms of Dulcinde Sanga and Chitor and in the South at the Indian Sea and the Province of Decan The Limits of this Countrey extended formerly much farther viz. from the Indian Sea to Gualor or Gualer eight days Journey from Amadabat The Sea-coast of this Kingdom which is very large extends according to Twist above four and forty Leagues along the Sea according to Maginus a hundred and fifty Italian Miles viz. from Circan to the River Bat yet Zurratte doth not extend to Circan lying beyond the Indus which proves the Limits of Maginus to be erroneous This Countrey is full of Towns Villages Hamlets and People and reckon'd formerly twenty thousand inhabited Places besides many more ruin'd by the Wars and at present under other Dominions The Sea-port Towns The chief Sea-Ports are situate on both the Bays as followeth Between Cape Jaquete eighteen Leagues from the River Sinde to the City Diu a Tract of thirty Leagues lie Gigat Cortiane Mangalor Choras Pattan Patepatan Corimer and Diu between which and Cambaya being a Tract along the Sea of thirty three Leagues are the Towns of Madrelaba Mocas Talaia Gundim Goga and Cambaya Next you come to the City Goga lying twelve Leagues farther from Cambaya In these two Promontories of the City Cambaya and Jaquette is comprehended a part of the Kingdom of Zurratte with the mountainous Countreys of the Resbites From the City of Cambaya to the Stream Bate or rather to that of Nagotava are seventy Leagues in which space lie the Towns Machigan Gan and the City Baroch where the River Narbada hath its original Eight Leagues farther is the Mouth of the famous Stream Japety or Tapte on whose Banks lie the Towns Zurratte and Reinier or Reiner Farther along the Coast towards the side of Decan are the Towns Noscary Gandiu by Robert Covert call'd Gandeve and Balsar all three lying about two Leagues up into the Countrey the first six the second nine and the last fourteen Leagues Southward from Zurratte with great Havens convenient for many Ships Next you come to Daman Danu Tatapor Quelmain Agacim and Bazain There are yet along the Coast the Towns Maim and Nagotava four Leagues from Chaul which belongs to Decan and also the Town Bate near a River of the same Name in the utmost Limits of this Kingdom Besides this City there is another call'd Sabaja six Leagues from Gandiu and Nawdon three days Journey from Zurratte between which Towns you travel two days Journey through pleasant Fields without any Villages Many other Towns there are which lie up into the Countrey and amongst others Amadabat the Metropolitan of this Kingdom which deserves a large Description The City Amadabath or Ahmedabath THe Metropolis of this Kingdom of Zurratte is not the City of Cambaya though the Portuguese have given the whole Kingdom its Denomination from thence But Amadabath or Ahmedabath otherwise Amadavar and Hamed Ewat that is The City of Homed or Amad for Bath in the Persian Tongue signifies a City and Amad or Hamed is the Name of the King who laid the first Foundation thereof nine hundred years ago Mr. Herbert tells us That the City Amadabath is very ancient by Ptolomy call'd Amastis and by Arrianus Amadavastis and that King Hamed onely enlarg'd the same Anno 375. after Mahomet's flight from Mecha Amadabath is one of the four Cities where the Mogol as a peculiar Favor keeps his Court. It lies in the middle of the Countrey in a delightful Plain on the Bank of a small River call'd Saker Mati a Branch of the Indus in 33 Degrees and 10 Minutes Northern Latitude or according to Herbert in 23 Degrees and 18 Minutes but according to Mandeslo in 24 Degrees and 109 Minutes Longitude eighteen Leagues from Cambaya sixty two or as some say forty five Leagues from Zurratte and sixteen from the Sea It is surrounded with a Wall of Free-stone about six Miles in circumserence forty Foot high and fifteen thick and fortifi'd with many round Turrets About the Wall runs a Moat about six Paces broad though quite decay'd and in many places dry The Streets are streight and broad yet lie unpav'd and very troublesom to walk in by reason of the Dust which by means of the continual Drought is very great The chiefest Streets are planted on both sides with Coco Terri Orange and Tamarind-trees The Houses which are for the most part built of Sun-dry'd Brick are pretty large but very low and flat after the Eastern manner There are likewise several Bazars or Exchanges the biggest and most eminent whereof is call'd Bazari Colam that is The great Bazar or Exchange It is a broad streight and long Street full of Shops on both sides in the midst thereof stands a Stone Structure cross the Street like a Bridge on three Arches in a triangular manner Beyond this Edifice is also in the midst of the Street a great Well inclos'd within a square Earthen Bank the Water in it is very useful to the Inhabitants who flock thither in great numbers to fetch the same Near the end of this Street stands a great Portal with its Front towards the Street between two Towers and is the Gate of a small Burrough in the Persian Tongue call'd Cut. Near this Burrough at the end of the Street Maidan are two Galleries one on each side rais'd a little from the Ground where the King's Edicts or Proclamations are generally read going from hence through a great Gate on the right hand you behold at a little distance from thence on the left side the Vice-Roy or Governor's Palace or Castle which as others say lies in the midst of the City on the Bank of the River inclos'd within a Wall of Free-stone This Castle which is accounted the best and strongest Fortress which the Mogol hath in all India except that
Cambaya erected in a Temple which is much frequented by the superstitious Benjans A Mile from the City is the Garden and Palace of Chanchonna Son to the great Byram Chan of Persia The Countrey of Cambaya to Amadabat is for the most part desolate and uncultivated In the Way are several Pits each above thirty Yards deep in which is salt Water though at a great distance from the Sea it is drawn out by Oxen. The Countrey about Amadabath is nothing but a vast Wilderness and the Ways very dusty and troublesom for Travellers The High-ways are Hedg'd in on both sides with a certain Fruitless and Leafless Plant which shoots forth onely little long Stalks of a deep Green both Winter and Summer out of which when broke asunder drops a milky Juice like that of green Figs and being very sharp eats into that part of the Skin on which it drops The Fields which border the High-ways are full of Ambe-trees which bear a Fruit like great Olives and also af Tamarind-trees Without the City are many great Tombs of Marble erected by the Moors and are much statelier than their Houses A League and a half from the City lies a great Village call'd Zirkes or Sirkesia where there is a very magnificent Tomb the whole Structure with its Floors being all of polish'd Marble and distinguish'd into three parts one whereof rests on a a hundred and forty Marble Pillars each thirty Foot high curiously adorn'd with Festunes and Pedestals after the Corinthian Order This Structure is said to be the Tomb of one Cacis Tutor to one of the Kings of Zurratte to whom they ascribe great Sanctity and Wonders and that the said King who with three other Kings lies buried in another Chappel built the same in commemoration of his Tutor At a certain time of the year most of the Mahumetans come hither in Pilgrimage firmly believing thereby to obtain pardon for their sins On one side of it is a large Pond About a Mile from the City is another fair Tomb of an eminent Mahumetan Merchant call'd Hajom Majom who being enamor'd of the Beauty of his Daughter and threupon Ravishing her was Beheaded by the King's Command and buried here with all his Family wherefore the Inhabitants to this day call the same Betychint that is The uncover'd shame of your Daughter De Stadt Souratte The Water of the foremention'd River is convey'd round the said Banquetting-house not far from which you come into another Garden over a high Stone Bridge four hundred Paces long and though this Garden be but small yet it is very pleasant and high and hath also at the end against the Bridge a brave Banquetting-house The Water in the droughty Season is drawn up but of the Wells by Oxen and put into two great Stone Cisterns before the Banquetting-house This Garden wherein commonly young Women Bathe themselves in the foremention'd Cisterns is call'd Nicunabag that is The Garden of Precious Stones and is said to have been made by a beautiful and rich Lady There is yet another delightful Garden with a Banquetting-house which was built by the Great Mogol Ecbar in commemoration of his conquering the last King of Zurratte call'd Sultan Mahomed Begeran in that very place whereby the Kingdom of Zurratte became subject to the Great Mogol Ten Leagues from Amadabath lies a little Town full of pretty Houses and Pagan Temples call'd Niervant Six Leagues from the said City also lies another Town call'd Mamadabad on the Bank of a pleasant River on the North side of it is a fair Palace The Inhabitants of this Town are for the most part Weavers Description of Suratte The City Surat or Surratte according to Davity the Village Surastra or Syrastra of Ptolomy is for its neatness by the Moors call'd The Mogol's Beard and lies in about 21 Degrees and about 30 Minutes Northern Latitude near the River Reinier or Reunier otherwise call'd Pani Hind that is The Water Indus and Tapi or Tapti and Tyndee two Leagues up into the Countrey from the Bay or Gulf of Cambaya The City extending along the Banks of the foremention'd River built square lies open towards the Water but inclos'd on the Land-side with Mud Walls and dry Ditches It hath three eminent Gates which are lock'd every Evening the one leads to the Village Brion which is a Throughfare for those that travel to Brotcha Cambaya and Amadabat the other to Brampour and the third to Nassary It is adorn'd with many fair Houses with flat Roofs built after the Asiatick manner There are also many stately Palaces in this City which for its defence hath a strong Castle near the River built after the manner of the Romans and surrounded with Walls of Free-stone and deep Moats which receive their Water out of the River Reinier It is an ancient Structure built by the Inhabitants long before the coming of the Portuguese into these Countreys or as some say by the Romans According to the Relation of the Inhabitants to Mandeslo the Turks coming thither with many Ships out of the Red-Sea and conquering several Places built this Fort which hath but one Gate towards the side of a great Plain or Market and is very strongly guarded none daring to come into the same but those that are upon Duty nor are any Persons Listed to serve in the same but native Indostans the Rasbutes though valiant Soldiers often mutinying against the Mogol the Benjans and Usbecks being accounted Enemies and the Benjans and Cambayans never serving for Soldiers accounting it a great sin to shed Blood Next to the Castle is the Nabab or Sultan's House and next to that the Custom-house and the Market to which the Inhabitants of the neighboring Villages and Strangers bring their Goods to sell The City Surratte is very populous and inhabited partly by native Indians and partly by Strangers and Foreigners for Trade The Indians of these Parts consist generally of Zurrattans Cambayans Benjans Brahmans Decans and some Rasbutes who are all generally Idolaters or Mahumetans the last mention'd are the smallest number and the Benjans are the richest driving the greatest Trade All these People live very quiet one amongst another for the Great Mogol though himself a Mahumetan makes no distinction amongst his People of several Religions but gives them Offices alike both at his Court and in his Army Amongst the Foreigners or Strangers the English and Hollanders drive the greatest Trade here besides which there are Portugueses Arabians Persians Armenians Turks and Jews wherefore Suratte is accounted one of the most eminent Cities for Trade in all India both in respect of its Haven and because the convenience of carrying the Commodities through all Suratte from Cambaya and other Places draws the Merchants thither The English and Dutch Traders have many fair Houses in the City very convenient to dwell in and also to stow their Goods The People of several Nations have each of them a Church here and their own Teachers Without
Guandari at the place where it falls into this Bay sixteen Leagues Northward from the City Brotcha or Brotsch and according to Linschot fifty three Leagues from Diu. The compass and strength of it Cambaya being twice as big as Surratte is two hours walking in circumference and is surrounded with a double Stone Wall which hath twelve Gates It s chiefest Ornament consists in its great Suburbs The Streets are streight and broad and lock'd up every Night with a great pair of Gates The Houses are partly of Brick and partly of Free-stone but all kept very moist and consequently cool and would here be accounted but mean Houses yet are reckon'd the best in the Countrey being cover'd with Tyles and having Gutters to receive the Rain-water which in the three Summer Months falls in great abundance The Description The City is not very old and perhaps built out of the Ruines of some other It hath three great Market-places in the middle and fifteen pleasant Gardens full of Mangas-trees the Fruit whereof grows so plentifully here that they are sent to all the adjacent Countreys besides all which there are four Pools out of which the Inhabitants have Water all the year On one side of the City is a a square Pool rais'd with Marble and several Steps on which they descend to the Water for besides that which is sav'd in these Pools during the rainy Season there is little else in Cambaya This City hath no Haven of any great consequence put onely a bare Road by reason of the inconvenient Situation and low Shore yet it is call'd a Haven because of the great number of Ships which come thither from all Places At High-water the Ships may Anchor close before the City but lie dry at Low-water which are only small Vessels for Ships of Burthen are forc'd to lie a good distance from the Shore in deeper Water The Ebb and Flood of the Sea about Cambaya is exceeding swift the Sea rising in a moment and in less than a quarter of an hour to its usual heighth which is done with such wonderful swiftness that no Horse can out-run the same for it comes so furiously out of the Sea that like a great Current it overflows a vast Tract of Land Many Villages are under the Jurisdiction of this City where all Goods which are brought thither by Water pay Three per cent and Four if they come by Land This City was formerly the Seat of the King 's of Surratte and famous for Transporting of Agats and other Precious Stones Both without and within the City are many Hospitals for sick and maimed Beasts as is already mention'd which the Benjans look to and cure with great care for they abominate the killing of any Beast About a League and a half from Cambaya in the way to Amadabat lies a Village call'd Saima seven Leagues and a half farther Southwards another nam'd Mator and three from Cambaya another call'd Sarode which is inhabited by Rasbutes who Rob on the High-ways and Rivers Most of the Inhabitants are Pagans or Idolaters who are very careful in the preservation of their Laws the rest are either Moors or Mahumetans In the Village Cansari lying not far from the City stands a Pagode which hath several Cloysters and Walks on the out side built after a pretty kind of fashion as also the whole Structure which though it be not very big yet it is built in a handsom method Within this Pagode which belongs to the Indians call'd Vertias who shave the Hair from off their Heads stands upon a high Altar which is ascended by Steps an Idol with divers burning Lamps hung before him Hither resort many People to Offer Incense before the Idol Not far from hence is another square Pagode furnish'd with divers Idols A League from Cambaya lies the Village Agra which according to the Relation of the Benjans was anciently the Royal Seat and chief City of the Kingdom of Surratte Descriptio of the City of Brotcha The City of Brotch otherwise call'd Brotsch and Baroch and by Della Valle Barockci and Bebrug lies twelve Leagues Northward from Surratte and about two from the Sea side near the Northern Shore of the Stream Nardabat or Nardaba otherwise Nerheda which in a broad though shallow Channel glides by its Walls and coming down from beyond Decan and Mandou discharges its Water into the Bay of Bengala By reason of its great distance from the Sea it never comes up to the City though at high Flood The City which is pretty large lies on a Hill and is naturally well fortifi'd and by reason of its convenient Situation may be made the strongest Fortress of all India It is surrounded with Walls of hard Stone in manner like a Fort and strengthned with Bulwarks and hath three Land-Gates each with a Portal and according to the fashion of the Countrey is very strongly built besides two more along the side towards the River out of which the Water that is us'd in the City is fetch'd daily with Buffaloes There also with leave of the Receiver of the Customs many Boats with Wood are unladen On the Land they keep a strong Guard in several places without whose leave none may pass through them The Inhabitants relate and some old Rubies testifie that Brotcha was formerly a stately City but at present the best Houses are fall'n to ruine and few People of note inhabit the same Most of them being Benjans maintain themselves by making of Callicoes which they sell to a good advantage About the City or at the Foot of the Mountain lie two Suburbs call'd Poera inhabited by People of several Nations which also maintain themselves by making and Trading with Cotton Goods and they make the best Callico that is to be had in all Surratte and therefore send it to all parts of India They also make strip'd Stuffs half of Silk and half of Cotton which are much us'd and highly esteem'd in India for though it be wash'd never so often it changes not its colour The English have a Factory in this Town and pay Two per cent for all their Goods The Jurisdiction of this City The Jurisdiction of Brotcha extends over eighty four Villages and did formerly over three Towns which now have each a peculiar Governor Herbert affirms that it Commands over many great and remote Towns as Medapour lying seventeen Leagues from it Radgipour or Brodera six Leagues from thence Jown-basser seven Leagues from thence and many others which at this day have each their peculiar Lord of whom the Mogol receives yearly a Million two hundred and sixty thousand Momoedies for a Revenue The Harbor for Ships is before the River Nerheda in the open Sea without a shelter against the Winds For some Leagues about the City the Countrey is very plain and fertile being water'd by the River Navar or Nardabath Northward from Brotcha lies the Stream Dilavel and eight Leagues from the said City in the Way
which they have given sufficient testimony for about the Year 1644. when the Great Mogol's Son Besieg'd this City with ten thousand Men they behav'd themselves so bravely that the said Prince having lost a great number of his Men was forc'd to retreat from thence in a confus'd manner The Portuguese possess several Isles near Daman which pay Tribute to the King of Salsette wherefore he is call'd Choura of Daman Southwards from which lies a Place near the Sea call'd Dary beyond which is the Bay Kielme Mahi so call'd from two Villages lying near the Sea the one nam'd Kielme and the other Mahi and beyond them appears the City Bazaim The City Bazaim Sixty Leagues Southward from Deman near the Island Salsette lies the City Bazaim which Mercator affirms to be the Borace of Ptolomy in nineteen Degrees and a half Northern Latitude By reason of the many Rivers and Brooks the Way between Bazaim cannot be travell'd in less than three days The City being pretty large hath a convenient Harbor The whole Coast produces much Rice Pease and other Grain Oyl and Coco-nuts In the beginning of this Age many Houses were swallow'd up by an Earthquake in the room of which none have since been built On the Main Continent near the Island Salsette de Bazaim the Portuguese have a Fort call'd Manora and also a Village with many Hamlets near it â—â— Bay ende Stadt DABUL gelegen â—â—de noorder breetsâ—â—â— The Rock Asserim The Fortress or Rock of Asserim lies up some Leagues farther into the Countrey up which they generally climb bare-foot that so they may take the surer footing it being very high steep and slippery insomuch that those who ascend the same are in great danger of falling from the top to the bottom or else if they ascend on the other side they climb up by Ropes with which they hoise up Cows and other things which they want And though this Rock lie between many other which may easily be ascended yet it is so high above them that it seems to be a Fortress which Commands over the rest And as this Place is the Key to all the rest which the Portuguese possess to the Northward in India so it is likewise a great Eye-sore to the neighboring Kings who have for that reason practis'd divers ways to conquer the same which to prevent the Portuguese are continually upon their Guard especially at those Places which yield a good Prospect On the top of the said Rock is a large Plain surrounded with many great Stones which they throw down upon those that come to invade them Not onely the Soldiers but also the Inhabitants of the Place watch every Night and carry Torches made of a kind of Wood like Canes which last a long time and cannot be put out by any Wind or Rain which rather makes them burn the better This Place is also a Sanctuary for all Criminals who repairing thither for shelter are receiv'd and kept there for Soldiers which with their Wives and Children amounted formerly to about seven hundred The Portuguese conquer'd this Rock in the time of the Governor Francis Borrero The Countrey of Surratte The Countrey of Surratte is interlac'd by many Rivers viz. the Nardabat which takes its course by the City Brotcha and divides it self into two Arms about four Leagues from the City towards the South near the Village Hansoot in some places it is one and in others two Miles broad and is divided by many other Streams which have Passages into the Sea The Soil is for the most part clayie and mix'd with Sand except near the City where it is all Sand it extends East North-East and West South-West The other Rivers are Wasset and Bate which last springs out of the Mountains of Gate and falling into the Gulf of Bambain divides the Kingdom of Decan and Countrey of Surratte or Cambaya The Tapta otherwise Tyndee also glides between the Countrey of Surratte and that of the Benjans The River May otherwise Mehi or Guandari along whose Banks the City of Cambaya is built is dry at low Ebb except in three or four places which having always about four or five Foot of Water are dangerous to wade through without a good Guide because of the strong Current that is in them This River ebbs and flows daily seven Fathom perpendicular At High-water the Ships come to an Anchor close before the City but are left quite dry at Low-water The Ground being sandy and mix'd with Clay is much better and easier for those Vessels that lie dry upon it than if it were hard Sand. About a League Southward from Cambaya glides the River Mihi whose Shore must be travell'd at the low Ebb of the Sea and not without great danger because the Sea rising flows up above five Leagues and at low Tide you are forc'd to wade through two or three deep places if any one should venture to wade through at the coming in of the Tide he would undoubtedly be swallow'd by the Sea for when the Water flows with greater strength and higher than ordinary for it observes no Rule but rises and falls more or less according to the course of the Moon it carries and washes away both Horse and Man and oftentimes with such force that an Elephant cannot withstand the same nor all his weight prevent him from being carried away wherefore all travellers wait for a certain time to wade through the same viz. when the Sea is low which is at the new Moon at which time they may go over it in Coaches or on Horseback without any danger Coaches are commonly held fast on both sides that they may not be overturn'd by the Waves those that go on foot strip themselves naked and tying up their Clothes carry them on their Shoulders many times a whole Caravan with abundance of People travel over the same some in Coaches some in Waggons some on Horseback and others on foot both Men and Women stark naked accounting it neither shameful nor immodest The Soil between both viz. between the said River and the City Cambaya is firm and hard and is not overflown though plain and not far from the Sea In most Places of the Kingdom is excellent Water except in the City of Cambaya where there is great want of it There are several Pools of Water in the Towns and some of them so big that the Inhabitants filling them in the Winter have enough to serve them all the year In those Countreys which lie near the Indian Sea is a certain rainy Season or Winter viz. four Moneths in the year beginning in June when the Sun enters into the Tropick of Cancer and ending in September If it Rains out of the Season it is unusual but betokens a fruitful year for in the other eight Moneths the Weather is so serene and clear that there is scarce a Cloud seen in the Skie neither doth it rain constantly during the foremention'd four Months as in Goa but
their Shoulder Between the City of Amadabat and Surrate are many Goats Stags and wild Swine Geese and other Fowl in great abundance the Inhabitants seldom kill any of them especially the Benjans There are also many Horses not onely of the Breed of the Countrey but divers others which being brought out of Tartary Persia and Arabia are sold at a dear rate because they are accounted the best of all India and they not onely take care to provide a Servant for every Horse but also give them good Provender viz. a sort of ground and boil'd Beans call'd Danna and both Morning and Evening two pound of Barley Meal mix'd with a pound and a half of Butter and a pound of Sugar They also keep many Camels Mules Rhinocerots Drommedaries and Elephants which are kept by the Mogol and Nobility in the Woods There are an innumerable company of wild Beasts as Stags Goats Elands wild Hogs Asses whose Flesh the Mahumetans eat in stead of Lamb and Hares which all Persons are permitted to catch except at the time when the King and his Nobles are Hunting for then it is forbidden on pain of Death Moreover the Woods are also the Recesses for Lyons Tygers Leopards but neither Bears nor Wolves mad Dogs which are call'd Jekkalla abundance of Catamountains and a Beast which being almost like a Ferret with a Tail like a Squirrel doth great mischief to the Fruit insomuch that the Husbandmen are forced to watch adays in the Fields when their Corn is ripe to keep them from spoiling it There are likewise abundance of tame Fowls as Hens Cocks Capons Peacocks Geese Ducks and Crop-Geese which breed near the Rivers or Pools besides Partridges which are there tame and Pigeons The Birds of prey are these Falcons Hawks Kites Parrots and other Birds not known to us in Europe Both within and without the City Amadabat are great numbers of Catamountains which breeding in the Woods fearlesly frequent the Houses and do great damage to those that deal in Fruit as Dates Almonds Figs Raisins and the like of which they take what they like best Between the City Cambaya and Amadabat near the Village Mater are abundance of excellent blood-colour'd Squirrels with curious large Tails which breeding on Trees leap nimbly from one to another Many Bats which are as big as Hens and have Heads resembling those of Cats frequent the Woods and are by some call'd Flying-Cats Between Cambaya and Amadabat are likewise Bats as big as Ravens There are also great numbers of Crows which flying through the Windows into the Houses take the Meat out of the Dishes without any fear of the People that are present They commonly sit on the Backs of the Buffaloes and peck off their Hair which is the reason that most of the foremention'd Beasts in these Parts are bald nor have they any other way to free themselves of the said Fowls but to run up to their Throats into a Morass Rats also breed here in great abundance and some of them are so big that no Cats dare venture to seize on them and oftentimes throw down Houses by undermining the Walls and Foundations thereof they do likewise great mischief to the Plants and Trees The Inhabitants are daily much infested with Bugs which filling the Houses in great swarms sting the People The Rivers especially the Indus and others abound with all manner of delicate Fish viz. Carps Bremes Eels Trouts Shrimps and many other European Fishes besides such as are peculiar to those Parts In the Stream Indus breed likewise many Crocodiles or Caimans Serpents and other noxious Creatures About Amadabat are abundance of poysonous Serpents and Scorpions which in all parts of India are not alike venomous for the Sting of a Scorpion on the Island of Great Java occasions great swelling and exceeding pain but is easily cur'd if Medicines be apply'd thereunto within the space of twelve hours after but if any one be stung by a Scorpion on the Main he certainly dies within the space of three hours if he doth not instantly cut the wounded part till it bleeds and then anointing it with Oyl of Scorpions sear it with a red hot Iron Moreover the oylie moisture which is extracted from the Scorpion which hath stung the Party is also an excellent Remedy if immediately laid on the Wound The Scorpions resemble in shape the Cra-fish or Lobsters Before they are boil'd they have a little round Tail which erecting it self reclines backward at the end thereof is the Sting which they never draw in or put out like other venomous Creatures but always have the same ready to sting those which approach them The Sting is very hard sharp and long like an Iron Hook The Scorpions and another sort of Vermin call'd Millepes from its number of Feet breed for the most part on old decay'd Walls There are also a sort of Scorpions with two Heads viz. one before and the other behind the Tail and it is said that they move one Head one year and the other another year and are by some in Greek call'd ' 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which signifies a thing that can go backwards or forwards These two-headed Serpents have occasioned great Disputes amongst the Philosophers for some as Aelianus Pliny Lucan Galen Nierenbergh and Olearius certainly believe that there are really such Serpents But Andreas Matthiolus in his Explanation of Dioscorides and John Faber Linceus in his History of Mexico contradicts this Opinion and looks upon it as a fabulous Tradition judging this mistake to proceed from hence viz. because the forementioned Serpents are as thick at their Tail as at their Head so that there can be no distinction made moreover that they creep as well back wards as forwards and have venomous Stings in their Tails as well as in their Heads Yet Nierenbergh relates that an eminent Philosopher call'd Cortavilla had one of the foremention'd two-headed Serpents at Madrid Moreover Gesner that a two-headed Serpent was taken in the Sea near the English Shore This Countrey is also exceeding pester'd with little Pismires which are no small annoiance to the Inhabitants who can scarce set any Meat out of their Hands but in a moment several hundreds crawl upon the same which to prevent they generally keep in their Houses stone Troughs full of Water in the middle of which laying a great Stone they lay their Meat upon it in a Cupboard made for that purpose By reason of the many Woods and Trees that are about and near Amadabat there are great plenty of wild Beasts and Fowls especially Parrots of all sorts some whereof are very big and are by several Europeans call'd Indian Ravens and some being no bigger than Pigeons are for their sweet Voices call'd Cacatu They are of a yellowish colour and have a Tuft of Feathers on their Heads They make their Nests under the Roofs of Houses and are found in great numbers in most Towns of all India Others which are less are red and green
and building their Nests of long withered Grass make them fast to the Boughs of Trees that so they may be freed from Vermin These Parrots do great mischief to all Fruits and Corn especially Rice The Ancient and Modern Inhabitants of Surratte The ancient Inhabitants and Natives of Surratte being formerly all Heathens were by a general Name call'd Hindous but are at present either Heathens distinguished by the Names of Benjans and Brahmans Mahumetans or Moors which have Setled here since this Countrey hath been brought under the Mogols Jurisdiction The other Inhabitants are Persians Tartars Arabians Armenians and many other People of Asia and Europe except Chineses Japanners and Jews which are seldom found there In most Places of Surratte dwell a sort of Persians or People derived from the ancient Persians which the Benjans and other Heathens call Garoisdees and Persees or Parsis which last Name according to the testimony of Bollayle le Gouz they give themselves the Moors Guenure the Persians Atech Peres Zarduzts Kebbers and Gauri They boast their Extract from Persia and have for several Ages before Mahomet been Governed by peculiar Kings of their own Countrey till the Wars which commonly occasion great Revolutions in States and Empires reduc'd them at last under another Government which hapned after the Birth of our Saviour Anno 640. in the twenty ninth Year of the Reign of the last Persian King call'd Jazdgerd or Yesdegerd otherwise Jesdagird Son to Xarear who resided in the City Yesd near the old Ispahan The Turks coming from Turkestan or Turky through the Province Naohaad into Persia ruin'd all the Countrey and forced Jasdagird who went with an Army to meet them with the assistance of the Arabians who fell into Persia at another Place to retreat to Corazan where after a Reign of twenty nine years he deceased when most of the conquer'd Persians which would not embrace Mahomet's Doctrine nor suffer themselves to be Circumcised left their native Countrey and travell'd towards India there to enjoy Liberty of Conscience under the Rajaâ— and coming to the Persian Gulf a Fleet consisting of seven Ships was order'd to carry them and their Followers which some affirm consisted in eighteen thousand Persons Men Women and Children as Merchants over to India Five of the said Fleet arriving safely at St. Johns-Land in the Haven of Swaly they resolv'd to go to the Raja who then resided at Nuncery where they declar'd the Occasion which forc'd them to come thither and requested the Raja that he would please to receive them as a People that would willingly live under his Government provided they might enjoy their own Religion whereupon they were received on paying Tribute and taking the Oath of Allegiance One of the remaining two Ships went to a Raja residing at Baryacy near Surratte where the People aboard her were receiv'd upon the same Conditions as the former But this Raja being at Wars with another Raja was defeated his Countrey taken from him and all the Persians as his Abetters destroy'd by his Enemies The seventh and last Vessel Sailing along the Coast touched at Cambaya where the People that were in the same were receiv'd on the same Conditions as the former So that these People after what manner soe're spread through India had certainly their Extract from one of the foremention'd Places where they liv'd so long that they forgot their Original and Religion nay they could not remember from whence they were Extracted till at length after the expiration of many years the Name of Persians was made known to them by those that having remain'd in Persia disclos'd to them the History of their Predecessors instructed them in their ancient Religion and taught them how to serve God for the future so that at present wheresoe're they are they strictly maintain their ancient Religion or Sect and many Persians have since Setled themselves along the Sea-shore where they have liv'd quietly among the Natives But Herbert contrary to the opinion of all Historians tells us that King Jazdgerd banish'd them to India because they refus'd to embrace the Mahumetan Doctrine and to be Circumcised The Apparel or the Persians of Surratte As to what concerns the Apparel of these Persians they are Clothed after the same fashion as the Inhabitants except that they ware a Girdle or Sash of Camels Hair or Sheeps Wooll which going twice about their Middle is ty'd behind with two Tassels This Sash or Girdle is by them call'd Cushee and worn as a publick testimony of their Faith in the nature or our Baptism or the Circumcision of the Mahumetans and is given them at their being initiated into their Religion in the seventh year of their Age. When accidentally they lose one of these Girdles or Sashes they are not permiâ—ted to eat drink work speak or stir before they have obtain'd another And these Girdles are to be bought of their Priests As well Women as Men are obliged to wear these Sashes from the seventh year of their Age or as others affirm from their twelfth year which is from the time of their being initiated They live here like the Natives free and undisturbed and drive what Trade they please They are very ingenious and for the most part maintain themselves with Tilling and buying and selling all sorts of Fruits tapping of Wine out of the Palm-trees which Wine they sell in Houses of Entertainment for their Law debars them not from drinking strong Liquor so it be not the Juice of the Grape Some also Traffick and are Exchangers of Money keep Shops and exercise all manner of Handicrafts except Smiths-work for they are not allow'd to quench Fire with Water In point of Eating and Drinking their Law hath given them great Priviledge Their Diet. but to avoid displeasing of the Benjans amongst whom they live and the Moors under whose Jurisdiction they stand they abstain from Wine that is the Juice of the Grape and Swines-flesh but of the Palm-Wine they drink very greedily insomuch that it is usual among some making up a Palm-leaf in form of a Tunnel to let the Palm-Wine run through the same into their Throats They always eat alone by themselves judging that they are able to live pure and undefiled that if they should eat with any person they would certainly be defiled They also drink out of several Cups and if any Person chances accidentally to drink out of anothers Cup they wash the same three times and set it away for a considerable time before they use it again Some affirm that their Law forbids them to eat of any thing that enjoyed Life except in times of War or great Necessity for then they are permitted to eat Mutton Goats-flesh Venison Poultrey and Fish and all manner of Flesh except that of Cows Oxen Horses Camels Elephants and the like Beasts which they account a deadly sin to kill but they chiefly abstain from Cows or Ox-flesh affirming that they will rather eat their Father or Mothers
Garrisons like the Omrahs but in their Tents for they cannot brook being lock'd up twenty four hours together in a Fort nor do they ever go into any of them but with a great Company of resolute Men which have sworn to die by them on the Spot as it sometimes happens when any Design has been plaid upon them The Mogol is oblig'd for several Reasons to keep these Rajas in his Service First because the Rajas People are very warlike and valiant and there are several of them able to bring above twenty thousand Horse into the Field Secondly that he may be the better able to keep in Subjection those Rajas which are under his Pay and force them to pay Tribute when they refuse or when out of fear or otherwise they will not venture out of their Country to come into the Field when the Mogol has occasion for them Thirdly to heighten or increase their Jealousies one among the other the more by shewing greater Favor to one than to another Fourthly to employ them against the Patans or his Enemies the Omrahs and Governors in case any should offer to rebell against him Fifthly to use them against the King of Golkonda when he refuses to pay Tribute or against the King of Visiapour when he offers to Plunder them or bring them under his Subjection at which time the Mogol cannot repose any confidence in his Omrahs which are most of them Persians and of another Religion viz. not Sounnys but Chias as the King of Persia and the King of Golkonda is Sixthly and chiefly to employ them against the Persians when any opportunity presents for then he cannot confide in his Omrahs who as we said before are most of them Persians and consequently can have no inclination to Fight against their natural King The Country of the Resbutes borders on the side of Persia to the Motages on the sides of the River Indus at the City Cambaya also to the Kingdom of Dely and Southerly to the Sea According to Purchas this Country lies in the Road that leads from Surratte to Agra and as Maffee affirms borders on the West at Carmania though more probably as Davity hath it Gedrosia or the Country of the Motages or Nautaques The Towns of this Country are Agra Crodi Vamista Argeng and Saurou which last hath a very strong Castle besides the great City Sarruna from whence it is fourteen Leages to Sinde the Metropolis of this Kingdom The Inhabitants also possess several strong Places amongst which is Dewras This Country is very fruitful and of an exceeding fat Soil producing abundance of all sorts of Provisions having plenty of all things on the very Mountains The Resbutes or Subjects of these Rajas or Indian Princes were anciently in the time of the Heathens Kings of Countries and Peers of this Realm who defended their Country against Invaders maintaining a continual War but â—ow they live in the Mountains maintaining Wars against the Moors to avoid paying Tribute This Tribe hath spread it self very much and is extreamly inclin'd to Robbing and Stealing from whence in India they call a Robber Resbut or Rasapout Ram granted them the liberty of taking as many Wives as they pleas'd as also other warlike Families that so the Soldiers might not settle their Affections in one Place but might be the freer to make Conquest and propagate wheresoe're they came for were they confin'd to one Woman they might perhaps take her along with them to their conquer'd Places and setling there be unwilling to depart thence The Resbutes are a rustick deceitful ill-natur'd but yet a strong valiant and undaunted People fearing no Dangers though threatned with Death whereas other Indian Heathens are mean spirited and timerous carrying their Arms in their Mouths and esteem Railing before Fighting They are very famous for Robbing and Stealing for they Plunder the Caravans and murder all Travellers they meet with if they make the least Resistance They have several little Harbors for small Barques with which they Pyrate along the Coast They go naked from their Navel upwards and wear Turbants which differ in fashion from the Mogols Their chiefest and only care from the eldest to the youngest is how to handle a Sword well The Rajas or Kings of the Ragipous give their Subjects Lands for their Subsistance on condition they shallal ways be ready to Fight when call'd to it so that they might properly be styl'd a sort of Nobles if the Rajas gave them Lands for them and their Children They drink Amfion in great abundance which they use from their Infancy and when at any time they go to meet their Enemies they take a double Portion for Amfion emboldning or rather inebriating makes them fearless of any Danger so that they maintain a Battel like so many ravenous Beasts never retreating but die resolutely at the Feet of their Raja They want nothing but good Discipline to make them good Soldiers for Strength and Valor they have enough It is very pleasant to see them intoxicated with the foremention'd Amfion how they embrace and bid each other farewel like Men making account of nothing but Death For among so many Sects of Hindouns or Heathens subject to the Mogol there is only one Tribe of Soldiers or Fighting People call'd Resbutees of whom the Great Mogol for their Valor and some other Reasons is necessitated though a Mahumetan and consequently a Heathen to entertain a great number in his Service treating them like other Omrahs and making use of them in his Army as if they were Mahumetans nay they are promoted to the greatest Offices and highest Employments under the Great Mogol as also under the King of Visiapour and Golkonda Their Arms are Half-pikes Swords or Simiters and Shields which being large and hollow are fashion'd like a Bee-hive and serve them to feed their Horses and Camels out of Most of the Rajas use Horses which are swift of foot handsom and strong and are always rid unshod The Resbutes eat all manner of Meat except Beef and the Flesh of Buffalo's which Beasts they hold in great Veneration They drink Palm-Wine and Brandy but not out of a Vessel out of which any other Tribes have drank before They are all of them Heathens and would never permit any Mahumetans to mix amongst them The Women resolutely leap into those Fires in which their Husbands were consum'd The third Tribe or Family which is that of the Schudderies derives its Name from Schuddery the third Son of Pourous and Parkoutee who was design'd for Trade for all Traders are comprehended under that Name and Tribe That which the Book given to Bremaw exprest concerning this Tribe consisted only in a few Commandments instructing them how to live Honorably in their Emyloyments to be Just as well in Words as Deeds and not to practise any Deceit or Fraud in their Trades either in Buying or Selling. Amongst this Tribe are those which by the Portuguese according to Texeira are call'd Beneans though he
God had wholly destroy'd the Family of the Kutteries therefore he resolv'd to renew the same by a Prince and ordain'd that the Kings for the future should be Extracted out of the Family of the Brahmines the chiefest whereof that were then living having been preserv'd by Wistney were call'd Ducerat The first Child which was born after this universal Destruction was ordain'd to be the Race of Kings and Princes who being zealously brought up manag'd both the Affairs of State and Religion Governing the People with great Wisdom and Piety according to their several Tribes perform'd many heroick Acts and was a Protector of all Brahmines and other Spiritual Persons His Name was Ram and by his Just and Pious Life attain'd to that Dignity that his Name is to this day exceedingly honor'd amongst them for in their usual Salutations they with a loud Voice cry Ram Ram that is I wish you Health and all Happiness 'T is certain many Just and Pious Kings Reign'd after him but as all things do daily degenerate so in process of Time receding farther and farther from their original Purity they grew proud and ambitious insomuch that they acted daily contrary to the Commandments comprehended in the Book of Bremaw These hainous Enormities did once more so highly incense the Almighty that he gave Power to Ruddery to open the Earth that it might swallow them up alive except a few of each of the four Tribes which he preserv'd to re-people the World anew with And in this manner ended the third Age of the World Soon after God commanded that the World should be re-planted by those that were preserv'd which was one Kysteney or Kistna who was a famous King Wise and Religious and one of the most comely Persons of the former Age. He propagated Religion with great Zeal insomuch that during his Life there was great Reformation amongst the People and very hopeful beginnings of Piety and Honesty When by Kysteney's coming Wistney's time was expir'd God as they relate took him up to Heaven there being no further need of his Service here below because there would be no other World after this fourth Age which now in being will according to the Opinion of the Brahmines last much longer than any of the former and that after its ruine Ruddery will be taken up to Heaven likewise They call these four Ages by four several Names viz. the first Kurtain the second Dnauper the third Tetrajos and the fourth Kolee The manner of destroying this last Age will as the Brahmines relate be much more terrible than any of the former to wit by Fire at what time Ruddery will gather all his Powers together as absolutely necessary for the execution of so grand a Destruction The Moon will shine red the Beams of the Sun will be like the Flames of burning Brimstone Thunder and Lightning will make a dreadful noise the Sea will change into all manner of Colours and Fire and Smoke will cover the surface of the Earth the four Elements of which the Heavens were first made will maintain War against one another and the World being thereby utterly destroy'd will resolve into its first Primordia The World will be destroy'd by Fire as they suppose for this reason That it must be extinguish'd by that which gave it beginning and because it consists of Earth Water Air and Fire therefore it must be destroyd by these four Elements for the former Ages on which this Opinion is grounded were destroy'd the first by Water the second by Wind and the third by Earth therefore the fourth and last must be consum'd by Fire This being finish'd Ruddery shall carry all humane Souls up to Heaven there to rest in the Bosom of the Almighty but all Bodies will decay for they deny the Resurrection of the Body affirming That Heaven is too pure a Place for such gross and unclean Bodies The Kingdom or Territory of Chandish or Sanda THe Kingdom or Territory of Chandish otherwise call'd Sanda is by Robert Covert call'd The Land of Heathens or Countrey of the Great Can of Canouwe formerly the Overseer of the Great Mogol's High-ways Jarrick calls this Country or a great part of it The Kingdom of Brampour or Brampore or Barampour from its Metropolis It borders in the West on the Kingdom of Surratte in the South at Dekan having the Dukedom of Parthapsha between in the North at the Provinces Chitor and Malway and in the East at Berar A certain English Writer borders the same on the one side upon the Kingdom of the Benjans from which it is separated by the Tynde or Tasy and on the other side upon the Country of Bulloits having the great Stream Andre between and is suppos'd to lie in 28 Degrees Northern Latitude Terry affirms this Kingdom to be a mighty and populous Country and the South part of the Mogol's Dominions It is divided in the middle by the River Tynde or Tasy which makes the Country conveniently pleasant and fruitful about those Places through which it flows though for the most part it is a barren unwholsom sandy and dry Tract of Land the Metropolis thereof is call'd Brampore or Barampour by Herbert and Jarrick Breampour and lies in 28 Degrees and 3 Minutes Northern Latitude 220 Miles Eastward from Surratte 420 from Asmeer and 100 from Agra Herbert holds the same to be the ancient City Baramatis of Ptolomy and signifies Brachmans Pous or The City of the Brachmans because it was formerly and is still to this day an University of the Brahmines Jogues or Gymnosophists The City lies low in a healthful and spacious Plain it hath many Streets but very narrow their Houses are indifferent handsom though low Purchas renders the same to be a very fair City much bigger than London and the most famous and richest which the Mogol possesses On the North-East side of the City is a large strong Castle or Fort on the Banks of the Stream Tapy This City was formerly the Metropolis and Residence of the King of Dekan who was in process of time driven from thence Not far from thence is a Garden or Chan Channa in which are many delightful Springs and Fountains The City is for the most part inhabited by Benjans Before the Town in the River Tapa stands an Elephant most curiously Carv'd of Marble which the Benjans worship Anno 1600. the Great Mogol Ekbar after having conquer'd the Kingdom of Dekan made himself Master of this City Brampour which was then desolate and deserted by King Miram who was fled to the Fort Syr which for its Situation and Strength is the most considerable of all the Country and impregnable for it lies on the top of a high Mountain and is three Leagues in circumference surrounded with three Walls which are so made that the one may conveniently defend the other for though Ekbar besieg'd King Miram with a hundred thousand Men yet he could not conquer the same by Force but only by Policy and Treachery In
this Castle were anciently kept according to the Custom of the Country seven Kings with their Families and Retinues which never came from thence except that King of the Country which was nearest related to him dy'd without a Male-Issue Within it is a Fountain of fresh Water The other Towns of this Country are Saddise lying near the River Tynde nine Leagues from the City Netherbey and two Days Journey from Brampour the next is Caddor fifteen Leagues from Brampour on the side of the Bulloits Country then follows Sawbon fourteen Leagues from Caddor Kanowe a great City three days Journey from Caddor fourteen Leagues farther flows the great River Andere which runs to Bengala where the utmost Limits of the Heathens terminate and crossing this River you go out of the Heathens Couâ—try into that of the Bulloits Five Leagues Journey from Agra is a Castle call'd Hoffer the most eminent and the strongest of all the Province of Chandish it is built on the top of a high and steep Mountain incredibly fortifi'd by Nature and able to contain forty thousand Horse in the middle of it are Springs which water the Mountain and make the Earth so fruitful in the production of Grass Herbs and Corn that there is no want either of Provisions or other Necessaries it is also Planted round about with very fine Brass Guns which were brought thither by the last King of Surratte But the Water which springs out of this Mountain is very unwholsom to drink and causes Worms to grow in the Legs which was the only Instrument whereby Ekbar conquer'd this Place The Inhabitants of Brampour are very affable and courteous occasion'd perhaps by their converting commonly with many of the Nobility by whose Example the Vulgar are very much civiliz'd Every Person may Hunt freely without any interruption and those that will not go on foot may be furnish'd with a Horse at a very low Rate The Inhabitants of Kanowe drive a great Trade in Clothes Swords Musquets and a certain Fruit to Dye withal and those of Brampour in Cloth of Gold and Silver Silks and Woollen Cloth The Country is sufficiently fortifi'd against an Enemy for Anno 1609. the King of Kanowe came with an Army of fifty thousand Elephants thirty thousand Horse ten thousand Camels and three thousand Dromedaries to attack the same It is at this day Govern'd by a Substitute of the Great Mogol's The Inhabitants are Heathens and worship the Sun as their Supreme God They eat not the Flesh of any living Creature according to the manner of the Pythagoreans They adore all Creatures as Gods and worship that Beast they meet with first in the Morning for their God all that Day Anno 1600. the City of Brampour with the whole Kingdom and Fort of Sye was conquer'd by the Great Mogol Ekbar for at the coming of Ekbar with his Army after having conquer'd the Kingdom of Dekan King Miram deserted die City of Brampour and fled with all the Inhabitants and their Goods to the Fort Sye so that Ekbar got nothing but the empty City and therefore went from thence to Sye with an Army of 200000 Men. The Fortress was plentifully stor'd for many Years with Wood Corn and other Provisions for sixty thousand Men and was fortifi'd with three thousand Pieces of Ordnance In the Fort was besides King Miram and the seven other Heroick Princes which though of the Mahumetan Religion yet Extracted Portuguese who having the sole Conduct of this War fortifi'd the Fort with no less Care than Art so that the Mogol's Labor though he had besieg'd the Fort with two hundred thousand was all in vain for the Besieged by the convenient Situation of the Fort their continual discharging of great Guns and prudent management of Affairs they prevented him from taking the same by Storm When Ekbar saw that it was impossible to Conquer the Fort by Force he resolv'd to try what he could do by Policy wherefore he endeavor'd to attain his Ends by Money and Presents and desir'd to enter into Conference with King Miram swearing by his Head the greatest Oath imaginable that immediately after he had spoken wiâ—h him he should return in safety to the Fort again Miram being doubtful what might be the Event of this Busines entred into Counsel with his Officers about it where the Abyffinian Commanders and seven other Princes judg'd it altogether inconvenient for him to go out of the Castle but others who were entic'd thereto by Bribery seem'd to be quite of another Opinion whose Advice he following went out of the Fort having upon him a Garment in fashion of a Cloke which reach'd down to his Knees as a testimony of his Submission Coming to the Great Mogol whom he found sitting like an Image yet with a smiling Countenance he bid him welcom three times upon which Miram approaching nearer to him bow'd down his Head when one of the Mogol's Princes taking hold of him threw him on the Ground to which rude Affront 't was judg'd Ekbar consented notwithstanding he seemingly reprehended him for his rashness and mildly perswaded Miram to send Letters to the Watches which Guarded the outward Walls After which Miram requir'd liberty to return to the Castle but Ekbar not regarding his Oath would not permit him to go back again The Abyssinian Governor was no sooner inform'd of what had pass'd but he sent his Son with a Letter to the Mogol in which he tax'd him with Injustice for detaining Miram contrary to his Oath advising him to to let him return peaceably according to his Promise The Mogol hereby understanding that the whole management of Affairs were left to the Discretion of this Abyssinian thought if he could but corrupt him the Place might be easily subdu'd wherefore he ask'd the Son If his Father would not come thither in case King Miram should command him To which the Youth boldly reply'd That his Father was no such Person as he took him for neither would he leave his Castle to come and Consult with him that he must in vain expect to obtain the Fort with his Father's Consent and if he would not release Miram yet there should not long want a Successor Which confident Answer so incens'd Ekbar that he caus'd the young Man immediately to be Stabb'd which when his Father had notice of he presently sent the Mogol word That he would beg of the Gods never to behold the Face of such a perfidious Prince and afterwards taking his Sash in his Hand he went amongst the Soldiers and thus bespake them Oh Brothers the Winter approaches which will drive the Mogol from the Siege and to avoid their utter Ruin force them all to retire home None but God shall ever he able to Conquer this Place unless the Inhabitants thereof will surrender the same therefore resolve valiantly to defend the same Having ended this Speech he went and Strangled himself immediately After his Decease the Inhabitants defending the Place for some time kept
the Mogol continually employ'd who after he had us'd all possible means in vain having no great Guns at hand wherewith to batter down the Walls at last resolv'd to try if he could purchase the Inhabitants to a Surrender by great Sums of Money which to accomplish he sent to the Governors very considerable Presents of Gold and Silver whereby he did so cool and abate their Courage that none of the seven Successors of the Realm durst assume the Government for they perceiving the Generals to be fearful and their Courage no longer to exert it self could foresee and expect nothing but the sudden loss of the Place and accordingly it so fell out for after a few Days the Fort was surrendred and with it the whole Kingdom was subjected to the Mogol who got peaceable possession thereof with an invaluable Treasure He received all the Inhabitants favourably except the imprison'd King and the seven successive Princes whom he dispersed into several Provinces allowing King Miram three thousand and each of the other two thousand Ducats per Annum for their Maintenance The Province of Berar and Narvar THis Country of Berar lies on the South side of the Kingdom of Chandâ—â— and Borders on Surratte and the Mountains of Rana The Metropolis bears the Name of Shapore The Province of Narvar is moistned by a great River which discharges its Water into the Ganges The Chief City is call'd Gehud The Province of Gwaliar or Gualier THe Province of Gwaliar or Gualior otherwise Gualier hath a City which bears the same Name The Mogol hath a vast heap of Treasure which he keeps in this Country in a very strong Castle Garrison'd by a Company of well Disciplin'd Soldiers who also Guard such of the King's Prisoners as are Persons of Quality The Kingdom of Agra or Indostan THe Kingdom or Province of Agra is so call'd from Agra the Royal Metropolis of the Great Mogol's whole Kingdom besides Dely and Lahor Others call it Indostan or Indoustan which signifies The Country of Indus for Stan in the Country Language is A Country or Province and Indus is the Name of the River Indus which moistens the Country It borders on one side upon the Stream Paddor which separates it from the Henderons and conterminates on the other side with the River Tamliko or Tamlou which is a Boundary between this and the Country Inhabited by the Bulloits The Metropolis bears the same Name with the Province of Agra and lies in 28 Degrees and 7 Minutes North Latitude on the Banks of the River Jemini which glides by its Walls and disembogues near the City Andakoda into the River Ganges two days Journey from Agra According to Herbert this City was formerly call'd Nagra and anciently Dionysia and was built by Bacchus but this seems incredulous because within this hundred years the City Ratipor was far more beautiful and bigger than that of Agra which is believ'd to have had its Denomination from the River Arrany which as Arrian affirms falls into the Ganges It was built by King Ekbar after his Conquest of Surratte and for its pleasant Situation made choice of for the Mogol's Court and chief Place of Residence It lies almost Triangular or as Herbert saith Semi-Circular surrounded with a strong Walk of Free-Stone and a Moat of a hundred Paces broad The Circumference of the City is reckon'd to be twelve German Miles The Streets which are very straight are dirty and three Leagues and a half long In the Northern part of the City not far from the River lies the great and famous Royal Castle or Residence of the Kings which is the most beautiful and glorious Piece of Work in all Asia It appears outwardly like a City containing five hundred and twenty Paces in circumference The Structure is for the most part built of Free-stone with many Galleries and Piazzaes very stately after the manner of the Country At the Entrance of this Castle stands the Royal Court of Judicature in the Persian Tongue call'd Diwanchane before which is a large square Maidan or Plain planted about with Trees under which Persons of Quality in hot Weather walk to cool themselves In the middle of the Plain stands a Pole having a Bird on the top of it at which they shoot with Bows and Arrows Opposite to this Court stands a large square Building call'd Karchanay Schah that is The King's Treasure-house with eight Arch'd Vaults in which are kept the greatest part of the Mogol's Treasure Two of these Cellers are reported to be full of Gold and two of Silver in the seventh are kept Pearls Gems and other such like Rarities and in the eighth are contain'd all such Presents as are sent from forein Princes by Ambassadors Behind this Treasury stands another large square Palace with a very delightful Garden and is call'd Hara Michan that is The King 's Womens Lodgings for in it are kept twelve hundred of the King's Concubines which are guarded and waited upon by six hundred Eunuchs Others describe this Court thus It is three or four Leagues in circumference surrounded with strong Walls of red Stone and broad Moats with Draw-Bridges it hath four Gates one on the North which is very strong the second on the West side is call'd Citsery near the Bezar or Market Within this Gate is the King's Court of Judicature where he decides all Differences and behind that is the King's Hall the Seat of the Vice-Roys Within this Gate is also a Street built full of Houses and about a Mile long The third Gate call'd Achabaerbederiwage that is The Gate of King Achbaer lies on the South side and and leads to the King 's Derbaer the Royal Throne or inner Court before which is a small Court surrounded with Golden Rails and cover'd on the top with Carpets to keep off the heat of the Sun beyond it is a Gallery in which stands the King's Throne adorn'd with Gold Diamonds and Pearls and all sorts of Precious Stones No Person is permitted to approach this Place without being call'd except the King's Sons which standing near him cool him by continual fanning of him with Fans in the Country Language call'd Pankhamh and the Chief Secretary Within the foremention'd Court none are suffer'd to enter but Ommirades or Omrahs which are Dukes and great Lords Opposite to this Place hang golden Bells which are rung by those that have sustain'd any prejudice and are thereupon admitted to speak to the King to make their Complaints to him but not without great danger if their Cause be not just In this Place the King appears every Afternoon between three and four a Clock besides thousands of other People which take their Places according to their Qualities and with the King stay there till the Evening hearing all forein Letters which are read by the Setretary and determining all other Businesses Hither are also brought his Horses and Elephants which are try'd by some of his Servants appointed for that purpose Within this third
Gate is likewise a Seraglio cover'd with a golden Roof The fourth Gate call'd Eersame leads to a River along whose Banks stands a beautiful Palace where the King Salutes the Rising-Sun every Morning whilst the most eminent Persons of his Court standing on a rising Ground shew him Reverence and the Hadys or Commanders of Horse with other People remain in the outward Court not daring to come any farther unless they are call'd From hence also he beholds the Fighting with Elephants Lions Buffalo's and other wild Beasts which is perform'd every Day at Noon except on Sundays In the inner Hall of the Royal Court come no People but the King's Eunuchs or Bed-chamber-men which are call'd Godia In the inner part of the Castle are two Towers one on the Seraglio and the other is built on the Treasury Within the Suburbs are many Courts belonging to the Chans and other great Lords very artificially built and adorn'd with many beautiful Works the Cielings are richly Painted with Gold and Silver and other Colours the Walls are hung with Tapistry and the Floor cover'd with rich Carpets In the midst of these Courts are for the most part square or six-angled Springs about which they Dine and in hot Weather Bathe themselves In the Western part of the City near the Metzid Nassar stands a high Tower rais'd of Camels Heads and Mortar The ordinary Citizens Houses are but mean yet built in good order There are eight great Streets with Shops besides many lesser and also four large Arch'd Streets each about half a Mile long where all manner of Trades and Handicraftsmen keep their Shops especially those that Deal in Silks and Cotton Gold and Silver-Smiths Shoemakers Taylors Coopers Blacksmiths and all other Trades live each in a peculiar Corner For travelling Merchants and others there are eighty Serrais or Karavanseraes which are large square Courts inclosed with high Stone Walls at each end whereof stands a Watch-Tower out of which they go into the several Galleries wherein are Lodging-Rooms each of them having Doors to lock and also Chimneys there are commonly two or three Rooms one over another Under these Chambers are great Arch'd Stables for Horses Asses Oxen and Camels and in the midst of the Yard stands a Spring with running Water or a Vault with standing Water they were built by the great Mogol Ekbar after he had conquer'd the Kingdom of Surratte and is said to have cost him two Millions and a half of Ropias a Ropia being valu'd at 2 s. Sterl There are likewise four hundred Hamans or Baths which are daily visited by several Persons who pay each a Sektzai for their Entrance Severity large besides many lesser Metzids or Temples are also no small Ornament to this City especially six which are the chief in one of which lies Interr'd the Body of a Saint call'd Scandar the Successor of Hussein Alys Son This Temple possesses great Riches and Privileges it being an Allakapi or Privileg'd Place for whosoever flies thither though he hath committed the greatest Crime imaginable nay though he had attempted to kill the King himself he is free from all Punishments as long as he can stay there if he hath Money there is Meat brought him by the Derwish who is a person which at Set-times cries the Illa lailah illa allah c. from the Temple Steeple to gather Alms. Not far from the Netherland East-India Companies Factory which they have in this City stands a Meâ—zid call'd Jakod near which lies buried a Giant call'd Baxi Schah of whom the Moors tell many incredible stories the Grave is 36 soot long and eight broad on each Corner stands a great Column hung full of little Flags on which in Indostan Characters stands written the Life of this mighty Heroe and in each Pillar is a Hole in which Lamps burn Night and Day to the Honor of Baxi Schah. This Baxi Schah is by the Mahumetans honor'd almost as high as God for they go thither to pay their Devotions and believe that by Praying to him they shall immediately receive Absolution for all their Sins they also swear by his Name With the Mogol's permission the Benjans have also many Pagods in this City There are four Custom-houses built in four several places of this City where Merchants Enter and pay Custom for their Goods and the tenth Peny of all things they carry out of the City with them This City is inhabited by divers Nations but the chiefest and most eminent are the Hassanists Tarâ—ars Benjans Armenians Turks Jews and Persians besides several Europeans There are also Portuguese and Augustine Monks Agra is a very populous City and can on occasion bring two hundred and fifty thousand Men into the Field In it is great store of Salt-petre and Indigo to be had which the English and Hollanders carry from thence in great quantities Not only within but also round about the City are very delightful Gardens some whereof belong to the Mogol who oftentimes goes to walk and Dine in them whilst a considerable number of Women Dance naked before him The Jurisdiction of Agra from all Parts extends twelve Days Journey through a Plain and fertile Country which contains forty great and small Towns and three thousand five hundred Villages Without the City is a House wherein are kept all sorts of wild Beasts as Elephants Tygers Lions Buffalo's and wild Bulls which the Mogol keeps to sport withal either by letting them fight one against another or encounter with such Men as will be accounted the most valiant of the Country or with such as are constrain'd upon forfeiture of the Mogol's Favor to engage with them About the Year 1620. the City of Agra was by the Sultan Chorrom Selim's Son ruin'd and plunder'd a second time with far greater cruelty of the Soldiers than formerly perhaps in revenge for the Loss which they sustain'd before the Castle which they Storming in vain lost many Men who were slain by the Besieged Between Agra and Lahor is a Walk planted with Trees four hundred English Miles in length and is by Travellers who refresh themselves under the cool shading Trees accounted one of the most delightful Places in the whole World there being several brave Houses for Entertainment built along the High-way A League and a half from Agra on the Way from Lahor is a Place call'd Tzekander where the Great Mogol Ekbar erected a great Burying-place for himself and his Successors to which his Son Jangheer contributed very largely and though there had been above twenty four Millions of Ropias bestow'd on the same yet it was not near finish'd in the Year 1626. The whole Structure is of hewn Stone divided into four large Squares each three hundred Paces at the Corners of each stands a little Tower of colour'd Marble It lies in the midst of a very fine Garden surrounded with a Wall of red Stone within which is a Turret from which you see into a little but exceeding delightful Garden The City Fettipore
or Fatipor by Jarrick call'd Fateful or Pateful by Cowert Fetterbat and by Herbert Fettipour was anciently call'd Tzikkerim or Sykary and lies twelve Kours or four Leagues from Agra This City was upon the following occasion built by the Great Mogol Ekbar viz. At his Return from Asmer whether he went to visit the Tomb of Mandy he visited St. Derwis or a poor Monk call'd Seid Selim that is Seid Selim who accounted himself highly honor'd that God had employ'd him to tell Ekbar that in a short time he should be the Father of three beautiful Children and indeed Ekbar to acknowledge the Kindness would have his eldest Son call'd Selim the second Chan Morad or Amurath and the third The Haen Schach or Daniel nay this Prophecy was so acceptable to Ekbar that he caus'd a fair Mosque to be built there and inclos'd both that and the ancient City Tzikerim or Sykary with a high Wall and from that time caus'd it to be call'd Fettipore that is A Place of Delight nay his Affections were so strongly inclin'd to this City that he built a Palace there and also a Bazar or Exchange the fairest in all the Eastern Parts resolving farther to make it the Metropolis of the whole Kingdom for which it stood very convenient being seated on the Bank of a River yet the unwholsomness of the Air forc'd him to leave the same since which time it is become a ruin'd and desolate Place Robert Cower affirms that this City is much bigger than London and is adorn'd with a Temple very artificially built though much decay'd The whole Tract of Land between this City and Agra is always throng'd with People like a Market The City Bian is four Leagues from Fatipor beyond which are the Towns Ladana Mosabadan and Bandason next lie Asmeer or Esmeer where the Great Mogol Ekbar had a large House or Stable in which he commonly kept six hundred Elephants and a thousand Horses The City Asmeer lies in 35 Degrees and 15 Minutes Northern Latitude on a high and inaccessible Mountain twenty five Leagues from Agra The greatest part of the City lies at the foot of the Mountain well built but ill fortifi'd notwithstanding the Wall is of good Stone A Prophet one of Mahomet's Disciples lies buried there in a stately Tomb to which belong three pleasant Yards pav'd with Free-stone polish'd after the Persian manner Not far from hence is Godach formerly the Residence of an eminent and very valiant Rasbout Some place the City Fatipor in the Province of Bando At every half Leagues distance between Agra and Asmeer stands a Pillar or Column resembling those which the Romans us'd to erect at the distance of a thousand Paces At the end of every twenty five Mile there is an Inn or Place of Entertainment for Men and Horse where certain Women constantly give their attendance and get ready such Victuals for every one as they desire for which and their Horse-meat they pay Three pence There are also fair Houses at every ten Miles distance which were built by the Great Mogol Ekbar for the convenience of his Women when he took a Journey to Asmeer to visit the Tomb of Mandy Mahomet's Disciple The whole Country being water'd by the Stream of Jemna aboundeth with Corn Lemmons Oranges Cherries Pears Apples Plums and other Fruit amongst which are Grapes which being preserv'd are as big as Damas Pruins There also grows abundance of Anil or Indico and store of Cotton Saltpetre is likewise very plentiful here and all sorts of Poultry Falcons Pheasants Partridges Hearns and Wild-ducks Here are also great store of Goats Cows and Hogs and Fish in such abundance that Eighteen pence will purchase enough to feed three hundred Men. In Agra are generally kept four Markets where besides Provisions divers other Goods are sold From Persia and China are Transported hither considerable Quantities of Gold and Silver Cloths which though slighter are yet dearer than those of Europe In this City as also in Lahor the Inhabitants drive a great Trade in Anil or Indico and at Bandason there is vast quantities of Course Wooll Cotton Lances Bowes Javelins Swords and other Arms. In Lahor are commonly kept two Markets The Inhabitants drive also a great Trade to Forein Parts When the King resides at Agra no Stranger is permitted to stay there above twenty four Hours unless they give him an account of their Business and of what Quality and Country they are but none are permitted to see him without a Present In this City the Netherlanders keep a Factory for their East-India Company who maintain four or five Persons which formerly made a great advantage on Scarlet Cloth great and small Looking-glasses and other Merchandises and also by buying of Indico which grows about Agra but especially at Bianes two days Journey from thence whither travelling twice a Year they have built a Lodge or Store-house there where they buy in all those Stuffs or Cloths which come from Jelapour and Laknau about six or eight days Journey from Agra But at this time it is said the Gain is nothing so considerable whether it be because the Armenians drive that Trade themselves or because Agra lies so far from Suratte that one Accident or other doth generally befal their Caravans which are constrain'd to travel by the City Amadabad through the Raja's Country to avoid the bad Ways and Mountains which lye on the side of Govaleor and Brampour which is the shortest way The Country of Bulloits THE Bulloits which by Robert Covert are call'd Pythagoreans border on one side at the River Andere which seperates them from the Country of Kanawe or Brampour otherwise Chandisch and Surratte and on the other side at the River Tamlao or Tamliko which is the Boundary between them and the Kingdom of Agra The Towns of this Country are Gorra Sandaye Erasmie Zingrene Barrandon Tranado Zajoberdee and Haud Gorra lieth a days Journey from the River Andere and is about two Leagues in Circumference Two of the King's Sons formerly maintain'd a long War about this City till Thei le King of Ostlohm obtain'd the Victory and after a seven year peaceable possession thereof he was also conquer'd by the Great Mogol the sixth of Tamerlain's Successors who made himself absolute Master of all this Country Two days Journey from Gorra is the City Sandaye beyond which about twenty two Leagues further lies Erasmie and seven Leagues further Zingrene eight Leagues from which is the City of Barrandon After six days Journey from hence through a thick Wood you come to the City Tranado eight Leagues beyond which is Zajoberdee and nine Leagues further Haudee which hath a Castle built on a Rock and fortified with many Guns A days Journey from thence flows the River Tamliko which falls into the Indus at the Place where it separates the Indostans from the Bulloits In this Country near the City Zajoberdee is great plenty of Corn and about Zingrene great abundance of Oats and Beasts But
especially near Sandaye where the Fruit call'd Mangas and Sugar-canes grow in such abundance that they give them to their Horses in stead of Hay Sheep are here in incredible numbers whose Wooll being like the Spanish is by the Inhabitants us'd to make Cloth The Woods abound with Elephants Lions Tygers Apes and other Beasts There are Inns in most Places where Horses Camels and other Beasts are set up and fed at the Expence of the Publick without any Charge to the Traveller In the City of Gorra are kept four Publick Schools The Bulloits were formerly a deceitful and cruel People At this day they retain that barbarous Custom of burning the Women alive after their Husbands decease but if any Woman refuse thus brutishly to sacrifice her self they then cause her Hair to be cut off and clothe her in Black and she is ever after accounted so ignominious and dishonorable that not the meanest Person will vouchsafe to assist or visit her In Sandaye is great store of Wooll and Cotton with abundance of Swords Lances and o her Weapons Many Merchants have likewise recourse to this City as Benjans Mesulipatans and great Caravans come to Barrandon where are sold all sorts of Arms Hats made of Wooll and Elephants Teeth The Province of the Hendowns or Hindous THE Country of the Hendowns or Hindous hath on the one side the Kingdom of Agra or Indostan where it is separated by the River Paddar which also divides the Country Zurratte and discharges it self into the Persian Gulph On the North it conterminates with the Kingdom of Multan or as others affirm they Inhabit the Northern Parts of Asmeer and those Parts that lye next to Multan They are also spread through all Surratte and are employ'd as Soldiers to Garrison Towns and Fortresses they being stout and undaunted People and not inferior to the Raspoutes and Patannes The Metropolis according to Daviti is Hendowne which bears the same Denomination with the whole Country The next Town is Rimala and the great City Mearta then follows Towri and about twenty two Leagues from thence the City Geissemer seated in a very delightful Place The Country yields plenty of Corn Cotton Fodder for Beasts and abounds with Sheep and Fowls The Inhabitants are generally great Robbers They dress and eat their Meat in a round spot of Ground into which while they are about preparing and eating their Food they suffer no other Person to come The Women from their Infancy wear little Silver Copper and Iron Chains about their Legs and Pendants in their Ears in which they make holes as big as they may easily thrust their Fingers through and Armlets from their Wrists up to their Elbows In Mearta are weekly kept seven Markets where they drive a great Trade in Indico Callico and Woollen Cloth as also at Gasmeer Moreover the Hindous though abstracted from Heathens eat all sorts of Meats both Flesh and Fish except that of an Ox or Cow When they pray they strip themselves stark naked and maintain a Doctrine different from the Benjans The Province of Sanbat or Sanbal and Bakar THE Province of Sanbat or Sanbal or Sanbe borders on the North at Bakar on the West at that of Agra and is separated on the South by the River Jemni from the Province of Narvar Some as Herbert call this Province Doab that is Between the Waters or Streams for Ab in the Persian Tongue signifies Water and Do Between It lies triangular and is encompass'd by the Streams Ganges and Jemni which make the Country very fruitful and 't was anciently mighty Populous The Metropolie is also call'd Sanbat In this Province twenty five Leagues from the City Agra near the Place where the Jemni falls into the Ganges lies a stately Palace now call'd Helabassa but formerly Praye and founded by the Rajas of that Place in testimony of their Subjection to Ecbar when they submitted themselves to his Jurisdiction The most remarkable thing near this Palace is a large and dark Valley wherein are kept as precious Relicks some Images which the Inhabitants affirm to be of Adam Eve Seth Enoch Methusalem and others which as they relate liv'd in this Place Great Companies of Benjans come daily hither from all Parts to bless themselves here and purifie or wash themselves from all their Sins in the River Ganges which they account Holy They shave off all their Hair and ease themselves thereof as an unclean and unnecessary Burden and promise to themselves great Benefits by the loss thereof The Palace is surrounded with a treble Wall whereof the first is of square Red Stones the second of White and comprehends an Obelisk of seventy two Foot high erected by Alexander the Great The King spent above twelve hundred thousand Ropias to build this Palace of which the Kings of Patan have often endeavor'd to make themselves Masters because of the conveniency of the Rivers which are so near it There is also a Sanctified Tree which the Kings of Patan have endeavor'd to root out but could never attain to it Near Helabas is a magnificent Tomb which King Sanghir built in honour to his first Wife the Raja Maminseng's Daughter who poyson'd her self when she heard of her Son Sultan Gosrou's Insurrection The Territory of Bakar borders on the West at the Stream Ganges on the South at Sanbal on the West at Nagrakat and hath Bikaneer or Bikameer for its Metropolis The Province of Nagrakat THE Province of Nagrakat or Nakercut borders Westward at that of Bakar and at the Stream Ganges It is a Mountainous Country and the utmost to the Northward of the Mogol's Jurisdictions The Metropolis call'd also Nagrakat is adorn'd with a splendid Chappel for the Cieling and Floor is In-lay'd with Plates of Silver in divers Forms which are continually kept scoured It was built in honour of an Idol they call Matta which is erected in this Chappel whither the Indians repair to their Devotion and out of Zeal often cut a piece of their Tongues off as an Offering to the Idol In this Province is another eminent Holy place built on a Rock and call'd Jallamakee where from the cold Springs which run out from between the Rocks are daily seen to arise Flashes of Fire to which the Idolaters kneel down and worship The Provinces of Siba Kakares and Gor. THE Province of Siba lieth to the Northward of Nagrakat and is divided by the River Ganges from North to South The Metropolis call'd Hardware is seated near the Ganges which gliding thereabouts through great Rocks soon after makes a large River The most eminent Rock through which the Ganges takes its Course hath according to the supposition of the superstitious Heathens the form or shape of a Cows Head and they come hither daily in great numbers to wash themselves for they ascribe a certain Divine Power to the Water especially of the Ganges The Territory of Kakares lieth Northward beyond that of Siba and being separated from Tartary by the Caucasian Mountains
call'd Banda or Dando but by Della Valle Danda Rajiapori Near this lies the City Ziffardan or Zeferdani the utmost Limits of the Kingdom of Decan In the same Tract towards Banda is a Bay call'd Kelsi the Country on the South side whereof is very Mountainous In Decan is also a City call'd Petan or Patan which produceth abundance of fine Callico The Country of Decan is very fertile producing all things in great plenty and agrees in most things with that of Cuncan and the Inhabitants also agree in their Constitutions Habits and manner of Living Wherefore we will here give an accout of them promiscuously and at large The Air at Chaul is more hot than cold The Soil thereabouts plentifully produces all things except Raisins Nuts and Chess-nuts Oxen Cows and Horses are here in great numbers The Inhabitants of Decan are call'd Decanyns as those of Cuncan Cuncanyns After what manner the Countries of Decan Ballagate and Cuncan or Visiagour which were formerly under the Jurisdiction of one Prince are become subject to several Lords I shall here give this brief Account About three hundred years since the King of Dely brought all the neighboring Kingdoms but particularly those of Decan Cuncan and Ballagate and the Country of Goa under his Subjection At the same time when the Country of Cambaye was conquer'd by the Mahumetans who treated the Reisboutes Inhabitants or the Country very tyrannically The Kingdoms of Ballagate and Decan were formerly govern'd by Heathen Kings and inhabited by a mighty People of which the Venasars and Collers the present Inhabitants are Successors They joyn themselves with the Reisboutes and commit many Robberies forcing Tribute from the Inhabitants of Decan and Ballagate without being punish'd for the same by their King After the King of Dely had made these Conquests the Mogols took up Arms and made themselves Masters of the greatest part of Dely. About the same time there was an eminent Lord of Bengale who to revenge himself of his King for putting his Bother to death unjustly bereav'd him both of his Crown and Life and afterwards fell into Dely forc'd the Mogols to fly and at the same time made himself Master of all the Country of Ballagate and Cuncan extending to the Borders of Cambaye But he not being capable of Governing so many Countries and being also desirous of qâ—iet resolvâ—d to return back to Bengale and committed the Care of Governing the Kingdoms of Decan Ballagate and Cuncan to one of his Nephews who being a Lover of Strangers divided those Countries amongst several Lords of divers Nations as Arabians Turks Rumeans and Corasons giving to one whom the Portuguese call'd Idalcan the Country of Cuncan otherwise call'd Visiapour or Gingive lying eight Leagues from Goa He also gave to one of his Captains nam'd Nizzamaluko the Country of Siffardan which extends it self six Leagues to the North along the Coast of Negotana He divided the Kingdom of Ballagate into Provinces and gave one part thereof to Imademaluko another to Coralmaluko and a third to Melik Vervide But all these immediately rebell'd against their Lord and Benefactor and marching to the Metropolis Beder took the King Prisoner committing him to the custody of Melik Vervide They also procured several other Heathen Princes to joyn with them in this Conspiracy amongst whom were Mohade Koja and Veriche who possess'd rich Countries replenish'd with Towns and Villages Amohade got the Cities Visiapour Solapor and Paranda lying near Goa but not long after the City Paranda was taken by Nizzamaluko and Salapor fell into the Hands of Idalcan who was also call'd Sabayo that is Lord. He possess'd the Island Goa of which the Portuguese afterwards made themselves Masters His House or Palace stands yet at Goa but is now converted to a House of Inquisition The Place lying between the Great Church and the said House bears the Name of Sabayo Idalcan who Reign'd Anno 1535. was Grandson to one of those foremention'd Kings After this Division thus made there was a Quarrel between Idalcan and the King of Narsinga his Neighbor who by his Power subduing Idalcan and the other Kings of Decan made them Tributaries to him But in process of time Idalcan or his Successors subdu'd all those Countries which were possess'd by peculiar Kings or Lords except that of Melik which the Mogol had conquer'd F. Bernier relates That all this great Island of Hindoslan reckoning from the Bay of Cambay to that of Bengale near Jagannate and from thence to the Cape of Comori was all some Mountainous Parts onely excepted about two hundred years agoe under one particular Lord or King who was a very great and Powerful Prince But at present it is divided into many Dominions and the People are likewise of several Religions The Reason of this Division was as followeth A certain Raja or King nam'd Ramras the last of those which Reign'd absolute in this Country imprudently promoted three of his Slaves to too great Dignities by making them Governors viz. The first he made Governor of a great part of that Country which the Mogol at present possesses in Decan round about Daulet-Abad from Bider Paranda and Surratte to Narbadar To the second he gave the Government of all those Countries which are now comprehended in the Kingdom of Visiapour and to the third that Part which is known by the name of the Kingdom of Golconda These three Slaves growing very Rich and Powerful and being supported by many Mogols which were in the Service of Ramras and of the same Religion with the Persians agreed together to rebell against and kill their Lord and Benefactor which having effected they return'd into their several Dominions each of them taking upon him the Title of Schah or King The Successors of Ramras finding themselves not able to engage in a War against these Usurpers were content to retire and seat themselves in a Place call'd Carnateck or Bisnaguer where to this day they Reign as Rajas or Kings The three Slaves and their Successors defended their Kingdoms very valiantly so long as they agreed among themselves and assisting one another maintain'd great Wars against the Mogols but when they went about to defend their several Countries they were immediately sensible of their Division to their great prejudice being soon after reduc'd under the Subjection of the Mogols Decan belong'd formerly to a peculiar King but is at present Govern'd by one of the Great Mogol's Vice-Roys The Great Mogol Akebar or Ecbar was the first which conquer'd the Kingdom or Country of Decan He sent his Son Sultan Morad Anno 1595. against Melik Amber Vice-Roy of Decan to whom belong'd formerly the City of Chaul who setting forth from Cambaye as being the nearest Place to this Province was kill'd with many of his Officers After this in the Year 1598. he sent one of his youngest Sons to maintain the Wars against Melik and revenge the Death of Sultan Morad And soon after he follow'd in his own Person
resolving to be present at the Conquest but he staid about a Year in the City of Agra from whence he march'd Anno 1600. to the Kingdom of Decan But the Queen of Decan who Reign'd at that time being a Woman of great Spirit and Valour and being also assisted by the Portuguese and some great Lords oppos'd him with so much Courage and Resolution that many of his People were slain at their entrance into the Kingdom of Barara at a Pass near the Mountains by which they were to come into the Country of Decan Yet nevertheless the Decanyns after the death of this Princess divided themselves into divers Parties from which proceeded their overthrow and total subduction for some being corrupted by Money and others by Promises they all upon hopes of greater Employments contributed their Assistance to the Great Mogol in his Conquest of the Kingdom of Decan Having by this means at last added this Kingdom to his Territories he elected one of his Sons to be his Vice-Roy leaving with him a considerable Garrison Texeira says the King of Decan was formerly by the Inhabitants call'd Nezal al Malucho that is The Lance or Spear of the Kingdom and also Malek or Melik which signifies King Della Valle affirms that the right Name of the Kings of Decan is Nizam Sciah which some translate King of the Spear induc'd thereunto by the Portuguese Word Nize which signifies A Spear but falsly because the King calls himself Nizam Sciah and not Nize Sciah as this explanation requires Others call him according to the signification of the Word Nizam King of Falcons for Nizam in the Indian Tongue signifies A Falcon or other Bird of Prey because this King before he was made a Governor was perhaps Falconer to that Great King under whose Jurisdiction all this Country was so that he retains that Name to this day The King which Reign'd Anno 1623. being a Child of about twelve Years of age gave the Government of his Realm to one of his Slaves call'd Melik Amber by Extract an Ambassine and of the Mahumetan Religion who Govern'd with so much Policy that this Country was more known by the Name of The Dominion of Melik than that of the Kingdom of Nizam Sciah He Govern'd with great Fidelity and Obedience to the King and not as some pretended like a Tyrant Neither did he keep the King as a Prisoner though it is said by some that he design'd to marry his Daughter to the young King that so he might the better hold his Governor-ship and make his Heir his Successor He was a Man of great Prudence and Understanding yet not without the Name of being very wicked and inclining to Sorcery of which some affirm he made use to continue himself in his Princes Favor It is also said That for the accomplishing his Designs he would offer to the Devil several hundreds of Children that were his Slaves with abundance of other People hoping thereby the more easily to obtain his Desires These and other such barbarous Wickednesses and Impieties have been reported of him This Melik Amber maintain'd at that time great Wars against the Mogols not sparing his own Person but himself engaging often very valiantly The Kingdom of Ballagate THE Kingdom of Ballagate lieth between and beyond the Mountains of Gate as some Writers affirm These Mountains are about nine Leagues from the City Banda they are very high and extend from the Country of Decan to the Coast of Choromandel they also reach to Dabul with many Points and Inlets which render them altogether unfit to be Travell'd over either by Men or Beasts On that side towards Decan is upon the top a Plain of an extraordinary compass planted on the Way-sides with Mangas and other Fruit-Trees Ballagate in the Persian Tongue signifies High Mountains for Balla is High and Gate A Mountain Some also call this Country The Kingdom of Decan The Cities of Lispor and Ultabad or Dubtabad are very famous for the great numbers of Merchants that resort thither The Kingdom of Cuncan or Visiapour THE Kingdom of Cuncan is by Linschot call'd The Kingdom of Dialcan and by others from Visiapour its Metropolis The Kingdom of Visiapour and by Della Valle The Country of Telengone or Telanga It takes its beginning on the Sea-shore of Ingediva or Angedive twelve Leagues Southward from Goa or according to John de Barros from the River Aliga in Sintacora which is a Boundary between Cuncan and the Country of Canara and extends Northwardly to the Land of Decan or the Land of Siffardan a Tract of sixty Leagues Westward it runs to the Sea and Eastward to the Mountains of Gate or to the Kingdom of Bagenael or Golconda and is by a Stream separated from the Island Goa Della Valle makes Telengone the Metropolis of this Kingdom to border Southerly next that which belongs to the Portuguese in Goa Some reduce the City Visiapour and Goa under the Province of Daman and place the Province of Telanga much further to the Southern part The most eminent Sea-Towns are Geytapour Rasapoue Carapatan and Dabul besides which there are several other very good Bays Rivers and Roads The Chief City of this Kingdom the Court and Residence of the Kings is call'd Vasiapour Bizapor and Visipor or peculiarly Vidhikpor notwithstanding Linschot places the King's Court at Solapor but it is probable he keeps his Court sometimes at the one and sometimes at the other Visiapour lies up into the Country about 30 Gau each Gau being three Leagues or 90 German Miles from Dabul and 25 from Goa It is surrounded with high Walls of hard Stone and deep Moats which nevertheless are dry in several places Round about on the Walls and some Platforms made for that purpose are mounted above 1000 Brass and Iron Guns some whereof are of an incredible bigness De Stadt VISIAPOER About a League and a half from Visiapour lies another City call'd Nouraspour formerly the Residence of King Abrahim Chan whose Palace besides several other fair Structures are to be seen at this day but quite ruin'd the Materials of them being employ'd for the building of the present King's Houses and Palaces Travelling from Visiapour to Dabul you pass through these Cities From Nouraspour you come to the City of Sirrapour and Tickota six Kos from Visiapour Three Kos beyond Tickota is the City Honnowaere and three more beyond that a City call'd Calesen Six Kos further is a great and Trading Town nam'd Atteny two days Journey from Visiapour Four Kos from Calesen and two from Atteny between both lies the Village Burgie and two Kos from Atteny the great Dorp Agelle Six Kos and a half from Atteny is the City Areka with two Bary or Villages lying upon the side of the Road about four Kos and a half from Areka and one and a half from Atteny Three Kos from Areka lies the City Berek with a small Village in the way one Kos and a half from Areka and is under the Jurisdiction
of the City Mirisdie Mirisdie otherwise Mirdsy is a large and desolate City fortified on the South-west side with a strong Castle which is so well furnish'd with Men and Amunition that the Great Mogol after the conquering of many Towns and Fortresses could not subdue this Castle with his whole Army It is adorn'd with a Metzid built after the Moorish manner in which lie buried two Kings of Dely which died about 500 Years ago their Graves being adorn'd with Hangings and other rich Ornaments are frequented by the Inhabitants and travelling People who shew great Reverence to the same Two Kos from Mirdsy lies the Village Epour and three Kos further on the Banks of the River Koecenna are two Towns the one call'd Great and the other Little Graeen about a Cannon-shot one from another Five Leagues and a half-from the River Koecenna is the great and rich Trading City Asta with the Villages Toncaa and Astacka in the Road about two Kos and a half one from the other between which two Villages is a Barry or Hamlet Three Kos from Asta stands the large and well-built City Ballouwa and three Kos further two Towns about a Cannon-shot one from the other call'd Oerem and Jesselampour the last of which hath a strong Castle with high Walls wherein the Governor for the King of Visiapour hath his Residence Two Kos from thence is a Village nam'd Taffet and three Kos further another call'd Cassegam and two beyond that the decay'd City Caljaer Two Kos from Caljaer is the Village Galoure and six Kos beyond that the City Tamba and Village Winge near the City Quelampour and another Town call'd Domo The City Tamba is large and well Peopled built along a Running Water which hath its Original out of the River Coyna Two Kos from Tamba is the Village Morel two beyond that Suppera and four Kos further Beloure two more from hence lies a great Village call'd Werad nine Leagues from the Ballagatean Mountains Not far from this place is the Village Patan formerly the Residence of a famous Robber call'd Hiewogy who forc'd Tribute from all Travellers which none could hinder him from notwithstanding all possible means were us'd to prevent it for so soon as any Forces were sent against him he immediately fled into the Mountains which were naturally inaccessible Another Village call'd Helewaek lies about three Kos beyond Werad by which runs the River Coyna Three great Kos or a League and a half from the River Coyna on the Mountains of Ballagate is the Village Gatamata so call'd in respect of these Mountains for Gata in the Persian Tongue signifies A Mountain and Mata Above or On the top Three Kos further lies another Village call'd Poly at the foot of the foremention'd Mountains which by reason of their steep narrow and Rocky Ways are very troublesom to travel Two Kos from Poly or the Foot of the Ballagatean Mountains is the Village Combaerly and sixteen Kos from thence at the River Ghaybeer a great Village nam'd Chipolone from whence is a passage by Water to the City Dabul All Goods that come out of the Country of Decan are carried in Boats from thence to Dabul and so farther up into the Country which makes this Place to be very populous and plentifully stored with all manner of Provisions The Merchandises and Commodities which are brought thither by Water pay for each Kandy or 450 Pound weight one Laryn and a half Freight to Dabul Four Gau or twelve Leagues from Chipolone down the River Helewacko lies the City Dabul or Dabrul anciently very famous but of late much ruin'd by the Wars and decreas'd in Trade It lies in 18 Degrees Northern Latitude or as others affirm in 17 Degrees 45 Minutes and is built along the Shore of the River Helewacko ten Leagues from Chaul It lies open onely on the South-side which fronts the Water where are two Batteries planted with four Iron Guns On the Mountains are several decay'd Fortresses and an ancient Castle but without any Guns or Garrison On the Northern Point where the Bay begins stands a little Wood which at a distance appears like a Fort and below this Wood near the Water is a white Temple or Pagode as also another on the South Point on the declining of the Mountain besides several other Temples and stately Edifices This City was taken from the King of Idalcan by the Portuguese Anno 1508. but was afterwards won from them again and ruin'd by the English Two Leagues Southward from Dabul lies a Promontory or Cape by the Portuguese call'd Dabul Falso that is False Dabul because in sailing by the same they often find themselves deceiv'd taking it for the Point of Dabul which it very much resembles Beyond this Cape is a Bay by them call'd Enceada de los Brahmannes that is The Bay of the Brahmines because many Brahmines dwell thereabouts Beyond this is the Ragiaputa and the Cape Caraputa the Enceada or Sea-Bay Calasi or Calesci lying not far from the Cape Carapeta and next to that Tambona Four Leagues from Dabul lieth the Bay of Zanguizara in 17 Degrees and a half of Northern Latitude Twelve Leagues from Zanguizara or rather from Dabul and twenty from Goa lies the Haven and Road of Ceitapour in 17 Degrees and 20 Minutes Northern Latitude behind an Island which secures it from all Winds This Haven hath at the lowest but three and at the highest not above six or seven Fathom Water Beyond the River three Leagues from this Island and the Road Ceitagour lies the City Rasapour one of the eminentest Towns of the Kingdom of Cuncan and Visiapour Travelling from the Sea-side about Goa up into the Country to the Metropolis Visiapour you pass by and through the following Cities and Villages First A great City call'd Ditcauly lying three Kos from Goa Not far from thence near the River Madre de Dios lies a Castle call'd Ponda Banda a mighty City is about one Gau or three Leagues from Ditcauly two from Goa two from Wingerla and three and a half or nine Leagues from Ballagate It is built near the River Dery which glides by this City into the Sea having broad Streets with many fair Buildings and several Pagodes or Temples Between Banda and the Ballagatean Mountains lie several Villages as Amby two Kos from Banda and Herpoli four Kos Eleven Kos from thence on the other side at the Foot of the lowest of the Ballagatean Mountains is the Village Amboly beyond which near the River Herenecassy is another Village of the same Name A Cannon-shot from Herenecassy in the Valley between the Mountains of Ballagate is a Dorp call'd Berouly and two Kos further another call'd Weseree three Kos further Outor six and a half more Berapour half a Kos beyond Matoura and one more the pleasant Village Calingra close planted about with Trees A Cannon-shot from Calingra is the Village Cangier a little beyond a place by a general Name call'd Bary for all those Places
which have no peculiar Name but belong to other Villages are in general call'd Bary One Kos from hence lies the Village Worry and two and a half further another call'd Attrowaad adorn'd with a Pagode built on a Mountain which may be seen at a considerable distance Two Kos and a half further lies the Village Badaraly and as much beyond that the Dorp Kerwes two Kos more from which is Secoery Five Kos from hence is a Pagode from whence you may plainly see the City Mirsie with its Castles and Towers Seven Kos from the Village Secoery lies Raiabaeg a pretty large and Trading In-land City fortified with a Castle and belonging properly to the King's Consort About one Kos from the City is a fair Well and two Kos further runs the River Gagni Three Kos and a half from this City of Raiabaag is another City call'd Gotterny which hath a Fortification at one of its Gates A Cannon-shot from thence are two Villages call'd Coetesy and Omgar and half a Kos further the eminent River Corstena one Kos and a half from which is the Village Eynatour beyond that the Dorp Caterna and one Kos and a half further the River Agery with the Villages Tangely and Erary Three Kos from Erary is the City Atteny and one Kos beyond the City Bardgie from whence to Agger is three Kos and a half more three Kos thence to the City Talsenge and as much from thence to Hamowaere Tickocata lies three Kos further and about six from Visiapour having Nouraspour and Sirrapour between both Tickocata is an In-land City provided with a large Sarry or Publick Inn for Travellers The Kingdom of Cuncan is water'd by several Rivers viz. A little to the Northward of Goa is the River Madre Dios and beyond the City Banda the River Dery falls into the Sea and is Navigable in small Vessels Two Kos from the City Kaiabaag glides the River Corstena which passes through the whole Country of Cuncan to the Jurisdiction of Masilipatan about three Kos from whence the Stream Agry hath its Course Between the two Towns Great and Little Graeen runs a large River call'd Coecenna on whose Banks those Towns are situate The River Coyna which signifies Great Water passing through the Village Helewaek hath its Original near the City Chaury lying twelve Gau or thirty six Leagues up into the Country and extends it self in several Branches beyond the Metropolis Visiapour and the whole Kingdom of Cuncan The River Ghayhkeer discharges its Water into the River Helewacko whose Shore is border'd by many Dorps and planted with Cocos and other Trees very delightful to the Spectators This River hath its rise out of the Mountains of Ballagata and posses by the City Eabul into the Indian Sea where it makes a convenient Bay From the North to the South Point cross this Bay is a Bank which at low Water is quite dry so that those which sail up the River to the City must pass along close by the South Point At the entrance is commonly five or six Fathom Water at low Tide Four Leagues to the Southward of Dabul and thirty to the Northward of Goa glides the River Zanguizar by Barbosa call'd Cinguicar Its entrance into the Sea is in 17 Degrees and 13 Minutes Northern Latitude and makes a large Bay or In-let with several commodious Roads for Shipping Next is the River Bardes which runs by a Town call'd Banda The Stream Aliga of Sintacora which rises in the Mountains of Gate from thence taking its Course to the Westward falls into the Sea opposite to the Island Anchedive in 14 Degrees and a half of Northern Latitude The many Rivers and Brooks which flow through this Country of Cuncan make the same very fruitful especially in the production of Rice which is sow'd in such Grounds as lie low and are overflow'd in the Winter Yet it produces but little Corn but abundance of Areka and Betel especially on the Banks of the River Betel The Fruit Mangas growing in Ballagate are highly esteem'd weighing about two Pound a spiece and are of a much pleasanter taste than those which grow in Charanna Quindor Mandanagor and Dultabado and especially those of Nisamoxa Ballagate and Decan produce also abundance of Grapes but inferior to those of Spain and also great Quantities of Cotton and Silk There are likewise divers sorts of Stones found in Ballagate as Amethysts Chrysolites and Hemathites or Blood-stones and by Decan beyond Ballagate very rich Diamonds are found on the Mountain which the Portuguese call Rocca Velha that is The Old Rock Some of these Precious Stones which are cut naturally are in the Country Language call'd Naiffez and are by the Indians esteem'd above all others By Ustabado is a certain Stone found by the Arabians call'd Hageramini and by the Portuguese Pedra Armenia that is The Armenian Stone because the same sort being of a blueish green are found in Armenia The Moors make use of them in their Sickness to provoke Urine About the Countries of Ballagate is a sort of excellent Varnish Here are also many Tygers and Serpents of a prodigious length and bigness The Natives of Decan and Cuncan are either Decangeans or Cuncanyns and corruptly by the Portuguese call'd Canaryns and Corumbyns but besides there are Moors Persians Benjans and other Heathen People which far exceed the Natives in Number Linschot tells us That the Inhabitants both in Complexion Constitution and Clothes do very much resemble those of Zurratte and the Benjans But Barbosa makes them Black and Barthema Sallow or Swarthy They are naturally Valiant being for the most part extracted from Strangers excellent Horse-men and well skill'd in managing of Elephants but they are very proud insolent and self-conceited Their Women are much enclin'd to Venery Their Clothes are either of Silk or Cotton except their Shoes which are open at the Toes and lac'd over their bare Feet on the top yet Pyrard saith That they are Red sharp-toe'd gilt and open on the top The Women walk with their Faces veil'd and the Children stark naked till their seventh or eighth Year They eat all things without distinction except Cows Hogs and Buffaloes which Beasts according to an ancient Custom of the Brahmines are accounted Holy nay they are so superstitiously grounded in this belief that they sleep a nights under these Beasts and catch their Dung in their Hands imagining that thereby they do their Gods great Service They also abstain from all sorts of Fish Most of their Houses are built of Straw with such little Doors that they are forc'd to creep in and out Their Furniture is inconsiderable for a Mat spread on the Ground serves them in stead of a Bed and a Hole digg'd in the Earth for a Mortar to stamp their Rice in There are many Gold and Silver-smiths among them and also very good Artists in the working of other Minerals besides many other Handicrafts and Tradesmen Physicians Chirurgeons Carpenters Masons and the like Every Child is
speak three sorts of Languages viz. the Arabian Persian and the peculiar Language of the Country which differs from that of the other Provinces The Inhabitants of Decan Cuncan and Golconda speak the Persian Tongue which at the Princes Courts is as common as their own Language They Betroth their Children at seven or eight Years of Age and Marry them at twelve They keep a continu'd Feast for fourteen days before the Wedding concluding each day with the sound of Drums and Trumpets On the Wedding-day all the Relations walk seven times about a Fire made for that purpose after which they hold the Marriage confirm'd The Bride brings nothing to her Husband save onely her Person and a few Jewels of an inconsiderable value They always burn the Bodies of the Deceased and if a Married Man dies the Widow is oblig'd either to cast her self into the Fire with the Corps of her dead Husband or to live the rest of her days in infamy and disgrace The King of Cuncan is in the Country Language entituled Adelcan that is The true Governor or Adel Scach that is Real Lord or Lord of Justice and by the Portuguese corruptly Dialcam or Hialcam by the Netherlanders Adelchia by others Cadum Schach or Schach Gean He is also call'd Sabay that is Lord. Dotexara call'd that King from whom the Portuguese took Goa Sabyb Adelcan that is Ruler and King of Justice and not Sabay dalcan as we read in History According to Della Valle the King's Title besides his own Name is Adil Sciah or Idal Sciah which as some render it signifies A Just King for Adil in the Arabian signifies Just But others maintain that Adil or Idal which is an Indian Word signifies A Key and therefore must be call'd King of Keys perhaps from the Office which formerly belong'd to this Prince viz. The keeping of the Keys which lock'd up the Books that containd the Accounts of the Treasures of the Mighty Kings of Bisnagar and Sceherbeder unto whom this King and several other petty Princes were subject as we have already related The King keeps a splendid Court and when he rides abroad is attended by all his Nobility and a great number of Horse and Foot besides many Elephants and Camels and the sound of many Instruments The Kings eldest Son always succeeds his Father in the Government and maintains his Sisters till they are Married King Adel Schiah who deceas'd Anno 2586. Great-grandfather to the King Idelxa took Goa twice from the Portuguese but seeing at last that his Forces were not any longer able to oppose them he entred into a League with them on this Condition That the Portuguese should keep in possession the City and Island of Goa and the adjacent Provinces viz. Salsette on the South-side of Goa with sixty seven Villages the Country of Bardes with twelve Villages and the bordering Country of Tisvary with thirty Villages Provided that the King of Visiapour's Subjects should peaceably and quietly Trade into all Parts of India and on condition that the Portuguese should not buy any Pepper in any other Place but in Goa upon Forfeiture of their Ships and Goods But these Articles were broke several times by the Kings of Visiapour yet the Portuguese Vice-Roy residing in Goa as often reconcil'd the Difference by sending Ambassadors with great Presents to them The Father of this present King maintain'd great Wars against the Portuguese Anno 1654. he sent a Letter to the Governor of Batavia the Lord John Maetzuiker desiring him to send a Fleet of twenty six Sail of Ships to Goa to help him drive the Portuguese from thence and afterwards surrender the same to his Army The Letter by reason of its unusual Stile will not be amiss to be inserted here The Contents thereof are as follow THE Good Firman which are sent to the Person of Honor and Strength besides Valiant Famous and sought after by the Grandees as the most Eminent Person of your Country is John Maetzuiker Chief Vice-Roy of the Hollanders in India who by Friendship and Goodness of the Kings is very much favoured Makes known to your Excellency That the Person of Honor Greatness and Happiness Moelan Abdulakiem who sits in the King's Presence hath made known to me that you are a Person of a good Nature and candid Reality and inclin'd to shew service to this House which I gladly understood Send therefore according to Abdulakiem 's Request a Fleet of twenty six Sail well Mann'd with valiant Soldiers and provided with Guns and Ammunition or at least as many Ships as you can procure to fight against the Portuguese at Goa which Place you must endeavor to clear of those People and after the Conquest thereof deliver Goa to our Army This done you shall always remain in our Favor and 't will redown to your Honor and Glory And whatever Abdulakiem shall write to you concerning it freely credit the same and do that which this Firman here requests Given in the Year after Mahomet 's Birth 1064. the second of the Month Sillekada According to our Stile On the thirteenth of August Anno 1654. The King likewise wrote another Letter to the same purpose to a Dutch Merchant call'd Leonard Johnson to whom also Abdulakiem wrote the following Letter THE Person whose Strength and Conduct is esteem'd of amongst the Great Ones is Learned Johnson a Dutch Merchant whose Prudence must continue for ever How long hath your Excellence maintain'd the War of Ceilon with the Expence of much Powder and Shot and the loss of many valiant Soldiers which yet remains still unconquer'd because the Portuguese have always fresh Aid come to them Now to take Goa and to banish the Portuguese out of his sight the King hath made me Commander of his Army with which I am already come to the Borders of Salseet And since you were formerly enclin'd when a good Firman or Letter was sent to you from the King to assist him against his Enemies your good Intentions to serve his Majesty were made known to the King who thereupon order'd two Firmans to be sent away viz. One to the Person of Honor Eminent of Great Command and Respected amongst the Nobility of your Country John Maetzuiker Vice-Roy for the Hollanders in the Indies And the other to your Excellency Wherein is mention'd That your Ships being well furnish'd with Victuals and Ammunition should come hither according to my Directions And therefore I desire you will send your Fleet with all the expedition you can well provided with all things to the Bay of Goa And when we have obtain'd the Victory and routed the Portuguese we shall consequently in few days be also Masters of Ceilon after which your Valour shall be renown'd in the King's House you ever continue in his Favor and your Trade shall flourish in these Countries If in case you cannot resolve to this Proposal then consider what Charge you may be at in this War and what Loss you think you may
fifth King of Persia who as the Chronicle makes mention was succeeded by Chedorlaomer not long after the Death of Noah Botterus tells us That Schiras was built when Grand-Cair was but a Village but according to the Registers of the Country it was built not above seven hundred and fifty years ago a considerable time after the Arabians made themselves Masters of Persia Moreover if ancient Traditions may be credited which are there certainly believ'd this City is much elder especially if it be true what is related of an Asian General call'd Jenpsit who is said to have liv'd many Ages before their Account of Time And though they differ amongst themselves in the Time and Reign of the foremention'd Heroe yet 't is very probable that he liv'd a thousand years after the Flood They affirm that he was the Person who made the great and strange cut Channel which so abundantly waters the whole Country of Schiras by undermining and cutting through the great Mountains that lie between the City and Springs and thereby brought them to their present Perfection and by this means they furnish the City with such an abundance of Water that if all the Channels were cut into one they would make a very large River The City of Schiras lying in 28 Degrees and 44 Minutes Northern Latitude is situate about ten Leagues from the Ruins of Persepolis near the Stream Bendamir or Bendimir on a great Plain inclos'd with Mountains except on the side where you go over a Bridge from Pasa into the same two Leagues distant from the City but on the North scarce half a League This City was formerly much bigger and had many more magnificent Buildings than at this day as plainly appears both within and without its Walls And the Arabian Geographer Ulug Becig Nephew to Tamerlane affirms that it was in his Time three Leagues and a half in Circumference The like bigness Contasing ascribes to the same as also the number of twenty four thousand Houses In the beginning of this Age Schach Abbas to punish the Insurrection of one Jacob Chan Governor or Lord of Schiras pull'd down that part of the Wall which was then remaining and fill'd up the Moat and Trench which surrounded the City Both without and within the City are many Mosques or Temples amongst which some are built very magnificent and beautiful and especially one which being of an extraordinary bigness hath a much higher Steeple upon it than any of the other These Towers which the Persians call Alcorons are narrow but high having without two or three Galleries one above another from whence the Marabouts a sort of Priests publickly read their Prayers with a loud and strong Voice three times a day and walking round about the Gallery that they may be the better understood There are very few handsom Structures either without or within the City except the Mosques for besides three Royal Palaces of which one is in the City and the other two in the Suburbs there is not one fair House 't is true that of the Chan or Sultan thoug it be not very beautiful on the out-side yet large and hath many Painted and richly Gilded Apartments within besides Galleries Gardens Orchards and pleasant Walks All the other inhabited by Citizens and other eminent Persons are small and mean the Rooms except the Hall and two or three Chambers are so little that an indifferent Tradesman here hath better Accommodation than a Nobleman there The City hath several Gates one of which respects the River Pasargadas and is call'd Darvaza Pasa that is The Gate of Pasa anciently Pasargadas it is very little and supported only by the Relicks of an old Mud Wall Opposite to this Gate towards the West is another call'd Darvaza Achem that is Iron Gate at which begins a very fair Street above 2000 Paces long and every where exactly 90 Paces broad On each side of this Street is a Wall of about sixteen Foot high Plaister'd over with Mortar and without any Houses behind are spacious Gardens and Orchards full of Fruit-trees and curious Banqueting-houses which belong to the King and are neatly built with large Galleries and pleasant Prospects In this fair Street the Persians run Races and perform their Exercises on Horseback At the end of the Streets stands the King's Palace very handsomly built with Balconies and Terrace Walks Before the Court you ascend by two Steps to a little Plain which is rais'd higher than the Street At the Entrance and near the Gallery in the midst of the Plain lies a fair and large Pool of Water Most of the Inhabitants of the City appear every Friday being the Mahumetan Sabbath in a spacious Plain both on Foot and Horseback and are there Exercis'd and Train'd and afterwards dispose themselves to other Recreations as they think fit Near the King's Palace is a fair House with a pleasant Garden the Work of the Great Ismael Sofi very curiously built three Stories high in the second of which among other very convenient Apartments is a large and spacious Hall having in the middle an Arch'd Lover full of Glass Windows In this Apartment as also in the rest on this Story are divers Pictures of Women most of them Cloth'd after the Italian manner Under the Galleries which surround this Structure two are much bigger than the other one of which being over the Gate looks into the Street and also to that Gate of the City which is call'd Darvaza Pasa The other standing above the first is over the Gate through which you pass to go into the Garden and respects the West Each of these have three Doors one against another so that being in the Hall which is in the middle of the Edifice you have the Prospect not only of the foremention'd Streets and Walks but also of the City Gate and that of the Haram or Seraglio in the middle of the Garden which may justly be accounted a Wood of all sorts of Fruit-trees divided into Walks but those of the Cypress and Palm are the chiefest which begin at the Court Gate and extend nine hundred Paces in length and thirty in breadth the Walks are very straight and even Planted on both sides with tall Cypress-trees which are so big that three Men can scarce fathom them and so high and straight that they represent great Obelisks At the bottom of the Trees is rais'd a Gravel Path or Bank somewhat higher than the middle Walk and about five or six Foot broad where all People walk for they go not into the middle part because that must be kept always green At the bottom of these Cypress-trees on the out-side of the Walk runs a pleasant Brook which afterwards dividing it self into several Branches waters all parts of the Garden At the end of the Walk is the Haram or Seraglio built after the same manner as the House before mention'd but not so large nor high It is erected on a Plain rais'd seven Foot higher than the Garden On
According to Olearius Kirman is a great Countrey and lying between Farsi and Sagistan extending Northerly to the Sea and the Isle of Ormus Beyond Kirman Northerly lies a great Desart but Southward towards the Sea Kirman hath much till'd Land and many fine Towns the Names whereof are Bersir Bermasir Bem Chabis Tzirefft and Gamron which lying near the Sea is often call'd Bender or Bander Gamron that is The Haven of Camron for Bender in the Persian Tongue signifies a Haven This Town of Gamron or Bender Gamron by Della Valle call'd Cambru lies in 27 Degrees of Northern Latitude West-South-West about three Leagues from the Isle of Ormus being formerly a little Village inhabited by Fishermen who came thither for its convenient Situation near the Persian Gulf. But since the conquering of the famous Isle of Ormus and driving the Portuguese from thence Gamron being frequented by the English Hollanders and Moors Vessels grew to a handsom Town and is enlarg'd daily by the Merchants and Travellers which come thither in November for then the heat of the Weather is over either from the Court at Ispahan or other adjacent Cities The Houses are built having the Foundation three or four Foot deep in the Sand of Free-stone Manner of bâ—â—lding their Houses joyn'd together after this manner They take Clay chopt Straw and Horse-dung beaten together with salt Water and making Cakes thereof dry the same in the Sun then they lay Brambles or Straw on the Ground to cover them over which again they lay Cakes and so a Layer of Btambles and a Layer of Cakes till it rises to the heighth of a Man and then set fire on the Heap which when extinguish'd they mingle and beat together with salt Water and daubing the Materials therewith make a good Mortar which grows as hard as Flint upon this Foundation they raise their Walls of square pieces of Clay dry'd in the Sun after the manner of our Bricks and then laid in moist Clay in stead of Mortar they likewise make square Pillars of the same Clay after the same manner for Supporters of the inner Roofs and that the Rain may not soke through the Walls they daube them all over with the beforemention'd hard Plaister which makes them seem to be built all of Stone With this Mortar also they make handsom Arches Their Rooms of Office are even with the Ground and for want of Stone unpav'd Over these are their Lodgings open round about for coolness The Streets are very crooked narrow and dirty The chiefest Houses as those of the Sultans the English and Hollanders Store-houses stand on the Shore against which the Sea oftentimes beats with great violence yet they are very convenient to lade and unlade Goods The Ships Ride about a Cannon shot from the Land in five or six Fathom Water There are also many little Huts of Boughs and Date-tree Leaves which are much us'd here and because there are no hard Stones hereabouts and the Timber extraordinary scarce many stately Houses have been pull'd down on the Isle and the Materials thereof carry'd away to build Houses on the Main On the East side of the Countrey stands a Fort built after the ancient manner with Towers Upon the Shore also about a Gun-shot from the Water is another Fort built of Free-stone surrounded with a dry Trench a low Vaumure and on the West side a Stone Redoubt of sufficient Strength against any sudden Onset Description of the Village Cambru The great Village Cambru according to Della Valle stands upon the Sea-shore in 27 Degrees of Northern Latitude The Streets are generally very narrow and the Bazars on Shops but indifferently furnish'd with Wares The Walls of the Houses are of Lime or Clay and may rather be call'd Barns than Houses being nothing but large and inclosed places cover'd with a Roof for a shelter in bad Weather and to keep off the heat of the Sun which in these Countreys is very powerful Here is a general Toleration of Religion for besides the Mahumetans there are abundance of Jews Banians from India and many other People of divers Beliefs The Fort Cambru There is a Fortress in a low Tract of Land near the Sea and not far from it the Fort of Cambru which being square is encompass'd with a double Wall the first hath no Redoubts nor Flankers but the outmost hath some Sconces and Curteyns sufficient to bear Musquet-shot The inner Wall is somewhat higher and hath several little round Turrets built at certain distances one from another between each of which lies a great Stone which in time of need may be thrown down on the Enemy Over the Gate appears a square place like a Gallery full of Port-holes through which the Soldiers with Musquets defend the Passage to the Gate Outermost is abroad and deep Moat fortifi'd with Half-moons and Breast-works but so weak that they may be batter'd down with a small Field-piece On the Shore of Cambru lie abundance of Sea-Cockles by which the Coast may easily be known The Ferry from Cambru to Ormus is not above a days Sailing in Vessels as big as Sloops by the Persians call'd Cuibet The Portuguese in former times had another Fort near the Shore which the Persians after their Conquest pull'd down but they built the foremention'd Fort in stead thereof farther up in the Countrey and afterwards in the Year 1623. in January they rais'd another on the Shore in the same place where that belonging to the Portuguese stood finding that so far up into the Countrey unable to defend the Ships and Haven which is much frequented from several Places in Persia India and Arabia There is also a Governor of the Town and another of the Fort and a Judge call'd Cadhi Once a year commonly there happens an Earthquake in Cambru which often overturns several Houses In the Way from Schiras to the Haven of Cambru whither the English come yearly with the Caravan to ship their Silks are the following Places viz. the Burrough of Passa the Plain of Gigangli the Village Haian Havask the Caravansera of Mamui the City Passa Tambustan or Temerista the barren place between the Mountains Seciah that is The three Pits because of certain Pits there and beyond that the Village Zirevan some Leagues from which the Way parts into two the one runs to the City Darabghierd and the other to Dechair a Village a days Journey beyond this parting of the Road. The many Dates and other Trees which grow in Darebghierd make it seem a very pleasant Place which extending a great way hath abundance of Inhabitants There is nothing remarkable in the same but a Brook which running through the Market makes a standing Pool in the middle However it is very eminent for its Antiquity and Name which it hath preserv'd to this day viz. from the ancient Persian King Darius who built it and call'd it Darab according to the Name which this Place bears viz. Darabghierd or Darabkera
made by one to another in the presence of one single Witness without any farther Ceremony How they order their Children The Women being generally Deliver'd of their Children on Beds of Straw and Chaff made for that purpose carry the Child to the next River though full of Ice and washing it give it the Name of the next strange Person that comes into the House When a Noblemans Child comes to the age of three or four years it is given to one of his Servants to be brought up and instructed after their manner Their manner of living They live for the most part upon Sturgeon and other Fish though sometimes they eat both tame and wild beasts Their Bread is principally of Barley and the usual Drink of the common People is Water but they make a Liquor of a sort of Grain which they call Boeza or as John de Luca saith they mix their Water with Honey and Barley which letting stand ten days to soak they afterwards boyl whereby it becomes pleasant to the taste and as strong as Wine In stead of Cups or Glasses the Vulgar use the Horns of wild Buffalo's or other Beasts but the Nobles drink out of Golden Cups worth from three to five hundred Ducats some also are of Silver out of which they drink with great deliberation and Ceremony and commonly in the Name of God and their Saints or deceased Friends They commonly sleep with a Coat of Mayl under their Heads in stead of a Pillow and with their Arms by them As soon as they rise they put on the foremention'd Coat of Mayl The Men and Women lie together but Head to Feet yet on one Bed which is commonly made of Leather and fill'd with Rushes and Rose-Leaves John de Luca affirms That the Houses are made of two rows of Poles stuck in the Ground between which they lay plash'd Boughs which they cover with Mortar and Straw nor are the Princes Palaces built of better Materials though bigger The Circassians often Engage with the Tartars for there is not a year passes but the Tartars as well Mogaians as others make Incursions into their Countrey on purpose to get Slaves The continual Alarms in which their Enemies keep them Their Arms. hath made them the best Horsemen in all these Parts They use Arrows which they shoot forward and backward and wear a Sword by their Sides and a Helmet on their Heads which covers their Faces they also use Lances and Javelins all which they handle with extraordinary dexterity They never make any difficulty to rob one another Thievery encourag'd which makes Stealing common here for they never punish those which are taken in the Fact may ancient People and Persons of Quality never proffer any Drink at Meals to young Folks if they have not committed some notable Robbery Their Opinions in Religion The Circassians are of different Opinions for some follow Mahumetanism others the Greek Church but the number of the Mahumetans is far the greater for though the Priest who is at Derki Baptizes yet he instructs them little in Matters of Religion wherefore they daily turn Turks and retain nothing of the Greeks but the Custom of carrying Meat to the Graves of the Dead and to keep some Fasts In the Countrey of Cudosci or Holy Places are abundance of Rams Heads which be Relicks of the Curbans or Offerings made there On the Trees also hang Bowes Arrows and Swords which are sighs of the Promises they made to the Deceased and therefore are so revereric'd that the greatest Robbers will not touch them The Circassians incline much to Paganism and though they suffer themselves to be Circumcis'd and Believe in God yet they have neither Scripture Priest nor Temple but at some set-times make their own Offerings especiallyon Elias's day Ceremonies at the Death of a Nobleman Upon the Decease of a Nobleman both Men and Women coming into the Field kill a Goat at for an Offering and hanging his Skin Upon a Pole having first made Merry with the Flesh some Men stepping forth Pray to the Skin one after another which done they all depart home The Skin remains on the Pole till such time as they take it down to make room for another After this they raise a great Bed of Earth in the Fields on which they lay the Corps having first been imbowel'd and for the space of eight days his nearest Relations Friends and Vassals come to visit him and bring him Presents of Silver Cups Bowes Arrows and other things then they take a great Tree hollowing the Body into the form of a Chest into which they put the Corps with the foremention'd Presents and so carry it in great State to the Burying-place Some of these Circassians as Soranzo affirms are free others pay Tribute to the Precopenses or Crim Tartars but as others assert they neither acknowledge the Turks nor Tartars but are Govern'd by five prime Heads George Interian attests Their Degrees that there are Nobles Subjects and Slaves amongst them the Nobles being the chiefest have many Vassals under them whom they Govern by an arbitrary Power allowing none to be above them but God neither have they any Judges nor any written Laws but make use of their own Authority in deciding of Differences Some affirm that they Serve the Turk Persian and Muscovites for Pay They have no Money in this Countrey especially in those Places lying up into the Land No Money here but value all things by Bokissins which are pieces of Linnen or Woollen Cloth They Fight on Horseback Arm'd with Bowes Arrows Swords and Lances There are no Fotts in all the Countrey but onely a few old Towers to which the People repair in time of War They Fight daily against the Tartars who inclose them in all parts but are so much valianter that a few Circassians are able to put a considerable number of Tartars to flight because they are much nimbler stronger and generally better Arm'd Albania EAstward from Georgia lies Albania so call'd from the River Albanus by Nicephorus Zuirie and by others Chipiche and Zitracha as also according to Castaldus Garzena because the Inhabitants are inclin'd to Prognostications which the Hebrews call Garazenes But the Names Dhipiche and Zatracha are given them from two great Cities whose Jurisdictions were very large Cluverius tells us that Albania is the Eastern part of Georgia between Iberia and the Caspian Sea Dagestan is also accounted a part of Albania which borders in the East upon part of the Caspian Sea in the West at Georgia in the North faces a part of the Asiatick Sarmatia near Mount Caucasus and in the South looks upon part of Great Armenia towards the side of the River Gur or Chiur anciently Cyrm It lies between very high and almost inaccessible Mountains which soon lose the Way out of Tartary into Persia The Cities and chief Towns of Albania The Towns of this Territory according to Niger are Chipicher Tarracosia