Bernier, François, Travels in the Mogul Empire A.D. 1656-1668

(Westminster, Eng. :  Constable,  1891.)

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AFTER THE WAR                         197

languor, and avail themselves of any pretext for the pro¬
longation of war which is alike the source of their emo¬
lument and dignity. It is become a proverbial saying,
that the Decan is the bread and support of the soldiers of
Hindoustan.^ It should also be observed, that the king¬
dom of Visapour abounds with almost impregnable for¬
tresses in mountainous situations, and that the country on
the side of the Great Mogol's territories is of a peculiarly
difficult access, owing to the scarcity both of forage and
of good wholesome water. The capital is extremely
strong ; situated in an arid and sterile soil, and pure and
palatable water is found only within the gates.

Visapour, however, is verging toward dissolution. The
Mogol has made himself master of Paranda,"^ the key of
the kingdom; of Bider," a strong and handsome town,
and of other important places. The death of the King
without male issue must also operate unfavourably on the
future concerns of this country. The throne is filled by
a young man, educated, and adopted as her son, by the
Queen, sister of the King of Golkonda, who, by the by,
has been ill requited for her kindness. She returned re¬
cently from Mecca, and experienced a cold and insulting
reception ; the young monarch pretending that her con¬
duct on board the Dutch vessel which conveyed her to
Moka was unbecoming both her sex and rank. It is even
said that she was criminally connected with two or three
of the crew, who abandoned the vessel at Moka tor the
purpose of accompanying the Queen to Mecca.

Seva-Gi, the gentile leader lately spoken of, profiting
by the distracted state of the kingdom, has seized upon
many strongholds, situated for the most part in the moun-

^ Or, as Fryer puts it (p. 167), 'frustrated chiefly by the means of the
Soldiery and great Ombrahs, who live Lazily and in Pay, whereupon
they term Duccan, The Bread of the Military Men.'

^ The fort was treacherously surrendered to the Mogul about the
year 1635.

^ Bidar was captured in 1653.
  Page 197