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 be∣ginning on the Sea-shore of Ingediva, or Angedive, twelve Leagues Southward from Goa; or, accord∣ing 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, Bi∣zapor, and Visipor, or peculiarly Vidhikpor; not∣withstanding 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 sur∣rounded with high Walls of hard Stone, and deep Moats, which nevertheless are dry in several pla∣ces. Round about on the Walls, and some Plat∣forms made for that purpose, are mounted above 1000 Brass and Iron Guns, some whereof are of an incredible bigness.

The City is built after the Asian manner, ha∣ving five Leagues in circumference: It hath five great Gates, viz. Schanpour, Gurapour, Abrahimpour, Alapour, and Bomnenaly. Before each Gate is a rich Trading Suburb (for in them live most of Page  [unnumbered]

Page  247the Merchants and Tradesmen) which bears the same Name with the Gate. In the middle of the City lies the Royal Palace, or Castle, enclos'd with double Walls and strong Moats, planted about with 100 great and small Guns. It com∣prehends in its Circumference above 3000 Pa∣ces, or 614 Rods: It hath a very wide Entrance, which is shut up by five several Gates, and guard∣ed commonly by 2000 armed Soldiers. None but the King's Domestick Servants are permitted to come within the foremention'd Gates, unless commanded by the King, who hath appointed a Governor both over the Castle and the City, al∣lowing him 5000 Men under his Command.

About a League and a half from Visiapour lies another City call'd Nouraspour, formerly the Re∣sidence of King Abrahim Chan, whose Palace, be∣sides 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 Vil∣lage 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, ly∣ing 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 deso∣late 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 Or∣naments, 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 fur∣ther, 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, ano∣ther 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 Ori∣ginal out of the River Coyna. Two Kos from Tamba is the Village Morel; two beyond that, Sup∣pera; 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 immedi∣ately fled into the Mountains, which were natural∣ly inaccessible. Another Village, call'd Hele∣waek, 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 signi∣fies A Mountain, and Mata, Above, or On the top. Three Kos further lies another Village call'd Po∣ly, 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 Moun∣tains, is the Village Combaerly; and sixteen Kos from thence, at the River Ghaybeer, a great Vil∣lage 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 po∣pulous, and plentifully stored with all manner of Provisions. The Merchandises and Commodi∣ties 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 Gar∣rison. 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 Pro∣montory 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, ta∣king 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 Page  248the Cape Caraputa; the Enceada, or Sea-Bay Ca∣lasi, or Calesci, lying not far from the Cape Cara∣peta; and next to that, Tambona.

Four Leagues from Dabul lieth the Bay of Zan∣guizara, 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 Balla∣gate. 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 Ban∣da; 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, be∣yond which, near the River Herenecassy,, is ano∣ther Village of the same Name. A Cannon-shot from Herenecassy, in the Valley between the Moun∣tains 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 fur∣ther lies the Village Badaraly; and as much be∣yond 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 Bard∣gie; 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 Na∣vigable in small Vessels. Two Kos from the Ci∣ty Kaiabaag glides the River Corstena, which passes through the whole Country of Cuncan, to the Ju∣risdiction of Masilipatan; about three Kos from whence, the Stream Agry hath its Course. Be∣tween 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 dis∣charges 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 con∣venient 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 Zangui∣zar, by Barbosa call'd Cinguicar: Its entrance into the Sea is in 17 Degrees and 13 Minutes Nor∣thern 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 De∣grees 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 Be∣tel, especially on the Banks of the River Betel.

The Fruit Mangas growing in Ballagate are high∣ly esteem'd, weighing about two Pound a spiece, and are of a much pleasanter taste than those which grow in Charanna, Quindor, Mandanagor, and Dulta∣bado, 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 He∣mathites, 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.

Page  249

By Ustabado is a certain Stone found by the Ara∣bians, call'd Hageramini, and by the Portuguese Pe∣dra 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 ex∣cellent 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 be∣sides, 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 Sal∣low, 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 en∣clin'd to Venery.

Their Clothes are either of Silk or Cotton, ex∣cept 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 lit∣tle 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, Car∣penters, Masons, and the like. Every Child is taught the Trade or Calling of his Parents.

The Rusticks maintain themselves with sowing of Rice and Fishing, on which they live very poorly, inhabiting near the Sea-shore, and the Banks of Rivers, for the convenience of the Coco-Trees which grow along the same.

The Decanders which dwell near the River Zanguizara maintain themselves with Tillage and keeping of Cattel. People of more Ability Traf∣fick in Pepper, in which the chiefest Trade of this Country consists, which coming out of Canara, is sent by Sea to Persia, Suratte, and Europe. They deal likewise in all sorts of Provisions; for this Country is the Store-house for all its Neighbors. The Inhabitants also drive a great Trade in Ca∣lico, and another sort of Cloth call'd Beirames, which being brought by Land from Indostan, Gol∣conda, and the Coast of Choromandel, is sold to great advantage; for in most Towns are kept Weekly Markets, to which the Merchants carry all their Commodities, but especially Corn and Provisions, which are generally bought up by a valiant sort of People call'd Venesars, and trans∣ported through the whole Country of Indostan, which they penetrate with Cafilas consisting of three, four, nay sometimes eight or ten thousand Beasts of Burthen, accompanied with Women and Children, which follow them like an Army.

In Visiapour dwell many Jewellers, which Trade in Diamonds that come from Golconda, and Pearls of a great value. There is also a great Market wherein nothing but Diamonds are sold, which are bought by the Benjans of Surratte and Cambaye, and by them dispos'd of again at Goa and other Places. Out of this Country is also carried great store of Betel, to Ormus, Aden, and Cambaye.

The Portuguese of Goa drive a great Trade with the Inhabitants of Cuncan, but chiefly with the Merchants of Ditcauly and Banda.

In the City of Raiebaag dwell many eminent Dealers, which Trade in Pepper and other Com∣modities.

The Coins and Current Moneys of Cuncan are of different Valuations, there being two sorts, viz. Laryns and Pagods. A Laryn of Dabul, coyn'd of the ordinary Metal, is valued at ten Pagods; whereas those of Persia make but eight. More∣over the Pagods are likewise of a different Value; for some are worth seven and a half or eight Per∣sian Laryns, and ten In-land. Their small Money is of Copper, and is call'd Basarucus and Paysas; two hundred and ten Basarucus, and in some Places a hundred and eighty, make a Laryn; and twenty eight Paysas are of the same value.

Every Town and Village hath for the most part a peculiar Coin and Value on their Money, in which is great deceit, especially in Laryns and Pagods, which the subtle Benjans make so artifici∣ally of Copper and other Metals, that they can∣not be distinguish'd from the good: Wherefore few will receive Money without the presence of a Xaraf or Exchanger, who for a small Reward looks over all the Money, and makes good the Damage, if there happens to be any bad Money among that which he receives: And if it be found that an Exchanger so entrusted as is before-menti∣on'd, shall designedly put away bad Money, he is immediately condemn'd to have his Hands cut off, and all his Estate forfeited to the King; notwith∣standing which, they practice it daily.

The Weight of this Country is like that of Surrat, having onely some small difference; for twenty seven Maons of Cuncan make but twenty Maons of Surrat. The ordinary Maon of forty Ceeres (a Ceer is sixty Peysses) is about twenty se∣ven English Pounds, with which Weight they weigh all heavy Goods; and with another Weight call'd Goemy (each Goemy being twelve Maons) they weigh their Pepper. A Quintal, which is also a common Weight, makes four Maons; and five Quintals, or twenty Maons, one Candy, which is five hundred and forty English Pound weight.

There are many other Coins and Weights in use among them, which every Person in buying or selling of Goods agree upon at their pleasure; but these before-mention'd are the most common, and generally us'd through all the Country.

The Arms which the Inhabitants of Decan and Visiapour use, both for Horse and Foot, are broad Swords, Pikes, Lances, with a square Iron at the end about a Span long, Bows and Arrows, Shields, Darts, which they throw with great dexterity at their Enemies: Their Defensive Arms are Coats Page  250of Mail, and Coats lin'd with Cotton, which they call Landa•hes. When they march into the Field, they carry with them Tents of Callico, under which they sleep. They make use of Oxen to carry their Baggage. Their common way of Fighting is on Foot, though when they march, some walk, others ride on Horses, and some on Elephants, of which the King keeps a great num∣ber for that purpose. The King of Cuncan is said to be very powerful, and able in a short time to bring eighty thousand, or as some say, two hun∣dred thousand armed Men into the Field, both Horse and Foot: He keeps many Persians and Mogols constantly in his Service, which commonly enjoy the most eminent Places under him: He likewise maintains many valiant Rasepouts. There are four very eminent Castles or Fortresses in Cun∣can, known by the Names of Ponda, Perinda, Sal∣poure, and Bellegam Chapour.

The King hath divers great Guns in his Maga∣zen, and about two hundred Cannons, Demi-Cannons, and Culverins. Round about the City and Castle-walls of Visiapour are planted many small Pieces, as Drakes, and the like.

In the City of Visiapour is a Copper Gun of an incredible bigness, its Chamber being large enough to contain above five hundred Pound of Powder: It was found in a conquer'd Castle call'd Perando, from whence it was convey'd to Visiapour by ten Elephants, fourteen hundred Oxen, and an incre∣dible number of Men. The Founder of this Piece is reported to have been a Roman, who un∣dertook the same to make his Name Immortal, and that his Work might be admir'd by the whole World; which is the more talk'd of, because after he had finish'd this prodigious Piece, he kill'd his own Son, and sprinkled his Blood over it for an Offering. It hapned also, that whilst this Gun was Casting, Braman the King's Treasurer coming to demand an Account of the Charge from the said Roman, he caus'd a Fire to be made in the Pit wherein the said Gun was Cast, and throwing the said Braman into it, bid him take an Account of the Fire which consum'd the Silver and Copper. The News carried to the King by the Relations of the Deceased, he seem'd not at all concern'd there∣at, but rather displeas'd with the Complainants, telling them he never gave his Treasurer any Or∣der to demand an Account.

With this Cannon the King took an almost in∣vincible Castle call'd Salapoure, making a Breach in the Wall at the first Shot of fifteen Ells long, and at the next, batter'd down the whole side of the Wall; which so amaz'd the Besieged, that without any further resistance they surrendred the Castle. The Inhabitants relate many strange and ridiculous things of this Gun, as that it for∣merly Prophesied like the Oracle at Delphos.

They 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 Gol∣conda speak the Persian Tongue, which at the Princes Courts is as common as their own Lan∣guage.

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 Mar∣riage 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 Deceas∣ed; 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 Lan∣guage entituled Adelcan, that is, The true Gover∣nor; or Adel Scach, that is, Real Lord, or Lord of Justice: and by the Portuguese, corruptly, Dial∣cam, 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, Sa∣byb Adelcan, that is, Ruler and King of Justice; and not Sabay dalcan, as we read in History. Accord∣ing 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 o∣ther petty Princes were subject, as we have alrea∣dy 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 In∣struments.

The Kings eldest Son always succeeds his Fa∣ther 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 ad∣jacent 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: Pro∣vided that the King of Visiapour's Subjects should peaceably and quietly Trade into all Parts of In∣dia, 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 sur∣render 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.

Page  251

THE Good Firman which are sent to the Per∣son of Honor and Strength; besides Valiant, Famous, and sought after by the Grandees, as the most Eminent Person of your Country, is John Maet∣zuiker, 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 Pre∣sence, 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 Con∣quest thereof, deliver Goa to our Army. This done, you shall always remain in our Favor; and 'twill re∣down to your Honor and Glory: And whatever Ab∣dulakiem shall write to you concerning it, freely cre∣dit the same, and do that which this Firman here re∣quests. Given in the Year after Mahomet's Birth 1064. the second of the Month Sillekada. Accord∣ing 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 fol∣lowing 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 Com∣mand, and Respected amongst the Nobility of your Country, John Maetzuiker, Vice-Roy for the Hol∣landers in the Indies: And the other to your Excel∣lency: Wherein is mention'd, That your Ships being well furnish'd with Victuals and Ammunition, should come hither according to my Directions. And there∣fore I desire you will send your Fleet with all the ex∣pedition 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 flou∣rish 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 sustain by it. You will not want much Ammunition in these Countries; there∣fore do not refuse sending Assistance to us.

In the same year, in the beginning of December, a Peace was concluded between King Adel Schiah and the Portuguese, whereby both Parties were al∣low'd free access one to the other.

The King of Visiapour maintains also Wars against some of his Rais or Rajas, which are Hea∣then Princes, or petty Kings, which with the Ra∣butes their Subjects reside in the Mountains of Bal∣lagate, in Places naturally inaccessible, where they neither fear being surpriz'd nor besieg'd.

They have no Written Laws in the whole Realm; but the King's Will is a Law to all his Subjects. All Civil Debates that happen to arise in the City Visiapour, are determin'd by the Coutewael or High-Sheriff; but Criminal Causes are try'd by the King himself. The Criminals are often executed in the King's Presence, with great cruelty, throwing them oftentimes before Elephants, and other Wild Beasts, to be devour'd, and sometimes cutting off their Arms, Legs, and other Members; besides other ways not usual in Europe.

In other Towns or Provinces the Vice-Roy or Governor passes Sentence after the same man∣ner: For by vertue of their Patents, which they call Firman, they are particularly impower'd to give Judgment against Criminals. They com∣monly judge of these Causes according to the first Complaint which they hear; so that he which complains first, for the most part fares best. Dif∣ferences of Debt are soon decided among them; for if the Debtor do not pay his Creditor accord∣ing to the time limited by the Judge, he is severe∣ly whipp'd, and his Wife and Children sold for Slaves by the Creditor. Such Persons as are forc'd to swear, are plac'd in a round Circle made upon the Ground, laying one Hand upon some Ashes brought thither for that purpose, and the other on their Breast, and uttering several Expres∣sions to their Gods; after which, they think them∣selves oblig'd, on pain of Damnation, to make a true Answer to all such Interrogatories as are put to them.

Linschot makes the Idalcans, or Kings of Cun∣can, to be Subjects and Tributaries to the King of Narsinga; but Jarrick affirms them to be mortal Enemies.

The Kings of Cuncan were formerly absolute Lords of vast Territories, and subject to none; but about sixty Years ago, in the time of King Mamedh Idelxa, Son to King Ibrahimxa, who Anno 1635. possest the Crown, in the twenty fourth Year of his Age, they were reduc'd under the Mo∣gol's Jurisdiction: viz. when in King Mamedh Idelxa's Minority (who Govern'd his Realm un∣der the Guardianship of Chavas Chan) the Great Mogol assaulting those of Visiapour with two hun∣dred thousand Foot, and eighty thousand Horse, for their refusing to pay him Tribute. After a long and bloody War, and the death of Chavas Chan, a Peace was concluded, Duke Mustaff Chan and the Kings of Visiapour brought under subjecti∣on to the Great Mogol, with Conditions to pay nine thousand Pagods yearly for Tribute. But at present, as F. Bernier affirms, the King of Visia∣pour pays no Tribute to the Great Mogol, but de∣fends himself against all Attempts which he makes upon him: for though he be not so powerful as those of Golconda oppose the Mogol's Forces, yet he hath this advantage, by reason of the remoteness of his Country from Dely and Agra, that the Mo∣gol makes not such frequent Attempts on these Parts; besides which, that part of the Country of Page  252Visiapour which lies next the Mogol's is very diffi∣cult for an Army to approach, because of the scarcity of Water and Provisions, and the badness of the Ways. The Metropolis Visiapour is also very strong, situate in a dry barren Soil, and guard∣ed by many Fortresses, built on the circumjacent Mountains, which are most of them inaccessible. Many Rajas also joyn with him for their own secu∣rity. Moreover he oftentimes receives private as∣sistance from the King of Golconda, who always keeps an Army ready on the Borders, to assist the King of Visiapour, whenever he perceives him to be too much oppress'd by the Mogol. Yet never∣theless this State, as also that of Golconda, is much declin'd; for the Mogol hath taken Paranda from them, which is the Key of their Country, with the Magnificent City Bider, and some other emi∣nent Places: But especially because of a diffe∣rence between these two Kings; for the last King of Visiapour dying without Issue-Male, the present King, who is a young Man, being brought up by the King of Golcondas Sister, who took him for her Son, doth not acknowledge her Favours.

Ibrahim Adil Sciah, who Reign'd Anno 1620. notwithstanding the Countries of Cutb Sciah or the King of Golconda, and Nizam Sciah King of De∣can, lay as Bulwarks between his Dominions and the Mogol's, and upon occasion was able to raise an Army of a hundred thousand Men, stood never∣theless in great fear of the Mogol, to whom though he paid considerable Tributes yearly, yet he was so slighted by the Mogol, that he sent his Letters to him by a Common Soldier, or Slave, whom he was forc'd to meet with his whole Army, and conduct him in great Pomp to his Court, where he plac'd himself in a Chair of State prepar'd purposely for him, whilst Adil Sciah was forc'd to stand in his Presence, like a Slave: And when the Messenger had laid the Letter on a Carpet, he bow'd down to the Ground three times, according to the manner of the Country, before he durst take it up.

This Ibrahim Adil Sciah is said to have caus'd his own Son to be put to death, for persuading him from paying the usual Tribute to the Great Mogol, and counselling him by force to free himself from that Slavery.

The King now Reigning sends oftentimes great Presents to the Mogol. Anno 1656. in June, the King Sciah Sahep sent a Present of seven Lak Penas, or Two hundred and eighty thousand Pounds, to the Mogol Prince Oranchzef, (at present King) Re∣siding at Dautabake; who then accompanied with Mirsimula, lay with his Fathers Army on the Bor∣ders of Visiapour, in a Province call'd Pretapapour.

The Venassars, and Collers or Coulys, as also the Rasboutes of Cambaye, pay Tribute to this King.

The thirteenth of November, Anno 1656. the King of Visiapour, call'd Adil Sciah, deceas'd; at which time Fettechan guarded the King's Palace; and Chan Channa coming with his whole Army near the Walls, desir'd to know of Fettechan whe∣ther it would not be convenient for him to bring the Army into the City, to prevent Insurrections: Whereupon Fettechan reply'd, That he had taken upon him in Chan Channa's absence to Guard the Fort; and therefore he judg'd it best, for the safety of the Realm, to let Chan Channa come into the City: Whereupon he repair'd to Fettechan in the Palace, where consulting together, they conclu∣ded to Crown the King's adopted Son, call'd Cha Chade, which was perform'd the same day, he be∣ing then in the twenty fourth Year of his Age. This new King receiv'd the Name of Aly Adel Sciah, and was permitted to use the King's Grand∣fathers Seal. The right Coronation of their Kings is perform'd at Chirer Ridder, a principal Place in the Realm of Visiapour.

When the old King lay a dying, Chan Channa was sent for to him by the Queen, who being come, the Queen told the King, Here is Chan Channa; but she receiv'd no Answer. Soon after, Fettechan being also call'd thither, the Queen spoke to the King, saying, The Lord Fettechan is also here present; but the King not answering, lift up his Eyes and departed this life: which when Fettechan perceiv'd, he threw himself after many mournful Expressions on the Ground, and shew'd great signs of sorrow.

The young King was committed to the Care and Government of Chan Channa, being the second Person in the Realm; whilst Fettechan sorrowful∣ly repair'd to his House, where he mourn'd eight days for the King's death, no Man being able in that time to perswade him to come to Court, not∣withstanding the new King had several times in∣vited him: But at last Chan Channa sent him word, That it was then no time to mourn the King's death any longer; That there was a necessity for him to make his appearance before the new King; which if he again re∣fus'd to do, he should be necessitated himself to fetch him, and to bring him before his Majesty. Upon which Message Fettechan made his appearance be∣fore the King, and in all humility fell down at his Feet, but was immediately taken up and embrac'd by the new-Crown'd Prince. The Queen sitting •ll this while silent behind a Curtain, at last spoke thus to Fettechan: Why would you obscure your self in this juncture of time, when your Presence is so much requir'd in all Business? 'Tis true, here wants no Counsel; but we cannot in these dangerous times repose any Confidence in them. Whereupon the young King added, You must banish the death of his deceased Maje∣sty out of your mind; I intend to promote you higher, and bestow more Honor upon you than hitherto you have enjoy'd. Immediately after he gave him the Cane whereby he held his former Offices; which Fette∣chan humbly receiving, was presented by the King, as a Testimony of his Favor, with eight thousand Penas, which he modestly refus'd, saying, That it was customary the Present should be made to Chan Channa.

Among several other Persons of Quality, the Lord Abdullachan came to Complement the King with a Present of nine thousand Penas, and to wish him a long and prosperous Reign: But the King would not accept his Present, telling him, That in stead thereof, he should encrease the number of his Horse. The King likewise commanded all Officers that were unde his Subjection to appear at Court, charging them on forfeiture of a hundred thousand Penas constantly to maintain a thousand Horse.

The Inhabitants were at this time in a great Consternation, fearing to be surpriz'd by the Mogol Prince Oranchzef: But the King causing an Edict to be publish'd, commanded them to be at quiet, and encourag'd them with the hopes he had to lie down in a short time with his Army before Agra.

The King professes the Mahumetan Religion, as also the greatest part of his Subjects; the rest are Pagans and Idolaters, of which Opinion are the Canaryns of Goa, the Naires, and other Indians.Page  253They observe several Fasts, and other Religious Ceremonies, like the Bramans. Linschot menti∣ons a sort of Religious Persons among them, call'd Jogues.

In most Parts of the Country reside Portuguese, who are permitted to Trade, and enjoy all Privi∣leges, except Religion; yet nevertheless they pri∣vately make many Proselites.

The Kings of Decan, Visiapour, and those of Gol∣conda, maintain the Religion establish'd by Maho∣met, after the same manner with the Turks, and are therefore call'd Soanies; yet the King of Gol∣conda is said to encline to that of the Persians. But notwithstanding they are all three Moors, and have instituted the Mahometan Doctrine in their Countries, yet they still retain many Idolatrous Customs of the Heathens.

The Netherland East-India Company have a Free Trade through the whole Kingdom of Visia∣pour, and Store-houses in several Places, the chief∣est whereof is at Wingurla.

The Bay of Wingurla lies in 15 Degrees and 17 Minutes Northern Latitude, Northward from Goa, and three Leagues Southward from Ilhas Qui∣madas, or The Burning Island. It hath a pretty large River, which runs some Leagues up into the Country, and is Navigable by small Vessels. At the entrance of this River several Streams of Fresh Water, which come down from the Mountains, fall into the Bay.

The King allows the Netherlanders great Privi∣leges, which are confirm'd to them by a Letter dated the tenth of May, 1655. viz. That they may lawfully claim as their proper Goods all such Commodities or Things whatsoever as shall hap∣pen to be Stranded, coming out of any of their Ships cast away upon his Coast: And they are likewise freed from all manner of Taxes and Im∣positions, as will appear more at large from the following Firman or Letter, written to the Lord General John Maetzuiker.