The Institutes of Akbar 198.2

198.2

Secondly.—To appoint experienced seamen, acquainted with the tides, the depths of the ocean, the time when the several winds blow, and their advantages and disadvantages. They must be familiar with shallows and banks. Besides, a seaman must be hale and strong, a good swimmer, kind hearted, hard working, capable of bearing fatigue, patient; in fact he must possess all good qualities. Men of such character can only be found after much trouble. The best seamen come from Malībār (Malabar). Boatmen also bring men and their things from one side of the river to the other. The number of sailors in a ship varies according to the size of the vessel. In large ships there are twelve classes. 1. The Nākhudā, or owner of the ship. This word is evidently a short form of Nāwkhudā. He fixes the course of the ship. 2. The Mu'allim, or Captain. He must be acquainted with the depths and the shallow places of the ocean, and must know astronomy. It is he who guides the ship to her destination, and prevents her from falling into dangers. 3. The Tandīl, or chief of the khalāçīs, or sailors. Sailors, in seamen’s language, are called khalāçīs or khārwahs. 4. The Nākhudā-khashab. He supplies the passengers with firewood and straw, and assists in shipping and unlading the cargo. 5. The Sarhang, or mate, superintends the docking and landing of the ship, and often acts for the Mu'allim. 6. The Bhandārī has the charge of the stores. 7.