Riyaz al-salatin 8.6

8.6

Consequently, on that day, at that place boats, both small and large, are left without anchor. This tide in the language of Bengal is called ban, and the tide which occurs daily is called joar. An earthen fort has been erected to the south, outside the city. The English are wonderful inventors. To relate its praise is difficult; one ought to see it, to appreciate it. Viewed externally from any of the four sides, the quadrangular rampart looks low like the slopes of tanks; but viewed internally, it looks lofty. Inside the fort, there are large and lofty buildings. Wonderful workmanship has been displayed in the construction of the fort; and other curious and rare workmanships are visible in this city. In point of beauty of its edifices and the novelty of its arts, no city is equal to it, barring Dehli, which is unique. But its drawback is that its air is putrid, its water salt, and its soil so damp that the ground, though protected by roof, and cemented with brick and lime, is damp owing to excessive moisture, and the doors and walls, to the height of two or three cubits, are also wet and damp. For four months of winter, the climate is not very unhealthy, but during eight months of summer and rainy seasons, it is very unhealthy. At the present day, when since a few years the countries of Bengal, Behar, and Orissa have passed into the possession of the Chiefs of the English Company, this city has become the seat of Government of these dominions.