Travels in the Mogul Empire (Bernier) 2.1.3

2.1.3

a name which they have communicated to the foreigners who now govern Indoustan, the country of the Indous, or Indians. It must not, however, be inferred that offices of trust and dignity are exclusively held by those of the Mogol race, or that they alone obtain rank in the army. These situations are filled indifferently by them and strangers from all countries; the greater part by Persians, some by Arabs, and others by Turks. To be considered a Mogol, it is enough if a foreigner have a white face and profess Mahometanism; in contradistinction to the Christians of Europe, who are called Franguis, and to the Indous, whose complexion is brown, and who are Gentiles. I learnt also on my arrival that this King of the World, Chah-Jehan, who was about seventy years of age, was the father of four sons and two daughters ; that some years had elapsed since he elevated his sons to the vice-royalty of his four most considerable provinces or kingdoms ; and that he had been afflicted, for about the space of a twelvemonth, with a disorder which it was apprehended would terminate fatally. The situation of the father having inspired the sons with projects of ambition, each laid claim to the empire, and a war was kindled among them which continued about five years.