Travels in the Mogul Empire (Bernier) 2.18.5

2.18.5

Aureng-Zebe promised in a solemn manner, and in a loud voice, that this drink should most certainly not be administered, and that his mind might be perfectly easy. The Prince was then required to make a second salaam; and when a few questions had been put to him, by the King's desire, concerning the elephant laden with golden roupies, which had been taken from him during his retreat to Serenaguer, he was taken out of the chamber, and conducted on the following day to Goualeor, with the others. This poust is nothing but poppy-heads crushed, and allowed to soak for a night in water. This is the potion generally given to Princes confined in the fortress of Goualeor, whose heads the Monarch is deterred by prudential reasons from taking off. A large cup of this beverage is brought to them early in the mornings and they are not given anything to eat until it be swallowed; they would sooner let the prisoner die of hunger. This drink emaciates the wretched victims; who lose their strength and intellect by slow degrees, become torpid and senseless, and at length die. It is said that it was by this means, that Sepe-Chekouh, the grandchild of Morad-Bakche, and Soliman-Chekouh, were sent out of the world.