Travels in the Mogul Empire (Bernier) 2.3.4

2.3.4

During the time that Aureng-Zebe was intrusted with the government of the Decan the King of Golkonda had for his Vizier and general of his armies this Emir-Jemla, a Persian by birth, and celebrated throughout Hindoustan. The Vizier's lineage was not noble, but his talents were of the first order: he was an accomplished soldier, and deeply versed in business. His wealth, which was prodigious, he had acquired, not only by the opportunities afforded him as chief minister of an opulent kingdom, but likewise by means of his extensive commerce with various parts of the world, as well as by the diamond mines which he farmed under feigned names. These mines were worked with indefatigable industry, and it was usual to count his diamonds by the sacks-full. His political influence, it may readily be imagined, was also very great, commanding as he did not only the armies of the king, but keeping in his own pay a formidable body of troops, with a corps of artillery composed principally of Franks or Christians. It ought likewise to be mentioned that the Vizier having found a pretext for the invasion of the Karnatic, pillaged the whole of its ancient idol-temples, and thus increased his pecuniary resources to an incredible amount.