Travels in the Mogul Empire (Bernier) 3.13.6

3.13.6

Two centuries have scarcely elapsed since the great peninsula of India, stretching from the Gulf of Cambaye on the west to the Gulf of Bengale near Jagannaie on the east, and extending southerly to Cape Comori, was, with the exception perhaps of a few mountainous tracts, under the domination of one arbitrary despot. The indiscretion of Raja, or King, Ram-ras, the last Prince under whom it was united, caused the dismemberment of this vast monarchy, and this is the reason why it is now divided among many sovereigns professing different religions. Ram-ras had three Georgian slaves in his service, whom he distinguished by every mark of favour, and at length nominated to the Government of three considerable districts. One was appointed governor of nearly the whole of the territory in the Decan which is now in the possession of the Mogol; Daulet-Abad was the capital of that government, which extended from Bider, Paranda and Sourale as far as Narbadar. The territory now forming the kingdom of Visapour was the portion of the second favourite; and the third obtained the country comprehended in the present kingdom of Golkonda. These three slaves became extremely rich and powerful, and as they professed the Mahometan faith and declared themselves of the Chyas sect, which is that of the Persians, they received the countenance and support of a great number of Mogols in the service of Ram-ras.