Travels in the Mogul Empire (Bernier) 4.3.1

4.3.1

In fine, he is reduced to the necessity of supporting those troops of foreigners, or Mogols, which we have noticed ; and as they form the principal force of the kingdom, and are maintained at an incredible expense, a detailed description of this force may not be unacceptable. These troops, both cavalry and infantry, may be considered under two heads : one part as always near the Mogol's person ; the other, as dispersed in the several provinces. In regard to the cavalry retained near the King, I shall speak first of the Omrahs, then of the Mansebdars, next of the Rouzindars ; and, last of all, of the common troopers. I shall then proceed to the infantry, and describe the musketeers and all the foot-men who serve in the artillery, saying a word in passing on the horse artillery. It must not be imagined that the Omrahs or Lords of the Mogol's court are members of ancient families, as our nobility in France. The King being proprietor of all the lands in the empire, there can exist neither Dukedoms nor Marquisates ; nor can any family be found possessed of wealth arising from a domain, and living upon its own patrimony.