[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Indian literature](https://indike.org/pramana/in) › [Dark Ages](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages) › [Travellers (1500–1858)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel) › [Histoire de la dernière révolution des États du Grand Mogol](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.bernier) › [Travels in the Mogul Empire (Constable)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.bernier~en-constable) › 4.5.2 # Travels in the Mogul Empire (Bernier) 4.5.2 Travels in the Mogul Empire (Constable) 4.5.2 - **Language:** English ### [4.5.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.bernier~en-constable.4.5.2) Thus, although the Great Mogol be in the receipt of an immense revenue, his expenditure being much in the same proportion, he cannot possess the vast surplus of wealth that most people seem to imagine. I admit that his income exceeds probably the joint revenues of the Grand Seignior and of the King of Persia ; but if I were to call him a wealthy monarch, it would be in the sense that a treasurer is to be considered wealthy who pays with one hand the large sums which he receives with the other. I should call that King effectively rich who, without oppressing or impoverishing his people, possessed revenues sufficient to support the expenses of a numerous and magnificent court — to erect grand and useful edifices — to indulge a liberal and kind disposition — to maintain a military force for the defence of his dominions — and, besides all this, to reserve an accumulating fund that would provide against any unforeseen rupture with his neighbours, although it should prove of some years' duration. The Sovereign of the Indies is doubtless possessed of many of these advantages, but not to the degree generally supposed. What I have said on the subject of the great expenses to which he is unavoidably exposed, has perhaps inclined you to this opinion ; and the two facts I am about to relate, of which I had an opportunity to ascertain the correctness, will convince your lordship that the pecuniary resources of the Great Mogol himself may be exaggerated. - [Previous: 4.5.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.bernier~en-constable.4.5.1) - [Next: 4.5.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.bernier~en-constable.4.5.3) - [Up: 4.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.bernier~en-constable.4.5) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.bernier~en-constable.4.5.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.bernier~en-constable.4.5.2) · Pramāṇa