[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) › 4.5.7 # Travels in the Mogul Empire (Bernier) 4.5.7 Travels in the Mogul Empire (Constable) 4.5.7 - **Language:** English ### [4.5.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.bernier~en-constable.4.5.7) This debasing state of slavery obstructs the progress of trade and influences the manners and mode of life of every individual. There can be little encouragement to engage in commercial pursuits, when the success with which they may be attended, instead of adding to the enjoyments of life, provokes the cupidity of a neighbouring tyrant possessing both power and inclination to deprive any man of the fruits of his industry. When wealth is acquired, as must sometimes be the case, the possessor, so far from living with increased comfort and assuming an air of independence, studies the means by which he may appear indigent: his dress, lodging, and furniture, continue to be mean, and he is careful, above all things, never to indulge in the pleasures of the table. In the meantime, his gold and silver remain buried at a great depth in the ground; agreeable to the general practice among the peasantry, artisans and merchants, whether Mahometans or Gentiles, but especially among the latter, who possess almost exclusively the trade and wealth of the country, and who believe that the money concealed during life will prove beneficial to them after death. A few individuals alone who derive their income from the King or from the Omrahs, or who are protected by a powerful patron, are at no pains to counterfeit poverty, but partake of the comforts and luxuries of life. - [Previous: 4.5.6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.bernier~en-constable.4.5.6) - [Next: 4.5.8](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.bernier~en-constable.4.5.8) - [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.4.5.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.bernier~en-constable.4.5.7) · Pramāṇa