Travels in the Mogul Empire (Bernier) 6.1.5

6.1.5

The Great Mogol, though a Mahometan, permits these ancient and superstitious practices; not wishing, or not daring, to disturb the Gentiles in the free exercises of their religion. But the ceremony I have described is not performed until a certain number of Brahmens, as deputies from their fellows, have presented the King with a lecque of roupies, equal to about fifty thousand crowns; in return for which he begs their acceptance only of a few vests and an old elephant. I shall now mention the wise and convincing reasons assigned for the festival of the eclipse, and for the rites with which it is attended.