Storia do Mogor 203.1.5

203.1.5

The expenses of the mahal are extraordinary, for they never amount to less than a carol (karor) of rupees— that is, ten millions of rupees — which makes about fifteen millions of livres of Touraine. But out of this the king draws the money required for the sardpds, or robes, which he presents to generals and officers, as I have said (I. 54). The above expenditure will not appear incredible when we consider that all persons in India being extremely choice about, and fond of, scents and flowers, they disburse a great deal for essences of many kinds, for rose-water, and for scented oils distilled from different flowers. Besides all that expense, there is the betel, which is always in their mouths. It must also be noted that these are the daily expenses, to which must be added the continual purchases made of precious stones. From this cause the goldsmiths are almost continuously busy with the making of ornaments. The best and the most costly of their productions are for the king's person, the queens, and the princesses.