Storia do Mogor 213.11

213.11

He obtains information about all that goes on, so as to be able to send in his report. For this purpose there are throughout the Mogul Empire certain persons known as 'alarcor' (halāl-khor), a word which means 'men who live on what is well earned.' These men are under obligation to go twice a day to clean out every house, and they tell the kotwal all that goes on. On his part, the kotwal must render an account to the king of what he has heard has happened, whether it be by night or by day. He also has the duty of arresting thieves and criminals. He is subordinate to the qazi, and receives orders from him; and if anyone is robbed within the bounds of his jurisdiction, he is forced to make good what has been taken. It is also his business to collect the income from the town. Under his orders there is a considerable body of cavalry [53] and a great number of foot soldiers; for in every ward there is a horseman and twenty to thirty foot soldiers, who, in a sort of way, go the rounds. There is another official in charge of the grain supply, who informs the king daily of the price of everything sold. In all the mansions of the nobles, and of those holding important offices, there are wāqi'ah-navīs and khufiyah-navīs, who are under obligation to send word to the court of all that happens.