Storia do Mogor 238.1.3

238.1.3

The others call themselves the lions of different idols. On the whole, it may be said of these rajahs that they are modest men and religious, keepers of their word ; in that being very different from the Mahomedans [63], who treat as a joke the deception of other men in every possible way. The greater number of these rajahs dwell in the plains, where their lands bring them in many sorts of supplies. The land is cultivated by their vassals or subjects, who are called Rajputs — that is, ' rajah's son.' They have no other occupation, knowing nothing but how to till the soil or take a part in warfare. For this reason the rajahs pay them only in land, which is given for them to cultivate as a means of subsistence, on condition that they keep horses and be ready to go out to fight when they are called upon. When they have assembled, the rajah joins them ; then, at the end of a twelvemonth, fresh men arrive from their home country, and the first levy returns home. They all conduct themselves in one manner. They all eat opium, and on the day of battle they swallow a double dose. They also give some to their horses to enable them to endure fatigue. They dress in yellow, dyeing their clothes that colour with saffron. Many of them wear gold armlets, so that, if killed, those finding the body may see to its cremation. The greater number are spearmen.