Storia do Mogor 65.4.4

65.4.4

It is impossible to explain satisfactorily the passion that Shahjahan had in this direction. Not satisfied with so many inventions for his inordinate desires, he also permitted great liberty to public women, of whom the greater number were dancers and singers. All of them paid taxes to the king. Among them is one caste called Cancheny (Kanchani), who were under obligation to attend twice a week at court, for which they received pay, and to perform at a special place which the king had assigned to them. This class is more esteemed than others, by reason of their great beauty. When they go to court, to the number of more than five hundred, they all ride in highly embellished vehicles, and are clothed in rich raiment. All of them appear and dance in the royal presence. Once the king fell in love with one of them, retained her in his palace, and gave her the title of concubine. Some of the nobles said to the king that a woman of that rank was unworthy of being placed in the royal palace. Xaaiahan (Shahjahan) replied : ' Matei nee her dtican que baxat '—that is to say, ' A good article may be [132] from any shop.'