The Commentary of Father Monserrate 2.2.4

2.2.4

Surat stands on the river Taphaeus, which enters the sea six miles from the town. The citadel is in a naturally strong position, is well fortified, and is guarded by a garrison of two hundred mounted archers. The town is adorned by a lake, which is much the largest and the most beautiful (by reason of the pains which have been taken to embellish it artificially) of all the lakes that are to be seen in India. For the eye is delighted by the flights of marble steps which surround this lake in a broad sweep. These steps are two hundred feet wide, and are divided into several sections. In the centre rises a finely built tower which is reached by boat whenever the citizens resort thither to amuse themselves. The place is also dignified by the tomb of Qhoja Sopharis, who is frequently mentioned by our writers for his treachery and abandoned character. This tomb is rather an extraordinary structure, but is elaborately and expensively decorated. Close by is the grave of another worthless fellow, an Ethiopian renegade from, and enemy of Christianity, who was the leader of Qhoja Sopharis' troops. The common people revere him as a saint, solely because he was executed by Garsia of Tauora, Governor of Daman. The women bring wreaths and garlands of flowers to his tomb. Surat is thronged with merchants, and the near-by port is full of ships: for it is a safe anchorage, since the river extends deep and broad from the sea right up to the city.