Travels in India (Tavernier) 151.3.1

151.3.1

baladines present in large numbers at this repast, in order to amuse the company with their dances and their graceful attitudes, for there was money to be earned, as they know that the commanders pay them well, and that it is not with them as with the Khán, who generally considers he has paid liberally when he gives them supper. “On the following day those who were in charge of these baladines (for each troupe had an old woman as guardian and directress, whom the baladines call their mother) came to pay their respects to M. Constant, who showed himself so liberal toward them that there was not one who asked for anything from the guests — this is very contrary to their usual custom. Some of those who had slept there, and had passed all the night in making these women dance, were much surprised, on leaving in the morning, at not being compelled to put their hands in their purses, and took occasion to extol the generosity of the Commander who had so liberally paid for all. Throughout the night the signals which were on the terrace of the lodge were fired, and at each health a dozen were fired to warn the vessels to make a salute.