Travels in India (Tavernier) 154.6

154.6

According as donations are given he adds some ornament, because the more beautiful the grave is, so much the more worship and sanctity does it acquire, and by so much the more do the donations increase. I remember that in the year 1642 there arrived at Suwali, which is the port of Surat, a vessel of the Great Mogul which returned from Mecca, where there were a number of these Fakirs or Dervishes. For every year the Great Mogul sends two large vessels there to carry pilgrims, who thus get a free passage. At the time when these vessels are ready to depart the Fakirs come from all parts of India in order to embark. The vessels are laden with good articles of trade, which are disposed of at Mecca, and all the profit which is made is given in charity to the poor pilgrims. The principal only is retained, and it serves for another year, and this principal is, at the least, 600,000 rupees. It is considered a small matter when 30 or 40 per cent only is made on these goods, for some yield cent per cent. Added to which all the principal persons of the Great Mogul’s harem, and other private persons, send considerable donations to Mecca. I have mentioned at the end of my account of the seraglio of the Grand Seigneur the rich and magnificent present which the Great Mogul sent to Mecca in the year 1644, over and above the ordinary presents which he makes annually.