Travels in India (Tavernier) 28.1

28.1

You may go from Surat to Goa partly by land and partly by sea, but the road is very bad by land, especially from Daman to Rajapur. Most travellers take the route by sea, and taking an almadier, which is a row-boat, they go from point to point up to Goa, notwithstanding that the Malabaris, who are the pirates of India, are much to be feared along these coasts, as I shall presently say. The route from Surat to Goa is not counted by coss, but by gos, which are about equal to 4 of our common leagues. From Surat to Daman (Daman) . 7 gos. ,, Daman to Bassain (Bassein) . 10 „ ,, Bassain to Chaoul (Chaul) . 9 „ ,, Chaoul to Daboul (Dhabol) . 12 „ ,, Daboul to Rejapour (Rajapur) . 10 „ ,, Rejapour to Mingrela (Vengurla) . 9 „ ,, Mingrela to Goa . 4 „ This makes in all from Surat to Goa . 61 gos. The great danger which has to be encountered on these coasts is, as I have said, the risk of falling into the hands of the Malabaris, who are strict Muhammadans and very cruel towards Christians. I have seen a Barefoot Carmelite Father who had been captured by these pirates. In order to obtain his ransom speedily, they tortured him to such an extent that his right arm became half as short as the other, and it was the same with one leg. The commanders only pay wages to the value of two écus to each soldier for the six months which they generally spend at sea, and do not share with them the prizes taken; but they are allowed to keep the garments and the food of those whom they have captured.