Travels in India (Tavernier) 39.3.1

39.3.1

On the 24th [August], after having accomplished 9 leagues by a road similar to that of the preceding day, we arrived at Naraveron. On the 25th [August], after a march of eight hours in a country of the same kind, finding gates at every two leagues, we arrived in the evening at Gazel. On the 26th [August] we travelled 9 leagues, and halted at Courua, and found nothing, neither for the men nor the mounts, whether oxen or horses, and ours had to content themselves with a little grass which was cut for them. Courua is a somewhat renowned pagoda, and having arrived there we saw several companies of military passing, some with handpikes, others with guns, and others with sticks, who were going to join one of the principal captains of Mir Jumla’s army, on a hill near Courua, where he had pitched his tent. The place is very pleasant, and derives its coolness from numerous trees and fountains. As soon as we learnt that this captain was so near at hand, we set out in order to go to salute him, and we found him in his tent with many nobles who were chiefs of the country, all being idolaters. After we had saluted him and made a present of a pair of pocket pistols decorated with silver, and two yards of Dutch flame-coloured cloth, he asked why we had come into the country, and we replied that we came to see Mir Jumla, Commander-in-Chief of the King of Golconda, on account of some business which we had with him.