Travels in India (Tavernier) 39.5.8

39.5.8

On the 14th we went to the tent of the Nawab to take leave of him, and to hear what he had to say regarding the goods which we had shown him. But we were told that he was engaged examining a number of criminals, who had been brought to him for immediate punishment. It is the custom in this country not to keep a man in prison; but immediately the accused is taken he is examined and sentence is pronounced on him, which is then executed without any delay. If the person whom they have seized is found to be innocent he is released at once ; and whatever the nature of the case may be, it is promptly concluded. Moreover, we were told that it would be difficult for us to see the Nawab on that day, because he intended to descend to the plain to review the greater part of his army. We did not omit, however, to meet him at the door of his tent in the evening, where, having dismounted, and M. du Jardin and I having saluted him, he invited us to come to see him early on the following day. On the 15th, at seven o’clock in the morning, we went to the Nawab, and immediately we were announced he asked us to enter his tent, where he was seated with two of his secretaries by him.