Travels in India (Tavernier) 41.3.3

41.3.3

But as the current price of the golden rupee is only 14 silver rupees, and he wished to pass his for 14½, or at the least for 14¼, this almost ended the transaction, as I made him understand that upon so large a sum I could not consent to lose a quarter upon every golden rupee. Finally, in order to satisfy him, I was obliged to take them at 14⅚ rupees of silver; for this Prince, who was otherwise magnificent and generous, showed himself a stern economist in matters of purchase. During my residence at Ahmadābād he sent me every day, to the house of the Dutch where I lodged, four silver dishes from his table containing pillau and choice meats, and one day when the King sent him ten or twelve men bearing apples, which had been received from Persia by way of Kandahar, he presented me with two dishes of them, which would have been worth at Ahmadābād, on account of their scarcity, 300 or 400 rupees. I gave a part of these fine fruits to the Dutch and to the ladies, and we amused ourselves well during my sojourn there. Moreover, Shāistā Khān gave me a khil'at complete, with sword and khanjar; this was worth more than 1000 rupees; and desiring to make me a further present of a horse, he asked me what kind I wished for. I replied that since he was pleased to give me my choice, I preferred a fresh and lively horse rather than an aged one.