Travels in India (Tavernier) 6.1.3

6.1.3

In all places at a distance from towns, where the common people do not understand silver well, and where there are no Changers, they will not receive a piece of silver till they put it into the fire to ascertain if it is good ; and this is practised especially at the river crossings. As their boats are made of osiers, covered only with oxhide, and are consequently very light, they keep them in the woods, and will not take them on their shoulders for crossing the water before they have received their payment. In so far as regards gold, the merchants who import it use so much cunning in order to conceal it, that but little of it comes to the knowledge of the customs’ officers. They do all they can to evade paying the customs, especially as they have not so much risk to run as in the custom-houses of Europe. For in those of India, when any one is detected in fraud, he is let off with paying double, 10 per cent instead of 5, the King comparing the venture of the merchant to a game of hazard, where one plays double or quits. However, for some time back this is somewhat changed, and it is to-day difficult to settle with the customs’ officers on that condition. The King has conceded to the English Captains that they shall not be searched when they leave their vessels to come on shore ;