Travels in India (Tavernier) 72: Concerning Spun Cotton.

72

Both spun and unspun cotton come from the Provinces of Burhanpur and Gujarāt. The unspun cottons do not go to Europe, being too bulky and of too small value, and they are only exported to the Red Sea, Hormuz, Bassora, and sometimes to the islands of Sonde and to the Philippines. As for the spun cottons, the English and Dutch Companies export large quantities to Europe, but they are not of the finest qualities; of the kinds which they send the maund weight is worth from 15 to 50 mahmūdīs. These are the kinds which are used to make the wicks of candles, and stockings, and to mingle with the web of silken stuffs. As for the finest qualities, they are of no use in Europe.