Travels in India (Tavernier) 8.5

8.5

Each waggon is drawn by ten or twelve oxen, and accompanied by four soldiers, whom the owner of the merchandise is obliged to pay. Two of them walk on each side of the waggon, over which there are two cords passed, and the four ends are held by the soldiers, so that if the waggon threatens to upset in a bad place, the two soldiers who are on the opposite side hold the cords tight, and prevent it turning over. All the waggons which come to Surat from Agra or from other places in the Empire, and which return by Agra and Jahānābād, are compelled to carry lime, which comes from Broach, and which, as soon as it is used, becomes as hard as marble. It is a great source of profit to the King, who sends this lime where he pleases ; but, on the other hand, he takes no dues from the waggons.