The Dynasties of the Kanarese Districts of the Bombay Presidency from the Earliest Historical Times to the Musalman Conquest c7.s6.67

c7.s6.67

exports are found articles such as indigo and opium which must have come from a great distance inland.¹ And as to the silk Pyrard at the beginning of the seventeenth century says that sufficient was made there to supply Goa and all India, and that it was better than the China silk and much prized at Goa. It was all made in the Musalmán city, where were also made very fine boxes and other small carved articles.² Linschotten also mentions the silk, and says that the raw material was brought from China; he also speaks of the lacquer work of Chaul.³ Feroz Sháh Báhmani is said to have despatched vessels every year from Goa and Chaul to procure manufactures and productions from all parts of the world, and to bring to his court persons celebrated for their talents.⁴ De la Valle, who gives a detailed description of Chaul in 1623, mentions the groves and gardens of palm and other fruit trees which shaded the broad roads and adorned the Musalmán as well as the Portuguese city of Chaul. A long shady street connected the two towns, and in the shops all sorts of necessaries could be bought, and also fine silks and articles of luxury.⁵