The Legacy of Muslim Rule in India c11.s7.5

c11.s7.5

Peons or servants are exceedingly numerous in this country, writes Pelsaert, for every one-be he mounted soldier, merchant or kings officialkeeps as many as his position and circumstances permit. Outside the house, they serve for display, running continually before their masters horse; inside, they do the work of the house, each knowing his duty, like the *bailwan*, the *farrash*, the *masalchi*, the *mahawat* etc.¹⁵¹ Edward Terry (1616-19), Pelsaert and many others note that men stood in the market places to be hired and many of them were paid very low wages or even paid in kind, for most of the great lords reckon 40 days to the month, and pay from 3 to 4 rupees for that period: while wages are often left several months in arrears, and then paid in worn-out clothes or other things. Such fleecing was naturally responded to by cunning and very few of them serve their master honestly; they steal whatever they can; if they buy only a pice-worth of food, they will take their share or *dasturi* (commission).¹⁵²