History of the Qaraunah Turks in India c12.166

c12.166

The Sultan's acts of munificence surpass all belief. Whosoever went to pay his respects to him carried with him presents, and because the Sultan gave rich rewards in return, the practice became common. Even those who could not afford to buy a large number of presents borrowed money to procure them. The merchants of Sindh made it their occupation to lend thousands of dinars to intending visitors to the royal court, and furnished them with all the necessary equipments.⁶⁴ The amirs, officers of state as well as pious men Shaikhs and Maulvis made presents to the Sultan. The former brought camels, horses, arms, while the latter brought copies of the Holy Book and amulets to ward off evil. Foreigners who came to India, attracted by the Sultan's bounty, brought rich presents with them and were loaded with gifts in return. The practice of making presents increased to such an extent that a separate department grew up and business-like management became necessary.