History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v2.c28.36

v2.c28.36

The *pousta* is a drink made of poppy-heads crushed and soaked in water for a night. This was the potion generally given to princes confined in the fortress of Gwalior, whose heads the Emperor was deterred by prudential reasons from taking off. A large cup of this beverage was brought to them early in the morning, and they were not given anything to eat until it was swallowed. This drink emaciated the wretched victims; who lost their strength and intellect by slow degrees, became torpid and senseless, and at length died.