History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v5.c83.s8.32

v5.c83.s8.32

∗ As he wrote, though at a later date, "Let the *Mir Atish* (Chief of Artillery) ask the Feringis of the artillery department how the pirates can be chastised and the sea-route kept open for travellers to the Holy Cities and for traders,—whether by friendliness and conciliation or by force and fighting." And, again, "Write to Amanat Khan (the governor of Surat) to exert himself to the utmost to safeguard the way of pilgrims... and travellers to the Holy Cities. There is no union among the Feringis; many of them are without a head or chieftain. Try to secure the help of one tribe among them, such as the French, who, in return for being given a tenth of the custom-duty [collected at Surat] may undertake to punish the hatmen pirates." (*Kalimat-i-T.* f. 133*a* and 81*a*.)