History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v5.c84.s2.t1.2

v5.c84.s2.t1.2

Uniformity of administration, the regular advance of civilisation, and the effective and easy maintenance of order were impossible in a province with such a diversified population. But Malwa was rich in agricultural wealth,—producing large quantities of the higher crops, such as opium, sugar-cane, grapes, musk-melons and betel-leaf, besides sheltering large herds of elephants in its forest tracts. In industries it occupied the first rank among the Mughal subahs after Gujrat. "Cloth of the best texture was woven here," notably the chintz and white muslin of Sironj, which commanded a ready market throughout India and even beyond seas in the 17th century. [Ain ii. 195-202 ; Tavernier, ii. 5.]