A History of Agriculture in India v2.c84.s6: Pilgrimages
A History of Agriculture in India v2.c84.s6
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Pilgrimages
v2.c84.s6.1
Here a mention may be made to pilgrimages and mode of travel in the seventeenth century. Pilgrimages to Jagannath Puri and Hardwar were popular with the Hindus during the Mughal rule. ‘These pilgrimages are not made, as in Europe, one by one, or two by two,’ states Bernier, ‘but the population of a town or of several villages assemble in order to travel together in company. The poor who come from afar, sometimes 300 or 400 leagues, and who, with all the savings which they have accumulated for that purpose during their lives, are unable to sustain the expenses of the journey, are assisted by the rich, who expend very great sums in such alms. Each one travels according to his station and means, some in pallankeens or litters, others in carriages; and the poor, some on foot and others on oxen, the mother carrying her child, and the father the cooking utensils.’ The pilgrims carried their idols in litters covered with gold brocade with silver fringes.
v2.c84.s6.2
A fair idea of the modes of transport used by the pilgrims is provided by a Mewar painting. The chief is seated in a palanquin carried by his servants. His wives are riding a bullock cart, which is screened by curtains to ensure purdah. Goods are being carried on backs of camels and bullocks. The servants and retainers are walking, or riding on horses, mules and bullocks (Fig.66).