Storia do Mogor : or, Mogul India, 1653-1708 / by Niccolao Manucci, Venetian ; tr., with introduction and notes, by William Irvine.

Storia do Mogor, or, Mogul India, 1653-1708 / by Niccolao Manucci, Venetian ; tr., with introduction and notes, by William Irvine.

  • Manucci, Niccolò, 1639-approximately 1717.
Date:
1907-08
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Storia do Mogor, or, Mogul India, 1653-1708 / by Niccolao Manucci, Venetian ; tr., with introduction and notes, by William Irvine. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    who were in his service, when they did not make the enamel work, rings, jewels, and clocks to please him. He would threaten them that if they did not execute the work as perfectly as he wanted it, he would have to double their punishment. For this reason the goldsmiths, before finishing off the work made over to them, carried it many times into the king’s presence to see if it met with his approval or not. For it is no joke to drink at once so much wine. In my time there were six French goldsmiths, and the king showed to them great love and affection, giving [24] to each of them 150 patacas^ every year in addition to food, of which they had abundance, and also presents, which he gave them when he was pleased with the work that they did. Many a time when he was happy he would send for them and make them sit in his presence, and, drinking wine himself, he made them drink too, though not out of the ‘ thousand kinds.’ Con- versing with them, he would ask as to the state of things among the kings of Europe—how they fought battles, and many different questions. He took delight in hearing the doings of the King of France, and the mode in which he carried on war ; he also liked to hear from the mouths of these goldsmiths witty sayings, and showed singular affection to Europeans. For this reason it is, I believe, that in Persia there is liberty, if you so choose, to put and reply to questions on matters of the Christian religion between Christians and Persians, without fear of being interfered with on that account. The reader should understand that among the laws of the Mahomedans is one, that to all questions about religion put to them by Christians they should answer by the sword. This rule is followed most rigorously in Turkey, Arabia, in the realm of the Mogul, also in Balq (Balkh), Bocara (Bukhara), among the Osbeques (Uzbaks) and Patanis (Pathans). Thus it is impossible for anyone to utter a word there against the Mahomedan superstition without the chance of losing his head. But in Persia you may use argu- ments, make inquiry, and give answer in matters of religion without the least danger. 1 This would be about £^o.
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