ABSTRACT
The city of Pattnà, once the capital of the Kingdom of of Behâr [Bihar], is now one of the principal cities in the Empire of Mogol, a Subadari, or seat of the Governor of the province who is always one of the chief Ombrà [Omrah], or dignitaries of the court. Several ministers also live there. Besides the Governor’s court there are courts of his Lieutenant and of the Padsciahi [Padishahi] Divan, or purveyor of the Imperial Exchequer; the Cotuval [Cotwal] or court of the civil and criminal judges, and of the Sadêr [Sadar], which somewhat resembles that of our Archbishops; and the most important court of the Kâzì which corresponds to the Tribunal of our Inquisitors, but has wider powers and jurisdiction. Several Ombrà, or Princes of the Mogol Empire also live in the city and the Giama-dâr [Jamadars] or Commanders of a large force of cavalry, as well as Officers of regiments they raise at their own expense to help the King and the Governor. There are also many Giaghir-dâr [Jagurdars] and Zamidâr [Zemindars], that is Feudatories, Counts and Marquesses, and Mansebdâr [Mansubdars] or Officers in the pay of the Emperor. All the other inhabitants are either merchants or employees. Both the Dutch and the English East India Companies have very large factories in Pattnà, splendid houses, and extensive warehouses. The Dutch Company is especially occupied in buying Alfim [Afyum], or opium, saltpetre, and Indian dyed cotton. Pattnà gains many hundred thousand dollars from these two Companies. Their fleets come up the Ganges from Bengalà to Pattnà in August to embark the merchandise. At present they are armed and escorted by soldiers, because of the exorbitant duties, vexations and tyranny of the Ciocchi-dâr. Their armies are a terror to the Ciocchi-dârs and fill the nobles with admiration.
