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They [the Mughals] do not, indeed, forbid it (satī) by a positive law, because it is a part of their policy to leave the idolatrous population, which is so much more numerous than their own, in the free exercise of its religion ; but the practice is checked by indirect means.

— François Bernier Travels in the Mogul Empire (1656)

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More quotes by François Bernier

Most towns in Hindustan are made up of earth, mud, and other wretched material; that there is no city or town (that) does not bear evident marks of approaching decay.

Travels in the Mogul Empire (1656)

There was no middle state. A man must be of the highest rank or live miserably.

Travels in the Mogul Empire (1656)

The unfortunate peasants who were incapable of discharging the demand of their rapacious lords, were bereft of their children who were carried away as slaves.

Travels in the Mogul Empire (1656)

In eastern countries, the weak and the injured are without any refuge whatever; and the only law that decides all controversies is the cane and the caprice of a governor.

Travels in the Mogul Empire (1656)

Bernier says that the Rajput “Rajas never mount (guard) within a (Mughal) fortress, but invariably without the walls, under their own tents… and always refusing to enter any fortress unless well attended, and by men determined to sacrifice their lives for their leaders. This self devotion has been sufficiently proved when attempts have been made to deal treacherously with a Raja.”

Travels in the Mogul Empire (1656)

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Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: François Bernier (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.