73 INDIA BEYOND THE GANGES. 



tiles. Here arc three regal palaces ; two very mean, the 

 third more magnificent, but built of timber, and open at the 

 fides. This, uith the courts, fifli-ponds, and docks for the 

 plcafure boats, take up a valt fpace of ground, furrounded by 

 a wall faced with brick. There are feveral gates, and flairs to 

 afcend to the top of the walls, round which is a pleafant walk. 

 This palace is the refidence or rather prifon of the Boua, or em- 

 peror of To7iqui}t. In this country is a moft fingular govern- 

 ment ; by a revolution which happened long ago, the general of 

 the reigning monarch made himfelf matter of the empire; he 

 alTumed all the regal power, and feized the whole revenue, but 

 did not venture to extirpate the royal family, for fear of the af- 

 fedlion the people entertained for their antient rulers. The 

 executive power is lodged in the general or his heirs, M^ho 

 is called Choua ; he is quite abfolute, has his guards, and all the 

 infignia of mnjefty. The Bona is kept as a ftate prifoner, with 

 his wives and children, and diverts himfelf within the palace 

 walls, for he is never allowed to ftir out. The Choiia pays him 

 nil external refpedls, vifits him three times a year, gives him the 

 precedence, makes him a tender of his life and fervices, and dc~ 

 clares that all he does is in kindnefs, to fave him the fatigues of 

 government. The Cboua places his own creatures about him, 

 and no others are permitted to have accefs. 

 Facto:^ies. The Englijh and Dutch have or had factories in this city. I 



am not well acquainted with the exports of the country ; they 

 are faid to be gold, woods for dying, raw and wrought filk, 

 fome callicoes, varnifli, turpentine, fait, earthen ware, annifeed, 

 and drugs of ;^feveral kinds ; pearls are alio found on the 

 CO aft s. 



- The 



