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54 Travels into I N D I E S. Part III. 
CHAP. XXXI. 
Of Palanquins. 
Palanquin. T Ndtans that ate Wealthyj Travel neither in Chariots nor Coaches ; 
X They make ufe of an Engine which they call Palan^juia, and is made 
more neatly at Tatta^ than any where elfe. It is a kind of Couch with four 
feet, having on each fide Ballifters four or five Inches high, and at the 
head and feet a back-ftay like a Childs Cradle, which fometimes is open 
like Ballifters, and fometimes clofe and Solid. This Machine hangs by a 
long Pole, which they call Vambou, by means of two frames nailed to the 
feet of the Couch, which are almoft like to thofe that are put to the top of 
moving Doors, to faften Hangings by -, and thefe two frames which are the 
one at the head, and the other at the oppofite end, have Rings through 
which great Ropes are put, that faften and hang the Couch to the Tambou. 
The Pamhous ?ambom that ferve for Falanquins^ are thick round Canes five or fix 
of Palanquins. Inches in Diamctre,and four Fathom long,crooked Arch-wife in the middle, 
fo that on each fide from the .bending, there remains a very ftreight end, 
about five or fix foot long. On the bending of the Tambou^ there is a co- 
vering laid of two pieces of Cloath fewed together, betwixt which at cer- 
tain diftances, there are little Rods crofs-ways, to hold the Cloaths fo, that 
they may conveniently cover the Talanqm». If a Woman be in it, it is 
covered clofe over with red Searge, or with Velvet if ftie be a great Lady : 
And if they be afraid of Rain, the whole machine is covered over with a 
waxed Cloath. In the bottom of thefe Talanquins^ there are Mats and 
Cuftiions to lie or fit upon, and they move or eafe themfelves by means of 
fome Straps of Silk that are faftened to the Tambou, in the infide of the 
Machine. 
The Ornament Everv oue adorns his Valanquin according to his humour, fome have therrt 
of Palanquins, covered with plates of carved Silver,and others have them only Painted with 
Flowers and other Curiofities, or befet round with guilt Balls ^ and the 
Cafes or Cages, wherein hang the Veflels that hold the Water which they 
carry with them to drink, are beautified in the fame manner, as the Body 
of the Falancjuin. Thefe Machines are commonly very dear, and the Vam- 
The Porters of alone of fome of them, cofts above an hundred Crowns -, but to make 
a anqunjs. for that, they have Porters at a very eafie rate, for they have but 
nine or ten Livres a piece by the Month, and are obliged to Diet tliemfelves : 
It requires four Men to carry a Palanquiny becaufe each end of the Tambott 
^ refts upon the Shoulders of two Men ^ and when the Journey is long, fome 
Ip follow after to take their turn, and eafe the others when they are weary. 
The yearly Re- Sinde, of which we have been fpeaking, yields not the Great Moguls â-^ 
venue of the \)qyc three Million four hundred thoufand French Livres a Year. 
Province of 
Sinde, 
CHAP. 
