60 they say that there is very little difference between us and them. These brahmin are naked from the waist up, and they cover themselves below the waist with cotton cloths and they carry three threads over their shoulder, which is how they can be identified as brahmins; they too are men who do not eat any living creature, nor do they kill anything. When they wash themselves, they do so very ceremoniously and claim that this gives them salvation. These brahmins, like the Banyans, marry just one woman like we do, however, they marry just once and never again throughout their lives. They hold great festivals that last for several days, which bring together people, who wear theirfinest clothes and celebrate with great zeal; generally, both men and women marry very young and on their wedding day, the bride and groom sit on a dais, covered all over in gold and precious stones and jewels. There is a mosque in front of them, with an idol covered in flowers, surrounded by a number of burning oil-lamps. Both of them have to stare at the idol from morning to evening, without eating or drinking nor saying a word to each other or anybody else. During this time, there is a great celebration of them, with music and singing. They let off a lot of bombs and rockets for their amusement. And as they only marry once, if the husband dies, no matter how young his bride is she will never remarry, and the same thing applies to the husband. Their children are their heirs, and inherit their standing too, because brahmins have to be children of brahmins; there are also others of lower status among them, who serve as messengers and carriers. They are safe wherever they go, nobody harms them even if there is a war or thieves. They are called patels. The King of Gujarat’s Kingdom of Cambay The true King of Gujarat is indeed a great overlord, with many people; lands and revenue; he is a Mouros and so are his soldiers. He has a large court with heavy cavalry. He owns a great number of horses
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