SURAT, a sea-port town of Asia, in the province of Guzarat, and in the peninsula on this side the Ganges. It was built in the year 1660, on the banks of the river Tapa, the then mart-town being in another place: and when the English removed from it to this, others followed their example; and in a few years it became a large place, and is now said to have 200,000 inhabitants. Its trade is very considerable; for from 1690 to 1705, the revenues arising from the custom-
house and other things amounted to 162,500 pounds. In this city there are as many different religions as in Amsterdam; for there are Mahometans of several sects, and many sorts of Gentooes, of which the Banyans are the most numerous. These are either merchants, bankers, brokers, accountants, collectors, or surveyors; but there are very few handicraftsmen, except tailors and barbers. It is said that there are 85 different sects among them, who never eat with each other. There are also Talapains, who are great enemies to the Papists, and preach up morality to be the best guide of human life. They live upon alms, seldom speak in the streets, and extend their charity even to birds and beasts. Of Persees there are a great number about Surat and the adjacent countries. They were banished from Persia in the 7th century, because they would not change their religion. They never marry into any other religion, which keeps their complexion almost as fair as that of the Europeans. Besides those, there are Jews and Armenian Christians, who are all great merchants. The fields about Surat are all plain; and the soil is fertile, except towards the sea, which is sandy and barren. All sorts of provisions are very cheap, and they have as good wheat as in Europe. They have various sorts of fowls; and plenty of antelopes in their forests, though but few deer. There are no fine buildings, but many of the houses are large; and there are caravansaries and mosques. The French have a little church near the old English factory, where they keep a few capuchins, who practise surgery without a reward. The English and Dutch agents make a good figure here, and they always maintain a good understanding with the officers of state and justice. The affairs of the East India company are managed by a president and council; and the former lives in great splendor. The Mahometan women are always veiled when they appear abroad, and their dresses are much the same as the men. The Gentoo women are bare-faced, and their legs are bare up to the knee. They have several gold and silver rings on their noses, ears, legs, and toes. Surat, together with the citadel, was taken by the English in April 1759, and afterwards ceded to them by the Great Mogul. It is 160 miles north of Bombay, and 375 south-west of Agra. E. Long. 72. 25. N. Lat. 21. 10.