Thomas Coryat, (1577–1617) The English faqir is a term used to describe an English traveler in India.
Coryat arrived in India from Persia and spent many years touring the Moghul kingdom in northern India, as well as staying at the Moghul court at Agra.
Coryat was a keen observer who was full of curiosity, despite his desire for patronage, which caused him to play the part of a clown and flatterer at times.
He is said to have been the first European to visit the Hindu holy city of Haridwar, where he was fascinated by the rituals conducted.
He's also said to have trekked all the way to Jwalamukhi's temple in the Shiwalik Hills.
Unfortunately, Coryat died of illness before he could write these findings, and the Reverend Edward Terry, his companion, is the sole source of information on his subsequent travels.
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