Travels Of Marco Polo: Twenty Two

When the monarch comes to the city, he remains there for three days and no more, when he holds a great court, making high festivals and rejoicing with ladies. There is vast abundance of people through the all suburbs of Kambalu, which are twelve in number, one corresponding to each gate, and they contain as stately edifices. No one is allowed to be buried in the city, no females of bad character can reside there, but must have their dwellings in the suburbs. There are brought to Kambalu the most costly articles in the world, the finest production of India, as precious stones and pearls, with all the produce of Cathy and surrounding areas, in order to supply to the lords and barons, and ladies who reside there. Numerous merchants likewise bring more than thousand wagons laden with grain; and all who are within hundred miles come to the suburbs to purchase what they want.

End of the Section 

____________________________________

1. Kublai Khan came into the control of Song dominated area after the battle of Yamen on the Pearl River Delta, one of the most fertile river basins in the world. He was the first Mongol chief who realised the importance of agriculture and settled life.