EXPLANATORY NOTES.
“Once upon a time.”—The original words are “Tek vella,” and this is the best, almost the only interpretation.
“Carry Grain.”—The carriers of grain are generally called in the district “Bunniâs” or corn chandlers, The word “Bunniâ” is of Sanscrit derivation. Usually they are very intelligent Hindus. The Donkey-man in this tale would more probably be one of the Farmer class, and a Mahomedan. Other grain carriers are Farmers and Banjāras.
Their best oxen or donkeys are held in high esteem, and they decorate them with all kinds of ornaments, such as shells, tassels of silk or wool of different colours, and frequently with bells.
The sacks used for carrying grain are usually made from goats’ hair, “Jutt,” and are woven by the Barber class, or “Nais.” Two are united over the back of the animal, and fitted so that when full the weight shall be balanced and carried with ease. A good donkey will carry from two to three “maunds,” after the Arabic word “mun.” A “maund” is equal to about 80 lbs.
“You see.”—The original word is “Velcho,” really “Dekho,” the “V” being used instead of the “D” by some dwellers in this district.
“Oar.”—The native word is “Chuppa,” “Chuppū” in Hindustani, requiring two or three men to use it.
“Chiko bhâyo.”—“Chiko” is a corruption from the Hindustani word “Kheincho,” pull.
“Jeweller.”—The translation would be perhaps better rendered by “lapidary.” A jeweller would be more correctly construed by the Sanscrit word “Sonar.”
In days gone by, though in some parts of India it is still the custom for lapidaries to wrap up their stones in bits of soiled rag, the more warily to secrete them from the agents of Rajahs and others, who might wish to despoil them.
“Takht.”—The Persian word for a Throne, which it is usual with Rajahs to adorn with precious stones.
Note.—In the Punjab, Hindu Farmers worship their oxen and plough, Shepherds their sheep, Bankers and Clerks their books, Grain-sellers their weights, at certain stated festivals.—Crooke.
“Chenâb.”—One of the five great rivers of the Punjaub. In the basins of the Chenâb and Jhelum are four distinct races. The Dogra, Pahari, Kashmiri, and Chaibati.
“Nai.”—This class of Barber combines also Surgical practice, and in some places Priestly offices are assigned to them.
“Ruby.”—The best rubies come from India, Burmah, and Ceylon; and the sapphire, topaz, and the emerald, though different in appearance, are chemically the same substance, or “Corundum.” A rose-red stone is distinguished as Balas-ruby. (See Balfour and Chambers.) The largest Oriental ruby is now a jewel in the Imperial Crown of Russia.
Note.—Precious stones have mystic virtues, and the belief of the narrator was so much hurt at its value being appraised so low, that it could not contain itself, and broke into two pieces.
Note.—In the district there are the usual jokes amongst the people on the “Nais,” or Barbers, who, as it is said above, weave the sacks for the donkeys.
Naie nay sunâh
Sorray graunt nay sunâh.
The Barber has heard the news, so no fear but that all the village has heard it too.