[23]. The grand chain dividing the western from the central States of Rajasthan.
[24]. Such changes were triennial; and, as I have heard the prince himself say, so interwoven with their customs was this rule that it caused no dissatisfaction; but of this we may be allowed at least to doubt. It was a perfect check to the imbibing of local attachment; and the prohibition against erecting forts for refuge or defiance, prevented its growth if acquired. It produced the object intended, obedience to the prince, and unity against the restless Mogul. Perhaps to these institutions it is owing that Mewar alone never was conquered by the kings during the protracted struggle of seven centuries; though at length worried and worn out, her power expired with theirs, and predatory spoliation completed her ruin.
[25]. Gibbon, Misc. Works, vol. iii. p. 189; Sur le système féodal surtout en France.
[26]. Hallam, quoting Gregory of Tours; the picture drawn in A.D. 595.
[27]. "Fiefs had partially become hereditary towards the end of the first race: in these days they had not the idea of an ‘unalienable fief.’" Montesquieu, vol. ii. p. 431. The historian of the Middle Ages doubts if ever they were resumable at pleasure, unless from delinquency.
[28]. The Nahlwara of D’Anville and the Arabian travellers of the eighth century, the capital of the Balhara kings.
[29]. Janam, ‘birth’; es, ‘lord’ or ‘man.’ [See p. [24] above.]
[30]. “La loi des Lombards oppose les bénéfices à la propriété. Les historiens, les formules, les codes des différens peuples barbares, tous les monumens qui nous restent, sont unanimes. Enfin, ceux qui ont écrit le livre des fiefs, nous apprennent, que d’abord les Seigneurs purent les ôter à leur volonté, qu’ensuite ils les assurèrent pour un an, et après les donnèrent pour la vie” (L’Esprit des Loix, chap. xvi. livre 30).
[31]. A.D. 1766.
[32]. Contemporary and opponent of Sultan Babur.