[13]. There were eight ministers; from this the Mahrattas had their asht pardhans, the number which formed the ministry of Rama.
[14]. [Krishna.]
[15]. I discovered the following letter from one of the princesses of Amber to Rana Sangram, written at this period; it is not evident in what relation she stood to him, but I think she must have been his wife, and the sister of Jai Singh:
"To Siddh Sri Sangram Singh, happiness! the Kachhwaha Rani (queen) writes, read her asis[[A]] (blessing). Here all is well; the welfare of the Sri Diwanji is desired. You are very dear to me; you are great, the sun of Hindustan; if you do not thus act, who else can? the action is worthy of you; with your house is my entire friendship. From ancient times we are the Rajputs of your house, from which both Rajas[[B]] have had their consequence increased, and I belong to it of old, and expect always to be fostered by it, nor will the Sri Diwanji disappoint us. My intention was to proceed to the feet of the Sri Diwanji, but the wet weather has prevented me; but I shall soon make my appearance." S. 1778 (A.D. 1722).
[A]. Asis is benediction, which only ladies and holy men employ in epistolary writing or in verbal compliment.
[B]. Amber and Marwar; this expression denotes the letter to have been written on intermarriage with the Rana’s house, and shows her sense of such honour.
[16]. The bira is the betel or pan-leaf folded up, containing aromatic spices, and presented on taking leave. The Kanor chieftain, being of the second grade of nobles, was not entitled to the distinction of having it from the sovereign’s own hand.
[17].
Treaty.
Sri Eklinga. (a)