“At this time, Brother Man Singh, I bestow upon thee, of my own free will, the village and lands of Jethpura. This donative shall not look to ranrkas: suput, kuput:[[13]] your issue shall enjoy them. Of this intention I call the four-armed divinity (Chaturbhuj)[[14]] as witness. You are my own child (chhora): wherever and whenever I order, you will do my service: if you fail, the fault be on your own head.”

Case of Mān Singh.

A Foray of the Bhīls.

An Ordeal by Oath.


[1]. [Part of the water-shed of Central India, dividing the drainage into the Bay of Bengal from that of the Gulf of Cambay.]

[2]. See Vol. I. p. [512].

[3]. Lalji’s issue:

Sangram.─────Sheo Singh.─────Surthan Singh
His children massacredJai Singh. Nahar Singh.
at Sheogarh.
Man Singh.

[4]. In my days of inexperience, when travelling through countries unknown, and desirous to take the first peasant I found as a guide, I have been amused by his announcing to me, before a question was put, “I am a Rajput,” as if in anticipation of the demand and a passport to respect; literally, “I am of royal descent”: a reflection which lends an air of dignity to all his actions, and distinguishes him from every other class.