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.