[14] Berār Census Report, l.c.
[15] Berār Census Report, l.c.
[16] Bombay Gazetteer, Gujarat Hindus.
[17] It was formerly suggested that the fact of the Mahars being the chief worshippers at the shrines of Sheikh Farīd indicated that the places themselves had been previously held sacred, and had been annexed by the Muhammadan priests; and the legend of the giant, who might represent the demonolatry of the aboriginal faith, being slain by the saint might be a parable, so to say, expressing this process. But in view of the way in which the Mehtars worship Musalmān saints, it seems quite likely that the Mahārs might do so for the same reason, that is, because Islām partly frees them from the utter degradation imposed by Hinduism. Both views may have some truth. As regards the legends themselves, it is highly improbable that Sheikh Farid, a well-known saint of northern India, can ever have been within several hundred miles of either of the places with which they connect him.
[18] From Mr. C. Brown’s notes.
[19] C.P. Police Gazette.
[20] Kitts, l.c.
[21] Ibidem.
[22] Stated by Mr. C. Brown.
[23] Vol. ii. p. 237.