Major-General Sir J. Malcolm on the BJiills. 71 



many of whom dwell among them. The Bhills also dwelt, and still dwell 

 in the country of Nishdda, whose localities are geographically discussed in 

 the Agni Pu7-dn. It is the modern Nerwer ox Nal-u'er ; and, amongst its 

 inhabitants, the tribe of Lauriyah is accounted one of the finest and oldest 

 of the Bhill race. This was the country of the Prince Nala, whose name 

 is in chronological tables as one of the Suri/avans, or children of the Sun : 

 and from him the Jeypur family trace their descent. 



Besides the general pretensions of all Bhills to a celestial origin, we find 

 in every district some fable which ennobles their local chiefs, by tracing their 

 descent from demi-gods, princes, and heroes. But before entering upon a 

 description of the different classes of this people, I must shortly notice 

 their religion, their superstitions, and their usages. 



The Bhills, with the exception of a few tribes (who were converted to 

 the Mahomedan religion) must be classed with the Hindu population ; al- 

 though they are in appearance, and in many of their habits, distinct from 

 the other races of India. They worship the same gods ; but their religious 

 ceremonies are, in a great measure, limited to propitiatory offerings, and 

 sacrifices, to some of the Hindu minor infernal deities;* particularly 



a complete translation of the Rdmdyana by the able and eloquent Schlegel, Professor at Bonn ; 

 and his published translation of the Bhtlgavad Gita is a proof of his competency to the arduous 

 task. 



* It is impossible to describe all the gods that are worshipped, by this rude race ; for every 

 tribe has different objects of adoration, arising from local superstitions and legends. The fol- 

 lowing is a list of the principal deities of the Blulls in Jebuah and its vicinity, and the occasions 

 on which they deem it necessary to propitiate their favour : 



Kali. On many occasions. 



Hatipowa. At the Dewdli and Dasahard feasts, as presiding over village cultivators. 



Waghacha Kunwer To protect them against the ravages of wild beasts. 



Halk Mata. For success in their predatory joumies and undertakings. 



Khobial Mata. For protection to the cattle from sickness and plundering. 



Devi Kanail. For a good ripening of their com, and for plenty. 



Behyu Baji. For rain. 



Ghora Raja. Against attacks and plunderers. 



Hallam. Worshipped by the Malwa Bhills, at the annual pilgrimage to the large hill of 

 Retna JVal, in Bariya. 



Chamconda Mata is the goddess of harvest; and the first of every grain cut is offered 

 to her. 

 How'iN Wana Mata. Against murrain or lameness amongst their cattle. 

 SiTA' Mata. The goddess of small-pox. 



Bhulbae 



