502 Mr. S. Djris on the Religious and Social 



frequently excited there than in the bustle and contention among the inha- 

 bitants of more flourishing and affluent nations. Here are neither arts, 

 manufactures, nor commerce, by which individuals have the means of 

 acquiring riches ; and the distinctions of attendants, dress, and finery, to 

 awaiven the jealousy of their neighbours, are unknown. 



On the death of the Rajah, an assembly is convened of the priests, or, 

 perhaps, the most eminent of them. In what manner their deliberations 

 are conducted, and their opinions and suffrages taken, I have not dis- 

 covered ; but their choice of succession once determined, the person on 

 whom it falls is presented in the name of the assembly with a white hand- 

 kerchief, and is immediately recognized in possession of the exalted dignity. 

 — No monarch on earth is more absoiate, or has fewer actual restraints on 

 his will than the present Rajah, owing partly to the infancy of the superior 

 Lamas.* There is no one with whom he is bound to consult, or who can 

 influence his conduct, except the kelidar, dewan, and others who were per- 

 haps instrumental in his elevation, and in whom he may choose to place 

 confidence. In judicial mattersf he is the last appeal, and his opinion or 

 pleasure ratifies or reverses the decision of inferior tribunals. But yet from 

 the natural free spirit of the people, unbroken by tyranny, and from the 

 respect that is due to the good opinion and venerable characters of the 

 principal gylongs, it would be impossible for him, were he so disposed, to 

 persevere in any flagrant acts of injustice or dangerous schemes of ambition. 

 — The fate of Deib Jedur may be urged in proof of this, and the suppres- 

 sion of the late rebellion shews of what value is popularity among the 

 common people. 



The administration of government must be contained in a narrow compass, 

 as it has so little intercourse with other countries; and, with so circumscribed 

 a commerce, and scanty circulation of coin, there can be but few money 

 transactions, or duties to collect. The rents of the land are chiefly received 



• Lam Shabda, said to be twelve years of age, and Lam Geysey, seven years. 



f The zempin, or governor, is the judge in all criminal matters within his district. The accused 

 and the witnesses are confronted and summoned before him, and when the charge has been 

 established, he passes sentence according to a written code of laws. The sentence is referred to 

 the Rajah for confirmation. Certain crimes are punished with the loss of sight: — theft with the 

 loss of a hand : — decapitation is also used ; and, in some cases, the criminal is bound hand and 

 foot, and thus thrown into a river. 



