310 RIFLE AXD SPEAR WITH THE RAJPOOTS. 



adopted son of the late chief, and was not chosen till long 

 past boyhood. He has consequently not had the English 

 education of a modern Raja, but in compensation is said to 

 possess all the good qualities of the ancient chiefs. Like all 

 llajpoots he is quiet and dignified, yet with a charming 

 manner. His one passion is the chase. Once, in the 

 pursuit of a boar over those rocky plains, his horse fell with 

 such force that as the Maharaja came to the ground a sharp 

 stone was driven through his temple. He ought to have 

 been killed, but seems to have been but little affected. The 

 skull was trepanned, and he rides as hard as ever. He is 

 also an excellent shot, especially with the rifle. 



In the afternoon we drove to the palace, said to be the 

 largest in India, and certainly on the loveliest site. The 

 oldest portion of the palace was originally built on a small 

 hill facing the lake. From time to time as it was added to, 

 the wings outgrew the hill, and have been carried on the 

 same level, supported by three tiers of arches. A new wing 

 is now in the course of construction, built on this plan. 

 The approach from the town leads up a steep hill, and the 

 courtyard of the palace is entered under a handsome marble 

 gateway, pierced by three Moorish-looking arches, and sur- 

 mounted by a cupola. As usual, one's ideas of congruity 

 are shocked. In front of this principal door live the 

 elephants ; and horses are stabled all round the courtyard. 



We first visited the Armoury, which possesses a unique 



