100 



in many Native States. Joshees, Poorohits, and 

 others, above alluded to, as Astrologers, religious 

 Mendicants, &c., formerly held lands or received 

 payments in cash either from the Native Govern- 

 ments or Zemindars. Though the British Govern- 

 ment refused to sanction such grants, yet the 

 Zemindars give them out of their own Hucks. Tirth 

 Boorohits, or the Priests at sacred places, such as 

 Benares, Allahabad, Muttra, &c., also receive grants 

 of lands and cash from Zemindars. These persons 

 even apply their Hucks and lands and other property 

 connected with it to any purpose they like ; they 

 give in grants and dowry, and mortgage it ; yet 

 the Hucks are entirely volunta^ ; but the claim of 

 the owner on them is, by common consent, held to 

 be so strong that they are treated like legal property. 

 This may show how the people of Hindoostan value 

 their Hucks. Indeed, in some cases, they, in order 

 to retain their Hucks in their family name, become 

 converts to another religion or even give their lives. 

 These Hucks, therefore, should not be taken away 

 by the Government, or made subject to sale by the 



bourhood of Delhi there is a large village inhabited entirely by 

 Goojurs, all professional thieves, of whose services the Magis- 

 trate makes valuable use. During the three years my Eegiment 

 was quartered there, I had one of these gentlemen constantly 

 in my pay. He stuck his spear in the compound or grounds 

 of my house, and no more. He came on the 15th of every month 

 and took his Us. 4 (eight shillings). For the remainder of the 

 month I never saw him ; yet I slept more secure than if I had 

 had a sentry at every corner of my house. I speak of the times 

 before the mutiny of 1857. Whether or not the same system 

 is now in force I cannot say. 



