230 



of the above description by giving Estates, 

 Talooks, &c.,* 



In another place the Rajah says. "Institution 

 of a new enquiry into grants. Selling rights (Hucks) 

 which the subjects value dearer than there lives, 

 and many other things which will be described 

 hereafter, are contributing to the dissatisfaction 

 of the subjects." 



I have heard it said moreover, by other native 

 gentlemen, not inferior in status, or of less intelli- 

 gence than the author of these Observations, that the 

 right of occupancy in India, is an exclusive and per- 

 manent right, which cannot be alienated or purchased, 

 except with the conseut of the holders. The savage 

 races who dwell on hills and in jungles, are the owners 

 of those hills and jungles; the tribes who squat 

 on lands are the owners of those lands; villagers, 

 who, like the patriarchs of old, graze their flocks on 

 vast pasture lands, who cut grass or fire wood in 

 forests, have, if not an ownership in those lands and 

 forests, a prescriptive title to these rights under the 

 law of ancient custom a law in India something 

 like an act of Parliament, of which they cannot be 

 deprived without injustice, and which prohibits the 

 sale of such lands, otherwise than encumbered with 

 these rights. " It it assumed" says the Secretary of 

 State in his despatch that half-civilized tribes will 



# Memorandum of Observations on the Administration of India by 

 Raja Dinker Rao of Gualinr, Member of the Governor General's 

 Council fur making 1 Laws p. 8. Home Oifice, Calcutta 18C2. 



