264 PECULIAR HINDOO TRIBES. 



solemn occasions. The two inferior classes, one having 

 From 50,000 to 5000 rupees, the other below 5000, are re- 

 quired to give constant attendance and service. The mon- 

 arch is invested with the entire legislative power, unchecked 

 by any parliament or assembly of his subjects. His au- 

 thority is consequently much less limited than was the 

 royal prerogative in feudal times, and his revenues are 

 ampler, being derived from hereditary demesnes, mines, 

 and customs on merchandise. He is thus enabled to in- 

 dulge a degree of pomp beyond what would seem compatible 

 with hio narrow territories. His palaces equal those erected 

 by the greatest monarchs. Particular admiration is at- 

 tracted by the splendour of Oodipoor, situated in one of the 

 most picturesque and romantic valleys of India, and having 

 its long range of towers reflected from the bosom of a beau- 

 tiful lake. On the border of a similar expanse an almost 

 magic scene is presented by the island-palace of Jugmundur, 

 composed entirely of marble, of which an engraving is 

 given on the opposite page. A great part of the floors are 

 inlaid with mosaic, the effect of which is heightened by 

 light passing through variously-tinted glass. That of 

 Umeer, erected by one of the rajahs of Jyepore, is stated 

 by Heber to equal Windsor. The great column of victory 

 at Chittore, called the Kheerut Khumb, rising to the height 

 of 122 feet, and covered all over with the most minute and 

 elaborate sculpture, in which all the objects of Hindoo my- 

 thology are represented, is considered by Colonel Tod to 

 be the finest specimen of art in India. The great chiefs 

 also reside in stately and splendid castles ; though the 

 deadly feuds incident to this state of society render Raj- 

 pootana a constant scene of turbulence, and almost of an- 

 archy. Yet the character of these leaders presents some 

 noble features. They have given repeated proofs of grati- 

 tude, honour, and fidelity, seldom met with among the 

 effeminate inhabitants of the plain, or the roaming and 

 predatory bands of Mahrattas. 



As a representative of this extraordinary race, Colono. 

 Tod has exhibited Xahur Khan, " the tiger lord," the fierce, 

 brave, and faithful adherent of Jesswint Singh, chief of 

 Marwar, a commander who, both in serving and opposing 

 Aurcngzebe, showed tfimself one of the jrreatest that India 

 can boast. Nahur led the van in all Jesswint's battles, and 



