AND PRACTICES OF THE HINDUS. 347 



withheld by the other party, but not otherwife. Others 

 again rejected the validity of an engagement so ex- 

 torted, unless it should be subsequently confirmed by 

 the writer, either in whole or in part, after the remo- 

 val of the coercion upon him. 



Of the practice which I have related, no instance 

 exactly similar has occurred to my knowledge in Ben- 

 gal or Bebar> although Brdbmens, even in Calcutta, have 

 been known to obtain charity or subsistence from 

 Hindus, by posting themselves before the doors of 

 their houses, under a declaration to remain there until 

 their solicitations were granted. The moderation of 

 the demand generally induces a compliance with it ; 

 which would be withheld if the requisition were ex- 

 cessive. But I have been credibly informed that in- 

 stances of this custom occasionally occur in some parts 

 of the Vizier's dominions, and that Brdbmens have 

 been successfully employed there to recover claims, by 

 calling upon the debtor to pay them, with a notifica- 

 tion that they would fast until the discharge of the 

 debt. The debtor, if he possesses property or credit, 

 never fails to satisfy the demand again ft him. 



Another practice, of a very singular and cruel na- 

 ture, is called Erecting a Koor. This term isexplain- 

 ed to mean a circular pile of wood which is prepared 

 ready for conflagration. Upon this, sometimes a cow, 

 and sometimes an old woman, is placed by the con- 

 structors of the. pile; and the whole is con fumed to- 

 gether. The object of this practice is to intimidate 

 the officers of Government, or others, from importu- 

 nate demands, as the effect of the sacrifice is fupposed 



to 



