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Vol. VII, No. 11.] Oaths and Ordeals of the Geharas. 755 
[V.8.] 
Sowdagir had to say to the sahib should have been addressed 
through Kallu, and not direct. Kallu’s grievance was that 
the next time this particular sahib went out shooting he took 
Sowdagir with him as head shikari. Kallu wanted reparation 
for what he described as Sowdagir’s uncommunal conduct. 
The Panch decided that the matter was one for appeal to 
Trial by ordeal and that each side was to deposit Rs. 5, which 
would be divided among the Panch, to be utilized in providing 
wine and refreshments. If Sowdagir lost he would have t 
compensate Kallu to the extent 3 Rs. 20, while if nota lost 
he would only forfeit the Rs. stake money. e given 
this particular case in full to ie the utilitarian ONE to 
which Trial by ordeal is now applie 
he actual trial is as follows .—The two contestants, each 
depth, and, for reasons which will appear obeioes later on, 
they are made to stand not less than seven hands apart. At 
a given signal, both parties duck their heads under water, 
while another man, honest and true, sta by the Panch, 
srt running at a fair pace for a spot seventy paces distant. 
o see who can keep under water longest; if the 
accused remains submerged while the 140 paces there and back 
are seicoiantickne and the accuser has not been able to hold his 
breath as long, the ace cused is acquitted. If there is a draw, 
which, seeing that those people are most of them ant divers 
and swi mmers, is often the case, the two have again to duck, 
aaa the one who can keep below water longest is adjudged 
the winner. The two spear-heads which remain sticking up 
are taken as an indication that both parties are playing fair, 
and are not swimming about or punching or kicking eac 
other under water. 
After the test is over there is a liberal indulgence in 
sweetmeats (laddu) and wine, and if there has been good hunt- 
ing, jackal and porcupine are partaken of. The Nai and 
rahman are given n batdshais 
Ibbetson in his “Punjab Ethnography, Census 1887,’ 
classifying the gypsy tribes, says: ‘‘ The gypsy and es 
all the vagrant tribes are governed by tribal councils and 
often appeal to ordeal’’; and adds that this sedeal, holding 
In the eouat of a theft having taken place within the 
tribal encampment or settlement, and if the culprit is not 
forthcoming, all the suspects, which may mean the whole 
of the men of the tribe, are given the opportunity of putting 
back what they have taken in the following manner. A large 
fire is reduced to ashes each of the suspects is allowed to 
