100 W. L. Samuells — Legend of Bdghesar. [June, 



5. — The Legend of Bdgliesar, a deified spirit Tield in great reverence ty the 

 Kusru, Sur'i, 3Iarkdm, Netia and Sdrsim clans of the Gond tribe^ — hy 

 Captain W. L. Samuells, Assistant Commissioner, Mdnhhum, 



This paper contains a curious legend current among certain clans of 

 Gonds, descended from a family of five brothers named Kusru, Suri, Markam, 

 Netia and Sarsun, that once upon a time a tiger cub was born to Kdsru. As it 

 grew up, the young tiger made itself very useful in keeping predatory animals 

 from its father's crops, and in consequence the greatest affection existed be- 

 tween them. To Kusrii's intense grief the cub died, but shortly afterwards 

 his wife gave birth to a daughter who in due time became marriageable. 

 The marriage ceremonies had been completed and the party were about to 

 enjoy themselves with feasting and dancing, when suddenly a frightful sound is 

 heard proceeding from one of the company who had become possessed with a 

 demon. On interrogation by an exorcist the demon is recognised by Kusrii 

 to be the spirit of his lost tiger-son. The demoniac is appeased with the sacri- 

 fice of a live kid which he tears in pieces after the manner of a tiger, and after 

 being presented with three cupfuls of liquor and some mouthfuls of fine ghi, 

 disappears. The appearance is considered a most happy omen, and Kusru's 

 tiger-son is thenceforth deified and worshipped under the name of Baghesar 

 by the five clans. 



Captain Samuells then gives a graphic description of the custom existing 

 to this day among the descendants of the five brothers, that during their 

 marriage ceremonies it is usual for one or two of those present, generally the 

 officiating priest and a looker on, to feign being possessed with the soul of a 

 tiger, and in that state to kill and tear to pieces a live kid. The demons are 

 afterwards appeased by the bride's father with an offering of three cupfuls 

 of liquor and a mouthful of ghi. No marriage ceremony in these five clans 

 is considered complete without the appearance of Baghesar and the atten- 

 dant rites. 



The paper will be published in Part I, No. 2 of the Journal. 



Dr. Dobson, by permission of the President, exhibited some photographs 

 taken in the Andaman Islands. 



The receipt of the following communications was announced. 



1. On the identity of the Siluroid genera JErethistes and Hara^ by 

 Surgeon Major F. Day. 



2. On the Mammals and Birds, inhabiting Kachh, by Dr. F. Stoliczka. 



