225 



swellings of Jordan, we should flee to the plains in which we 

 glorified; even to the valleys and the plains, which were the right 

 of their inheritance." 



After the conquest of Mandwa, and tedious negocialions with 

 the Gracia chieftains of Vazeria and Veloria, they reluctantly 

 entered into the Bhaut security, finding no other terms would be 

 admitted, and finally acceded to my demands. They engaged 

 Ryjee Sihng, the head Bhaut of Serulah, and several others of the 

 most respectable families, to become guarantees for their perform- 

 ance of the treaties entered into with their respective chiefs. The 

 articles of peace and friendship between them and the East India 

 Compan} r , were duly ratified in the Dhuboy durbar, and there 

 guaranteed by the Bhauts, who signed their names, and instead of 

 affixing a seal, drew the figure of a cattara, or dagger, their instru- 

 ment of death, opposite to each name. The female hostages 

 were then dismissed, tranquillity was perfectly restored, and not 

 a Gracia was to be seen within the company's districts. So that 

 at the conclusion of my third year, I had the satisfaction of be- 

 holding all the purgunnas intrusted to my management, well cul- 

 tivated, populous, and happy. Colonel Wilks's History of Mysoor 

 contains an excellent note on the Bhauts, with which I shall con- 

 clude my account of these extraordinary people. 



" Bart, baut, batt, as it is different^ pronounced, is a curious 

 approximation to the name of the western bard; and their offices 

 ave nearly similar. No Hindoo rajah is without his bards. 

 Hyder, although not a Hindoo, delighted to be constantly pre- 

 ceded by them; and they are an appendage to the state of many 



other Mussulman chiefs. They have a wonderful facility in speak- 

 yoL. Hi. 2 g 



