1865.] Notes on the Gurjat State of Patna. 101 



Notes on the GurjcCt State of Patna. — By Major H. B. Impey, Deputy 

 Commissioner of Sumbulpore. 



[Received 18th October, 1864.] 



The following sketch of the history of the Gurjat state of Patna is 

 founded upon the records, genealogical trees, and traditions maintained 

 by successive Rajahs. Although there may be errors in the calculation 

 of periods, and mistakes in the incidence of events, yet, considering 

 how all natives of pretension or position strive to keep up a remem- 

 brance of their ancestors through the services of Brahmins, and how 

 strictly they themselves cherish the links of private history (as for 

 instance, the custom of the Hindus to religiously pronounce the names 

 of their preceding generations, while engaged in their ablutions,) it may 

 be assumed that such records and links, when adjusted by their cir- 

 cumstantial data, as in this case, will generally form a pretty correct 

 chain of evidence in respect to main facts. 



Origin of the Mahdrajdhs. — The Maharajahs of Patna claim 

 direct descent from a race of Rajpoot Rajahs of Grurh Sumbul, near 

 Mynpooree, and count back the individuals of this race for 32 

 generations. 



Foundation of one state, Patna, from a cluster of eight Gurhs. — It ia 

 narrated that these Rajahs used to be in constant attendance at the 

 Court of Delhi till the last named Hutumber Singh having intrigued 

 and run off with one of the king's daughters, Was pursued and killed, 

 and his family forced to fly. Amongst the wives of this Rajah was 

 one who, escaping, arrived enciente, in Patna, and found refuge with 

 the chief of Khobagurh, being one of eight gurhs,* which at that 

 time, alone formed the territories of Patna, being comprised within 

 the three rivers Ung, Mahanuddy, and Sel, and bounded on the 

 west by Khurriar, (a possession then of Jaypoor), and Bindanawagurh 

 and the chiefs of which took it in turns, a day at a time, to 



* 1 Patna. 5 Sindeehala. 



2 Salabhata. 6 Kolagurh. 



3 Kongaon. 7 Gooragurh. 



4 Jhonisinga. 8 Boomnugurh. 



