108 Notes on the Gurjat Slate of Patna. [No. 2, 



of its power, the control of its three tributary states,* and thus finally- 

 fell into a smaller circle of power and property than that which it 

 embraced when some 600 years before (dating from the usurpation of 

 Raman Deo) it had first sprung into powerful existence. 



Such then is the history of the extension and contraction of the 

 territories and dominion of Patna. Like as at its first sacrifice of 

 ground, and of prospect of further advancement, was owing to family 

 dissension, so also was the final loss of the last tract of its former 

 acquisitions caused by family dissensions. In the one instance, how- 

 ever, it was left with the substance of conquest, and the opportunities 

 from arrested ambition of employing such to the development of its 

 own reserved dominions. But in the other, it was brought ultimately 

 to entire ruin. A glance at the present features of the country of Patna 

 and a brief review of the dissensions that occurred during the time of 

 Raee Singh Deo, and of their results, will serve to explain these last 

 assertions. 



Description of the present area of Patna. — It is calculated that 

 the present territories of Patna contain 5,000 square miles. Although 

 they are dotted at distant intervals with a few small hills, yet 

 it may be stated that they compose a plateau of undulating surface 

 so peculiarly favourable for the cultivation of rice, the pulses, oil 

 seeds and sugar-cane. There are certainly besides the few scat- 

 tered hills, interruptions also of gravelly or rocky rises covered with 

 jungle and a few forest trees. But making allowance for the deduction 

 of these from the general area, there remains a vast expanse of cul- 

 tivable land, the soil of which is of a good description. 



Present condition of the area, and indications of past prosperity, 

 — Tracts of scrubby jungle have usurped the sites of former fields, 

 and wild beasts now hold dominion where once stood the habitations 

 of men. The G-urh of Patna is now the centre of such a jungle, 

 radiating 10 coss or say 20 miles in every direction. Close around 

 the " G-urh," at distances varying from one or two miles, are about 100 

 tanks, and in the surrounding jungle beyond these, at intervals of four 

 or six miles, are said to be the remains of other tanks, with traces of 

 villages marked, not only by the general certain evidence of planted 



* 1. Brindanawagui'h. 



2. Khurriar. 



3. Borasambur. 



