186 Of the early History of Sindh. [No. 111. 



tion to be issued in the name of the Rahee, for a general assembly of 

 all ranks and classes, and placed the throne in the public hall of au- 

 dience. When the people were assembled, they were informed that the 

 Rahee's health prevented his then being present, or any longer attend- 

 ing to the affairs of his country, but that he had given his signet, and 

 delegated absolute authority to the Brahmin Chuck, whom they were 

 to obey as his deputy. Chuck was thus vested with power, and his 

 ability secured him the obedience of the subjects ; the Rahee afterwards 

 died, leaving no children ; Chuck married the Ranee, and by universal 

 consent was placed upon the throne. The government of five preced- 

 ing Rahees occupied 137 years. Chuck was the first Brahmin who 

 Eeign of Chuck, rVi led> Many of the relations of the deceased Rahee, who 

 until his death, possessed claims to the government of the country, were 

 inveigled by the Ranee into the palace, and murdered. Chuck opened 

 the doors of his treasury, and by his bounty secured the good offices of 

 the soldiers, and of his subjects generally. He had scarcely however 

 imagined himself secure on the throne, when Rana Mihrut Chittooree, 

 heading the remainder of the relations of Rahee Sahee, came with an 

 army from Joudpoor and Chittoor to assert their claims to the throne. 

 The Ranee urged Chuck to prepare to defend his possessions ; he again 

 propitiated the troops by large presents in money, and prepared to 

 meet Rana Mihrut. The forces drew up for battle, in the vicinity 

 of Alor, but Rana Mihrut advancing in front of his host, challenged 

 Chuck to single combat, as the most merciful way of settling a dis- 

 pute, in which the two chiefs only were immediately concerned. The 

 result of the combat was decided to be final as to all claims of ter- 

 ritory ; and whoever fell, his country was to pass to the possession 

 of the victor. Chuck consented to this; the two chiefs advanced in 

 front of their armies; Chuck directing his servant to bring his 

 horse slowly after him, mounted quickly, and treacherously slew 

 Rana Mihrut with one blow of his sword. The troops of the latter 

 witnessing the fall of their leader, fled in dismay ; Chuck pursued 

 and killed many of the fugitives ; he then returned with great pomp to 

 Alor, the houses and bazars of which city were ornamented upon the 

 occasion. His authority was now established, and he became a power- 

 ful king. After a reign of 40 years he died, leaving two sons ; the eldest 

 Dahir, and the younger Dihir ; he had also one daughter. His eldest 



