906 Journal of a trip through Kunawur. [Nov. 



He is married, but has no legitimate offspring to succeed him, although 

 he has a son and a daughter by some mistress or frail damsel, who 

 doubtless, like a highland lassie of the olden time, would have 

 thought it a crime to refuse the laird anything in her power to bestow. 

 Should he die and leave no legitimate heir to succeed him, his terri- 

 tories will fall to the British Government. 



He has three chief vuzeers who manage the affairs of his territories, 

 and who in time of war would take command of his forces, as it is 

 contrary to the custom of the country for the Rajah to do so in person. 

 These three are equal in rank, and their office is hereditary. 



Below them are several inferior officers also called vuzeers, whose 

 office is not hereditary, but who are elected or rather nominated by 

 the Rajah annually, and they seem to be thannadars of different 

 pergunnahs; among this class is Puttee Kaur, Dr. Gerard's friend, 

 who has lately been appointed vuzeer of Hungrung. The personal 

 attendants or immediate household of the Rajah, consists of two sets 

 of men called Churriahs, and Hazrees. 



The Churriah derives his name from part of his duty being to carry 

 the Churree, or silver stick, on occasions of ceremony before the Rajah. 

 His duties are chiefly those of a Chupprassee, and he is sent into dif- 

 ferent pergunnahs to collect the revenue, to report any misconduct, and 

 to see that the people are equitably assessed, that is, to point out who 

 may be taxed more heavily, and who should be excused, — and in fact, 

 to ferret out and report to the Rajah the conduct and circumstances 

 of all his subjects. 



Those who are smart, and acquit themselves to the satisfaction of 

 their chief in this system of espionage, are usually high in favour, 

 and receive occasional substantial presents in token of his approbation, 

 while those who are lukewarm, lazy, or who are wanting in tact, get 

 nothing but their trouble, for the Rajah gives no pay to his servants, 

 their services on the contrary being compulsory. 



The Churriahs form a body of from sixty to eighty men, never exceed- 

 ing the one or falling short of the other number ; they have three officers 

 who, in the language of the country, are called "Pulsur," "Buttoong- 

 gee," and " Naigee," answering to Soobadar, Jemedar, and Burkun- 

 dauze. They are exempt from military service, and remain with the 

 Rajah. They are drawn from the district of Kunawur, and are 

 compelled to obey summons, unless it graciously pleases his Highness 

 to excuse them, in which case however he takes good care to exact a 

 fine for their non-attendance. 



Some wisdom is shown in the selection of this body, as none are 



