438 Report on the Valley of Spiti. [No. 6. 



of testing the truth of their assertion, nor do I know whether Mr. 

 Agnew was authorized to make such an agreement, but I have treated 

 the subject lightly, nor could they have considered it very binding, 

 from the fact of their having paid to Mansuka Das, in excess of the 

 753 rupees, grain to the value of 200 rupees or upwards. 



Revenue for 1844-45-46. — In the years 1844-45 and 46, the annual 

 revenue paid to the Thanadar at Ladak was 1,031 rupees. Besides 

 this, 100 "Miindis" or iron crow-bars; likewise two Ghoonts, and a 

 nazarana of 15 rupees annually to the Thanadar, and 60 sheep in 

 jugat. 



During these three years the Seiks are said to have further plun- 

 dered the country of 4,000 rupees, also 60 ghoonts, and much other 

 property. 



Revenue from 1839 to 1843.— From 1839 to 1843, both inclusive, 

 an annual revenue of 2,000 rupees was paid to Raja Golab Singh. 



Besides this, 100 sheep within the five years; and, in 1839, three 

 Ghoonts were presented as nazzars, and one Ghoont annually for the 

 four succeeding years. 



Prior to 1839. — Before 1839 the revenues from time within memory, 

 was always paid to the Raja of Ladak, as follows ; 396 rupees in 

 cash, 200 lacs of grain, 100 mundis, 34 pieces of cloth (Barmiir), and 

 132 shugus of paper, equal to 660 Hindustani taktehs. During these 

 years, they also paid annually to the Raja of Kulou, six rupees, and 

 two pieces of cloth, as tribute. Also to the Raja of Busahir 30 

 pieces of cloth as tribute. And to China (from 50 Chinese families 

 settled in Spiti) about 200 lacs of grain. 



This revenue to China has been discontinued for the last 12 years ; 

 but, before my arrival, some Chinese were sent from Tolung to demand 

 the ancient tribute. 



Demands of the Chinese for revenue. — Since my arrival, Vakils have 

 been sent to me from Tolung and Chumurti, setting forth their claim 

 to this tribute, but I told them that, as it had not been paid for the last 

 12 years, and the Company had the means of protecting their own sub- 

 jects, that I did not think it would be continued ; but that as I was 

 not vested with political authority, I would make their request known 

 to my superiors. 



This ancient tribute does not appear to have originated with the 





