
108 Notes on the Gurjat State 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, oi 
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 cull 
turable land, the soil of which is of a good description. 
Present condition of the area and indications of past prosperit oe 
—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 Gurh of Patna is now the centre of such a jungle, 
radiating 10 coss or say 20 miles in every direction. Close around, 
the “ Gurh,” 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, Brindanawagurh, 
2. Khurriar. 
3. Borasambur, 
