134 ACCOUNT OF BHUTAN". 



can do nothing ; they are equal in rank to the four Counsellors above men- 

 tioned, and the rulers of smaller districts, and the Soobahs of passes, are un- 

 der their respective orders. 



The Deb Raja or the prime minister is the principal organ of Govern- 

 ment. He receives the customary tribute from the different Governors of 

 districts, and having laid it up in the Government store-rooms, disburses 

 the established charges of the state. He has however no authority to devi- 

 ate in the smallest degree from the observance of established customs. 

 The revenue which he receives from the country is expended in religious 

 ceremonies, and in feeding the dependents of Government. The Deb Ra- 

 ja is entitled to six measures or three pounds of rice from the Govern- 

 ment stores daily ; his Zinkaups and Sankaups are also fed from the 

 public stores, but receive no wages. His other perquisites are from six. 

 sources as follows : — ■ 



1st. When any person is appointed a Pilon or Zimpe, or to any office of 

 state, they present something to the Deb Raja. 2ndly. He receives per- 

 sonally the whole revenue of the low land estates of Mynaguri, &c. about 

 30,000 rupees per annum. 3dly. He trades with a capital of about 

 40,000 rupees. 4thly. He receives a fine in all cases of murder or homicide 

 of 126 rupees from the offender. Sthly. He is entitled to the property of 

 all servants of Government on their demise, unless they may have been de- 

 pendents of the Dherma Raja, who in that case succeeds to their pro- 

 perty. Othly. He presents horses, silk, salt and hoes to the petty land- 

 holders and farmers, and receives much more than the value in return. By 

 these means he collects money, and with the contents of the public store 

 rooms, and the produce of his brood mares and cattle, he defrays the charges- 

 of the religions ceremonies, and the expence attending the manufacture 

 and s riification of new images of the Deities, which are constantly going 

 on in the palace. When the Deb Raja vacates his office he must leave to his 

 successor, 500 rupees in cash in the treasury, 126 slaves, 121 horses, and 

 the ensigns and appendages of state, and with the reniain.de* of his wealtl? 



