106 



History of the Rarnoossien: 



preparing to visit the Rajah, he thought it advisable to put 

 forth exaggerated statements of the number of his follow- 

 ers, in the expectation that the Rajah might be impressed 

 with a greater idea cf his importance and power, and that 

 His Highness's bearing to him, would be of a correspond- 

 ing nature. On the 18th of February 1830, he presented 

 himself before His Highness who was attended by all his 

 Jageerdars, as well as by a number of Mankurries, 



The Rajah alluded to the disturbances caused by the 

 Ramoossies in the Satara territory, and observed that they 

 made use of his (Oomiah's) name. Oomiah said that he 

 hoped His Highness would punish such persons in a most 

 exemplary manner when they were apprehended. 



With the Rajah's permission Oomiah now submitted 

 some old sunnuds in his possession to the Punt Suchew, 

 stating at the same time, " that if these papers establish 

 any claims to certain rights and dues in your country, I hope 

 you will let me enjoy them — if not I shall be ruined;" ad- 

 ding that, " you had better at once tie me in a mouth (the 

 leather bag used in raising up water from wells when irri- 

 gating fields) and throw me into the Neera river." The 

 Rajah observed, that if his claims could be established in 

 the Punt's country, they would be restored to him ; and 

 that if he would come to Satara, any rights which he might 

 have in that territory, should also be restored to him. Oo- 

 miah still addressing himself to the Punt, said, I am 

 not afraid of you, His Highness is present, so do not 

 attempt to depress me, nor deprive me of my rights." 

 The Rajah told the Punt Suchew to inquire into the claims, 

 and he was directed to bring his papers to Satara. Oomiah 

 communicated this to me, but I. have been informed, that 

 he suggested to the Rajah, that he should tie the Punt 

 Suchew in one mouth, and himself in another, and then 

 that His Highness should order both mouths to be thrown 

 into the river, by which means he would have an oppor- 

 tunity of seeing which had justice on his side. 



The Rajah of Satara mentioned to me lately, that 

 Oomiah had been trying to obtain employment from him, 

 and that he wished to have charge of the district south 

 of the Neera river. That he had desired Oomiah to go to 



