108 



History of the Ramoossies. 



[April 



vaguely thrown out, that they mean to claim the bukshisli 

 granted by the Padshaw. 



He further remarks, that if the claims should be inves- 

 tigated in a regular court, they would fall to the ground 

 as unsubstantiated by enjoyment for so many years ; and 

 consequently that it is a question which requires great con- 

 sideration ; for it is apprehended that the Koley and Mhar 

 Naiks might set up claims, and that unless Oomiah's de- 

 mands are complied with, he will be induced to offer resist- 

 ance to Government. His power and capabilities in this 

 respect are explained, his having maintained a protracted 

 struggle during the first disturbance, and at length obtain- 

 ed terms from the Government. 



I shall endeavour to give a close translation of the paper 

 said to be a copy of the tambur putturs, (the copper-plate 

 deeds,) and it will be found in the Appendix ; but how 

 Oomiah contrived to have a copy taken of it, I know not. 

 A Brahmun to whom I have shewn it (the copy) express- 

 ed great surprise, and immediately observed, that it could 

 be merely the traditionary tale of what was supposed to be 

 engraved on the copper-plates, and not a copy of the origin- 

 al deed. This Brahmun, who is an intelligent man, fur- 

 ther told me, that Captain H. D. Robertson, the collector 

 of Poona, put the copper-plates in his hands, and direct- 

 ed him to endeavour to discover the nature of the grant; 

 but that although he kept it for three months, all he 

 could discover was that, it purported that he had shaken off 

 his allegiance to the Emperor, and established an inde- 

 pendent kingdom in the Dekhan, making Kulburga his 

 capital, and after the dismemberment of this extensive 

 state, his descendants, about A. D. 1528, established 

 themselves at Beder, retaining possession of the surrounding 

 districts. 



It might also be remarked, that the Mhars of Poorun- 

 dur (Bhyre Naak, &c. &c.) are clearly entitled to share in 

 the grant bestowed by this King, (whoever he might have 

 been,) according to the tenor of the first terms of the 

 grant ; but when the copper-plate deeds are to be prepar- 

 ed, they are entirely excluded, whilst no allusion whatever 

 is made to the Ramoossies in them. 



