78 An Account of the Tribe of Mliadeo Kolies. [Jai^ 



as village watchmen, others by native bankers, &c. The Koly watchman 

 is termed Wurttimeeah, Pujy, Pugghy* and Rukha. They hold some 

 land rent-free, for their services, and receive other dues. Formerly, and 

 still in many places, the Wurttimeeah is obliged to be on a good under- 

 standing with the Geerassy chiefs in their vicinity. The villagers, or 

 the Wurttuneeah, grant a certain allowance to the Geerassy to refrain 

 from plundering their village. 



In almost every second, third or fourth village, there are two or three 

 families, known by the name of the Kotewallaha Kolies. They attend 

 on travellers, particularly the government servants, to procure such 

 articles for them as they may require. They get the potter to fetch 

 water. In all the towns there are a few Kolies termed Selottah. These 

 are employed by native bankers in escorting treasure, or other valuables^ 

 and they accompany travellers, from stage to stage, for a fixed allow- 

 ance. Should the Selottah be at enmity with any of his tribe, he will 

 take a sufficient number of his kinsmen with him to protect his charge* 

 When there is danger, the Selottah boldly steps out to face it, and often 

 has sacrificed his life in defence of his charge, and in the performance 

 of his duty. Some years ago, the Selottah's services were eagerly 

 sought after ; they at present attend in expectation of being employed, 

 without being called. In some parts of the country the Koly and Raj- 

 poot Thakoors employ some of their dependants to discharge the duties 

 of the Selottah, in escorting property and travellers through their vil- 

 lages. 



In every ten or fifteen villages, there is a Koly named the_ Nathy Pa" 

 telliah, whose duty it is to adjust any disputes connected with the infringe- 

 ment of the usages of the tribe. The Nathy Patelliah summons any 

 offender before him, and several Koly Patells, and a few elders of the 

 tribe, investigate the affair and fine the delinquent. He is made to 

 furnish an entertainment for a portion of the tribe, and to pay some 

 money, according to his means. When he has partaken of food, from 

 the same platter with the Nathy Patelliah and some of the others, 

 and has smoked a hooka, of which several of the assembly have also 

 taken a whiff, he is considered to have been readmitted into his caste. 



They worship Mhadeo, Bhoany, Ambyka, Devy, Botcherra Devy 

 (Mattah) and Runchore (Krishen) and Hunooman. Of all these, 

 Bocherra, or Betchurra, the goddess who presides ovef the small pox, 

 seems to meet with the greatest attention from these people. The most 

 sacred and binding of their oaths is that taken when the hand is placed 

 on this idol. Another most binding mode of pledging their faith, is 



* The Pugghy is well known as the watchman employed hy the officers stationed in 

 Guzerat. He takes his name from tracking the foot marks (pvg—- a foot) . They are very 

 expert in their profession. 



