1837.] 



Khoonds of the Goomsoor Mountains, 



45 



This account differs in some particulars from other accounts which 

 have been published. There may, however, be different modes follow- 

 ed : this account may be considered to be authentic. 



The remaining documents to be adduced are two forms of oaths. 

 The one alluded to by Mr. Stevenson is the following : — 



the basket at that part of the oath which refers to that object : — 

 the blood-sucker, the tiger-skin, &c. 



" Oh father (god !) I swear, and if I swear falsely then, oh father ! 

 may I become shrivelled and dry like a blood-sucker, and thus die ; 

 may I be killed and eaten by a tiger resembling this blood-sucker, may 

 I crumble to dust like this white-ants' hill, may I be blown about like 

 this feather, may I be extinguished like this lamp." 



In saying the last words he puts a few grains of the rice in his 

 mouth, and blows out the lamp, and the basket with its contents is made 

 to touch the top of his head. 



Yeree ubba, hahumoo, hurrudda, attamo, mi, dosha, shiddee 

 Oh Father I Oath take by me fault if is 



yera, neekee surruda suttumo Yeree ubba. 

 on that account to me and mine oh Father. 



Ghoe, dingee, Bassee, Bassee, Sunnummoo. 

 blood-sucker like, dry and shrivelled, may I die. 



Ghoyee, dingee, Khradee hanee nangee yesta challa tinee 

 A blood-sucker like, a tiger may come me having killed eat 



Beera, dingee Mhaihe hanai. Mendoo, kuttaka 



white-ant hill-like crumble away may I come. Peacock, feather 



hanai yengae sahe yenjoo dippo dingee yengee 

 may I be blown away this lamp like this manner 



nimee mammo. 

 may I be, extinguished. 



Form of 



Oath. 



1. A blood-sucker, 



2. A bit of tiger's skin, 



3. Peacock's feather, 



4. Earth from the white-ants' hill, 



5. Rice mixed with fowl's blood, 



6. A lighted lamp. 



The substance of the 

 circumstance is first re- 

 peated by the swearing 

 party, and a basket con- 

 taining the following things 

 being held before him, he 

 proceeds with his oath, 

 touching each object in 



