1831.]

called Baidees. Those called Shiheeds are so denominated from having exhibited particular acts of bravery and devotion in establishing Gooroo Govin's doctrine, relative to the use of the sword. The Nehungs are so called, merely from going naked.

The Sikhs admit converts from all religions. They are directed by the code, written by Nanuk, called the Grunth, to respect the Shaster, and to consider it the Divine law; to reverence and pay adoration to the Ganges, and to other places regarded holy by the Hindoos; also to revere the Cow: but to renounce idolatry. They are directed not to shave their beards or heads, to dress after a particular fashion, and to burn the dead.

The attempts of the Singhs to gain dominion were constantly frustrated, until about A.D. 1760, when the Subadar of Sirhind, named Zien Khan, who was a kind of Viceroy of the Mogul Sovereigns in the tract between the Jumna and Beeah rivers, having caused two of the sons of Gooroo Govin to be destroyed, the Sikhs were immediately roused to vengeance; and having assembled in great numbers, succeeded in killing Zien Khan, and -routing his forces. After this, the declining power of the Mussulman Government was unable to cope with them, and they established themselves so firmly, that they have continued to the present day increasing their re

sources.

According to the abilities and enterprise of individuals, chiefships, and independent as well as dependent states and communities, were established; and between the Jumna and Sutlug rivers there are at present four Rajahs; and a fifth chief, the Kythul, not inferior to them. But one of his ancestors having been honoured by their holy Gooroo with the appellation of Bhye (or Brother) the family have adopted that, as a distinction, rather than the name of Rajah. The first in rank and wealth is the Patialah Rajah; the second, Jeendh; the third, Ky

115

thul; the fourth, Naba; the fifth, Munny Majra.

There are also many chiefs, styled Surdars; who have from two lakhs to twenty thousand rupees of annual revenue. These are the Chiefs of Ladwer, Rooper, Thanessur, Maloud, Umballah, Booreah, Ridhor, and others. Many are in a state of subserviency to the superior Chiefs, in the following degrees. Missildar is a landholder, who obtained possession of some villages, but wanting the aid of a powerful neighbour, attached himself to some chief; and it became their mutual interest to remain combined. But no tribute or stipulation was entered into, nor had the superior anything to do with the internal arrangements of his ally.

Putteedars originated where several relations or friends united to make conquests, with from two hundred to two thousand horsemen, who engaged in the service, under the stipulation of all sharing the spoil, according to their ranks. Thus, when they gained possession of a tract, they first divided it into portions, according to the number of head-officers, or Surdars, whom they intended to establish. Under each of these were placed the horsemen, according to the revenue; some making conquests that yielded to each horseman about two hundred and fifty rupees annually; and others, not more than a hundred and thirty. The chief of the whole had a Surdarree share; and the others were subservient to him.

Jageerdars are those to whom the chief gave lands out of his own share or possession; consequently resumable at pleasure.

The Sikh customs (for they have no law but the Shaster as to inheritance) are either Bradur-bund, or Choondabund (that is, Brother-bound, or Female-bound) in the division of possessions among sons. If the former has been the rule in the family, an equal division of territory and property between the sons takes place; and their mother or mothers are provided for out of their respective portions,

114

In a letter from Ham, dated the 6th of January, and inserted in a Paris paper, is an account of the expenses incurred for the ex-Ministers, and of the mode in which they are treated. Their breakfast costs a franc and a half each, their dinner five francs, and the service of their chambers a franc and quarter. Their washing is nine francs a month, and the whole monthly charge for the four prisoners amounts to about 966 francs, or somewhat less than 401.; that is, about 470l. a-year. They are described as being well lodged, and well treated in every respect. They occupy four officers' rooms in the castle, the doors of which open into the same corridor or passage; and they are allowed to communicate when they please in a fifth room, which they make their dining-room.

The following is an extract from another letter, dated Jan. 20:

"The garrison of this city and fortress, which before the removal of the ex-Ministers was composed of but one company of veterans, is now augmented to 700 men. The fort is furnished with eight pieces of cannon, three of which are 8-pounders, three 12-pounders, and two of a large calibre. The corps of gens-d'armes has been tripled.

A house has been taken for their barracks. The town of Ham has now the appearance of a fortified place. The families of the accused are arriving in succession, and taking up their residence in the town. Madame Guernon Ranville, her son, and a nurse, arrived a few days since, and has taken apartments with the intention of remaining here. Mesdames de Perpignan have also taken a house from the Mayor of Ham, and are to pay a rent of 800 francs a-year. The furniture arrived here yesterday from Paris. It is said that Madame de Polignac would have been here ere this, only she was detained In making a proper selection of furniture. Madame de Chantelauze persists in occupying her humble cell. The prisoners are all in pretty good health, with the exception of M. de Chantelauze, who is constantly trouIbled with rheumatism. The ex-Ministers seem to live on the best terms."

[Feb.

was a Kutree, residing near Jellinder, between the Sutlug and Beeah rivers, who, either through conviction of the fallacy of the religion in the profession of which he was born,-or from the vanity of wishing to attract attention, or from the anticipation of attaching to himself numbers, equivalent generally to power and dominion in the times in which he lived,-or from whatever motive, produced this result, -that his followers, after feeling their power, tried how they could apply it to the improvement of their temporal condition.

THE SECT AND NATION OF THE SIKHS.

THE following outline of the history of the Sikhs, as a sect and nation, is derived from a document written by Major George Birch, political assistant to Sir David Ochterlony; and, on his removal in 1817, nominated his successor in the affairs of the Sikhs, till the year 1822.

The founder of this extensive sect

For many years they wandered about the country, and were very troublesome to the Mogul government, by their depredations and assumptions: and it was frequently necessary to repress them by force. Nanuk, the founder, wisely ordained in the infancy of the establishment that arms should not be used. This ordinance was observed, until his tenth descendant, Gooroo Govin, finding they could not rise in their ambitious views without the sword, proclaimed the use of it meritorious and noble. Whoever applied it to their general cause was to be dignified by the name of Singh (or Lion); and their salutation to each other became "Wah Gooroo gee-kerious Gooroo;" which is generally futteh," or, 66 Applause to the victoused to this day.

The Fakeers, religious mendicants and priests of the Singhs, are called Eckallees. They are very insolent, turbulent, and licentious; delighting and exulting in bloodshed, in which their sacred character of Eckallee often saves them, in an astonishing manner, from punishment.

Nanuk was born in summut 1556; and this being 1872, makes it 322 years ago. He had two sons; but one of his disciples, named Ungut, succeeded to his spiritual office, after the age of seventy; and it is said that he commenced preaching his new doctrine at the age of sixteen. The third in succession was a disciple named Ummer Dhas; the fourth Ram Dhas; the fifth Urgun; the sixth Hurgovin; the seventh Hurroy; the eighth Hurkissun; the ninth Taig Bahadar; the tenth, Gooroo Govin.

The fourth priest, Ram Dhas, had two daughters, from whom are descended the present holy race, called Sodies. Nanuk's descendants are

1831.]

called Baidees. Those called Shiheeds are so denominated from having exhibited particular acts of bravery and devotion in establishing Gooroo Govin's doctrine, relative to the use of the sword. The Nehungs are so called, merely from going naked.

The Sikhs admit converts from all religions. They are directed by the code, written by Nanuk, called the Grunth, to respect the Shaster, and to consider it the Divine law; to reverence and pay adoration to the Ganges, and to other places regarded holy by the Hindoos; also to revere the Cow: but to renounce idolatry. They are directed not to shave their beards or heads, to dress after a particular fashion, and to burn the dead.

The attempts of the Singhs to gain dominion were constantly frustrated, until about A.D. 1760, when the Subadar of Sirhind, named Zien Khan, who was a kind of Viceroy of the Mogul Sovereigns in the tract between the Jumna and Beeah rivers, having caused two of the sons of Gooroo Govin to be destroyed, the Sikhs were immediately roused to vengeance; and having assembled in great numbers, succeeded in killing Zien Khan, and -routing his forces. After this, the declining power of the Mussulman Government was unable to cope with them, and they established themselves so firmly, that they have continued to the present day increasing their re

sources.

According to the abilities and enterprise of individuals, chiefships, and independent as well as dependent states and communities, were established; and between the Jumna and Sutlug rivers there are at present four Rajahs; and a fifth chief, the Kythul, not inferior to them. But one of his ancestors having been honoured by their holy Gooroo with the appellation of Bhye (or Brother) the family have adopted that, as a distinction, rather than the name of Rajah. The first in rank and wealth is the Patialah Rajah; the second, Jeendh; the third, Ky

115

thul; the fourth, Naba; the fifth, Munny Majra.

There are also many chiefs, styled Surdars; who have from two lakhs to twenty thousand rupees of annual revenue. These are the Chiefs of Ladwer, Rooper, Thanessur, Maloud, Umballah, Booreah, Ridhor, and others. Many are in a state of subserviency to the superior Chiefs, in the following degrees. Missildar is a landholder, who obtained possession of some villages, but wanting the aid of a powerful neighbour, attached himself to some chief; and it became their mutual interest to remain combined. But no tribute or stipulation was entered into, nor had the superior anything to do with the internal arrangements of his ally.

Putteedars originated where several relations or friends united to make conquests, with from two hundred to two thousand horsemen, who engaged in the service, under the stipulation of all sharing the spoil, according to their ranks. Thus, when they gained possession of a tract, they first divided it into portions, according to the number of head-officers, or Surdars, whom they intended to establish. Under each of these were placed the horsemen, according to the revenue; some making conquests that yielded to each horseman about two hundred and fifty rupees annually; and others, not more than a hundred and thirty. The chief of the whole had a Surdarree share ; and the others were subservient to him.

Jageerdars are those to whom the chief gave lands out of his own share or possession; consequently resumable at pleasure.

The Sikh customs (for they have no law but the Shaster as to inheritance) are either Bradur-bund, or Choondabund (that is, Brother-bound, or Female-bound) in the division of possessions among sons. If the former has been the rule in the family, an equal division of territory and property between the sons takes place; and their mother or mothers are provided for out of their respective portions,

114

In a letter from Ham, dated the 6th of January, and inserted in a Paris paper, is an account of the expenses incurred for the ex-Ministers, and of the mode in which they are treated. Their breakfast costs a franc and a half each, their dinner five francs, and the service of their chambers a franc and quarter. Their washing is nine francs a month, and the whole monthly charge for the four prisoners amounts to about 966 francs, or somewhat less than 40%.; that is, about 470l. a-year. They are described as being well lodged, and well treated in every respect. They occupy four officers' rooms in the castle, the doors of which open into the same corridor or passage; and they are allowed to communicate when they please in a fifth room, which they make their dining-room.

The following is an extract from another letter, dated Jan. 20:

"The garrison of this city and fortress, which before the removal of the ex-Ministers was composed of but one company of veterans, is now augmented to 700 men. The fort is furnished with eight pieces of cannon, three of which are 8-pounders, three 12-pounders, and two of a large calibre. The corps of gens-d'armes has been tripled.

A house has been taken for their barracks. The town of Ham has now the appearance of a fortified place. The families of the accused are arriving in succession, and taking up their residence in the town. Madame Guernon Ranville, her son, and a nurse, arrived a few days since, and has taken apartments with the intention of remaining here. Mesdames de Perpignan have also taken a house from the Mayor of Ham, and are to pay a rent of 800 francs a-year. The furniture arrived here yesterday from Paris. It is said that Madame de Polignac would have been here ere this, only she was detained in making a proper selection of furniture. Madame de Chantelauze persists in occupying her humble cell. The prisoners are all in pretty good health, with the exception of M. de Chantelauze, who is constantly troubled with rheumatism. The ex-Ministers seem to live on the best terms."

[Feb.

was a Kutree, residing near Jellinder, between the Sutlug and Beeah rivers, who, either through conviction of the fallacy of the religion in the profession of which he was born, or from the vanity of wishing to attract attention, or from the anticipation of attaching to himself numbers, equivalent generally to power and dominion in the times in which he lived,—or from whatever motive, produced this result,

that his followers, after feeling their power, tried how they could apply it to the improvement of their temporal condition.

THE SECT AND NATION OF THE SIKHS.

THE following outline of the history of the Sikhs, as a sect and nation, is derived from a document written by Major George Birch, political assistant to Sir David Ochterlony; and, on his removal in 1817, nominated his successor in the affairs of the Sikhs, till the year 1822.

The founder of this extensive sect

For many years they wandered about the country, and were very troublesome to the Mogul government, by their depredations and assumptions : and it was frequently necessary to repress them by force. Nanuk, the founder, wisely ordained in the infancy of the establishment that arms should not be used. This ordinance was observed, until his tenth descendant, Gooroo Govin, finding they could not rise in their ambitious views without the sword, proclaimed the use of it meritorious and noble. Whoever applied it to their general cause was to be dignified by the name of Singh (or Lion); and their salutation to each other became "Wah Gooroo gee-kefutteh," or, Applause to the victorious Gooroo;" which is generally used to this day.

"

The Fakeers, religious mendicants and priests of the Singhs, are called Eckallees. They are very insolent, turbulent, and licentious; delighting and exulting in bloodshed, in which their sacred character of Eckallee often saves them, in an astonishing manner, from punishment.

Nanuk was born in summut 1556; and this being 1872, makes it 322 years ago. He had two sons; but one of his disciples, named Ungut, succeeded to his spiritual office, after the age of seventy; and it is said that he commenced preaching his new doctrine at the age of sixteen. The third in succession was a disciple named Ummer Dhas; the fourth Ram Dhas; the fifth Urgun; the sixth Hurgovin; the seventh Hurroy; the eighth Hurkissun; the ninth Taig Bahadar; the tenth, Gooroo Govin.

The fourth priest, Ram Dhas, had two daughters, from whom are descended the present holy race, called Sodies. Nanuk's descendants are

1831.]

called Baidees. Those called Shiheeds are so denominated from having exhibited particular acts of bravery and devotion in establishing Gooroo Govin's doctrine, relative to the use of the sword. The Nehungs are so called, merely from going naked.

The Sikhs admit converts from all religions. They are directed by the code, written by Nanuk, called the Grunth, to respect the Shaster, and to consider it the Divine law; to reverence and pay adoration to the Ganges, and to other places regarded holy by the Hindoos; also to revere the Cow: but to renounce idolatry. They are directed not to shave their beards or heads, to dress after a particular fashion, and to burn the dead.

The attempts of the Singhs to gain dominion were constantly frustrated, until about A.D. 1760, when the Subadar of Sirhind, named Zien Khan, who was a kind of Viceroy of the Mogul Sovereigns in the tract between the Jumna and Beeah rivers, having caused two of the sons of Gooroo Govin to be destroyed, the Sikhs were immediately roused to vengeance; and having assembled in great numbers, succeeded in killing Zien Khan, and -routing his forces. After this, the declining power of the Mussulman Government was unable to cope with them, and they established themselves so firmly, that they have continued to the present day increasing their re

sources.

According to the abilities and enterprise of individuals, chiefships, and independent as well as dependent states and communities, were established; and between the Jumna and Sutlug rivers there are at present four Rajahs; and a fifth chief, the Kythul, not inferior to them. But one of his ancestors having been honoured by their holy Gooroo with the appellation of Bhye (or Brother) the family have adopted that, as a distinction, rather than the name of Rajah. The first in rank and wealth is the Patialah Rajah; the second, Jeendh; the third, Ky

115

thul; the fourth, Naba; the fifth, Munny Majra.

There are also many chiefs, styled Surdars; who have from two lakhs to twenty thousand rupees of annual revenue. These are the Chiefs of Ladwer, Rooper, Thanessur, Maloud, Umballah, Booreah, Ridhor, and others. Many are in a state of subserviency to the superior Chiefs, in the following degrees. Missildar is a landholder, who obtained possession of some villages, but wanting the aid of a powerful neighbour, attached himself to some chief; and it became their mutual interest to remain combined. But no tribute or stipulation was entered into, nor had the superior anything to do with the internal arrangements of his ally.

Putteedars originated where several relations or friends united to make conquests, with from two hundred to two thousand horsemen, who engaged in the service, under the stipulation of all sharing the spoil, according to their ranks. Thus, when they gained possession of a tract, they first divided it into portions, according to the number of head-officers, or Surdars, whom they intended to establish. Under each of these were placed the horsemen, according to the revenue; some making conquests that yielded to each horseman about two hundred and fifty rupees annually; and others, not more than a hundred and thirty. The chief of the whole had a Surdarree share ; and the others were subservient to him.

Jageerdars are those to whom the chief gave lands out of his own share or possession; consequently resumable at pleasure.

The Sikh customs (for they have no law but the Shaster as to inheritance) are either Bradur-bund, or Choondabund (that is, Brother-bound, or Female-bound) in the division of possessions among sons. If the former has been the rule in the family, an equal division of territory and property between the sons takes place; and their mother or mothers are provided for out of their respective portions,