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CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY 
 
 3 1924 091 209 449 
 
In compliance with current 
 
 copyright law, Cornell University 
 
 Library produced this 
 
 replacement volume on paper 
 
 that meets the ANSI Standard 
 
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 2001 
 
CORNELL 
 
 UNIVERSITY 
 
 LIBRARY 
 
REPORT 
 
 ON 
 
 PAST FAMINES 
 
 IN THE 
 
 BOMBAY PRESIDENCY. 
 
 COMPILED BY 
 
 LIEUT-COLONEL A. T. ETHERIDGE, 
 
 ALIENATION SETTMMBNT OPPIOBR S. B. 
 
 WITH THE RESOLUTION OF GOVERNMENT THEREON. 
 
 <^'6^ 
 
 PRINTSD FOR GOVERNMENT 
 
 AT THE EDUCATION SOCIETY'S PRESS, BYCULLA. 
 1868, 
 
* General Department. 
 
 From Lieut. Col. A. T. ETHEHIDGE, 
 
 Alienation Settlement Officer S. D., 
 
 To the SECEETAEY to GOVERNMENT, BOMBAY. 
 
 Bomhay, 18th May 1868. 
 
 Sir, — I now do myself the honor to submit, for the approval of 
 Government, the results of my labour in the collection of inforraa* 
 tion respecting past famines in the Bombay Presidency, as desired 
 in their Resolution No. 1152, dated 24th June 1867. 
 
 2, At first I regarded it as matter of regret that Government 
 had not seen fit to confide this interesting but important work to 
 abler hands. I also rfegretted that it should have been superadded 
 to my other duties* It appeared to me that the subject was one 
 which required great intelligence, and an ability and experience 
 which I might not possess. Still less did I think that a divided 
 attention could do it justice. 
 
 "Z. As the task proceeded, however, I found I was mistaken. 
 Instead of the ample materials which I imagined niigbt be at hand, 
 or could be collected with but little trouble, I found an almost total 
 absence of authentic account of any past famine or drought what^ 
 ever. It was not, apparently, a part of the system of revenue 
 management under the Native Governments to register statistics of 
 famines or droughts, and all the information that can be gleaned 
 fi'om ancient records forthcoming of a nature to throw light upon 
 he subject is the extent of the -remissions of revenue, &c. (Vide 
 Appendices A to G annexed.) 
 
 4. Nor have matters improved in this, respect in Native 
 States since the introduction^of the British Government, for from 
 the important State of Baroda even the Resident' reports that no 
 authentic details are forthcoming. Colonel Barr regrets that he 
 can give no information. 
 
5. It is also matter of concern that valuable papers wlticli 
 were once on the records of the Secretariat have disappeared. 
 Among those which cannot no\y. be traced are the proceedings 
 T7/hich called into existence the old Eoad and Tanli Department, 
 It is said that this Department (now merged in the Pablic Works) 
 was originally organized with the object of affording employment to 
 the people who were suffering most severely from the scarcity then 
 prevailing, but the coiTCspondence relating to this subject cannot 
 now be found ; the files are supposed to have pei-ished in a fire which 
 occurred some years ago. It is unfortunate that these papers should 
 not be at hand, as it would be most interesting to note the delibera- 
 tions of the Government of the day to find relief for the distressed 
 poor in the construction of works of such great public utility. 
 
 6. In prefacing this report it Avill not be necessary that I 
 should venture any remarks of my own upon the general charac- 
 teristics of famines and droughts, such as their periodicity, different 
 features in different countries, and the much vexed question as to 
 the extent to which State interference may be beneficial under 
 certain circumstances, and must be prejudicial under others as 
 calculated to aggravate, by a disturbance of the market, the very 
 evils which it seeks to diminish. 
 
 7. Tliese points, fortunately, have recently received from 
 abler and more experienced men that full measure of attention 
 which they deserve. I shall abstain, then, from obtruding upon 
 the notice of Government any crude notions of my own,'and con- 
 tent myself with quoting the opinions of those with which I agree. 
 
 8. The compilation of the Presidency Famine Eeport was en- 
 trusted to me in Juiie 1867. Up to that time nothing had occurred 
 specially to direct my attention to these matters, and Governmen; 
 
 will readily understand from the 
 
 »For the finaneial year ending j^Henation Report* just Sent in, No. 
 
 ^^'* ^ 271, dated 13th April 18G8, that I 
 
 could have had no leisure since last June to make them a special 
 
 istudy. 
 
 i 9. Colonel Baird Smith in 1861, General Sir Arthur Cotton 
 
 [in 1865. and ospecially Mr. Dakell, of the Madras Civil Service^ iu 
 
1867, have placed on record luminous reports on this subject, and 
 have exhausted it in all its phases. Part IV of the latter gentle- 
 man's Memorandum on the Madras Famine of 1866 is particularly 
 cieserving of attention, as containing towards its close a clear, able 
 and most interesting exposition of the various arguments deducible 
 from facts and experience in opposition (so far as India is concern- 
 ed) to the supposed infallible laws of the great Masters of Economic 
 ^Science; 
 
 10.~ Mr. Dalzell is clearly of opinion that the experience of 
 • ^ the late famine in Orissa, and the experiences of former famines, 
 tend to the conclusion that a rigid and invariable adherence to the 
 received rules of the great Masters of Economic Science have. not 
 had the desired effect in preventing an Indian doarth from becom- 
 ing a famine. He thinks it may further be demonstrated that had 
 those rules been strictly adhered to on such occasions of famine as 
 have occurred, they would, in almost every case, have occasioned 
 a still greater loss of life than actually took place. He shows that 
 the action of these so-called rules of political economy were found 
 to be ineffectual for the purpose intended; that though, generally, 
 State interference was to be deprecated as likely to drive merchants 
 out of the trade, it was found that, notwithstanding prices were 
 enormously high, the natural course of trade did not supply the 
 locality suffering from scarcity with sufficient expedition. That the 
 famine in Orissa was a notable instance of this, inasmuch as private 
 trade altogether failed to take advantage of the high prices ruling, 
 and the loss of thousands of lives was the result of a blind reliance 
 on the action of these supposed infallible laws. Mr. Dalzell's 
 chief objection to them is that they pre-suppose a certain set 
 of circumstances which may not exist in India, and therefore that 
 ..' they should not be blindly accepted in India. They assume, for 
 instance, that the merchants of any place, in which people are suffer- 
 ing from scarcity, would be sufficiently alive to their own interests 
 to import large supplies of food; that while this assumption might 
 be correct generally, it was not so universally, "as it involved the 
 necessity of the merchants being largely supplied with capital, 
 and being prepared to take rapid and decided action upon the state 
 , of the markets; whereasj in point of fact, it was very questionable 
 
wlietlier tlie grain merchants of inland districts in India fulfilled 
 either of these conditions, for, usually, they wer6 not people.of 
 large means, and were apathetic and slow of action even TiheH 
 their own interests were deeply concerned ; that when wedded by 
 custom to a particular course of action they were l€rath to extend 
 its basis of operations. And, finally, Mr. Dalzell cites the instance, 
 in' 1846, when the late Sir Robert Peel, under certain circumstances, 
 did not hesitate to act in opposition to the received rules, and im- 
 port Indian corn into Ireland ujjon Government account. Also, 
 how his successor. Lord llussell, in the following year, likewise 
 departed from them in the establishment of dep6ts for "the sale of* 
 food in those quarters of the country which were far removed from 
 the sources of supply. Mr. Dalzell concludes by observing that 
 since his views were expressed they have met with confirmation 
 by the general opinions given in the London Journals regarding 
 the policy adopted by the Bengal Government in Orissa ; that in 
 fact, as remarked by the Saturday Meview, there is a vast difference 
 between acting in default of laws of political economy, and acting 
 iu contravention of them, and that when it was found that, from 
 natural or artificial causes, the demand for food was wholly unan- 
 swered, the Government was not only justified but bound to provide 
 for the exceptional necessity. 
 
 11. I shall make no apology, therefore, for adopting as a pre- 
 face to my own report the following paragraphs from- Mr. Dalzell's, 
 which, so far as I am capable of judging, contain sound common 
 sense arguments particularly applicable to the present condition of 
 India. 
 
 "154, It remain's then to be considered what lesson has been learnt 
 from the calamity through which the Madras Presidency has passed, and to 
 decide what steps should be taken should the country ever be threatened 
 with a recurrence of famine, in spite of all the efforts made to prevent it. 
 
 " 155. In an interesting pamphlet on the subject of the famine of last 
 year,. General Sir Arthur Cotton, of the Madras JEngineers, has laid down, 
 in a few words, the proper procedure of Government in such a case. This 
 course was recommended to the Home Government by him in a letter dated 
 28th December 1865, and it would have been well for Orissa, it would have 
 been well for Ganjam, and it would have been well for Bellary^ if these sug- 
 gestions had beeii telegraphed to" the Governments of l5engal and Madras j 
 
for immediate adoption. General Sir Arthur Cotton proposes that \. 
 there is such a serious failure of crop as to cause the Authorities to a^ 
 pate serious consequences, preparation .should, be made by — 
 
 " 1st. — Sending Officers to plan, estimate, and mark out some great 
 and important works in that part of the country, which should be of 
 permanent benefit. 
 
 " 2nd. — To organize a complete staff of Officers, &c.»to superintend 
 the execution of the works, distribute the food, and organize th^ system 
 of relief. 
 
 " 3r^. — To collect tolls and materials on the spot. ' 
 
 " 4th. — To collect food, provide shelter, &c. 
 
 " 157. The real objection to the adoption of Sir Arthur Cotton's pro- 
 posals, and the reason, doubtless, why they were not adopted when suggested 
 by him on former occasions, is that they are apparently opposed to what has 
 • hitherto been the recognized system of political economy, which seems to 
 forbid any direct interference by the State on such occasions, except in the 
 last-extremity, and which is decidedly opposed to any Government action 
 in the way of collecting food, as tending to disturb the ordinary operation 
 of the grain market. And it is, doubtless, to tliis politico-economic theory 
 that is to be ascribed the hesitation on the part of the District Officers to 
 recommend, and of the State to undertake, those decisive measures which 
 would have saved, perhaps, a million of lives in Orissa, and would have 
 materially mitigated the distress which has been felt in Ganjam, in Bellary, 
 and in other parts of this Presidency. 
 
 " 158. It is at any rate desirable that after a crisis, such as that through 
 which a great part of India has recently passed, the correctness of these 
 principles, as applicable to the present condition of India, should be consider- 
 ed, for it has been shown that they were laid down as infallible at the 
 beginning of this century, but that they were then as flagrantly departed 
 from as they were in the recent case of Orissa. 
 
 " 159. Dr. Adam Smith, the great pioneer of true political economy, 
 was the first person who set forth, in a complete form, the principles which 
 lia,ve been so generally admitted and adopted. He states as follows : — 
 
 " 'Whoever examines, with attention, the history of the dearths 
 and famines which have afflicted any part of Europe, during either the 
 ■ course of the present or that of the two preceding centuries, of several 
 of which we have pretty exact accounts, will find, I believe, that a dearth 
 never has arisen from any combination among the inland dealers in corn, 
 nor from any other cause, but a real scarcity, occasioned sometimes 
 perhaps, and in some particular places, by the waste of war, but in by 
 
6 
 
 .lie greatest number of cases by the fault of the seasons ; and that 
 a famine has. never arisen from any other cause but the violence of Gov- 
 ernment attempting by improper means to remedy the inconveniences 
 of a dearth. 
 
 « ' In an extensive corn country, between all the different parts of 
 -which there is a free commerce and communication, the scarcity occa- 
 sioned by the most unfavorable seasons can never be so great as to 
 produce a*famine ; and the scantiest crop, if managed with frugality and 
 economy, will maintain through the year the same number of people 
 that are commonly fed in a more affluent manner by one of moderate 
 plenty. The seasons most unfavorable to the crop are those of excessive 
 "drought, or excessive rain. But as corn grows equally upon high or low 
 lands, upon grounds that are disposed to be too wet, and upon those 
 that are disposed to be too dry, either the drought or the rain which is 
 hurtful to one part of the country is favorable to another; and though 
 both in the wet and the dry season the crop is a good deal less than in - 
 one more properly tempered, yet, in both, what is lost in one part of the 
 country is in some measure compensated by what is gained in the other. 
 In rice countries, where the crop not only requires a very moist soil, 
 but where in a certain period of its growing it must be laid under water, 
 the effects of a drought are much more dismal. Even in such countries, 
 however, the drought is perliaps scarce ever so universal as necessarily 
 to occasion a famine, if the Government would allow a free trade. The 
 drought in Bengal a few years ago might probably have occasioned 
 a very greath dearth. Some improper regulations, some Injudicious 
 restraints imposed by servants of the East India Company, upon the rice 
 trade contributed, perhaps, to turn that dearth into a famine. 
 
 " 'When the Government, in order to remedy the inconveniences 
 of a dearth, orders all the dealers to sell their corn at what it supposes a 
 reasonable price, it either hinders them from bringing it to market, 
 which may sometimes produce a famine even in the beginning of the 
 season, or if they bring it thither it enables the people, and thereby 
 encourages them, to consume it so fast as must necessarily produce a 
 famine before the end of the season. The unlimited unrestrained free- 
 dom of the corn trade, as it is the only effectual preventive of the 
 miseries of a famine, so it is the best palliative of the inconveniences of 
 a dearth; for the inconveniences of a real scarcity cannot be remedied ; 
 they can only be palliated. No trade deserves more the full protection 
 of the law, and no trade requires it so much, because no trade is so much 
 exposed to popular odium. 
 
 " 160, The arguments so powerfully adduced by Dr. Smith in the same 
 part of hia work also go far to show that the inadvertent action of the grain 
 
, dealer is the best preventive of real famine ; that his own interests are iden- 
 tical with those of the public ; and that the prices which his foresight adopts 
 in the market will/aupposing there be free trade in grain in all the neigh- 
 bouring countries, cause an influx of food to those places most requiring it. 
 At the same time. Dr. Smith admits that there are circumstances, though 
 he does not detail them, which justify an interference with free trade in 
 grain. He observes^ 
 
 " ' That to hinder the farmer from sending his goocfs, at all times, 
 to the best market, is evidently to sacrifice the ordinary laws of justice 
 to an idea. of public utility, to a sort of reason of State; an act of legis- 
 lative authority which ought to be exercised only, which can be 
 pardoned only, in eases of the most urgent necessity. The price at 
 which the exportation of corn is prohibited, if it is ever to be prohibited, 
 ought always to be a very high price.' 
 
 "161. All the greatest English political economists who have written 
 on the subject, during the century which has nearly expired, since the first 
 publication of Dr. Smith's work appear to have concurred in the views ex- 
 pressed by him regarding the impolicy of any interference with the grain 
 market in seasons of scarcity, and one of the greatest of the French School 
 of writers on this subject, M. Say, though he does not absolutely condemn 
 the practice of storing grain on Government account on such occasions, evi- 
 dently has serious doubts of the expediency of such a proceeding, and concurs 
 with Dr. Smith in considering that in large and populous countries the best 
 security against famine is the total absence of all official interference. 
 
 "162. Mr. John Stuart Mill, Avhen considering this important subject, 
 writes as follows : — 
 
 " 'In cases of actual scarcity Governments are often urged, as they 
 were in the Irish emergency of 1847, to take measures of some sort for 
 moderating the price of food. But the price of a thing cannot be raised 
 by deficiency of supply beyond what is sufficient to make a correspond- 
 ino- reduction of the consumption; and if a Government prevents this 
 reduction from being brought about by a rise of price, there remains no 
 mode of effecting it unless by taking possession of all the food and serving 
 it out in rations as in a besieged. town. In a real scarcity nothing can 
 afford general relief except a determination by the richer classes to dimi- 
 nish their own consumption. If they buy and consume their usual 
 quantity of food, and content themselves with giving money, they do no 
 good. The price is forced up until the poorest competitors have no 
 longer the means of competing, and the privation of food is thrown exclu- 
 sively upon the indigent, the other classes being only affected pecunia- 
 rily. When the supply is deficient somebody must consume less, and 
 
8 
 
 if every rich person is determined not to, be that somebody, all they do 
 by subsidizing their poorer competitors is to force up the price so much 
 the hiffher, with nO effect but to enrich the corn-dealers, the very reverse 
 of what is desired by those who recoinmend such measures. All that 
 Governments can do in these emergencies is to counsel a general 
 moderation in consumption, and to interdict such kinds of it as are not 
 of primary importance. Direct measures at the cost of the State to 
 procure food from a distance are expedient when from peculiar reasons 
 the thing is not likely to be done by private speculation. In any other 
 case they are a great error. Private speculatoi's will not, in such cases, 
 venture to compete with the Government; and though a Government 
 can do more than any one merchant, it cannot do nearly so much as all 
 merchants.' 
 
 " 163. It thus appears that though Mr. Mill is strongly averse to Gov- 
 ernment interference in such cases, he admits that there may be circumstances 
 which justify an interference with private trade by Government, to the 
 extent of obtaining supplies of food from a distance. Ijj is true that he limits 
 this sanction to such cases as where this is not likely to be done by private 
 speculations, but his dictum in another part of his very valuable work, that 
 the only real limit which can properly be applied to the interference of 
 Government with the aifairs of its subjects is ' expediency,' would seem to 
 justify this course whenever the State has any reason to fear that the people 
 are likely to be reduced to famine in consequence of the high price of food. 
 His remarks on the subject of the English poor laws are additional proof 
 that, in his ojiinion, it is the positive duty of Government to take such 
 measures as will hold out to its subjects the certainty of subsistence. 
 
 " 1 64. It will, however, be clearly perceived from the foregoing extracts 
 that all the greatest political economists of the century are of opinion that 
 any State interference with the natural price of grain is, as a rule, to be 
 deprecated. The effect of these opinions has been entirely to alter the' policy 
 of Government in India on the occurrence of famines, for, while in probably 
 nearly every scarcity which took place in the last century the Government, 
 whether Native or British, fixed the price of grain by a tariff (as was des- 
 cribed in a former part of this paper to have been done in Bengal in 1782 
 with marked success), no such action has ever been taken in the present 
 century, and as early as 1806 the Government of this Presidency issued a 
 General Order to its local Officers laying down rules framed on the most rigid 
 principles of political economy, and the effect of the change cannot be said 
 to have been-altogether satisfactory, though a return to a Government price 
 for provisions could never be advocated. 
 
 " 165. It is much to be regretted that not one of the great masters of 
 .^conomic science have deliberately prescribed the course which a Govern- 
 
9 
 
 ment ougtt to follow when its subjects are positively dying in large numbers 
 from stafFation. The principles advocated are self-apparent to every one up 
 to a certain point, and the advantages derived from those high prices which 
 a?estrict consumption in a year of scarcity must be manifest to all, but if these 
 prices are pushed beyond this, and not only check consumption, but stop it 
 altogether in the case of certain classes, it surelj' would never be advocated 
 <hat this state of things was for the general good. Possibly, the rigid politi- 
 cal economist might hold that it was for the general good that prices should 
 so rise as to create a famine and mortality in order that the food supply 
 might be sufficient for the reduced population, but such views could never 
 be adopted by a Christian G'overnment, and the consideration still remains 
 what should be the action of Government when prices rise to such high rates 
 as to cause starvation among the poorest classes of the people. The question 
 is undoubtedly beset with difficulty, but the experience of last year in Orissa 
 and the experiences of former famines, as detailed in a previous part of this* 
 paper, certainly tend to the conclusion that a rigid and invariable adherence 
 to the received rules of the economists have not had the desired effect in 
 preventing an /wtfiaw dearth from becoming a famine.. It may further be 
 demonstrated that had they been strictly adhered to on such occasions of 
 famine as have occurred they would, in almost every case, have occasioned 
 a still greater loss of life than actually took place. 
 
 "166. The theory is that the high prices produced by a scarcity in 
 any locality must cause supplies of food to be sent there in the naturalcaurse 
 of trade, and that any interference of Government, either in the way of pro- 
 hibiting exports or offering a bounty on imports, is unnecessary, and that 
 to import grain on Government account would be mischievous, as being likely 
 to drive merchants out of the trade. From the accounts of the previous 
 famines which have 'taken place in Madras, there can, however, belittle doubt 
 that the*pressure was greatest on these occasions on which the Government 
 endeavoured to adhere most closely to the received rules of economic science, 
 for, though much distress was experienced in 1782 and 1806, it does not 
 appear to have been so severe as that felt in 1824 and 1833. This is by no 
 means positive evidence either in favor or against the correctness of those 
 rules. Nevertheless, iff is, at any rate, worthy of remark that on each occasion 
 on which the Madras Revenue Board and the Madras Government have 
 laid down the infallibility of these rules at the commencement of a scarcity, 
 they have subsequently, as the pressure of the distress increased, found it 
 impossible entirely to rely upon them ; in fact, they have proved them to be 
 in themselves ineffectual, and they have either disregarded them, or have, at 
 any rate, endeavoured to aid their action. Thus in 1807, though the Gov- 
 ernment at first expressed the strongest disinclination to any interference., 
 with the grain mariet, they afterwards found it necessary to offer a high 
 2r 
 
10 
 
 fixed priee for all gram Imported, and eventually orderfed the sale of grain on 
 Government account at low rates. Again in 1824 and 1S33 they deemed 
 it advisable, as the pressure of the famine advanced, to offer bounties on 
 grain imported. It is clear, therefore, that on these occasions the action of 
 these BO called rules of p&litical economy "was found to be ineffectual fbr-the 
 purpose intended. In other words, though prices were enormously high, it 
 was found that thS natural course of trade did not supply the locality suffer- 
 ing from scarcity with sufficient expedition. A reference to the price list 
 given in paragraph 110 of this paper will also show pretty clearly that the 
 supposed laws of supply and demand did not operate in the Bellary, Cudda- 
 pah and Kurnool Districts when the late scarcity was at its height, for it is 
 impossible to suppose that the carriage of grain from the two latter places to 
 Bellary, distances of 150 miles and 100 miles, respectively, would, under any 
 circumstances, have cost nearly Id. per lb., which was about the average 
 ^difference of price. The last notable instance of the failure of these so called 
 principles is the famine in Orissa, where private trade altogether failed to 
 take advantage of the high prices ruling, and the loss of thousands of lives, 
 •was the result of a blind reliance on the action of these supposed infallible 
 laws. 
 
 "167. The fact is, however, that these laws are quite as infallible aa 
 they are considered to be by those who have enunciated and repeated them, 
 but in India it has been over-looked that a certain set of circumstances has 
 always been pre-supposed. They are based upon the assumption that the 
 merchants of any place in which people are suffering from a scarcity would 
 be sufficiently alive to their own interests to import large supplies of food, 
 and this assumption would, probably, be correct so far as most European 
 countries are concerned, but it involves the necessity of the merchants being 
 largely supplied with capital, and being prepared to take rapid and decided 
 ■ action upon the state of the markets. Now it is at least very questionable 
 whether the grain merchants of inland districts in India fulfil either'of these 
 conditions. They are usually people of very small means, and they are by 
 custom so wedded to a particular course of action that they would be very 
 slow to extend their basis of operations, and this is the only explanation that 
 can be given of the apparent anomalies which occur during every period of 
 famine, prices very frequently varying by 100 per cent, in localities within a 
 few miles of each other. 
 
 " 168. It must also be remembered that the import trade in grain has 
 Tery frequently to be created, that is to say, the locality suffering from 
 famine has probably always theretofore furnished its own food supply, and 
 at, the commencement of the pressure there are no persons actually engaged 
 in the trade upon which the lives of millions may shortly become dependent. 
 Jt has been shown in the first part of this paper how, uader gomewhat similar 
 
11 
 
 ^iircumstances in 1846, the late Sir Robert Peel, one of the greatest States- 
 men that have ever guided the councils of the State, did not hesitate to import 
 Indian corn into Ireland upon Government account, and how the present 
 Lord Russell, his successor in office, did not scruple in the following year to 
 establish dep8ts for the sale of food in those quarters of the country which 
 were far removed from the sources of supply. 
 
 " 169, The Hindoo merchant is slow of action even when his own 
 interests are deeply concerned, and he is loath to make investments in a 
 business which is new to him, yet if the so called politico-economic rules are 
 to be rigidly adhered to, unless he sees the advantage of employing his 
 capital in a new import trade, and unless he takes prompt and immediate 
 action iii doing so, thousands of lives may be sacrificed in a few months. 
 It is well known that during the Guntoor famine of 1833 grain was compara- 
 tively plentiful in several of the Madras districts, yet the natural course of 
 trade, even aided by the grant of bounties on importation, did not suppljj^ 
 the Guntoor district with sufficient food to prevent the destruction of .one- 
 third of the inhabitants ; and, upon the whole, it must at least now be acknow- 
 ledged that it is not safe on all occasions to trust to the natural laws of 
 supply and demand, and to the self-interest of those employed in mercantile 
 business, when a large district is visited by famine. This is no new heresy, 
 if heresy it be, so far as the Madras Presidency is concerned, for upwards of 
 thirty years ago a distinguished Officer of the Madras Civil Service,* after 
 a residence in India of upwards of 20 years, when discussing the question in 
 an article in the Madras Journal of Literature and Science for 1839-40, 
 writes as follows : — 
 
 " * It is not enough for the Government to offer the people work, 
 and pay them for their labour, when the crisis of famine has arrived — 
 trusting to the native traders' unassisted energies to provide the requisite 
 supplies to meet the urgeilt demand for food — but they must, by a pru- 
 ; dent foresight and by their own energy, bring the abundance and stores 
 of distant and foreign markets within the timely reach of the retail 
 trade, or the pressure of famine will remain in full force till the popula- 
 tion is brought down to the level of the numbers which the Native trader 
 can supply. 
 
 " ' If these views are borne out by experience, they lead us to an 
 inference" wholly opposed, to .that assumed in the Government orders ; 
 and in lieu of concurring in the opinion that 'if the Government were to 
 throw a quantity of grain into places which would not receive it in the 
 
 * "Mr. John Fryer Thomas, who entered the Madras Civil Service in 1815, and, after holdings 
 numepous appointments in the Provinces and at the Presidency, became Chief Secretary to Gov- 
 (Tjuuent iu 1811, and Member of jbouuQil in 18S0. 
 
12 
 
 ordinary course of mercantile speculation, the only effect of this 
 measure would be to convert a scarcity into a famine,' I should almost 
 be disposed to assert the reverse, and to maintain that at present in 
 South India, whilst its grain trade and trade in general are at so 
 low an ebb, the timely and judicious interference of Government, instead 
 of aggravating, is the only mode in general by which scarcity can now 
 be greatly mitigated and famine prevented. And that an importation 
 of grain through the means of Government capital, and possibly of Gov- 
 ernment agency, from foreign or distant markets where there is abund- 
 ance, into districts suffering from dearth, may be, under the existing 
 circumstances of the country, a measure of sound policy, and the best, 
 if not the only, practical method by which the distress caused by the 
 peculiar character of tropical droughts can be greatly alleviated. 
 
 " ' It is no argument against an interference of this nature to cite 
 to us, as the orders of Government do, the fact that Native rulers in 
 ibrmer times, participating in the ignorance and the prejudices of the 
 people, have converted scarcities into famines by the barbarous policy 
 of compulsory sales, or other arbitrary interference with the capital, or 
 with individuals in the trade. There can be no question now as to the 
 proper course to be pursued on thishead; for Dr. Smith has placed beyond 
 dispute the importation principle that the interest of the inland dealer 
 and the public is the same, and the more free he remains the better. 
 
 " ' No interference with this branch of the trade is for a moment 
 advocated ; for if adequately supplied the home dealers, it is certain, 
 are fully equal to the due distribution of all the grain brought into a 
 district in a year of famine, inasmuch as they distribute the larger 
 supplies of abundant years. But it is in the importation — the foreign 
 or wholesale trade — that we would propose the interposition of Gov- 
 ernment. Not by any restriction on the wholesale merchant, or the ' 
 importer, but by offering to him the assistance of Government, and'by 
 endeavouring to infuse into the import and wholesale trade a spirit of 
 adventure and activity adequate to meet the urgent and large demand 
 of famine. And should this, after full trial, fail to place the necessary 
 , supplies in due season at the doors of the retail dealers, then only, by 
 leaving the wholesale merchant to himself and making use of a Govern- 
 ment agency for introducing for sale_into famine districts only, timely 
 supplies from distant and foreign markets at the risk of Government ; 
 whilst the home or the local trade should be left altogether to take its 
 own course, and purchase large or sra;all supplies, as it might see fit.' 
 
 " IVO. Since the foregoing paragraphs of this paper were written, the 
 views expressed have been confirmed by the general opinions given in the 
 
13 
 
 London Journals of tlie policy adopted by the Bengal Government in Orissa 
 during last year. The Saturday Review remarks that there is a vast differ- 
 ence between acting in default of laws of political economy and acting in 
 contravention of them, and that when it is found that, from natural or artificial 
 causes, the demand for food was wholly unanswered, the Government was 
 not only justified but bound to provide for the exceptional necessity. 
 
 " 171. The discussion which has taken place on this somewhat intricate 
 question will, it is hoped, put an end to that blind reliance on every occasion 
 and under all circumstances on a set of rules which, under certain circum- 
 stances, may be very advantageously followed, but which arc not invariable 
 in their application. At the same time, hasty action on the part of Govern- 
 ment when a scarcity of food is impending is on all accounts to be deprecated, 
 and -were any attempt to be niade to equalize prices, by the establishment of 
 Government giain agencies in ordinary times, a fatal blow would be given 
 to the growth of that mercantile enterprise which it is the duty of all Gov- 
 ernments to foster, and upon which, when properly developed, the greatest 
 reliance can be placed for the prevention of scarcity in any locality. 
 
 " 172. It would seem from a careful and impartial consideration of the 
 subject, aided by the experiences gained during previous famines, and more 
 especially during the recent terrible calamity with which the province of 
 Orissa has been afflicted, that it is the duty of an Indian Government not 
 to lay down fixed principles for its guidance regardless of the varying 
 circumstances of different localities, but to keep itself thoroughly acquainted 
 with the food supply and the course of trade in every portion of the dominions 
 under its charge, to be ever watchful of any variation of season which may 
 indicate the approach of drought, and to be prepared under certain circum- 
 stances, and should necessity arise, to import food for the jjreservation of the 
 lives of its people on Government account, or even to establish depots for 
 the sale of food in certain localities. 
 
 " 173. It is also questionable whether the heretofore received system of 
 providing labour for the able-bodied with money wages at rates fixed with 
 reference to existing prices, and food for those unable to labour, purchase in 
 the local market, as the first measures of relief, whenever a district is oppress- 
 ed with famine, without any regard to the position of the district as to food 
 supply and, import trade in provisions, is correct. Such a course must tend 
 to increase the scarcity of food, and thus must augment the distress it is 
 intended to alleviate. Those who are provided with food at Government 
 expense, or with money to purchase food in the same manner, will not in any 
 ■way reduce their consumption, and the proceedings of Government must 
 thus, to a certain extent, have the effect of counteracting the healthy action 
 of high prices in times of scarcity. At the same time these measures would 
 
14 
 
 cease to be objectionable in a coast district which naturally drew its food 
 supply from elsewhere^ and in which a regular food import trade was in 
 existence, or in any district, if the Relief Depots were provided with food 
 imported by the State from a distance, and if the wages of those employed ou 
 relief works were paid in grain obtained in the same manner. The action of 
 the politico-economic rules as to consumption would then be left unfettered, 
 that is to say, all those of the people who could do so, without being reduced 
 to starvation, would reduce their consumption of provisions, and the con- 
 sumption of the lowest classes would cease to fall upon the local market in 
 the same manner as if they had perished of famine. 
 
 " 174. Probably, therefore, when a sacrcity is apprehended in any 
 particular locality, the first step to be taken by the State should be to provide 
 labour on public work's, with wages paid in grain, or money, according to 
 the locality and state of trade in the district; and in order to insure rapid 
 action it would be well that during prosperous times a large number of works 
 not requiring skilled labour should be planned and estimated for in every 
 village, the list and estimates being lodged with the Tahsildar of the Taluk.* 
 Should matters become more serious. Relief Depots supplied with grain from 
 a distance should be opened for those unable to labour, and eventually, should 
 it be found that prices were rising so much beyond those ruling in neighbour- 
 ing countries as to show that the grain merchants were not importing from 
 without, then steps should be taken by the Government to create such a 
 trade, either by importing on Government account or by offering a bounty 
 ou imports, or making advances to merchants, or any similar measure which 
 Avould have the effect of throwing a supply of grain into the distressed 
 locality." 
 
 12. Having premised tlius far, I will proceed to describe tlie 
 steps taken to collect and put together the little information which 
 has been obtainable. 
 
 13. On the 1st July 1867 the following Circular was address- 
 ed to all Collectors : — 
 
 " Sir, — Under instructions from Government, I have the honour to draw 
 your attention to the Supplement to the Government Gazette of the 27th 
 ultimo, on the subject of the Presidency Famine Report, the conapilation 
 of which has been assigned to me. 
 
 " 2. I am to desire that you will be good enough to use every endea- 
 vour to collect information on the subject of past famines in the districts 
 under yoiir control. 
 
 * It would, perhaps, be better to lodge them TVith the Collector of tli« Distriot, 
 
15 
 
 " 3. It is presumed that this may be done in respect to the failure of 
 ram,- and consequent failure of crcps, since the introduction of the British 
 Government, from, the English and Vernacular records readily accessible. 
 
 "4. There will be greater difficulty, no doubt, in procuring this infor- 
 mation in years preceding the accession of the British Government, and it is 
 suggested that recourse be had to such Native records and papers as may 
 still be in the possession of the Hereditary District and Village Officers. 
 
 " 5. I am also to suggest the probability of valuable information being 
 obtained from private sources. 
 
 " 6. The nature of the information desired in each case of famine or 
 scarcity is simply^ 
 
 "I. The extent of the distress and its results. 
 " II. The extent of the country affected. 
 "III. The measures of I'elief adopted. 
 
 " 7. When you are satisfied that all that could be done has been done 
 in your districts in respect to the collection of facts, either from the Heredi- 
 tary Officers aforesaid or other sources, you are requested to be good enough 
 to embody those facts in a concise English narrative, and forward the same 
 to me, with copies of any Vernacular documents (without translation) which 
 you may think fit to send in extensor 
 
 14. Political Officers in charge of districts were also invited 
 to give similar information to the extent that it could be obtained 
 from old dufturs, family records, and other sources to which access 
 might not be denied them. 
 
 15. It was then my intention to supplement this information 
 by an epitome of the evidence forthcoming from the Peishwa's 
 Duftur relating to events prior to the introduction of the British 
 Government, and by a summary from the records of the Secretariat, 
 and other sources available in respect to events since. 
 
 16. As it will be useless to attempt to describe the various 
 famines and scarcities which from time to time have occurred with 
 variable intensity, sometimes in one direction, sometimes in another, 
 strictly with reference to their geographical limits, I propose to give 
 the Collectors' and Political Officers' replies as received, taking 
 e'are only so to place them that the information respecting adjacent 
 districts and territory may come together, by which means perhaps 
 a more connected form of narrative, extending over a large area or 
 
16 
 
 tract of country tlian any one Collector or Political Officer might 
 have it in his power to speak of, may be obtained. 
 
 17. It will be well, however, to preserve the line of demarca- 
 tion of the ghauts south of the Taptee, as separating the Concan 
 from the Deccan and Southern Mahratta Country by a natural 
 barrier. 
 
 IS. Commencing then from the north, I will first give the 
 Commissioner's description of past famines and droughts in Scinde, 
 including: Thurr and Parkur. Mr. Havelock writes — 
 
 o 
 
 " As requested in your letter dated the 1st July last, I have the honor 
 to submit such information as I have been able to procure on the subject of 
 past famines in Scinde. This information has been obtained by personal 
 enquiry on the part of the Collectors and Political Superintendents, as well 
 as from reports submitted by their District Officers, and from a memorandum 
 drawn up by Syud Sabur Ali Shah of Tatta, whose intelligence and position 
 entitle what he has written to be received with due consideration. The 
 Collector of Shikarpoor reports that he has received great assistance in his 
 enquiries from His Highness Mecr Ali Moorad and Jam Abdool Kheir, 
 nissadar of Obowra. 
 
 " 2. Before proceeding to analyze the several reports received, I may 
 remark generally that this Province has apparently been singularly free 
 from what can be strictly termed famines. It will be seen further on that, 
 except when the country was disturbed by hostilities, and when crops were 
 destroyed, and cultivation prohibitsd either as an aggressive or a defensive 
 measure, there has been no general distress, but simply a scarcity of food in 
 certain districts caused by drought, and I can only attribute this immunity 
 from general famine to the fact that Scinde Proper is not dependent on rain 
 for its cultivation, and that the difference in the levels of the country prevents 
 a total failure of crops ; for when the inundation is unfavourable from excess 
 or deficiency of water in one part of the country it is often favorable in 
 another. 
 
 "3. The earliest famine regarding which information is procurable 
 appears to have occurred in a. d. 1527, when Mirza Shah Beg Ayhoon con- 
 quered the Province. Jam Ninda, then ruler of Scinde, directed that all 
 grain should be burnt, in order that it should not fall into the hands of the 
 Conqueror. This famine lasted for six months. The next famine occurred 
 in A. D. 1540. Mirza Shah Hunun, the ruler of Scinde, hearing that Shah 
 Hopmagoon, who had been lately defeated by Share Shah at Lahore, was 
 about to invade Scinde, directed that crops should not be grown on either 
 
17 
 
 ha.)tik. of tte river. The import of grain was also prohibited. This famin« 
 lasted for three years, and is said to have been particularly severe. 
 
 "4. A famine occurred in A. D, 1759, caused by war, but it was 
 neither severe nor of long duration. 
 
 " 5. In A. D. 1782, when the Kulhora dynasty ceased, and that of the 
 Talpoors commenced, a very severe famine, which lasted for 2^ years, occurred. 
 During four months of this time not a grain of corn was procurable. This 
 famine was caused by the burning of crops, and the saspension of oultivatioa 
 during a period of hostilities. There was also ao rain-fall for two years. 
 
 " 6. On the occasion ot this last famine the following remedial mea- 
 sures appear to have been adopted; — 
 
 " I. Cultivators who had only 20 Kurwars of grain were not call- 
 ■ed upon to pay any assessment. 
 
 " IT. The Government share of grain was retained by the<:ultiva- 
 • tors as seed for the next season. 
 
 " III. Cultivators who had above 20 Kurwars of grain paid only 
 1 Kurwar in 20 to Government. 
 
 '■' IV. Cultivators who had only 2 Churkas (Persiaa wheels worked 
 hj 2 animals) had their assessment remitted, 
 
 " V. Cultivators who had more than two Churkas paid Rs. 2 per 
 Churka, and Rs. 1 per ' Hoorla' (Persian wh«el worked by one animal). 
 
 " VI. The Government share of grain was sold at Es. 50' per 
 Kiirwar, and the cultivators had the option of paying their rent in money 
 at that rate, or in kind. 
 
 " VII. Creditors were prohibited from pressing Zamindars while 
 the famine lasted, 
 
 *' 7. The Ameers also, with the aid of Aga Ibrahim Shah, Kaisur Khan, 
 aad some of the Tatta Syuds, prepared lists of people other than traders and 
 cultivators who were in distressed circumstances with a view to their relief; 
 they also gave up their share of the land revenue, and divided it into 3|- 
 portions, two of Avhich were distributed among poor Syuds and Mahomedans, 
 who were thus supported for five or six months ; the third portion was allot- 
 ted to the necessities of strangers and travellers, and the balance was given 
 to distressed Hindoos. 
 
 *'8. Slaves sold during the prevalence of the famine were restored to 
 their relatives and sent back to their homes. 
 
 "9. During this period grain was selling at Es. 80 per Kurwar; it 
 afterwards fell to Rs. 15 and 16 per Kurwar. » 
 
 3r 
 
IS 
 
 "10. This famine corresponds -with that in 1783 mentioned by the 
 Political Superintendent Thurr and Parkur, which will be noticed further on. 
 
 "11. From the reports of the Collector of Shikarpoor there would 
 appear to have been a very severe famine in Upper Sclnde in a. d. 1820, or 
 1822, caused by an extraordinary high innndation, which washed away all 
 the crops in the districts. During this period the price of grain rose to 
 Ks. 90 and Rs. 120 per Kurwar. 
 
 " 12. The Ameers met the distress by throwing open the Government 
 granaries, selling grain at reduced rates, granting remissions of revenue, and 
 making advances on liberal terms. 
 
 "13. The Political Superintendent Tliurr and Parkur has given an 
 account of famines in the districts under his charge during a period of 163 
 years, i. e. from A. D. 1703 to a. d. 1866. The information appears to 
 have been gleaned from reports made by his District Officers. These famines 
 occurred in the following order t — 
 
 "The first in A. D. 1703. 
 
 " The second in A. D. 1745 to A. D. 1752. 
 
 " The third in A. D. 1752 to a. d. 1755. 
 
 "The fourth in a. d. 1783. 
 
 " The fifth in a. d. 1790. 
 
 " The sixth in a. t>. 1803. 
 
 "The seventh in A. D, 1807 to A. ». 1813. 
 
 "The eighth in a. d. 1810. 
 
 "The ninth in a. d. 1812. 
 
 " The tenth in a. d. 1825. 
 
 " The eleventh in a. d. 1834. 
 
 " The twelfth in a. d. 1836 to A. d. 1842. 
 
 " The thirteenth in A. D. 1860. 
 
 " 14. I am not, however, prepared to admit that in each of the above 
 cases a regular famine occurred. In most of them the poor suffered on 
 account of the high price of grain in the market owing to drought ; indeed, 
 in every instance ' want of rain' is reported to have been the cause, and that 
 this was the cause there can be little doubt, since the rain-fall in the desert is 
 very slight, and since the inhabitants depend upon the rain for their scanty 
 cultivation and pasture for their cattle. I note, moreover, that particular 
 districts only were affected in most of the instances mentioned, so that instead 
 of famines they should rather be termed periods of scarcity, for it was in the 
 power of the inhabitants of a particular district to move into more favoured 
 districts where ^li^y could, obtain food. In every instance the distressed 
 
19 
 
 iahabitants appear to have been assisted by the Ameers, the Eana of Nuggur^ 
 and other petty Chiefs, as circumstances demanded. 
 
 " 15. The nature of the relief afforded is not in each case stated, but 
 I learn that in A. D. 1812 His Highness Meer Ali Moorad, father of the 
 present His Highness Meer Shere Mahomed, K.S.I, fed the distressed 'people 
 in the Deepla districts, and remitted the assessment in the case of cultivators ; 
 and that in 18G0 the famished inhabitants of the Nuggur district found 
 means of subsistence by labouring in the Narra irrigational works. 
 
 "16. With the exception of the second,' third, seventh and twelfth 
 famine, the scarcity of food extended over periods averaging from four to 
 fourteen months. 
 
 » *| 17. The second famine, which lasted from 1745 to 1752, occurred in 
 the Narra districts. 
 
 " 18. The third, from 1752 to 1755, in the Omerkote Talooka. 
 
 " 19. The seventh, from 1807 to 1813, and the twelfth, from 1836 to 
 1842, in the Narra districts, but in each of these exceptional cases, although 
 the people doubtless suffered great distress, they migrated to other ^adjoining 
 districts, where many of them obtained food. 
 
 " 20. The follovfing is a chronological list of the famines and periods 
 of scarcity to which allusion has been made: — 
 
 "1. General a. t>. 1521. 
 
 •<2. Bo. ., ...,..'... do. 1540 to 1543, 
 
 "3. Narra Districts do. 1745 to 1752. 
 
 "4. Oomerkote do do. 1752 to 1755.' 
 
 "5. General do. 1759. 
 
 "6. Do do. 1782 to 1784. 
 
 "7. Oomerkote District do. 1790. 
 
 "8. Nuggur do do. 1803. 
 
 '•9. Narra do do. 1807 to 1813. 
 
 "10. Oomerkote do do. 1810. 
 
 "11. Mittee do do. 1812. 
 
 "12. Upper Scinde do. 1820 to 1822. 
 
 "13. Nuggur District do. 1825. 
 
 "14. Do. do. 1834. 
 
 "15. Narra do do. 1836 to 1842. 
 
 " 16. Nuggur do do. 1860. 
 
 " 21. By the expression General I mean Scinde, e-xclusive of the Thutr 
 and Parkur Districts." 
 
20 
 
 19. Next, in order of proximity of territory, comes tlie report 
 of the Political Agent in Kutch. Major Shortt wrote as follows 
 on 19tli September: — 
 
 " 1. In reply to your le-tter and circular of 1st July last, I have the- 
 lienor to inform you that I regret that there is but little information forth- 
 coming in this province, either from the records of the Durbar or from private 
 sources, in regard to past famines and years of scarcity, 
 
 " 2. Enclosed, howe^^er, is a tabulated statement of the prices of grain^ 
 &c., most in use here-, which has- been compiled fi-om- the private accounts of 
 persons of respectability in Bhooj, not OBly for years of famine and scarcity^ 
 but for intermediate years, so as to show the relative intensity of the distress- 
 eccasioned, for I need scarcely point out that the actual prices in former 
 famines are but little, criterion of this, for during the last few years grain 
 and other necessaries of life are dearer than tbey have been in naost famine 
 years. 
 
 " 3. I also forward in the Vernacular some nan-atives drawa upby well- 
 informed -persons of information and events which have come under their 
 own personal observation, and also from tradition, in regard to the extent of 
 the distress oecasioned by the most severe of the Kutch famines, the country 
 affected, and the mieasures adopted for relief. 
 
 " 4. One of these is by Muklionjee Wora, the Sherisfedar of the Agen- 
 cy, a man of great local knowledge, and now upwards of 75 years of age. 
 
 " Another is by Moung Ruttonjee Meta, who was a member of the first 
 Regency after our conquest of the province in 1&19, now 81 years of age. 
 
 " 5. Kutch is particularly subject to visitations of this kind — the all 
 but invariable carise being the failure of the monsoon. 
 
 " 6. Situated between Guzerat and the normally rainless province of 
 Scinde, it seems just to lie within the limit and influence of the south-wes-t 
 monsoon ; and yet it is almost wholly dependent on rain for the raising of its 
 crops. 
 
 " 7. There are no means of irrigation. The wells are not numerous> 
 for it is only in certain localities that the water is not brackish. In many 
 parts of Kutch it is so salt as to be useless for irrigational purposes, and 
 even fresh water wells become salt in years of drought. 
 
 " 8. The district of Wagur is more favoured than that of Kutch proper. 
 The soil is richer and deeper, and it is more in the line of, and within the 
 influence of, the south-west monsoon. 
 
 " 9. Another cause of the failure of the crops is locusts. 
 
21 
 
 " 10. And in one year at least (that of Siunvut 1S71, A. D. 1814) rats, 
 wliich covered the country in great numbers, and were the cause of the scar- 
 city of that year. This same cause extended more or less to all tlie surround- 
 ing countries. 
 
 " 1 1. The general condition of the country is not favorable for storino* 
 grain in large quantities. Its produce is not sufficient for its consumption, 
 and but for the facility its bunders and shipping afford for the importation 
 of grain such calamities would be much more severely felt. 
 
 "12. The measures adopted for relief in years of great scarcity are 
 very limited. 
 
 " The Eaos of the country have ahyays distributed charitj' in grain 
 with open hand, and have opened grain-shops for its sale at reasonable 
 prices. Such measures can, however, only be looked on as partial in their 
 effect, and confined to a small portion of the country, while they must always 
 be open to the charge of being prompted by motives of ostentation ; but they 
 have no doubt effected much good, and have had the effect of breaking down 
 combination to a great extent. 
 
 " 13. The employment of available labour paid for in grain in the 
 deepening and cleansing of tanks is another means which has been generally 
 resorted to as a means of affording relief. 
 
 " 14. But the more immediate effect of a scarcity in this province is 
 the emigration of a large portion, varying from a quarter to a third, of the 
 agricultural population to Scinde with- their cattle, where they have always 
 found the means of gaining -a livelihood till the return of better times in this 
 province." 
 
 20. As tlie aljove report did not appear to me to treat tlie 
 subject comprehensively, I suggested the expediency of further 
 minute enquu'ies being made during the next three months, and 
 requested that the result might be coramuuicated at the end of that 
 time in a supplementary form. I remarked that I did not under- 
 stand whether it was an ascertained fact that no old records of a 
 nature tp throw light on the subject were in the possession of the 
 various hereditary officers of districts, or that the Eaos of the country 
 had been sjiecially invited to give information. I also requested 
 that the contents of the Vernacular reports of living persons might 
 be embodied in the supplementary narrative. 
 
 21. Major Shortt replied that the information he had already 
 sent was furnished by His Highness the Kao, and that he had no 
 
22 
 
 means of obtaining more; that from tlie disturbed state of the 
 province prior to 1819 there were but few old records extant, but 
 that should the Durbar be successful in a further search he would 
 be happy to make known the result, though His Highness was not 
 sanguine on the subject. 
 
 22. Major Shortt finally reported, on 25th February last, that 
 no further information was forthcoming, " though persons had been 
 specially appointed to search for it;" but translates were sent of 
 the Vernacular statements refeiTcd to in paragraphs 3 and 4 of his 
 original letter of 19th September, as follow: — 
 
 " Statement of Wora Mulikoiijee, who states that the following is partly from 
 hearsay, and partly from his own observation — dated 18th September 1867. 
 
 " 1. In Sumvut 1859, A. d. 1803, I was ten years old, and therefore I 
 remember well that in that year the scarcity was caused by the crops having 
 been injured by locusts. 
 
 "2. Sumvut 1860, A. D. 1804, was a year of drought, and the neces- 
 saries of life were very dear. In the months of Asad and Shrawun, Jemadar 
 Futteh Mahomed opened the Durbar grain stores, and at first sold grain at 
 
 the rate of 3 Pattees per Koree,* and afterwards 
 
 * A Pattee is equal to C6 Tolas. he engaged 250 camels from the Bunee and 
 ^ A Koree is equal to4Annasau<J ^^^^ ^j^^^ ^^ g^j^^^ ^^ ^^^.j^^ ^.j^^^ ^^j^j^j^ ^^^^ 
 
 brought to Bhooj about the month of Ashwin 
 (October), and was sold at 4 Pattees per Koree. This act of the Jemadar 
 relieved the inhabitants of Bhooj, as well as those of the surrounding villages, 
 from destitution, and I have heard that from the forces (British) havino- 
 scoured all over the Deccan the famine of this year was as much felt there 
 as the famine of Sumvut 1869, A. D. 1813, was felt in Kutch and other places 
 on this side. In that year I was 1 1 years old. 
 
 " 3. A great famine occurred in Sumvut 1869, A. d. 1813, when I was 
 20 years old, though none of the Kutch people died of hunger that year. In 
 Shrawun the necessaries of life became so dear that one could scarcely 
 get 1| Pattees per Koree. The grain market was closed. On the 2nd or 
 3rd of Shrawun those who used to purchase grain daily were unable to 
 
 get it. About 300 women who wanted grain 
 
 * A place where grain is sold, i.Tjj.xiTD»i i ■, 
 
 ^ assembled at the Ber* gate, where they saw 
 
 Jemadar Futteh Mahomed near the 'Mandavee.' They surrounded his 
 carriage and raised a great clamour. Some of them who were aged said ,tb 
 Futteh Mahomed, ' Child ! where are you going ? We are dying of huncrer,* ■ 
 give us food, and then go, or otherwise we wont allow you to go.' Upon this 
 Futteh Mahomed came out of his carriage, and took Ijis scat on the 
 
23 
 
 * Mandavee,' ami told the women not to be afraid, and that he would provide 
 them with grain, and then go where he was going. Then he sent for 
 Sha Bhiiwanjee Moteechund and others, and told them that they should sell 
 grain at 3 Pattees per Koree, or otherwise the Durbar would open a 
 grain shop. After this he sent some labourers and brought grain, which he 
 distributed among the women, giving 4 Pattees each in charity, and informed 
 them that they would get it from to-morrow at a proper rate. Whereupon 
 he opened a Durbar shop, and sold it at 3 or 4 Pattees per Koree, 
 allowing a man to have only two Korees' worth at a time. This induced 
 the merchants to sell the grain at the same rate. In Anjar the Karbharee 
 Pragjee "Wagjee had taken care to provide the Sebundees with grain, and 
 in Mandavee and other places measures were taken by the Durbar. All 
 those who died of starvation belonged to Kattywar. They crossed the 
 Hunn and came to "VVagur, but on their way they could not get food, and 
 they devoured the bodies of even their nearest relations, viz., a wife devour- 
 ed her husband's corpse, a husband devoured his wife's corpse. The parents 
 devoured the corpses of their children. A cat or dog was accounted a rare 
 feast during that year. I was then at Anjar, where I saw a woman hang 
 a cat, for which a sweeper woman abused her, and asked her why she killed 
 the C£|,t ; thus a quarrel ensued, which was put a stop to by me by giving 
 a seer of flour to the woman, and getting the cat thrown away by the 
 sweeper. The Ameers of Scinde also extended liberal protection to the 
 people of Kattywar and Kutch, who succeeded in reaching that country 
 by engaging them in diverse canal works. This great famine raged only in 
 Kutch, Kattywar, and Marwar. The district of Kuree, as well as the whole 
 of Guzerat, was favored with a good fall of rain, and grain was produced, but 
 as it was exported to other countries great scarcity was felt in Guzerat as 
 far as Surat. At the end of this year several of the inhabitants of Wagur 
 subsisted on the bark of trees called Khijura and Kerda, and some subsisted 
 on a herb called ' Bokna,' from which their feet swelled, and ultimately they 
 died. Sumvut 1868, a. d. 1812, the locusts ate the grass also, and therefore 
 the famine was severely felt in this year. 
 
 " 4. In Sumvut 1869, A. ». 1813, almost all the cattle died from want of 
 grass, and therefore ghee was only obtained for some months in 1870, a. d. 
 1814, at the rate" of half a seer per Koree. Fever of a bad type was also 
 prevalent this year, which carried off the Chiefs of several fortified towns in 
 Wagur, as also Kao Kaedhinjee and Jemadar Futteh Mahomed. Many of the 
 merchants who suffered little from the famine of 1869, a. d. 1813, fell victims 
 to. the fever of this year. From this it has become a common saying that 
 
 In 1869, A. D. 1813, the people died from want, and in 1870, A. d. 1814, 
 they died from pain^ the play of words being on 'Bhooke' and ' Dhooke.' 
 
24 
 
 "5. In Suravutl871, A. d. 1815, rats were produced in great numbers, 
 and the j'ear was in consequence called in Kutch and Katty war the year ' of 
 rats.' They bit off the ears of corn, and carried them into their holes after 
 satisfying their hunger. The poor men used to take out the grain thus 
 stored from their holes and subsist on it. Tliis was the state of things, but 
 the abundant produce of the year preceding served to keep the prices of 
 grain within their means. 
 
 "6. In Sumvut 187(>, a. d. 1820, the grain sown was rotted by exces- 
 sive rain. This caused the prices to be very exorbitant, i. e., 6 Pattees per 
 Koree. Afterwards Jowaree and wheat vrere frost-bitten. 
 
 " 7. In Sumvut 1882, A. D. 1826, rats were again produced in great 
 numbers in Kattj'war and other places. A less number, however, was pro- 
 duced in Wagur, and still less in Kutch. Grain suffered less than in Sumvut 
 1871, A. D. 1815. This year was therefore not called ' Oonderioo,' or a year 
 of rats. 
 
 "8. In 1890, A. D. 1834, rain fell copiously. Grain was sown, and the 
 crops were in good condition ; but locusts appeared in innumerable flights 
 in all the parts of the country, and destroyed all the crops and grass, as well 
 as trees. While on their flight they rushed through the houses of persons, 
 and rendered cooking impossible. They entered the British Residency at 
 Bhooj by the large gate, and- came into the Office by the western door, and 
 went out by the eastern. They injured the hedges and the trees in the 
 garden by eating leaves and bark, and leaving only the pith. This circum- 
 stance caused the famine of this year. Measures were taken by the Dewan 
 Lukhmidass for relieving the poor from their sufferings. 
 
 "Statement of Meherlan Meta Rutionjee Ilonjee, aged ahout 81 years, 
 
 "Sumvut 1847, a. d, 1791, was a year of famine. In the month of 
 Jesht the heat was very great, and in consequence innumerable black ants 
 were produced in almost all parts of the country. The cattle suffered much 
 from want of grass. They used to eat the dead bodies of the ants. It 
 rained afterw^irds, and grass was produced, but the dead bodies of the ants 
 lay so thick that they vvere eaten by the cattle together with the grass. At 
 this time I heard my father and others say that the legs and feet of the ants 
 were seen in the freshly extracted milk of cows. I was a boy then. 
 
 " In Sumvut 1871, A. d. 1815, the fall of rain was copious, and the crops 
 were in good condition, but this year, in the month of Shrawun, rats ■fljexe 
 produced in the jungles in almostall parts of the country. They destroj^ 
 all the fields, and disappeared in about two months. 
 
 "On this account this year is called 'Oonderioo,' or the year of rats. 
 
25 
 
 "Statement of Metta Madhowjee Shear am, one of the Durhar''s late 
 
 Karlharees, 
 
 _ " Having been furnished with a translation of a Circular from the Com- 
 piler of the Presidency Famine Report, requesting to be furnished with de- 
 , tails of famines which happened in this province prior and subsequent to the 
 arrival of the British forciss in Kutch, together with the measures adopted 
 for the relief of the poorer classes from their distress, I now proceed to re- 
 late what I have heard or seen, or what I have come to know from perusal of 
 the old records, leaving it to you to select what you may think of use. 
 
 "Sumvut 1635, A. d. 1577, was a year of great famine. Maha Eao 
 Shree Khengarjee was then alive ; but the affairs of the State were conducted 
 by Eao Barmuljcc on account of the former's old age. The measures 
 adopted for the relief of the poorer classes arc enumerated in the genealogy 
 of the princes. The following couplets arc quoted from that": — 
 
 •IPHai H^ 'IR!; -MivK (IM 'Ml MR 
 
 3\!iiai ^^ =ij[aii ^-rVMca MR. 3 
 
 " The meaning of these couplets is not very difficult, though I beg to' 
 exjilain it according to my abilities — 
 
 "I. In the great famine of 1635, A. d. 1577, even very respectable 
 men had to succumb to its influence. They were unable to support their 
 children, and therefore Rao Bharmuljee, the son of Rao Khengarjee, extended 
 his liberal protection to these gentlemen, and relieved them from their 
 distress. 
 
 " 2. Several of the Jagheerdars possessing large Jagheers in this and 
 in other countries came to Rao Bharmuljee in his palace. He received 
 them kindly, and extended his liberal protection to all during the famine, 
 which was very severe. These noblemen returned to their houses after 
 matters had improved. 
 
 "3. Beneath the place on which food vv-as cooked for these gentlemen; 
 there was a serpent's hole, in which a male and female serpent lived. The 
 female serpent asked the male what had caused the great heat over their 
 •Hole; tlie male serpent told her that the heat was caused by Rao Bharmuljee, 
 the Kiiig of Bhooj, having ordered food to be cooked in largo utensils for the 
 people. This, however, is nothing but a figure of the poet. 
 4r 
 
28 
 
 « The foregoing is what I know regarding the measures arlopted for the 
 relief of the poor from the distress caused by the famine of 1635, A. d. 1577. 
 But I do" not know anything regarding any other famine until that of 
 >SumTut 1803, A. D. 1746. 
 
 "In Sumvut 1803, A. D. 1746, a great famine occurred. Maha Eao 
 Shree iDesuljee was then alive, but the affairs of the State were conducted 
 by Edo Lukhputjee, who, with a view to relieve the poor from their suffer- 
 ings, caused food to be conked in large quanti- 
 " Bid is the graiQ mavkot. . , -r-.-i* . in i 
 
 ties near the Bid* gate, and allowed every one 
 
 who came there to satisfy his hunger, and to take home with him sufficient 
 food for one other pei-son. This he continued till the rain fell. The build- 
 ing erected on the cooking spot is still called ' Tota "Wallee Wurundee.' 
 
 "Sumvut 1813, A. D. 1757, and Sumvut 1822, A. D. 1766, were famine 
 years. In the former year Rao Lukhputjee was the reigning Prince, and in 
 the latter year Rao Gohodjee. I do not know what measures were adopted 
 to relieve the poorer classes from their sufferings at that time. 
 
 "Sumvuts 1830, 1838, 1840 and 1847, A. D. 1774,1782, 1784 and 1791, 
 wei-e also famine years, but I do not know any particulars. 
 
 " Sumvnts 1859 and 1860, A. d. 1803 and 1804, were also famine yeai's : 
 Rao Raedhunjee was the reigning Prince, but Jemadar Futteh Mahomed 
 was conducting the State affairs. He opened Durbar shops near the Bid 
 gate, and sold grain at a cheaper rate, viz., 4 Pattees per Koree. But the 
 resources of the country being very limited, many people migrated to Scinde, 
 and returned after the rain fell. 
 
 " Sumvut 1869, A. t>. 1813, was a year of great distress, which was felt 
 in all parts of the country. In the commencement of the famine many died 
 <)f hunger, and many sold their children for food. This famine was a great 
 calamity. It affected the nature and the inclinations of the people. 
 Modesty disappeared. As .regards the people of this particular province, it 
 is said that no one died of hunger. But many people from Kattywar and 
 other provinces beyond the Runn left their estates and children, and from 
 dread of want pi'oceeded towards Scinde through this province. Those 
 men who were able to reach Scinde obtained grain on paj-ment, but many 
 men and children died on their way. Owing to large numbers of these 
 emigrants remaining in Kutch from inability to proceed further, the people 
 of Kutch were themselves unable to get sufficient food. The grain shops 
 were shut because the hungry people, who traversed the country, used to 
 seize every thing eatable. No one could take grain or any thing else home 
 unless accompanied by a guard. Grain was also sold (in places well guard- 
 ed) at the rate of Pattees 2 or 1^ per Koree. This distress existed for four 
 months, and it is impossible to describe it fully. During these four months 
 
27 
 
 Jemadar Futteh Mahomed commenced tlie con^trnction of the tant of 
 Desulsur (at Bhooj), and furnished the labourers with half a Pattee of grain 
 each per diem. He also opened grain shops, well, guarded, near the 'Bid' 
 gate, but the weak and lame could not avail themselves of this benefit even 
 on paying money. Only those who were sufiiciertly strong were able to 
 get it on payment. Four months of great distress thus passed. In the. 
 month Kartick grain was imported from different countries, and plenty was 
 restored. Grain was sold throughout the whole year at 4 Pattees per Koree. 
 During those four months the distress had exceeded the bounds of belief. 
 At this time Bhooj, Anjar and Wagur, were under the management of 
 Jemadar Futteh Mahomed; and Mandavee, Moondra, and other places, 
 were in the hands of the Karbharees. In Mandavee, Sha Shivrain 
 Sooudurjee supplied food to the people, and Khutree Soondurjee gave a 
 seer of dates, with som« sugar and ghee, to any one who went to his gate- to 
 ask for food. Several other respectable merchants extended their liberal 
 protection to their depenrlents. In Moondra, Mahomed Meeya opened grain 
 shops for the benefit of the ryots, but the measures taken to relieve the poor 
 from their sufferings fell short of the requirements during these four months, 
 and many died of hunger. Everywhere there was lamentation. The 
 calamity chiefly fell on the poor foreigners who happened to be in the pro- 
 vince in- great numbers. Such a state of things had not been known for a 
 centurj' past. Employment for labourers was very scarce. The extent of 
 the distress at that time makes a man tremble to think of even at this dis- 
 tant day. 
 
 " After Sumvut 1875, A. d. 1819, when the Bi-ltisli forces had establish- 
 ed their supremacy in Kufch, a great famine fell in Sutnvut 1881, A. D. 1825^ 
 At that time the British were encamped at Bhooj, and British authority 
 regulated the resources of the province. The number of emigrants was 
 very small. No one died of hunger. Besides this, food was offered in 
 charity by the members of the Regency. One seer to each man from the 
 Durbar stores, half a seer to each from the house of Khutree Huttonsee, and 
 half a seer from the house of Metta Lukmidass. Thus food was pro- 
 , vided from these places also. Besides this, half a Pattee of grain was offered 
 to every one employed in excavating the tank of llumeersur. These were 
 the means adopted to relieve the poor from the famine of this year. After 
 this the people became more wise, and wherever there was sweet water 
 they caused wells to be sunk, and thus got a great part of the land irrigated. 
 On this account no such want of food is now experienced. 
 
 "Sumvut 1890, A. d. 1834, was again a year of scarcity In Kutch, but it 
 was not so in other countries. Meta Lukmidass was the chief member of 
 the Regency at the time. Djstress was mitigated In consequence of the 
 aforesaid improvements, as well as from the importation of grain both by 
 
28 
 
 land and sea. Not less than 4 Pattees per Koree were sold. But I do not 
 tnow what measures were adopted by the Durbar for the relief of the poor. 
 Sumvuts 1895, 1897 and 1898, a. d. 1839, 1841 and 1842, were also years 
 of want. During these years Rao Desuljee had, with a view to help the 
 poor, caused 'several Wadees to be built advancing money for the purpos'e ; 
 and he also ordered the completion of the Humeersur and Desulsur tanks. 
 Between two and three thousand persons were employed on this work ; they 
 received their wages in grain at the rate of one Pattee per man, and half a 
 Pattee for a boy. This was continued during these three years. Besides 
 .this, he caused a Pattee of grain per man per diem to be seut from Mandavee 
 to all the Jaraja Byuds in Abrassa who reported their poverty to him. 
 
 "Sumvuts 1902, 1905 and 1910, a. D. 1846, 1849 and 1854, were also 
 years of scarcity, not famine. The rain was scanty, and produce^ was only 
 forthcoming from a few villages. In some villages there were no crops 
 other than from the irrigated lands. During these years also the Durbar 
 extended liberal protection to the public. Grain was sold at 4 to 6 Pattees 
 per Koree, but not less than 4 Pattees. 
 
 '■ Sumvut 1917, A. D. 1861, was a famine yeai, in which His Highness 
 the present Rao Pragmuljee opened his stores of grain, and sold it at Pattees 
 5 or 6 per Koree. He resumed also the digging of the tanks of Desulsar 
 and Humurseer, and gave the labourers grain as wages at the rate of one 
 Pattee for a man and half a Pattee for a boy, and for his other Ryots he 
 remitted the transit duties and other taxes on grain imported by land from 
 other countries. 
 
 " Sumvuts 1918 to 1923, A. D. 1862 to 1867, were not years of famine, 
 hut the necessaries of life were very dear fi'om other causes, and still con- 
 tinue so to be. The cultivators, Girassias, mei'chants and labourers have 
 however, suffered less, as their traffic has been largely increased. But with 
 a view to help those who are unable to work or carry on traffic, the Durbar 
 has opened a * Pedhee,' or grain store, in which grain is sold at 4 Pattees per 
 Koree. The Durbar has also increased the salaries of its servants and in 
 Mandavee, Moondra, and other towns, it has remitted customs and other 
 duties on grain to encourage its importation by Sowkars for the purpose of 
 a retail sale to the poorer classes at a cheap rate." 
 
 23. The following is the tabulated Statement referred to ia 
 Major Shortt's second paragraph : — 
 
29 
 
 STATEMENT. 
 
30 
 
 Statement showing the prices of grain, Sfc., in the Town of Bhjoj for as many 
 tdlxn from the Family Account Boohs of private individuals, viz.. 
 
 No. 
 
 Name of Arliclc. 
 
 Sumvut... 
 
 Number of Tolas to 
 
 1802 
 
 1745 
 
 1803 
 
 174G 
 
 1804 
 
 1747 
 
 1812 
 
 1755 
 
 1813 
 
 175G 
 
 1814 
 
 1757 
 
 1821 
 
 1764 
 
 1822 
 
 1765 
 
 1823 
 
 1766 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 S 
 
 C 
 
 7 
 
 8 
 
 9 
 
 10 
 
 11 
 
 13 
 
 13 
 14 
 15 
 16 
 
 Wheat 
 
 Bajro 
 
 Korud 
 
 Mug 
 
 GoUar 
 
 Cotton-seed 
 
 Ghee 
 
 Oil 
 
 Rice (Red) .. 
 Do. (White) 
 Jair 
 
 3003 
 3337 
 3754 
 324C 
 
 1741 
 1298 
 
 1092 
 
 Sudafala,oi'seed from which 
 Castor Oil is prepared 
 
 Gram 
 
 Udud 
 
 Sursya 
 
 Toordal, a kind of pulse .. 
 
 3724 1601 
 
 735 
 
 258 
 
 552 
 
 2502 
 
 3384 
 
 ^792 
 174 
 333 
 
 1601 
 
 1766 
 
 1668 
 
 1953 
 
 4004 
 
 973 
 
 174 
 
 364 
 
 2355 
 
 2184 
 
 1668 
 
 2002 
 
 2184 
 
 2002 
 
 3203 
 
 702 
 
 174 
 
 304 
 
 1816 
 
 1716 
 
 1668 
 
 1922 
 
 2002 
 
 1483 
 
 3337 
 
 735 
 
 148 
 
 324 
 
 1799 
 
 4449 
 
 282C 
 3003 
 4004 
 3432 
 5460 
 1144 
 211 
 324 
 1922 
 
 2302 
 3875 
 5005 
 3101 
 31G1 
 1029 
 195 
 191 
 12CJ 
 
 2471 
 3754 
 
 3754 
 
 250 
 
 752 
 
 2145 
 
 1001 
 
 1668 
 
 2611 
 
 3938 
 
 3754 
 
 3875 
 
 762 
 
 267 
 
 4S5 
 
 1668 
 
 * Those marked with an asterisk are the j'cars of famine. 
 
 t The prices given for this yoal- are for wholesale purchases, those for retail are considerably 
 higher, 
 
•• 1829 
 
 1830 
 
 1831 
 
 1838 
 
 * 
 1839 
 
 * 
 1847 
 
 1790 
 
 1858 
 
 18C1 
 
 1868 
 
 1772 
 
 1773 
 
 1774 
 
 1781 
 
 1782 
 
 1801 
 
 1804 
 
 1811 
 
 2669 
 
 2555 
 
 1501 
 
 2611 
 
 2318 
 
 1252 
 
 
 910 
 
 1586 
 
 6673 
 
 3082 
 
 2669 
 
 ■48*04 
 
 3482 
 
 1413 
 
 1365 
 
 1969 
 
 1935 
 
 1001 
 
 3754 
 
 3640 
 
 4804 
 
 4290 
 
 2145 
 
 
 2288 
 
 2224 
 
 6006 
 
 2611 
 
 2669 
 
 2730 
 
 2402 
 
 1501 
 
 1816 
 
 1365 
 
 1365 
 
 6673 
 
 3534 
 
 4620 
 
 4290 
 
 4038 
 
 1501 
 
 
 2451 
 
 2310 
 
 1144 
 
 1144 
 
 1144 
 
 686 
 
 858 
 
 
 
 
 
 2U 
 
 211 
 
 235 
 
 195 
 
 222 
 
 148 
 
 
 
 
 616 
 
 364 
 
 390 
 
 380 
 
 SOO 
 
 333 
 
 
 
 372 
 
 1668 
 
 1365 
 
 1668 
 
 1766 
 
 1766 
 
 1201 
 2002. 
 
 1816 
 790 
 
 1540 
 2002 
 
 1820 
 3754 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ••»•■ 
 
 
 
:8G9 
 
 isro 
 
 1880 
 
 * 
 1881 
 
 1882 
 
 * 
 'l890 
 
 1894 
 
 » 
 1895 
 
 1896 
 
 1812 
 
 1813 
 
 1823 
 
 1824 
 
 1825 
 
 1833 
 
 1837 
 
 1838 
 
 1839 
 
 513 
 
 702 
 668 
 550 
 
 811 
 594 
 760 
 
 1793 
 
 513 
 790 
 760 
 600 
 790 
 
 750 
 
 1430 
 1580 
 2310 
 
 1766 
 
 1668 
 1112 
 
 2002 
 
 n(^ 
 
 1501 
 2071 
 
 968 
 924 
 1112 
 883 
 910 
 
 229 
 
 938 
 
 ...... 
 
 1072 
 
 1155 
 938 
 
 938 
 1365 
 1305 
 
 858 
 1365 
 
 
 
 334 
 1365 
 
 2502 
 938 
 
 938 
 
 1365 
 1305 
 2002 
 
 348 
 1365 
 
 2730 
 1501 
 
 1305 
 1305 
 
 1668 
 2002 
 2730 
 2002 
 2310 
 
 222 
 
 400 
 
 1820 
 
 2502 
 
 2402 
 1816 
 
 1396 
 1072 
 1501 
 1501 
 1816 
 
 121 
 
 938 
 
 1601 
 
 1580 
 883 
 
 938 
 
 1177 
 2002 
 2145 
 1560 
 2002 
 
 387 
 790 
 
 2730 
 1155 
 
31 
 
 • years from Siimmt 1802 (a. d. 1745) as for lohich accounts arc forthcoming, 
 Meta Khanjee Goicree-shunkcr and Mdta Duljmtram Vittuljee. 
 
 . Rupee in Sumvut 
 
 * 
 1897 
 
 1S98 
 
 1901 
 
 1902 
 
 1904 
 
 it- 
 
 1905 
 
 1909- 
 
 * 
 1910 
 
 * 
 1917 
 
 t 
 1924 
 
 1840 
 
 .1841 
 
 1844 
 
 1845 
 
 1847 
 
 1848 
 
 1852 
 
 1853 
 
 1860 
 
 1867 
 
 1430 
 
 13C5 
 
 2355 
 
 1501 
 
 1820 
 
 1816 
 
 2002 
 
 17G6 
 
 811 
 
 773 
 
 1501 
 
 1540 
 
 2310 
 
 1501 
 
 2002 
 
 2669 
 
 2184 
 
 17G6 
 
 889 
 
 859 
 
 1C23 
 
 1155 
 
 3337 
 
 1816 
 
 2310 
 
 2402 
 
 4004 
 
 2502 
 
 1112 
 
 1037 
 
 1112 
 
 1001 
 
 2730 
 
 1405 
 
 1816 
 
 1816 
 
 
 
 17G6 
 
 938 
 
 743 
 
 1501 
 
 1278 
 
 3003 
 
 2224 
 
 2502 
 
 2402 
 
 3337 
 
 2402 
 
 
 974 
 
 
 
 
 
 195 
 
 182 
 
 250 
 
 191 
 
 119 
 
 63 
 
 267 
 
 
 
 
 
 348 
 
 616 
 
 308 
 
 
 108 
 
 1155 
 
 1033 
 
 1365 
 
 1251 
 
 1430 
 
 1501 
 
 1430 
 
 1580 
 
 910 
 
 763 
 
 ■800 
 
 
 889 
 
 976 
 
 
 
 
 1135 
 
 
 562 
 
 1816 
 
 1501 
 
 
 2036 
 
 2502 
 
 3337 
 
 3337 
 
 2145 
 
 1340 
 
 llOS 
 
 1640 
 
 1580 
 
 2224 
 
 1820 
 
 2224 
 
 
 4004 
 
 
 
 766 
 
 
 
 2502 
 
 1540 
 
 1501. 
 
 2145 
 
 1935 
 
 1430 
 
 968 
 
 600 
 
 
 1430 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 367 
 
 1365 
 
 1155 
 
 
 
 1155 
 
 1365 
 
 
 
 
 682 
 
 598 
 321 
 
32 
 
 24. From the Political State of Pahluupoor, Lieutenant 
 Colonel Arthur r/rites as follows on 25th February last: — 
 
 "1. In reply to your letter dated 1st . July 1867,1 have tlie honor 
 to inform you that before the advent of the British power in these districla 
 all was anarchy, and the people in almost every Talooka of this Superiu- 
 teudency were altogether uneducated, with the exception of the Bunias, 
 whose knowledge of writing and accounts consisted mostly in makii^g 
 entries in books of their daily sales. In the comparatively large and more 
 civilized States of Pahlunpoor and Badhunpoor there were some records, 
 but these were either destroyed by fire or carried off by the Khossa and 
 Marwar forces that attacked and plundered these States during the latter 
 part of the past and the beginning of the present century. It is, therefore, 
 quite impossible as regards this Superintendency to obtain any account of 
 the famines from records such as those alluded to in your communication 
 under acknowledgment. 
 
 "2. The. only source now left of obtaining information required is 
 therefore to invoke the aid of tradition, and trust to the accounts' of those 
 who either witnessed the more recent famines, or have heard of them froin 
 their forefathers. 
 
 " 3. From such enquiry it appears that there had been total failures 
 of rain in the years A, D. 1747, 1756, 1785, 1791, 1804, 1813, 1825, 1831, 
 1839, 1842 and 1849. 
 
 " 4. Distress consequent on these bad seasons was felt by the people 
 from want of grain, which was not grown at all in those years. 
 
 " 5. The poorer portion of the population were the more affected, and 
 many are said to have died from sheer want of food. There was no grass 
 grown in these years, and consequently the rich, when possible, removed their 
 afiimals to more favored places, those belonging to the poor all dying from 
 hunger. This, however, limited the source of subsistence to those who used 
 animal food, viz., the Bheels, Kolees, &c. The result was that, notwith- 
 standing that stores of the previous years in the possession of the Bunias and 
 those of the upper class were used to mitigate the severity of the scarcity, 
 yet the people migrated towards districts where grain was procurable. 
 
 "6. The year 1813 is remembered as one in which the severest and 
 most distressing famine occurred. The cause of this famine was attributed 
 to the fact that in the year 1811 no grain was produced owing to scarcity of 
 rain. In»1812 locusts, that unfortunately come in swarms, destroyed the 
 whole of the crops, Avhich, from the rains being very favorable, were very 
 hopeful, and promieeii ly affyrd relief to the people. 
 
33 
 
 "7. There was no raiii at all in tlie year 1813, owing to which no 
 grain was produced. The people at large had to subsist upon bread pre- 
 pared of the stuff mide up of the powder of dry bark of trees and flour of 
 grain which they occasionally obtained either by begging or robbery. 
 Many lived upon the flesh of cattle which they stole, but were ultimately 
 unfortunately driven by prolonged and pinching hunger and gnawing want 
 to the perpetration of cannibalism. Instances are said to have come to 
 knowledge in which mothers struijtilcd with their husbands to rescue their 
 innocent and helpless children from being killed by the fatlier to appease 
 uncontrollable hunger. Men were seen to devour their fellow-men. The 
 people fell victims to starvation to such an extent that those who survived 
 were unable to remove the dead bodies from their houses. The result was 
 that numbers of villages became depopulated, and while some of them have 
 been since repopulated others have still remained in the same state in these 
 . districts, the sad monuments of those trying times. 
 
 "8. The famines alluded to in paragraph 3 above, with the exception 
 of one of 1813, were partial, all the districts under this Superintendency be- 
 ing not affected by them simultaneously. 
 
 '• 9. The distressing famine of 1813 was general, and its effects felt by 
 all the Talookas alike. 
 
 " 10. In the case of the partial famines the Chiefs and Thakoors of 
 the districts so visited had, with the view to afford relief to their eubjects, 
 advanced money and grain to enable the cultivators to carry on agriculture 
 by irrigation. Armed parties of foot, when necessary, were also furnished 
 to protect tlie crops from the attacks of hungry marauders. 
 
 * '•' 11. When the general famine visited these districts, besides the above 
 arrangement, His Excellency the Dewan of Pahlunpoor had caused a Stale 
 shop to be opened, where grain, stored at 5 or 6 lbs. per Rupee, was sold at 
 16 lbs. per Rupee, Useful works around the city were Tindertaken in order 
 tliat the labourers might get means of subsistence, as they were paid daily 
 in kind. Additional Seebundees were entertained as much for the protec- 
 tion of the inhabitants as to afford employment to the poor. The pay of 
 all was disbursed every fortnight. The Nawab of Radhunpoor had also 
 adopted similar measures for relief. 
 
 "12. Durino- the years 1861 to 1865 there prevailed famine prices 
 throughout the districts comprising the Pahlunpoor Superintendency, caused 
 both by scanty and unseasonable rains ; grain was sold at 8 lbs. the Rupee ; 
 men perished from starvation; and instances are known amongst the Bheel 
 and other lower classes of the population of their having been reduced to 
 the most dire want when roots and the bark of trees were greedily devoured 
 to keep alive the spark of life. 
 5i' 
 
34 
 
 "13. Their Excellencies tlie Devvan of Pahlunpoor and the Na\vab 
 of Eadhunpoor, in conjunction with all the other petty Chiefs of the 
 Superintendency, had, according to their time-honored custom, imposed an 
 embargo on the export of grain from their respective districts with a, view to' 
 secure a supply of food for their subjects, some of whom had deserted their 
 homes, and settled where they found it more easy to live. 
 
 "14. Besides the arrangements referred to in paragraplis 10, Hand 
 13 above, their Excellencies had also allowed a compassionate allowance of 
 grain batta to their ser^ ants to the extent of one-fourth their salary. 
 
 " 15. To summarize — Squaie Miles, 
 
 ^ " The extent of country affected by the general famines 
 
 was 5414 
 
 "The extent of country affected by the famine of 1861 
 
 to 18G5 5414. 
 
 " The extent of country affected by the' partial famines 
 
 about 2707 
 
 " Grain sold during the general famine, and the famine 
 
 of 1861 to 1865, about 6 or 8 lbs. the Rupee. 
 " Grain sold during the partial famine, and the famine of 
 1861 to 1865, about 14 lbs. the Rupee. 
 "His Excellency the Dewan, to afford relief to the poor people durino- the 
 general famine, stored grain at 5 lbs. per Rupee, and sold at 16 lbs. the 
 Rupee. 
 
 "During the famine of 1861 to 1865 His Excellency allowed grain 
 batta to his employes. 
 
 " Almost similar arrangements were made by the Chief of Radhunpoor." 
 
 25. Next ill order coiiios the report from the Mahee Kanta 
 Province. The Political Agent, Major Law, wrote as follows on 
 5 th September — 
 
 " 1. I have the honor to reply to your Circular letter dated 1st July 
 last. 
 
 " 2. Little or nothing Is known of past famines in the Mahee Kanta, 
 except by tradition, and this but hands down the bare outlines of the great 
 fiimines of Sumvut 1847, A. D. 1791, and Sumvut 1869, A. d. 1813, and the 
 scarcities of Sumvut 1881, a. d. 1825, and Sumvut 1890, a. t>. 1834, of which 
 the usual tales are told — of great distress, of numbers perishing for want of 
 food, of children exchanged for grain or abandoned, but no record of these, 
 or other events in connection with them, appear to have been kept from 
 'which any trustworthy ^count may be framed. 
 
85 
 
 "3. So great was the disorder in this province, even after the date of 
 the British intervention in 1812, from outlaws, heavy foreign tribute, and 
 general raal-administration, that scarcity, and even famine, would rank but as 
 one of its many troubles, and would not attract special notice, 
 
 " 4. It was not until 1836 that an organized administration was com- 
 mehceJ of the country, and not until 1854 that even a rain record was begun ; , 
 it is, thevefore, hopeless to expect reliable information of past famines from 
 the Mahee Ivanta districts. This is perhaps of less consequence, as geogra- 
 phically the district is part of Goozerat, and would naturally have suffered 
 and recovered under tlie same general causes that affect the country all 
 around Ahmedabad. 
 
 " 5, I do not find that any attempt was made here in the years 1863-64, " 
 such as succeeded in Kattyawar, to collect funds for the importation 
 wholesale of grain to be sold at cast price to the very poor. Such a proceed- 
 ing, however, would be UHUsually difficult in the Mahee Khanta from the 
 absence of roads and sea-board, and the general want of money throughout 
 the province. 
 
 " 6, I have referred at much pains to all likely sources for information 
 of whatever nature to further the end you have in view, and only regret 
 that the country can furnish none," 
 
 26, I suggested, however, on tlie 11th idem, that further 
 mmute enquiries should be made daring the next four months, and 
 the result communicated at the end of that time; but no further 
 information is forthcoming. 
 
 27. From the Province of Kattyawar, the Acting Political 
 Agent, Colonel W. W. Anderson, reported, on 10th October, as 
 follows :— 
 
 " 1. In conformity with your Circular da-ted Poena, 1st July 1867, I 
 have the honor to forward the following narrative of the chief famines in 
 Kattyawar Avhieh occurred in A. d. 1812-13, 1824-25, and 1838-39, compiled 
 by my Assistant Captain LaTouche. 
 
 " 2. It will be seen that tliese famines have occurred at intervals of 
 little more than 13 or 14 years. Two others of consequence occurred prior 
 to the British rule in a, d. 1791 and A. d, 1804, but of them I have little or 
 no information worth recoi'ding. Since a. d. 1838 .none of any consequence 
 have occurred, though we have had threatenings of a drought on several 
 occasions, especially in this present year when there was no rain (though 
 every appearance of it for a month or six weeks puor to its fall) until grass 
 
36 
 
 and grain liacl reached famine prices, especially in the Eastern Dlfffrlcf, 
 which has hitherto had the advantage over the other districts iu seasons of 
 distress. 
 
 "3. In /.D. 1812 the severest famine on record, since A. D. 179T, 
 occurred throughout KattyaAvar ; the entire Peninsula was more or less 
 aiFectedj with the exception of the Eastern or Bhownuggur district, wh'icli 
 was rather less afflicted than the others, though it also was as bad as bad could 
 be when men were obliged to sell their offspring for grain; many respectable 
 and well-to-do persons poisoned themselves to be released from the pangs of 
 hunger, which they were no longer able to endure. Even people possessed 
 of ample means, and otherwise in favourable circumstances, died from want of 
 that graia which their riches could not purchase; nearly 10,000 peojile were 
 daily fed by the Bhownuggur Durbar. The district of Hallar suffered the 
 r.iost; upwards of 60 villages of Jamnuggur were entirely deserted, and not 
 more than one-third of the population remained in the district. In tlie 
 Talooka of Mooroce in this same district the inhabited villages were reduced 
 from 60 to 15. The misery and desolation in this province was still further 
 enhanced by a plague of rats following upon the famine, which destroyed and 
 ate up everything edible. The most serious feature of the droughts was 
 the utter absence of grass and pasture of every description, except in Bhow- 
 nuggur territory, and the hills of Alitch and Babriawar; from the lattcir 
 ])lace the Guicowar's army was supplied with forage, but in other portions 
 of the Peninsula, especially in Hallar and Muchoo Kanta, the horses and 
 cattle were driven out into what were fields to graze and pick up what they 
 could, and here most, if not all, died from sheer starvation. 
 
 " 4. The district of Jhalawar in the northern part of Kattyawar, though 
 the least fertile in my opinion, docs not appear to have suffered so much 
 iis might have been expected (there at all times there is a scanty supply of 
 water, and agriculturists depend more on irrigation for their crops of Jowaree 
 especially) ; but this I consider due to its late harvests, as it does not depend 
 in a material degree uj^on the rains for the welfare of its crops, as v/heat, 
 grain, cotton, which are its staples, are cultivated late, and by means of 
 the heavy dews in the month of February. The more Southern Divisions 
 calculate chiefly on the crops of Bajree and Jowaroe, which in times of 
 plenty they export largely. 
 
 " 5. Had the droughts not occurred two years consecutively as they did, 
 the rigours of the famine .would not have been so severely felt ; but by the 
 recurrence of drought a second year all the surplus grain was exhausted, and 
 the reserve grain, which had been buried in pits, was soon used up. Some 
 of the misery might have been staved off by irrigation ; but a few partial 
 showei's, combined with tlie lowering and threatening aspect of the clouds, 
 the usual precursors of the droughts, deceived and misled the unfortunate 
 
37 
 
 rj'pts who liatl no feav of .their young crops failing. Thus hope was kept 
 alive until all (heir seed was expended in support of thoii- families, and their 
 cattle were so enfeebled from want of proper nourishment that they were 
 unable to draw the water from the wells, when, at last, irrigation was con- 
 sidered necessary. The country did not recover itself for nearly ten years 
 after each of these famines. The measures of relief adopted were all that 
 could be done under the circumstances. Wells were constructed in the 
 different districts where the tanks and rivers failed. Grass and grain were 
 stored np at the different bunders and retailed by Governmeat; a large 
 number of labourers employed on the main roads between the large towns ; 
 public and private subscriptions raised for the benefit of the sufferers, and 
 large contributions of food and necessaries were furnished by the Native 
 Chiefs and Talookdars who were exempted by the British Government, 
 the Guicowar, and the Nawab of Joonaghur, from payment of a large portion, 
 of their tribute. The country was so exhausted by the famine that Govern- 
 ment was unable to collect more than one quarter of the tribute due ia 
 A. D. 1838." 
 
 28. Colonel Anderson was likewise invited to treat the sub- 
 ject inorecompreliensively, but the materials did not exist. 
 
 29. The Acting Collector of Ahmedabad, Sir. Shejipard, 
 replied as follows on lltb September:* — 
 
 " 1. I have the honor to reply to your Circular dated the 1st July,, 
 on the subject of the past famines in this district. * 
 
 "2. The first famine of which we have any record occurred in the 
 year Sumvut 170", A. D. 1650, of this sens )n. We know nothing save that it 
 was one of great suffering, lasting over a period of several years. I am un- 
 able to obtain from any source further information on this period. 
 
 • 
 
 " 3. The next great famine appeal's to have occurred in the year A. D. 
 1790-91, but even of this very imperfect information is forthcoming, though 
 sufficient to prove that it was one of the most remarkable on record. Vast 
 numbers of cattle appear to have died in this year, and fearful disease and 
 sickness accompanied the famine. An almost total failure of rain was the 
 immediate cause, apparently, of the calamity. I do not hear that any extent 
 of country was depopulated by this famine, but unquestionably very great 
 
 * The First Assistant Collector of Ahmedabad, Mr. Pratt, thought that the information might 
 best be compiled by means of a tabular Statement containing scfquestions ; but it was only con- 
 sidered desirable to give the outline of the information required in the Circulavof 1st July, leaving 
 the mode of obtaining it, and the general treatment of the subject, to the jud^nent, discretion and 
 ability, of the local Officers, *•■ 
 
38 
 
 loss of life occurred. The price of grain during tliis time rose from 4 annas 
 per maund to Rs. 2 per maund. It is reported also that in some instances' 
 people sold their children in the extremity of their despair. 
 
 " 4. The extent of country afFected by this famine is not ascertain- 
 able. It is on record that many people emigrated to Malwa, and the deduc- 
 tion from this may possibly be drawn that this was an exception to the 
 general rule, viz., that when famines occur here they are felt still more 
 severely in Malwa, a less fertile country, and further removed from the 
 coast. 
 
 " Q. Before closing the account of this famine, it may be interesting 
 to notice that the phrase ' Surtala no Kal' ('the season 47', i.e. 1847 
 Sumvut) is a very common one still in Goozerat. It implies scarcity, and 
 is also used as a sort of imprecation when too high prices are charged. 
 This famine aj)pears to have lasted several )'ears. 
 
 " 6. The next great famine appears to have been that in Sumvut 1869, 
 A. D. 1812-13. In this Zillah there appears to have been a certain amount 
 of rain, but in Malwa none fell at all, and the inhabitants of that province 
 poured into these districts, and thereby rendered the distress already 
 severely felt here all the more serious. Two visitations of locusts added 
 still more to the distress, and in fact this famine ranks only second to that of 
 A. D. 1790-91 in its severity and disastrous results. The rates of ordinary 
 food rose still higher than in the above year, viz : — 
 
 Jowaree, Bajree, &c Es. 5 per maund. 
 
 Ghee s „ 40 do. 
 
 Oil, Goor, &c „ 1 per 4 seers. 
 
 " 7. This famine was, as above noticed, more severe in Malwa than 
 here, but I am unable to obtain any reliable information regardino- the 
 extent of country afFected thereby. 
 
 " 8. It is reported that on this occasion grain was irapofted from 
 Bengal and other parts to Dhollera. Large stocks of buried grain were 
 also brought out and sold. 
 
 " 9. A very extensive disease prevailed also among the cattle, and 
 great numbers of bullocks, &c., were driven off to Kattyawar and Chelotun 
 in the hope of saving their lives. In the following year there was an abun- 
 dant moneoon, but the people of all classes, debilitated by their previous 
 suffering, died in large numbers of fever and other diseases. 
 
 " 10. Two seasons of great scarcity in A. d. 1819-20 and 1823-24 have 
 next to be alluded to. The primary causes of these were in the one case a 
 failure of crops owing to unseasonable weather after the monsooiij and in the 
 other an insufl^ient fall of rain. 
 
39 
 
 (I 
 
 11. The prices of grain in the Zilla during these periods is reported 
 to have varied from 1 Rupee to 2 Us., 8 annas, per maund. 
 
 " 12. In the latter year attempts appear to have been made to mitigate 
 the general distress by the importation of grain by sea to Dhollera. Some 
 Avas also imported from Malwa. No further details of these periods are 
 forthcoming. 
 
 " 13. We come next to the famine of A. d. 1834, which was caused 
 by an excess of rain, the whole country being flooded, and cultivation there- 
 by rendered impossible. Locusts also appeared in vast swarms. The price 
 of grain rose to Rs. 4 per maund. 'No serious mortality appears to have 
 occurred either among the population or cattle. 
 
 "14. Another year of great scarcity occurred in A. D. 1838, caused by 
 the failure of the monsoon. Although prices rose very considerably (grain 
 being sold at nearly the present prices for a short time), this season can 
 scarcely be denominated as a time of actual famine. Very little information 
 regarding it is procurable from the records. 
 
 " 15. The above are the only seasons of great scarcity which I am 
 able to discover as having occurred in this part of Goozerat." 
 
 30. On tlie 29tli Februaiy, however, tlic more recently ap- 
 pointed Acting Collector of Ahmedabad, Mr. Eorradaile, supple- 
 mented the above report Avith the following additional particulars :^- 
 
 " 1. Agreeably to the suggestion contained In your letter dated 16th 
 September 1867, I have the honor to communicate some further particulars 
 on the subject of past famines, which may serve as a supplement to my 
 Report of the 11th September 1867 on the same subject. 
 
 "2. Some information regarding early famines has been obtained 
 from the records of the former Padshahee Dewan at Ahmedabad, which is 
 detailed below. 
 
 " 3. The year HIjree 1040, A. D. 1623, known as the * Satyasee.' 
 The distress is described as having been very great, and it is stated that the 
 people were driven to cannibalism. The account of this famine is, how- 
 ever, chiefly interesting, as being the only one which records any measures 
 of relief adopted by Governments previous to our own. The following 
 extract from the account is a suflicient and close translation, and shows also 
 the extent of country affected by the calamity : — 
 
 " ' Ordei's were issued by the Badshah to the Deputies at 
 Ahmedabad, Surat and Burhanpoor, in accordance with which Lungur- 
 khanas were opened, at \yhich sufficient food was distributed to meet 
 all wants. The Badshah, being of opinion that the people of this part 
 of Goozerat suiFercd more than others, issued another order to the 
 
40 
 
 Dewan of tlic Soubah to distribute to tlic people here Rs. 50,000 from 
 the Royal Treasury. The famine arose from want of rain, and the 
 ryots being much didtressed the Badshah assisted them, both tliis year 
 and the next, with land and money, taken from his own (Khalsa 
 villages).' 
 
 "4. The next famine is stated, by the same authority, to have occur- 
 red in the year Hijree 1130, a. d. 1718, known as the 'Chowtro.' Tiie 
 price of Bajree and Mutt was 4 annas per seer. Numbers of people died of 
 hunger and sickness, and children were sold for one or two Rupees eacli. 
 No information is given as to the extent of country affected: it is said tliat 
 grain was imported from other countries, but it is not clear whether this 
 was a measure of relief adopted by the Government of the time, or a 
 speculation of private individuals. 
 
 "5. The next famine mentioned by the Padshahee Dewan is the 
 'Tulotcro,' Hijree 1161, a. t>. 1747. Few such famines, he says, can ever 
 have occurred in which not a drop of rain fell, nor did a blade of grass grow. 
 On this occasion the people of the city turned out for three daj-s to pray 
 for rain, but Avithout effect. Prices rose daily. A Rupee would purchase 
 only three or four seers of grain. The people died in numbers, as did also 
 cattle. Many ate the flesh of cattle which had so died. Tanks' and rivets 
 were dried up. The people in the villages becoming restless like fish, for 
 want of water, left their homes and wandered from jungle to jungle, 
 numbers also going into Malwa and other places. No estimate can bo 
 formed of those that perished. The villages then depopulated were never 
 again inhabited. The rain failed in the same way the next year. In this 
 account the famine is ascribed to failure of rain ; the Mamlutdar of Purantej, 
 reporting of his own district for the same year, ascribes it to an excessive rain- 
 fall, and draws a much milder picture of the calamity. Common grain was 
 there sold 8 or 10 seers (Kutcha) for a Rupee, while ghee was even cheaper ; 
 cattle thriving unusually well owing to the abundance of grass. Prices re- 
 mained high during seven years,common kinds of grain never falling lower 
 than 20 seers for a Rupee. During these seven years the people were 
 free from sickness, which, however, prevailed for two months afterwards, 
 during which many people died. The people were in no way assisted by 
 the Government of the time. Purantej is the only "Talooka from which 
 information has been received about this famine. It is merely alluded to in 
 the Gogo report. This may be accounted for by its having occurred so lono* 
 ago, for, from the Padshahee Dewan giving it so much prominence, it must 
 have extended very widely. It does not appear that any measures of relief 
 were adopted, 
 
 " 6. The last famine recorded by the Padshahee Dewan is said to have 
 occurred in the year Hijree 1814, a. d. 1770. No information regarding it 
 
41 
 
 Las been obtained from any other quarters. He attributes it to unwbole- 
 someness of the atmosphere and the furbulence of the Marwarees. From 
 his descrijJtion, however, the country seems to have suffered more from 
 pestilence than famine. ' Thousands of people died of fever in two or three 
 days, so that none could be found to bui-y them. Every day the bodies of 
 many loeople dead without heirs were dragged down and thrown on the sands 
 of the Saburmuttee. The people of the provincial towns and villages came 
 in flocks to the city to sell their children. Children fetched 1 or 2 Rupees.' 
 The causes assigned would scarcely account for a famine, and the writer 
 is quite silent as to the extent of country affected, and any measures of relief 
 which may have been adopted. 
 
 " 7. All information as to famines subsequent to the one above describ- 
 ed has been obtained from the local authorities of the seven Talookas con- 
 stituting this Zillah. The Dufturs, however, have not been found to contain 
 so much information On the subject as might, perhaps, have been expected. 
 A good deal of what follows has been learned viva voce from hereditary 
 District Officers, Muttadars of Cusba Towns, and other respectable persons, 
 whose age might enable them to speak from their own knowledge. 
 
 « "8. A famine is reported from Purantej only, to have occurred in the 
 year*A. D. 1759, .known as ' Pandurotra.' Scarcity seems to have prevailed 
 rather then famine. The price of the commoner kinds of gi-ain was Es. 1 J 
 per maund (Kutcha). The distress was caused by deficiency of rain, and 
 seems to have been confined to Purantej and the Mahee Kanta. No mea- 
 sures of relief were a,dopted, nor were any apparently required. 
 
 "9.. A. D. 1780-81. — A famine is reported from Dhundooka only, but 
 no particulars are given. It is stated that the Dufturs do not contain any. 
 It may be presumed that this famine, like that mentioned in paragraph 8, was 
 confined to one district, and amounted to no more than temporary scarcity. 
 
 " 10. A. D. 1786. — A famine, reported from Purantej only, known as 
 the * Betala.' The remarks contained in paragraph 8 apply to this case 
 also. The price of common kinds of grain was Ks. 1 J per Kutcha maund. 
 
 '"11. A. D. 1790-91. — In this year occurred a great famine, known as 
 the ' Surtala,' the partjpulars of which are given in paragraph 3 of my former 
 report. As is the case with most of the famines occurring previous to the in- 
 troduction of our British rule, the details are meagre, and derived not from 
 Government .records, but from information given orally by persons likely to 
 be acquainted with the facts. The Muttadars of the Cusba Town of Sanund 
 declare that this famine occurred under the Guicowar's rule, and was caused 
 byan entire failure of rain. Men and cattle died in numbers, and many 
 migrated. People came down starving from. Marvvar, and brought with them 
 an infectious disease, which they communicated to the people of Sanund. 
 
42 
 
 In other Talookas it appears that the failure of rain was onlj partial. This 
 famine is referred to in every report, except those from Duskrohie and 
 Veerumwaum. There is little doubt that it extended throughout this Zillah. 
 The Muttadars of Sanund expressly state that no corn was imported, and 
 that the people were entirely dependent on stores of grain remaining over 
 from past years, and sucli small crops of Jow (barley) and wheat as were 
 obtained by means of well-cultivation. Other reports received make no 
 mention of any measures of relief adopted. 
 
 " 12. In A. T>. 1812-13 occurred a famine known as the ' Ugnotera,' 
 wluch'seems to have rivalled that just described in its disastrous effects. All 
 those previously referred to took place before the introduction of our rule 
 into any part of this Zillah. At the time of the one under consideration, 
 Dhundooka, Dholka, Yeerumgaum and Gogo, were British territory, while 
 Duskrohie, Sanund and Purantej, with Morassa, were under Native rulers. 
 
 ** The nature of the distress during this year and its extent are shown 
 in my first rejiort. It appears that rain fell during the early part of the 
 monsoon, the crops growing to a height of 2 or 3 fee^t when the ears were 
 withered by the succeeding drought. 
 
 "The scarcity extended throughout the whole of this Zillah. 
 
 " The inhabitants of Dhundooka obtained some relief from old stores of 
 grain imported from Bengal and elsewhere, and lying in the warehouses at 
 Dhollera Bunder. They also raised small crops by well-cultivation. 
 
 " Copies of two reports from, the Mamlutdars of Dholka to the Collec- 
 tor have been obtained. The following measures of relief appear to have 
 been taken. 
 
 " I — Grain was imported from Chulotun. 
 
 " II — Grain was distributed gratis, 
 
 " III — Instructions were issued to all villages situated on rivers, 
 and possessing wells or tanks, to exert themselves in producing crojDS by 
 irrigation ; other villages were recommended to employ themselves in sinkino- 
 new wells. These reports are dated 5th and 8th October 1812, respectively. 
 . From two earlier reports, it seems that the scarcity was attended in Dholka 
 by an increase of crime, especially robbery and dacoi4y.. 
 
 " In Sanund the people were dependent for relief on stores of old grain, 
 and well-irrigation, by which small crops of wheat and Jow (barley) were 
 obtained. 
 
 " It does not appear that any measures of relief were, adopted in 
 Yeerumgaum. 
 
 " From Gogo Talooka it is I'eported that grain was procui'ed from the 
 Malabar Coast. Something seems to have been done by private charity. 
 
43 
 
 . " Prom Purantej no measures of relief arc reported. The Soukars of 
 Morassa distributed corn gratis. 
 
 "In Duskrohie no relief seems to have been afforded. , 
 
 "A. D. 1819-20. — This year is mentioned as one of great scarcity in 
 reports from some parts of the Zillah. It is known as tlie ' Chotra.' It 
 seems that the Khureef crops in Dholka -were destroyed by rain, and the 
 Rubbee crops by hail-storms. The latter cause is the only one assigned for 
 the distress in Veerumgaum and Purantej. Particulars of the distress are 
 contained in my first report. 
 
 " As this year is not mentioned in reports from other Talookas, it is 
 believed that the scarcity was confined to Dholka, Veerumgaum and 
 Purantej. 
 
 " ISTo measures of rellet appear to have been adopted. The whole of 
 this Zillah was now under British rule, except Purantej, into which it was 
 -introduced in the following year A. d. 1821. In that year cholera made its 
 first appearance in Purantej. 
 
 " 14. The next year of scarcity appears to have been a. d. 1824-25, 
 not A. T>. 1823-24, as stated in my first report. The distress appears to have 
 been very considerable, and to have been owing rather to the want of a 
 timely supply of rain than to actual drought. The following is extracted 
 from the report of the Sanund Maralutdar : — 
 
 " ' In the early part of the season rain fell and the stalk attained 
 its full growth. The rain ceasing, only ^th of the grain ripened. The 
 stalk being full grown, and serving for fodder, the cattle suffered little.' 
 This scarcity was felt throughout the whole of this Zillah. 
 
 " Measures of relief : — 
 
 " Dhundooka : 
 " The people were encouraged to raise crops by irrigation. 
 " Grain was imported to Dhollera. 
 
 " Dholka : 
 " Rubbee cropS w'ere obtained by well-irrigation. 
 
 " Veerumgaum : 
 
 " The cess on grain was remitted (at the Cusba) by orders from the 
 Hoozoor. 
 
 " There Is a report on this subject from the Mahalkurry or Thandai-, 
 saying that this benefits the Vauias only, who do not lower their prices In 
 consequence of the remission. 
 
44 
 
 " The report is dated September 27th, 1824. 
 
 " Sanund : 
 " Stores of old grain sold. 
 " Crops raised by well-irrigation. ■ 
 
 " Gogo : 
 
 " The people encouraged to irrigate their fields and to build new wells — 
 Mamlutdar's report, dated 9th September 1824. 
 
 " Purantej : 
 
 " Free distribution of grain by private persons. No measures appear 
 to have been adopted at Morassa. 
 
 " Duskrohie : 
 
 " No measures of relief are mentioned in the report received. 
 
 " 15. A. D. 1834. — A year of much scarcity and distress, known as 
 the ' Neunwa.' According to all tjie reports received, except that from 
 Dhundooka, the cause of the calamity was a scanty fall of rain. In Dhun- 
 dooka the fall is stated to have been excessive, so as to flood the country in 
 the manner described in my former report. The year is not mentioned in 
 the report from Gogo. Locusts are reported from Dollca and Purantej. 
 The distress seems to have been very similar in kind and extent to that 
 which prevailed in a. d. 1824-25. 
 
 " The whole of this Zillah was more or less affected, for it is not pro- 
 bable that Gogo should have remained unaffected by the high prices pre- 
 vailing elsewhere. 
 
 " Means of relief adopted : — ' , 
 
 " Dhundooka : 
 
 " Not stated in the report of the Mamlutdar. The same applies to 
 Dholka. 
 
 " Sanund : 
 '' The same measures as were taken in a. d. 1824-25. 
 '• In Veerumgaum no measures are reported to have been taken. 
 
 "Purantej: 
 "An order exists, dated 23rd January 1834, increasing the pay of the 
 Karkoons for six months, from 1st December 1833" to end of May 1834, 
 in consideration of its being a year of famine, ' Kal-Wurus.' _ 
 
 " There is another order, dated 22nd March i 834, qnder which ' Choot,' 
 or remission of land revenue, is granted to the village of Maidwass Roopajee 
 on the same grounds. 
 
46 
 
 "By an order dated 3rd April 1834 remission is granted totlie Khalsa 
 village of Dhunsoora, in consideration of its exertions in making new wells. 
 This last village is under the Morassa Mahal. 
 
 " 16. A. D. 1838-39. — A year of scarcity, but the distress by no means- 
 equal to that in the years A. D, 1834 and 1824-25, which again was not so 
 violent as that in a. d. 1812-13 and 1790-91. 
 
 " It was caused by the scanty rain-fall. 
 
 " This scarcity was felt throughout the Zillah, excepting the Northern 
 Districts of Purantej and Morassa. 
 
 "It does not seem that any measures of relief were adopted, nor were 
 such necessary. 
 
 " 17. A. D. 1848-49 is reported as a year of scarcity from Duskrohie,- 
 Sanund and Purantej. 
 
 " In the former two Talookas the distress seems to have been little 
 more than the ordinary rise in prices ensuing on an unfavorable season. In 
 Purantej it was more severe, and remissions were granted there to the 
 amount of nearly Rs. 7,000. 
 
 " 18. The above Is all the further information I am able to give on 
 the subject of past famines. Some tabular statements showing the prices of 
 grain, &c., during the more remarkable years of famine or scarcity are for- 
 war(Jpd herewith. 
 
46 
 
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 31. From Kaira tlie Acting Collector, Mr. Elliot, wrote ou 
 30th September — 
 
 " 1. In reply to your Circular dated 1st July 1867, 1 have the honor 
 to lay before you such scanty accDunts of famines in Goozerat as I have 
 been able to obtain, princi23ally from tradition and memory of old inhabi- 
 tants, there being no records available. 
 
 "2. The famine which occurred in the year A. d. 1791-92 was by far 
 the most severe of any of which anything is known. Very little rain fell during 
 the year. There was, it is said, only one fall, which occurred in July or 
 August, and a scarcity followed which obliged many of the inhabitants of 
 this part of Goozerat to go into Malwa, where they suffered terribly from 
 cholera, or some other epidemic disease. This was in the time of Bappoo 
 Pandra, an Officer of the Guicowar's Government, who seems to have done 
 what he could to help the people by repressive measures against crime, and 
 by remitting the whole of the Kevenue collections, except that he took a 
 fourth share of the grass. The annexed list, the figures in which are taken 
 from old mercantile accounts of the day, will shew the prices at which pro- 
 visions were sold during this yeai*. 
 
 " 3. In A. T>. 1813-14 there was drought, and a corresponding scarcity 
 of food ; rain fell in July, and for a month and a half afterwards there was no 
 rain, and then not much. The consequence was great injury to crops, and 
 as the people in Kattyawar and to the west of this were starving, they came 
 to these parts in great numbers with mendicants and others, many of whom 
 died. This was when Mr. Howl was Collector of Kaira, but I am unable 
 to find any written records of the scarcity, which was followed the next 
 year by cholera. I append a list of prices at which grain, &c., was selling. 
 
 "4. In the beginning of the rains of A. D. 1825-26 there was a wood 
 fall, and the crops were doing Avell, but subsequently the rain held off, and in 
 consequence the crops were a good deal below the average, and a remission 
 of Rs. 1,61,987-6-0 in the revenue had to be made, but this was clearly 
 nothing more than a bad season, and I do not find that there was any 
 starvation. 
 
 " 5. In A. D. 1834-35 a great loss of cattle occurred, caused by locusts, 
 which ate up the grass and crops ; but in this year nothing like a famine 
 seems to have occurred, but 1,96,554 Rupees of revenue was remitted. 
 
 "6. I regret to have to tell you that these very scanty materials are 
 all that I have to offer you for the purposes of your report. 
 
51 
 
 List sheioing the prices at lohich pro- 
 visions loere sold during the year 
 1 791-92 /o/- one Rupee. 
 
 Seers.- 
 
 Bajree 18 
 
 Wheat 16 
 
 Kodra 27 
 
 •Toowar 12i 
 
 Gram 16" 
 
 Toor 20 
 
 Kice ia husk 24 
 
 Bur.tee 26 
 
 Ghee 2J 
 
 Chinna 26" 
 
 Goowai- 22 
 
 Sweet Oil 26 
 
 Jogree 7 
 
 Tecl 16 
 
 Tobacco 12 
 
 Cumin Seed 8 
 
 Barley .^ 22^ 
 
 Bowta 22i 
 
 Castor Oil 7" 
 
 List of prices at wliick grain, Sfc, 
 ivere sold during the year 1813-14 
 for one Rupee. 
 
 Seers. 
 
 Bajree 17^ 
 
 Wheat 10 
 
 Ghee 3i 
 
 Jogree 9^ 
 
 Cumin Seed 6 
 
 Joowar 17 
 
 Toor 22i 
 
 Teel ]6 
 
 Barley ;. 19 
 
 Kodra 32 
 
 liice in husk - 20- 
 
 Goowar 20 
 
 Tobacco 10 
 
 Bowta 21 
 
 Gram 20 
 
 Buntee 35 
 
 Sweet Oil 5-1 
 
 Sugar 4 
 
 Mutt 181 
 
 Toor Dali 16 
 
 Mug 17 
 
 Castor Oil ...: 5f 
 
 32. Scanty as the above information may a^ipear, materials 
 did not exist in the Kaira Collectorate for dealing with the sub- 
 ject more fully. 
 
 33. Fi-om Baroda the Acting Assistant Hesident in charge,- 
 Lieutenant Salmon, wrote on 15th August — 
 
 "1. In compliance with your letter dated 1st July last, I have the 
 honor to inform you that there were famines in the Baroda territories in 
 the years A. D. 1791 and 1813, but as to their extent and the causes from 
 which they arose the Durbar are unable to inform me, as there are no 
 records concerning them. During the time they lasted money was freely 
 distributed from the Government Treasury, and labour in the shape of build- 
 inor, digging tanks, and other public works, was provided, by which means 
 the suffering that must otherwise hav6 been inevitable were to a great 
 extent averted. 
 
 "2. Since A. D, 1813 no famines whatever have taken place." 
 
52 
 
 34. As it appeared to me that neither the Local nor Sflprenie 
 Government would be satisfied in respect to a subject to Avhicli 
 they attached so much interest with tiie meagre detail furnished, 
 
 -and that from so important a State as Baroda, I begged the favor 
 of the matter being allowed to lie over till the return of the 
 Resident. After some correspondence, Colonel Barr finally 
 reported, on 27th January last, that every measure had been 
 adopted from the Residency to procure the information required 
 regarding past famines within the Baroda territory, consistent with 
 liis position as Resident at that Court and suggested by his politi- 
 cal experience, and that the Baroda Durbar, he was fully per- 
 suaded, had been anxious to aid his endeavours in furtherance of 
 the wishes of the Supreme Government on the subject ; but that, 
 as he had already stated, he was sorry to have to report that au- 
 thentic details were not forthcoming. 
 
 35. From the Rewa Kanta Province the Political Agent, 
 Captain Barton, wrote as follows on, 29th August: — 
 
 " 1. With reference to your circular letter of the 1st ultimo, I have 
 the honor to enclose a precis of the information I have been able to obtaiu 
 regarding past famines in the districts under my Political supervision. 
 
 "2. The control over the Native States comprised in the Kewa 
 Kanta, Division became vested in the British Government in the year A. d. 
 1825. The only famine that has occurred since that period vras in a. r>. 
 1833-34. 
 
 "3. I regret that I have been unable to procure more precise infor- 
 mation than that which I have submitted. The various Durbars possess 
 no historical records of any description. It is only since the introduction 
 of British supervision that they have begun to emerge from a state of 
 anarchy, internecine strife, and barbarism ; and the only records of former 
 events are contained In the oral traditions of village elders. 
 
 "4. I have sought to obtain information on the subject referred to 
 from the hereditary Bards of the district. I have not, however, been able 
 to discover any written record of such events. The Bards appear to have 
 confined themselves strictly to entries of family events, and to have neglect- 
 ed such as bore upon the general welfare of the country. 
 
 " 5. As I have mentioned in the precis, no general distresa from 
 failure of water would bear so hard upon the wild inhabitants of the Eewa 
 Kanta as upon those Uving in settled districts. A Bheel is restless and 
 
53 
 
 migratory by natui'e. He ia accustomed to remove witli all liis goods and 
 cattle at a moment's notice. He can subsisJP'-oa roots, on Mhowra berries, 
 &c.,and can live well where others would starve; above all, he is essentially 
 predatory, and a marauding party will often find a stray buffaloe, kill, 
 cook, and eat it on the spot, and destroy all traces of its remains. So long 
 as a Bheel can find a pool of water, he is sure to be able to supply himself 
 with food of some sort or another, and in no year, even of severe dearth, 
 have the Nurbudda and Mhye been entirely dried up." 
 
 36. The precis referred to is thus given — 
 
 (( 
 
 1. The tract of country known as the Rewa Ivanta is situated 
 between 21° 30', and 23° 30', North latitude, and 73° 10', and 74° 20', 
 East longitude. It is watered by the Mhye and Nurbudda Rivers and 
 their tributaries, the principal of which are the Pahmunkurd, Goma, 
 and Maysree, flowing into the Mhye, and the Oresing, Erun, and Kurjun, 
 which empty themselves into the Nurbudda. The country .is for the most 
 part covered with hills and jungle, the majority of the inhabitants consists 
 of Bheela and Coolees of various denominations. The former are migratory 
 in their habits, and seldom live in settled habitations. There are no large 
 cities, and no means of inter-communication beyond fair weather roads, 
 
 " 2. Tiie territorial possessions of 62 Chiefs are comprised in the Rewa 
 Kanta Political Division ; of these the six principal are Rajpeepla, Oodey- 
 poor, Barea, Soonth, Loonavara, and Ballasinore. 
 
 " 3. Owing to the nature of the country and its inhabitants, and 
 from the fact of its being watered by two large rivers and their numerous 
 affluents, the Rewa Kanta districts have never been entirely devastated by 
 famine. Still severe distress has sometimes prevailed, and the following are 
 the most notable and well remembered instances. 
 
 " 4. The first famine of which 1 can gain any information occurred in 
 the year A. d. 1746-47. Hardly any rain fell in this year, and the crops 
 did not ripen. Many people died, but the wild inhabitants kept themselves 
 and their cattle alive by eating forest roots and locusts, which abounded 
 at the time. 
 
 " 5. The next year of scarcity occurred in A. D. 1790-91, and was also 
 occasioned by the failur? of the periodical rains. This appears to have 
 been the nearest approach to a general famine on record. Poor people sold 
 their children. The Bheels subsisted on jungle roots and berries. Many peo- 
 ple and cattle died, and the country was infested with bands of marauders. 
 
 £* 6. The various Durbars appear to have doled out daily food to the 
 crowds that flocked to them, but no general measures of relief were 
 originated. 
 
54 
 
 " 7. The next year of scarcity on record was a. d. 1802-3 : this also 
 was owing to the Avant of rain,Tlut the distress was not so great, nor the 
 'dearth of crops so general as on the previous occasion. 
 
 '•'8. The year A. D. 1812-13 was one of severe distress, and was 
 attended with the same disasters as that in a. d. 171)0-91. Grain was sold 
 at the following prices : — 
 
 Bajree 8 Seers for the Eupec. 
 
 ToorDal 6 
 
 Rice 6 
 
 Muth 13 
 
 Moong G 
 
 " 9. Food was dislrlbuted to those who came for assistance by the 
 •various Durbars. There also appeal's to have been some scarcity in the 
 year a. d. 1824-25, but not to any great extent. 
 
 " 10. The year a, d. 1833-34 was one of general scarcity. A des- 
 cription of the state of affairs will be found im a foot note in pages 201-2 
 of Kas Malla, Book 3. The distress, however, -was not nearly so severe as 
 in A. D. 1790-91, or A. d. 1812-13. Some grain was left in the country 
 from the previous years' crops, the people were assisted by the various 
 Durbars, and not many deaths, either of men or cattle, are recorded. In 
 this year a sum of Es. 52,952-5-3 was remitted from the whole tribute of 
 Es. 1,70,394-4-0 by order of the Government. 
 
 "11. There have been no fanrines since the last mentioned year: 
 there was a scanty i-ain-fall in the year A. D. 1838-39, when a sum of Rs. 
 27,903-6-0 was lemittcd from the tribute. Again, in the year A. d. 1848-49 
 remissions were granted to the extent of Rs. 4,269. 
 
 "12. Provisions were very dear in the year A. d. 1864-65, grain 
 being sold at 8 seers for the Eupee. This, however, was owing to extrane- 
 ous causes (the American war, and consequent rise in cotton), and not -to 
 want of rain." 
 
 37. From tlie Sub-Collectorate of Broach, Mr. Hoffa: foiv 
 warded reports from the Deputy Collector and Third Assistant 
 in October, as follows : — 
 
 From the Deputy Collector. 
 
 " 1. With reference to your letter No. 1339, dated the 26th July 
 last, requesting me to submit certain information on the subject of -past 
 famines in this country, I have the honor to report that I have been unable" 
 to obtain any authentic information og the subject, either from Government 
 
55 
 
 records or from hereditary Officers ; but on making inquires from old 
 persons in this town, I learn that famines occurred in this country in the 
 -years Sumvut 1847, 1869 and 1891, A. D. 1790-91, 1812-13, and 1834-35. 
 
 "2. The- famine in Sumvut 1847, A. d. 1790-91, is said to be caused 
 by scarcity of rain ; while in the provinces of Kattyawar and Marwar 
 there was no rain at all, by which numbers of persons from those provinces 
 were driven by necessity to this country, and consequently the prices of 
 grain, &c., were raised very high, as follows : — 
 
 Wheat Es. 60 per Kulsee of 16 maunds. 
 
 Joowar,.., Rs, 35 per Do. do. 
 
 Kajree Es. 45,i)er Do. do. 
 
 Ghee ..Es. 14 per maund, 
 
 " The famine in this year was all over Ooozerat, and lasted, It is said, for 
 one year. To alleviate the distress, Muzraoodar LuUoobhoy and Assaram, 
 who had large quantities of grain stored in their warehouses out of pre- 
 vious years' crops, distributed the same to poor persons in chai-Ity, and 
 those who were possessed of money purchased it for their maintenance ; 
 certain rich persons commenced to build very large houses in this year, 
 which procured employment to many poor persons, who were provided with 
 grain in return for their labour. 
 
 "3. The next famine occurred in Sumvut 1869, A. d, 1812-13, not by 
 the failure of rain, but by the crops before they were reaped being entirely 
 devoured by locusts, which came in very large numbers, and spread over 
 all the country. In this year, too, numbers of persons came to this country 
 from Kattyawar and Marwar, which raised the prices of grain very high. 
 The famine, it is said, extended to the district of Surat Athaveesse, Broach, 
 Kattyawar, Marwar, and all over Goozerat, and lasted for one year. It is 
 not known what measures for relief were adopted, but it is said that the 
 local Officers had Issued strict orders to the Bunlas and others who had 
 large quantities of grain stored by them out of previous years' crops, to sell 
 no more grain to people than what was actually required to maintain life, 
 and the sales were superintended by Government Officers. 
 
 "4. The famine which occurred in Sumvut 1891, A. d. 1835, was caus- 
 ed by excessive rain, which destroyed croj^s in the fields, and the subsequent 
 winter crops were burnt down by intense cold. This famine extended all 
 over Goozerat, including Surat Athaveesee. The prices were as follows :— 
 
 " Wheat Es, 68 per Kulsee of 16 maunds. 
 
 " Joowar Es. 27 per do. do. 
 
 " Uajree Es. 27 per do. do. 
 
 " Ghee Es. 22 per one maund. 
 
56 
 
 To alleviate the distress Government granted large remissions to cultiva- 
 tors and advanced Tuccavee, and until crops were produced in the following 
 year the people managed to maintain themselves in the best way they 
 could. 
 
 " 5. The reports from the Mumladars of Wagra and Broach on the 
 subject are herewith submitted, as requested. They are meagre, and aiford 
 no valuable information. The Mumladar of Broach reports that famine 
 occurred in the years A. D. 1630 and 1681 previous to the establishment of 
 the British rule in this country, when the Mahoraedan rulers distributed 
 grain in charity and granted large remission to cultivators. 
 
 " From the Third Assistan t, Mr. McKenzie. 
 
 " 1. In reply to your Nos. 1338 and 1476 of 1867, dated respectively 
 2Gth July and 19th August 1867, I have the honor to forward for your in- 
 formation the following facts, which I have elicited by personal enquiry and 
 research as to the extent and number of famines in this district. 
 
 « 
 
 2. In Smjivut 1847, A. D. 1791, the famine throughout the Broach 
 Zillah was most severe and destructive, so much so that great numbers 
 of people perished, and the year has since been remembered as ' the. famine 
 year' par excellence, and forms an era from which events take their date. 
 
 " 3. Twenty-two years afterwards another famine raged throughout 
 the north and centre of Goozerat, but it does not seem to have touched 
 Broach itself so severely, as of the actual and permanent cultivators and 
 inhabitants comparatively few died. The were many deaths from famine It 
 is true, but these occurred chiefly among the emigrants from other districts. 
 
 " 4. The last famine occurred a. d. 1819-20, when owing to two ex- 
 traordinarily heavy monsoons the population was severely distressed, though 
 apparently few or none died, the fact being that they were better able to 
 cope with distress than in previous years. Owing to the extreme difficulty 
 of getting Information by personal enquiry at this time of the year, I am 
 unable to give you any further information. 
 
 " 5. I also enclose a table of the highest reported prices of grain in 
 Broach from a. d, 1810 to A. d. 1820. 
 
57 
 
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58 
 
 38. Mr. Hogg, the Sub-Collector of Broach, upon a further 
 reference, declared his mabilitj to supply any more information. 
 
 39. From Surat the Collector, Mr. Hope, forwarded, on 16th 
 October last, the following reports from his Assistants and 
 Deputies : — 
 
 "From the First Assistant, Mr. Spry, dated \9th August. 
 
 " 1. In accordance with your McmoraTidutn No. 1867, dated tlie lOfh 
 July last, I have the honor to furnish such information as I can obtain res- 
 pecting past years of famine and scarcity in the districts under my charge. 
 I much regret that the time of year has prevented my making personal en- 
 quiries in the districts, from which doubtless I might have obtained many 
 interesting facts from intelligent Natives ; as it is, I am mainly dependent 
 on details obtained from the different Mumladars. 
 
 " 2. The first famine of which there is any records appears to have 
 taten place in Sumvut 1803, A. d. 174G, over 120 years ago. There is, 
 however, but little or nothing reliable known of it beyond the fact ; and in- 
 deed mention is made of it by only one Mumladar out of four, whose reports 
 I now have before me. 
 
 " 3. The next famine took place in Sumvut 18-17, A. T>. 1790. This 
 famine appears to have arisen from a general failure of the monsoon rains, 
 and consequent failure of the harvest. It seems to have been very widely 
 spread, and I conclude must have been far severer in the Deccan, Concan, 
 and other provinces, than in Goozerat, as numbers of the inhabitants of those 
 districts fled for subsistence into tlic Surat districts, and the mortality 
 ft-om starvation appeal's to have been much greater amongst the fugitive 
 than amongst the fixed population. Part of the districts under report was 
 then under the rule of the Peishwa and part under the Guicowar. General 
 remission of tribute was, it seems, granted by both Governments ; and further 
 to alleviate the distress the Bazar rates were fixed. The Peishwa, moreover, 
 not only forbade the exportation of grain, but imported it from Bombay and 
 other places. 
 
 " 4. The third famine occurred 13 years after the one above alluded to, 
 namely, in Sumvut 1860, A. D. 1803-4, and appears to have been very simi- 
 lar to it, and, like it, to have caused a great influx of starving poor from the 
 adjacent provinces, and the mortality appears to have been confined to them 
 alone. During this yeai-,, although there was without doubt a scarcity of 
 rain and great dearness in the price of food in these districts, I am inclined 
 to believe that the great distress was mainly caused by the sudden increase 
 of population, rather than by local causes. llemisBion of rcVenue was 
 
granted by tlie then existing Governments, who also fixed the B.azar prices 
 and forbade exportation, and in Bugwara it seems that labourers were em- 
 ployed and paid in grain. Much, moreover, seems to have been done by 
 private charity. Rambhai Mota, Dasai of Chicklee, is reported to have 
 given away largo quatities of grain to the poor, and one Nagurdass Lall- 
 kissondass, then Mumladar of Sdopa, is stated to have imported grain into 
 his Talooka, and sold it at reasonable prices. 
 
 " 5. The above, happily, are the only ones which can strictly be 
 termed famine years, although we have since then had seasons of more or 
 less dearth. Amongst the most prominent of these was Suravut 1881, A. P. 
 IS24-5, when very general remissions were granted, and Government gave 
 one lac of Ilupees in this Zillah for expenditure in making tanks, wells, &c» 
 Sumvut 1895, A. D. 1838-9, also was a year of unusual scarcity, when con- 
 siderable remissions were given, and the poor employed on public works. 
 
 " 6. Other years of comparative scarcity which have now and again 
 occurred have nothing noticeable in tliem, as 1 cannot find that the perman- 
 ent condition of the country or population was afFectecl by them. I, there- 
 fore, refrain from entering into details ocnccruing them. 
 
 " From the Deputy Colle<J.or, dated 6fh Scptemher. 
 
 " 1. In reply to your endorsement No. 1109, under date the 10th July 
 last, on printed copy of Circular dated 1st idem from the Compiler Presi- 
 dency Famine Report, I have the honor to submit the following informa- 
 tion respecting past famines in the districts in my charge. 
 
 " 2. The year Sumvut 1847, A. rt. 1790-91, was one of dearth through- 
 out the whole district. There was no rain then : this 
 '^ ^ ■ resulted in a failure of crops, and the death froTn 
 
 starvation of many people ; a large number of persons were forced to main- 
 tiiin themselves on roots. The disaster, which was a general one, brought 
 in numbers of poor men from abroad to the town of Mandvee, and on that 
 occasion the Raja of Mandvee displayed his liberality by the distribution of 
 grain daily as an alleviation of the misery of the sufferers. The district 
 lapsed to the British Government in A. d. 1848. 
 
 " 3. This district was also visited with famine during the year Sumvut 
 1847, A. D. 1790-91, but not to such an extent as in 
 walore. Mandvee, consequently no one fell a victim to it. The 
 
 rain was scanty, and the crops were proportionately scarce. In the year 
 Sumvut 1860, A. D. 1803-4, although the fall of rain was limited, the crops 
 flourished. Famine had made its appeai-ance in the Deccan at that time ; 
 consequently people dying with hunger had emigrated into tliis district, some 
 of whom died of having had nothing to subsist upon. The prices of grain 
 
liad risen then. In the years Sumvut 1881 and 1895, A. D. 1824-25 and 
 1838-39, the fall of rain was also scanty. All other crops but rice were 
 grown, but not so well as could be expected ; remission iu consequence was 
 granted by Government to the cultivators of land. No deaths had occurred 
 owing to the scarcity of provisions. The British supremacy was established 
 in this Talooka in the month of Jest Sumvut 1859, A. D. 1802-3. 
 
 "4. Durin": the former regime this district had to encounter severe 
 attacks from famine in the years Sumvut 1803 and 
 Bardolce. ^g^^^ ^_ ^ 1746-47 and 1790-91. There was no rain 
 
 then, and the result was a failure of crops and destruction of the lives of 
 many men and cattle. The land tax was wholly remitted to the cultivators* 
 and advances were made to them as the source whereby to procure the 
 necessaries of life, which were then at an exceedingly high price. 
 
 "5. Subsequent to the establishment of the British power the dis- 
 trict presented no aspect of famine. The scarcity of rain, however, during 
 the years Sumvut 1859, 1869, 1881, 1895, 1905 and 1910, A. D. 1802-3, 
 1812-13, 1824-25, 1838-39, 1848-49 and 1853-54, and the cousequent 
 failure of crops in some places, accelerated the increase in the prices of grain. 
 Famine was prevalent in the Deccan in the year Sumvut 1859, A. D. 1802-3 ; 
 hence the people of the poorer classes migrated into this district, and com- 
 mitted acts of dej)redation at the hazard of their lives, and to the great detri- 
 ment of the inhabitants. Government had, however, adopted measures for 
 the security of the lives and properties of their subjects. Tuccavee was 
 advanced to them during the first two years, as an incentive to take up cul- 
 tivation, and remission was made of the revenue dues during the other years 
 proportionate to the amount of damages sustciined." 
 
 "From the District De-putij Collector, dated 30</t August. 
 
 "Famine Kepokt of the Pergunnahs of Olpar and Unclesir, including 
 
 riansote. 
 
 Sumvut Year. 
 
 Corresponding 
 Christian Year. 
 
 Purgnnnalis. 
 
 18C3 
 
 1747 
 
 Unclesir and Ilansote... 
 
 Great famine. Cultivators fled fo 
 Malwa for food, Govei-nment called 
 them back and made remissions of 
 rent, and also made advances in the 
 shape of Tuccavee. During this year 
 of great distress the then Government 
 distributed grain free of charge; some 
 portions of the Purgunnahs were not- 
 withstanding desolated. The infor- 
 mation is obtained from the old here- 
 ditary revenue officers. No record, 
 private or public, is forthcoming, 
 
61 
 
 Snmrut Year. 
 
 Cori'csponcling 
 (Jiiristian Year. 
 
 Purgunnahs, 
 
 - 
 
 • 
 183G& 1837 ... 
 
 1780 & 1781 ... 
 
 
 
 
 
 Q'lie Bcaioity was caii.sod by the pluu- 
 
 
 
 
 devings of the Piudarees. 
 
 1838 
 
 1782 
 
 Do 
 
 For particulars see Sumvut 1803, Un- 
 clesir. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 detail information is procurable. 
 
 1847 
 
 1791 
 
 Olpar 
 
 Great famine. People fled for grain to 
 other countries. Some of the people 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 oflered their services for food, wliile 
 
 
 
 
 others lived by begging; some of them 
 
 
 
 
 took refuge at Surat, where the Natiio 
 
 
 
 
 Shaookars, and particularly the Dutch 
 
 
 
 
 Merchants, supplied the people with 
 
 
 
 
 rice free of charge, or by receiving a 
 
 
 
 
 reasonable price, according as tlie peo- 
 
 
 
 
 ple were indigent or otherwise. The 
 D'.cn Nawab of Surat also helped the 
 distressed poor to a considerable de- 
 gree, and made arrangements by which 
 the grain dealers were made to sell 
 according to a certain nerrick a fixed 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 
 quantity of grain to each individual. 
 
 
 
 
 For particulars vide Sumvut 1803, Un- 
 
 
 
 
 clcsir. 
 
 
 
 Haiisotc 
 
 This was a vear of great famine, and 
 
 
 
 
 scarcity of water and food to men and 
 animals. The then Govennnient pro- 
 cured grain, opened grain shops, and 
 supplied each family with the requi- 
 site quantity of grain as far as possible, 
 but the supply not being sufficient, 
 large numbers of men and animals be- 
 gan to die; so the people with their 
 cattle fled to Malwa, where several of 
 them died, and others returned on the 
 return of the monsoon. 
 
 
 1804 
 
 • 
 
 For particulars sec Sumvut 1847, Olpar. 
 
 
 
 Uuolesir 
 
 Grain scarce, but not so scarce as to 
 
 
 
 
 produce great hardship. The oulciva- 
 tors were allowed remission by Govern- 
 ment, and advances were also made to 
 them in the shape of Tuccavee; so 
 they had not much difficulty in return- 
 ing to their former state. 
 
 1AAQ 
 
 1813 
 
 Olpar 
 
 For particulars, vide Sumvut 1847, Olpar. 
 
 
 
 
 Eain was scanty, but not so scanty as to 
 
 !J 
 
 » .•■••• 
 
 
 cause great distl-ess from want of water 
 and grain, so the people had not to 
 leave their native laud. 
 
 
 
 Unclesu'i..i> ■ 
 
 Tor particulars, vido Sumvut 18C0, 
 
 
 
 Unclesir, 
 
G2 
 
 SumvutYear. 
 
 Corresponding 
 Christian Tear. 
 
 Pergunnahs, 
 
 1881. 
 
 1803., 
 
 1S25 
 
 1839 
 
 1897.. 
 
 Unclcsir 
 
 Hansoto 
 Unclesir 
 Hansote 
 
 18-il 
 
 Do. 
 
 Olpar . 
 
 For particular."!, 
 Unclesir. 
 
 vide Sumvut 18G0, 
 
 Dd. Sumvut 18C9, Hansote, 
 
 • Do. do. 1800. 
 
 There was an insufBoient fall of rain in 
 general. In some eight or ten sea- 
 coast villages there was a complete 
 faihire of rain,; so the people of these 
 villages loft their homes and settled 
 themselves in foreign territorieiS, while 
 others who became indigent received 
 the Tuecavee (advances) from Oovern- 
 nient, and were allowed reasonable re- 
 missions in the Jummabundy settle- 
 ment, in order to enable them to settle 
 thomsclvcs ayd perform their oecupa- 
 tions in the then next rainy season. 
 
 For jmrticulars, see Sumvut 1SG9, Hansote. 
 
 Ko great famine has taken place since 
 the accession of the Bi itish Government. 
 In Sumvut 1874, A. n. IBIS, however, 
 in some j'ears crops were injured owing 
 to the scarcity of rain, or the over- 
 flowing of the river. In such times as 
 til is Government allowed remissions 
 of rent to the cultivators, and made 
 donations to enable the people to 
 build houses. Government also found 
 work for the people by opening public 
 works, such as sinking and repairing 
 wells, clearing tanks, &;c., so the peo- 
 ple had not to fly for grain to other ^pro- 
 vinces. The price of grain and other 
 necessaries of life between the Sumvut 
 181G and 1821 was not better than the 
 famine prices in the years preceding 
 the accession of the British power, and, 
 though the prices have declined since 
 the Sumvut 1822, the decrease is only 
 slight. 
 
 From the Iloozoor Deputy Collector, dated 30th September. 
 
 "I. Conformably to your endorsement No. 1109, of the lOtli July 
 lastj on a copy of a Circular dated 1st idem from the Compiler of the Pre- 
 sidency Famine Eeport, I have the honor to submit such information as I 
 could gather on the subject of famines which prevailed in Goozerat on 
 different occasions. 
 
63 
 
 "2. 'Miratey Ahmedce' contains the following account regarding 
 famines on five occasions : — 
 
 « ' I. Hijree*1038, Sumvut 1685-8G, A. D. 1628-29. 
 
 " ' This famine is called the ' Satmasia :' it lasted for seven monthg. 
 No rain having fallen, the people were sadly in want of bread (ind Avater, 
 and were compelled to sell their children, for whom purchasers were 
 not to be found. One camel was procurable for one Eupee. The 
 benevolent Nobles could not support the poor. Those who used to 
 support and protect the poor were obliged to beg. The flesh of dogs 
 was eaten like that of sheep and goats, and their bones were ground 
 and mixed with flour, for which the grain dealers 'were punished. 
 When the people were very much distressed by this famine, they 
 began to kill men, and to use their flesh. If a single parson happened 
 to meet three or four persons, he was afraid of his life. The roads were 
 thus deserted, and the loss of life was very great. Men of strength and 
 power proceeded to. other countries. The Ahmedabad Zillah was nearly 
 ruined. The Emperor ordered the Chiefs and Nobles at Ahmedabad, 
 Surat, and Burranpoor, to establish Institutions for the distribution of 
 food and water to the sufferers. In Ahmedabad Rs. 50,000 were given 
 by liim for their maintenance; large sums were paid from the .Royal 
 Treasury, and wealthy Nobles contributed for the support ofthesuffier- 
 ors. Taxes of every description were abolished for two years. Next 
 year Avas blessed with rain. After the famine was over no male 
 buffaloes were to be found at Ahmedabad, and one was brought from 
 Cliampanecr for Rs. 85. • 
 
 " ' II. Hijree 1093, Sumvut 1739-40, A. D. 1082-83. 
 
 " '■ The people complained of the dearness of grain to the Sooba of 
 Ahmedabad, the rate being one Rupee for 3 or 4 seers. The Soobedar, 
 Mahomed Araeen Khan, on his return with a procession atthe ' Eed' 
 holiday found himself surrounded by men, women and children, Avho 
 complained very bitterly of their condition, and who were instigated by 
 one Shaik Aboo Bukkur to abuse the Soobedar and to throw stones 
 at him. The Soobedar's 'followers came forward to fight with the 
 people, but he, apprehending a riot, managed to pacify the mob, and to 
 reach home safely. This occurrence was reported to the Emperor, who 
 ordered that those who were engaged in the riot should be killed ; but 
 the Soobedar was an old man, and did not lend himself to such severity. 
 He, however, invited several persons to a feast, and quietly managed 
 to poison Aboo Bukkur, the leader of the mob." 
 
 " ' III. Hijree 1130, Sumvut 1774-75, A. D. 1717-18. 
 
 " ' This famine is called Punchotra. Mut and Bajree were sold 
 3 or 4 Bcers for a Rupee. Owing, howcverj to the Soobedar's good 
 
64 
 
 ttianagementj tlie people did not suffer very much. Graiu was sold to the 
 poor and starving people at the door of Rughoonath Dass Dewan, who 
 contributed much in charity. A child was procurable for a Rupee or 
 two. Rain fell this year, but not seasonably. Epidemic broke out, 
 and destroyed many. 
 
 " 'IV. Hijree 1161, Sumvut 1803-4, A. d. 1746-47. 
 
 " ' This famine is called ' Talotra,' or ' Janlcia Kal.' In this year 
 grass did not grow at all for want of rain. The Soobedar Jawaa 
 Murda Khan went into the jungle with his followers and offered 
 prayers, but without success. Grain was sold 3 or 4 seers for a Rupee. 
 Peojile supported themselves with the roots of trees and plants. Dead 
 cattle, birds and men, were used for food. Wells, tanks and rivers, 
 were without water. " Many persons went to Malwa and returned when 
 every thing was right ; others lost their lives. Several villages were 
 deserted ; next year was blessed with rain. * 
 
 " ' V. Hijree 1 174, Sumvut 1816-17, a. d. 1759-60. 
 
 " ' This famine was caused by scaicity and war; grain was sold one 
 seer for a Rupee in the Emperor's army, and one and a half seer in that 
 of the Mahrattas. Other people could get two or three seers for a 
 Rupee. G0,000 men died in the Emperor's army for want of food.' 
 
 «3. In Hijree 1205, Sumvut 1847, A. D. 1790-91, there was famine 
 at this place, regarding which the following account is given at page 54 in 
 the History of Surat in Goozeratee, composed by Kavi Nurbuddashunker 
 Lallshunker. 
 
 "In Sumvut 1847, A. D. 1791, there was a great famine in Surat, 
 known as the ' Soodtallo Kal.' This famine was very great, owino- to the 
 total failure of rain and crops. Prices rose very high. A Rupee would 
 briug only 8 Surat seers of grain, and that even was not procurable in case 
 of purchases to the amount of 50 or 100 Rs. Those who possessed a stock 
 of grain in their shops could not even sell it, because the poor etarvino- 
 people used to plunder it. A supply of grain enough to last about four days 
 could scarcely be had. Bags of Bengal rice were not then imported in 
 sufficient quantity to meet the demand, as ships from Bengal could not 
 make more than one or two trips in a year. Wealthy men of Surat charita- 
 bly distributed dates, parched jowaree and grain, amongst the poor people, 
 with which and with water the latter supported themselves. Some poor 
 people lived on bran usually eaten by cattle, while others Avandered about 
 here and there through the streets, and endeavoured to support themselves 
 by begging waste water prepared for boiling rice food. Some of the res- 
 pectable people committed sujqide by falling into wells and tanks; others 
 threw themselves into the Taptee. Some, indeed, killed their children and 
 
C5 
 
 lived on tlieir flesh ; gold and silver ornaments were offered at nominal prices, 
 but purchasers could not be found. The heat of the sun was excessive, 
 and the plague broke out. Mortality prevailed to such an extent that corpses 
 were thrown into two large pits, which the Nawab had caused to be dug out- 
 side the Surrah and Nowsaree gates. Corpses of poor people were seen 
 lying on the roads. This famine lasted for about a year and a half. 
 
 " Syud Hoosein wullud Syud Shariff, Shaik Edroos Saheb, has kindly 
 furnished me with the following information about the above famine : — 
 
 " ' Eughoba, a member of the family of Bajee Rao Peishwa, came 
 to Surat from Poena with many persons who suffered from the famine. 
 The grain which was concealed by the merchants was plundered, and. 
 this famine is commonly called ' Ragho Gurdee's Kal.' Nawab Niza- 
 moodeen was then Ruler of Surat. When no grain or grass could be 
 procured the cattle were slaughtered, and their flesh was sold very 
 cheap in the streets. The poor people assembled where the cattle were 
 slaughtered and drank the blood, which caused death. Nobody could 
 then think of his religion. Those who were wealthly could get ' Bandee' 
 and ' Kodra' (inferior kinds of grain), but only with gr^at trouble. Thia 
 caused heat in the stomach and produced death. Tliousands of people 
 thus died, and nobody went to burn or bury them. The poor people 
 eagerly sold their children for 8 annas each. Little infants were 
 given away for nothing to be supported. Millions of souls thus perish- 
 ed. At this time there was some religious ceremony performed ia 
 Syud Edroo's family, but nothing could be procured, except 4 or 5 dry 
 dates, which were rotten. The Rulers of Broach, Baroda, Bombay 
 and Surat, were different individuals, who prevented the export of 
 o-rain from one city to another. These measures caused great distress.' 
 
 "4. In Sumvut 1S60, A. D. 1803-4, there was another famine at this 
 |ilace called ' Sathokal,' not as severe as the preceding one, and which 
 appears to have taken place from excessive rain. ' Ghee,' or clarified butter, 
 was sold very cheap, and the poor people supported themselves with cakes 
 prepared of cow-dung and ' Ghee.' This famine took place soon after the 
 British Government obtaiuecJ possession of Surat, and I found some cor- 
 respondence about it on our records, copies of which I annex to this. I 
 tried to find out more particulars than what can be gathered from the cor- 
 respondence in question on the subject, but without success. 
 
 " 5^ The records of our Department shew that want of sufficient and 
 
 timely rain occasioned some scarcity in this 
 
 Sumvut 1888, A. D. 1831-32. ZiUah durino; the vears quoted in the margin: 
 
 Sumvut 1895. A. D. 1838-39. ^ " / . ^. .. xi 
 
 consequently, remissions ot assessment to the ex- 
 teat of Rs; 3,70,397 were granted in the former year, and of Rs. 4,96,121-12-8 
 
66 
 
 were granted in the latter year. The Statement of the current prices of 
 certain articles in this Collectorate in the years from a. t>. 1824 to a. d. 1863 
 inclusive (forwarded with the late Collector Mr. Rogers' letter No. 1486, 
 of the 5th December 1863, to Mr. Showell, Secretary to the Commission 
 to collect information on the subject of prices), however, clearly shews that 
 before the year a. t>. 1860 grain and other articles of food were during the 
 above period of nearly 36 years, including the aforesaid two years of 
 scarcity, never so dear as from a. d. 1860 up to the present time." 
 
 40. The correspondence referred to at tlie conclusion of 
 paragraph 4 as being on the Surat records is thus given : — 
 
 " To Edwaed Galley, Esq., 
 
 Collector at Surat. 
 Sir, 
 
 I am directed to acquaint you that, In consideration of the circumstances 
 of the present times, the Honorable the Governor in Council has been 
 pleased to grant a remission of Customs for the ensuing three months on all 
 importations of grain into Surat by sea, to encourage the merchants to 
 venture their vessels across the Gulf to that Port. 
 
 I have, &c., 
 
 (Signed) J. A. GRANT, 
 
 Secretary to Government. 
 Bomhay Castle, 14f7^ Jul]/ 1803. 
 
 To James Augustus Geant, Esq., 
 
 Secretaiy to Government, 
 
 BOMBAY. 
 
 SlE, 
 
 I have had the honor to receive your letfer of the 14th instant, advis- 
 ing that the Honorable the Governor in Council has been pleased to grant 
 a remission of Customs, for the ensuing three months, on all importations of 
 grain into this place by sea, and to which injunction all attention shall be paid. 
 
 I have, &c., 
 
 (Signed) E. GALLEY, 
 
 Collector. 
 Surat Collector's Office, 25th July 1803. ' 
 
67 
 
 To Keshowram SoBnAKAM, - 
 
 Amuldar of tlie Hansotc Pergunnali. 
 
 I am informed by Mr. Crow that some of the merchants of this pLice 
 have been to Ilansote to purchase and brinj^ here a quantity of grain, and 
 that you had prevented them from exporting the same. I therefore write 
 this to you, and direct that in future you do not stop any grain actually 
 purcliascd for this market; but you mast not permit the exportation of 
 this article to any other place, Broach excepted. 
 
 Surat, the \%th Septemler 1803. 
 
 To Ed-waed Galley, Esq., 
 
 Collector of Surat. 
 
 Sill, 
 
 In advising you of the great distress which this Settlement is now 
 labouring under from unexpected scarcity of rice, the Governor in Council 
 desires me to intimate that it has become extremely desirable that as much 
 of the Government share of that growing in the Pergunnali of Chicklee and 
 the other Pergunnahs lately ceded by the Peishwa, or otherwise through- 
 out the Attaveesee, as you and the Magistrate at Surat may think can be 
 spared from the local consumption of that city, should be consigned as early 
 as possible to the use of Government at the Presidency, being at the same 
 time instructed, to suggest that in such case the export need not be imme- 
 diately made from Surat, but rather from the port of Bulsar, or any other 
 convenient Bunder on the coast to which the rice might, with all possible ex- 
 pedition, be transported by land, and thence embarked without occasioning 
 any unnecessary alarm to the inhabitants of Surat, or giving occasion to in- 
 terested dealers thence to raise the price in that market. 
 
 2. If there be any other grains applicable to the sustenance of the 
 natives of this part of the coast which can, in your own and Mr. Crow's 
 opinions, more safely admit of export than rice, this will prove a very 
 acceptable aid to Government ; and, besides what may be thus available 
 from the Attaveesee, you are authorized and directed to endeavour to pro- 
 cure, by contract or other mode of purchase, as much wheat, rice, or bajree, 
 as can be found for export in any of the ports on the opposite side of the 
 Gulf, or from any part within the peninsula of Goozerat, taking care that 
 the purchases be not made in the name of Government, as that might tend 
 unnecessarily to raise the price, and discourage other merchants, which is 
 by no means the intention, of Government, whose sole object is to procure 
 
G8 
 
 flie greatest practicable supply in the shortest possible perioil, with a vicR' 
 to answer the immediate exigencies of this Settlement, and the eventual, but 
 highly probable, ones of the army abo-ve the Ghauts. 
 
 I have, &c., 
 
 (Signed) J. A. GRANT, 
 
 Secretary to Government. 
 Bomhaij Castle, Wth October 1803. 
 
 To J. A. Grant, Esq., 
 
 Secretary to Government. 
 
 BOMBAY. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt on the 19th instant of 
 your letter, in duplicate, of the 14th, in this Department, and request you 
 will assure the Honorable the Governor in Council of my speedy and prompt 
 attention to the orders therein conveyed. 
 
 I have, &c., 
 
 (Signed) E. GALLEY, 
 
 Collector. 
 
 To Edwaro Gadley, Esq., 
 
 Agent of Government, 
 
 SUEAT. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 After the fullest enquiry into the subject of our late conference, 
 namely, the degree of supply to be spared from the grain the produce of 
 these Purgunnabs, I am ajiprehensive that the necessities of the country 
 cannot be furnished till the next harvest, and that with the best economy 
 and mangement much Fevere distress must ensue to the city of Surat and 
 its dependencies, unless some foreign resources can be obtained. I beg leave, 
 therefore, to offer it as my clear oi:>inion that no exportation whatever of 
 grain should be permitted from Panura to the Nurbudda, and I request that 
 you will be pleased to issue orders to the different Kumavisdars to assist my 
 arrangements for preventing the same. 
 
 I have, &c., 
 
 (Signed) N. CROW, 
 
 J. and M. 
 
 Surat, 2nd Novemher 1803, 
 
G9 
 
 To J. A. Grant, Esq., 
 
 Sccrctai-y to Government, 
 
 BOMBAY. 
 Sir, 
 
 For the purpose of more speedily forwarding the instructions of 
 Government convoyed through you under date the 14th ultimo, and enabling 
 them more expeditiously to meet the exigency likely to be imposed on 
 them from the expected deficiency and scarcity of grain at the Presidency, 
 I availed myself of the assistance of Nagurdass Kursondass, and employed 
 him in aiding the execution of the commission with which I was entrusted. 
 
 By advices recently received from his Agents at Bhownagur, it appears 
 that he had succeeded in already purchasing 623 Culseys at from 18;^ to 18^ 
 the Surat inaund of bajree, and 85 Culseys of wheat, as per two lists enclosed, 
 and that he was procuring a further supply, from which he was obliged to 
 desist owing to some difficulty arising on the part of the Eaja of that place, 
 who objected to the exportation of what he had in the first instance procur- 
 ed ; in consequence of this notification I addressed a letter to the Raja in 
 Nagur's favor, which will, I trust, be productive of the desired effect, and 
 in the meanwhile the Agent has been instructed to refrain from further pur- 
 chases until the sanction of the Raja has been obtained to admit of its ex- 
 portation. 
 
 I have the pleasure to advise that 8 boats, with their contents as per 
 list herewith transmitted, viz. 5 at Billimora and 3 at Bulsar, are now 
 waiting at those ports to take advantage of the first cruiser that can be 
 procured to convey them to Bombay. It was my intention that a part of 
 these boats should have sailed last Thursday under the protection of the 
 * Princess Royal,' which was liberated merely by the extreme tempestuons- 
 ness of the weathei-, and which obliged the boats that were hardly enough 
 to attempt joining the convoy on that day in spite of the fury of the gale 
 to return to the bar. 
 
 In consequence of the enclosed letter from the Judge and Magistrate 
 at this place, I have resolved to put a stop to the purchase in the Attavecsee 
 and exportation of more grain than what is already procured. 
 
 I have, &c., 
 
 (Signed) E. GALLEY, 
 
 Collector. . 
 Surat Collector's Office, 1th November 1803. 
 
 The detail of the contents of the boats, &c., are here given. 
 
70 
 
 To J. A, Grant, Esq., 
 
 Secretary to Government, 
 
 BOMBAY. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I liave the honor to advise that the eiglit boats containing graia from 
 the Chicklee and Bulsar Pergiinnahs, noticed in my letter of the 7tli instant, 
 now proceed under convoy of the Honorable Cruiser 'Princess Augusta,' 
 and I sliall do myself the honor to transihit by to-morrow's Dawk, if possi- 
 ble, the invoice of the above mentioned grain. 
 
 I have, &c. 
 
 (Signed) E, GALLEY, 
 
 Collector, 
 Surat Collector's Office, 9th November 1803. 
 
 To J. A. Grant, Esq., 
 
 Secretary to Government, 
 
 BOMBAY. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 Herewith I have the honor to enclose a list of boats loaded with gvaiii, 
 on the Honorable Company's account, imported from Bhownagur, which have 
 been put under convoy of the ' Princess Augusta,' and will sail from hence 
 for the Presidency to-morrow. The Commander of the Cruiser above nam- 
 ed has also been instructed to take under his protection two Bottilas hero 
 undermentioned in the event of their arriving at the bar jirevious to his 
 getting under weigh, which there is some reason to expect may be the case. 
 Tliesc Bottilas are from Dholera, and likewise contain a cargo of grain on 
 account of the Honorable Company. 
 
 I have, &c., 
 
 (Signed) ' E. GALLEY, 
 
 Collector. 
 Surat Collector's Office, SOtJi November 1803, 
 
 To J. A. Grant, Esq., 
 
 Secretary to Government, 
 
 BOMBAY. 
 
 ■Sir, 
 
 I have the honor to advise that four boats loaded with grain on the 
 Honorable Company's account have sailed for the Presidency since my 
 
71 
 
 communication of the 30th ultimo, as per list herewith enclosotl. Two of these 
 boats are those which I mentioned in my letter above alluded to as likely 
 to have sailed under convoy of the 'Princess Augusta,' but it subsequently 
 appeared that they did not 'arrive at the bar iu time to take advantage of 
 that opportunity to proceed to their destination. 
 
 I have, &Q., 
 
 (Signed) E. GALLEY, 
 
 Collector. 
 
 Surat CoUecto}-'s Office, I9t/i Decemher 1803. 
 
 To Edwakd Galley, Esq., 
 
 Collector of Surat. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 The city being greatly distressed for want of the accession of the sup- 
 plies of the new harvest, and the Banjarras collected in great number on 
 the skirts of the Attaveesee to carry off the produce to foreign parts, I have 
 urgently to request that, as soon as the Jummabundy may be settled and 
 permission given to sell the crops, the Kumavisdars, Dcssaees and Patels, 
 may be instructed to encourage, as much as possible, the importation 
 of the grain here, and, with the Chowkeedars and Nakadars, receive a gene- 
 ral injunction not to permit the exportation of any quantity out of these 
 Pergunnahs, cither by land or by sea. 
 
 I have, &c., 
 
 (Signed) NATHAN CROW, 
 
 Judge and Magistrate. 
 Surat, the 8th January 1804, 
 
 To Nathan Crow, Esq., 
 
 Judge and Magistrate, 
 
 SURAT. 
 
 SiK, 
 
 I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of yester- 
 day's date, in reply to which I have to observe that no time will be lost in 
 comiDleting the settlement of the Jummabundy, The Kumavisdars have 
 
72 
 
 already been instriictccl to prevent the exportation of grain from the 
 Attaveesec to foreign parts. 
 
 I have, &c., 
 
 (Signed) E. GALLEY, 
 
 Collector. 
 Sural Collector's Office, tlic'Qth Januanj 1804. 
 
 To J. A. Grant, Esq., 
 
 Secretary to Government, 
 
 BOMBAY. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I liave the honor to transmit you herewith an invoice of the grain 
 consigned by me to the Presidency since my letter of the 17th November 
 last. 
 
 I have, &c., 
 
 (Signed) E. GALLEY, 
 
 Collector. 
 Surat Collector's Office, the Gtit February 18G8, 
 
 To Edwaed Galley, Esq., 
 
 Collector of Surat. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 Since my last addresses to you respecting grain, the difficulties on that 
 score have, in spite of all my endeavours, so much increased that I am 
 under the necessity of again troubling you on the sabject, and of urgently 
 soliciting the favor of your injunctions on your officers and people in the 
 Purgunnahs to co-operate with mine in preventing exportation, and also in 
 dra-ffing the supplies of the country towards the city. 
 
 The allurement of advantage which the indigent state of the country 
 to the southward and eastward presents to exportation from these Pur-* 
 gunnahs has invited vast numbers of Bnnjarras ^to visit them in order to 
 purchase grain, and the same temptation of profit has, I am sorry to say, 
 corrupted those fi*om whose faithful vigilance alone an effective check was 
 to be relied on for preserving to the laud the blessings of its own produc- ' 
 tions, namely, the Amils. 
 
73 
 
 ' Finding that the grain was fast ebbing out of the countiy, I endea- 
 voured by stationing people of my own near the Southern Bunders, and in 
 the neighbourhood of the different passes up the Ghauts, to stop the exhaus- 
 tion, and I wrote to the Rajas of Bansda, of Dhurumpoor, of Mandvee, and 
 also to the Guicowar's Sirsoobedar at Nowsaree, to excite their co-operation 
 in my object. I exerted all the influence in my power likewise over the 
 farmer of the tolls between the Nurbudda and Panura to engage his good 
 offices, but his interest was too incompatible with such views as mine to 
 make more zeal and sincerity probable than what I have experi^ijced. The 
 only aid that has availed me was that of Colonel Anderson while he was 
 in the field. Notwithstanding, however, the inadequacy of means, and the 
 great difficulty of checking such an 'extensive range of country,, the expor- 
 tation has been much discouraged, but the cupidity lighted up is not subdu- 
 ed, for, disappointed at present of cai-rying the grain without the Pergunnahs, 
 the owners are hoarding it in the Peishwa's and Guicowar's villages, or 
 secretino- it in mines in their own, till more favorable opportunity may offer 
 of carrying it abroad, or similar misery at Home hold out equal glut to their 
 avarice. 
 
 The state of the city is, therefore, not relieved by any thing I have yet 
 been able to effect. The check to exportation must be completed, and the 
 hoards opened to the internal consumption, and this I am sanguine in think- 
 ing may be accomplished if you will be kind enough to issue general di- 
 rections to your people, of whatever description and wherever stationed in 
 the Pergunnahs, to render assistance to mine in all measures they may pur- 
 sue (and for which I am of course alone answerable) towards preventing 
 the exportation of grain, and driving it to the city. 
 
 The salt trade is one of the spacious covers under which the trade in 
 grain is masked, and I am aware that 'many plausible arguments of dis- 
 couragement to useful merchants, diminution of a branch of revenue, and 
 danger of losing it altogether, will be urged to you to establish the 
 impolicy of subjecting the Bunjarras to check. I have not overlooked a 
 consideration of such importance as the Company's revenue, and I am 
 satisfied that none of the measures I have in view for the subsistence of the 
 people are at all injurious to the Nimuksaree Mahal, but if the interests of 
 the one and the other were at variance, I should not hesitate to give it as my 
 humble opinion that the Company had better lose double its value than 
 the country be exposed to the horrors of famine and the city to insurrec- 
 tion, which are the dangers that threaten now. 
 
 I have, &c., 
 (Signed) NATHAN CHOW, 
 
 Judge and Magistrate. 
 Surat, Utii February 1804. 
 10 F 
 
74 
 
 -To Nathan Ceow, Esq., 
 
 J udge and Magistrate, 
 
 SURAT. 
 
 SlK, 
 
 / I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of yesterday's 
 date, andj in reply, to assure you that I shall cordially contribute every 
 assistance in my power to alleviate, in conjunction with yourself, the calami- 
 ties complained of, in view to which the injunctions you have suggested shall 
 be promptly communicated to the Amuldars and other Revenue Officers in 
 the different Pergunnahs, and their obedience thereto strictly enacted. 
 
 I have, &c., 
 
 (Signed) E. GALLEY, 
 
 Collector. 
 Sural Collector's Office, the \%tli February 1804. 
 
 To Edward Galley, Esq., 
 
 Collector at Surat. 
 
 SiK, 
 
 I am directed by the Honoi-able the Governor in Council to desire 
 that you afford the fullest aid and support that your Department is suscep- 
 tible of to. the measures recommended in the Judge and Magistrate's letter 
 to you of the 8th of January and 15th of February last. 
 
 All duties on the import of grain into Surat are to bo taken off till 
 further orders. 
 
 I have, &o., 
 
 (Signed) J. A. GRANT, 
 
 Secretary to Government. 
 Bombay Castle, 2\st February 1804. 
 
 This day an advertisement was published for the remission of the 
 duties on grain untilfurther orders. 
 
 This is to give notice that, in consequence of the directions of 
 Government, all duties on the importation of grain will cease from this date. 
 
 I have, &c., 
 
 (Signed) E. GALLEY, 
 
 Collector." 
 Surat Collector''s Office, the 26th February 1804. 
 
75 
 
 From the District Deputy Collector, dated l\th October. 
 
 •" Famine Report of the Chowi-asee Purojumiali, submitted in accordance 
 with the instructions contained in the Surat Collector's endorsement 
 No. 1G73, of the 7th October 1867. 
 
 ._-. 
 
 WJS 
 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 t;3k^ 
 
 o p 
 
 = 
 
 
 
 a 
 
 ■r, H 
 
 CO 
 
 5'^ 
 
 1847 
 
 ISCO 
 
 J SCO 
 
 ISSO 
 
 1895 
 
 1920 
 
 1791 
 
 1801 
 
 1813 
 
 1824 
 
 1830 
 
 1804 
 
 Particulars. 
 
 This famine is generally known by tlie name of " SoocUala" (i. e. appertaining to 
 1847), derived from the Sumvut year in which it took place. Grain was sold at 
 the rate of \a seers (Suratee) per Rupee. The people were in great distress 
 owing 10 tlie scarcity of grain. Their sufferings, however, were alleviated by the 
 large supply of cocoanuts and dates Sliippcd from other ports, and sold at a clieai> 
 rate. This information is traditional, and is obtained from Dajee Eu"-hoonatli- 
 Dasaoe. 
 
 In tliis year the harvest was good, but the dearncsg of grain was caused by the- 
 Dulcnees, who flocked to tliis part of the country in consequence of the famine 
 ivliicli ravaged the Doccan in tliat year. The consequence was tliat grain rose 
 to from 16 to 13 seors (Suratee) per Rupee. Tlris year of scarcity is generally 
 known by tlie name of '• Batho." 
 
 Scarcity caused by the invasion of tlie Pindarecs, The price of grain was fi-om 
 25 to 23 seers (Suratee) per Rupee. 
 
 Scarcity caused by the western part (of India) liaving been desolated. The price 
 of corn ranged from 30 to 28 seers (Suratee) per Rupee. 
 
 Scarcity of grain caused by insufficient fall of rain. Grain was sold at from 24 to 
 22 seers (Suratee) per Rupee. 
 
 This year of dearnoss may be compared with the " Soodtala" (famine of Sumvut 
 1847), grain having risen from 15 to 13 seers (Suratee) per Rupee. 
 
 Qeneral Heniarlis, 
 
 The means adopted for the relief of the people suffering from the old famines cannot be as- 
 certained from the persons now living. As none of the persons who have out-lived the famines are 
 forthcoming, the Information was gathered from SliivaBhonlaof Kuttargaum, Dajee Rughoonathjee 
 of Delsoda, and Eavil Nundsal Dullal through the medium of Rajaram Ruglioonath." 
 
 41. From Candeish tlie Acting Collector, Mr. Shejapard, 
 wlio had only recently taken charge oli the departure of the 
 Collector, Mr. Ashburner, for England, reported, on the 2nd 
 April last, as follows : — 
 
 *' 2. I regret to report that the information forthcoming on the subject 
 of past famines in this province is somewhat meagre, and reaches only as 
 far back as the commencement of the present century. The famine which 
 theu occurred was a,u important era in Candeish history. 
 
76 
 
 " 3. The province at that- time belonged to the Peishwa, the East 
 India Company having a email share in the revenue. Both Scindia and 
 Holkur owned considerable estates in the province. In the troubles whidi 
 ensued on Bajeerow's elevation to the Peishwa's * Gaddee,' and the con- 
 sequent hostility of the above princes, the then fertile and well-populated 
 province of Candeish suffered, perhaps, even more than any part of the 
 Deccan. 
 
 "4. There is no reason to suppose that the season of 1802-3 was an 
 unfavorable one, or that any scarcity in neighbouring provinces had caused 
 emigration from them. The country was pi'obably at the height of its 
 prosperity. Water was abundant. Population, even in the now almost 
 deserted tracts beneath the Sattpooras, was considerable;* at this time it was 
 that two seasons of anarchy and lawlessness spread desolation and famine 
 through these districts. 
 
 "5. It ig not necessary forme to describe how the followei's of the 
 two great Chiefs wasted, destroyed, and looted Candeish during this period ; 
 how the Pindaree bands sacked and burnt villages in every direction, even 
 destroying the grain standing in the fields ; and how the Bheels had their 
 turn in the general plunder. There are still some living in Candeish who 
 remember these times, and the almost equally distressing period which 
 immediately succeeded theiu. 
 
 " 6. The famine which was the consequence jDrobably decimated 
 Candeish. Grain sold at less than 1 seer per Rupee. Such was the disturb- 
 ed state of the Deccan, and indeed of the whole of this part of India, that 
 none could bo imported from without. Vast numbers died from famine, or 
 consequent disease, and many others left their ruined homes never to return 
 to them, and either deserted the province altogether or settled down in tlie 
 more populous parts. Terrible accounts of the severity of the famine are 
 given by some of the Mamlutdars. 
 
 *' 7. The Government of the Peishwa appears to have done somethino- 
 to meet the emergency of the case. The Vinchoorker was appointed as a 
 special ofKcer to carry out remedial measures. Duties on imports were 
 abolished, revenue and cesses were remitted. Export of grain was prohi- 
 bited, and the prices of the necessaries of life were regulated. Measures 
 were likewise adopted to put a stop to the freebooting of the Arahs 
 Bheels, &c. 
 
 * "iVote— Inside the walls of the old town of Sooltanpoor, now inhabited by three families 
 of Goonbocs and some Bheels, tlie old Patcl four days ago pointed out to me 200 wells, which ho 
 recollects having been all in use in 1802," 
 
77 
 
 "8. By the end of the year 1804 the country appears to have again 
 become quiet, but the effects of the previous fifteen months are still visible 
 in many parts of the province. 
 
 "9. The year 1824-25 was one of great scarcity. It is reported that 
 Amount of remiaion of revenue "° ^^^^ whatever, except a few slight showers, 
 Es. 7,33 913, being Rs. 49-12-9 per fell that Season in Candeish. The seasons 
 cent, ot the revenue for collection. . t.i -,• ■, ,. . 
 
 immediately preceding and succeeding it appear 
 
 to have been favourable ones, so that, although considerable distress was 
 
 experienced by the poorer classes. Government do not appear to have been 
 
 called upon for any special assistance beyond remission of the yearly revenue. 
 
 " 10. The years 1832 and 1845 are also reported to have been seasons 
 
 of great scarcity and distress, though hardly to 
 
 Rs^wf r„"'t\27,8iria' ^^ "^"^-i f^™-« years. Insufficient or un- 
 tiiose j'ears respectively, being Rs. seasonable falls of rain are said to have been 
 
 24-1-3 and Rs 37-12-2 per cent, of .1 " i? .1 1 i 1 , , , • •, , 
 
 the revenue for collection. ^he causes ot.the bad harvests to which the 
 
 said distress was attributable. Considerable 
 remissions were granted by Government. 
 
 " 1 1. There is no very reliable record of the prices of grain during the 
 years last mentioned. It is, however, tolerably certain that these, though 
 high enough to cause considerable suffering, were not as high as those 
 obtained in the years from 1862 — 66. During this period not only were the 
 monsoons in this province unfavourable, but the area sown with cereals was 
 very much reduced, owing to the extravagant prices obtained for cotton 
 owing to the American war. The temptation to sow cotton was too strong 
 to be resisted, and but for the Railway and other public works, which were 
 the means of providing abundance of work at liberal rates of wages, the 
 lower classes would have suffered considerably." 
 
 42. From Ahraednuggur, the Acting Collector, Mr. Ersldne, 
 wrote as follows on the 30th August — 
 
 " 1. I have made the enquiries required by your Circular on the sub- 
 ject of famines in these districts, and have the honor to send you the follow- 
 ing details, which, meagre as they are, are all I have been able to obtain. 
 
 " 2. One reason it is impossible to give exact details is the satisfactory 
 one that there has been no general famine, indeed nothing deserving the 
 name of a famine, since the country has passed under British rule. 
 
 "3. In former times unfortunately there were from time to time 
 famines. I do not allude to traditions, such, for instance, as the tradition of 
 a terrible famine nearly 400 years ago, for, of course, nothing is known of 
 this, the tradition merely being that for twelve years there was drought, and 
 the result was that famine was sore in the land. There are, indeed, no 
 
78 
 
 records wliich give any tletalls of any famines previous to tlie British occu- 
 pation, and 1 am unable to give you any information concerning them. 
 There is, however, no doubt tliat in the year A. D. 1792 there was 
 
 1792 J - 7 J ^ 
 
 in the more southern and western parts of this Collectorate — in the 
 Jamkhier, Parnair, Akola, Sungumnair, &c., districts — great misery and 
 Avant owing to the price of grain, whicli is said at that time to have been 
 selling at six seers the Rupee, a rate whicli, considering the value of money at 
 that period and the usual price at which the cheaper sorts of grain sold then, 
 would be equivalent, probably, to grain selling now at three or four seers a 
 Rupee. I have been unable to ascertain particulars as to what loss of life 
 resulted from this scarcity, if there was any, and have thought it unneces- 
 sary to delay while endeavouring to procure details, as there will probably 
 be no difficulty in ascertaining all particulars from the Poona Duftur. 
 
 " 4. I may, indeed, here mention tliat all enquiries have been met by 
 the same reply from Chiefs and Hereditary District Oliicers that their 
 papers, public as well as private, were taken away by the Inam Commission, 
 and have never been returned. Even the Chief of Vinchoor, to whom, 
 among others, I applied, stated he had no pajiers of older date than 40 years 
 back, and that he could not obtain detailed accounts from any of the here- 
 ditary Officers in the villages forming his estate. Probably, therefore, all the 
 statistical information that is procurable will be found in the recoi'ds now in' 
 the possession of the Alienation Department, and I shall therefore, without 
 attempting to provide statistics, proceed to record the general information 
 I have succeeded iu collecting. 
 
 " 5. The only general famine in these districts of which I have been 
 able to hear any details was tlie one of A. D. 1803-4, and from hearsay 
 
 evidence there can be no doubt that there was great loss of life. 
 
 Old men of good standing, with whom I have conversed on the 
 subject, estimate the loss of life in the town of Ahmednuggur alcjue at * about 
 5,000 or "6,000 souls,' but whether this estimate is well founded I have no 
 means of ascertaining, as I have not been able to procure any documentary 
 evidence on the subject. 
 
 "6. This famine was in a, few districts partly caused by a bad season, 
 but even in these the season was not so bad as to have led to a famine had 
 it not been for the excesses of the soldiery who accompanied Holkur, and 
 of the Piudarees who accompanied his army when they invaded 'the country 
 in that year. The crops of that year were never allowed to come to 
 maturity ; they were carried off green to feed the elephants, horses, &c., that 
 accompanied the different armies. Much too was uselessly destroyed. All 
 the grain stores too were plundered, and thus not only were the people 
 _ deprived of what was intended as a reserve for a bad season, but they were 
 
79 
 
 left without sufficient grain to sow their fields when the sowing season 
 came round, and thus the misery and want was~ prolonged. 
 
 " 7. The following account of this famine is given by Mr, Krishnarao 
 Viltul Vinchoorkur, the details having, he states, been gathered from men 
 ' of strict veraoity, some of whom were grown up men at the time of the 
 famine, and quite competent to form intelligent opinions on the things pass- 
 ing around them.' He writes as follows (and I give his account in 
 extenso) : — 
 
 " ' Jeshwuntrow Holkur, burning for revenge for the cruel and 
 treacherous murder of his brother Vittojee Holkur by the orders of the 
 Peishwa Bajeerow II, resolved in that year to proceed to wreak -a 
 terrible vengeance on the perpetrators of so dreadful a crime. He was 
 followed by a host of armed men, irregular horse, foot soldiers, Pindarees, 
 &c., nearly all allured to his standard by the desire of plunder. 
 Jeshwuntrow commenced by plundering and devastating the Peishwa's 
 territories on this side of the river Nurbudda, and extended his 
 depredations through the intermediate country as far as the river 
 Krishna. Two of Jeshwuntrow's officers, namely, Futtehsing Manay 
 and Shah Ahmed Khan Pathan, swept, like wild-fire, all the villages 
 lying on both sides of the river Godavery. Clouds of hoi-semen and 
 Pindarees were to be observed in all directions under different leaders, 
 committing with perfect impunity the work of destruction, pillaging 
 and burning villages, extorting from people the heaviest contributions, 
 either in mouey or corn, while their horses and bullocks devoured 
 extensive standing crops of unripe grain, destroying at the same time 
 what they could not devour. Large stores of corn were forced open, 
 and their contents consumed or throv/n away, just as the grain happen-, 
 ed to be good or bad. These and similar atrocities naturally brought 
 on a famine of the worst type. The fields had nothing to yield ; the 
 stores of corn intended to serve as safe-guards against hard times "were 
 empty. The cry for food was loud and appalling, but no response 
 could be given to it. Corn was not to be had but at an enormously 
 high price. Wheat could be got at half a seer per Rupee. Even at this 
 price it was not obtainable at all places, but when It was obtained by 
 some means or other it was difficult to carry it home, for people con- 
 cealed themselves by way-side andpounced upon anyone who happened 
 to pass that way with a small quantity of corn, snatched it out of his 
 grasp, and sometimes murdered him if he resisted. The calamity grew 
 on till it could grow no longer, and assumed an appearance that was 
 awful to' contemplate. People had recourse to the vegetables which the 
 earth spontaneously produces. My informants narrate the most horrify- 
 ing details of the way iu which people lived at this stage of the famine. 
 
80 
 
 Those wlio could afford purcliased a small quantity of rotten wheat, 
 ground them, and mixing the flour with a very large proportion of 
 vegetables, to mitigate in some degree its noisome stench, made a bread 
 out of the compound ; others less fortunate collected a quantity of the 
 young and tender leaves of the Tamarind tree, and mixing them with a 
 kind of white earth the mass was pounded to the consistency of paste, 
 and made into a sort of jelly by being boiled with water. Here and 
 there instances occurred which showed to what a miserably low level 
 human nature may descend at times of such extreme helplessness. 
 Men destroyed and devoured their infants, little innocent girls were 
 sold for a few Rupees to professional prostitutes, high caste Hindoos ate 
 of the flesh of the sacred cow, and Moosulmans devoured the detestable 
 pigs. Thousands died of unwholesome food, and tens of thousands of no 
 food. In large towns streets were strewn with the dead and dying, and 
 the survivors were too weak, or too exhausted, to carry the dead to be 
 burnt on the funeral pile, or to be buried in the graves. Smaller villages 
 fared the worst of all. Many of them were entirely depopulated, not 
 one of their inhabitants having survived to tell the mournful tale. 
 
 " ' Such is a faint outline of the distre"ss which prevailed during 
 the great famine, Avhich continued with unabated fury for upwards 
 of three months, and produced the most frightful results. 
 
 "'The counti-y afflicted by this dire calamity lay between the 
 river If urbudda on the North, the river Krishna on the South, the 
 Syanhadri range on the West, and the Nizam's dominions on the East. 
 
 " ' The afflicted district was at the time under no settled Govern- 
 ment. It had one ruler to-day and another to-morrow. Anarchy in its 
 worst form stalked over the length and breadth of that unfortunate 
 region. Ilelief from rulers was, therefore, out of the question. Here 
 and there a wealthy Sowkar, or a pious Brahman, doled out in miserable 
 pittance a quantity of grain to relatives, friends, or sometimes to a few 
 l)assers-by, but this relief could not reach the starving masses. Those 
 who could bear the fatigues of long journey emigrated therefore into 
 Goozerat, where corn was plentiful and cheap, and thus saved their 
 lives. 
 
 " ' In the midst of all this wide-spread desolation there was one 
 consolation. It was not the failure of water that had caused the famine • 
 the rains were copious, the rivers, tanks, wells, all were full. There 
 was plenty of grass for cattle, and their milk afforded some relief to the 
 people. Gradually corn found its way into the forlorn district. Good 
 roads there were none, and carts could not be used, but the ' Wunjarees,' 
 —a wandering, but in those days a useful, tribe — imported vast quantities 
 
81 
 
 of corn from Goozerat by means of their bullocks. Distress diminish- 
 ed proportionately. Village people who had fled to distances returned 
 to their houses. Fields were resown, and kind nature rushed to the 
 rescue of her unfortunate children. Land yielded an uncommonly 
 large return, corn became plentiful and within the reach of the poorest, 
 and the face of the country once more smiled with joy.' 
 " 8. The above account, even if there are a few touches in it for effect, 
 shows accurately the popular tradition concerning the famine. 
 
 ' " 9. It is hardly necessary for me to remind you that it was in August 
 of the year 1803 that Ahmednuggur was taken by the troops commanded by 
 Major General Wellesley. The 9th of August was the date of the capture 
 of the fort, and on the 13th he complained to the Government of the want 
 of forage. ' The service cannot be carried on in this manner ; the troops 
 must have regular supplies of provisions at command, or misfortune and 
 disgrace will be the result.' 
 
 " 10. I may here mention that when the fort was taken a large 
 quantity of grain was found stored inside, and this was used to pay large 
 numbers of half-starving people, who were employed in throwing up the 
 glacis round the fort ditch, and is still mentioned as having been the means 
 of helping, and probably saving, large numbers of the poorer classes. 
 
 " 11. Major GeneralWellesleyagainonthe23rdApril 1804, when allud- 
 ing to the scarcity in these districts, writes to the Government of Bombay — 
 " ' Your Excellency is, I imagine, aware of the scarcity which 
 prevails throughout the Deccan, and which has produced a famine. 
 By a report which I have received from the Commander of the Mysore 
 Horse, whom I had sent with his corps to forage in districts on the 
 Nizam's frontier, which were supposed not to have suffered equally 
 with those farther to the westward, I learn that the distress is extreme ; 
 that he can scarcely procure forage or grain for his horses ; that that 
 which is procured is at an enormous expense ; that he had been some 
 days without food, and that he had lost 100 horses in one day. The 
 horses of the British Cavalry have been for some time eating rice at 
 Poona, a food which, it is well known, is unwholesome for them ; but 
 as that is the only grain which Bombay could supply, and as the grain 
 for horses and cattle could always, till now, be procured in the country, 
 it is the only grain in the magazines which I have collected at Poona 
 and Ahmednuggur for the troops.' 
 
 " 12. No part of the country seems to have suffered more during this 
 famine than the Peint State. Mr. J. MacFarlan, the Assistant Collector 
 in charge of the State, writes — 
 
 " ' In the Peint State this famine was very severe, and lasted for 
 two years. No measures of relief appear to have been adopted as a 
 11 F 
 
82 
 
 general rule. lu Pclat attempts to import grain were macle, but the 
 B heels always carried it off. 
 
 " 'Since the English took the country there has been no serious 
 famine. In 1824 there was considerable distress for about four months, 
 probably May, June, July and August, caused by failure of the mon- 
 soon, grain rising in price to 8 seers for the llupee. There is no record 
 as to deaths, but it is not supposed that there were many anywhere 
 but in Peint, where the deaths are estimated at 1,200. Measures of 
 relief do not appear to have been adopted. 
 
 " ' Again in 1845-4G the fall of rain was short ; grain fell to 4 and 
 even 3 pailees (12 seers) per Eupee, but the distress did not last longer 
 than six months, and it is not known that deaths occurred except at 
 Peint, whore about 1000 persons died in spite of an importation of 
 grain. 
 
 " ' There was scarcity again in Peint in 1854, when grain fell to 
 3 pailees per Rupee, and 500 persons died. 
 
 " ' I have looked up the English records, but find nothing of 
 importance regarding famines in them.' 
 
 " 13. There is nothing on record, so far as I have been able to dis- 
 cover in this Oflace, concerning these famines and the loss of life in Peint, 
 but as at that time Nassick was a Sub-CoUectorate the want may be 
 accounted for." 
 
 43. Mr. Ei'sldne also forw.arcIetl the following Statement 
 and extra reports on 9t]i January last, at tlie same time regretting 
 that, though he and the Assistant Collectors had during their 
 tours made every enquiry, no further information was forth- 
 coming. 
 
83 
 
 Statement showing the rates at which grain teas sold at Khtirda, a well-hnoicn 
 trading toitn in the Janikheir Talooha of the Akmednuggur Collectorate, 
 during the famine which is said to hare talen pface during the years 1803 
 and 1804:, found in the account boohs of Bahajec Siicalal Mancaree and 
 Vittul Bapoojee Tahhhatay. 
 
 Hindoo Dates. 
 
 Vyshak Wudya 8th .... 
 
 Jesht Shood 5th 
 
 Ashad Shood uth 
 
 „ lath 
 
 Shrawua Shood 2nd .... 
 Bhadrapud Wudya 8tli . 
 
 Ashvvin Shood 5th 
 
 „ .> isth 
 
 Kartik Shood lit 
 
 Margshirsh Wudya 1st . 
 „ Shood 2nd . 
 
 Polish Wudya 3rd 
 
 „ Shood 1st 
 
 Magh Wudya 3rd 
 
 
 *.-« 
 
 ej ^ 
 
 t> M 
 
 21 J 
 17.1 
 
 10 
 9J 
 
 7J 
 74 
 
 -"2 
 
 PQ ^ 
 
 . s 
 
 % 
 
 Summit year 18C0, eorrespondiitg 
 mtth A. V. 1803. 
 
 Ifll 
 
 23 
 
 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 
 u 
 
 
 
 
 
 13 
 
 ICi 
 
 
 m 
 
 m 
 
 
 
 11 
 
 
 
 
 9» 
 
 
 
 
 n 
 
 10 
 01 
 
 i) 
 
 
 
 74 
 
 n 
 
 74 
 
 
 
 55 
 
 5| 
 
 
 •'•>i- 
 
 54 
 
 
 
 H 
 
 54 
 
 
 11 
 
 Remarks, 
 
 Chytra 
 
 Vyshak 
 
 Jesht 
 
 Ashad 
 
 Shrawun 
 
 Ehadvapud 
 
 Ashwin 
 
 Margshirsh 
 
 Ponsh 
 
 Magh 
 
 Shood 1st 
 „ 7th 
 
 5fh 
 
 8th 
 
 8th 
 
 2nd 
 
 2rKl 
 
 1st 
 
 6th 
 
 4th 
 
 Toor 4i 
 
 H 
 
 Toor 74 
 
 4 
 
 2J 
 
 H-i 
 
 Sumv^it year 1861, corre^ 
 with'A. D. 1804. 
 
 
 U 
 
 si 
 
 74 
 
 4i 
 "24 
 
 U 
 
 
 5 
 
 i^rom Yadow Dhondeo, Desh-panday of Purgunnah Chandore. 
 
 " Before the English reign in a. d. 1804, about 63 years ago, Jesh- 
 wuntrao Holkur, with a host of an army numbering from one to one and half 
 lacs, crossed this en route to Poona. They looted the whole of the villages 
 on the way. The Piudarees also plundered as they pleased. That year the 
 monsoon was favourable and the crops excellent. But the standing crops 
 were destroyed by Holkur's men; granaries of corn also were looted. This . 
 caused the desertion of villages. Grain was sold at | seer per Rupee, and 
 
84 
 
 great famine was the result. The famine lasted one year. Many people' 
 subsisted on vegetables, sweet potatoes, a kind of seed called ' Bud-bud,' 
 and on milk and curds. 
 
 " The second famine occurred in A. D. 1824. This was the result of 
 the absence of rain, which prevented the growth of crops. Water became 
 scarce, and grain was sold at enhanced rates, which the poor people had not 
 the means of buying. 
 
 " From the ' Kird' belonging to Bruhmagiree Juggunnath, Deshpanday, 
 it appears -the prices ranged as follows: — 
 " In A. d!'1S04 - 
 
 " Bajree 3^ seers for the Rupee. 
 
 , " Jowaree ... 3|- ditto. 
 
 "Rice 3 ditto. 
 
 "Gram 3 ditto. 
 
 In A. B. 1824— 
 
 " Bajree 10 seers for the Rupee. 
 
 "Wheat ...10 ditto 
 
 "Gram 9 J ditto 
 
 " Ooreed ... 10 ditto 
 
 " Toor 11 ditto 
 
 " The Mamladar of Chan- 
 dore states the same rates 
 as these are forthcoming in 
 the Prices Currents of the 
 village of Chandore. 
 
 " The people who saw the famine in 1804, and who are now alive, all 
 assert that grain was sold at | seer, but there is no written record about 
 this. IMany people died that year for want of food. The number said to 
 •have died averaged abou* two-thirds in each village. The total number of 
 deaths might have been between 7,000 and 9,000. Influential and liberal 
 So wears tried to save lives by distributing ^ seer grain to each man. 
 Others made and gave a loaf to each. The Peishwa's rule was in force, 
 but the Peishwa did not make any arrangements for affording relief. Some 
 state that the English Government brought jowaree and sold it in the 
 famine-stricken districts. 
 
 " In A. D. 1824 people are not said to have died, but great distress 
 prevailed owing to the inability of the poor to purchase grain at the 
 enhanced prices. No relief was afforded. Merchants imported grain from 
 cheap countries, and sold it to the inhabitants. This year remission was 
 allowed by Government. 
 
 From Dajee Narayen, Deshpanday of Talooka Sinnur. 
 
 " There were two famines, one in A. d. 1793-94 and another in A. d. 
 
 1803-4. The famine in a. d. 1793-94 was caused by the absence of the 
 
 early fall of rain, the result being that there was no Khurreef crops at all. 
 
 Latteily rain fell, and Rubbee crops came on well^ which helped to make 
 
85 
 
 tlie grain clieap. The second famine in A. T>. 1803-4 was caused by the 
 army of Holkur, who looted granaries and destroyed standing crops. Grain 
 was sold at 3 seers for the Rnpee. Muka Pindaree and Hiroo Pindaree, 
 with their followers, also looted in that year, and committed devastations. 
 The famine prevailed at its height from April to August 1804. 
 
 '' The prices stood as follows : — 
 
 "In A. D. 1793-94— 
 
 " Wheat 4 seers for the Kupee. 
 
 "Bajree 5 ditto. ; 
 
 "Gram 4 ditto. 
 
 "Rice ■. 3 ditto. 
 
 "Jowaree 6 ditto. 
 
 "Dall 3 ditto. 
 
 "Naglee 6 ditto. 
 
 " In A. D. 1804 grain was sold at times as high as ^ seer, | seer, and in 
 some months it was 3 seers and 4 seers for tlie Rupee. 
 
 " The above details are given from hearsay, and not from any 
 documents. 
 
 " Many ])eople are said to have died. The people lived on milk and 
 vegetable. 'Budbudeh,"Godhdeh,' Sole, seeds from grass, Oombri, Bhokur, 
 and other wild fruits, &c., were brought and dried, and pounded and eaten. 
 
 From the Shreegonda Mumladar. 
 
 "1. Before the British reign, that is from the year 1396 to 1408, a 
 great famine had occurred in the Southern Division in the Carnatic country. 
 Kirtaram Raja offered a sacrifice to the Devee, who appeared before him and 
 said 'Buksh, Buksh,' i. e. asked food. The Raja got terrified, and answered 
 that ' the kingdom is yours.' The result was that for twelve years there 
 was no rain. 
 
 "2. In 1791, 1792 and 1794, a famine was caused by rebellion. 
 
 " 3. In 1804 and 1805 another famine occurred, caused by the army 
 of Holkur rebelling. 
 
 " The information in paragraph 1 is not furnished from documents, 
 but from tradition. It is said also that the prices were as follows. From 
 1396 to 1408 grain was sold 1 seer for the Rupee. In^ 1791 and 1792 the 
 price was 2 pailees for the Rupee according to the Poena seer. In 1804 
 and 1805 grain was sold at 2 seers at first, and subsequently 10 seers. 
 During the famine which lasted from 1396 to 1408 so many people are said 
 to have died that for 80 miles together the villages were deserted. In 1791, 
 
86 
 
 1792 and 1794, many people .ire said to have died from famine, and fr 
 cholera also in 1794. In 1804 also many people died. No arrangemei 
 were made for affording relief. 
 
 " In 1845 there was a famine on account of want of rain, when gr; 
 was sold 10 seers for the Rupee, but no people died. 
 
 " No statistics ai-e forthcoming. The above information was obtain 
 orally from the Deshmook and Deshpandays of the Talooka. 
 
 From the Feint Mumladar. 
 
 "The famine occurred in 1803 owing to the Holkur's army : it last 
 
 for about three months. Naglee was sold | seer for about 1^ months, a 
 
 1 seer subsequently. Some people went away to the port, and others to 1 
 
 Goozerat provinces. Those who remained subsisted on 'Bud-bu 
 
 • Koordoo,' also on cows, buffaloes, and other animals. Some who coi 
 
 not get these, roasted the flesh of men and ate. By degrees after two 
 
 three years everything got cheap,and people returned and established thet 
 
 selves in the villages. No measures of relief were taken. Numberless peoj; 
 
 are said to have died. There is no documentary proof. The above infc 
 
 matiou has been obtained from hearsay. 
 
 "The second famine occurred in 1824 owing to the absence of rain. 
 
 .1 
 lasted for five or six months. Latterly rain fell, and everything began 
 
 prosper. During this famine Naglee was sold at 8 seers for the Rupee. 
 
 little more than 1,200 men may have died in this State during famir 
 
 People subsisted on i-oots, and others imported graia from above the Ghau- 
 
 No measures of relief were afforded. No documentary evidence is fort 
 
 coming. 
 
 "The third famine occurred in 1845: it lasted for six months : it was t] 
 I'esult of absence of rain. Grain was sold at 3 pailees, i. e. 12 seers. The 
 is no documentary evidence. About 1,000 men may have died. No me 
 sures for affording relief vv^ere adopted. 
 
 " The fourth famine occurred in 1854 owing to the absence of rai 
 Above 500 men may have died for want of food. Grain was sold at 
 pailees. It was imported from above the Ghauts. No documentary proo 
 are forthconaing. Such papers are usually burnt when huts, &c., take fire 
 
 From Meer Nuzzur AH, wulud Moonshee Meer Ghassi, Jagheerdar, reside: 
 
 of Ahmednuggur. 
 " My grandfather, named Syed Meher Ali, who was Moonshee in tl 
 Ahmednuggur Collector's Office, has left a manuscript volume written b 
 him, and entitled ' Turleek Meherr,' in which he has noted the importai 
 occurrences in the Collectorate. The year in which this paxaphlct wi 
 written cannot be ascertained. Some information regarding famines is I 
 be found in it, which I beg to transcribe below. , 
 
87 
 
 " A famine occurred in A, D. 1790, when grain was sold at 3 or 4 seers 
 for the Rupee. 
 
 " A grea-t famine occurred about A. i>. 1803, when all kinds of grain 
 were sold at one seer for the Rupee. Many people who had even ample 
 money suffered from starvation, and many died for want of food. Some 
 cooked and ate their children. Daring this famiae grain was forthcoming 
 within the fort outside the city, and it was decided by the ' Killedar' that 
 people should throw earth round the fort ditch, and all who did so were 
 daily allowed ^ seer of grain each. 
 
 *' In 1824 grain was sold at 2 pailees for the Rupee. 
 
 " In 1845 grain was sold at 2 and 2^ pailees for the Rupee." 
 
 44. Mr. Oliphant, the Acting Collectoi* of Poona, forwarded 
 . the following reports of his Assistants on 11th December last — 
 
 From the First Assistant, Mr. Bell, dated 23rd September. 
 
 " The first instance which has been brought to my notice of suffering 
 arising from either famine or a scarcity of grain in the Poona districts was 
 in A. D. 1792-93, when no rain fell till October, and consequently all Khureef 
 croj)s failed. The price of grain rose to 4 seers for the Rupee, and main- 
 tained that position for four months in the markets near Poona, and for 
 twelve months in the Mawul and Joonere districts. The rain-fall in 
 October enabled the Ryots to obtain Rubbee crops, but this was not enough 
 to alleviate the prevailing distress, so the Peishwa's Government brought 
 grain from the Nizam's country, and distributed it gratis to the sufferers 
 There is no special mention made of a scarcity of water, nor does it appear 
 that the scarcity of grain was so great as to deserve the name of a famine. 
 But few people left the country, or died from want. 
 
 " 2. The next instance arose from the invasion of the Deccan by 
 Jeshwuntrao Ilolkur in a. d. 1802, and the consequent devastation of the 
 country. Rain fell favourably enough for the crops, but owing to the 
 political stale of the country fields were left "waste, or where.oultlvated were 
 destroyed or reaped by the contending forces. What made matters worse was 
 that people from other districts, perhaps more severely devasted, crowded 
 into these districts for protection and sustenance. The result was that for 
 twelve months the price of grain stood at one seer for the Rupee. The 
 Peishwa's Government did what it could to relieve the starving by bringing 
 grain from other countries and distributing it, and by remitting the land 
 rent. Notwithstanding this, many died of starvation, and cholera superin- 
 duced by want, and many left the country in the hope of obtaining 
 sustenance elsewhere. Again in A. D. 1824-25 no rain fell till October, and 
 the KJjureef crops consequently failed. It was a year very similar to that 
 
88 
 
 of A. D. 1792-93, though the price of grain varied only from 6 to 10 seers 
 the Rupee during the worst months, and the difficulty of obtaining grain was 
 considerably less. Government did not consider it necessary to take any 
 eteps to relieve those in want beyond being liberal in granting remissions 
 of rent. That year, a. d. 1824-25, was one of scarcity only as compared 
 with preceding and succeeding years. Compare it with the past five years 
 during which the price of bajree has varied from 7 to 12 seers the Rupee, 
 and it will be found that the present years press as heavily on a large class 
 of the ixcipients of fixed incomes as that exceptional year pressed on the 
 people of this district. 
 
 From the Second Assistant, Mr. East, dated 3rd October. 
 
 " 1. As directed in your No. 2253, of July 9th, 1867, 1 have the honor 
 to forward what infoi:mation I have been able to collect with reference to 
 previous famines and seasons of scarcity in the districts under my charge. I 
 would observe, however, that, except in one instance, documentary evidence, 
 dating back before the commencement of British rule, has not been attain- 
 able, and since that period, although seasons of scarcity have not been un- 
 frequent, no famines, properly so called, are on record. Persons who were 
 questioned as likely to be able to produce ancient manuscripts bearing on 
 the subject stated that any they possessed had been given over to the Inam 
 Commission, in which case they will be readily accessible to Major 
 Etheridge. 
 
 " 2. The earliest famine of which any mention is made is stated to 
 have occurred in the year a. d. 1200, and to have lasted for twelve years, 
 during which time great numbers of people died. Measures of relief are 
 said to have been adopted by the Mogul Government, but owing to the 
 lapse of time their precise nature cannot be ascertained. 
 
 " 3. Another fainine, but of short duration, occurred in the year A. d, 
 1792, grain selling at 4 to 5 seers the Rupee: it is not, however, stated 
 that any persons actually died of hunger. In consequence of the 
 disturbed state of the country between the years A. D. 1798 and A. D. 1805, 
 a large quantity of land was allowed to lie fallow. Towards the end of that 
 time the crops were seriously damaged by heavy falls of rain and hail, the" 
 result being a great scarcity of grain, which sold at \^ seers the Rupee. 
 Many of the poorer classes died of hunger, but the bulk of the ryots were 
 at that time well to do, and enabled by the sale of their effects to keep 
 themselves from starvation. The poorer classes were assisted to a certain 
 extent by private charity, but nothing seems to have been done by the 
 Government. 
 
 , "4. Since the commencement of British rule there have occurred, 
 as I stated before, no actual famines. The year A. d. 1824-25 was ^ne of 
 
89 
 
 compai'ative scarcity, grain selling at 10 to 12 seers the Eupee, a higli price 
 for those times, although now it would be considered cheap. Again, the 
 year a. t>. 1845-46 was a year of scarcity. In the Indapoor Talooka about 
 Rs. 60,000 of revenue was remitted. Since then till the year A, d. 1862-63 
 the seasons appear to have been fairly good ; but from that time till the 
 present they have been so bad that but for the smallness of the area affected, 
 the improved means of communication, a fahilne as severe as those of 
 er days would probably have been the result. In the year a. d. 
 -67 more than Rs. 80,000 were remitted in the Talookas of Bheem- 
 thurry and Indapoor, and upwards of Ks. 60,000 left over for collection 
 next year. In addition, Government sanctioned a sum of Rs. 20,000 to be 
 spent in giving, employment to the poorer classes, which has been the means 
 of alleviating to a very great extent the prevailing distress. The prospects 
 of the present season are, I regret to say, little, if any, better than they have 
 been for the last four years." 
 
 45. These very scanty reports were supplemented by Mr. 
 Lloyd, Agent for Sirdars in the Deccan, with the following letters 
 from some of the Chiefs : — 
 
 From Raja Rutionsing Jadhowrao, Maligaonhur, 
 
 "A letter dated 1st July 186? from Major Etheridge, Compiler of the 
 Presidency Famine Report, having been received, you requested me in your 
 communication No. 182, dated 22nd idem, to collect and furnish from old 
 records, family dufturs, or from other papers in my possession, such informa- 
 tion as might be procurable on the subject of famines and scarcities during 
 the late and present Governments, together with the measures of relief 
 which were then adopted, forwarding at the same time any documents 
 throwing light on the subject. In reply to this letter I beg to state as 
 follows. 
 
 " 1. The following are the years during which failures of rain and 
 famines occurred : — 
 
 " I— Shuke 1709, A. D. 1787. 
 
 " II— Shuke 1715, A. D. 1793. 
 
 "Ill — Shuke 1726, A. D. 1804— In this year a seer of grain was 
 
 sold for a Rupee. 
 " IV — Shuke 1746, a. t>. 1824 — In this year 2|- pailees of grain 
 
 were sold for a Rupee. 
 « V — Shuke 1754, a, d. 1832 — In this year want of rain caused 
 
 the failure of crops, 
 • i2F 
 
90 
 
 *' 2. The extent of the distress and its results : — 
 
 " I — The Ryots having been subjected to many hardships in con- 
 sequence of the incursions of Scindia and Holkur, at last fled the 
 country, and left the soil uncultivated. There were many people who 
 were rich enough to purchase grain however dear, but it was so scarce 
 that it could not be had for money. This occurred in Shuke 1726, 
 A. D. 1804. 
 
 " II — In course of time the Peishwa's Government arrangec 
 a supply of grain by importation from other countries, and abolished 
 tolls that it might be imported free. The Peishwa also granted 
 remissions, cowls and Tuccavees, to the Ryots. By such measures as 
 these the people where induced to return and re-commence the cultiva- 
 tion of the land. 
 
 " 3. I cannot say how far beyond the Poona districts this distress 
 extended. 
 
 " 4. The measures adopted for relief of such distress were usually as 
 follow — 
 
 " I — Brahmins were employed by the Peishwa's Government to 
 perform certain ceremonies to propitiate the god of rain. Charities and 
 alms were distributed. Ceremonial worship was continued to be 
 performed even for some time after the accession of the present rule. 
 
 "II — Whenever want of rain caused famines the Peishwa's 
 Government granted remissions of revenue, advances and cowls, and 
 thus protected the Ryots. 
 
 " III — The Peishwa and his subordinate Sirdars very often 
 employed villagers in the different de23artraents of the State; some- 
 times in the Cavalry, Infantry, Elephant, and Camel branches of the 
 service. For these duties they received remuneration. By this means 
 the Ryot was both enabled to pay the assessment on the field which he 
 cultivated and to find subsistence on the balance ; so that he did not 
 always stand in need of support from Government in times of scarcity. 
 
 " The above information I give from memory and the tradition handed 
 down from my ancestors. No old documents of a nature to furnish informa- 
 tion on the subject are forthcoming. 
 
 From Rufflioonathrao Vittul VincJioorkur, 
 
 " In reply to your letter No. 181, dated 22nd July 1867, desiring me 
 to furnish from old Dufturs, family recordsj or other papers, information on 
 
91 
 
 the subject of past famines and scarcities in the Bombay Presidency, I beg 
 to state as foilows : — 
 
 "I — In Shuke 1725, A. D. 1802, the Pindarees having wasted 
 the country during a period of about three months, viz., from July to 
 September, grain was sold as dear as ^ a seer a Rupee, though there 
 was no lack of rain, 
 
 " II — The poor found it very hard to maintain themselves, but as 
 abundance of rain had fallen there was no want of vegetables. Such 
 as could eat flesh ate flesh. Many emigrated to the Concan and 
 Goozerat. In the latter country there were guards posted at different 
 places by the Guicowar, so the emigrants found it even difficult to 
 procure the cominon jungle fruits to subsist upon. When the Guico- 
 war heard this he removed the guards, and allowed the emigrants to 
 gather the fruits growing in the jungles. About the same time the 
 Sowkars in Bombay, and the widow of Nana Fudnavis, opened free 
 mess-houses in Bombay. The severity of the famine just before its 
 termination was so great that mothers are said to have eaten their own 
 children. Afterwards ' Tumans' and ' Charuns' imported grain, into 
 the country and relieved the sufferings of the poor. 
 
 " III — The territory extending from the Nurbudda to Pundhur- 
 poor was for the most part affected by the distress. 
 
 " IV — Neither Government nor the public adopted any special 
 measures of relief on this occasion. The strong oppressed and looted 
 the weak with impunity. 
 
 " The above is the only information that I have been able to gather. 
 The old records of the family, which were deposited at the Fort of Ankaee, 
 were destroyed on the occasion of the Government taking it. Some papers 
 which were at Vinchoor were destroyed by fire along with the house which 
 was burnt by Holkur. 
 
 From Krishnarao Nilkunt Mpozumdar. 
 " A letter dated 1st July 1867 from Major Etheridge, Compiler of the 
 Presidency Famine Report, having been received, you requested me in your 
 ■letter No, 188, dated 22nd idem, ^to collect and furnish from, old Dufturs, 
 family records, or other papers in my possession, or from private sources, 
 such information as might be procurable respecting past famines and 
 scarcities, also the measures of relief which were then adopted, forwarding, 
 at the same time, any documents throwing light on the subject. In reply,..!, 
 beg to state as follows. 
 
 " 1. The following are the years during which failures of rain and 
 famines occurred : — 
 
 "I— Shuke 1709, A. D. 1787. 
 
92 
 
 "II— Shuke 1715, a. d. 1793. 
 
 " III — Shuke 172G, A, D. 1804 — In this year a seer of grain was 
 sold 'for a Rupee. 
 
 "IV— Shuke 1746, a. i>. 1824 — In this year 2^ pailees of graiu 
 •were sold for a Rupee. 
 
 "V— Shuke 1754, a. d. 1832 — In this year want of rain causecE 
 the failure of crops, and in some instances' the Ryots plun- 
 dered shops. 
 
 " 2. The extent of the distress and its results. 
 
 " I — The disturbances caused by the invasion of Scindia and . 
 Holkur, and the hardships which followed thereupon to the Ryots, made 
 them leave the country, and so the soil remained uncultivated. Grain 
 was so scarce that it could not be had for money even by rich people. 
 This occurred in Shuke 1726, a. d. 1804. 
 
 " II — Subsequently the Peishwa's Government arranged for sup- 
 plying the Ryots with grain from other countries, abolished tolls in 
 order to its free importation, and granted remissions of revenue, cowl& 
 and advances. By these means people were induced to return and un- 
 dertake the cultivation of the land. 
 
 •'3. It is not known how far the distress extended. So much i& 
 known that it affected the Poona districts. 
 
 " 4. The measures adopted for relief were as follow : — 
 
 "I — The Peishwa's Government employed Brahmins to perform 
 propitiatory worship to the god of rain, and distributed charities and 
 alms. These ceremonies were continued even for some years- after the 
 introduction of the present rule. 
 
 " II — Whenever want of rain caused distress, the Peishwa's Go- 
 vernment granted remissions, advances and cowls, and thus protected 
 the Ryots. 
 
 " I write this from memory and family tradition. No old documents 
 of a nature to furnish information are in my possession. 
 
 From Rungrao VenayeJi, Poorundhuray. 
 " I received your letter No. 185, dated 22nd July 1867, in which, on a 
 letter dated 1st idem from Major Etheridge, Compiler of the Presidency 
 Famine Report, you desire me to furnish information respecting the times 
 and extents of past famines and scarcities ; in reply to which I be^ to 
 state as follows : — 
 
 "I — There was a great famine in Shuke 1724, a. d. 1802, which 
 is known as the year of disturbance of Holkur, The second fau^iin© 
 
93 
 
 occcurred in Fuslee 1234, A. d. 1824^ which is called the year of 
 the 'Khurpud.' And the third famine has continued from Fuslee 1272, 
 A. D. 1862, up to the present time, and is styled the current dearness 
 of grain. 
 
 " ^.— The first famine, that of Shuke 1724, a. d. 1802, result- 
 ed from the invasion of liolkur. There]was then such a scarcity of 
 grain that it was not procurable for money. Thousands of people 
 died of starvation. The consequence was that the district bore 
 the aspect of a desert. 
 
 "i?.— The second famine, that of Shuke 1746, a. d. 1824, the 
 year of the 'Khurpiid,' arose from a generaLfailure of rain. Grain, 
 though old and rotten, was sold at 10 seers a Kupee. Epidemics 
 broke out. There was universal sickness. Some people fled the 
 country. Cattle died fi'om want of grass. 
 
 " C. — The third famine, the present dearness of grain, is not so 
 severe as those above mentioned. It owes its origin partly to the 
 failure of rain, and partly to the taxes imposed on communities 
 who are barely able to support themselves. 
 
 " II — The first famine affected almost the whole of the Deccaii. 
 The second, that of Shuke 1746, a. d. 1824, the districts of Poena, 
 Nuggur, Candeish, and Sholapoor. The third still- prevails in all parts 
 of India. 
 
 " III — The distress occasioned by the first famine was mitigated 
 by the importation of grain from other countries. Government also 
 reduced the assessment on land, and encouraged and assisted traders to 
 import grain freely. 
 
 « IV — The distress caused by the second famine, that of Shuke 
 1746, A. D. 1824, was lessened by an opportune fall of rain on the day 
 of ' Dusera,' and good crops in some districts. Subsequently harvests 
 became more flourishing. 
 
 «V — The distress caused by the third famine is still prevailing. 
 It rains not as required. Servants, labourers, &c., have to pay very 
 high prices for the necessaries of life. 
 
 " The above information is stated from what I have heard and gathered 
 from other people. No documentary evidence of a nature to throw light on 
 the subject is with me. 
 
 From Munoliur Bheorao, Khasnavis and Potnis, 
 
 "In reply to your letters Nos. 183 and 214, dated 24th August 1867, 
 desiring me to collect and furnish from old records, family dufturs and 
 
94 
 
 other papers In my possession, or from other sources. Information on the 
 subject of the famines and scai'cities which have occurred during the late 
 and present Governments, the extent of the distress occasioned, the area of 
 the country affected, and the measures of relief adopted, I beg to state that 
 no documentary evidence of a nature to throw light on this subject Is In my 
 possession, but from hearsay and family tradition I am able to say as 
 follows : — 
 
 "I — In Shuke 1714, a. d. 1792, a famine occurred, during which 
 dearness of grain prevailed to such an extent tliat a pallee of grain was 
 sold tor a Rupee in the Poona districts. In Shuke 1726, A. D. 1804, 
 a second famine occurred, during which one seer of grain was sold for 
 a Rupee. These two famines resulted from failure of railn. 
 
 " II — The distress extended over the southern part of the Poena 
 
 districts. 
 
 < 
 
 "III — For the relief of the distress the Peishwa's Government 
 employed Brahmins to perform the usual ceremonies to propitiate the 
 Almighty to send down rain, distributed charities and alms, established 
 free mess-houses, granted advances and cowls, and, after inspection of 
 crops, allowed remission of assessment. Tolls were also abolished in 
 order to the free importation of grain, and traders were encouraged to 
 bring it from other countries. By these means the Ryots were pro- 
 tected. 
 
 "IV — After the introduction of the British rule, owing to the 
 failure of rain in Shuke 1746, A. D. 1824, grain was sold from 2 to 2^ 
 pailees the Rupee. This distress continued up to Ashween Shood lOtb, 
 on which day rain felt and produced good crops. In Shuke 1754, A. D. 
 1832, the grain-sellers ra;ised the price of grain, but Government issued 
 orders and stopped the evil. 
 
 " The above is all the information I have been able to collect. 
 
 From Nilhuntrao Mahadeo Poorundhuray. 
 
 " In reply to your letter No. 187, dated 2nd July 1867, desiring me to 
 furnish from old dufturs, family records, or other papers in my possession, 
 or from private sources, information respecting past famines and scarcities, 
 together with the measures of relief adopted, forwarding at the same time 
 any documents throwing light on the subject, I regret to state that I am 
 not in a position to comply, having in my possession no documentary evi- 
 dence, and not deeming tradition or hearsay reliable. 
 
 From Keslieorao Ramchundur Jog. 
 
 " In reply to your letter of 22nd July 1867, desiring me to furnish 
 
95 
 
 information regarding famines and scarcities prior to and since the introduc- 
 tion of the British rule, I beg to state as follows : — 
 
 " I — During the Peishwa's rule, in A. D, 1803-4, the armies of 
 Scindia and Holkur came to Poena and fought. Plunder to a great 
 extent was the consequence. There was also a drought, and the crops 
 suffered. Grain was sold from a quarter of a seer to one seer for a 
 Rupee, and even at this rate could be procured with difficulty ; conse- 
 quently great numbers of people died of starvation. I know nothing 
 regarding the measures adopted for the relief of the distress, as I was 
 very young. I am unable to procure any documents throwing light on 
 the subject, nor can I state precisely the extent of the country affected, 
 nor the period during which the famine lasted. 
 
 " II — After the introduction of the British rule a drought occurred 
 in A. D. 1824, and grain was not sown in sufficient quantities. It con- 
 sequently became dear. To alleviate the distress Government com- 
 menced the construction of the Koorkoomb and Babdeo Ghauts, and 
 thus gave employment to sufferers. The scarcity of grain in those days, 
 however, was not greater than that which has i>revailed during the last 
 four years. Fodder was not So dear as it is now. It is said that the 
 scarcity affected an area of about 100 miles round Poena. 
 
 From Wamunrao Maliadeo, Raheereekur. 
 
 " 1 received your letter No. 186, dated 22nd July last, desiring me to 
 furnish information regarding famines and scarcities, and in reply I beg to 
 state as follows : — 
 
 During the late Rule. 
 
 "In Fuslee 1201-2, a. d. 1791-92, grain was sold at from 6 to 7 seers 
 for a Rupee in the districts round Poona and in the Concan. Although 
 there was a sufficient fall of rain, and consequent good harvests, still a scar- 
 city arose from the bringing together of the troops intended for the expe- 
 dition of Khurda. When this was over the country again became prosper- 
 ous. ' People did not suffer much from this distress. 
 
 « In Fuslee 1213-14, a.d. 1803-4, a Rupee would buy only H or If 
 seers of grain. This dearness lasted for three or four months. It arose 
 from the incursion of Scindia and Holkur. Throughout the districts of 
 Khandeish, Nuggur and Poona, where it rained, and there were consequent 
 good crops, they were laid waste by the armies of those Chiefs. Other dis- 
 tricts were in a flourishing state. When the disturbance ceased the prices 
 of grain began to decline. For the relief of this distress Government 
 granted remissions of revenue, and abolished the customs. Rich people 
 
96 
 
 brouglit grain from other countries, and supplied the poor In charity. Go- 
 vernment also employed Brahmins to propitiate the deity to send down 
 rain and bless the sufferers. 
 
 During the present Rule. 
 
 "Fuslee 1233-4, a. d. 1823-24, in which year there was a famine, was 
 known as the year of the * Khufpud.' It rained at the commencement of 
 the monsoon, but no rain fell after. On the day of ' Dusera' much rain fell, 
 and liyots who had grain at once sowed it, but no crops resulted. The 
 price of grain rose very high. This distress lasted for the whole year. 
 Government granted Ryots lands in farm, some free from assessment and 
 some on Mamool assessment, and relieved them from distress in this manner. 
 
 "In Fuslee 1242-3, a. d. 1832-33, there was a famine, which owed its 
 origin to failure of rain, and high prices resulted. 
 
 " Since Fuslee 1273, a. d. 1863, up to the present time the price of 
 grain has continued high. People earn their livelihood with great diffi- 
 culty. Government partially relieved this distress by granting to their 
 servants compensation on account of high prices, and by sanctioning works 
 of public utility in the Engineering and Eailway Departments. Cultivators 
 are enabled to support themselves, and pay Government with ease the light 
 assessment on their fields, from the produce of their crops in good seasons. 
 Moreover, Government have imposed a new tax,, and as the poor are unable 
 to work this tax acts as a bar to trade. The Sowkars have become bank- 
 rupt. These causes continue to make people pass their daj-s with diffi- 
 culty." 
 
 46. Mr. Arthur, the Collector of Sattara, gives very little 
 information, and regrets that " the entire absence of records makes 
 it impossible to supply more." That gentleman writes on 17th 
 January last as follows — 
 
 " 1. With reference to your Circular of the 1st July last, I have the 
 honor to Inform you that no information can be dbtained in this district 
 regarding any famines which may have occurred in years beyond the memory . 
 of men now living. All the old papers in the possession of families of note 
 in this part of the country were taken away by the Officers of the Inam 
 Commission, and are for the most part, I believe, recorded in your Office. 
 
 " 2. The famine years regarding which oral information is forthcom- 
 ing are A. d. 1792, 1803 and 1824. 
 
 " 3. In the first of these years the famine appears to have raged 
 throughout the Sattara territory. It was occasioned partly by the scanty 
 
97 
 
 fall of rain, and partly by the political troubles wbich then prevailed. It 
 lastddj it seems, about a year, during which time grain was sold for the most 
 part at 3 seers per Eupee. 
 
 " 4. The Peishwa'e Government is said to have then endeavoured, as 
 far as possible, to relieve the distress which was so generally felt throughout 
 the Deccan, but I cannot find that any public works of importance in the 
 Sattara territoiy had their origin in his liberality. 
 
 " 5. The dearth of A. d. 1803 does not appear to have had its origin 
 in a failure of crops in this part of the country : in the Nizam's country, and 
 also in Goozerat, there'appears to have been a great failure of crops, owing to 
 which people flocked in great numbers from distant parts to Sattara, and 
 the result was to create a famine similar to that which prevailed elsewhere. 
 This famine is said to have reached its height in the months of July and 
 August, and stories up to this time are told, with horror, of men having 
 been reduced to the extremity of subsisting on human flesh. Corn is said 
 to have been sold at one seer per Rupee, and so many as 25,000 strangers 
 are said to have flocked into the town of Wace to obtain what they could 
 from the liberality of the Punt Pritiuidhi, the Kastia, and such like wealthy 
 persons. It is stated that no fewer than 10,000 persons died in Waee dur- 
 ing this famine. 
 
 ^' 6. The dearth of a, d. 1824 does not appear to have been so severe, 
 and perhaps was more local in its nature. Grain was then sold, it is said, 
 at about 6 seers for a Eupec, and people emigrated for food both in the 
 direction of Nuggur and of Kolapoor. ■ 
 
 " 7. I regret that I can .only give this general account regarding 
 what has occurred in this district, but the entire absence of records makes 
 it impossible to supply more detailed information." 
 
 47. From Sholapoor tlie Sub-Collector, Mr. G. W. Anderson, 
 reported on. 6th September that there were no official jt-ecords 
 which gave any account of past famines, and that he could do no 
 more than forward what information the Mumladars had been 
 able to obtain from private sources. The several Mumladars 
 and the District Deputy Collector wrote as follows : — 
 
 Sholujioor BlamludaT. 
 
 " Since the introduction of the British rule, iu Fuslce 1227, A. d. 1817, 
 a great famine, called ' Kurdee famine,' occurred in Fuslce year 1228, 
 A. D. 1818, when people lived by eating 'Kurdee.' Two famines after- 
 wards raged in Fuslce years 124 1-42 and 1264-65, A. D. 1831-32 and 1854-55, 
 owing to want of rain, and they extended over the whole of the Talooka. 
 
 ° 13r 
 
98 
 
 It (Iocs not appeal- tliat Government afforded any other means of relief to 
 the famine-stricken people except by employing them on works of public 
 utility. The merchants also lent their aid to the distressed by distributing 
 grain and food to them. Before the commencement of the British rule 
 the rate of grain was l^ seer for tlie Rupee, and the Peishwa's Govern- 
 ment distributed food to the sufferers. 
 
 Barsee Mamludar. 
 
 " The great Doorga Dcevee famine took place in a. v. 1396, and 
 spread over the whole of Hindustan. Rain fell slightly in A. D. 1794, 
 when there was a war carried on between the Peishwa and the Nizam. 
 Much grain was then plundered, and the standing crops were destroyed by 
 armies, &c., traversing the country. Grain was then selling at 1-| seers for 
 the Kupee. The Peishwa's Government did not give any relief to the suf- 
 ferers. In Fuslee year 1213, a. d. 1803, the rate of grain was still higher. 
 It was sold at IJ seer for the Rupee, owing to no rain having fallen. 
 The Peishwa and the JSfimbalkur protected the people from the scourge of 
 famine by giving them food and clothes. In A. D. 1824-25, too, there was 
 a famine owing to the scarcity of rain. There was a failure of crops. Ten 
 bundles of Kurbec were sold for tlic Rupee. Many cattle died for the want 
 of Kurbee. This famine extended over the whole of the Talooka. Gov- 
 ernment were pleased to remit assessment on tlie lands in consequence. In 
 A. D. 1832-33 and 1845-40, owing to rain not having fallen seasonably, 
 grain was sold at 8 seers for the Rupee. Government were pleased in these 
 years also to make remissions of assessment. 
 
 Alar ah Mamludar. 
 
 "In Fuslee year 1202-3, A. 1792-3, the rate of grain was 5 seers for the 
 Rupee, owing to the marauding incursions of Scindia and Ilolkur. No 
 information is forthcoming as to the measures, if any, adopted for the relief 
 of the poor. The famine extended over 200 ' koss.' The rate of grain in 
 Puslce year 1213, A. D. 1803, was 1^ seer for the Rupee, owing partly to 
 its having been plundered by rebels, and partly to its scarcity. Many per- 
 sons died of starvation. In A. IJ. 1824-25, 1832-33, 1845-46 and 1854-55, 
 arose a general outcry of distress from want of rain, when, by way of relief, 
 some works were carried on. 
 
 Kurmalla Mamludar. 
 
 " In Fuslee year 1204, a. d. 1794, in consequence of no rain having 
 fallen, and because of the war between the Nizam and the Peishwa, graia 
 was sold at 5 seers fur the Rupee. 
 
■ 99 
 
 " la Fuslee year 1214, A. d. 1804, because of the absence of rain and 
 of the devastation caused by the forces of Sciudia and the Tindarees, grain 
 was sold at If or 2 seers for the Uupce. Many persons died of starvation. 
 The Nimbalkur afforded relief to tlic sufferers bj^distributing food. 
 
 " In A. D. 1824-25 there was a great scarcity of grain : it was sold at 
 10 seers for the liupee. The scarcity extended over about 200 miles. 
 
 Tlie District Dcjiuty Collector. 
 
 "\. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your endorsement 
 No. 1440; of the 12th July last, forwarding copy of a letter from Major 
 Etheridge, and requesting to be furnished with information regarding past 
 famines in the Talookas in my charge. 
 
 " 2. Immediately on the receipt of your orders, I addressed the 
 Mumladars, and asked them to use every endeavour to obtain full informa- 
 tion from every available source, and especially to take copies of all 
 documentary evidence bearing on the subject. 
 
 "3. From the report of Mumladars,* which I enclose, it will be 
 
 noticed that tliey have not been able to obtain 
 "^ Of Pundcrnoor and Sangola. ■ , , • ^ ii /~,a- {• ia 
 
 any documents, owing to the (Jrncers. oi the 
 
 luam Commission having removed all old records from the districts. The 
 
 infoimation embodied in the reports has been obtained by oral enquiries 
 
 among old inhabitants. The reports give full details. I shall annex a 
 
 succinct account of the more important features, 
 
 " 4. Tlie oldest famine about which information can be obtained is 
 i^Mi one that is said to have occurred about A. w. 139G, and to have lasted 
 12 5'ears. It is known by the name of the 'Doorga Devee' famine. It ex- 
 tended over the whole of India south of the Nurbudda, and depopulated 
 whole districts. It arose from the total want of seasonable rain. It cannot 
 be ascertained whether any measures of relief were adopted at the time. 
 
 "5. The next in order is the famine said to have occurred about the 
 year A. B. 1460, and the memory of which has been perpetuated by a 
 poetical legend very popular in the Deccan, and known as 'Damajee Punt's 
 Akhyan' (history). Damajee, the legend states, was a. Brahmin, and 
 employed at Mungul Vedh, about 12 miles from Punderpoor, as an Officer 
 of revenue under the Mogul Government. He had collected a large 
 quantity of corn at Mungul Vedh on account of the Government. Owing 
 to a famine which broke out, hundreds of Brahmins and others flocked to 
 Muno-ul Vedh, and were fed by Damajee out of the Government stores. 
 The Moo-ul Emperor was wrath, and issued orders that Damajee should be 
 arrested and carried to his presence to receive merited punisliment. While 
 Damajee was being thus led to suffer for doing an act of justifiable bene- 
 
100 
 
 Tolence, Vittoba, the great Idol of Pundcrpoor, and the patron divinity of 
 DamajeCj took compassion upon liis devoted servant, and, assuming the garb 
 of a village Mliar, went to the great Emperor's court, and paid in cash for 
 the whole of the corn distnbuted by Damajee. Such is an outline of this 
 legend, which possesses some merit as a poetical composition, and is the 
 production of a mind impressed by a deep feeling of devotion. At Mungul 
 Vedh the village jjriests point out the alleged site of Damajce's house 
 and of the corn-cellars. This famine,' which also was the result of want of 
 rain, lasted for a year, and is said to have been felt in the Deccan and 
 Southern India. 
 
 " 6. A famine of equal extent and duration to that described in-the last 
 paragraph is said to have occurred about the year 1520. This is said to 
 have been caused by successions of Military hordes destroying the crops 
 and plundering every thing that came in tlieir way. No measures of 
 relief were adopted. 
 
 " 7. The price at which grain used to sell during the famines men- 
 tioned above has not been ascertained. 
 
 " 8. A. D. 1791 was another year of famine. The distress in the 
 Carnatic was excessive, as the crops there had entirely failed. In the 
 Deccan aboftt half, or a fourth, of the usual yield was obtained, but in 
 consequence of thousands having come from the Carnatic to the Deccan for 
 support, the distress tlirougliout was great. Thefts became the order of the 
 day, and large numbers fell victims to the scourge. The rigor of the 
 calamity lasted about four month?:. Nothing aj)ncars to have been done to 
 relieve the distress. Corn sold at 3 seers per Ilu[)ce. 
 
 " 9. In A. D. 1S02 tlie country was the scene of perpetual raids and 
 plunder. Seindia's armies Vi^ere in the field. Hordes of freebooters also 
 carried fire and sword everywhere. The crops were destroyed, and larcre 
 numbers of people were killed. The consequence of this state of thinn-s was 
 naturally a famine, which extended over tlie Deccan, Candeish and Southern 
 India. A large number of persons is said to .have died for want of food. 
 Dliondbhui Kutkey, an iniiabitant of Pundcrpoor, is said to have fed many 
 at that town; and an officer of tlic Nimbulkur's, stationed at Mohole, is also 
 reputed to have given food to many for several days. TJicre arc no means 
 of ascertaining the extent of these private charities. The intensity of the 
 famine was felt during tln-ec months, and at the hciglit of the visitation corn 
 sold as dear as | seer per Eupce. 
 
 " 10. There was a partial famine in the districts of Pundcrpoor, 
 I3ai-see, Tooljapoor and the surrounding country, in 1818, jjartly on account 
 of the ravages made by Bajecrow's armies, and partly by the total failure 
 ol crops towards Baleghat. A Sowcar of Vyrog in the Barsee Talooka, 
 
101 
 
 surnamcd Ghongday, is said to have given food to all vvlio resorted to Mm for 
 it. How many persons were thus succoured by liiin cannot be ascertained. 
 Cholera of a fearful type also broke out this'year, sending thousands to an 
 untimely grave. It may be remarked en passant that this was the first re- 
 cognized appearance of Cholera on this side of India. Grain sold at 3 to 4 
 seers per Eupee during the height of the famine. 
 
 " 1 1. In 1824 was also experienced a partial famine in the Punder- 
 poor and surrounding districts from the Bheema to the Godavery. This 
 ■was caused by want of seasonable rain. Scindia had kept an ' Ancbutra' at 
 Punderpooj-, and the Ghongdays of Vyrog had their Chutra also, but for 
 the relief of the large majority of sufferers no organized arrangements were, 
 made. This scarcity lasted for a year. Corn sold at 6 to 8 seers a Rupee. 
 
 " 12, The last famine remaining to be noticed is that which occurred 
 in 1 832. This was also caused by want of seasonable rain, and prevailed in 
 the Sholapoor and adjoining provinces, embracing an area of nearly 150 
 square miles. Many left their lands and homes. Government had to 
 grant remissions. Maliaroodra Bapoo Kulowdeb, a Brahmin Sowcar, and 
 many Marwaree Sowcars, are said to have fed thousands for several weeks 
 at Sholapoor. The Ghongdays of Vyrog acted with theif usual generosity. 
 Public works were also commenced by Government to provide work for the 
 lielpless. The famine lasted nine or ten months, and corn used to sell at 5 
 to 6 seers a Rupee." 
 
 48. The Political Agent a,t Kolapoor, Lieutenant Colonel 
 G, S. Anderson, also rejDorfcd on 2Gtli November that no records 
 of famines in the Kolapoor districts prior to the present century 
 were forthcoming; and added that — 
 
 "3. These districts being situated near the Ghauts, and having gene- 
 rally a good rain-fall, do not appear witliin the present century to haye 
 suffered from any severe famine caused by a local failure of crops. Occa- 
 sionally the seasons have been bad, and prices have been unusually high, 
 but there has been no year which could be styled a famine year, simply as 
 reo^ards the tract of countiy embraced in the Kolapoor territory. In 
 1804-5, however, although the season was a tolerably good one in Kolapoor 
 itself, all the effects of a famine were experienced from the large number 
 of starving emigrants coming from other districts. The causes of the 
 scarcity in more remote districts can best be gleaned from information 
 obtained from the British Collectorates. The main cause assigned by the 
 Kolapoor Officials is the ruthless course of devastation to which the Mah- 
 ratta armies subjected the country in the" interior. ITolkur's wanton des- 
 truction of the crops and grain supplies of the Godavery districts is espe- 
 
102 
 
 cially referred to. Kokpoor tlien became a refuge for many clestltiile persons^ 
 and the consequent pressure on the local supplies caused the price of grain 
 to rise to 2 or 1^ seers of different kinds of grain per Rupee. A good many 
 deaths from ^starvation appeared to have occurred, but there is no reliable 
 information from which even an approximate estimate of their number 
 could be given. The ruling Ilaja of Kolapoor, Sivajee, by all accounts, 
 did his best to mitigate the calamity by the distribution of boiled food to 
 the starving people who had flocked to Kolapoor from other quarters. The 
 Himmut Bahader, the Bhccm Bahader, and other Sirdars, and well-to-do 
 persons, are said to have followed the good example set by the Raja. 
 Luckily the following year was one of great abundance, which enabled the 
 effects of this severe distress to be quickly recovered from. 
 
 " 4. As above mentioned, there have been other years of scarcity and 
 high prices, but they do not appear to require special mention as famine 
 years, 
 
 '' 5. I regi-et the meagrcness of this statement, but there is alwaj's a 
 difficulty in getting full or reliable information from the records of these 
 Native States. Moreover, Kolapoor, from its situation, has happily been 
 more exempt froijj famine than most Indian districts, and thug does not 
 afford much matter for report." 
 
 49. The Collector of Belgaum, Mr. Grey, on 18tli February 
 last stated that the iufonuatiou forthcomiog regardhig past famines 
 ill that district also v.as " oxtremcly scanty," that his endeavours 
 had entirely failed to bring forth any thing of any value, and that 
 he could do nothing more tliau quote oral tradition. Mr, Grey 
 "vvrote as follows:^ 
 
 " 2. The informationfortlicoming regarding past famines in this dis- 
 trict is extremely scanty. Previous to the introduction of the British rule 
 no record of such occurrences appears to have been kept, and references to 
 the Mumladars to procure such Ntitlve records and papers that may be in 
 the possession of the hereditary district and village officers have entirely 
 failed to bring forth any thing of any value. Such information as is pro- 
 curable rests entirely on oral tradition, and from this it may be o-athered 
 that throughout the Southern Mahratta Country, in consequence of exces- 
 sive drought and swarms of locusts, there was a gradual failure of crops, 
 •which commenced from Fuslce year 1197, A. d. 1787-88, and continued to 
 A. D. 1795-96, and caused great distress among all classes. The famine 
 appears to have been at its height about 1791-92, and it having extended to 
 the country bordering on the Godavery the people from those parts flocked 
 in numbers into this proyiucC; thereby raising the price of food to such an 
 
103 
 
 extent tliat it was scarcely procurable. It is said that some of the higher 
 classes being unable to obtain grain at any price, and rejecting animal food, 
 poisoned themselves, while the poorer classes found a scanty subsistence 
 from roots, herbs, dead animals, and even human corpses. Altogether 25,000 
 persons are said to have died from starvation in the town and district of Gokalc 
 alone. There is a tradition that a woman in Gokak was driven by hunger 
 to devour her own offspring, but that the indignation of the late Govern- 
 ment was so great that she was immediately put to death by being tied to 
 the feet of a buffaloe, and thus trodden to death. 
 
 " 3. It does not appear that any specific measures of relief were set 
 on foot by the late Government. Private cliarity was exei'cised by the 
 Jagheerdars to the extent of their ability, but the country being entirely 
 land-locked there was no communication with other districts, and after the 
 supplies in store were exhausted grain was not obtainable by any classes. 
 
 " 4. The next famine appears to have occurred in the years Fuslce 
 1212 to 1214, A. D. 1802-03 to 1804-5, and was caused by excessive drought 
 by immigration of people from the Godavery districts and the march of the 
 Peishwa's army through the country, which iu many parts quite put a stop 
 to cultivation. The people suffered nearly as much fronr distress in these 
 years as they did from the famine which prevailed in 1787-88, and no orga- 
 nized measures of relief appear to have been set on foot by the late Govern- 
 ment. It is said that 15,000 persons died in the Gokak district alone, but 
 there is no record whatever obtainable regarding this famine. 
 
 " 5. There appears to have been great scarcity in the Southern 
 Mahratta Country in the year 1832, and prices were very high, but the dis- 
 tress cannot be said to have amounted to a famine; and although some people 
 are said to have sold their children to obtain food, there is no reliable in- 
 formation obtainable that any deaths occurred. -Belgaum was not formed 
 into a sepai-ate Collectorate till the year 1836, so the records of this year 
 are all with the Collector of Dharwar, and I have not had an opportunity of 
 referi'ing to them. 
 
 " 6. I regret that the information forthcoming on tliis subject is so 
 meagre; but if you can point out any sources in this district from which you 
 consider that any reliable history can be derived, I shall be happy to make 
 further enquiries." 
 
 50. Under these circumstances it would simply have been 
 waste of time to suggest that further minute enquiries should be 
 made, for eight months had akcady been occupied in procuring 
 the above meagre accouut. 
 
104 
 
 51. Nor was more ample information fortlicoming from the 
 Kulladghce CoUcctorate. Mr. Armstrong in like manner, after 
 eight months' search and labour, reported as follows on 21st 
 February last. 
 
 " 1. With I'cfercnce to your Circular of 1st July last, I have the 
 honor to report tliat the famines that occurred in the Talookas now forming 
 the Kulladghee district arc as follows : — • 
 
 Before the ihtroduction of the British Mule. 
 "2. In Fuslee 1201, a. d. 1791, there was a famine owing to want of 
 rain, and no stores of grain to fall back on. No measures of relief were 
 taken, and the people appear to have been much harassed by the marching of 
 troops. There were very many deaths from want of food. This year was 
 called ' Dogee Burra,' two Canaresc words, 'Dogee,' skull, and 'Buri'a,' a 
 famine. The interpretation given to me is that licople died in such number 
 from hunger that they could not be buried. 
 
 " 3. In Fuslee 1213, A. r>. 1803, tlie rain-fall was good, and so were 
 the crops, but ov/iug to the Pindarecs there was a famine. Grain sold from 
 2 to 4 Bengal secre the Rupee, and in the Beejapoor Talooka as high as 
 1^ seers the Rupee. No measures for relief were taken, but in the Bagul- 
 cote ' Prant' some of the merchants fed the starving. The distress appears 
 to have been great, and people died from want. This year was called 
 ' Ragce Burra' famine, in which people ate ' Ragce.' 
 
 " 4. As regards these two famines no documents are procurable from 
 the Zemindars, or other hcreditaiy officers. The information obtained has 
 been from what people have heard one from the other. 
 
 British Bide. 
 " 5. In 1818 — 20 there was a famine from want of rain in the Talookas 
 of Moodebehal, Ilypurga, Indee, Beejapoor, and Mungolee, which lasted 
 from six to nine months. In the Indee Talooka there was somethino' of a 
 crop, but it was soon eaten up, as people in quest of food crowded in from 
 the Nizam's territories. ' Jov/aree' was sold at from 6 to 8 Bengal seers a 
 Rupee. A considerable number of joeople and cattle. are said to have died 
 from starvation. People were reduced to eating tamarind seeds jiarched 
 in the fire. There is nothing to show that any measures for relief were 
 taken to alleviate the distress. 
 
 "6. In 1824-25 in the Talookas of Indee, Moodebehal, Mungolee 
 and Ilypurga, there was a fiimine owing to want of rain. 'Jowarce' sold 
 at 16 Bengal sccrs the Rupee. No deaths from want appear to have taken 
 place. There is nothing to show that any measures were taken to relievo 
 the distress. 
 
105 
 
 re 
 
 7. In 1832-33 there was a failure of crop foi* want of rain tlirough- 
 out the whole Talookas of the district, viz., Indee, Hypurga, Moodebehal, 
 Mungolee, Beejapoor, Bagulcote, Iloongoond, and Badamee. 'Jowaree' 
 sold at 8 Bengal seers the Rupee. Mr. Arbuthnot, the Sub-Collector at 
 Bagulcote, distributed food to the people gratis in the Indee and Moodebehal, 
 Mungolee and Hypurga Talookas, and also employed the people in making 
 roads. Many deaths are said to have been caused by starvation, and the 
 mortality among cattle to have been great. 
 
 " 8. In 1853-54 there was a crop throughout the district, with the 
 exception of the Indee Talooka, where it failed. Owing to a failure of 
 crop in the Sholapoor State, the people emigrated from there. Prices rose, 
 and ' Jowaree' sold in the Indee Talooka at 7 Bengal seers the Rupee. In 
 the other Talookas it sold at 25 seers the Rupee. No deaths are reported 
 to have occurred from want. Owing to the high prices of grain the people 
 were employed in making roads and on other works in the Talookas of 
 Indee and Hypurga. 
 
 "9. From 1863-64 to 1866-67 the crops have not been good from 
 want of rain, but owing to the people being well off, and to large supplies of 
 grain from Sholapoor, distress was but little felt. In 1865-66 the sum of 
 Us. 10,000 was sanctioned for works on which to employ the people." 
 
 52, From Dharwar Mr. Reid, the Collector, reported on 
 19tli February that he had not been able to find out any other 
 particulars of past famines than those recorded in the following 
 statements by his subordinates : — 
 
 Bi/ Mr. King, First Assistant Collector. 
 
 " The information which I have been able to obtain is very meagre, 
 
 and rcffardinff the earlier famines the records are silent. The most destruc- 
 
 tive famine is the earliest of which I have any account, and appears to have 
 
 taken place in 1791 — 93, but I cannot give the date with accuracy. It is 
 
 known by the picturesque name of the ' Dogi Bura,' or Golgotha famine. 
 
 It is still remembered in the districts of Hooblee, Dumbul and Kulghutgee. 
 
 The people were reduced to feeding oh leaves and berries, and women and 
 
 children, were sold. From Dumbul I am informed that the rain-fall failed 
 
 for twelve years, and that for three there was no cultivation. The Mysore 
 
 Government, to which these districts were subject, appears to have seized the 
 
 stores of grain in Hooblee, and the rich are said to have come forward to 
 
 the assistance of their poorer brethren. One seer of grain of only half the 
 
 capacity of the present seer* sold for 10 annas 
 * i. e. tte seer of 140 Tolas. ^^^^ g ^.^^ -^ jy^^^^^^^^ r^^^^ ^^^^ f^^,;^^ ^jr ^^^^ 
 
 appears to have taken place about sixty-three years ago, but I cannot furnish 
 14 i' 
 
lOG 
 
 tlie date exactly. The Deslipandey of Secgaum remembers it, and he tells me 
 that it lasted for a year, and was caused by a great immigration of starving 
 people from the country about Punderpoor and Bejapoor. It is^still known 
 in the Hooblee district as the ' Bay an Bura,' or ' Terrible' famine. Grain 
 seems to have been sold at 5 or 6 seers a Rupee, and the wealthy supple- 
 mented the wants x)f the poorer classes, being headed in Hooblee by Chinta- 
 monrao Putwurdbun. It appears to have extended through all my dis- 
 tricts, and I cannot find that any steps were taken for its amelioration by 
 the Native Government. In 1832, in consequence of a failure of rain and 
 an immigration from districts beyond the Krishna, great scarcity was expe- 
 rienced in all the districts. The price of grain varied from 7 seers in 
 Hooblee to 9 in Durabul, but in the latter Talooka some of the poorest 
 class were reduced to eating grass. The rich in Hooblee, headed by Appoorao 
 Lokhuudy, subscribed for the relief of the poor, and Government remitted 
 -the tolls. Mr. Elliot, the Collector, also issued an order forbidding forestall- 
 ing and regrating, and requiring the dealers to bring their gi-ain into the 
 market. Tanks and other works of utility were undertaken to provide 
 labour for the poor. The three famines noticed above appear to have been 
 general. From Dumbul I hear of two minor famines ; one in 1814 was 
 called the ' Bisaghee Bura,' a name the meaning of which I have not been 
 able to discover. It was apparently caused by cultivation being stopped 
 owing to the disturbed state of the country. It only lasted two months, 
 during which grain was sold at 7 seers the Rupee. I imagine that it cannot 
 have been confined to Dumbul only, but its limits are not given. In 1824 
 another short famine is recorded, also lasting two months, in which grain 
 was sold at 12 seers the Rupee. It is attributed to a failure in the rain sup- 
 ply, and appears to have extended into the Belgaura districts. I have not 
 sketched the famine of last year, as the reports made by the Collector to 
 Government contain all the information regarding it required by Major 
 Etheridge. 
 
 By the Depittt/ Collector. 
 " 1. With reference to your endorsement No. 1253, dated 10th July 
 last, calling for infonnation as to past famines in this district, I beo- to 
 report that, though considerable search has been made • among the old re- 
 cords, I have been unable to discover any information on the subject. 
 
 " 2, I beg, however, to append a memorandum forwarded to me by 
 Ramrow Bhimajee, late iikburnavees of Kolapoor, descriptive of a famine 
 which occurred in the districts lying east of Dharwar about sixty-six or 
 sixty-seven years ago. A translation of the memorandum is annexed. 
 
 " 3. As a report on the famine which appeared in the Dharwar dis- 
 tricts in 1866 has been already laid by you before Government, it will I 
 presume, be unnecessary for mc to make any report thereon. 
 
107 
 By Ramrao Bhimajee, late Akburnavees at Kolapoor, 
 
 <s 
 
 1. With reference to your order for information regarding past 
 famines in tlie Oarnatic, I beg to report that about sixty-six or sixty-seven 
 years ago, owing to drought and failure of crops, the inhabitants of Dousall 
 in the Beejapoor districts and the surrounding villages swarmed into this 
 part of the country — I mean Dharwar, &c. On their way they could get 
 neither food to eat nor water to drink. They arrived at Dharwar in a most 
 deplorable condition, and, finding no shelter and food here, laid themselves 
 down amongst the bushes of Shegeekaee (a prickly plant, which then grew 
 around the fort), and numbers of them died for want of food. 
 
 " 2. At that time this country was blessed with good harvest seasons 
 and rain. Information of the expected arrival of foreigners reached the 
 community of Dharwar about two years before. At this time the insurrec- 
 tion headed by Donjibag occurred, and provisions became scarce. Those 
 who had grain to spare did not venture to assist the sufferers, under the 
 impression that they would have to share the same fate in case of the famine 
 extending: to Dharwar. 
 
 " 3. IIow far the famine had spread in the Beejapoor district could 
 not be traced, but this district was free from it. 
 
 "4. No measures were taken by the Government of the day to relieve 
 the sufferers, nor was any assistance afforded to such of them as had repaired 
 to this part in hope of getting food. It was then the Peishwa's Government. 
 
 '•' 5. Of the above no documentary evidence is forthcoming, but it can 
 be traced that this famine was called ' Dogi Bara,' as the sufferers died 
 striking their heads against each other. ' Dogi' is a Cnnarese word signify- 
 ino- skull. Another reason for styling it ' Dogi Bura' is that most of the 
 inhabitants above mentioned died on the way. Thousands of dead bodies 
 were to be seen lying on the highways. The bodies, after lying for, some 
 time, were removed and buried by ' Mahars.' This famine is also called 
 ' Byan Bura,' because those who came to this part of the country begged 
 food on the way-side villages in a piteous tone, and when they got no 
 assistance they laid down and died." 
 
 53. Mr. Eeid's report on tlie famine of 18GG is given in full 
 Ibelow : — 
 
 " 1. The distress in the Dharwar districts reached its height in the 
 months of August, September and October 1866. The Talookas in which 
 the greatest destitution appeared were Nuwulgoond, Koan and Dumbul, 
 eastward of the station of Dharwar. 
 
" 2. The distress may be stated as the result of several successive ba^ 
 seasons. Though the monsoon of 1866 in Dharwar set in late, a fair harvest 
 was looked for until August, when, owing to the rains keepiqg off, grain 
 had not only become dear, but scarce in the market, and most distressing' 
 accounts of the condition into which the poorer classes were plunged conti- 
 nued to reach the Collector throughout August and September. Very 
 little rain had fallen throughout the districts up to the end of September^ 
 when heavy and continued falls saved the crops. 
 
 " 3. With a view to afford relief to the sufferers, and to provide work 
 for the unemployed, beneficial public works, for which skilled labour was 
 not necessary, were commenced in the Talookas of Dharwar, Dumbul, 
 ■Koan and Nuwulgoond. A special grant of 40,000 Rupees was made by 
 Government from Local Funds, and Rupees 3,500 fi-om Imperial Funds for 
 the purpose. A special grant of 50,000 Rupees v/as also given for the im- 
 provement of the high road from Teygoor via Dharwar to Hurreeher, and 
 an advance of Rs. 16,000 promised, if necessary, to the Municipality 
 of Dharwar for the improvement of a large tank in the suburbs of the 
 town. 
 
 " 4. Considerable numbers of the poor thus found employment for 
 several months until the harvest was gathereil, which the seasonable late 
 rjiins of September and October saved. 
 
 " 5. The following extracts from reports made to the Collector io 
 September by the First Assistant Collector and District Deputy Collector 
 respectively of this district show the extent to which the distress pre- 
 vailed. 
 
 Extract paragraphs 3, 4 and 5, of Mr. Hope's report No. 45, dated' 
 15th September 1866. 
 
 " ' 3. The distress existing in the Dumbul Talooka is the- 
 result not of one year's bad harvest, but of a continual failure of 
 crops for some three or four years past. Even now, however, it is owin"* 
 (at least at Gudug) not so much to actual scarcity of food as to the 
 dedrness of food in consequence of apprehensions as to the approach- 
 ing harvest. The Ryots who have grain stored are naturally reluctant 
 to part with it lest tliey should afterwards come to stand in need of it, 
 Raiu has, up to the present date, been very deficient in this Talooka. 
 There was a little a month or so ago, barely sufiiGieiit to enable the 
 cultivators to sow some of their fields, but a large poi'tiou of the 
 country is lying waste, and most of the crops in those fields which have 
 been sown are being blighted for want of moisture. A sufficient 
 
109 
 
 supply of rain is by no means yet despaired of (it is known to have 
 fallen lately in the surrounding country) ; and if it comes it cannot 
 but havje a most beneficial effect upon the grain market. 
 
 " '4. The gloomy prospects of the season are felt greatly by the 
 people. The cultivators are prevented from following their usual 
 pursuits, many people have been reduced to beggary, and still more 
 have left their homes- and gone to seek a livehood elsewhere. The 
 town of Dumbul has been deserted by its inhabitants to a great extent, 
 and presents a very melancholy appearance. Many of the deserted 
 homes have been left carelessly open, but most of them have been shut 
 up, indicating an intention on the part of the people to return to them 
 when better times come. 
 
 "'5. Both in Gudug and in Dumbul steps have been' taken for 
 the feeding of those who -are utterly destitute and incapacitated from 
 work. This is, of course, a much larger class at Gudug (including 
 Bettigherry) than at Dumbul. Subscn'ptions have been raised at both 
 places sufficient to preserve this class from starvation for some time to 
 come. Tiie emergency has called forth highly commendable munifi- 
 cence on the part of some members of the wealthier Native community, 
 especially at Gudug, wliere one individual (Muddiwallupa Bullee) has, 
 for two months, fed about 1,000 people daily at his own expense.' 
 
 Extract paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, of Mr. Ilearn's report No. 33, dated 
 lltk September 18G6, to the address oj the Collector of Dharwar. 
 
 " ' 1. With reference to your endorsement No. 1158, dated 13th 
 ultimo, I have the honor to submit my opinion and report as to the 
 best works to be undertaken in the Nuwulgoond and Roan Talookas for 
 the relief of the sufferers among the poorer classes from the present 
 scarcity of grain and other causes. 
 
 " '2. You arc jifobably aware that there has been a large influx 
 of people into these and other Talookas of tlie Dharwar CoUectorate 
 from the neighbouring Collectorates of Bellary, Kulladghee, and 
 Bel<yaum. The people from Bellary have left it principally on account 
 of the famine prices prevailing there! those from KuUadgee and 
 BeVaum have been driven here, as I am informed, by the high prices 
 of o-rain ruling there, as well as the ravages of cholera (,which has since 
 abated) in some of the villages bordering on the Dharwar CoUectorate. 
 
 " '3. During my journey from Dharwar to Nuwulgoond on the 
 3rd instant I met a great number of people (inhabitants of this and 
 the surrounding districts) proceeding towards Dharwar, who, with 
 scarcely any exception, stated they were driven to do so to seek 
 employment as they were suffering from want, and I ueed hardly 
 
110 
 
 observe that their wretched appearance fully bore out what they said. 
 In one or two instances the parties were so weak, evidently from 
 liunger, that they were obliged to lie down to rest themselves. From 
 the enquiries which I ha%'e verbally made I have reason to believe 
 that large numbers of our villages have, from their impoverished 
 circumstances, been obliged to content themselves with one scanty meal 
 a day. 
 
 " '4. All the tanks and some of the wells which I inspected 
 since leaving Dharwar I found completely dry ; the villagers being 
 thus obliged to resort to Nullahs and holes several miles away, the 
 supply of water in which being small occupied a great deal of time in 
 collection and conveyance. It will thus be seen that the poor are 
 suffering from the want of the very necessaries of life, viz., food and 
 water, 
 
 "'5, On the last market days at Nuwulgoond and Nurgoond 
 grain was sold at the following rates : — 
 
 " ' JSTuwulgoond Rice (coarse) at 3 seers per Rupee. Jowaree 
 
 at 3^ per Rupee. 
 
 " 'Nurgoond Rice (coarse) at 3 seers per Rupee. Jowaree 
 
 at 3^ per Rupee.' ^ 
 
 " 6. The following memorandum recorded in 1866 by the then ActiiTi- 
 Hector, Mr. Shaw Stewart, details so fully the arrangements made for 
 eviating the distress that prevailed that the Collector begs to be excused 
 quoting it at length. 
 
 Dliarwar Collector's Office, 20th Septemler 1866. 
 
 " ' 1. It is necessary to lay down some instructions for the 
 guidance of District Officers if the j^rescnfr scarcity and distress lasts 
 longer. It is evident that unless rain falls generally witliin ten days 
 throughout those portions of the Collectorate wliere dry crops " are 
 grown the coming harvest will be a failure ; and even if rain falls there 
 is no doubt, from the reports I have received, that the chance of a fair 
 crop is in many places already gone, while every day's delay in the fall 
 of rain adds to the extent of failure. 
 
 " ' 2. This is especially to be regretted because of the small 
 quantity of grain that is now in store in the district, in consequence of 
 the demands made on the grain reserves during the last three seasons 
 of deficient harvests ; and it seems to be generally considered that 
 even if the grain in stores were made available there would not be 
 enough to supply food for the population till the harvest of 1867-68. 
 
Ill 
 
 fc e ' 
 
 ■ 3. There is thus every prospect of the present high prices con- 
 tinuing unabated for a lengthened period, and they may even become 
 Btill more exorbitant. Distress and suffering will thus become greater. 
 
 " ' 4. Under these circumstances, the first thing that the Officers 
 of Government have to do is to endeavour to find employment for the 
 unemployed poor, and the second thing is to provide against the con- 
 tingency of the supplies of food becoming exhausted. 
 
 "'5. As regards employment, the Acting Executive Engineer 
 and 1 have; by the permission of the Kevenue Commissioner, directed 
 the commencement of various large public works in the Talookas 
 where the distress has been greatest, on which works it is calculated 
 that about Ks. 2,000 will be spent every day till the end of this month, 
 and this will undoubtedly relieve many from pressure of want and 
 famine. 
 
 " '6. But it is necessary to look forwai-d to the futui-e, and to be 
 prepared to find employment for the poor so long as the present high 
 prices prevail. 
 
 " ' 7. The kinds of works that are most desirable to undertake 
 for this purpose are those that give employment to the greatest num- 
 ber of persons, men, women and children, where no great professional 
 skill is required, and which have for their object the improvement of 
 water supply, or traffic communications. No work is so useful and ap- 
 propriate as excavating and removing earth from large tanks or pre- 
 paring metal for roads ; but there are others that can be advantageously 
 carried on, such as road-making, digging holes on the road sides for 
 trees, or digging wells. 
 
 "'8. I wish all the Mamludars, Mahalkurees and Foujdars, to 
 look at the matter with a view to the future, and be prepared whenever 
 there are many unemploj^ed poor pei'SOns iu any place to propose some 
 jiseful work on which to employ thcin. I will approve and sanction 
 any such work being commenced by the Mamludars whenever the 
 emergency is such that neither my own nor the Assistant Collector'a 
 orders can be waited for. This may happen in the case of a gang of 
 poor people coming unexpectedly from other districts, but ought not to 
 be necessary if precaution is used. Generally speaking, the orders of 
 the Collector, or Assistant Collector, should be asked for before, any new 
 work is commenced, and in the event of any such ai)plication being re- 
 ceived by an Assistant Collector he will exercise his discretion in 
 ordering its commencement at once, or refer to me for orders. In the 
 event of his ordering such a work to be begun at once, the Mamludar 
 is desired and empowered to make a daily payment of wages out of the 
 
112 ' 
 
 Treasury till sucli time as the Iloozoor orders are received. All sucli 
 proceedings should be fully reported to the Iloozoor without loss of 
 time. 
 
 " ' 9. It is very important that all wandering gangs should be 
 stopped and employed on work. I beg that this may be carefully 
 attended to, and that no person be allowed to wander about the country 
 in search of food, or alms, or work. 
 
 " ' 10. The Shctsundees ai-e reported to suffer much from, distress 
 at this time: for this purpose such of them as can be spared from the 
 necessary duties in tlieir villages ought to be employed in connection with 
 these works as overseers of gangs, or to guard tools, or stores, or trea- 
 sure, and receive proper wages for this duty, independently of their 
 official emoluments. 
 
 tfC c 
 
 11. Where large bodies of labourers are collected at any work 
 great care should be used to see that the ground near them is kept 
 clean, and that they get proper water and food. All precautions must 
 be taken to prevent disease bi'eaking out among them, and on these 
 duties the Shctsundees might be employed. 
 
 " ' 12. A small percentage of the outlaj^, not exceeding two per 
 cent, may be spent on extra establishment for supervision and accounts. 
 
 a c ■ 
 
 13. With regard to jirepariug metal, I mention the following 
 roads on the sides of which large heaps of metal may be collected — 
 
 1. Teji^goor to Ilurrceher throughout. 
 
 2. Ilooblcc to Koonoor, at Hooblee and Nurgoond, and any 
 
 other places where stone is procurable. 
 
 3. Ilooblee to Gudug, at Koosoogul, Annigherry and Guduf, 
 
 and any other places Avhere stone is procurable. 
 
 4. Dharwar to Hullial. 
 
 5. Ilooblee to Sungtteecoiie. 
 
 6. Bunkapoor to Moondgode. 
 
 Detailed instructions will be issned by the Executive Engineer and by 
 me for this work ; in the mean time I only mention the places and 
 roads where large heaps of metal may be formed. 
 
 " ' 14. For these works I think that for the present 3 annas 
 should be the highest rate of wages for an ordinary labourer, 21 for a 
 woman, and 2 or 1| for a child ; and I should prefer that the day's 
 wages should be paid in cash at the end of each day, as' the trouble of 
 mustering Avill bc avoided. It is not necessary to pay each person 
 
113 
 
 separately our supply of copper would run shortj but a family or party 
 might be paid in silver throu2;h tlie head-man. I shall, however, be 
 glad to receive any suggestions for altering these rules of pay and the 
 method of payment. Perhaps in some cases grain payments may be 
 necessary, but I think that it is better, if possible, to provide a few 
 Biinyas' shops near each large work, and to let the people buy food 
 with their wages, due encouragement and protection bein^given to the 
 Bunyas. 
 • 
 " ' 15. The second matter referred to above will, perhaps, prove to 
 be more important than the supply of work, namely, the supply of food, 
 and I beg all the Mamludars will turn their attention to the subject, 
 and consider whether there is enough grain in the district to supply 
 the population with food if this harvest should fail partially or wholly; 
 and if there is not enough that they will consider and ascertain whether 
 it can be procured from the neighbouring districts, or whether supplies 
 are likely to flow in by the ordinary action of traders.- On this impor- 
 tant point I would like to receive a report, as soon as possible, from 
 each Mamludar. 
 
 " ' 16. Regarding the old and infirm, and those not able to work 
 for a livelihood, I acknowledge with great pleasure the humane and 
 liberal charity of which I hear accounts from all quarters, and I have 
 such confidence in the people of this Zilla that I know the old and in- 
 firm will never be left to starve. Still, if this distress continues long, 
 the demands on the private charity of the rich may exceed their means 
 of meeting it, and 1 therefore wish the Mamludars to let me know 
 whether they think any aid is required from elsewhere. 
 
 " ' 17. Till further orders, I request that a short report may be 
 sent to me direct every Saturday by each Mamludar and Mahalkuree 
 of the state of his Talooka, and the progress of works and the prospects 
 of the crops.' 
 
 " 7. The following table shows the rates of grain sold at Dharwar 
 uring the distress: — 
 
 Per Enpee. 
 
 " Jowaree 6 seers. 
 
 •'Bajree 5^ do. 
 
 "Kice, IstBort 4^ do. 
 
 " Do. 2nd do 6 do. 
 
 "Ball 4J do. 
 
 "Koolthi 6^ do. 
 
 "Horse grain • 3^ do, 
 
 15 T 
 
114 
 
 " 8. The prices now prevailing arc as sliov/n below :— 
 
 Per Rupee. 
 
 "Jowaree 21 Seers. 
 
 "Bajree 19^ ^o. 
 
 " Rice, 1st sort 10 do. 
 
 " IQo., 2ikU1o , Hi do. 
 
 "Dall 10^ do. 
 
 "Koolthi 21 do., 
 
 '•' Horse grain 5^ do. 
 
 " 9. The harvest hag been the best reaped for several seasons, and, 
 owing to less land having been taken up for cotton, more cereals were 
 cultivated, and the supply is now abundant. 
 
 " 10. It may suffice to mention that the distress quite disappeared by 
 December. 
 
 " 11. The Collector has much pleasure of the opportunity of stating 
 that, in addition to the aid afforded by Government in affording employment 
 to the unemployed and poor, much private benevolence was displaj'ed, 
 wherever the distress prevailed, in the support of the young, old and infirm. 
 The charitable exertions of the wealthier Natives and of entire communities 
 were very timely,, and the subjoined statement shows the extent to which 
 charity was extended: — 
 
 Towns or Vil- 
 lages. 
 
 Avernge number of 
 
 persons fed dniiy, or 
 
 amount exjiencled. 
 
 Period foi' which 
 fed. 
 
 Remarks. 
 
 Dharwar . 
 
 Hooblee 
 
 COO to 700 persons 
 
 1,231 Rupees. 
 
 Throe months 
 
 Do. 
 
 The work of providing for the infirm 
 and young was managed very satis- 
 factorily by a committee composed 
 principally ofnon-official Natives. The 
 subscribers were of all classes, and 
 gave their aid very willingly. 
 
 Besides the amount mentioned in co- 
 lumn 2, Clmnvcerupabiu Chunbusupa 
 Seclee, a Native trader, spent 1,500 
 Eujiees in feeding the poor of Hooblee 
 fur four months. Gungapa bin Am- 
 huna Bendigherry spent 540 Es. in 
 feeding the poor for .three months. 
 Four others, byname Sidnppa Warkar, 
 Sidhug.apa Menchinkai, Cheuupa 
 XJddurgoonohi, and Udrepa Oogurgole, 
 spent jointly Be. 860 in feeding the 
 poor for five months. Goviudupa bin 
 8oobupa Koomptec expended ISO Ks. 
 in feeding the poor for two months. 
 
xia 
 
 Towns of Vil- 
 lages. 
 
 Average number of 
 
 persons fed daily, or 
 
 amount expended. 
 
 Period for which 
 fert. 
 
 Remarks. 
 
 Nuwulgoontl ... 
 
 AnnighoiTy ... 
 
 Buss.apoor 
 
 Budrapoor 
 
 Nurgoond 
 
 Do 
 
 525 Rupees 
 
 One month ... 
 
 Kftecudays ... 
 
 Onemontli 
 
 Do 
 
 Do 
 
 Do 
 
 Two months ... 
 Do 
 
 Do 
 
 Do 
 
 Do 
 
 Do 
 
 Do 
 
 Of the amount mentioned in column 2 
 
 300 
 
 Rs. 100 wore contiibuted by the Col- 
 lector from a Local Fund raised among 
 the European and Native residents af 
 the station of IJliarwar. The principal 
 donors of tlie balance were Sidramupa 
 Shetteo; Mullupa DharVcfar; Kasim 
 Saheb IV.toI ; Eurungowda; Bhimupa 
 Bednal alo.^e contributed Rs. 100. 
 
 Fukccnipa Ugree, who gave all but Rs. 
 uO; Ballpji Anunt Mamludar Rs. 50. 
 
 Gopal Krishna Mootalic Dessaee. 
 
 Fukeerupa Ugree (the same Fukeor- 
 upa wliose name appears againt 
 Aimigherry). 
 
 The sum vi-as given by Bussupa bin 
 Guri-yappa Junthlee of Nurgoond for 
 repairs to a tank on the high road to 
 Sholapoor, and thus provided .labour 
 for tiie unemployed poor. 
 
 Contributed by Gopallupa bin Timmupa 
 Aningoondce, a, Sowkar of Nurgoond, 
 for repairing a lank in the suburbs of 
 Nurgoond, and thus provided labour for 
 the poor. 
 
 Rupees 1,000 were spent in feeding the 
 iiitirm and aged. Principal donors 
 Bcnkiipa bin KuUiaiiappa and Dod- 
 BuJ^supa bin Basctapa Dawungheerj-. 
 
 In addition to the sura mentioned in 
 
 200 
 
 200 , 
 
 1.000 „ 
 
 4.75 „ 
 
 Da 
 
 oOO ne-rsous 
 
 
 91G Rupees 
 
 
 403 ' 
 
 column 2, n3uch private charitj' wi*s 
 displayed. The principal doners were 
 Mudiwalupa Eoola (v.'ho for tvro 
 months fed about 1000 ptoplo daily); 
 Jiugwuntupa Chitlurgar ; and Manvce 
 Fukeerupa. Of the 916 Rs. mentioned 
 in column 2 lis. 230 were contril'uted 
 from the Dharwar iStation Famine 
 l<'urid. 
 
 Of this sum Rs. 220 were contributed 
 
 Kurujghec 
 
 JOG 
 
 by (he Dharwar Station Famine Fund. 
 
 Spent in feeding the poor. 
 
 The number of per.^ons mentioned in 
 column 2 were reported to be fed daily 
 at Hnvarco for two months by Sooli- 
 hully Errupa Sowkar. 
 
 Two hundred people were fed daily for 
 two months at Deveohosoor by Bus- 
 chetappa Khoorubgoondur Sowkar. 
 
 Rs. 200 of this suvn were contributed by 
 the Dharwar Station Relief Fund. 
 The amount was spent in feeding the 
 infirm and aged. 
 
 600 
 
 Deveeliosoor ... 
 Konn 
 
 200 
 
 578 , 
 
 
 
llg 
 
 " 12. In conclusion, the Cjllector feels much satisfaction in stating 
 that while the distress prevailed subscriptions were collected for the relief 
 of the sufferers on the East Coast of India, and though under the sanction 
 contained in Government Resolution No. 3568, dated 22nd September 1866, 
 some of the funds collected were diverted for the relief of local distress, a 
 remittance of over 3,700 Rupees has been made to the Secretai'ies in Bombay 
 of the Bengal Famine Relief Fund." 
 
 54. This completes the famine reports of the several Officers 
 iu charge of tracts of country above the Ghauts from the north- 
 era-most to the southern-most extremity of the Presidency. I will 
 now proceed to record the statements of the few Collectors in 
 charge of districts in the Ooncan, below the Ghauts^ and between 
 the Ghauts and the sea-board of the AVestern Coast. 
 
 5.5. On 5th October the Acting Collector of Tannah, Mr. 
 Arbuthnot, replied to my reference as follows : — • 
 
 " 1. With reference to your Circular dated 1st July last, I have the 
 honor to report tliat there are no records here to show the occurrence of any 
 famine in this CoUectorate. 
 
 " 2. From enquiries made from the old inhabitants it appears that a 
 famine occurred in the year 1802 or 1803 iu the up-country, probably iu the 
 district bordering on the Godavcry River, called Gungthudee, when 
 liundreds of famished people came into the Concan, and were fed by the 
 private charity of the inhabitants. It had tlie effect of raising the prices of 
 grain in these parts. Government assisted, it is said, by employing tliese 
 men on the work of the Boniba}' and Tannah road then under construction. 
 These labourers were allowed each a seer, or twenty-eight tolas, of rice and 
 an old pice. Government also established a shop at Oorun, and rice brou'j-ht 
 from Bombay was sold there at one pailee a Rupee. 
 
 "3. In 1824-25, owing to scanty rains, the crop yielded in Dhauoo, 
 Bassein, and S;ilsette Talookas one-fourth the. usual produce, and conse- 
 quently great scircity of grain prevailed. Rice and other grains were sold 
 at famine prices. No casualties, however, occurred. The only assistance 
 Government gave was the exemjiticn from assessment, but there is no re- 
 cord to verify this. 
 
 " 4. In 1838-39 also, owing to the failure of rain in Salsette, the crops 
 failed, but fortunately by a timely arrival of a supply of rice from Malabar 
 the population was saved from the impending calamities." 
 
117 
 
 56. I suggested to tlie Acting Collector tLat further minute 
 enquiries sliould be made during the following three months, and 
 that the result should be communicated at the end of thr.t time. 
 
 57. On 21st January last I received a further communica- 
 tion from the Tanhah Acting Collector, Mr. Robertson, to the 
 effect that further minute enquiry had elicited no additional in- 
 formation — that the few records which were forthcoming; contained 
 no notice whatever of famines or scarcities. 
 
 58. On 6th September Mr. Salmon, the Acting Sub-Collec- 
 tor of Colaba, j}3j)lied that — 
 
 " 2. There are no written records of any famine in the Siib-Collector- 
 ate, and there does not appear to Iiave been such a serious scarcity of food 
 since the introduction of the British rule as coukl jiroperly be termed a 
 famine. Considerable remissions to the extent of one-sixth to oue-tenth of 
 the revenue Avere granted in 1817-18 in the parts of the Sub-Collectorato 
 under Brltisii rule, but no extraordinary measures of relief seem to have 
 been called for, or resorted to, on the part of Government. Charitable 
 Natives distributed food, but the scarcity only lasted a year, and was attend- 
 ed with no loss of life. 
 
 "3. All over the Sub-Collectorate there is oral evidence of a great 
 famine in the early part of the present century between 1801 — 1804. This 
 extended over the Deccan from Malabar up to Guzerat. Commencing in the 
 country above the Ghauts, the influx of people in search of food from there 
 into the Concan, added to a scarcity of rain, and consequent partial failure of 
 crops, caused the extension of this famine to these districts. All the oral 
 information given states this to have been a very severe famine. Great 
 numbers are said to have died, and children to have been sold for food. Rice 
 is said to have sold for Rs. 40O a candy, and Tandool at 1 llupee a seer, 
 until rice was received irom Bengal, wiieu prices fell. Entire remission of 
 the revenue while the famine lasted, which it is variously stated to have 
 done for from eight months to two years, is said to have been given by the 
 Peishwa's Government. Botli Governinent and rich Natives are represented 
 as having distributed food, and paid for the burning or interment of the 
 dead. -Government also supplied grain from the Government stores by 
 * tugal.' The export of grain was prohibited, all grain being ordered to be 
 consumed in the village it was produced in. Eaghojee Bawa Angria, who 
 ■was then Chief of Colaba, used to give a ^ seer of Tandool to any one who 
 threw down on the road a bundle of straw for the cattle." 
 
118 
 
 59. I also siia-G-estecl more deliberation to Mr. Salmon, and 
 pointed out tbat, even in the absence of written records, much 
 valuable information might, perhaps, be gained orally by the 
 Mamludars and others from private sources, or, at all events, that 
 he would be in a better position to report upon the subject finally 
 some months after; but with no better success. 
 
 60. Mr. Boswell, the E-utnagherry Collector, on 20_th Sep- 
 tember wrote tliat — 
 
 " 2. No English or Vernacular records of famines, either before or 
 since the introduction of the British Government, are forthcoming, and the 
 information I supply you with rests only on oral tra Jkion ; nor does it 
 appear that any distress from failure of rain and crops, worthy of the name 
 of famine, has occurred in this district under the present Government. 
 
 " 3. Eeports regarding famines before the present rule have ' been 
 Called for from each Talooka, and it appears that there are only two famines 
 of which the people preserve any traditions, and these are stated to have 
 taken place about the years 1792 and 1802. Tiiey seem to have been 
 general throughout the v,'hole of this district. 
 
 "4. lu the three Northern Talookas of Sooveradroog, Anjunwell, and 
 Rutnagherry, the famine of 1802 seems to have lasted twelve or fourteen 
 months, and that of 1792 for eight or ten months. They were most 
 severely felt in the Khed Petta, which, from being so jungly, is still 
 about the poorest of the districts. The prices of rice seem to have been 
 from 4 to 6 seers for the Rupee in 1802, and still dearer in 1792. 
 
 " 5. In the Southern Talookas the traditions of two famines aro pre- 
 served, hut the dates vary slightly. However, the years 1792 and 1802 
 seem to be tiie most probable dates. In the first famine in the Vizladrooo- 
 Talooka there was scarcity of food for four mouths, and in the second for 
 two or three mouths. According to the Rajapoor measure (1^ Rajapoor 
 seers = 1 Rutnagherry seer), rice was sold at G seers the Rupee. In the 
 Malwan Talooka the distress of 1802 seems to have been great, and to have 
 lasted for more than a year. During the fair season rice was sold at 7 or 8 
 seers the Rupee, and during the monsoon for three months at 4 or 5 seers. 
 This famine does not a2)pear to have been so severely felt in the Salsee 
 Petta. 
 
 " 6. There are nothing but rough guesses as to the decrease in the 
 population from starvation and emigration. In Khed Petta it is said that 
 the population was reduced by one-fourth in 1802. In Chiploon it is said 
 
119 
 
 that in tlie largest villages as many as 50 may have diedj but generally no 
 numbers are given. ]No villages were entirely deserted, and the famine, ap- 
 pears to liave carried off only those of the poorest classes. 
 
 7. The results of the famine in the Malvvan Soobha were that' many 
 people died, and eight villages were almost depopulated by death alone, and 
 the few survivors went into the Goanese territory to seek sustenance. In 
 the Vingorla Petta the distress was somewhat increased by the arrival of 
 some 400 starving persons from beyond the Ghauts, but they were provided 
 for by the liberality of the Raja of Waree. 
 
 "8. With regard to the earlier famine of 1792,. little information is to 
 be met with, but there can be no doubt that both this and the one of 1802 
 extended over the whole of this district, and that the latter was severest in 
 the Khed Petta and Malwan Soobha. 
 
 " 9. With regard to the measures of relief adopted, it appears that 
 ' Anchutras,' or food-houses, were estabh'slied by private persons, and the 
 poorest of the people fed daily. A kind of thin gruel, made of ' Naglee' and 
 •water, was distributed thus to the people, but it is stated that this did not 
 stay the distress. In a few places, and particularly in the Soverndroog 
 Talooka, Government also established some few ' Anchutras.' The building 
 now used as the Cutcherry at Khed was up to a very recent period known 
 by the name of ' Anchutra,' and this is referred to the famine of 1802. Owing 
 to the stores of grain received by Government in payment of the rents and 
 kept in various forts, there was probably more in hand to relieve distress 
 Avith than would be found in the case of a similar visitation occurring now. 
 It also aj)pears that during the famine of 1802 the revenue for that year 
 was, in some parts of the Southern Division of this district, left uncollect- 
 ed, and people were gradually induced to return to their homes and their 
 cultivating operations, and to such the Government taxes were remitted. 
 The Sowkar creditors were also ordered by Government not to exact money 
 from their debtors among the starving population until times became more 
 prosperous. For three years afterwards it is stated that Government did 
 not collect the full revenue, but made great remissions wherever cultivation 
 was recommenced. 
 
 " 10. It should be remembered that the Concan is never likely to be so 
 severely visited by famine as other districts, both because there is seldom so 
 little rain as to cause an absolute failure of crops of all sorts, and also 
 because every part of it is so easily accessible by water, and therefore grain 
 can be easily introduced from any place where the scarcity is less severe, as 
 long as the means of purchasing exist. 
 
 " 11. Although, therefore, the scarcity of food in 1792 and 1802 
 throughout these dieti-icts is spoken of as famine, yet its results can hardly be 
 
120 
 
 eald to have been disastrous, and under British Government absolute starva- 
 tion from want is not very likely ever to occur to any great extent." 
 
 61. Mr. Boswell also did me the favour to forward copy of 
 a report d.ated 26th July 1828 addressed to Government by the 
 Collector, Mr. Moore, relative to a partial failure of crops that year. 
 It is transcribed below: — 
 
 " 1. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Mr. Secretary 
 Farish's letter dated 19th January last, calling for a report on the state of 
 this Collectorate for the oflicial year 1824-25, as required by the orders of 
 Government of Ist May 1819. 
 
 "2. Asa full report on the state of these districts was transmitted 
 by my predecessor on the 15th August 1824, and as I received charge of 
 the Collectorate only two months before the expiration of the official year, 
 it wiil probably be sufficient for me to state the measures which were 
 adopted after the above report was written for the purpose of relieving the 
 Ryots from the distrefs occasioned by the scantiness of the crops. 
 
 "3. The rains of 1824, as Government has already been informed, 
 were unusually light in the Concan, and caused a complete failure of the 
 crops in high situations, and a partial failure in the low rice lands. The 
 very high price of grain compensated in some degree for the scantiness of 
 the produce, but the loss in general was very great; and as the preceding 
 year (1823) has also been unfavourable it becomes necessary to grant large 
 remissions of revenue. 
 
 " 4. An attempt at first was made to classify the villages accordino- 
 to the degree of loss which they had sustained, but as this was found to 
 occupy too much time a general estimate was framed of the deficiency of the 
 crops in the different kinds of land, and the. following remissions were 
 granted: — 
 
 " I — The grain revenue was directed to be received in money at 
 the Behara rate, and as the Bazar price of grain was double that of 
 the Behara this was of itself a great relief to all those who possessed 
 grain. 
 
 " II — But as many persons could not benefit by this arrano-ement, 
 having no grain to dispose of, the following remission was granted to 
 all those whose payments were under 5 candies: — 
 
 " One-third was remitted on Awul land. 
 
 " Two-thirds ditto on Doem, and other rice lands. 
 
 " Four-fifths , ditto on Wurkus, or dry land. 
 
121 
 
 " To all whose payments above 5 canclieSj aud who might, therefore^ 
 be supposed to benefit by the high price of grain — 
 
 " One-sixth was remitted on Awul land. 
 
 *' One-third ditto on Doera land. 
 
 " Two-fifths ditto on "Wurkus land. 
 
 "5. Some variations were made in these rates according to the 
 circumstances of particular districts. In the Ryghur Talooka the different 
 sorts «f land not being distinguished, a remission of one-third was granted 
 to all paying under 5 candies, and of one-fifth to those paying above that 
 quantity. 
 
 " 6. The whole of these remissions amounted to Es. 4,23,678, and, I 
 believe, gave general satisfaction to the people : they were larger than had 
 ever been granted by the late Government, but not more than necessary, 
 and in consequence of ^he relief they afforded the revenue of the past year 
 was realized without any unusual difliculty. 
 
 " 7. It is probable that in some instances the remissions had not 
 reached those for whom they were intended, but every means was used to 
 inform the people of the amount to which they were entitled. Proclama- 
 tions were issued, stating the remission which had been given, and in 
 Coolarugee villages a statement of each person's payment and the amount of 
 abatement was posted up in a public part of the village. 
 
 " 8. Besides the relief which was thus afforded, the Mamludars were 
 authorized, agreeably to the sanction of Government, to give employment on 
 a public work to all persons vvho are willing to work for a mere subsistence, 
 but the people did not avail themselves of this indulgence, except in the 
 Ilyghur and Sanksay Talookas, and the majority of those who were there 
 employed were inhabitants of the Deccan, who had come down to the 
 Concan in consequence of the difficulty of obtaining subsistence above the 
 Ghauts. 
 
 " 9. Several tanks were cleaned out and deepened in the neighbour- 
 hood of Mahar and at Penn, some of which had been long without repair, 
 that it would have been necessary to have expended a considerable sum; 
 for their improvement, even if there had not been the additional object of 
 giving employment to the people." 
 
 C2. Lieutenant Colonel Schneider, the Political Agent in the 
 Sawunt Warree District, replied to my reference as follows on 
 27th. August: — 
 
 "1. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Circular 
 letter of the 1st ultimo, and in reply to forward copy of a Yadee drawn up 
 
122 
 
 at- my desire by tlie pi'incipal hereditary officer embodyiflg sucli informatloa 
 as he has been able to gather from records and from private individuals as 
 to periods of distress from scarcity of food in this principality. 
 
 "2. The tirst instance given dates back to A. D. 1792-93, when rice 
 rose to the extraordinary rate of 3 to 5 seers ; Kaglee 8, and Jowaree and 
 Ooreed 9 seers per Peerkhanee Rupee. (This Rupee has been assayed and 
 valued at 87 Rupees per 100 : the seer is 60 Tolas, or 1|- lbs. English.) 
 
 " 3. The causes of this scarcity seem to have been — 
 
 " ' 1. The frequent devastation of districts and villages by the 
 forces of the neighbouring Kohipoor Raja. The latter in person invaded 
 Sawunt Warree in 1787-88, and plundered and laid the villages waste 
 in his progress. 
 
 "'2. A drought in 1791-92, and consequent failure of crops. 
 There is nothing to show whether this latter misfortune was general, 
 but the area of the State is small, and I should doubt there ever beino' 
 any great difference between the rain-fall of our district and the others. 
 A drought in the South Concan would take in Sawunt Warree.* 
 
 "4. The remedy adopted seems to have been to waylay certain rice 
 laden vessels, and distribute their cargoes through the couati-y where the 
 greatest distress prevailed. 
 
 " 5. ■ In 1821-22 the price of rice rose to 6 seers per Rupee, the cause 
 being a sudden and unusual fall of rain, accompanied by a terrific storm ; the 
 former destroying the ground crops, and the latter the Bagayut produce. 
 
 " 6. On this occasion the Raja opened the State grain " Kotte," and 
 distributed supplies where most needed. 
 
 . " 7. To my mind neither of the instances above given can be construed 
 into famine, but the times were doubtless very hard." 
 
 63. Oa further reference, Colonel Schneider regretted his 
 inahilitj to give additional particulars. 
 
 G4. Mr. Elphinston, the Acting Collector of North Canara, 
 ■reported on. lAth December as follows : — 
 
 " I. In reply to your Circular dated the 1st of July, I have the honor 
 to report that, though North Canara has on different occasions suffered from 
 a scarcity, the only one which, from its duration, extent, and tlie area of 
 country affected, can be considered to have been a famine was ni the year 
 A. D. 1806, or the Ksheya Sumwatsara. 
 
 " 2. The old records of this Zilla are still at Mangalore, but reports 
 show this famine to have been very severe : men were reduced to feed on 
 
123 
 
 roots in the jungle and on husVa of i-ice : about 3,000 persons are said to 
 liave died of starvation and want. The famine was not confined to this 
 district, bat extended to Rutnagherry, Malwan, and Punderpoor. Indeed, 
 the scarcity here first began by an immense influx of people from those 
 districts, and was augmented by the want of good roads for bringing rice 
 from the below to the above Gliaut district by the depredations of 
 dacoities, and by the pr.ictice, common in those days, of forbidding the export 
 of grain to famine-stricken districts. In this way ft is said that exportation 
 from Dharwar to Canara was not permitted. The distress lasted from 
 Powcsh in one j'ear to Phalgoon in the next. 
 
 " 3. The only measures which appear from the records in our posses- 
 sion' to hare been used was the prohibition ol any exporting of rice from the 
 district, and an order from the Collector directing the purchase of i-ice by 
 Government and its re-sale at moderate prices to the people. It also ap- 
 pears that the land assessment was remitted, and that advances subsequently 
 recovered were made to cultivators for agricultural purposes. 
 
 "4. Both this famine and the different occasions of scarcity which have 
 followed it appears to have originated with an insufficient fall of rain. I 
 reoret that the records do not furnish more detailed information on this im- 
 jiortant subject, but the moral pointed to, by observance of which famines 
 will become rarer in future, is the improvement of our communications and 
 of irriiTationai-y tanks, and of the economizing in large reservoirs of the vast 
 quantity of water which finds its way to the sea every monsoon in our 
 rivers and wide Nullahs, the encouragement of agriculture by a low assess- 
 ment, the removal of all interference with the export #f trade from where it 
 is cheap to where it is dear, and the preservation of peace and order by a 
 proper distribution of the Police." 
 
 65. The abov^e completes the iufoi'iiiation supplied by the 
 Collectoi'S and Political Oliicei's of the Presidency. 
 
 G6. Ill paragraph 15 I remarked that it was iny intention 
 to supplement this information by an epitome of the evidence 
 forthcoming li'om the Peishwa's Duftur relating to events prior to 
 the introduction of the British Government, and by a Summary 
 from the records of the Secretariat and otlier sources available in 
 respect to events since. 
 
 67. But, for the reason stated in paragraph 3, the epitome 
 can best take the form of Appendices : they are lettered from A 
 to G, and annexed. 
 
124 
 
 68. The Secretariat Sumiuary may, however, be embodied 
 in the report. 
 
 69. It may be well, in the first instance, to refer to the 
 Minute dated 10th June 1805 by the Honorable Mr. Duncan, 
 Govei'nor of Bombay, review.ing certain irregularities on the part 
 of Mr. Hensbaw, Ciistoms Master General, and in charge of the 
 Grain Department temporarily formed in 1802 in Bombay, as it 
 contains an account of the measures adopted by Government to 
 avert or mitigate the effects of the scarcity which threatened 
 Bombay, Poena and Surat, in that year. 
 
 70. This Minute on the famine of 1S02 in the Bombay Pre- 
 sidency by the Honorable Jonathan Duncan, Governor and Presi- 
 dent in Council of Bombay, is given entire. It forms Appendix H. 
 
 71. The fall of rain in that year having been very scanty a 
 famine was considered imminent, and promjDt measures were 
 accordingly taken to alleviate the impending distress. 
 
 72. Government, on the suggestion of Mr. Henshaw, at once 
 prohibited the exportation of grain from Bombay, and, in order to 
 encourage or afford greater facilities for the importation of grain 
 and other necessarips of life, suspended the levy of town duties. 
 Government also authorized 200 bags of rice from their store being 
 daily placed in the bazar for sale at fixed prices under the directions 
 of the Police Superintendent of Bombay. Eice was also imported 
 from Mangalore and thrown into the market for sale; ar^d Mr. 
 Hensbaw was authorized to purchase rice from individual importers 
 in such quantities as to him might appear necessary Avithout caus- 
 ing any inconvenient drain on the General Treasury. Thus every 
 endeavour was made to stock the market with suHicient grain and 
 other necessaries, and to keep the Tovai and Island of Bombay 
 clear of the impending famine. 
 
 73. Scarcity of grain was about the same time felt in Poena, 
 then the capital of the Peishwa's Government; and applications 
 having been received from that Governmeiit, through the Resident 
 for permission to allow the Brinjaries and other merchants to ex- 
 port grain from and through Bombay, a certain proportion of the 
 
125 
 
 quantity then in store witli the Grain Department was set apart 
 for exportation to Poona. In compliance also with a request made 
 by the Resident at Poona, Government permitted grain of different 
 sorts, used as food by the Natives, to be imported from Goozerat 
 and other grain-producing countries by private individuals and 
 merchants for the Peishwa's use via Bombay, and allowed the 
 same to pass free of duty. • 
 
 74. About the same time a famine threatened Surat, and, in 
 compliance with urgent representations from the Authorities there, 
 large quantities of rice were exported to that place under such 
 arrangements as seemed to Government to be advisable. 
 
 75. It appears from the Honorable Mr. Duncan's Minute 
 above referred to that, under the arrangements which at the in- 
 stance of the Government were adopted by Mr. Heushaw, in charge 
 of the Grain Department, the worst effects of the distress which 
 prevailed in Bombay, Poona and Surat, were averted. This was 
 the happy result of the promptness with which supplies were ob- 
 tained, and made available wherever most needed. There is, how- 
 ever, no mention made of any works of public utility having been 
 started at this time under the authority of Government, or of any 
 other enterprize having been undertaken, with a view of affording 
 aid to the suffering population. 
 
 76. In the year 1812 there was another famine. It extend- 
 ed further than that of 1802. It affected Goozerat; and jsarticu- 
 larly Kaira, Surat and Broach. It was felt also in Kutch, Kattya- 
 war, Baroda and Marwar. Marwar suffered most. In Bombay 
 the scarcity continued only for a short time, and was, perhaps, more 
 the result of the eagerness of the merchants to send their grain to 
 the famine-stricken districts in the hope of realizing large profits. 
 The first indications of the distress were brought to notice by the 
 Customs Master General at Bombay, wlio^ as on former occasions, 
 suggested that the export of grain and other necessaries of life 
 should, for a time, be prohibited. Government, however, did not 
 think it expedient to take any measures that might tend to inter- 
 fere with the ordinary course of trade. They were of opinion that 
 it would only be necessary to wai'n the dealers, who might have 
 
12G 
 
 liofii-ded tlieir s'ock v/ith ,i view to monopoly and large profits, tliat 
 if they persevered in that course Government would be compelled 
 to establish a control over their proceedings. So great was . the 
 distress in Kattya war that many of the inhabitants abandoned their 
 homes. They went to Baroda and other parts of Goozerat where 
 scarcity did not prevail to the same extent, while large numbers 
 emigrated to Scinde.* The country was reduced to the most de- 
 plorable condition. It was only partially relieved by supplies from 
 Baroda and Mahva. The fear of want also afforded pretext for 
 the disorderly tribes of Coolies in the neighbouring provinces to 
 commence their depredations. It then became necessary to main- 
 tain a regular force for the protection of the country against 
 marauders. At the Military Stations of Pally and Versovah the 
 scarcitj^ was so keenly felt that fears Avere entertained of an out- 
 break on the part of the Sepoj-s. Grain y/as supplied to these 
 stations from the Government Stores. In order that Government 
 might be supplied with authentic and reliable information from 
 time to time of the condition of the districts in which scarcity 
 prevailed, a Committee was formed at Broach, consisting of the 
 Collector, the Judge and Magistrate, and the Commanding Officer 
 of the Station. The Committee was directed to prepare and for- 
 ward a weekly report of the state of the grain market at Broach 
 and its dependencies, to enable Government to adopt such mea- 
 sures as might seem to be called for with a view to afford aid to 
 the starving population. 
 
 77. A similar Committee was formed at Ivaira, composed of 
 the local Officers of the Province, for the purpose of superintending 
 the measures which it might be necessary to adopt for relieving 
 the distress further north. Government did not, however, consider 
 it advisable to impose immediate prohibition on export, as suo-'>-est- 
 ed by the Collector of Kaira. It was thought that the scarcity iu 
 the interior of the countiy would necessarily operate to the entire 
 prevention of export; but should it not, the Committee were left 
 at liberty to prohibit export of grain from any part of the Gulf of 
 Cambay as so on asthat step might appear to them to be necessary. 
 It was also left to the discretion of the Committee to suspend im- 
 port duties. 
 
127 
 
 78. Governmeut at the' same time autlioi-Ized advances of 
 money (Tuccavee) to be made to enable the Ryots to bring their 
 fields under cultivation. 
 
 79. At the suggestion of the Collector of Kaira, Government 
 also directed the construction of dams for irrigational purposes in 
 the districts suffering most from want. The}* acceded also to an- 
 other pi'oposal made by the Collector, viz., the extension of acts of 
 beneficence in extraordinary cases. 
 
 80. Another Committee was at this time formed at Surat 
 with the same view. 
 
 81. At this conjuncture information of the very unfavorable 
 aspect of the season and the fear entertained of a scarcity was 
 communicated by this Govenimeut to the Government of India, 
 who were, at the same time, requested to permit the export of 
 supplies of grain from Bengal to Bombay for the consumption of 
 the Honorable Company's Troops quartered in this Presidency. 
 
 82. The Government of India gave the permission solicited, 
 and on arrival of the ships with the grain notices were sent to the 
 several District Officers; but Government did not think it prudent 
 to interfere Avith the Consignees in the disposal of their consign- 
 ments. 
 
 83. The Judc;e and Magistrate of Kaira, in addressing Go- 
 Tcrnment on the subject of the distress prevailing in that district 
 and in other parts of Goozerat, suggested, among other measures, 
 the expediency of purchasing on Government account all the grain 
 which could be procured in the country, the resale of which could 
 be so regulated as to price as barely to cover the expenses and 
 give a moderate profit to the retailer. Such a measui-e he consi- 
 dered to be indispensably necessary to secure a stock for the con- 
 sumption of tbe Troops, as it would induce the production of con- 
 cealed stores from the certainty of prices being reduced when 
 the demands of Government should have ceased to influence the 
 markets, and the surplus produce should have been sold by Go- 
 vernment below the rates which could then be obtained. Govern- 
 ment, after approving of the arrangements made by the Judge and 
 
128 
 
 Magistrate of Kalra for the preservation of public tranquillity, 
 recorded the following observations in respect to the above 
 proposal : — 
 
 " The Right Honourable the Governor in Council is disposed to think, 
 from all the information before the Board,. that those approved and recog-. 
 nized principles (of political economy), founded as they have been on the 
 experience of the prejudicial effects of a contrary policy in all ages and in all 
 countries, which prescribe an entire and unrestrained freedom iu the grain 
 trade, as best adapted to the relief of any existing scarcity and to the pre- 
 vention of famine, are particularly applicable to the dealers in grain in the 
 province of Goozerat. Whatever may be the state of society in that pro- 
 vince, or the character of those in whom tlie control of the markets may 
 exist, still it is universally admitted that the Natives of India are as provident 
 of their own interests, and are as keen, vigilant and sagacious, in observino- 
 and benefiting by the course of events, and are as conversant in those prin- 
 ciples of traffic which point out the periods when their gains will be the 
 greatest and their losses the most severe, as any other description of men in 
 any other country, and that, therefore, any interposition on the part of the 
 ruling authority in their commercial concerns or speculations, or any attempts 
 to ascertain their hidden stores of grain, are more calculated to accelerate the 
 dreadfdl crisis of a famine than to produce any salutary relief to the exi- 
 gencies of the public. 
 
 " The digression of the calebrated Author of the Wealth of Nations 
 concerning the Corn Trade and Corn Laws, and particularly as far aa 
 respects the inland dealer, is forcibly and irresistibly applicable to every 
 state of society where merchants, or dealers in grain, may be establlshecl. 
 It is observed by that Author that 'in the history of the dearths and 
 famines which have afflicted any part of Europe it will be found that a 
 dearth has never arisen from any combination among the inland dealers in 
 corn, nor from any other cause but a real scarcity occasioned in most 
 instances by the fault of the seasons, and that a famine has never arisen 
 from any other cause but the violence of Government attemptlno-, b\' 
 improper means, to remedy the inconveniences of a dearth;' and awain 
 that ' even in rice countries the drought is, perhaps, scarce ever so universal 
 as necessarily to occasion a famine if the Government would allow a free 
 trade; that the drought in Bengal a few years ago (that is prior to 1793) 
 might piobably have occasioned a very great dearth; some improper 
 regulations, some injudicious restraints imposed by the servants of the East 
 India Company upon the rice trade, contributed perhaps to turn that 
 dearth into a famine.' 
 
 "If an interference on the part of Government is likely to accelerate 
 a dearth into a famine at a time of Bcarcltyj how much more objectionable 
 
129 
 
 would it be to adopt meisurcs of coercion against tlic grain dealers at a 
 time when it is known tliat there is a presumable supply in the country, aa 
 far as Mr. Keate is enabled to judge, equal to twelve months' consumption. 
 
 " But, whatever may be the actual state of things in the neighbourhood 
 of Kaira, apprehensions must be entertained that any proceedings on the 
 part of Government with a view of compelling a discovery of the supplies 
 in the possession of the dealers, or to impose any restraints upon their trade, 
 would create alarms in individuals for the preservation of their property 
 that will lead them the more effectually to secrete their stock of grain, and 
 thus prematurely hasten the existing dearth, as was experienced in Ben^-al, 
 to a famine ; or, in the words of the author already quoted, ' when the 
 Government, in order to remedy the incoveniences of a dearth, orders all 
 dealers to sell their corn at what it supposes a reasonable price, it either 
 hinders them from bringing it to market, which may sometimes produce a 
 famine even in the beginning of the season ; or if it bring it thither ifc 
 enables the people, and thereby encourages them, to consume it so fast as 
 must necessarily produce a famine before the end of the season ;' nor does 
 a measure of 'this description seem politic or advisable when the fair season 
 has opened, and imports into Goozerat may be daily expected ; in addition 
 to which the abundant supplies in Malwa and Scinde, and'the promising 
 harvests in the Broach and Surat jurisdictiou, are better calculated to 
 operate as a beneficial ^influence on the grain dealers of Goozerat, in 
 encouraging them to bi'ing their grain for sale into the market before the 
 pricesfall than any measure which the Government can adopt. 
 
 " Under the influence of these impressions, the Right Honorable the 
 Governor in Council would have felt disposed to have persevered in the 
 resolution, already formed, of not controlling the markets beyond the 
 provision of a supply for our own troops, even were the prospects of a 
 famine more certain and alarming than they appear to be ; at a time, how- 
 ever, when the accounts before Government represent that the stock in the 
 country is equal to twelve months' consumption; when the supplies in 
 Malwa, Scinde and Gandeish, are stated to be abundant ; when the 
 harvests at Broach and Surat are luxuriant and promising, and are even 
 in Goozerat not yet hopeless ; at a time, also, when the merchants and 
 grain dealers in Bombay have, under an assurance that the Government 
 will not impose any prohibitions in the grain trade, largely embarked in 
 speculations for the relief of the provinces of Kattyawar and Goozerat, it 
 would, under such circumstances, be a measure not only of extreme hazard 
 to a mitigation of the immediate exigencies of the dearth, but also of 
 irremediable prejudice to the future supplies of the country on the recur- 
 rence of a similar calamity, were Government, by departing from the pledo-e 
 it has promulgated of the line of policy that it has judged advisable to pursue, 
 17 F 
 
130 
 
 to afford a proof of the little confidence that is to be reposed in its measures 
 or character, an interference on the. part of Government for the supply of 
 a whole province wonld inevitably lead to a combination in the inland grain 
 dealers and the great mercantile importers to counteract the efforts of 
 Government, however beneficent may be its views, and would hasten the 
 dreadful crisis of a famine ; besides whicli it cannot be expected in any 
 Government that they shall engage in purchases of grain for the relief of 
 a numerBus population at a period of scarcity ; the public expenditure 
 would know no bounds in such an application of its bounty, whilst the 
 relief would be but partial and temporary, compared with the effects of 
 that line of policy which the wisdom of experience has sanctioned as the" 
 best adapted to supply, through the medium of foreign imports and the 
 enterprize of individual sj^eculations, the inconveniences and pressure of 
 a dearth in the country. It becomes the duty of a Government at a 
 period of scarcity to extend its fostering protection by providing supplies 
 for the relief of its own troops and establishments, and to afford to its 
 subjects an increased degree of protection against those attacks and depre- 
 dations which may be expected at such a crisis from gangs of freebooters that 
 infest the country ; and to the grain" dealers and merchants every facility 
 and security in the free and unrestrained prosecution of those speculations 
 ivhich can alone afford a substantial and permanent relief to an extensive 
 population. _ 
 
 " The danger to be apprehended from the piratical States bordcrino' in 
 the Gulf of Cutch, as adverted to in the concluding paragraph, has attracted 
 the attention of Government, and measures have been adopted for the 
 protection of the grain boats sailing between this and the Northern Ports." 
 
 84. The troops stationed in tlie remote parts of Goozerat 
 Laving suffered considerable inconvenience from the sudden rise 
 in the price of grain at a season of the year when it was difficult 
 to forward to them supplies from the Presidency, Government had 
 under their consideration the expediency of establishing a Depot 
 of grain in order to secure the soldiery against those serious 
 embarrassments to Avhich the troops had been exposed. This 
 measure, it was thought, could be effected with very little or no 
 expense to the Honorable Company by annually disposing of and 
 i-enewing the stock of grain at the most favourable periods of the 
 year. But it does not appear whether any measures were taken 
 to caiTy out the formation of a depot as contemplated. 
 
 85. The long Avitlilicld rain appears to have favoured some 
 of the grain-producing districts in Kattyawar and Goozerat, and 
 
131 
 
 tlioiigli it was but scanty it proved favourable to some of the 
 crops of the season. This, added to the encouragement afforded 
 for the importation of grain into countries where the scarcity 
 prevailed by the suspension of Import duties, by the abolition of 
 restraints, and the arrival also of supplies from Bengal, seems to 
 have successfully relieved the sufferings to which the Kyots were 
 subjected in consequence of the continued drought. 
 
 86. In the year 1824 there was again a drought of long 
 continuance, particularly in the Deccan and in Western Goozerat, 
 and serious apprehensions were entertained of a scarcity, or even 
 famine. The subject early occupied the serious attention of 
 Government, and no time was lost in adopting precautions with a 
 view to avert, as far as practicable, the impending calamity. The 
 following transcript of a minute by the Honorable Mountstuart 
 Elphiustone, the late Governor and President in Council, which 
 was concurred in by the other Members of the Honorable 
 Eoard, contains an account of the proceedings whicli it was 
 thought necessary to adopt in connection with this subject: — 
 
 " The Collectors should everywhere be called on 'to state without 
 delay the prospect they conceive there is of scarcity in their district, and 
 the period when, if at all, it will begin to be severely felt. They should 
 as soon as possible (at the same time with the first information, if it can be 
 done without occasioning delay) report on the present price of grain in 
 their district, and whether it is rising or falling; the average price in 
 ordinary years ; the quantity of grain supposed to be in the country ; the 
 counlries from whence they usually draw grain when there is a scarcity in 
 the Company's territories ; the present state of those countries and of others 
 in the neighbourhood of their districts. They should also suggest any 
 means by which the importation of grain from those and all other countries 
 could be encouraged. 
 
 " Similar enquiry should be made in Bomba)', and the Bench of Justices 
 would probably be the best authority to refer to; and j)erhaps it would be 
 prudent to address also the Residents at Hydrabad, Indore and Mysore, 
 and the Collectors of Canara and the Ceded Districts, to know the state and 
 prospects of their divisions. The Madras Government might afford similar 
 information, as well as acquaint ug with the stejis which it has pursued dur- 
 ing the late or present scarcity. 
 
 " I do not think any measures should be taken till some answers at 
 least are received, as a fall of rain enough to prevent a ftimlue is by no 
 
132 
 
 means hopeless; but when we again consider the subject the unusual state of 
 the shipping of India should not escape our attention. Many of the mer- 
 chant vessels which we might trust to for bringing round grain from Bengal 
 are now employed on the Expedition, and the high price of freight in all 
 quarters will render it necessary to hold out great encouragement to the im- 
 portation of grain. I see no way in which this can be done, except by pro- 
 mising a certain bounty for every ton of grain imported from countries be- 
 yond certain limits. It will, probably, be in vain to trust to the rise of price 
 as a sufficient encouragement to importation, for in the greater part of the 
 countries where scarcity will be severe there are no funds to bring into the 
 market so as to raise the price to any thing like the degree required to in- 
 fluence trade in the present scarcity of freight. 
 
 ''Some means should, therefore, be taken to ascertain the premium which 
 will be necessary to induce importation, or the price which it will be neces- 
 sary to guarantee the importers. The amount lately offered by the Madras 
 Government, which must have appeared in the Newspapers, will be some 
 guide, and perhaps the Secretary might, in communication with the Superin- 
 tendent of Marine, obtain some information without instituting an official 
 enquiry. 
 
 " The attention of the Commissary General might be directed to the stale 
 of the markets and to the expediency of early importing grain for our troops, 
 cavalry horses, and public cattle. He should bring them from countries be- 
 yond the reach of the expected scarcity. 
 
 " The state of prices in Bombay and the other districts of this Presidency 
 should be given every possible publicity, as was formerly done in 1812. 
 
 "The Collectors in Goozerat should be authorized (if they find it neces- 
 sary) to dispense with the duties on grain, and perhaps with duties on the 
 return bullock loads of Brinjarics who import grain; and tlie Commis- 
 ^sioncr in the Deccan might ircceivc powers to use his discretion in all similar 
 means of encouragement to importation. 
 
 " The Collector of Customs might, perhaps, be able to give information 
 about the exports from this place to grain countries, and the possibility of 
 affording encouragement by remitting the duties on return cargoes." 
 
 87. The neccsary instructions were at once issued to all 
 tlie Collectors and Magistrates, the Collector of Sea Customs and 
 the other Officers named, and the Clerk to the Bench of Justices, as 
 also to .the Collectors of Canara and Mangalore. The Residents 
 at Indore, Hydrabad and Mysore, were likewise addressed on the 
 subject. 
 
133 
 
 88. With reference 'to the point mooted in the last quoted 
 paragraph of the above minute, the Collector of Sea Customs in- 
 timated that the only jjlaces beyond the tcrrifcoi'Ies belonging to 
 this Presidency from which grain could be imported in large quan- 
 tities were Calcutta, Malabar and Canara, cliicfly Mangalor^ ; the 
 retura cargoes to the .first named place being chiefly pepper, piece 
 goods, copper and other British staples, and to the other two places 
 broad cloth, copper, cotton, iron, nankeen, piece goods, sugar, &c. 
 The exporters of these commodities carried certificates with them 
 from the Customs Department of duties levied and retained in the 
 Bombay Custom House, for which an abatement was allowed at 
 the place ot importation, so that exempting the return cargoes 
 from paying merely the difference in Malabar, Canara and 
 Calcutta, might probably be vicAved as but a small indvilgence; and 
 although it might have some, it would not have, the Customs Col- 
 lector thought, the desired effect. The great object of exporting 
 to Calcutta was a favorable reniittance, and while the exchange 
 for the best bills was as low as 3 per cent., with no prospect of 
 speedy rise, the export of goods from Bombay was not thought 
 likely to increase. He therefore proposed, in imitation of the 
 measures adopted by the Madras Government on the occasion of a 
 scarcity in that Presidency at the commencement of tliat year, 
 that a bounty should be offered on the importation of grain. The 
 Bombay Government also contemplated suggesting to the Govern- 
 ment of India, with a view to facilitate to shippers of grain in 
 Calcutta the remittance of funds realized by the sale of rice, &c., 
 at Bombay, that bills should be granted here at the exchange of 
 105 Bombay for 100 Sicca Rupees, payable three months after date, 
 or to run for a longer period at the option of the Supreme Govern- 
 ment, the rate then current in Bengal being allowed for such pro- 
 tracted payment. The Accountant General, to whom the question 
 was in the first instance referred for opinion, did not consider that 
 the measure would be productive of good, while he thought it was 
 open to objection. He pointed out that where the object was to 
 encourage the accumulation of any particular ai'ticle a direct 
 bounty on its importation, or a remission of Customs, &c., was the 
 simplest and best means of attaining it. The Bench of Justices 
 also recommeiidedj among other measures, the grant of a bounty 
 
134 
 
 on importation. At first tliis proposition, coming from so many 
 Officers, and being one which was stated to htlvc been adopted at 
 ]\Iadras on the occasion of a scarcity there, was favourably received 
 by Government; but, on further consideration, the idea of offering 
 a bounty appears to have been given up as not likely to produce 
 the desired effect. The following is a transcript of a minute re- 
 corded by one of the Members of the Government of the day oil 
 the subject : — 
 
 " I have not the slightest confidence in the efficacy of the proposed 
 bounty, and am persuaded that it will not lead to the importation of a single 
 bag, or a single i^obin, of rice beyond what we shall receive from the power- 
 ful encouragement naturally arising out of a scarcity price. The bounty 
 will neither create a more abundant supj^ly nor lower the price to the 
 consumer, but merely go into the coffers of those who stand the least in 
 need of the money, and whose interest to throw in supplies docs not 
 appear to me to require a stimulus by the projioscd bounty. It has not, 
 I believe, been hitherto had recourse to under this Presidency, and we 
 shall, in my opinion, do better without it. On a lac of bags the bounty 
 ■will amount to Rupees one lac. How much more beneficially could this 
 lac be appropriated by following the Madras plan, by which 20,000 souls 
 could be kept alive for five mouths at a Rupee a month. But should the 
 Board determine on the grant of the bounty, the obligation to refund it ou 
 tlie e'sporfr to foreign country would defeat the efforts of it. Our policy 
 should be not only to relieve ourselves, but our neiglibours also, and thus 
 to prevent their crowding into the British territories, and this the grain 
 dealers will do if left to themselves. 
 
 " I have every reliance in the grain dealers and merchants of Bombay 
 keeping the Island well supplied. The object contemplated in the draft 
 letter to the Collector of North Canara was not to interfere with the 
 market, but to be prepared against any extraordinary influx of strano-ers, 
 whose support, of course, cannot have entered into the calculations of our 
 grain dealers. These, besides retaining some in Bombay, we must distri- 
 bute in different parts of Salsette, in Caranja, the Island of Elephanta, and 
 elsewhere. In these places the supply of grain is not abundant, and not 
 sufficient for the extra pojiulation that may be thrown upon them; hence 
 my object was to provide rice for these strangers to be employed in cleaniuo- 
 or constructing tanks and wells, by paying .them in grain instead of money 
 in places v.Iiere the latter could not provide the former. 
 
 ''■ Whenever any of the tanks in Bombay may be dry, and there are 
 two or throe already nearly so, measures should be immediately adopted 
 
135 
 
 to excavate them to as great a depth as possible. The season, though 
 unfortunately, one of drought, is particularly favourable to the enlargement 
 of 0UI-. reservoirs for water, and by carrying it on to the greatest practical 
 extent we provide means to lessen the severity in any future similar 
 calamity. I dread a scarcity of water more than a scarcity of grain. 
 
 " The associations that may be formed should be voluntary on the part 
 of individuals, and the Government should not appear to have any con- 
 incction with them. Any other interference than that of employing in- 
 dividuals on public works we should carefully avoid, as it will slacken the 
 zeal and humane efforts of the leading Natives of the different castes by 
 misleading them into a belief that the Government are going beyond what 
 it is possible they can accomplish in what, there is reason to apprehend, 
 will prove so general a distress." 
 
 89. On the above tlie following observations were recorded 
 by the Governor and President, the Honorable Mountstiiart 
 Elphiustonc :— - 
 
 " Though all fear of famine is, I hope, removed by the late fall of rain, 
 we may still have scarcity to apprehend, and it may, at all events, be as 
 well to record our opinions on this subject while it is under discussion, 
 that we may be prepared if our present hopes should prove fallacious. 
 
 " I must confess, I think, there is a great deal of truth in Mr. Warden's 
 anticipations regarding the bounty. I was led to propose the measure 
 from the example of Madras (which we had just been informed by that 
 Government was perfectly successful) rather than by any examination of 
 the subject on general principles : were the necessity to occur again I would 
 propose, in preference, that Government should guarantee a certain price to 
 all importers of grain. This price should be sufficient to counterbalance all 
 the inducements which are held out at present by the demand for freight to 
 the employment of tonnage in the ordinary branches of commerce. In 
 other words, it should yield a little more profit on each ton than could be 
 gained by any other sort of freight at present obtainable. I see no objection 
 to this plan, provided the period at which the guarantee is to cease be 
 judiciously fixed. 
 
 " It is precisely the plan adopted in armies with Brinjaries, and it 
 would probably be as successful, and proportionately as little burdensome, 
 when used on a larger scale. 
 
 " I very much question the expediency of Government taking part in 
 associations, or, in fact, doing any thing in the way of direct relief to the 
 people beyond giving employment to the poorest classes. I would rather 
 have their pay in money than in grain, as long as grain was to be procured 
 
136 
 
 at all; and if it was absolutely necessary to issue grain it should be in 
 quantities considerably less than a labourer would consume in time of 
 plenty. If a full allowance of grain is given to each labourer^ it enables 
 him to live as usual at the expense of the rest of the poor, to whom the 
 surplus would be left if Government labourers were put on short allowance. 
 
 " I \^ould not advise any importation of grain by Government, unless 
 Government could bring forward any means of transport not possessed by 
 private merchants ; otherwise the quantity of grain imported would not be 
 increased, and the distribution would be taken from the hands of those whose 
 interest is the surest guide into those of Govei'nmeut, which is much less 
 likely to conduct it with advantage. If Government had any spare tonnage 
 it should be employed in bringing grain from distant markets, unless it were 
 perfectly certain that the near ones possessed resources which the private - 
 tonnage could not exhaust even by repeated voyages. 
 
 " In addition to the undertakings recommended by Mr. Warden, I 
 would propose that if there is a great want of employment, either in the 
 Northern Concan or the neighbouring parts of the Deccan, the construc- 
 tion of the new road by the Thull Ghaut should be immediately begun, a 
 detachment of Pioneers being drawn from the Poona road to assist and 
 superintend." 
 
 90. In a further minute recorded by Mv. Warden he wrote — 
 
 " I still question the policy of the plan suggested by the Governor, 
 and am persuaded that a scarcity price constitutes a sufficient stimulus to 
 the import of grain into Bombay from those countries whence we are 
 ordinarily supplied. Tlie tender from Remington Crawford, and the larger 
 or equal quantity of grain to which Mr. Goodwin alludes as intended for 
 Bombay, prove the measures which the merchants timely pursue to benefit 
 by the high price of grain without the necessity for any encouragement on 
 the part of the Government. In these two instances Es. 24,000 would have 
 been paid in rice which was destined for Bombay weeks before any bounty 
 was thought of. Tlie tonnage ordinarily employed between Bombay and 
 Calcutta is now engaged as transports at an exorbitant rate of freight, on 
 terms infinitely more profitable than we could possibly hold out for their 
 employment in bringing rice. Had we been reduced to the severity of 
 famine but one alternative would have remained, to have released some of 
 the transports and allowed them to have supplied us with rice. 
 
 "If a famine were apprehended in Bengal and .in those countries 
 whence we draw our supplies of grain, we should be reduced to the 
 necessity of looking to a distant quarter for relief — to the Cape for instance 
 or even to Europe — ^as the United Kingdom looked to India for supplies 
 of rice in 1800, and encouraged its import into Great Britain. In such a 
 
137 
 
 contingency the policy of the measure suggested by the Governor is 
 undoubted, but so long as one part of India is able to supply another I 
 feel confident that no inducement the Government can hold out will 
 encourage a greater supply than would have been thrown in by the 
 urgency of the demand and the great profit accruing from high prices." 
 
 91. The result of this discussion was the abaudoiftaent of 
 the proposition to oiFer a bounty to importers of grain, as stated 
 above. Government, however, in the mean time, on the represen- 
 tation of the Collectors of Broach and fc'urat, authorized the Mao-is- 
 trates to forbid the exportation of grain to foreign countries where 
 a similar prohibition existed regarding exportation to the British 
 Territories; this prohibition in respect to the Guikwar being 
 deferred till His Highness had had an opportunity of communicat- 
 ing, through the Eesident, his views and intentions regarding the 
 freedom of the grain trade. 
 
 92. Measures were also directed to be taken for digging 
 wells wherever it could be done with advantage in Bombay; a 
 Committee was appointed by Government accordingly, consisting 
 of the Collector of Bombay, the Chief Engineer, the Revenue 
 Surveyor, and the Secretary to the Medical Board. This measure 
 was thought of primary importance, as apprehensions of a failure 
 of water in Bombay were also beginning to be entertained. The 
 average yearly fall of rain in the Island of Bombay was about 
 84 inches. But in 1824 by the end of August only 25 inches had 
 fallen. The Committee were, therefore, directed to take into their 
 careful consideration the subject of procuring a sufficient supply 
 of water, and the Eevenue Surveyor, who was also a Member of 
 the Committee, was empowered to give effect to the Committee's 
 suggestions. 
 
 93. From the reports submitted to Government from time 
 to time regarding the state of the different Collectorates, the de- 
 gree of scarcity felt or apprehended in them, and the supplies of 
 grain in hand or expected, it appears that tlie monsoon proved 
 more or less unfavorable in almost every part of the Bombay Pre- 
 sidenQy. In the early part of the season rain fell as usual in some 
 of the districts, but there were long continued droughts, broken 
 only by slight and desultory showers, which only encouraged delu- 
 
 18 3? 
 
138- 
 
 sive hopes. Thus the crops withered away in places where thcro 
 was no irrigation, and only yielded a scanty hai-vest in places 
 where means of irria;ation existed. In other districts the i-ain Avas 
 so late that the cultivation of early crops could not he undertaken, 
 and even the later crops suffered to some extent. The conse- 
 quence was that the produce of the year was quite insufficient to 
 meet the wants of the people. Fortunately, however, the harvests 
 of the preceding two years had been abundant, and- there was 
 thus a considerable surplus in hand in several parts of Goozcrat 
 and Kattyawar. The effects of the scarcity, which would other- 
 wise have been severely felt, were thus rendered less calamitous 
 generally, though the sufferings of the poorer classes of the popu- 
 lation wei'e, perhaps, as great as during any of the previous 
 famines. 
 
 94. Numbers of pcojile appear to have emigrated to Bombay 
 in quest of food, and instructions were given to all the Collectors 
 and other Officers to avail themselves, as much as possible, of the 
 presence of these individuals for the construction of public works, 
 of which many were then started with a view expressly to afford 
 relief to the new comers. 
 
 95. The year 1825, which succeeded the above period, also 
 proved to be unfavorable in several parts of the Presidency. The 
 rain was almost everywhere below the average. The produce of 
 the year was thus very limited, scarcely enough to meet the year's 
 consumption. The stock in hand from the produce of the preced- 
 ing year was small owing to the long continued drought which 
 prevailed during that year, and, as a natural result from this state 
 of things, the price of grain ranged high, so high at times as to 
 occasion considerable distress to the poorer classes, and, as in the 
 preceding year, it became necessary for Government to remit the 
 import duties. Public works were also started at the expense of 
 Government with a view to afford relief to the most distressed of 
 the Eyots. 
 
 96. It appears that, owing to the scarcity which prevailed 
 during the preceding (1824) year, Government liad appointed a 
 Committee, denominated the " Comjtnittee of Tanks and Wells," iu 
 
139 • 
 
 Ijoinlxiy, consisting of the Land Revenue Collector, the Chief 
 Engineer, and the Secretary to the Medical Boai-d.- This Com- 
 mittee had for its object, as implied by its designation, the im- 
 provement and increase of the water resources in the Town and 
 Island of Bombay. The Committee were allowed the services of 
 an Engineer -to frame plans and estimates of such worlcs as to 
 them might seem necessary with this view. Under their superin- 
 tendence several wells were repaired and improved, and new ones 
 sunk in localities in which additional water supply was most 
 wanted. At considerable expense to Governulent many of the' 
 large tanks both in Bombay and Mahim were deepened and 
 widened so as to contain a greater storage. The result of their 
 operations is thus recorded by the Committee — ' 
 
 " We have the satisfaction to observe that none of the measures can be 
 said to have altogether failed that were at our suggestions adojited, while 
 the advantages have been, and are likely to be, great from many of them ; 
 the resources still seemingly in reserve along the western side of the 
 Esplanade being such as to justify the expectation that the wants of the 
 present season will, by means of temporary wells, to be increased in number 
 as occasion may require in that direction, in the Fort Ditch and in Dhoby'a 
 Tank, be yet in an adcf[uate degree provided for." 
 
 97. In the Southern Concan, owing to the deficiency of rain 
 during the monsoon of tliis year, the crops on the salt lands were 
 entirely destroyed, which occasioned considerable distress among 
 the cultivating classes. As a consequence of this disaster the 
 district authorities are stated to have been literally inundated 
 with applications from the poorer Rj^ots for advances of money to 
 enable them to purchase seed and to procure the nteans of subsist- 
 ence. Thas^ application's, it is said, could not be complied with 
 owing to the difficulty of determining the cases of real distress ; 
 yet every possible assistance was afFoi'ded by the Collector and 
 his Assistants to relieve the poorer classes by employing them on 
 works of public utility. The road leading from the Ghauts to 
 the Salt Bunder, on which the traffic was great during the fair 
 season, but which in many places was steep and rugged, wafe 
 'Considerably improved. Wells and tanks were also constructed. 
 These works, while they afforded to a certain extent relief to the 
 needy poor, were of great general benefit to the country. 
 
IdO 
 
 98, In the Northern Concan, though no distress had yet 
 been felt to any perceptible degree, yet serious apprehensions 
 were entertained of a very unfavourable state of things in that 
 respect. In order to avert or modify the eiFects of any future 
 calamity which sooner or later might befall the Ryots, the Collec- 
 tor subn\itted a proposition for cleaning the wells and tanks in the 
 several parts of the district under his supervision, as it was 
 thought that, while a timely supply of water could thus be secured, 
 means would be afforded to the needy of supporting themselves 
 to some extent. The cleaning of tanks and wells was ifrgently 
 pressed upon the notice of Government by the Collectors in 
 consequence of the scanty supply of water caused by deficient 
 rain in the precedfng monsoon. The cost of these works, however, 
 as estimated appeared to Government to be excessive ; but in con- 
 sideration of the urgency of the occasion, as put forth by the 
 Collector, he was authorized to commence upon such of the works 
 proposed as were absolutely and urgently required. A number of 
 tanks and wells were accordingly cleaned at a cost of about ten 
 thousand Rupees. 
 
 99. It will be rcrnembercd that during the preceding year, 
 owing to the scarcity of food, a large number of people had 
 migrated from Kutch to Bombay. Upwards of a thousand souls 
 had come to Bombay alone under the leadership of one Suwaj^ec 
 Raja, who, on arrival, petitioned Government on their behalf with 
 a view to procure them employment. This ajiplication was readily 
 granted, and the Collector of Tanna and II. M's. Justices of the 
 Peace v/ere requested to arrange accordingly. They were to be 
 paid at such rate of remuneration as was earned by a common day 
 labourer. Measures were also directed to be taken tdftielter these 
 unfortunates, and to afford them other requisite aid. Under 
 requisition from the Collector of Tanna, some of these emigrants 
 were placed at the disposal of that Officer to be employed on the 
 construction of a new road proposed by him. The remainder were 
 placed at the disposal of General Bellasis to be employed on works 
 then in course of construction under his superintendence. After 
 a few months, however, on hearing of an improved state of things 
 in their own country (Kutch), they expressed a wish to be 
 
141 
 
 allowed to return. It was at first a question wli ether they should 
 be sent back at the exiDcnse of Govcrument. It was decided that 
 they should be, and they were accordingly provided with a passage 
 at the public expense. The proceedings on record connected with 
 the scarcity of grain during the year, and the measures adopted to 
 alleviate the disti-ess of the people, do not show exactly what 
 works of a permanent nature and of public utility were projected 
 or completed. Indeed, it would appear from the information avail- 
 able on the subject that nothing beyond wells and tanks was 
 thought of. However, the woiks, though of minor importance, 
 went a great way towards affording the much required relief in 
 places where they were constructed. 
 
 100. In 1833 again considerable distress seems to have 
 prevailed in most of the districts under the Bombay Presidency, 
 including almost all the CoUectorates above the Ghauts, as also 
 Tanna, Rutnagherry, Surat, Kaira, and Ahmedabad. 
 
 101. In Ahmednuggur the Collector, in writing apon the 
 distress prevalent in his districts occasioned by the high price of 
 food and other necessaries of life, observed as follows : — 
 
 "A remission iu some sort, at least of the transit duties on grain, 
 should, I conceive, be adopted without further delay ; the prices arc already 
 so high as to occasion very severe distress ; the fate of the Rubbce crop 
 seems sealed by the entire want of rain hitherto, and though the bringing 
 in of the Khureef crops has to a certain extent lowered the prices in 
 Nuggur within these few days, yet I have little idea that the relief will be 
 more than temporary. Without some extraneous supply, the prices must, 
 I should fear, rise for several months, and not only arc the present prices so 
 high as to be ruinous to the poor, but the quality of grain generally exposed 
 for sale is so bad as, I fear, to be likely to entail disease on those who have 
 no other food." 
 
 102. The Collector was of opinion that the remission pro- 
 posed by him should be general on all grain imported in any part 
 of his CoUectorate from whatever direction, and likewise on thq. 
 grain removed from one part of his district to another, or to any 
 part of the British territory beyond his jurisdiction. The Revenue 
 Commissioner, however, did not quite concur with the Collector 
 in the necessity for sauctiouing a general remission of duties 
 
142 
 
 tlirougliout tlic CoUcctovalc. ITe authorized the Collector to adopt 
 his recommendation in such Talookas, or parts of Talookas, as 
 suffered most, and whore a remission would really be productive 
 of beneficial rcsillts. In the town of Ahmeduuggur the sufferings 
 of the people were so far aggravated by the steady rise in prices 
 that the duties levied were at once renn'tted under this sanction, 
 and the remission continued in force so long as the distress lasted. 
 
 103. In reporting his proceedings to Government the Eeve- 
 nue Commissioner observed regarding, the remission authorized' by 
 hira " that the benefits of this measui'e may be expected to be two- 
 fold. In the first place the remission ought to have a direct effect 
 in reducing pi ices, &c. ; and in the second it may be expected to 
 aid towards breaking the combination of the grain dealers by es- 
 tablishing a mart under regulations as it were whose effect it will 
 be difficult for them to counteract." IIow far these anticipations 
 were realized there is no record to show, but it ap^pears that there 
 was a favorable turn of things towards the end of the year. There 
 was an abundant Khurcef harvest, and the duties on grain which 
 had been temporarily taken off were again iniposcd. 
 
 104. The following extract is descriptive of the state of the 
 Dharv/ar Collectorate as regards the prospects of the season: — 
 
 " The state of the crops is variable; some Talookas to the cast, for in- 
 stance Indcc and Moodibihal, have suffered iinmcnscly. Takinn- the wliole 
 Collectorate into consideration, it may be said that only about half the usual 
 produce will be collected. 
 
 " The Rubbee crops have greatly failed, and disappointed the different 
 hopes that were entertained. 
 
 " In respect to the grain in store, the general opinion is that, with the 
 produce of the present year, there is sufficient for the year's consumption, 
 though, from the combination among the grain dealers, distress will be felt 
 to a very great extent. 
 
 " From what has occurred in Dharwar it appears that, though grain is 
 comparatively abundant, yet the dealers refuse to dispose of it in sufficient 
 quantities, and had thereby, in fact, commenced to create a state of distress 
 which the real state of things did not warrant. I have in some measure for 
 the present counteracted this by informing the dealers that if they refused 
 to sell (they fixing their own price) that I should grant free passes to any" 
 
143 
 
 individuals to bring in grain. This huti tlie desired effect, and I have hope 
 that difficulty from future combination will be avoided. 
 
 "Hitherto I have remitted the duties only in Dharwarand theTalookas 
 t)f Indee and Moodibihal, but it has been thought desirable, especially by 
 Mr. Elliot, the Sub-Collector of Hooblcc, whose opinions are entitled to the 
 greatest weight, that they should be remitted throughout, in order that the 
 benefit may be distributed equally, and be felt by the whole community. 
 
 " I have, however, still an opinion that the plan of granting free passes 
 for grain brought to different Towns and Talookas where called for is a good 
 one, as tending to a more direct assistance to tlie most distressed spots, and 
 creating an immediate supply where most called for. It defeats combina- 
 tion, it facilitates adjustment with the different farmers, and I think it will 
 be generally found effective in its end. 
 
 " There is a considerable quantity. of grain in the hands of the more 
 wealthy Ryots, who in fact will realize considerable profits in this year of 
 scarcity: it is this grain purchased from them, or carried by themselves to 
 the distressed spots, that would create the great relief under the system of 
 passes. It would be the object, as a matter of speculation, to ascertain 
 where the grain was most required, and there it would be immediately 
 taken. The passes should be granted by the Collector, the Sub-Collector, 
 and Assistants in charge of Talookas, so that no abuse might be occasioned 
 from favor; and being generally known throughout the districts, I have no 
 question they would be eagerly sought." 
 
 105. In consideration of tliG circumstances described in tlie 
 foregoing extract, tli'c Collector was authorized by Government at 
 liis discretion cither to remit the duties on grain or to introduce 
 the pass system, as recommended by him. In the event of his 
 adopting the first of the two alternatives suggested for eucoui-ag- 
 ing the importation of grain from j^laces where there might be 
 abundance of supply, the Collector was vested Avith power to malce 
 such arrangements as to him seemed best with a view to compen- 
 sate the farmer of the duties for any loss bond fide incurred by 
 him. 
 
 106. In Eutuageree there was supposed to be enough grain 
 to meet the year's consumption, but much eagerness was manifest- 
 ed by the grain dealers to export their surplus stock. Conse- 
 quently the prices ranged so high as to operate severely if|^)on the 
 poorer classes. No interference, hoAycver, of any kind was rendered 
 
Ii4 
 
 necessary on tlie part of Goverumeut. The efFoct of tliis rise 
 in prices, though unwelcome to the great body of consumers and 
 cultivators, was beneficial to the publio revenue. From the state- 
 ment of the sale of " revenue grain" for the year, it appears that' 
 there was an increase of Es. 73,693 over the revenue of the pre- . 
 ceding year. This increase Avas, of course, attributable to the en- 
 hanced priceSj and to the eagerness of the speculators to secure as 
 much grain as possible for exportation to places where they hoped 
 to reap the largest profits. 
 
 107. At Sholapoor the duties on grain had been remitted 
 under tlie sanction of Government for some time ; but, notwith- 
 standing this, the high prices remained unaffected. A proposal 
 was, therefore, submitted for the consideration of Government to 
 sanction the construction of certain jDublic works with a view to 
 afford temporary relief. Government, however, did not consider 
 the distress prevailing at Sholapoor to be so severe as to justify 
 the adoption of the proposition made by the Sub-Collector. 
 
 108. In Tauna, owing to the badness of the season, consider- 
 able defalcation in the produce of the year was apprehended ; yet 
 from the stock in hand, which was estimated to suflSce for the 
 year's consumption, the distress arising from enhanced prices was 
 comparatively less severe than in most, other places. 
 
 109. The scarcity which prevailed in Poena and the districts 
 under it invited large importations of grain from the Nizam's 
 dominions, as also from Sattara and other places. The effect of 
 these importations was to keep the prices steady, though it did not 
 lower them ; but it was apprehended that so soon as the season 
 should somewhat advance, and the facilities for carrying grain 
 should become less from the great difficulty to be expected in pro- 
 curing forage and water for the cattle, prices of all sorts would 
 very materially rise, and that, tliough there was little ground to 
 fear an actual famine, sooner or later severe distress would over- 
 take the poorer classes of the community. The Collector, there- 
 fore, recommended a general remission of the transit duties on the 
 grain ifiiported to any part of his Collectorate. He was of 
 opmiou that a remission of this duty might induce merchants in 
 
145 
 
 llie Nizam's dominions and other grain producing countries to ex- 
 port grain to Poona, and would contribute ' more than any other 
 measure to lessen the severity of the distress. With a view also 
 to encourage the importation of grain from Bombay and Goozerat 
 at the same time, the Collector likewise suggested a reduction in 
 the duties collected by the Sea Customs Department at the various 
 Bunders, and recommended the suspension of the toll at the 
 Bhore Ghaut, which, he remarked, had had the effect of changing 
 the route by which the carriers of the country travelled. This 
 toll, the Collector observed, did not realize very much, and its re- 
 mission or suspension would be a real saving to Government. 
 
 110. In handing this letter on to Government the Revenue 
 Commissioner observed — "I do not think the duties leviable on the 
 routes impose any material restriction on the passage of grain ; 
 and on that imported by sea from Goozerat and other comitries, 
 whose surplus stock enable them to send large supplies to the 
 Deccan, no transit duty whatever..is charged, the certificate of pay- 
 ment of sea customs exempting them from inland duties, &c. ; and 
 that, therefore, any slight alleviating measure, like the suspension 
 of road duties, would only swell the profits of the grain dealers 
 without bringing any material relief to the consumers." With 
 reference to the duties collected by the Sea Customs Department, 
 the Kevenue Commissioner was of opinion that there was no suf- 
 ficient reason for lowering them, as exportation of grain fi-om 
 Bombay and other sea port towns was influenced not so much by 
 the levy of sea customs as by the actual state of the market, or, in 
 other words, by the state of prices. The Collector's proposal to 
 suspend the transit duty on grain and to reduce the sea customs 
 levy was accordingly negatived by Government. They, however, 
 requested the Revenue Commissioner to suspend the Bhore Gha,ut 
 toll, if he agreed with the Collector, the suspension being confined 
 to bullocks, carts, &c., conveying graiu to the upper country. It 
 was thought probable that such a measure would tend to encourage 
 the transport of grain direct from the Concan. 
 
 111. In Surat a very serious falling off in the produce of the 
 year was at first apprehended, and a consequent rise in the prices 
 of the principal articles of food caused much distress. Towards 
 
 19 r 
 
146 
 
 the end of tlie season, however, there was a good fall of rain, and 
 the later crops prospered well, yielding sufficient to meet the wants 
 of the people for a year. But, unfortunately for the j^oor, the 
 merchants were bent upon benefiting themselves from the enhanced 
 prices obtaining in other districts, and commenced a general expor- 
 tation of their stock. The result, as might be expected, was that, 
 instead of falling off, the prices steadily continued to rise, till in- 
 deed they almost reached famine rates. A petition, numerously 
 signed by the inhabitants, was then presented to the Assistant 
 Judge, requesting the good offices of that gentleman to induce 
 Government to prohibit the exportation of grain from their city. 
 This petition was, however, negatived by Government. The 
 Assistant Judge'^in transmitting the petition remarked upon the 
 desirability of remitting the transit duties on gi'ain,aud of suspend- 
 ing the sea customs both on impoi'ts and exports, but, after 
 consultinij the lleveuuc Commissioner and the chief Customs 
 authority on the subject. Government did not think that such 
 measures were called for by the exigencies of the case. 
 
 112. Regarding the distress which prevailed at Bclgaum, the 
 Brigadier General Commanding that Division of the Army wrote 
 as follows : — 
 
 " It is witli extreme regret I have to report, for the information of Ilia 
 Excellency the Commander-in-Chief, the great want of rain in this part of 
 the country. 
 
 " The consequences of it arc that the prices of all the necessaries of 
 life have risen enormously; that the greatest diiiiculties exist in getting 
 supplies of grain sufficient for the European and Native troops and follow- 
 ers; that for some days numbers, hotli of sepoys and followers, were unable 
 to procure any ; and that at this moment the quantity, both in the Camp Bazar 
 and Town of Belgaum, is so small that unless fresh supplies are brought in 
 ■we shall be in great distress. I have specially to report that, owing to the 
 scarcity, the Bread Contractor to His Majesty's 20th Regiment has failed, 
 he being unable not only to fulfil his contract on account of the immense 
 rise on corn, but unable to procure a sufficient quantity of money. 
 
 " The price of bread has risen within these few months from 16 seers 
 in April to 7 seers, the present price, in August, and I have been compelled 
 in consequence, agreeably to Article 109, Section 50, of the Supplement 
 Military Code, to transfer to the Commissariat the provisioning of the Euro- 
 pean Troops. 
 
147 
 
 " Under tlicsc distrcsdiiig circuinBtances, and the present very unfavoi'- 
 ■ able appearance of the weather (not a tank or well having any increase of 
 water since May last), I respectfully suggest that Ilis Excellency the Com- 
 mander-iu-Chief will be pleased to submit this application to His Lordship 
 in Council for a remission of the duties on all supplies coming to this camp, 
 that every facility and encouragement be given to induce dealers to bring 
 in grain and cattle, agreeably to Section 8, Article G9, Second Supplement 
 Military Code, Bazar Regulations. 
 
 " No jowarec, no grain, no wheat, is procurable here at any price, nor 
 have they been for some days." 
 
 113. Ill another communication upon the same subject, after 
 describing the effects of the scai'city prevalent in Belgaum, the 
 Brigadier General stated — 
 
 " Under these cIrcumstaiiCes I am induced to bring to the notice of His 
 . Excellency the Commander-in-Chief, with a view to His ExcelJ^ency's sup- 
 port in laying the matter before Government, the great advantage that 
 might be derived by employing a hundred or so of the starving population 
 upon the road from this station towai'ds the Uam Ghaut under the orders of 
 the Assistant Quarter Master General. 
 
 " This road from liencc to tho Ghaut has been untouched for some years, 
 and is very much out of repair in many places; so mucli so as to render it a 
 matter of great difficulty and hindcrance in bringing up heavy ordnance 
 stores and arrack from the coast, and in the present state of distress (which, 
 I regret to statCj exists to an alarming extent) the temporary employment 
 of many of these por.r creatures may be attended with great advantage to 
 tlic Government, and perhaps be the means of preventing their resorting to 
 unlawful acts for a livelihood, and disturbing the tranquillity of the countr3% 
 
 *' The prices of grain are not only extremely high, but the quantity 
 offered for sale is barely adequate to the demand, and from present a^jpear- 
 ances the general dread of famine is so great that I deem it my duty to re- 
 quest you to make known these my sentiments to His Excellency, and to 
 suggest that, as a teraporaiy measure, if the duties on r/raiu coming info camp 
 for sale were taken off'ii would tend to lower the price considerably." 
 
 114. In laymg these communications before Government 
 His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief recommended compliance 
 with the Brigadier General's proposals, and Government were 
 accordingly pleased to suspend the duties on grain in Belgaum, 
 and at the same time to sanction the repairs to the Ram Ghaut road, 
 
~ 148 
 
 tvltli a view to giving cnTployment to those destitute persons -who 
 might be willing and able to work. 
 
 115. The scarcity which prevailed at Ahmedabad and Kaira 
 is stated to have occasioned considerable distress to the inhabitants, 
 to alleviate which Government allowed the transit duties on grain 
 to be remitted until better prospects opened. The sea customs 
 duty was also reduced on the recommendation of the Customs Col- 
 lector for Goozerat. 
 
 116. In 1838 considerable distress appears to have prevailed 
 in the provinces of Kutch and ICattyawar owing to scarcity of food. 
 The records of the year, however, connected with the subject do 
 not show exactly what measures were adopted by the Native Go- 
 vernments to alleviate the distress. But the scarcity must have 
 been s;reat. if it be iuda;ed of from the number of the inhabitants 
 who, with their entire families, left those provinces in search of 
 the means of subsistence where food was procurable. Upwards of 
 two thousand souls are said to have taken refuge in Bombay and 
 in other places under this Presidency. 
 
 117. The fall of rain in the Island of Bombay was much less 
 than usual; so small indeed that most of the principal wells and 
 tanks were not even half filled with water. This scarcity of 
 water, coupled with the circumstance of a large number of emi- 
 grants from Kattyawar. having flocked to Bombay, filled the minds 
 of the Natives with serious apprehensions. Some of the leading 
 members of the community accordingly addressed a petition to 
 Government, representing the real state of things, and exhorting 
 Government to take prompt action in the matter and provide 
 against the impending calamity. 
 
 118. This was, perhaps, the first intimation that Govern- 
 ment received of apprehensions of scarcity of water in Bombay, 
 and of the arrival of such lai'ge numbers of emigrants from the 
 famine-stricken districts. No time was lost in taking the neces- 
 sary steps to allay the misgivings. 
 
 119. Acting in confonnity with the proceedings adopted dur- 
 ing the scarcity of 1824, Government appointed a Committee in 
 
149 
 
 Bombay, composed of the Collector, the Chief Engineer, the Se- 
 cretary to the Medical Board, and the Superintendent of Repairs. 
 To these were subsequently added the names of three Native 
 gentlemen, Messrs. Framjec Cowasjcc, Dhackjeo Dadajec, and Sir 
 (then Mr.) Jamsetjee Jcjeebhoy. The Oommittec were charged 
 Avith the duty of enquiring into and reporting the real extent of 
 the scarcity of water on the island, as also the number of sufferers 
 from famine who were stated to have resorted to Bombay in search 
 of food from Kattyawar and other places. The Committee was 
 also desired to recommend such measures as appeared to them best 
 calculated to provide efiectually against the apprehended calamity. 
 
 120. The attention of the Superintendent of Roads was 
 at the same time directed to the arrivals from Kattj'awar and 
 Ivutch, with a view to arrangements being made to provide them 
 with employment on the works then under construction binder his 
 oi'ders. 
 
 121. In accordance with the suggestions of the Committee, 
 the several district authorities were instructed to furnish weekly 
 returns of the prices of grains in their respective districts for pub- 
 lication. The Committee were of opinion that the publication of 
 such price current would be a very useful measure, since wherever 
 prices were vmusually high a knoAvledge of the fact would operate, 
 it was hoped, as a sufficient incentive with the grain merchants to 
 exjiort their grain to such places. This would do away with the 
 necessity of offering any thing in the shape of bounty, which ap- 
 pears to have been recommended on the present occasion, and 
 was even granted in one or two previous instances of scarcity of 
 grain. The utmost freedom of trade was also enjoined, and perio- 
 dical reports Avcre ordered to be submitted to Government of the 
 degree of distress prevailing in the several districts, with such re- 
 commendations as to the measures for affording aid to the suffijrers 
 as the Collectors might think proper to make. 
 
 122. At the same time a proclamation was issued by Go- 
 vernment in the Town and Island of Bombay, prohibiting people 
 from bathing or washing their clothes, &c., in any of the public 
 fresU water wcUs and tanks, and from otherwise wasting the water. 
 
150 
 
 In order tliat tliis prohibition might be dioclually carried out, all 
 such wells and tanks were placed under the orders of the Superin- 
 tendent of Police, who was directed to make the necessary arrange- 
 ments for their presei'vation and protection. Watering the roads 
 with fresh water was interdicted, and strict orders were issued 
 against washing and watering cattle elsewhere than in the Fort 
 Ditch, which was made convenient for the 2"»urpose. Some very 
 important alterations appear to have been sanctioned by Govern- 
 ment to the Washerman's Tank. 
 
 123. Following, perhaps, the example in Bengal on the occa- 
 sion of a famihe, the public of Bombay appointed a Committee for 
 the relief of the sufferers in Bombay and elsewhere. The exact 
 circumstances connected with this movement are not, however, on 
 record, nor does it appear what measures were adopted for the 
 collection *of the re(j[uisite funds for affording aid to the sufferers. 
 But frequent mention is made of large sums of money having 
 been placed by the Relief Fund Committee at the disposal of the 
 authorities concerned for the maintenance of the old and decrepit, 
 the sick and the infirm. A large number of the able bodied of 
 these sufferers was at the same time placed under the Superin- 
 tendent of lloads, to be employed on the Panwcll and Oorun line, 
 on such wages as appeared to be sufficient for their maintenance. 
 The out-turn of icork by these emigrants was, however, found to 
 be far below that performed by ordinary labourers, and the conse- 
 quence was that Government had to expend more than the estimate 
 wherever works were constructed by emigrant labour. In consi- 
 deration of this circumstance, and the very great expense attend- 
 ant upon the maintenance of these emigrants, the .Superintendent 
 of Roads, after intimation had been received of a good fall of rain 
 in Kattyawar, suggested the advisability of returning them to 
 their country. The Famine Relief Committee consented, and fur- 
 ther agreed to bear the expense of providing them with a passao-e 
 back. But the emigrants refused to go, and it was with diflSculty 
 that they could be prevailed upon to proceed to the Deccan durino- 
 the monsoon, when the work on the Pan well R/oad was stopped. 
 Government therefore, on the suggestion of the Superintendent 
 of Roads, directed that, a§ there was no longer any necessity for 
 
151 
 
 the State to provide tlic emigrants with employment, they slioulcl 
 be left to find employment for themselves as other biggarieiS, or 
 that they should be put on smaller wages, which might induce them 
 to return to their country. There is nothing on the records to show 
 how far these orders were carried out, and with what result. The 
 monthly expense of maintaining these emigrants averaged be- 
 tween 1,500 and 2,000. The proportion charged to the Famine 
 Fund is not distinctly stated, but it appears that the whole expense, 
 and feeding, and otherwise maintaining, the old and the sick who 
 accompanied the other emigrants, was borne by the Committee. 
 
 _24. The Managers of the Bombay Pinjrapole, a charitable 
 Institution established through the liberality of some Native gentle- 
 men of Bombay, also extended their support to the refugees. Find- 
 ing that numbers of them were without any shelter, the Man- 
 agei's offered to provide them with accommodation on the premises 
 of the Pinjrajiole until they could be provided Avitli suitable em- 
 ployment, and even undertook to share the expense of their main- 
 tenance with the Famine Fund Committee. Also, during the 
 rainy season, wheia the works on which the emigrants were em- 
 ployed were stopped, the Managers of the Pinjrapole consented to 
 take charge of them, and attend to their wants and comforts. 
 
 125. Besides the Panwell and Oorun Road, the Panwell Pier 
 appears to have been constructed about this time by emigrant 
 labour. A new road from Caranja, communicating with the main 
 line at Konee, was likewise sanctioned by Government about this 
 time, and a large party of emigrants was emploj'^ed upon it. A 
 road from Panwell to Hog Island was also projected during the 
 same year, and plans and estimates of the expense of construction 
 were submitted to Government. The road bct\veen Dharwar and 
 Belgaum was, too, at this time completed, but no emigrants ap- 
 pear to have been employed on this work. 
 
 126. A new line of road was proposed to supersede that 
 leading from Belgaum over the Earn Ghaut, but the scheme was 
 abandoned after considerable discussion. A project was then 
 formed and sanctioned for making improvements to the existing 
 road. Goveruincnt on tliis occasion, at the suggestion t>f the 
 
152 
 
 Executive Engiucer In charge of the districts, allowed the use of a 
 Company of Sappers and Miners for the purpose. 
 
 127. Considerable distress appears to have prevailed about 
 the same time in the Plunsote Pergunnah of the Sui'at Collectorate. 
 The Collector reported that numbers of people were undergoing all 
 )the horrors of starvation owing to the total failure of crops in about 
 thirty villages of that Pergunnah, and he, therefore, I'ecommended 
 the grant of an advance of about 13,000 Rupees, to enable them to 
 purchase food and seed for the ensuing season. The Collector 
 added that if this. aid was denied Government would be losers to 
 the extent of many times that amount, as most of the cultivators 
 in that case Avould be compelled to leave their homes and lands, 
 which would thus be left uncultivated. The urgency of the occa- 
 sion left no alternative to Government but to sanction the grant 
 applied for. 
 
 128. There are no records describing the state of the other 
 Collectorates, except Belgaum, Dharwar and Ahmedabad. In 
 these Collectorates the prospects of the season were not so favorable 
 as might be wished. Yet no distress seems to have been felt in 
 any of them to the extent of necessitating Government action. 
 
 129. In 1845 great distress arose in Candelsh. It lasted on- 
 ly a short time, but such Avere its effects that fears were entertained 
 regarding the preservation of the public peace. This distress was 
 the result for the most part of a coaiblnation among the grain 
 dealers, Avho would not bring sufficient grain into the market though 
 there was no scarcity of it, their object being to reap as large pro- 
 fits as possible at the expense of the poorer classes. The falling 
 off in the cultivation of the edible gTaIn In Malwa and other places 
 which generally supplied Candelsh afforded the dealers a pretext 
 for raising the prices, and not exposing sufficient quantities of 
 grain for sale. The Regiments stationed at Malligaum suffered 
 greatly from the difficulty of procuring the requisite supplies of 
 food even at the highest prices which then ruled in Candelsh. 
 The Collector used every endeavour to mitigate the evil, without 
 interfering with the proceedings of the grain dealers, or restricting 
 the freedom of the market, but unsuccessfully. He accordmgly 
 
153 
 
 reported the matter to Government, proposing certain measures 
 for the relief of the suffei'ers; among which he suggested the 
 advisability of Government taking steps to obtain grain from 
 one of the neighbouring provinces where there might be an abund- 
 ance. The adoption, or even the rumour, of such a measure, he 
 thought, would have the effect of opening the gi-anaries and bring- 
 ing forth the hidden stock at once. 
 
 130. On receipt of the Collector's report Government direct- 
 ed copies of it to be forwarded to the Military Board and to the 
 Resident at Indorc, who were requested to be good enough to give 
 Government the benefit of their views as to the best means of ob- 
 taining the requisite supplies. In reply, the Resident stated that 
 there was abundance of grain in Bhopal,and that he would arrange 
 to send as much as might be required. Meanwhile, however, the 
 high prices which prevailed in Candeish attracted the attention of 
 foreign grain merchants, and a considerable quantity of grain was 
 imported into the locality. This not only relieved the wants of the 
 people, but it tended to break the combination of the grain sellers, 
 and to bring down prices to the means of consumers. There 
 was thus no occasion for Government to import grain on its own 
 account for the use of the Regiments stationed at Malligaum. 
 
 131. In order that Government might be in possession of 
 full and reliable information regarding the state of grain markets 
 throuo-hout the Mofussil, the two Revenue Commissioners were 
 directed to submit returns within stated intervals showing the state 
 of prices of grains in the districts under their respective charge, to- 
 gether with the quantity of each kind supposed to be available for 
 sale. These returns appear to have been regularly made until the 
 opening of the new harvest. 
 
 132. Owing to a scanty fall of rain in the early part of the 
 season of 1862, a scarcity of food prevailed to a considerable ex- 
 tent in the districts of Poona, Ahmednuggur, Sholapoor, Candeish, 
 and part of Sattara. So great was the scarcity that a famine was 
 considered inevitable unless prompt measures were adopted. 
 
 133. An account of the sufferings occasioned by the scarcity 
 which prevailed in the districts above mentioned, and of the 
 
 20? 
 
154 
 
 measures adopted by Government on the occasion, will be found 
 in the accompanying printed correspondence originating in a letter 
 from Mr. Hart, then Revenue Commissioner S. D., representing 
 the inconvenience and hardship suffered by the low-paid servants 
 of Government. As a most effectual mode of affording the neces- 
 sary relief, numerous works of public utility were sanctioned by 
 Government on which unskilled labour might be usefully employed. 
 A statement of the works which were authorizsd to be undertaken 
 for this purpose is given in the correspondence above referred to. 
 
 134. Several other works were also sanctioned by Govern- 
 ment on the representation of the local authorities. A list of these 
 Avor-ks is appended : — 
 
 List of Works sanctioned in addition to the Famine Relief Works. 
 
 1. A road from Challisgaum to Dhoolia. 
 
 2. Do. Munmar to Malligaum. 
 
 3. Do. Nuo-o-ur to Kurmalla. 
 
 4. Do. Patus to Dhond. 
 
 5. Do. Serroor to Khairgaura. 
 
 6. Improvement of the road from Nuggur to Serrooi*. 
 
 7. Chundapoor Ghaut. 
 
 8. A road from Kurmalla to Jehoor. 
 
 9. Do. Punderpoor to Mahole (not commenced). 
 
 10. Do, Sholapoor to Beejapoor. 
 
 11. Do. Tembhoornee to Purunda via Keion. 
 
 12. Do. Nargaum to Burhanpoor. 
 
 13. Do. Taptee to Bhoreghur. 
 
 14. Eepairs to Gowtalla and Purdhunee Ghaut. 
 
 15. A road from Ahmednuggur to Balaghaut. 
 
 16. Poona and Nassick road. 
 
 1 7. Kolhar and Kandoor road. 
 
 18. A road from Pyton to bottom of Iraampoor. 
 
 19. Do. Loonud to Punderpoor. 
 
 20. Improving road from Beejapoor to Kurrar. 
 
 135. For the relief of the Government servants drawin'' 
 salaries of less than Rs. 200 per mensem, who were placed iii#a 
 
155 
 
 most unfortunate position by the most unprecedented rise in the 
 prices of all articles of food, &c., Governmeut sanctioned tempora- 
 rily the grant of grain compensation according to a fixed scale. 
 The correspondence connected ■n-ith this subject is appended. 
 
 136. In 1864 some distress was felt in Candeish, rendering 
 it necessary for Government to afford their aid in relieving the 
 Avants of the people, and, agreeably to the suggestions of the Reve- 
 nue Commissioner N. D., Government sanctioned the adoption of 
 the following measures : — 
 
 I — To proceed with the Dhoolia and Challisgaum road. 
 
 II — The construction of Sailabaree road, near Pimpulnair. 
 
 Ill — The employment of the Bheels on the Northern 
 Frontiers on a portion of the road to join Seerpoor 
 and Torkhedah. 
 
 137. Considerable distress was reported to prevail atRajcote, 
 and Government sanctioned an outlay of Rs. 15.000 for construct- 
 ing the road from Baumunbore to Choteyla. 
 
 138. In 1865 the Collector of Surat brought to notice a 
 very distressing state of affairs in some parts of his districts, and 
 recommended the grant of Es. 5,000 a month for three months 
 for tank excavation. In consideration of the urgency of the occa- 
 sion, the application was conceded by Government. 
 
 139. A similar grant was made in the Kaira CoUectorate for 
 the construction and improvement of tanks and wells with a view 
 to afford relief to the poorer classes suffering fromi the scarcity of 
 food and from the general high prices of provisions. 
 
 140. In August 1865 the Resident at Aden reported the 
 prevalence of very severe distress among the poorer classes of 
 people at that Port. Every possible arrangement was made by 
 him to find employment for the people in the Public Works De- 
 partment. There were, however, numbers of people without era- 
 ploy, who were stated to be in a starving condition. He, there- 
 fore, projected certain other works with a view to affording 
 temporary relief to the sufferers. These works were approved of 
 
156 
 
 by Government, and an expenditure of Rs. 2,000 was sanctioned 
 for the purpose,as recommended by the Resident. This, however, 
 appeared to be insufficient, and on the urgent representation of the 
 Resident a further sum of Rs, 4.800 was placed at the disposal of 
 that Officer for the construction of certain retaining walls at Aden. 
 
 141. This brief Summary contains all the information forth- 
 coming from the records of the Secretariat. 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Sir, 
 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 
 A. T. ETHERIDGE, 
 Alienation Settlement Officer S. D. 
 
APPENDICES 
 
 TO 
 
 PRESIDENCY FAMINE REPOUT, 
 Dated 18th May 1868. 
 
( ii ) 
 
 APPENDIX 
 
 SHOWING the Peices of Grain, &c., and Remissions op Revenue, daring the late 
 ■were under the direct management of the Peishwa, and which may, for present purposes, be 
 and SuEAT, as now constituted. 
 
 i\^o^e.— There is no information respecting 
 
 
 
 A. D. 1755. 
 
 A. D. 1760. 
 
 A. D, 1761. 
 
 
 Prices of Grain, &c., per rupee to 
 
 
 No Record of 
 Prices. 
 
 
 ers. 
 
 Bajree 8| Seers. 
 
 
 
 Rice 4| 
 
 
 NAMES OF DISTRICTS. 
 
 Jowaree •••• 11 
 
 Jowaree .... 13 
 Toor 10 
 
 
 ^Vheat 10 
 
 Wheat 6 
 
 Gram... 74 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Ghee 1 
 
 
 
 Gool 2i „ 
 
 Gool 2| 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 >>6 
 S 5 
 .S 3 
 ■ES 
 
 i 
 
 E 
 
 1 
 
 i 
 
 o 
 
 a. 
 
 ii 
 
 1 i 
 
 CM 
 
 .1 
 s 
 
 o 
 
 © 
 
 a 
 1 
 
 
 i 
 
 t 
 
 I. Talooka Ahmedabad. . 
 II. Perg. Jumboosur .... 
 
 
 Rs. 
 
 4, 'o 6,1 30 
 1,50,551 
 
 U' 5,252 
 1,53,001 
 
 ], 11,009 
 
 Rs. 
 
 2,'72',6-l9 
 98,578 
 
 58",948 
 80,247 
 
 '92','387 
 
 Rs. 
 
 'C'7 
 05 
 
 51 
 52 
 
 83 
 
 Rs. 
 
 3,"s"o',001 
 
 1,10^001 
 
 1,'5'3,'791 
 
 27,00] 
 
 1,30,086 
 
 3,'6'2,813 
 
 Rs. 
 
 1,45,551 
 
 '29,976 
 
 '5,5Vl27 
 19,145 
 72,801 
 
 2',i 1,797 
 
 Rs. 
 
 .38 
 
 27 
 
 36 
 71 
 56 
 
 62 
 
 Rs. 
 
 '27,001 
 
 '8'r,447 
 
 Rs. 
 
 "9,219 
 "22,£99 
 
 • ■ • • 
 
 P.S 
 
 34 
 
 28 
 
 III. Perg. Unclesir 
 
 
 IV. Perg. Parchole 
 
 
 V. Perg. Balwnr 
 
 
 VI. Perg. Soope 
 
 VII. Perg. Sawulee 
 
 
 VIII. Perg. Amod 
 
 
 IX. Perg. Dehejbare 
 
 X. Perg. Ilansote 
 
 
 XI. Perg. Parnaira 
 
 XII. Perg. Sutragaum .... 
 
 XIII. Perg. Bulsar, &c 
 
 XIV. Perg. Bahadurpoora . . . 
 XV. Perg. Surbhoowun 
 
 XVI. Perg. Oorpar 
 
 
 XVII. Perg. Du bare 
 
 Total.. 
 
 
 9,35,949 
 
 6,02,809 
 
 64 
 
 11,64,293 
 
 5,34,397 
 
 46 
 
 1,08,448 
 
 32,118 
 
 30 
 
A. D. 1765. 
 
 A. D. 1770. 
 
 A. D. 1773. 
 
 the extent thut the records furnish evidence. 
 
 
 Record of 
 Prices. 
 
 
 Rice. 
 
 . Of- Seers. 
 . 13 
 
 
 
 
 No 
 
 Wlicat 
 
 Ghee 
 
 8i „ 
 1 „ 
 
 No Record ot 
 Prices. 
 
 
 
 
 Gool 
 
 Oil 
 
 2i „ 
 
 3 „ 
 
 
 
 EC 
 
 a 
 o 
 
 1 
 
 t 
 
 b ° 
 .1 
 
 ■a s 
 
 a 
 o 
 
 1 
 
 a, 
 
 OS 
 
 a! 
 
 .is 
 
 i 
 .1 
 
 C3 
 
 S 
 
 a 
 
 P4 
 
 Ks. . 
 
 Es. 
 
 Rs. 
 
 Rs. 
 
 Rs. 
 
 Rs. 
 
 Rs- 
 
 Rs. 
 
 Rs. 
 
 
 
 .... 
 
 
 
 
 • ■ • 
 
 
 1,30,002 
 
 30,465 
 
 23 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 " • • 
 
 
 50,000 
 30,000 
 
 20,391 
 13,950 
 
 41 
 
 46 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 29,000 
 
 20,795 
 
 72 
 
 .... 
 
 
 
 
 
 . ■ • 
 
 
 37,258 
 
 9,695 
 
 26 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ■ • • 
 
 
 28,000 
 
 6,693 
 
 24 
 
 246,001 
 
 '57,262 
 
 27 
 
 1,75,000 
 
 31,954 
 
 is 
 
 ... * 
 
 .... 
 
 
 2,16,001 
 
 57,262 
 
 27 
 
 1,75,000 
 
 31,954 
 
 18 
 
 3,04,260 
 
 1,01,989 
 
 34 
 
 I ap * 
 
 111 
 
A. D. 1774. 
 
 A. D. 1784. 
 
 A. D. 1786. 
 
 Prices of Grain, &c., per rupee to 
 
 No Kccord of 
 Prices. 
 
 Bajree ...... 13 Seers. 
 
 Rice 7 „ 
 
 Toor 9 „ 
 
 Wheat 11 „ 
 
 Gram S „ 
 
 Ghee 1 5 „ 
 
 Gool 4i „ 
 
 Oil 34 „ 
 
 Bajree 33 Seers. 
 
 Rice 12 „ 
 
 Toor 8 „ 
 
 Jowaree .... 33 „ 
 
 Weat ...... 20 ,, 
 
 Gram 12 „ 
 
 Ghee 2J „ 
 
 Gool 4 J „ 
 
 Oil 9i „ 
 
 OM 
 
 Rs. 
 
 2,08,001 
 2,08,001 
 
 Rs. 
 
 70,o78 
 70,578 
 
 OM 
 
 Rs. 
 
 Rs. 
 
 9,25,930 
 
 30. 
 
 28 
 
 9,5G,G64 
 
 Rs. 
 
 3,69,759 
 
 0, 
 
 353 
 
 3,75,112 
 
 ow 
 
 Rs. 
 
 40 
 
 39 
 
 Rs. 
 
 1,28,080 
 
 33,001 
 1,05,001 
 
 04,334 
 
 2,27,000 
 5,57,422 
 
 Rs. 
 
 10,485 
 
 2,612 
 24,127 
 
 ' 5.000 
 
 76,884 
 1,19,108 
 
 Hi 
 
 Tls. 
 
 8 
 23 
 
 34 
 
 21 
 
( V ) 
 
 Government^ in the years of scarcity specified, in those portions of Peant Gdzekat v/hicli 
 said nearly to correspond with the limits of the Oollectoeates of AhmedabaDj Kaiea, BeoacHj 
 
 Jagheer and Surinjam Mahals. 
 
 A. D. 1787. 
 
 A. D. 1790. 
 
 A. D. 1791. 
 
 A. D. 1794. 
 
 A. D. 1795. 
 
 tbe extent that the records furnish evidence. 
 
 
 
 
 rs. 
 
 
 . 17 Sonrn 
 
 
 . 17 Rppm. 
 
 
 2."? Seers. 
 
 Rice . . • . 8 
 
 Bice 4J ,, 
 
 Eice 7 
 
 Rice .... 9 „ 
 Toor .... llf „ 
 Jowaree.. 25 „ 
 Wheat .. 10| „ 
 Ghee .... 2i 
 
 Rice .... lOi „ 
 
 Tnor .... fi 
 
 Toor 13i „ 
 
 Jowaree .... 17 „ 
 Wheat .... 13J „ 
 
 Orsim 7S 
 
 Toor • • • • 
 
 • 7 :; 
 
 • m „ 
 
 • 6i „ 
 . ft 
 
 Toor .... 9i „ 
 Jowaree .33 ,, 
 Wheat ,. . 11 „ 
 Gram .. 8i „ 
 
 {\ Jowaree. . 40 „ 
 - Wheat ..17 „ 
 rSram .. 17 
 
 Jowaree . 
 Wheat - . . 
 
 Ghee .... li „ 
 1 Gool .... 6| „ 
 1 Oil 9i „ 
 
 1 
 
 Ghee 2| „ 
 
 Ghee 1 „ 
 
 Gool Q\ „ 
 
 Oil n „ 
 
 Gool ... 
 Oil 
 
 • 4 „ 
 
 • 7 „ 
 
 Ghee.... 2i „ 
 Gool .... 4 
 
 Oil 3| J 
 
 
 Oil .... 3^ 
 
 
 
 
 Ordinary 
 Revenue. 
 
 
 ec 
 
 a 
 o 
 
 Pi 
 
 eg 
 
 ••g % 
 
 OP3 
 
 m 
 
 a 
 o 
 
 .i 
 
 a 
 
 s 
 o 
 
 a. 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 g 
 
 II 
 
 i 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 a 
 
 s 
 
 
 &2 
 
 .li 
 
 ©PS 
 
 i 
 1 
 
 S 
 Pi 
 
 1 .Es. 
 
 ; 6,00,001 
 ; 1,40,000 
 
 58,184 
 37,500 
 
 Es. 
 
 1,96,312 
 13,103 
 
 • ■ • . 
 a • ■ • 
 
 9,060 
 10,292 
 
 Rs 
 
 33 
 9 
 
 16 
 
 30 
 
 Es. 
 
 14,09,8.50 
 
 5,50,001 
 
 1,50,000 
 
 1,35,000 
 
 23,500 
 
 1,35,001 
 33,001 
 
 1,02,500 
 31,201 
 65,001 
 
 1,10,001 
 
 29',825 
 2,05,000 
 
 Es. 
 
 9,83,329 
 5,49,239 
 1,34,737 
 1,16,901 
 13,919 
 
 1,2 1^348 
 31,334 
 89,630 
 18,031 
 64,698 
 70,316 
 
 29,297 
 
 1,07*, 5 95 
 
 Rs 
 
 70 
 
 100 
 
 90 
 
 87 
 58 
 
 90 
 95 
 93 
 
 58 
 
 100 
 
 64 
 
 '5*2 
 
 Es. 
 
 14,09,850 
 
 1,35,(100 
 23,500 
 
 1,*02,500 
 30,501 
 
 i.VoVooi 
 
 *l'7,043 
 72,811 
 
 Es. 
 
 09,866 
 
 59,'7'94 
 4,441 
 
 • • • • 
 
 46,852 
 10,196 
 
 2'3','41S 
 
 1,260 
 26,106 
 
 Rs 
 
 5 
 
 44 
 19 
 
 46 
 33 
 
 21 
 
 7 
 36 
 
 Es. 
 
 1,28,000 
 
 33,661 
 1,00,000 
 
 2,05,660 
 
 Es. 
 
 3*4,020 
 
 l"2,'7'l3 
 31,190 
 
 < • ■ • 
 
 8*4', 644 
 
 Rs 
 
 27 
 
 38 
 31 
 
 41 
 
 Es. 
 
 1,35,661 
 
 Es. 
 
 39,"2'00 
 
 • . • ■ 
 
 Rs 
 
 29 
 
 8,35,685 
 
 2,28,767 
 
 27 
 
 29,79,881 
 
 23,30,?80 
 
 7S 
 
 19,01,206 
 
 2,41,933 
 
 13 
 
 4,66,001 
 
 1,62,573 
 
 35 
 
 1,35,001 
 
 39,260 
 
 29 
 
 A. T. ETHBRIDGE, 
 Alienation Settlement Officer, S. D. 
 
( vi ) 
 
 APPENDIX 
 
 SHOWING tlie Prices of Grain, &c., and Remissions of Revbnue, during the late Govern- 
 with the limits of the present KhiNDEiSH Coilectorate. 
 
 Note. — This statement merely includes those districts under the direct management of the 
 
 
 A. D. 175). 1 A. D. 1759. | A. D. 1765. j A. D. 1769. 
 
 
 Prices of Grain, &e., per 
 
 NAMES OF DISTRICTS. 
 
 No Record of 
 Prices. 
 
 No Record of 
 Prices. 
 
 Wheat. ... 24 Seers. 
 Bajree ..25 „ 
 Gram .... -ib „ 
 Toov ,... 21i „ 
 Naglee .. 45 „ 
 
 Oil 8 „ 
 
 Ghee ...• 2J „ 
 
 Wheat . . 25 Seers. 
 Bajree . . 22 „ 
 Toor....25 „ 
 
 Rice 16 „ 
 
 Naglee. . 24 „ 
 Oil ..., 9 „ 
 Ghes .. 2i „ 
 Gool .. 13 j ,, 
 
 
 -is- 
 = 
 
 « 
 
 
 1 
 
 a 
 
 i 
 s 
 
 a. 
 
 If 
 
 OK 
 
 .2 
 
 s 
 
 B 
 
 li 
 
 
 be 
 
 a 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 o« 
 
 i 
 
 •s 
 
 be 
 
 CO 
 
 p. 
 
 I. Praat Baglati .... 
 II. Perg. Butawud ., 
 
 III. Perg. Bodwar 
 
 IV. Perg.Ermidole,&c. 
 V. Perg- Bornar .... 
 
 VI. Perg. Chaasur . . 
 
 VII. Perg. Amulnair . . 
 
 VIII. Perg. Rajdehur . , 
 
 IX. Perg. Ravere .... 
 
 X. Perg. Julode .... 
 
 XI. Perg. Jamnair . . 
 
 XII. Perg. Nusseerabad- 
 
 XUI. Perg- Lahonair,&c. 
 
 XIV. Perg. Bhurgaum.. 
 
 XV. Perg. Chopra.... 
 
 XVI. Perg. Chaleesgaon- 
 
 XVII. Perg. Bhamair . . 
 
 XVIII. Perg. Bahal .... 
 
 XIX. Perg. Dhooha . . 
 
 XX. Perg. Mhuswe . . 
 
 XXI. Perg. Nair 
 
 XXII. Perg. Uaycpoor .. 
 XXIII. Perg. Nundoorbar. 
 
 19 
 
 Rs. 
 ,593 
 
 Ks. 
 
 6,535 
 
 • • 
 
 Rs 
 33 
 
 Rs. 
 ■ • . • 
 
 ■2,47,811 
 
 Rs. 
 
 . . • f 
 
 • . • f 
 
 • a • • 
 
 00,709 
 
 .... 
 
 Rs 
 
 37 
 
 Rs. 
 
 47,500 
 29,125 
 
 1,20,000 
 
 2,47,801 
 82,217 
 
 Us. 
 
 28,920 
 4,000 
 
 33,394 
 
 90,709 
 l'5,626 
 
 Rs 
 
 6*1 
 14 
 
 f ■ 
 
 2b 
 
 37 
 
 19 
 
 Rs. 
 
 1,?4,166 
 45,583 
 
 21,021 
 
 7,059 
 1,01,993 
 
 1,42,624 
 
 62,728 
 
 5^905 
 
 2,25,001 
 
 1,36,647 
 
 Rs. 
 24.111 
 12,949 
 
 6,475 
 
 "714 
 22,803 
 
 54,855 
 
 17,097 
 
 2,298 
 
 93,117 
 
 14,49] 
 
 Rs 
 19 
 
 28 
 
 31 
 
 10 
 22 
 
 38 
 27 
 39 
 41 
 
 11 
 
 Total. . . . 
 
 19,593 
 
 6,535 
 
 33 
 
 2,47,811 
 
 90,709J37 
 
 5,26,643 
 
 1,72,649 
 
 33 
 
 8,72,727 
 
 2,48,910 
 
 29 
 
l. D. 1772. r 
 
 A. D. 1773. 
 
 A. D. 1775. 
 
 rupee to the extent that the records furnish evidence 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Whfnt '. 15S .=lp 
 
 crs. 
 
 ) 
 t 
 
 Wheat 19J- Sei-rs 1 
 
 
 Bajroe 15i 
 
 
 
 
 Gram 28 
 
 
 
 Toor 13i 
 
 Rice 9 
 
 
 
 No Record of 
 
 Rice 13 J , 
 
 
 Prices. 
 
 Nagleo 24 
 
 Oil 7 
 
 Ghee • « • • 2 
 
 Nagleo .... 17 „ 
 
 Oil .- 6i „■ 
 
 Gliee 2.J „ 
 
 Gool dh „ 
 
 
 Gool 7 
 
 pi 
 
 S a 
 
 CO 
 
 i 
 i 
 
 60 
 
 a 
 
 1 
 
 li 
 
 o« 
 
 9i 
 
 a 
 
 
 CO 
 
 s 
 
 PS 
 
 1 
 
 11 
 
 OS 
 
 i 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 a 
 
 BS 
 
 c 
 
 
 
 Rs. 
 
 1,15.766 
 64,572 
 
 "25,810 
 
 i,'6o,'ooo 
 
 1,03,000 
 
 li66',000 
 73,956 
 
 2,10,001 
 10,734 
 
 "4,101 
 
 * ■ 1 • 
 
 Rs. 
 
 40,394 
 
 49,857 
 
 13,557 
 
 12,561 
 53,225 
 
 1,'63V569 
 34,991 
 
 '93V325 
 
 722 
 
 "l,478 
 
 Rs. 
 
 35 
 
 77 
 
 52 
 
 12 
 
 52 
 
 62 
 .41 
 
 44 
 
 7 
 
 36 
 
 Rs. 
 
 1,15,766 
 14,715 
 
 '20,000 
 
 17,537 
 1,06,000 
 
 1,35,000 
 
 75,069 
 
 4,500 
 
 2,20,001 
 12,800 
 
 5,378 
 4,161 
 
 Rs. 
 
 52,259 
 
 11,113 
 
 "8,474 
 
 '12,090 
 36,193 
 
 '47,908 
 
 47,125 
 
 760 
 
 1,15,323 
 
 6,473 
 
 "1,542 
 3,186 
 
 Rs. 
 
 45 
 76 
 
 4"2 
 
 60 
 34 
 
 35 
 63 
 17 
 52 
 51 
 
 29 
 
 77 
 
 • • 
 
 Rs. 
 
 20,435 
 29,304 
 
 "l6,"001 
 
 '02^300 
 
 1,'90V001 
 13,994 
 
 * ■ • • 
 
 Rs. 
 '3,903 
 
 10,113 
 *ll',082 
 
 28,746 
 
 '51,318 
 1,718 
 
 Rs. 
 
 19 
 35. 
 
 60 
 
 A6 
 
 27 
 12 
 
 8,80.000 
 
 4,03,679 
 
 46 
 
 7,30,927 
 
 3,42,446 
 
 47 
 
 3,32,035 
 
 1,06,880 
 
 32 
 
 2a27 
 
 Vll 
 
A. D. 1779. 
 
 A. D. 1782. 
 
 "I i:^ 
 
 1783. 
 
 Prices of Grain, &c., per rupee to the 
 
 'Wheat 26 Seers. 
 
 Bajree 21 J „ 
 
 Gram 32 „ 
 
 Toor 20 „ 
 
 Rice 15 „ 
 
 Naglee 48 „ 
 
 Jowaree .... 40 „ 
 
 OiJ 9 „ 
 
 Ghee 2 „ 
 
 Gool 10 ,, 
 
 Wheat 32 Seers. 
 
 Bajree 32 „ 
 
 Rice ..JO.... 10 „ 
 
 Oil 93 „ 
 
 Ghee 3 „ 
 
 Gool 10 „ 
 
 Wheat 32 Seers. 
 
 Bajree 36 „ 
 
 Toor 36 „ 
 
 Rice 16 „ 
 
 Oil 9 
 
 Ghee 3 „ 
 
 Gool le 
 
 a g 
 OPS 
 
 Rs. 
 
 l,15,62fi 
 
 1,14,128 
 17,400 
 
 4,500 
 
 2.1,818 
 
 2,77,472 
 
 a 
 o 
 
 m 
 
 Rs. 
 
 41,093 
 
 15,915 
 9,78 
 
 & = 
 .s s 
 ■g s 
 
 s 
 
 P5 
 
 Rs. 
 
 36 
 
 17 
 56 
 
 Rs. 
 
 1,59,135 
 16,939 
 
 628 14 
 
 6,817 
 
 78,834 
 
 26 
 
 28 
 
 Rs. 
 
 42,713 
 7,065 
 
 4,351 
 
 4,161 
 
 1,84,586 
 
 Rs. 
 
 27 
 42 
 
 1,272 
 
 1,716 
 
 29 
 
 41 
 
 .52,766 29 
 
 >3 0) 
 
 S a 
 
 OW ■ 
 
 Rs. 
 
 S 
 
 Rs. 
 
 Rs. 
 
 4,161 1,344 32 
 
 4,161 
 
 1,344 
 
 32 
 
A. D. 1790. 
 
 A. D. 1791. 
 
 A. D. 1793. 
 
 extent that the Records furnish evidence. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Whpat 12?.S 
 
 ;crs. 
 
 
 
 Bajree 13 
 
 
 ICTS. 
 }> 
 
 7? 
 J) 
 
 Wheat 29^ Seers. 
 
 Gram 9J 
 
 Wheat 12| S( 
 
 Bajree. «.... 10 
 
 Bajree 40 
 
 J> 
 
 Rice 6 
 
 
 Rice 28 
 
 J} 
 
 Oil 5| 
 
 )» 
 
 Ifaglee 16 
 
 Oil 4i 
 
 Ghee 2 
 
 Oil 9^ 
 
 Ghee 3i 
 
 
 Gheo , 2^ 
 
 Gool 8 
 
 
 Gool 8 
 
 Jf 
 
 ii 
 
 0« 
 
 BO 
 
 CI 
 o 
 
 s 
 
 a 
 
 a 
 
 2 a 
 ■g £ 
 
 1 
 1 
 
 a. 
 
 .is 
 II 
 
 CPh 
 
 m 
 
 a 
 
 
 1 
 
 E 
 
 a 
 
 
 
 Ks. 
 
 " 8,ioo 
 
 1,98,579 
 
 • * ■ • 
 
 4',.^00 
 
 ■ ■ • • 
 
 " 5,()00 
 27,044 
 
 Rs.- 
 
 "2,565 
 88,320 
 
 "U37 
 
 "*1,410 
 15,520 
 
 Ks. 
 
 32 
 44 
 
 30 
 
 28 
 56 
 
 Rs. 
 
 4,500 
 
 ' '5,000 
 '27,644 
 
 Rs. 
 "1,45 1 
 
 ' 'l',083 
 
 "8",.541 
 
 Rs. 
 
 32 
 
 22 
 31 
 
 Rs. 
 
 '75,009 
 5,000 
 
 ' 5,000 
 
 Rs. 
 
 '47! 12.1 
 C69 
 
 '"997 
 
 Rs. 
 
 63 
 13 
 
 20 
 
 2,43,823 
 
 1,09,152 
 
 45 
 
 37,144 
 
 11,075 
 
 30 
 
 85,069 
 
 48,791 
 
 57 
 
 IX 
 
A. D. 1799. 
 
 A. D. 1800. 
 
 A. D. 1805. 
 
 
 
 
 
 Prices 
 
 of Grain, &( 
 
 '.., per rupee 
 
 to the 
 
 
 ( No Record of 
 Prices. 
 
 Wheat 14 Sp"t'= 
 
 
 Tiairep • .» ■ . ■ 14 
 
 ■ 
 
 No Record of 
 Prices. 
 
 
 
 Oil 3 
 
 
 Ghee 3^ 
 
 
 
 Gobi 3" 
 
 
 5 5 
 .S S 
 
 o« 
 
 S 
 
 .2 
 
 a 
 
 Pi 
 
 a 
 
 a 
 
 
 a 
 
 1° 
 
 a 
 
 CD 
 
 .11 
 
 ■g S 
 
 OK 
 
 
 J 
 
 (3 
 
 f 
 
 s 
 « 
 s 
 
 Es. 
 . . . - 
 
 *55,001 
 
 Ks. 
 
 * ■ f « 
 
 29,169 
 
 Es. 
 
 53 
 
 as. 
 
 55,824 
 
 Es. 
 
 . • ■ • 
 
 35,333 
 
 Es. 
 
 {53 
 63 
 
 Es. 
 
 81,731 
 26,416 
 
 "27,120 
 
 56,000 
 
 89,149 
 7,611 
 
 38!6oi 
 
 Es. 
 
 65,554 
 
 22,833 
 
 "l'9',302 
 
 31,795 
 
 "81,'787 
 6,494 
 
 "29,'817 
 
 Es. 
 
 80 
 86 
 
 57 
 
 '92 
 
 85 
 
 78 
 
 55,001 
 
 29,169 
 
 53 
 
 55,824 
 
 35,333 
 
 3,26,028 
 
 2,57,582 
 
 79 
 
( xi ) 
 
 m 
 
 ment, in the years of scarcity specified, in Peant Khandeish, a District nearly corresponding 
 Peiihwa ; there is no information respecting Jagheer and Surinjam Sfahals. 
 
 A. D. 1806. 
 
 I 
 
 A. D. 1S07. 
 
 A. D. 1808. 
 
 I 
 
 A. D. 1809. 
 
 I 
 
 A. D. 1810. 
 
 extent 
 
 that 
 
 the records furnish evidence 
 
 . 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 No Record of 
 Prices. 
 
 No Record of 
 Prices. 
 
 No Record of 
 Prices. 
 
 No Record of 
 Prices. 
 
 Wheat.. 18 Seers. 
 Bojree..l6 „ 
 Toor.... 8 „ 
 Rice ..8 J, 
 Oil.... 6J „ 
 Gool ..11 „ 
 
 tm 09 
 
 OK 
 
 i 
 
 o 
 
 ■a 
 
 "s 
 
 PS 
 
 a 
 
 c 
 
 ^1 
 
 'a > 
 
 t~i to 
 
 Opq 
 
 m 
 
 
 s 
 
 ■ to 
 be 
 
 C 
 
 PU 
 
 o« 
 
 <n 
 
 
 s 
 
 s 
 Pi 
 
 C 
 CI 
 
 K 
 
 H 
 
 S § 
 ■g 5 
 o« 
 
 a 
 
 
 1 
 g 
 S 
 Pi 
 
 o3 
 
 hi 
 
 s 
 
 Pi 
 
 n 
 
 ■H 5 
 
 OP5 
 
 a 
 
 
 1 
 
 to 
 3 
 
 I 
 
 Rs 
 
 47, 
 
 23", 
 89, 
 
 789 
 
 ii7 
 
 149 
 
 Rs. 
 
 32,360 
 
 2l',7.-2 
 75,918 
 
 Rs 
 
 6S 
 
 • • 
 
 94 
 90 
 
 Rs. 
 
 47,549 
 .... 
 
 '16,156 
 27,120 
 
 "50,001 
 56,000 
 
 '23,291 
 1 7,000 
 
 Rs. 
 
 33,837 
 
 ' '3,300 
 '25,468 
 
 '34,500 
 36,291 
 
 '2'r,639 
 'l3,"l07 
 
 ■ ■ • • 
 
 Ks 
 
 71 
 2'0 
 
 69 
 
 G5 
 
 93 
 
 7"7 
 
 Rb. 
 25,150 
 
 23,526 
 2'4',56o 
 
 Rs. 
 14,968 
 
 2"l',963 
 23,895 
 
 Rs 
 
 57 
 
 93 
 98 
 
 Ks. 
 27,150 
 
 "... 
 
 6'5,387 
 
 23,526 
 ■7,337 
 
 Rs. 
 
 14,610 
 56,996 
 
 21,958 
 ■l",597 
 
 Rs 
 54 
 
 87 
 
 93 
 
 22 
 
 Rs. 
 
 • • • • 
 
 '7,611 
 
 Us. 
 
 ■ • • ■ 
 
 '6,3'04 
 
 Rs 
 
 • 
 
 S3 
 
 1,60,055 
 
 1,34,030 
 
 84 
 
 2,37,117 
 
 1,68,142 
 
 71 
 
 74,176 
 
 60,826 
 
 82 
 
 1,23,400 
 
 95,161 
 
 77 
 
 7,611 
 
 6,304 
 
 83 
 
 A. T. ETHBEIDGB, 
 Alienation Settlement Officer, S. D. 
 
 3 ap 
 
( xii ) 
 
 APFENDrs: 
 
 SHOWING fhe Prices of Geain &c.j and Remissions of RevenuEj during the late Govern- 
 
 with the Kmits of the present 
 
 INote. — This Statement merely includes those districts under the direct management of the Peishwa. 
 
 
 A. 
 
 D. 1772. 
 
 
 A. 
 
 D. 1773. 
 
 
 A 
 
 . D. 1774. 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 Prices of Grain, &c. per rupee 
 
 
 Riec ,.•• 
 Toor .... 
 
 .... 8 Se 
 24 , 
 
 
 ■Rice .... 
 Wheat .. 
 
 .... 121 Seers. 
 ... 14i „ 
 
 Rice • . - • 
 
 ..•'... 8 
 
 Seers. 
 
 
 
 Wheat - . 
 
 24 
 
 
 Gi'am . . 
 Jowarcp 
 liajree . . 
 
 14 , 
 
 .... 295 , 
 .... 32i , 
 
 
 Toor 
 
 Gram .. 
 Bajroe . . 
 
 13J. 
 
 
 
 22 
 
 
 
 t 
 
 . ... l-'^ 
 
 
 24 
 
 
 
 f 
 
 ... ifii 
 
 
 36 
 
 
 NAMES OF 
 
 i 
 
 . ... 14* 
 
 
 32 
 
 
 m-STRlCTS. 
 
 M oog . . 
 
 24 , 
 
 y 
 
 M oog .... 
 
 13 
 
 Moog . • . . 
 
 24 
 
 
 
 Gliee 
 
 .... ^ , 
 
 
 Gliee 
 
 •••• If „ 
 
 Ghee 
 
 li 
 
 
 
 Oil .. 
 
 r,^ 
 
 
 Oil 
 
 ... 45 
 
 
 Oil 
 
 7 
 
 
 
 Gooi .... 
 
 .... 6 , 
 
 J 
 J 
 
 Gool 
 
 .... 5 „ 
 
 
 .1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Of 
 
 oj 
 
 
 >> dj 
 
 CI 
 
 bfc 
 
 >. oJ 
 
 c 
 
 to 
 
 p? 2i 
 
 C 
 
 im 
 
 
 
 o 
 
 ■ eS 
 
 .- s 
 
 
 
 ca 
 
 •^ ;n 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 .S § 
 
 s 
 
 c: 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 
 S 
 
 s 
 
 
 OK 
 
 e 
 
 
 oa 
 
 
 3 
 
 0. 
 
 0^ 
 
 s 
 
 PS 
 
 1 
 
 
 Rs. 
 
 Rs. 
 
 Us. 
 
 Rs. 
 
 Rs. 
 
 Bs. 
 
 Rs. 
 
 Rs. 
 
 Rs. 
 
 1. Talooka Nuggur. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 11. Perg. Pariiair . . 
 
 i,26,109 
 
 5,873 
 
 6 
 
 t . • • 
 
 .... 
 
 
 .... 
 
 
 
 .. 
 
 III. Perg. Boragaon 
 
 IIAIB 
 
 9,2 ly 
 
 53 
 
 16,716 
 
 8,305 
 
 50 
 
 17,016 
 
 3,026 
 
 18 
 
 Nandoor. 
 
 
 « 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 IV. Perg. Kurde Ra- 
 
 25,110 
 
 4,351 
 
 17 
 
 .... 
 
 
 , . 
 
 . ■ * • 
 
 .... 
 
 
 lungaum. 
 
 
 
 
 - 
 
 ■ 
 
 
 
 
 
 ^ . Perg. Nassick . . 
 
 1,32,803 
 
 13,163 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 
 1,05,908 
 
 21,168 
 
 20 
 
 A'IPerg.Newasse &c. 
 
 3,65,198 
 
 1,13,288 
 
 31 
 
 2,79,538 
 
 18,94 J 
 
 7 
 
 
 
 
 VII. Pcvg. Jainkhair.. 
 
 . • . . 
 
 .... 
 
 
 
 . . . • 
 
 
 .... 
 
 
 
 VlII. Pcig. Koom- 
 
 49,958 
 
 40,459 
 
 81 
 
 51,200 
 
 44,719 
 
 87 
 
 
 
 
 bliaree. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 IX. Perg. Sauguni- 
 
 60,096 
 
 37,661 
 
 6i 
 
 
 .... 
 
 
 .... 
 
 
 
 
 iiair. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 X. Turuf llahooree 
 
 66,; 63 
 
 42,16!) 
 
 63 
 
 95,001 
 
 60,623 
 
 64 
 
 
 
 
 XI. Turuf Bsllapoor. 
 
 18,702 
 
 11.344 
 
 61 
 
 
 .... 
 
 
 
 
 
 XII. Perg. Akola . . . . 
 
 22,044 
 
 11,469 
 
 52 
 
 21,941 
 
 11,498 
 
 46 
 
 .... 
 
 
 
 XIII. Perg. Kotool .. 
 
 39;666 
 
 7,620 
 
 19 
 
 
 
 • « ■ • 
 
 
 
 
 
 XIV. Perg. SiuQUv.. . . 
 
 
 .... 
 
 
 52,238 
 
 16,.384 
 
 31 
 
 
 
 
 XV. Perg. "Wundiii- 
 
 82,688 
 
 ' 32,186 
 
 39 
 
 fc7,2c0 
 
 38,278 
 
 44 
 
 86,13^ 
 
 31,132 
 
 36 
 
 doroc. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Total. . . . 
 
 10,06,815 
 
 3,28,792 
 
 83 
 
 6,06,914 
 
 1,98,809 
 
 3.'-i 
 
 2,09,058 
 
 55,326 
 
 26 
 
A. D..1775. 
 
 A. D. 1790. 
 
 A. D. 1791. 
 
 A. D. 1792. 
 
 to the extent that the records furnish evidence. 
 
 Eice - . . 
 
 10 
 
 Wheat.. 
 
 24 
 
 Toor . . 
 
 19 
 
 Gram . 
 
 20 
 
 Jowaree. 
 
 38 
 
 ■ Bajree.. 
 
 32 
 
 ''i Moog . . 
 
 20 
 
 Ghee .. 
 
 n 
 
 Oil 
 
 8 
 
 Gool .. 
 
 7 
 
 Rice • • • ■ f! See) 
 Wheat.. 16 
 Toor .. 12 
 Gram . • 16 
 Jowaree. ISJ 
 Bajree - . 20 
 
 Oodeed. 
 Moog .. 
 Ghee .. 
 Oil ..., 
 Gool . . 
 
 16 
 12 
 24 
 
 6 
 
 Bice .... 6 Seers. 
 Wheat.. 161 
 Toor .. 10 
 Gram .. IG 
 Jowaree. 22 
 Bajree.. 20 
 
 Moog 
 Ghee 
 Oil .. 
 Gool 
 
 16^ 
 2i 
 4 
 8 . 
 
 Eice.. . . 
 Wheat . . 
 Toor . . 
 Gram . . 
 Jowaree. 
 Bajree.. 
 Oodeed . 
 Moog . • 
 Ghee -. 
 
 Oil .... 
 
 Gool . • 
 
 4 Seers. 
 
 5 „ 
 
 6 „ 
 9 „ 
 91 ,. 
 8 „ 
 6 „ 
 
 3 „ 
 
 6 „ 
 
 
 Rs. 
 
 1,32,209 
 21,335 
 
 85,354 
 
 70,70o 
 69,913 
 
 • • • • 
 
 57,525 
 4,37,041 
 
 8 
 
 2 i 
 
 oa 
 
 Rs. 
 
 5,969 
 6,777 
 
 37,116 
 
 23,781 
 49,669 
 
 7,537 
 
 1,30,849 
 
 Rs. 
 
 Rs. 
 
 80,908 
 1,20,182 
 
 30 
 
 2,01,090 
 
 Es. 
 
 5,474 
 9,215 
 
 14,689 
 
 OPS 
 
 Rs. 
 
 Rs. 
 
 82,574 
 1,19,318 
 
 18,807 
 
 1,81,29.3 
 
 95,142 
 
 60.001 
 
 75,57,135 
 
 o« 
 
 Rs. 
 
 5,634 
 13,541 
 
 3,844 
 
 18,792 
 
 28,348 
 
 10,003 
 
 80,162 
 
 20 
 
 10 
 
 30 
 
 If) 
 
 I 4 
 
 Rs. 
 
 78,553 
 
 1,28,2.37 
 
 17,289 
 
 18,807 
 
 5,56,568 
 8,300 
 
 94,049 
 
 57,819 
 16,478 
 
 60,025 
 
 10,36,125 
 
 Rs. 
 
 30,462 
 68,384 
 12,557 
 
 14,363 
 
 1,06,11919 
 6,243 75 
 
 33,011 
 
 44,894 
 14,205 
 
 11,282 
 
 35 
 
 86 
 
 19 
 
 3,41,520 
 
 3 ap* 
 
 xui 
 
A. D. 1793. 
 
 A. D. 1794. 
 
 A. D. 1795. 
 
 A. D. 1804. 
 
 Pi'ices of Grain, &c., per rupee 
 
 Rice.... 
 
 5 
 
 Seers. 
 
 Rice . . . 
 
 7 
 
 Wheat.. 
 
 5 
 
 
 Wlieat . 
 
 14J. 
 
 Toor 
 
 9i 
 
 
 Toor .. 
 
 U} 
 
 Gram .. 
 
 8 
 
 
 Gram . 
 
 12 
 
 Jowaree. 
 
 1i 
 
 
 Jowaree. 
 
 sei 
 
 Bajree . . 
 
 m 
 
 
 Bajree . . 
 
 21i 
 
 Oodeei.. 
 
 la 
 
 
 Moog .. 
 
 12 
 
 Ghee .. 
 
 H 
 
 ;j 
 
 Ghee .. 
 
 n 
 
 Oil 
 
 3^ 
 
 
 Oil .... 
 
 ih 
 
 Gool .. 
 
 4 
 
 JJ 
 
 Gool 
 
 4| 
 
 Seers. 
 
 Eice .. .. 
 
 8 
 
 Seers. 
 
 
 
 Wheat .■ 
 
 IC.^ 
 
 3> 
 
 Rice . 
 
 . . . 2 J Seers 
 
 Toor.... 
 
 \'i\ 
 
 J? 
 
 Wheat 
 
 •■ 3i „ 
 
 Gram .. 
 
 16 
 
 » 
 
 Toor - 
 
 ■■ H „ 
 
 Jowaree. . 
 
 24 
 
 J? 
 
 Gram . . 
 
 . .30 „ 
 
 Bajree . . 
 
 185 
 
 t> 
 
 Bajree 
 
 •• 2i- „ 
 
 Oodced. . 
 
 12 
 
 
 Moog 
 
 •■ Si „ 
 
 Moog .. 
 
 Uk 
 
 
 Ghee .. 
 
 •• f „ 
 
 Ghee . . 
 
 n 
 
 
 Oil.... 
 
 ■• H „ 
 
 Oil .... 
 
 a 
 
 jj 
 
 Gool .. 
 
 •• If „ 
 
 Gool.... 
 
 H 
 
 jj 
 
 
 
 'a !> 
 OK 
 
 ort 
 
 OK 
 
 Rs. 
 
 79,402 
 1,23,232 
 
 18,807 
 
 .,45,512 
 8,298 
 
 14,78; 
 
 Rs. Rs. Rs 
 
 7,432 
 38,627 
 
 6,90,0361,14,865 
 
 4,864 2 
 
 55,8 1; 
 2,327 
 
 5,802 3 
 
 31 1,28,387 
 
 76,572 
 
 31,200 
 
 13,858 
 
 Rs. 
 
 24 
 
 2,04,959 
 
 1,28,764 
 
 18,807 
 
 18 ... 
 ..2,03,485 
 
 Rs. 
 69,423 
 4,864 
 
 84,870 
 
 Rs, 
 
 64 
 
 26 
 
 Rs. 
 
 18,355 
 
 Rs. 
 
 15,498 
 
 45,058 
 
 51,056 
 
 41 .... 
 
 67,653 
 
 Rs. 
 
 84 
 
 1,59,157 
 
 27,392 
 42,720 
 
 461,56,120 
 
 63,9/9 
 
 2,5,502 
 27,406 
 
 1,32,385 
 
 95 
 
 85 
 
 XIV 
 
( XV 
 
 ;c; 
 
 mentj in the years of scarcity specifiedj in Pkant GungthubbEj a district nearly corresponding 
 -Ahmednuggdb Collectokate. 
 
 There is no information respecting Jagheer nnd Surinjam Mahals. 
 
 A. D. 1805. 
 
 A.I). 1806. 
 
 A. D. 1807. 
 
 A. D. 1808. 
 
 A. D. 1809. 
 
 to the extent that the records furnish evidence. 
 
 
 
 
 Rice R S 
 
 eers. 
 
 1 
 
 . . R» Spers 
 
 
 
 eers. 
 „ 
 
 
 
 
 nice 73 Seers. 
 
 Wheat.... 9i „ 
 
 Wheat • 
 Toor . . 
 Gram .. 
 Jowaree 
 Bajrce.. 
 Moog .. 
 Ghee . 
 
 Oil 
 
 .. 14 
 ifi 
 
 Wheat ..24 „ 
 Toor ••..12 „ 
 
 Gram 24 „ 
 
 Bajiee ••24 „ 
 OofJeed ••28 „ 
 Moog.... 12+ .. 
 
 Ripfi 20 f 
 
 Rice .... 20 Seers. 
 
 Toor 3A 
 
 5» 
 ft 
 
 it 
 
 13 
 
 • •9 
 
 •• 23 „ 
 
 • •19 „ 
 .. 10 
 
 Bajree... 24 
 Oodeed .. 28 
 Ghee .••• 2 J 
 Oil 5i 
 
 Whnat .. 24 
 
 Gram .... 64 
 Bajree..^.. 12| 
 Moog ••.. 6 
 Ghee .•.. 1| 
 Oil •••.•. 4^ 
 
 Bajrea .. 25i 
 Oodeed .. 28^ 
 Ghee...^ 2i 
 
 
 ..•2 
 
 „ 
 
 Ghee . • 
 nil 
 
 -• n „ 
 
 Gool ..•• 9 
 
 Gool .... 9 
 
 Gool . . . • 2£ 
 
 Gool . . 
 
 • • 31 
 .. 4i 
 
 Gool .• 
 
 •■ 4i „ 
 
 '•9 ., 
 
 
 
 ^ to 
 
 .5 « 
 
 ■g s 
 
 a 
 
 
 1 
 
 B 
 
 . bo 
 a 
 
 1 
 
 OBS 
 
 GO 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 s 
 
 a. 
 
 c 
 
 (5 
 
 .Is 
 
 11 
 
 so 
 
 § 
 
 
 
 ho 
 CS 
 
 C 
 
 1 
 (0 
 
 Pi 
 
 .is- 
 11 
 
 .2 
 .S 
 
 60 
 
 n 
 
 a, 
 
 .11 
 
 OP5 
 
 m 
 
 C 
 
 .2 , 
 
 1 
 
 be 
 
 CS 
 
 £ 
 
 Rs. 
 
 17,667 
 
 6,282 
 61,694 
 
 » • • • 
 ■ ■ ■ • 
 
 2*7",393 
 
 49,512 
 
 • f6,913 
 
 Rs. 
 
 15,367 
 
 3,113 
 
 56,269 
 
 25,772 
 27,044 
 61,939 
 
 Rs. 
 90 
 
 59 
 91 
 
 94 
 55 
 71 
 
 Rs. 
 
 68,402 
 
 1,42,839 
 
 17,216 
 
 • <t • « 
 
 2,10,665 
 5,282 
 
 65,908 
 
 27,392 
 49,589 
 86,913 
 
 Rs. 
 
 17,640 
 1,17,207 
 
 14,820 
 
 1,8'9;524 
 4,079 
 
 62,639 
 
 25'6io 
 
 27,168 
 68,270 
 
 Rs. 
 
 26 
 
 82 
 86 
 
 90 
 
 77 
 
 f5 
 
 93 
 55 
 1^ 
 
 Rs. 
 
 73,677 
 
 1,41,313 
 
 17,216 
 
 2,06,289 
 5,282 
 
 66,322 
 
 22,407 
 62,338 
 
 Rs. 
 
 21,863 
 
 1,18,637 
 
 14,536 
 
 1,89,418 
 3,657 
 
 62,613 
 
 19,497 
 23,949 
 
 Rs. 
 
 30 
 
 84 
 85 
 
 92 
 69 
 
 95 
 
 87 
 46 
 
 Rs. 
 
 73,193 
 
 1,40,912 
 
 26,810 
 
 1,04,603 
 29,616 
 
 22,211 
 45,795 
 
 Rs. 
 
 25,698 
 
 1,16,837 
 
 20,897 
 
 96,334 
 28,466 
 
 18, lis 
 25,364 
 
 Rs. 
 
 35 
 83 
 78 
 
 92 
 96 
 
 81 
 
 55 
 
 , Rs. 
 
 72,045 
 1,41,175 
 
 1,04,603 
 
 22,ii2 
 45,848 
 86,913 
 
 Rs. 
 
 .30,224 
 1,13,047 
 
 .... 
 .... 
 
 94,494 
 
 15,202 
 23,704 
 68,270 
 
 Rs. 
 
 42 
 
 80 
 
 69 
 
 62 
 79 
 
 2,47,861 
 
 1,89,504 
 
 76 
 
 6,74,206 
 
 5,26,357 
 
 78 
 
 5,84,844 
 
 4,54,220 
 
 78 
 
 4,43,140 
 
 3,31,711 
 
 75 
 
 4,72,696 
 
 3,44,941 
 
 73 
 
 A. T. BTHERIDGE, 
 
 Alienation Settlement OSicer, S. D. 
 
( xvi ) 
 
 APFEHDIX 
 
 SHOWING tlie Pkices of Grain, &c., and Ebmissions of Eevenue, during 
 
 JooNEER, Districts nearly corresponding witli tlie 
 
 Note. — This Statement merely includes those districts under the direct management 
 
 NAMES OF DISTRICTS. 
 
 I. Prant Poona. 
 
 n. Prant Jooneer 
 
 III. Talooka Sewnere . . . 
 
 IV. Perg. Soope ... 
 V. Perg. Indapoor. 
 
 Total. 
 
 A. D. 17G3. 
 
 A. D. I7C5. 
 
 Prices of Grain, &c., per rupee to 
 
 nice •■••• 18 Seers. 
 
 Bojree 20 ,, 
 
 Wheat 104 ,, 
 
 Torn- 8 „ 
 
 Oodeed 12 „ 
 
 Moog 22 „ 
 
 Gram 10^ „ 
 
 Ghee IJ „ 
 
 Oil 3i „ 
 
 Gool 4 „ 
 
 Ks. 
 
 3,20,974 
 
 91,835 
 
 4,12,809 
 
 Rice 10 Seers. 
 
 Bajree 14 
 
 Wheat 114 ,, 
 
 Toor 15 „ 
 
 Oodeed 13 „ 
 
 .Aloog 17 „ 
 
 Gram 12 „ 
 
 Jowaree..> 16 ,, 
 
 Ghee 2 „ 
 
 Oil 4i „ 
 
 Gool 3| „ 
 
 Rs. 
 
 1,70,19c 
 
 28,379 
 
 1,98,575 
 
 Rs. 
 
 53 
 
 31 
 
 48 
 
 Rs. 
 
 20,078 
 
 1,04.925 
 
 1,25,003 
 
 Rs. 
 
 7,287 
 
 41,924 
 
 49,211 
 
 Es. 
 
 35, 
 
 40 
 
 Z^ 
 
A. J). 1770. 
 
 A. D. 1772. 
 
 A, D. 1773. 
 
 the extent that the records furnish evidence. 
 
 ■Rinp. 10 Sp 
 
 ers. 
 
 >t 
 
 it 
 
 73 
 
 3! 
 
 
 
 ers. 
 
 
 
 
 Bajiee 16 
 
 Wheat 28 
 
 Toor 8 
 
 
 Rice .... IIJ Seers. 
 Bajree.... 22 „ 
 Wheat 13 „ 
 
 Bajree .... 17J 
 
 Oodeed 12 
 
 Gram .... 8 
 Jowaree ..17 
 
 Ghee If 
 
 Oil 3^ 
 
 Wheat.... 11 „ 
 Gram .... 18| „ 
 Glice .... 2 „ 
 Gool 7i „ 
 
 Toor .... 20 
 Jowareo .. 26 
 
 Gram 16i 
 
 Ghee .... 2 
 Oil 5 
 
 
 
 
 Gool .... Hh 
 
 Gool 5 „ 
 
 li 
 
 o 
 
 1 
 
 bo 
 o 
 
 'ii 
 
 6^ 
 
 o 
 
 bo 
 
 CD 
 Cl 
 
 Ph 
 
 >>c3 
 .S <a 
 0(S 
 
 i 
 
 1 
 
 s 
 
 a 
 
 1,18,501 
 
 • • 
 ■ • 
 
 1,53,577 
 
 Rs. 
 
 21,090 
 
 • a 
 
 56,138 
 
 Rs. 
 
 17 
 
 37 
 
 Rs. 
 
 1,16,574 
 
 1,64,380 
 
 77,348 
 
 1,697 
 
 1,65,844 
 
 Rs. 
 
 43,206 
 
 67,320 
 
 30,671 
 
 1,142 
 
 27,215 
 
 Rs. 
 
 37 
 
 41 
 40 
 67 
 16 
 
 32 
 
 Rs. 
 
 1,19,792 
 
 1,86,119 
 
 1,697 
 1,25,832 
 
 Rs. 
 
 53,846 
 
 36,410 
 
 1,062 
 42,656 
 
 Rs- 
 
 45 
 
 20 
 
 62 
 34 
 
 2,72,078 
 
 77,228 
 
 28 
 
 5,25,843 
 
 1,69,554 
 
 4,33,440 
 
 1,33,974 
 
 31 
 
 4 ap 
 
 XVH 
 
A. D. 1776. 
 
 A. D. 1777. 
 
 A. D. 1778. 
 
 Prices of Grain, &c., per rupee to the 
 
 
 ... 17 Se 
 
 crs, 
 
 3> 
 
 Rico.. 
 
 ... IG St 
 
 ers. 
 
 
 
 :cra. 
 
 Hice • - . 
 
 JJajroo 
 Wheat. 
 
 .. 22 
 
 Bajree . 
 Wheat . 
 
 
 Bajrec . 
 
 ...20 
 
 ... 20 „ 
 
 ... 22 „ 
 . .. 16 
 
 Wheat. 
 
 ...18 
 
 
 Toor . 
 
 ...16 „ 
 
 Toor • 
 Oodced 
 
 Moo"" • 
 
 ... 19 „ 
 
 •• 20 „ 
 ... 19 
 
 'Poor . 
 RFoog; . 
 
 ... 16 
 ... 21 
 
 97 
 
 Oodocd 
 Moog- . 
 
 ••24 „ 
 ...20 „ 
 
 .Jowarce 
 
 .. 24 
 
 
 Gram . 
 
 ...12 „ 
 
 Gram - 
 Joware 
 Ghco - 
 Oil • • • 
 
 ...12 „ 
 3.. 24 „ 
 ... 2 „ 
 
 <lhce . 
 Oil ... 
 
 ... 2i 
 ... 65 
 ... 4 
 
 J' 
 
 Jowarec 
 Glieo . 
 Oil . . . 
 
 .. 24 
 
 ... n 
 
 ... 5i 
 
 ?3 
 33 
 
 
 Gool • 
 
 
 
 
 
 '.• n „ 
 
 
 
 33 
 
 
 2 
 
 <lj 
 
 
 « 
 
 <D 
 
 
 . 
 
 . 
 
 >>o 
 
 
 bO 
 
 >,<i 
 
 c 
 
 tD 
 
 
 a 
 
 to 
 
 
 
 ca 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 -S § 
 
 ■gs 
 
 a 
 
 
 ■^% 
 
 1 
 
 3 
 CJ 
 
 .5 S 
 ■H S 
 
 's 
 
 03 
 
 ort 
 
 K 
 
 o 
 
 fu 
 
 OK 
 
 
 ca 
 
 o« 
 
 03 
 
 OS 
 
 ra 
 
 Pi 
 
 Es. 
 
 Rs. 
 
 Rs. 
 
 Bs. 
 
 Rs. 
 
 Rs. 
 
 Rs. 
 
 Rs. 
 
 Rs. 
 
 •• 
 
 • • 
 
 
 1,19,928 
 
 49,068 
 
 41 
 
 •• 
 
 •- 
 
 • • 
 
 .. 
 
 • • 
 
 •• 
 
 1,51,876 
 
 24,536 
 
 16 
 
 
 •• ■ 
 
 ' • • 
 
 > • 
 
 
 • • 
 
 7,150 
 
 .3,446 
 
 48 
 
 7,150 
 
 4,669 
 
 65 
 
 84,606 
 
 41,960 
 
 50 
 
 96,765 
 
 56,377 
 
 58 
 
 62,272 
 
 19,812 
 
 32 
 
 84,606 
 
 41,960 
 
 .50 
 
 3,75,719 
 
 1,33,427 
 
 36 
 
 69,422 
 
 24,481 
 
 36 
 
 XVIU 
 
A. D. 1779. 
 
 A.D. 1781. 
 
 A. D. 1786. 
 
 extent that the records furnish evidence. 
 
 Rico . 
 
 . . 15 Seers. 
 
 Rice .. 
 
 .. 16 Seers. 
 
 
 
 Bajree 
 
 ..18 , 
 
 
 Bajiee 
 
 .. 27 „ 
 
 Hajrec 
 
 .. 25 Seers. 
 
 Wheat 
 
 • • m , 
 
 
 Wheat 
 
 .. 25 „ 
 
 Wheat 
 
 .. 21 „ 
 
 Toor .. 
 
 ..20 , 
 
 
 Toor .. 
 
 .. 23 „ 
 
 Toor. . 
 
 ..26 „ 
 
 Oodeed 
 
 .. 18 , 
 
 
 Oodeed 
 
 •• 18 „ 
 
 Gram 
 
 ..22 „ 
 
 . Gram 
 
 .. 21 , 
 
 
 Gram 
 
 •• 19 „ 
 
 Jowaree 
 
 . . 29 „ 
 
 Jowaree . 22 , 
 
 
 Jowaree 
 
 . . 28 „ 
 
 Ghee . . 
 
 .. 3i „ 
 
 Ghee. . 
 
 •• 2 , 
 
 
 Gliee... 
 
 .. 2 „ 
 
 Oil 
 
 .. 6J „ 
 
 Gool .. 
 
 .. 8 , 
 
 
 Oil .. 
 
 •• 5.i „ 
 
 Gool .. 
 
 .. Si „ 
 
 Oil .. 
 
 .. ai , 
 
 
 Gool .. 
 
 •■ 74 „ 
 
 
 
 
 . 
 
 O 
 
 
 . 
 
 U 
 
 
 . 
 
 
 >> oj 
 
 S 
 
 fcD 
 
 
 c 
 
 tc 
 
 >! «; 
 
 c 
 
 bo 
 
 
 o 
 
 « 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 li 
 
 1 
 
 s 
 
 .3 S 
 
 S 
 
 g 
 
 .S S 
 
 ■a t 
 
 ta 
 
 s 
 
 g 
 
 OM 
 
 « 
 
 PU 
 
 OPS 
 
 rt 
 
 a. 
 
 Ort 
 
 « 
 
 
 P.S. 
 
 Rs. 
 
 Rs. 
 
 Rs. 
 
 Rs. 
 
 Rs 
 
 Rs. 
 
 Rs. 
 
 Rs. 
 
 1,18,907 
 
 55,336 
 
 47 
 
 1,21,212 
 
 31,784 
 
 26 
 
 
 •• 
 
 • • 
 
 1,22,255 
 
 14,419 
 
 12 
 
 •- 
 
 •• 
 
 •• 
 
 1,34,278 
 
 46,304 
 
 34 
 
 • • 
 
 •• 
 
 •• 
 
 •• 
 
 •■ 
 
 •• 
 
 84,756 
 
 25,787 
 
 30 
 
 .5,813 
 
 3,465 
 
 CO 
 
 •• ■ . 
 
 •• .. 
 
 
 6,269 
 
 1,884 
 
 30 
 
 ■• 
 
 •• 
 
 •• 
 
 •■ 
 
 •• 
 
 ■- 
 
 61,137 
 
 7.049 
 
 i2 
 
 2,46,975 
 
 73,220 
 
 30 
 
 1,21,212 
 
 31,784 
 
 26 
 
 2,86,440 
 
 81,024 
 
 28 
 
 XIX 
 
A. D. 1787. 
 
 A.D. 1788. 
 
 A. D. 1789. 
 
 Prices of Grain, &c., per rupee to the 
 
 
 
 Rice 20 Seers. 
 
 Rice . . 
 
 . 18 Seers. 
 
 Rice... 
 
 . llj Seers. 
 
 Bajree.. 28 , 
 
 
 Bajree . 
 
 ' 22 „ 
 
 liajree . 
 
 . 24 „ 
 
 Wheat. . 24 , 
 
 
 Wheat . 
 
 • 14 „ 
 
 Wheat . 
 
 • 11 „ 
 
 
 Toor.... 13 , 
 
 
 Toor... 
 
 .10 „ 
 
 Toor... 
 
 . 12 ,: 
 
 
 Oodeed .14 , 
 
 
 Oodeed 
 
 • 19 „ 
 
 Gram . 
 
 . 24 „ 
 
 
 Moog ..17 , 
 
 
 Moo- 
 
 • 19 „ 
 
 Jowaree 
 
 . 24 „ 
 
 
 Gram -.10 , 
 
 
 Gram . 
 
 • 9 ,. 
 
 Gbee . 
 
 • 3 
 
 
 Jowaree. 28 , 
 
 
 Jowaree 
 
 . 27 
 
 Oil ... 
 
 • 3.! „ 
 
 
 Gheo ..3 , 
 
 
 Ghee . 
 
 . 3 
 
 Cool . 
 
 • 8i ), 
 
 
 Oil 4J , 
 
 
 Oil .. 
 
 • 5J „ 
 
 
 
 Gool ..SI , 
 
 
 Gool... 
 
 • SJ „ 
 
 
 c 
 
 cj 
 
 >> CU 
 
 a 
 
 CD 
 CO 
 
 !>i QJ 
 
 a 
 
 
 CK 
 
 o 
 
 1 
 e 
 
 o 
 
 ■H i 
 
 OK 
 
 e 
 
 
 OPi 
 
 1 
 
 S 
 
 Hi 
 
 i 
 
 0. 
 
 Ks. 
 
 Ks. 
 
 Rs. 
 
 Rs. 
 
 Rs. 
 
 Rs. 
 
 Rs. 
 
 Rs. 
 
 Rs. 
 
 J, 19,893 
 
 34,939 
 
 29 
 
 1,20,122 
 
 35,189 
 
 29 
 
 1,19,621 
 
 40,594 
 
 34 
 
 J, 26, 144 
 
 49,522 
 
 39 
 
 1,33,339 
 
 27,847 
 
 21 
 
 1,27,648 
 
 32,125 
 
 25 
 
 84,641 
 
 32,131 
 
 3S 
 
 86,387 
 
 21,188 
 
 25 
 
 89,922 
 
 26,648 
 
 29 
 
 0,1 04 
 
 1,013 
 
 26 
 
 •• 
 
 •• 
 
 •■ 
 
 •• 
 
 • • 
 
 •• 
 
 04,635 
 
 18,120 
 
 28 
 
 03,351 
 
 2.5,680 
 
 41 
 
 03,133 
 
 19,143 
 
 
 4,01,477 
 
 1,36,325 
 
 34 
 
 4,03,199 
 
 1,09,904 
 
 27 
 
 4,00,324 
 
 1,18,510 
 
 30 
 
 XX 
 
A. D. 1791. 
 
 A. D. 1792. 
 
 A. D. 1793. 
 
 extent that the Records furnish evidence. 
 
 Eice... 
 Bajree . 
 
 . 13 Seers. 
 • 1<3 „ 
 
 Rice... 
 
 . 4 Seers. 
 
 Rice.. 
 Wheat 
 Toor.. 
 Oodeed 
 Gram 
 Ghee 
 Oil .. 
 Gool . . 
 
 .. 4^ Seers. 
 . 4 „ 
 .. H „ 
 
 . 12 „ 
 
 ■4. 
 
 Wheat . 
 Toor... 
 Moog 
 
 -.11 :; 
 
 Jowaree. 4 „ 
 Bajree.. 3 J „ 
 Toor.... 3 „ 
 
 Jowarec 
 Ghee 
 
 .24 „ 
 • 3 „ 
 
 Ghee . 
 Oil ... 
 
 
 • 2i „ 
 .. Si „ 
 
 Oil .. 
 Gool.. 
 
 . 2| » 
 • 6,^ „ 
 
 Gool . 
 
 • 4i „ 
 
 t»<D 
 
 (D 
 
 ?fn 
 
 t-i 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 a 
 
 
 ?s 
 
 .2 
 
 cS 
 
 .as 
 
 ■§ 
 
 s 
 
 si 
 
 S 
 
 a 
 
 =3| 
 
 
 Qi 
 
 ■s s 
 
 a 
 
 
 ■-a > 
 
 
 
 5« 
 
 a 
 
 
 o« 
 
 S 
 
 
 o« 
 
 (11 
 
 £ 
 
 Rs. 
 
 Rs. 
 
 Rs. 
 
 Rs. 
 
 Rs. 
 
 Rs. 
 
 Rs. 
 
 Rs. 
 
 Rs. 
 
 1,17,073 
 
 42,C73 
 
 36 
 
 1,28,828 
 
 42,840 
 
 33 
 
 1,24,010 
 
 59,312 
 
 48 
 
 1,37,005 
 
 32,989 
 
 24 
 
 1,30,578 
 
 59,340 
 
 45 
 
 1,28,778 
 
 28,430 
 
 22 
 
 30,044 
 
 2.5,870 
 
 29 
 
 87,506 
 
 29,057 
 
 33 
 
 87,145 
 
 12,514 
 
 14 
 
 .. . 
 
 •• ■ 
 
 
 61,270 
 
 42,243 
 
 09 
 
 * • 
 
 41,549 
 
 • • 
 
 13,013 
 
 31 
 
 3,44,122 
 
 1,01,532 
 
 29 
 
 4,08,242 
 
 1,73,4S0 
 
 42 
 
 3,81,482 
 
 1,13,269 
 
 30 
 
 XXI 
 
A. D. 1798. 
 
 A. D. 1799. 
 
 A. D. 1800. 
 
 rupee to the extent that the records furuisb evidence. 
 
 Rice 18 Seers. 
 
 Wheat.. 10 „ 
 Toor -.8^ „ 
 Oodeed. . 8 „ 
 Oram ..8 „ 
 Ghee .. If „ 
 Oil .... 3i „ 
 Gool .. ii „ 
 
 Rice .... 20 Seers. 
 Wheat.. 12 „ 
 Toor ..10 „ 
 Gram ..8 „ 
 Ghee ..2 „ 
 Oil .... 4j „ 
 Gool .. & „ 
 
 Rice.... 12 Seers. 
 Bajree.. 18 „ 
 Wheat.. 9 „ 
 Tcor ..12 „ 
 Oodeed. . 16 „ 
 Moog ..12 „ 
 Gram ..12 „ 
 Jowaree . 24 „ 
 Ghee .. li „ 
 Oil .... 5J „ 
 Gool ..4 „ 
 
 
 H 
 
 5^ 
 
 O 
 
 s 
 
 bD 
 
 a 
 
 <u 
 
 
 C 
 
 o 
 6 
 
 GJ 
 
 a 
 p 
 
 OK 
 
 02 
 
 C 
 
 S 
 
 'm 
 
 CJ 
 
 fco 
 
 a 
 
 Q) 
 
 p. 
 
 
 Rs. 
 91,181 
 
 Rs. 
 
 43,442 
 
 Rs. 
 
 48 
 
 Rs. 
 
 79,2G2 
 G,40C 
 
 Rs. 
 
 32,449 
 3,730 
 
 Rs. 
 
 41 
 
 08 
 
 Rs. 
 
 81.2GG 
 
 81,2fi6 
 
 Rs. 
 
 33.CCfi 
 
 1 
 Rs. 
 
 41 
 
 
 91,181 
 
 43,442 
 
 48 
 
 S.^GGS 
 
 3G,1 79 
 
 42 
 
 33,666 
 
 41 
 
 
 x.\u 
 
A. D. 1802. 
 
 A. D. 1803. 
 
 A. D. 1804. 
 
 Prices of Grain, &c., per rapee to 
 
 
 . in Sooi-c 
 
 
 rs. 
 
 
 .. eV Ranrs 1 
 
 Bajroe ..14 , 
 Wheat . . 91 , 
 
 Toor Hi , 
 
 Oodeod.. 12 , 
 Moog .. 9i , 
 Gram ..16 , 
 Jowaree. 14 J , 
 Ghoe .. li , 
 
 Oil 4i , 
 
 Gool .... 5 , 
 
 
 Bajree.... C „ 
 Wlieat 4 „ 
 
 Bajree .. 4J „ 
 Wheat .. 2i „ 
 
 Oodced .. e ,, 
 M oog .... 5 „ 
 Gram .... 5 „ 
 Jowaree ..6 „ 
 Ghee .... 1 „ 
 
 Oodeod . . 6 „ 
 Moog.... 3 „ 
 Gram .. 4 J „ 
 Jowaree.. 3| „ 
 
 Glice 1} „ 
 
 Oil 3 
 
 
 Gool 5 „ 
 
 Gool 3 „ 
 
 
 11 
 
 OPS 
 
 .2 
 
 s 
 
 i 
 
 Oi 
 bD 
 
 a 
 
 c 
 
 to 
 
 >a6 
 
 -a > 
 
 1 
 1 
 
 P3. 
 
 OD 
 
 « 
 
 CD 
 
 03 
 (l4 
 
 .a S 
 -s s 
 
 to 
 
 B 
 O 
 
 1 
 C5 
 
 03 
 bo 
 
 £ 
 
 n 
 
 03 
 CJ 
 
 03 
 
 Es. 
 
 » • 
 
 73,901 
 
 • • 
 
 Rs. 
 
 38,011 
 
 Rs. 
 51 
 
 Rs. 
 
 81,020 
 
 Rs. 
 
 32,281 
 
 • • 
 
 Rs. 
 
 40 
 
 Rs. 
 
 1,55,4G6 
 
 80,044 
 6,104 
 
 • • 
 
 Rs. 
 
 69,831 
 
 ■ • 
 
 32,557 
 4,953 
 
 • * 
 
 Rs. 
 
 45 
 
 41 
 81 
 
 73,901 
 
 38,011 
 
 51 
 
 81,020 
 
 32,281 
 
 40 
 
 2,41,614 
 
 1,07,341 
 
 44 
 
 XXIU 
 
A. D. 1805. 
 
 A. D. 1806. 
 
 A. D. 1807. 
 
 Prices of Grain, &e., per rupee to the 
 
 nice.... 
 Bajrce . . 
 Wlieat . . 
 Toor .... 
 Moog .. 
 Gram . . 
 Jowareo . 
 Glice .. 
 Oil 
 
 7 Seers. 
 10 
 6 
 5 
 7|- 
 6J 
 6 
 
 Ik 
 2 
 
 Gool.... 2i 
 
 ■a p- 
 OM 
 
 Ks. 
 
 l,0r,563 
 
 1,11,058 
 
 78,716 
 6,598 
 
 3,03,935 
 
 s 
 
 Rs. 
 
 66,341 
 
 60,093 
 
 22,338 
 
 5,623 
 
 1,54,395 
 
 Rs 
 62 
 
 54 
 
 28 
 
 51 
 
 Rice... 
 Bajree . 
 Wheat . 
 Toor... 
 Moog . 
 Gram . 
 Jowaree 
 Ghee • 
 Oil .... 
 Gool .. 
 
 7 Seers. 
 22 
 
 8 
 11 
 10 
 10 
 
 13 
 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 Rice . . . • 
 
 Wheat.. 
 Toor . . 
 Gram .. 
 Glicc .. 
 Oil .... 
 Gool.... 
 
 7 Seci-s. 
 12J 
 10 
 13 
 
 li 
 
 31 
 
 4^ 
 
 
 Rs. 
 
 80,218 
 
 C,104 
 
 43,776 
 
 1,30,098 
 
 Rs. 
 
 20,209 
 
 5,187 
 
 35,276 
 
 Rs. 
 
 25 
 
 85 
 
 80 
 
 OPS 
 
 Rs. 
 
 98,148 
 
 1,11,056 
 80,874 
 
 60,672 462,90,078 
 
 Rs. 
 
 15,043 
 
 65,200 
 41,414 
 
 1,22.657 
 
 Rs 
 
 15 
 
 60 
 51 
 
 42 
 
 XXIV 
 
D. 
 
 ( XXV ) 
 
 the late Government in the years of scarcity specified, in the Peants Poona and 
 limits of the present Poona Collectoeate. 
 
 of the Peishwa ; there is no information respecting Jagheer and Surinjam Mahals. 
 
 A. D. 1808. 
 
 A. D. 1809: 
 
 A. D. 1810. 
 
 extent that the records furnish evidence. * 
 
 A. T. ETHERIDGE, 
 Alienation Settlement Officer, S. D. 
 
 Rice 16 E 
 
 Wheat 16 
 
 Toor 16 
 
 Oodeed 16 
 
 eers. ^ 
 
 Rice 16 i 
 
 Wheat 16 
 
 Toor 13 
 
 Gram 144 
 
 3eers; 
 
 Rice 16 Se 
 
 Toor 9 
 
 Wbeat 22 
 
 Gram 10 
 
 ers. 
 
 f 
 , 
 
 ) 
 
 3 
 
 Gram 14 
 
 Ghee 2 
 
 Oil 4 
 
 Gool... 6 
 
 Ghee 2 
 
 Oil 5 
 
 Gool 8 
 
 Oodeed 22 
 
 Ghee 2 
 
 Oil 3 
 
 Gool 7J 
 
 Ordinary 
 
 Kevenue. 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 6 
 tn 
 
 a 
 
 a 
 
 03 
 
 s 
 Pi 
 
 11 
 
 i 
 
 i 
 
 S 
 Pi 
 
 t?2 
 6^ 
 
 o 
 
 s 
 
 g3 
 tn 
 
 1 
 
 ^ Es. 
 1,08,951 
 
 1,11,520 
 
 78,774 
 
 « •• • 
 
 Rs. 
 
 25,846 
 
 64,038 
 23,411 
 
 Rs. 
 
 24 
 
 59 
 30 
 
 Rs. 
 
 1,88,612 
 80,443 
 
 Rs. 
 
 65,897 
 21,989 
 
 Rs. 
 
 35 
 
 27 
 
 Rs. 
 
 79,595 
 
 Rs. 
 
 22,758 
 
 Rs. 
 
 2S 
 
 2,99,245 
 
 1,13,205 
 
 38 
 
 2,69,055 
 
 87,886 
 
 33 
 
 79,595 
 
 22,758 
 
 28 
 
 5 ap 
 
( xxvi ) 
 
 APPENDIX 
 
 SHOWING the Prices of Grain^ &c., and Remissions op RevenuEj during the. late 
 
 nearly corresponding with the limits of the 
 
 Note. — This Statement merely includes those districts under the direct management of the 
 
 A. D. 1762. 
 
 A. D. 1763. 
 
 A. D. 1769. 
 
 A. D. 1779. 
 
 Prices of Grain, &e., per rupee to 
 
 NAMES 01' DISTRICTS. 
 
 Rice... 
 
 13i Seors. 
 
 Jowaree 
 
 24 „ 
 
 Toor .. 
 
 101 „ 
 
 Gram . . 
 
 20 „ 
 
 Ghee .. 
 
 2 „ 
 
 Oil .... 
 
 3J „ 
 
 JoT'arce . 23} Seers. 
 Bajiee ..16 „ 
 Ghee ... 1} „ 
 Oil .... 3 „ 
 
 
 s 
 
 
 o« 
 
 Rice . 
 Bajree 
 Toor . 
 Gram . 
 Wheat. 
 Ghee . 
 Oil ... . 
 Gool ., 
 
 . 15| Seers. 
 
 .24 „ 
 
 14J „ 
 
 14i „ 
 
 15i „ 
 
 2 „ 
 
 4 „ 
 
 75 „ 
 
 B 
 
 
 Eic-e . . . 
 
 17 
 
 Seers 
 
 Jowaree. 
 
 .20.^ 
 
 
 Toor.... 
 
 20 
 
 
 Gram . 
 
 18 
 
 
 Wheat . 
 
 17 
 
 
 Oil .... 
 
 6i 
 
 
 Gool 
 
 Gk 
 
 
 
 o« 
 
 .a 
 a 
 
 PS 
 
 I. Prant Waee 
 
 II. Prant Kurrav 
 
 Total. 
 
 Es- 
 
 1,14,555 
 
 1,14,555 20,090 
 
 Ks 
 
 20.090 
 
 Rs. . 
 
 1,45,312 
 
 1,82,025 
 
 18 3,27,33; 
 
 Rs 
 
 27,520 
 
 20,988 
 
 Rs. 
 
 99,830 
 
 54,508 
 
 99,836 
 
 Rs. 
 
 14,007 
 
 14,007 
 
 14 
 
 Rs. 
 
 75,127 
 
 14 75,127 
 
 Rs. 
 
 9,141 
 
 Rs 
 
 12 
 
 9,14112 
 
( xxvii ) 
 
 Government, in tlie years of scarcity specified, in the Peants Waee and Kueeae, districts 
 present Sattaea Oollectoeate. 
 
 PeisHwa. There is no information respecting Jagheer and Surinjam Mahals. 
 
 A. D. 1785. 
 
 A. D. 1792. 
 
 A. D. 1803. 
 
 A. D. 1804. 
 
 A. D. 1809. 
 
 tbo extent that the records furniah evidence. 
 
 Rice . . . 
 
 . 19J Seeis. 
 
 Bice . . . 
 
 .. 3i See 
 
 rs. 
 
 Rice 
 
 fil Rpprfl 
 
 Rice ... 
 
 . 3 Seei 
 
 A 
 
 s. 
 
 Rice . . . 
 
 13 See 
 
 S. 
 
 Jowaree. . 30 „ 
 Toor 18| „ 
 
 Jowaree.... 8| „ 
 Toor 4 
 
 Jowaree . 
 Toor . . . . • 
 
 : S* ;; 
 
 Bajree ..45 „ 
 
 Toor 3 „ 
 
 Gram 2i „ 
 
 Wheat ..3 „ 
 Ghee.... U „ 
 
 Jowaree .18 ,, 
 Bajree ..18 „ 
 
 
 Gram ..22 „ 
 Wheat .. 22i „ 
 
 niipp .... 91 
 
 
 
 Wheat 3| „ 
 
 Ohpp V* 
 
 Gram .... 8J „ 
 Wheat.... .4 „ 
 Ghee 1 „ 
 
 Wheat . . 10 ,. 
 Ghee .... 2 
 
 Oil 
 
 *2 J) 
 
 . 5 
 
 Oil 2^ , 
 
 Oil .... ."^ '- 
 
 
 
 
 Oil 
 
 • 1^ „ 
 
 Oil 
 
 ■ 3 „ 
 
 X ' ■* " 
 
 Gool .... 8i „ 
 
 Gool 5J ,, 
 
 
 Gool ... 
 
 Gool.... 10 ,. 
 
 
 .s 1 
 
 OP5 
 
 e 
 
 OS 
 
 a 
 
 1 1 
 
 c 
 
 a 
 
 tf 
 
 33 
 
 1 
 a. 
 
 .Is 
 
 o 
 
 1 
 
 fcc 
 
 a 
 u 
 
 .5 
 
 CO 
 
 
 
 s 
 
 C 
 
 .li 
 
 "SI 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 to 
 
 Us. 
 
 73,880 
 
 Rs. 
 
 8,906 
 
 Rs 
 12 
 
 Rs. 
 
 2,12,643 
 
 87,050 
 
 Es. 
 
 1,871 
 
 5,142 
 
 Rs 
 
 1 
 
 6 
 
 Es. 
 
 2,99,280 
 
 70,403 
 
 Es. 
 
 2.147 
 
 14,992 
 
 Rs 
 
 1 
 
 21 
 
 Rs. 
 80,501 
 
 Ks. 
 
 9,960 
 
 Rs 
 12 
 
 Rs. 
 
 69,869 
 
 Rs. 
 10,243 
 
 R^^ 
 1.0 
 
 73,880 
 
 8,906 
 
 12 
 
 2,99,693 
 
 7,013 
 
 2 
 
 3,69,683 
 
 1,7139 
 
 5 
 
 80,501 
 
 9.960 
 
 12 
 
 69,869 
 
 10.243 
 
 1.0 
 
 A. T. ETHBRIDGE, 
 Alienation Settlement Officer, S. D. 
 
( xxviii ) 
 
 APPENDIX 
 
 SHOWING the Prices op Geain^ &c., and Eemissions of EeyenuEj during the late Govern 
 under the direct management of the Peishwa, and which may, for present purposes, be 
 Belgaum, and Dhaewab, as now constituted. 
 
 Note. — There is no information respecting 
 
 .\AMES OF DISTRICTS. 
 
 A. 1). 1782. 
 
 I 
 
 A. D. 1786. 
 
 I 
 
 A. D. 1787. 
 
 • Piices of Grain, &c., per rupee to 
 
 Kice . • . . 
 Toor - . 
 Wheat . . 
 Bnj roe . . 
 Jowarce 
 Gram . . 
 Ghee . • 
 Gil .... 
 Gool . . 
 
 15 Soei's. 
 
 £8 „ 
 
 28 ,, 
 
 40 „ 
 
 36 „ 
 
 23 „ 
 
 2i „ 
 
 10 „ 
 
 Oh „ 
 
 Ordinary 
 Heveiiue. 
 
 Remis- 
 sions. 
 
 Rice 8 Seers. 
 
 Toor . . . . 
 Wheat . . 
 Bajvee . . 
 Jowavee 
 Gram . • 
 Ghee .. 
 Oil .... 
 Gool . . . . 
 
 10 
 12 
 18 
 20 
 9 
 
 8 
 7 
 
 Ordinavy 
 llevenue. 
 
 Kemis- 
 eiona. 
 
 Rice 6 Seers. 
 
 Toor. 
 Wheat.. 
 Bajree . . 
 Jowaree 
 Gram . . 
 Ghee . . 
 Oil .... 
 Gool . . . . 
 
 8 
 8i 
 11 
 9 
 9 
 IJ 
 6i 
 
 Ordinary 
 lleveuue. 
 
 Remis- 
 sions. 
 
 f . Talooka Niiwulgoontl 
 
 i ! . K uryu t Aneegfeei'ee 
 
 III. Tiilookas Gudiig and Kopul.. . 
 
 IV. Perg. Secg:ann 
 
 V. Perg. Bimkapoor 
 
 V 1 . Peiij. Kanidgee 
 
 VII. Porg. Hangul 
 
 VIII. Perg. Aflooi' 
 
 IX. Perg. Niilsin^es 
 
 X. Perg. Ranccbidncor 
 
 XL Perg. Gootu! 
 
 XII. Perg. Koopcloor 
 
 XIII. Perg. Irnee 
 
 XIV. Perg. Kagnslla 
 
 XV. Tiiruf Medlera 
 
 XVI. Perg. Massoor 
 
 XVII. Perg. Teelwulleo 
 
 XVIII. Pcfg. Keroor Bnozroog 
 
 XIX. Perg. Keroor Khooid 
 
 XX. Perg. Retehullee 
 
 XXI. Dcshgut Havanoor 
 
 XX 1 1 . Talooka Savanoor 
 
 XXIII. Talooka Chickodeo 
 
 . XXIV. Perg. Khanapoor 
 
 XXV. Talooka Munolee 
 
 XXVI. 'i'uruf Oogurgole 
 
 XXVII. Talooka Bagulkote, &c 
 
 XXVIII. Perg. Ilocngoiind-. .- 
 
 XXIX. Prant Bepjiipoor 
 
 XXX. Isohiied Viiiages of Kokiitaoor 
 
 XXXI. Perg. Gote 
 
 XXXII. Perg Gokak 
 
 XXXIII. Vinleshgut Marn'e Torgul 
 
 XX X I V. Talooka Sholapoor 
 
 XXXV. Perg. Barsee 
 
 XXXVI. Perg. Bho.«6 
 
 XXXVII. Ptrg. Kurkurab 
 
 XXXVIII. Perg. Hulsimiree- 
 
 XXXIX. Perg. Chimiijgeo 
 
 X L. Perg. Kippuro-a 
 
 Rs. 
 
 Rs. 
 
 Rs. Rs. 
 
 1,13,042 
 16,.i83 
 
 Rs. Rs 
 
 Total . 
 
 1,29,6J5 
 
 27,028 
 
 7,930 
 
 35,5J8 27 
 
 43 
 
 39,631 
 
 39,63! 
 
 14,490 
 
 Es. 
 
 37 
 
 14,490 37 
 
 1,40,896 
 20,001 
 
 Rs. 
 
 Rs. 
 
 11,131 
 
 1,72,028 
 
 16,848 
 1,885 
 
 2,143 
 
 19 
 
 20,876 .i2 
 
 
A. D. 1788. 
 
 A. D. 1769. 
 
 A. I). 17.W. 
 
 •he extent that the records furnish evideijce. 
 
 Rice 13 Seers. 
 
 Toor lOJ „ 
 
 Wheat 12i „ 
 
 Jowaree ..25 „ 
 
 Gram ....111 „ 
 
 >Ghee .... OJ „ 
 
 Oil ....... CJ „ 
 
 Gool 7 „ 
 
 Ordinarj- 
 Kevenue. 
 
 Rs. 
 
 I,48,e89 
 3,67 674 
 
 13,827 
 11,800 
 
 5,42,196 
 
 Rs. 
 
 23,751 
 
 12,757 
 
 Rs. 
 
 3,164 
 '7J28I 
 
 46,95:) 
 
 16 
 
 Rico 13i Seers. 
 
 Wheat .... 14 „ 
 
 Bajree . . 
 Jowaree 
 Gram . . 
 Ghee.... 
 Oil .... 
 Gool 
 
 3i 
 
 , 16i 
 . 13 
 . 3 
 . 7i 
 , 6 
 
 Ordinary 
 Bevenue. 
 
 Remis- 
 siond. 
 
 Rs. 
 
 20,001 
 ■2,79,606 
 4,53,699 
 
 23 
 62 
 
 19,739 
 
 7,73,126 
 
 Ks, 
 
 5,000 
 S2,632 
 
 40.4' 
 
 79 
 
 3,000 
 81,111 
 
 25 
 
 Rice . . . . 
 Toor .. 
 Wheat . , 
 Jowaree 
 Gram • . 
 Ghee . . 
 Oil .... 
 Gool . , 
 
 6i Seen. 
 
 81 „ 
 
 13 „ 
 
 12 „ 
 
 10^ „ 
 
 2i „ 
 
 6 „ 
 
 n „ 
 
 Ordinary 
 Revenue. 
 
 Remis- 
 sions. 
 
 Rs. 
 
 1,963 
 
 64,807 
 11,78-2 
 
 4,311 
 
 4,589 
 
 20,a32 
 
 £6,485 
 
 20,001 
 
 Rs. 
 
 1,040 
 
 10,695 
 3.141 
 
 690 
 1.000 
 0,941 
 2,830 
 
 5,000 
 
 9,966 
 2,118 
 2,500 
 
 Rs. 
 
 79 
 
 10 
 27 
 
 14 
 2-2 
 29 
 11 
 
 25 
 
 20 
 15 
 13 
 
 6 ap 
 
 45,340 19 
 
 XXIX 
 
A. D. 1791. 
 
 A. D. 1792. 
 
 A. D. 1793. 
 
 Prices of Grain, &c., per rupee ti 
 
 ■Hice 3i Peers. 
 
 Toor 5 „ 
 
 V/heat 3} „ 
 
 .Towaree . . 7 „ 
 
 Gram 5 „ 
 
 «>i,ee .... li „ 
 
 Oil 2i „ 
 
 Gool 3| ,, 
 
 Ordinary 
 Revenue. 
 
 Rfmis- 
 &ions. 
 
 liice 8 Seers. 
 
 Toor . . 
 Wlieat . . 
 Hajvee . . 
 J owaree 
 Gliee .< 
 Oil .... 
 Gool 
 
 9 
 
 8 
 14 
 13 
 
 3 
 
 n 
 
 Ordinary 
 Revenue. 
 
 Remis- 
 sions. 
 
 Dice lOiSoers. 
 
 Toor 
 
 Wheat . . 
 Bajree.. 
 Jowaree 
 Gram ■ • 
 Ghee ■ •■ 
 Oil .... 
 Gool . . 
 
 22 
 
 'i 
 42 
 30 
 1.5 
 
 35 
 
 6r 
 
 10 
 
 0''dinary 
 Kevenue. 
 
 Remis- 
 sions. 
 
 Rs. 
 
 17,458 
 
 Rs. 
 
 Es. 
 
 1,072 6 
 
 1,45,3^5 51,03-i 
 2,H9i| 878 
 
 5,81 3| 695 
 
 1.3,081 1,065 8 
 2.0,933! 3,000 10 
 
 17,353; 
 13,543 
 16,825 
 
 1, 20,003 
 
 7,709 
 5,776; 
 5,589i 
 
 44,4K6 
 
 19,333 
 7,93.3 
 
 4,15,10.5 
 01,652 
 
 50,488 
 
 ] .23,574 
 
 32,338 
 
 9,752 
 
 39,730 
 
 2,649 15 
 2,538; 19 
 6,055 33 
 
 11,250 
 
 150 
 600 
 010 
 
 0,013 
 
 4,784 
 
 2,298 
 
 1,33,319 
 
 26,550 
 
 9,234 
 
 40,170 
 
 2,015 
 
 lis. 
 
 Us. 
 
 Rs. 
 
 Rs.. 
 
 2,69,436 
 
 33,888 
 
 l:!,54:i 
 1 0,448 
 
 8,133 
 
 4,930 
 
 1,856 
 1,701 
 
 Rs. 
 
 23,261 
 
 2,49S; 31 
 
 Rs. 
 
 5,51,414 1,M6,485 
 
 18,318 
 
 11,91,225 3,32,429 
 
 XXX 
 
 93 
 
 28 
 
 32,851 
 6,850 
 
 19,730 
 
 4,0-23 
 3,925 
 
 12,795 
 
 5,53,519 
 
 1,08,307 
 
 65 
 
 25 
 
 1,01,777 18 
 
 18,730 
 
 9,653 
 
 4,82,685 1,34,661 
 
 49 
 
 16 
 
A, D. 1794. 
 
 A. D. 1795. 
 
 A. D. 1700 
 
 that the 
 
 records furnish 
 
 evidence. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Rice 7^8 
 
 eers. 
 
 3J 
 
 
 
 Wheat Hi 
 
 Tool'. ..... £0 
 
 Rice .... 9i g 
 Toor 20 
 
 eeis. 
 )» 
 
 31 ■ 
 
 Rice 8^ Seers. 
 
 Toor .... 15^ „ 
 
 Jowaree .. 26j ,, 
 Gram w. . . 18. „ 
 -fhee .... Si „ 
 
 on 4J „ 
 
 Gool .... 5J „ 
 
 Jowareo . . o4 
 
 Ghee 2i 
 
 Oil 6^ 
 
 Wheat 13 „ 
 
 Jowaree . . 36 „ 
 Ghee .... 1|- „ 
 
 Gool .... 5| 
 
 Oil ....... 7 „ 
 
 Gool „ 
 
 Ordinary 
 2levenue. 
 
 Romis- 
 eioiifc. 
 
 , i 
 
 If 
 s 
 
 Ordinary 
 llevcnue. 
 
 Remis- 
 sions. 
 
 
 Ordinary 
 llevenue. 
 
 fcions. 
 
 
 Rs. 
 1,87,006 
 
 » • • • 
 
 • • ■ • 
 
 • • * ■ 
 
 • • ■ • 
 
 C0,031 
 
 11,671 
 44,714 
 
 19,730 
 
 Rs. 
 
 52,206 
 
 * • • • 
 
 17,837 
 
 "l,500 
 • 26,065 
 
 14,770 
 1,12,438 
 
 Rs. 
 
 28 
 
 27 
 
 13 
 
 oti 
 
 75 
 34 
 
 Rs. 
 
 6,63,^63 
 s'l.GSS 
 
 6,15,491 
 
 Rs. 
 
 • • • ■ 
 
 1,05,157 
 
 0,57d 
 
 Rs. 
 
 • • 
 
 19 
 13 
 
 18 
 
 Rs. 
 
 41,210 
 
 12,0y,759 
 lo,IG3 
 
 l'9,730 
 
 Rs. 
 
 13,538 
 
 4,30,112 
 1,76-2 
 
 1 2,730 
 
 Rs. 
 
 .. 
 
 65 
 
 3,29,812 
 
 1,11,735 
 
 12,85,862 
 
 4,58,142 
 
 36 
 
 XXXI 
 
A. D. 1/98. 
 
 A. D. 1799. 
 
 A. D. 1803. 
 
 Prices of Grain, &c., per rupee to 
 
 Rice...! 
 Toor . . 
 Wheat .. 
 Jowaree 
 Gram . . 
 Ghee . . 
 
 Oil 
 
 Gool .. 
 
 Hi Seers, 
 
 14 ., 
 
 14 „ 
 
 20 „ 
 
 , 12 „ 
 
 21 „ 
 
 8 „ 
 
 7J „ 
 
 Rice 9 Seers. 
 
 Toor 10 „ 
 
 Wheat 13i „ 
 
 Jowaree . • 18 ,, 
 
 Gram. .... 13 „ 
 
 Ghee •••• oh ii 
 
 Oil 7 „ ' 
 
 Gool .... 8 J, 
 
 Rice li Seers, 
 
 Toor 4 „ 
 
 Wheat.... 2J ,, 
 
 Jowaree . . 3 ,, 
 
 Gram .... 4 „ 
 
 Ghee .... of „ 
 
 Oil 2 „ _ 
 
 Gool 4 
 
 Ordinary 
 Herenue. 
 
 Jlemis- 
 siona. 
 
 Ordinary 
 Revenue. 
 
 Remis- 
 sions. 
 
 Ordinary 
 Revenue. 
 
 Efmis- 
 
 S; * 
 
 lis. 
 
 Rs. 
 
 ,99,078 
 
 47,266 
 
 28,412 
 
 1,417 
 
 3,07,490 
 
 8,683 
 
 Rs. 
 
 Rs 
 5,32,460 
 
 1,35,000 
 
 Rs. 
 
 16 
 
 17 
 
 16 
 
 5,350 
 68,363 
 
 6,00,173 
 
 1,124 
 43,397 
 
 1,79,521 
 
 30 
 
 ,354 
 
 2,05,354 
 
 Rs. 
 
 Rs. 
 
 30,143 
 
 30,143 15 
 
 ■XXXU 
 
F. 
 
 ( xxxiii ) 
 
 rdentj in the years of scarcity specified, in those portions of Pbant Caenatic which were 
 said nearly tocorrespond with the hmits of the CoLiiECTOEATES of Sholapoor, Kulludghbe, 
 
 Jagheer and Surinjam Mahals- 
 
 A. D. 1804. 
 
 A. D. 1805. 
 
 A. D. 1806. 
 
 A. D. 1808. 
 
 A. D. 1810. 
 
 the extent that the records furnish 
 
 evidence 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Rico 4 g 
 
 eers. 
 
 Rice .... 8 fc 
 
 eers. 
 
 }J 
 
 >y 
 a 
 a 
 
 13 
 
 ;? 
 
 Ripp. . 11 R 
 
 eers. 
 
 Rirp ...... 10^ SJpflTMa 
 
 
 Toor .... 10 
 
 Toor 12 
 
 Wheat.,... 7 
 Bajree .... 18 
 Jowaree . . 10 
 Gram .... 13 
 
 Gheo 2 
 
 Oil 3J 
 
 Toor .... 14 
 
 
 
 
 Wheat .... 4§ „ 
 Bajree .... 10 „ 
 Jowaree -.13 „ 
 
 Gram 13 „ 
 
 Ghee .... U „ 
 Oi! 11 „ 
 
 Wheat.... 14 
 Bajree .. 21 
 Jowaree .: 34 
 
 Gram 22 
 
 Ghee 2i 
 
 Oil 5 
 
 Gool .... 4i 
 
 
 Wheat .... 27 
 
 Bajree 40 
 
 Jowaree . . 36 
 Gram .... 29 
 Ghee .... 2 
 Oil 5J 
 
 • 
 
 Gool .... 3| „ 
 
 Gool Si 
 
 Gool .... 8 „ 
 
 
 
 
 
 Ordinary 
 RerOKue. 
 
 Remis- 
 sions. 
 
 ^f 
 
 Ordinarj- 
 Revenue. 
 
 Remis- 
 sions. 
 
 "1 
 
 Ordinary 
 Revenue. 
 
 Remis- 
 sions. ' 
 
 . a. 
 
 Ordinary 
 Revenue. 
 
 Remis- 
 sions. 
 
 o- 
 
 Ordinary 
 Revenue. 
 
 Remis- 
 sions. 
 
 
 s 
 
 at 
 
 Ks. 
 
 2,21,518 
 
 41,364 
 1,39,573 
 
 Rs. 
 
 29,271 
 
 4,493 
 32 0f2 
 
 • • « • 
 • • • " 
 
 Rs. 
 
 13 
 
 11 
 23 
 
 Rs. 
 
 1,09,316 
 
 1,33,38! 
 
 Rs. 
 
 13,580 
 
 32,089 
 40,069 
 
 Rs. 
 12 
 
 24 
 
 Rs. 
 
 71,484 
 
 4,72,527 
 1,34,260 
 
 Rs. 
 12,162 
 
 2,15,336 
 29,361 
 
 Rs. 
 17 
 
 46 
 22 
 
 Us. 
 
 1,34,029 
 39,161 
 
 Rs. 
 .... 
 
 29,055 
 2l',897 
 
 Rs. 
 
 22 
 56 
 
 Bs. 
 
 2,7'7,'i22 
 
 17,245 
 15,827 
 
 ' 3^812 
 
 15,356 
 
 *V,969 
 40,S21 
 
 • . . . 
 
 1,09,357 
 
 Rs. 
 
 1,09,499 
 
 l",535 
 1,691 
 
 '582 
 
 2,231 
 
 "'i35 
 33,975 
 
 4 • . • 
 
 '23J62I 
 
 R 
 
 3 
 
 1 
 1 
 
 i 
 
 8 
 
 ■ 
 2 
 
 S. 
 
 9 
 
 1 
 
 5 ■ 
 
 5 
 
 4 
 3 
 
 4,08,456 
 
 65,846 
 
 ^6 
 
 2,49,697 
 
 19 
 
 6,78,277 
 
 2,50,879 
 
 38 
 
 1,73,190 
 
 60,952 
 
 29 
 
 4,82,609 
 
 • 
 
 1,78,669 
 
 3 
 
 S 
 
 A. T. BTHERIDGB, 
 Alienation Settlement Officer, S. D. 
 
XXXIV 
 
 APPENDIX 
 
 SHOWING the Prices op Grain &c., and Eemissions of RevjenuEj during the late 
 were under the direct management of .the Peishw-a, and which may^ for, present purposes, be 
 as now consitituted. 
 
 Note. — There is no information respecting 
 
 
 A. D. 1775. 
 
 A. D. 1790. 
 
 
 
 
 
 Prices of Grain &c., 
 
 per rupee to 
 
 
 ice in the husk 
 
 56 
 
 56 
 
 22 
 
 32 
 
 19 
 
 19 
 
 ^h 
 
 ■ 2 
 
 6J 
 
 Seers. 
 
 Rice in the husk . 
 
 
 38 
 30 
 22 
 20 
 22 
 22 
 44 
 
 34 
 
 2 
 
 6i 
 
 Seers. 
 
 / 
 
 i} 
 jj 
 }j 
 
 31 
 
 ?i 
 
 ?i 
 }J 
 
 E 
 
 
 ji 
 
 ag 
 ee 
 od 
 
 00 
 
 [oc 
 
 il 
 
 he 
 oo 
 
 lea , . . . . 
 
 Teel .... 
 
 
 
 T 
 
 1 
 
 
 NAMES OF DISTRICTS. T 
 
 eed 
 
 Toor .... 
 
 
 
 t 
 
 Moog .... 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Wuraee . 
 Oil 
 
 
 
 G 
 G 
 
 e 
 
 1 
 
 Ghee 
 
 
 
 ■ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 B 
 
 rdinary 
 evenue. 
 
 Remissions. 
 
 Percentage. 
 
 Ordinary Revenue. 
 
 Remissions. 
 
 Percentage. 
 
 Ca 
 
 h. 
 
 Grain. 
 
 Cash. 
 
 Grain. 
 
 Cash. 
 
 Grain. 
 
 Cash. 
 
 Grain. 
 
 Cash, 
 
 Grain. 
 
 Cash. 
 
 Grain. 
 
 E 
 
 I. Prant CuUian Bhewndee . . . 
 II. Talooka N6ral 
 
 III. Perg. Sankse 
 
 IV. Prant Bellapoor 
 
 - V. Turuf Atgaum 
 
 VI. Prant Kurnalla 
 
 VII. Prant Raj pooree 
 
 VIII. Talooka Rajmacliee 
 
 IX. Talooka Oondereo 
 
 X. Talooka Awcheetgurli 
 
 XI. MamI6 Palee 
 
 XII. Talooka Beerwarec 
 
 XII I. Prant Bassein 
 
 XIV. Mamie Kohoj 
 
 XV. Talooka Raeegurh 
 
 XVI. Turuf Shreegaum 
 
 XVII. Talooka Viziadroog 
 
 XVIII. Talooka Unj unwell 
 
 XIX, Talooka Rutnagherry 
 
 XX. Talooka Soverndroog 
 
 a. 
 
 Candies. 
 .3,604 
 
 Es. 
 
 Candies. 
 1,675 
 
 Es. 
 
 Candies. 
 '46 
 
 Es. 
 1,65,120 
 "5^104 
 
 91,366 
 
 ' 3,097 
 14,4t9 
 
 4,030 
 
 0,05,059 
 
 6,327 
 
 80J743 
 70,606 
 
 Candies. 
 
 3s951 
 3,193 
 2,799 
 3,155 
 
 1,395 
 2,983 
 
 '950 
 
 '191 
 
 Es. 
 
 2,116 
 25 
 .... 
 
 '2K003 
 
 ' '2,385 
 1,910 
 
 "357 
 
 2,52,951 
 824 
 
 ° 5,600 
 5,003 
 
 Candies. 
 
 2,065 
 439 
 
 1,213 
 224 
 
 1,090 
 259 
 
 40 
 
 36 
 
 Es. 
 1 
 
 22 
 
 '70 
 13 
 
 "9 
 42 
 13 
 
 w ■ 
 
 6 
 "7 
 
 Candies. 
 
 '67 
 14 
 43 
 
 7 
 
 '78 
 9 
 
 4 
 
 '19 
 
 Total 
 
 • 
 
 3,664 
 
 •• 
 
 1,675 
 
 •• 
 
 46 
 
 10,46,261 
 
 18,617 
 
 2,90,574 
 
 5,966 
 
 28 
 
 32 
 
A. D. 1791. 
 
 the extent that the records furnish evidence. 
 
 Rice in the husk 27i Seei-s. 
 
 Kaglee 22 „ 
 
 Teel 15 „ 
 
 Oodeed 18 „ 
 
 Toor , ••... 19 „ 
 
 Wuiaee 38 
 
 Oil 3i „ 
 
 Ghee... 2 „ 
 
 Gool 4 „ 
 
 Ordinary 
 
 Revenue. 
 
 Remissions. 
 
 Percentage. 
 
 Cash. 
 
 Oraln. 
 
 Cash. 
 
 GraiD. 
 
 Cash 
 
 Grain. 
 
 Es. 
 
 Candies. 
 
 Es. 
 
 Candies. 
 
 Es. 
 
 Candies. 
 
 1,74,358 
 
 
 5,989 
 
 
 3 
 
 .... 
 
 1,27,152 
 
 
 1,034 
 
 
 1 
 
 .... 
 
 5,150 
 
 3,957 « 
 
 23 
 
 2,871 
 
 .... 
 
 73 
 
 
 2,763 
 
 
 723 
 
 • -.. 
 
 26 
 
 
 2,056 
 
 
 1,112 
 
 .... 
 
 54 
 
 12,764 
 
 1,701 
 
 368 
 
 406 
 
 3 
 
 24 
 
 83,361 
 
 5,121 
 
 8,067 
 
 978 
 
 10 
 
 19 
 
 540 
 
 • «•■•«• 
 
 121 
 
 
 23 
 
 • • • ■ 
 
 
 1,313 
 
 
 324 
 
 • •.. 
 
 25 
 
 14,765 
 
 2,992 
 
 3,710 
 
 4C2 
 
 25 
 
 15 
 
 
 1,094 
 
 
 
 37 
 
 • ■ • * 
 
 3 
 
 4,090 
 
 956 
 
 223 
 
 25 
 
 5 
 
 3 
 
 6,06,337 
 
 
 1,85,028 
 
 
 31 
 
 • ■ • ■ 
 
 
 101 
 
 
 24 
 
 '.'.'.'. 
 
 24 
 
 1,14,429 
 
 
 28,607 
 
 
 25 
 
 :::: 
 
 40,666 
 
 
 26,179 
 
 
 64 
 
 .... 
 
 90,096 
 
 
 29,580 
 
 
 32 
 
 .... 
 
 57,064 
 
 6,629 
 
 2,288 
 
 840 
 
 4 
 
 13 
 
 13,30,772 
 
 28,683 
 
 2,91,220 
 
 7,802 
 
 22 
 
 27 
 
 7 ap'* 
 
 XXXV 
 
A. D. 1792. 
 
 Pi'ices of grain &c. per rupee to 
 
 Rice in theliusk « 18 Seers. 
 
 Naglee ••.. 13f „ 
 
 Teel 12 ,, 
 
 Oodeed - 16 „ 
 
 Toor 16 „ 
 
 Moos 19 
 
 Wuraee 19 „ 
 
 on 3i „ 
 
 Ghee 2 „ 
 
 Gool 4 
 
 Ordinary Ee^enue. 
 
 Remissions. 
 
 Percentage. 
 
 Cash. 
 
 Grain. 
 
 Ca.li. 
 
 Grain. 
 
 Cash. 
 
 Graiiiv 
 
 Ks. 
 
 Candies. 
 
 Ks. 
 
 Candies. 
 
 Rs. 
 
 Candies. 
 
 ""5,186 
 
 "" 12,712 
 
 23,783 
 
 715 
 
 "s'oes 
 
 2,699 
 2,05B 
 1,783 
 
 7,705 
 
 39 
 
 488 
 
 3,025 
 
 156 
 
 • 1,875 
 
 420 
 
 360 
 
 0S6 
 
 1,073 
 
 ■■>■.■ • 
 
 1 
 
 4 
 13 
 22 
 
 "47 
 
 16 
 
 le- 
 ss 
 
 14 
 
 15,195 
 
 4,100 
 2,70,790 
 
 3,125 
 
 1,037 
 
 957 
 
 2,420 
 
 ■"■ 117 
 
 71,893 
 
 
 
 313 
 
 10 
 13 
 
 16 
 1 
 3 
 
 20 
 
 10 
 
 1 
 
 i)l,llC 
 
 
 25,000 
 
 
 27 
 
 .... 
 
 1,90,646 
 
 
 2?,425 
 
 
 12 
 20 
 
 • • • • 
 
 6,20,449 
 
 23,385 
 
 1,25,563 
 
 4,700 
 
 20 
 
 XXXVl 
 
( xxxvii ) 
 
 ®. 
 
 Government^ in the years of scai'oity specified, in those portions of T'eant Concan which 
 said nearly to correspond with the limits of the Collectokates of Tanna 'and Rutnagherky, 
 
 Jagheer and Surinjam Mahals . 
 
 A. D. 1793. 
 
 A. D. 1802. 
 
 A. D. 1804. 
 
 the extent that the records furnish evidence. 
 
 Rice i 
 
 . Nagle 
 Teel . 
 
 n the h 
 
 
 18 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 131 „ 
 19- ,, 
 
 
 
 
 Rice i 
 
 Nagle 
 
 Moog 
 
 Tool- 
 
 Oil .. 
 
 Ghee 
 
 Gool 
 
 1 the huslt 
 
 41 seers. 
 
 • 48 „ 
 
 • 13 „ 
 
 • 9 „ 
 
 • 21 „ 
 
 • 1| „ 
 ■ 4 ,, 
 
 fiicf ill tlifi TiiisU 
 
 
 24 Seers. 
 
 . 18 ,; 
 
 2| „ 
 
 n „ 
 
 ■ 3| „ 
 
 Oodecd 19 „ 
 
 
 Naf 
 Oil 
 Gh( 
 Goo 
 
 
 
 Toor 19 „ 
 
 
 Moog 19 „ 
 
 
 
 Wuriee 18 „ 
 
 1 
 
 Oil 3i „ 
 
 
 
 Ghee 
 
 Gool 
 
 
 2 „ 
 6J „ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Ordinary 
 Revenue. 
 
 Remissions. 
 
 Percentage. 
 
 Ordinary 
 Revenue. 
 
 Remissions. 
 
 Percentage. 
 
 Ordinary . 
 Revenue. 
 
 Remissions. 
 
 Percentage. 
 
 nash. 
 
 Grain. 
 
 Cash. 
 
 Grain. 
 
 Cash. 
 
 Grain. 
 
 Cash. 
 
 Grain. 
 
 Cash. 
 
 Grain. 
 
 Cash. 
 
 Grain. 
 
 Cash. 
 
 Grain 
 
 Cash. 
 
 Grain. 
 
 Cash. 
 
 Grain. 
 
 .d. 
 
 80,743 
 
 Candies. 
 
 Rs. 
 37,495 
 
 Candies. 
 
 K.>i. 
 
 '46 
 
 Candies. 
 
 Es. 
 
 19,321 
 23'257 
 
 Candies. 
 
 > 
 
 • • 
 
 3,665 
 1,002 
 
 4,836 
 
 Us. 
 
 3,866 
 634 
 
 603 
 
 Candies. 
 
 404 
 "72 
 
 471 
 
 Rs. 
 
 '20 
 13 
 
 "3 
 
 CanJies. 
 
 14 
 
 7 
 
 10 
 
 Ks. 
 
 Candies. 
 1,902 
 
 Ks. 
 
 Candie?. 
 '583 
 
 Ks. 
 
 •■• 
 
 Candies. 
 "31 
 
 80,743 
 
 •• 
 
 37,495 
 
 •• 
 
 46 
 
 •• 
 
 47,2P4 
 
 9,503 
 
 5,103 
 
 1,037 
 
 11 
 
 11 
 
 •• 
 
 1,902 
 
 583 
 
 •• 
 
 31 
 
 A. T. ETHERIDGE, 
 Alienation Settlement Officer, S. D. 
 
( xxxviii ) 
 
 APPENDIX H 
 
 MINUTE ON THE FAMINE OP 1802 IN THE BOMBAY PRE- 
 SIDENCY. (BY THE HONORABLE J;ONATHAN DUNCAN, 
 
 GOVERNOR AND PRESIDENT IN COUNCIL OF BOMBAY.) 
 
 « 
 
 Bombay, the 10th June 1805. 
 
 1. Having had occasion to revise our proceedings on the matter of the 
 
 Company^s CounseFs Report of the 10th of 
 Suinmary of Proceedings re- May lastj and of Mr. Henshaw's explanatory 
 
 p?esen/perSd.^''°"' ^^"^ *'" *^' 1^"^^' "^^ ^^'^ 8*^'^ ^^^*^^*^ ^ ^^^^ prepared the 
 
 following summary, as well for the satisfaction 
 of my own mind as to bring the whole subject more distinctly into a con- 
 nected point of view. It will thence appear that after the abrogation of the 
 
 ., . . _ , ,„„. Custom Master's general powers to regulate 
 Abrogation m September 1802 ° i • i i i 
 
 of the Custom Master's powers the export of grain, which took place by a 
 respecting the restriction of the Resolution of Council passed on the 3rd of 
 export of gram. , ■, o/^ • 
 
 September 1802, it was represented to us by 
 
 Mr. Henshaw, in his capacity of Custom Master, on the lOfch of September 
 1803, that in consequence of the failure of that season, unless a total prohi- 
 bition were put to the exportation of rice, an inevitable famine would be 
 
 _ -. , . , . the consequence: to which exportation he was 
 
 Custom Master authorised m ^ ^ . '■ 
 
 September 1803 to put a stop to accordingly authorised to put a stop, till fur- 
 the export 'of grain till further ther orders, by the Secretary's letter to him of 
 
 the same month and year, after which he con- 
 tinned sometimes to address the Board, but more frequently the Governor, 
 in his separate capacity ; in consequence of which the records wUl show that 
 
 I delivered in several of his letters to myself 
 
 Explanation of the materials for the opinion of Government, whilst others 
 whence the following narrative is «,, .i, ^ ,-,■,■ n , • .-, 
 
 deduced. *^* them that related chiefly to the execution 
 
 and details incident to the powers with which 
 
 he had been invested by Government appear to have been kept in my office, 
 
 and replied to, as far as necessary, under my own signature, or by my order, 
 
 of which separate correspondence, as well as of those notes and intimations 
 
 that I have, in the like view of expediting the duties of Mr. Heushaw's 
 
 charge in the grain department, had occasion to transmit to him ; copies of 
 
 such as have not already come before the Board are now delivered in for 
 
 record, as far as I have been able to trace and collect them j and althouo-h ■ 
 
 every line or note may not be found in this series, yet all that is in the least 
 
 degree material will, I fancy, be found to be so, or otherwise Mr. Henshaw 
 
 can sunnlv anv that mav bo lifii-f- rlpflpient • nnd Tnonnwliilo T T-onnoof fl.of 
 
( xxxix ) 
 
 these may stand entered on ,tlie face of our proceedings, immediately after 
 
 • Mr. Henshaw's letter of tlie 8th of June, and having thus rendered them of 
 
 record^ the following narrative will be taken from the former and present 
 
 materials, according to the order of dates, after generally referring to several 
 
 of these separate letters or notes between me, 
 
 Lib^-al suggestions of Mr. Hen- or my Secretary, and Mr. Ilenshaw, and Mr. 
 
 shawm respect to the means of rr n-j j.i o • ^ i j. a -r, t n , 
 
 alleviating the saarcity. ±ialliaay, the bupermtendent oi Police, that 
 
 may be in the Board's recollection as standing 
 already on record, relating chiefly to the precautions taken on the first 
 threatening appearances of scarcity ; one of which (in a letter from Mr. Hen- 
 shaw of the 27th September 1803, as recorded in our proceedings of the 30th 
 of that month) adverts to the exemption from town duties of ghee, oil, tur- 
 meric, jagree, molasses, chelee-pepper, and pawn ; and that letter is farther 
 • recommendatory of the taldng off of all duties on imports from Caranja and 
 Salsette to Bombay, as well as the duties on all imports from the Continent 
 to those Islands, and of the abolition of the petty customs on several indis- 
 pensibly necessary articles, nsed principally by the poorer classes on this 
 Island ; Mr. Henshaw concluding on this occasion with the following expres- 
 sion — " In respect to myself as Custom Master, I beg to assure you I have 
 only the public good in view, that I will labour hard to that end, nor think 
 any sacrifice of my emoluments or time too great or ill-applied when it can 
 be promoted thereby." ■ 
 
 2. In pursuance of these suggestions, an advertisement was issued on 
 
 the 27th of September 1803, announcing the 
 
 the^e:!.%led!"*''" '^^'" ^^-^-1 exemptions suggested in Mr. Hen- 
 
 shaw's preceding recommendations. 
 
 3. Mr. Ilenshaw having farther recommended on the same occasion that 
 
 the Garrison Storekeeper should be directed 
 Superintendent of Police ap- to bring to sale 200 bags of rice daily, in small 
 pointed to dispose of grain for the jj -^ quantities, and at a certain price, a 
 consumption of the Isiantls. ^ ' . 
 
 committee was appointed — of himself, the Su- 
 perintendent of PoUce, and of Captain Moor, the -Garrison Storekeeper — to 
 report thereon, which they did in recommendation of the plan, but preferring 
 to delegate the charge of it to the Superintendent of Police, instead of the 
 Garrison Storekeeper, as was accordingly sanctioned on the 30th of Sep- 
 tember 1803. 
 
 4. On the 18th and 19th of September 1803 applications had been made 
 
 by Government to Mr. Ravenshaw, the Col- 
 Means taken to procure rice igctor of Mangalore, respecting the sending up 
 from Mangalore, &c. . ^ ,^ ■ ■. ^ ■ r ■. • i xi 
 
 rice for this market, m pursuance oi wnich the 
 
 Eiuldart was .on the 12th o*f October dispatched thither for its conveyance ; 
 8 ap 
 
( xl ) 
 
 and, under the same date Major (now Lieutenant Colonel) Malcolm^ the 
 Eesident at Mysore being then at this place, wrofe to his Assistant, Mr. 
 Peile, to promote this object, by corresponding with Mr. Ravenshaw, and by 
 encouraging the transit of grain from Mysore to Mangalore, as far as might 
 not interfere with the arrangements made by the Honorable General Wel- 
 
 lesloy for the supplies of his Army, or other 
 
 Honorable Company's ship EZ- military objects in that quarter; whilst,* as a 
 pninstone sent to Uengal tor rice. j j • m 
 
 farther measure of precaution, the Board deter- 
 mined on the 23rd of September 1803 to dispatch the ElpJimstone to Bengal 
 for a cargo of rice. 
 
 5. In my separate letter to Mr. Henshaw of the 16th of October 1803, in 
 answer to one from him of the preceding date, I expressed to him, in view 
 
 " to the measures that had been thus pursued, my hope that he would now bo 
 
 able to keep us clear of famine, and gradually to reduce the price of rice, 
 
 adding that he might buy all the rice that 
 
 , Mr. Henshaw autliorised to buy camo in, as long as he should find it useful; 
 rice, dealin" liberally with the . . ,., , . ,i , ,i • 
 
 importers. givmg liberal prices, so as that the importers 
 
 might not be discouraged in pursuing the 
 traffic, and taking care not to force their inclinations even in obliging them 
 to sell to Government when they might prefer to deal with others, since we 
 could always afford to give as much as any first purchaser from the importer ; 
 and noticing that although our treasury was exceedingly low, yet if he wanted 
 
 a small sum to go on with to let me know, and 
 
 Allusion to the state of the -^^ should have it, for that the importers should 
 treasury. . 
 
 be paid ready cash; and concluding by an 
 
 assurance that I entrusted this great and delicate commission to his honor. 
 
 Reliance expresscfl in Mr. Hen- zeal, and judgment, and relied on experiencing 
 
 Shaw's honor, zeal, and judgment, ti^g ^egt effects from the confidence thus placed. 
 
 6. On the same date, but before ho had received my last mentioned let- 
 
 ler, Mr. Henshaw wrote another, advising that 
 
 Mr. Henshaw's proposition to 1^200 robins of rice had just entered from 
 buy the nee imported by indi- ,, , ,, ...-,, ■,-,.,, 
 
 victuals from Mangalore. Mangalore, the ov/ner of which had sold it to 
 
 the second man, provided Government permit- 
 ted it, such second man having been with Mr. Henshaw, and declared his 
 willingness to give up his purchase for two annas profit on each robin, which 
 Mr. Henshaw recommended as lacing likely to produce the best con- 
 sequences, as well as that all future imports during the next thirty days ' 
 should be purchased in the same manner; and concluding with these words 
 
 — "I will manage it for your comfort and 
 His assurances of an honoura- i,„„„. i „i- u t i i i • ■, ■ -, 
 
 ble discharge of this duty. '■^°^°^' believe me.^^ In acknowlodgmg which 
 
 I, on the same day, expressed my entire 
 
( xli ) 
 
 approbation of his purcliasing the rice then imported, and selling it in such 
 manner as he should sd? the most likely to produce the greatest general. 
 
 Directed to keep the shops of ^^^^i^^ ' ^^"^^^^ " ^ ^^^^ ^""^^ ^f""- Halliday that 
 the Superintendent of Police sup- I leave it to you to supply his shops ; he will 
 plied for thelocal consumption. speak to you on the subject." 
 
 7. In his next letter of the day following, after acknowledging mine of 
 
 • the 15th, he writes — "I shall conscientiously 
 
 Mr. Ilcnshaw's farther assur- endeavour to meet your wishes in the discharge 
 ances of a conscientious discharge •' . ° - 
 
 on his part of the duty thus of the trust you havG reposed in me, and to 
 
 reposed in him, and without call- j^erit your regards, and you may depend on 
 
 ing on the treasury if he could j o ' j ; 
 
 avoid it. my exerting every means to save calling on 
 
 the treasury for assistance." 
 
 8. Under dates the 2nd and 3rd of December 1803 there will be found 
 
 in the collection of separate correspondence 
 
 Explanation as to what parts of now delivered in some notice of payments into 
 the separate correspondence will .i . j r ^i i -j. i x x /• 
 
 be noticed in this nirative. ^^'^ treasury, and of the straitened state of our 
 
 resources, which not appearing very material 
 
 to the subject under consideration, need not here be recapitulated j a rule 
 
 which, for the sake of requisite brevity, will be observed in respect to all the 
 
 other more irrelative notices it may be found to contain. 
 
 9. On the 14th of December 1803 I advised Mr. Hensliaw of my having 
 
 heard ( no doubt from the Eosidont) at Poena 
 Mr. Hensliaw consulted about j.i . ■ .,■ , ,, 
 
 the growing scarcity at Poona, *^a* gi'^m was getting very scarce at that 
 
 and the proposition from that capital, and that the Government there wished 
 quarter to send down their Brin- , j j ,, -»t i- t> • • • . 
 
 jarrics to purchase from Bombay, to send down the Native Brmjarnes to pur- 
 chase for the community at that place, upon 
 which I asked him whether any rice had yet been re-exported out of the 
 Notice of Mr. Henshaw's hav- one-third proportion that he recommended; 
 ing recommended a proportion of adding " I rely On your keeping your eye on 
 
 the imports to be exported; and the market with the view to provide alwavs, 
 query to him thereon, with caution , „ . v> "^ n <»_> ^., 
 
 to him to keep an eye on the Is*, for our armies above the ghauts, to the 
 market, so as to provide for oflr Q^^i^j^t of General Wellesley's commission of 
 ov\'n exterior and interior wants. ,^„„ Tr.7/. 
 
 1,000 garce ; and 2?irf, for our population here ; " 
 
 and thereon suggesting to him the expediency of buying another ship's cargo • 
 in answer to which Mr. Henshaw suggested the purchasing to the eixtent of one 
 
 lac of bags, in addition to what he had previ- 
 His consequent suggestion to ^usly engaged for, in view not only to the 
 extend our purchases. i -r. -r. • ■ ■ i 
 
 supply of the Poona Briujarries, but to give 
 
 us the means of exerting the proper checks over the markets in Bombay, 
 and thereby to protect the poor from (according to Mr. Henshaw's expres- 
 sion) " those harpieSj the grain dealers." 
 
xlii ) 
 
 10. Under date the 24tL of December 1803 Mr. Henshaw addressed to 
 
 me a fm-tlier letter, #liicli in view, no doubt, 
 * Mr. Ilcnshaw's proposal in . ■, -• .. t j. i i i 
 
 December 1803 to extend the *° its -importance, I appear to have placed on 
 
 indulgence of export to half of the public record, as it suggested the pro- 
 inipor . ^ priety of extending, till further orders, the 
 
 indulgence of export to half of the import, which would, he observed, 
 increase the price to what would make the trip from Bengal a gain, and 
 not, as was then the case, a loss ; Government's acquiescence in which pro- 
 position was on the same day signified to him by the Secretary. 
 
 11. On the 29th December 1803 Mr. Henshaw wrote to me that he had 
 hitherto managed to bear the Honorable Company harmless as to every 
 expense for assistance, Purvoes, &c., for the Grain Department, but"that he 
 now found it pressed very hard upon him, and to become even burthensome, 
 
 so as to induce him to request I would permit 
 
 Mr Henshavv's application to j^j^^ ^.q employ Mr. Whitehill to assist him, 
 DC allowed an Assistant and ^ •' ' 
 
 Purvoe in the Grain Department, with one good Purvoe ; and as they would 
 
 have very full employment, he hoped I would 
 not think him extravagant in recommending Mr. Whitehill for a monthly 
 allowance of 200 Rupees, and a Purvoe for one of 50 Rupees ; to which 
 
 I on the same day replied that as long as 
 there was a gentleman in the service unpro- 
 vided for, I could not consent to the employment of Mr. Whitehill, but that 
 if he (Mr. Henshaw) liked to fix on any of the young men in the line of full 
 employment, he should be named. 
 
 12. On the 22iid of January 1804 Mr. Henshaw advised me that the 
 
 . . . , price of Moongee rice had risen considerably 
 Kse of the price of rice m the '■ . ° . ■,-,-, 
 
 Bazar, and Mr. Henshaw's sug- smce last week, whence he judged it would be 
 gcstion thereon to throw more into advisable to throw from 4 to 6,000 bags into 
 
 the market, in order to prevent its further rise, 
 provided I approved of the measure ; in reply to which I informed him on 
 the same day that, as I left him to judge of the regulation of the market, I 
 
 , ,1 , , 1 f^ <- approvedeutirely of his intention to throw from 
 
 Answer: that he was lett to -i^ J^ . *. ■ "v^lu. 
 
 judge the regulation of the mar- 4 to 0,000 bags into the local consumption, by 
 '^'^^- way of keeping the rice from rising too high. 
 
 13. Under date the 7th of February 1804 there appears a letter from me 
 
 to Mr. Henshaw, desiring his sentiments on 
 
 Proceedings in February 1804, ^j^j^^. ^^j j^^. constitute an eligible means, by 
 
 m view to settling* a reward for . P ° ' J 
 
 Mr. Henshaw's trouble. commission Or otherwise, of extending a fair 
 
 and reasonable remuneration to him and to 
 Mr. Eavcnshaw, who purchased rice for us at Mangalore, without too great 
 
( xliii ) 
 
 any answer from Mr. Honsliaw till the 15tli of Juno 1804, wherein^ after 
 referring to an intermediate report of the 23rd of April, he states the pu»- 
 chase made by him np to the latest date to amount to the value of 8,50,000 
 Rupees, observing that their future amount can be but trifling, and the " large 
 supplies in expectance are all upon contracts, some for small agreements 
 recently made excepted, whose amount can (he adds) scare reach to two 
 lacs ;" upon which data the Board recorded it as their opinion on the 15th of 
 June that Mr. Henshaw would deriv^e a due and sufiiciently liberal reward 
 by being allowed to charge 2 .J per cent, both on his purchases and on his 
 sales, with which Mr. Henshaw declared, in his letter of the 16th of June, 
 his highest satisfaction, as well as at the Board's expression, on the same occa- 
 sion, of approbation of his conduct in the important trust committed to him. 
 
 14. But to resume the narrative according to the order of the dates. 
 
 The Honorable Sir Arthur Wellesly having 
 TefL^To:7:;sS^X^C declined the further supply of rice intended to 
 rice intended for General Welles- have been sent to Poona, Mr. Henshaw pro- 
 PooS &a ^°"'' <=°"^""Pti°'i °f posed, in a letter to the Secretary to Govern- 
 ment of the 16th of February, to bring the 
 same, and also the arranged supply in aid of Pooua, into market in regulated 
 portions, and for exportation to Poona arid the adjacent countries, " having 
 
 . _, ^ , . (as Mr. Henshaw concludes) ever in view the 
 
 Answer : Cjovernment leaving ' 
 
 to his judgment to propose the objects pointed out to hnn by Government;" 
 apportionment of the home sales j^ ^g | ^^ ^^^^i^ ^^ ^^as, on the 18th of the 
 and exports. . . _ 
 
 same month and year, sigmned to him that 
 
 Government left to his judgment to propose the appointment of the rice to 
 
 be sold here, and of the quantity to be exported, having always in view to 
 
 guard the Company from loss throughout the whole concern,aud on the 22nd 
 
 his proposed appropriations thereof, both for home consumption and for 
 
 exportation, received the sanction of Government. 
 
 15. The next notice that appears on the public records is a letter to me 
 
 from Mr. Henshaw, proposing, under date the 
 His proposed export to Surat. 21st February 1804, immediate transmission 
 
 of 10,000 bags of rice to the Magistrate at Surat, in consequence of the great 
 alarm that had arisen there as to the probable extent of the increasing 
 scarcity in that quarter, to which, on the day following, the Board agreed, 
 
 as well as to a farther suggestion that in his 
 agScd t?onthr22nd'Eulry aforesaid letter Mr. Henshaw had submitted 
 1804, reducing the privilege of to me of a reduction of the exports to one- 
 o'rtS-ts'r/S ^-Xt Wth of the imports of rice and other grain, 
 ing to Surat, whither one moiety excepting to Surat, where they should be 
 might be sent. allowed, imdor regulation, to the extent of one- 
 
 half, which orders issuing from the Board, although the letter was addressed 
 
( xliv ) 
 
 to me, comes in further illustration of the principe that I have abeady ex- 
 piained to have generally regulated my conduct in respect to my intercourse 
 on grain subjects with Mr. Henshaw. 
 
 16. On the 13th of March 1804 Mr. Henshaw reported his detention of a 
 
 large quantity of grain on the eve of being 
 
 Mr. Henshaw's report on the y„„ie^ off of the Island, such as rendered 
 
 13tb of Marclf of a large quantity , oa ,,,,ii.i ii 
 
 of grain being nearly smuggled it liable to forfeiture; but as he truly thought 
 oif of the Islands, and proceed- ^-^^ proprietors were not aware of the crime 
 ings thereon. ^^^^ committed, he proposed levying a fine of 
 
 half a rupee per bag on tho grain in question, which was agreed to on the 
 15th of tho same month and year, accompanied by a requisition to the Cus- 
 tom Master to submit a more detailed report on the subject, which as he 
 omitted to make till the circumstances became an object of animadversion in 
 
 . the late trial of his Purvoe, Appajee Bhow, in 
 the^crrS'agalf wrKo^in the Court of Oyer and Terminer, this_ matter 
 the Court. remains yet, in some degree, undetermined. 
 
 17. Under date the 21th of March 1804 a letter was received from 
 
 Mr. Waring, tho Assistant Secretary at Poena, 
 
 Renewed notice from Poona of gi„^if„ina- that His Highness the Paishwa had 
 the scarcity. ° *' ? , ° , , . , . 
 
 intimated the most earnest and anxious desire 
 
 that the prohibition on the exportation of grain 
 Desire expressed to obtain as- f^,^^ ^-^^ Island of Bombay should, if practica- 
 sistance from Bombay. ,, , .,i i r. ,i j? /r j- 
 
 ble, be withdrawn for tho purpose or aliording 
 
 some supplies to that place, where numbers were dying daily from actual 
 want; in acknowledging which communication the Secretary was, under 
 
 date the 30th of March, instructed to adviso 
 ■'^°^^''^'^- Mr. Waring that there had not been any 
 
 general prohibition on the exportation of grain from Bombay, which was 
 allowed to be exported in certain specified proportions, tlie regulating or 
 superintending of which was necessarily left to the Custom Master, who 
 was at the same time informed of this correspondence with Mr. Waring, 
 with instructions to be attentive that the purport of this notice to him 
 
 should bo attended to, so as to have due oper- 
 Instructions thereon to Mr. ^^^^^ ^-^j^-^ ^^^^ present prescribed limits 
 Ilensuaw. _ _ ^ '^ 
 
 of exportation in favour of the urgent neces- 
 sities of the population at Poona ; and a public advertisement was at the 
 
 „ , „„ , . same time issued, announcing that Government 
 Pubhcation of the 30th of .-i j- n ^ i i -i . 
 
 March 1804, permitting the ex- had, until further orders, been pleased to 
 
 portation to the Continent of one permit the exportation to the Continent of one 
 moiety of all grain imported from .. /.,, •• j.ji •j--ii 
 
 the northward, and of one quar- moiety of all grain imported by individuals 
 
 ter of all imports from the south- from the northward, and of one quarter of all 
 ward. • • , t n ,1 ■ ,■• ■>. 
 
( xlv ) 
 
 wliicli proportions permits would bo granted on application to tte Custom 
 Master. 
 
 18. In acknowledging the above instructions^ Mr. Henshaw reported, 
 
 „ „ , , , on the 3rd of April 1804. that the stock on 
 
 Mr. Henshaw s report on the , ■ -, ■■!■,-, 
 
 3rii of April 1804 that 1,4(1,000 hand and ascertained expectancies enabled 
 
 bags of rice might be exported to Jjim to suggest that, unless very unforeseen 
 
 ■ circumstances aroso to prevent it, an exporta- 
 tion would be permitted to Poona of 1,40,000 bags of rice, of which Mr. - 
 Waring was accordingly advised on the 5th of the same month (through 
 Amerchund Bedurchund, who had brought his letter) ; the Custom Master 
 being ait the same time informed that, as his report had shown so considerable 
 
 a surplus of rice to be applicable for the relief 
 
 ApSTsoTtfXw'the Paishwa"! °^ ^0°"^^ ^'^^ Governor in Council was pleased 
 Vakeels and the Poena Agents to to direct that he allow the Paishwa's Vakeels 
 
 pu?cblses°'"''*^'^°'°"'''°^'^"''' a^^ t^^ ascertained Agents from Poona to 
 
 export at once what they had already purchas- 
 ed, provided our actual stock on hand would safely admit thereof, and 
 noting it as so much in the whole quantity that he had calculated to be 
 allowed for export to that capital that would thus experience some imme- 
 diate relief; and on the 6th of April the Cus- 
 Mr. Henshaw directed to re- , -m- ^ ■ l- i- /■ ji 
 
 serve always in store 50,000 bags tom Master was, m continuation of the same 
 
 over and above every order or general subject, desired to keep in store a 
 permission o exp r . quantity of not less than 50,000 bags, under- 
 
 standing that the exports ali'eady authorised were to take place from what 
 was surplus to that quantity. 
 
 19. For greater security in that respect Government thought fit, on the 
 
 date last quoted, to appoint a committee, com- 
 Committee proposed to be ap- posed of Mr. Cowart and Captain Moor, to 
 
 FaiT^ect." ^'"" *° '""''' *"'' make a monthly report of the quantity of rice 
 
 under the charge of the Custom Master, which 
 
 irritated Mr. Henshaw, Avho observes, in his letter of the 13th of April, that 
 
 he thence views himself as a suspected charac- 
 Irritation and solemn dcclara- ter, and that it had caused him to " review the 
 
 tion of Mr. Henshaw on that oc- .o^gedings had since he was first intrusted 
 
 casion. r o _ 
 
 with this delicate and important commission : 
 
 the orders" (adds this gentleman) " transmitted to me, with their replies, 
 
 have received a close revision from me ; the purchases, the sales made by 
 
 me, my cash transactions, the expenses I have incurred on' account of tho 
 
 trust, all have passed a close and conscientious investigation, and I feel I 
 
 should be wanting to myself if I for a moment longer scrupled to avow, in 
 
 this most public manner, that I have been actuated solely by an anxious 
 
 unremitted zeal for tho public good; nor for a moment ever suffered a private 
 
( xlvi ) 
 
 consideration to influence or draw me aside from that great object ; tliat I 
 liave neither derived for myself, or suffered others, directly or indirectly, to 
 derive the smallest advanta/je from the trust reiiosed in me, or confided by me 
 to them, ; that I have violated no order of Government, or ever presumed to 
 act xipon tlie suggestions of my oion mind, unless first sanctioned by their ap- 
 proval of the measure ; this avowal thus publicly made^ I must hope that the . 
 Honorable the Governor in Council will not be displeased at my humble 
 request to be relieved from making any comment or remark on the reference, 
 but will do me the justice to believe that the same zeal that first prompted 
 me to offer my assistance to Government in this department still occupies my 
 
 best faculties to the total exclusion of every 
 Idea of the committee thereon ^^-^^^ ^-^-^ „ ^^j^-^j^ representation had such 
 not prosecuted. #,.,-, in ',■ 
 
 an effect upon Government that they dispensed 
 
 with the institution of the Commission in question. 
 
 20. On the 27th of April 1803 it was notified to Mr. Henshaw by the 
 
 Secretary to Goveramont, in corroboration of 
 Free trade between Salsette and ^ former order, that there was to "be a free 
 
 trade between Salsette and Bombay, uubur- 
 tliened with tolls or customs on rice, or any other article. On the same date 
 a petition was preferred by Amerchund Boderchund, merchant at Poena, 
 
 thon residing at Bombay ( of whom mention 
 Complaint of Amerchund . i • xi i oli i \ i.l- c n 
 
 Boderchund, a merchant, of not IS made m the 1 8th paragraph), settmg forth 
 
 being permitted to export his that, agreeably to the orders of His Highness 
 Poona purchases. ^^^^ Paisliwa, he had, about three months ago, 
 
 purchased about 1,000 candies of grain of different sorts for the consumption 
 of the city of -Poona, which having reported to His Highness, the latter had 
 since enclosed to this petitioner a letter from Colonel Close, the Resident 
 at Poona, to the address of Mr. Secretary Grant, which having delivered he 
 received Mr. Grant's answer to the address of Colonel Close; and having 
 forwarded the same to the Paishwa, the latter had transmitted to him in 
 consequence a paper, under the official authentication of Colonel Close, cer- 
 tifying that the bearer was a merchant at Poona, authorised by His High- 
 ness the Paishwa to proceed to Bombay to purchase grain for the consump- 
 tion of that city, notwithstandmg which Mr. Henshaw signified to him that 
 he could not admit of the export, as this grain had not been purchased from 
 the Honorable Company; which petition having been referred to Mr. Hen- 
 shaw for his report, he advised the Secretary, in his letter of the 8tli of May 
 1804', that on the petitioner's first arriving and presenting Colonel Close's 
 certificate the Custom Master had acquainted him of the order of Govern- 
 ment in regard to the aid to Poona, and had decidedly g-iven him to under- 
 Stress laid by Mr. Henshaw on • stand that there were certain regulations adopt- 
 thc Government Regulations. Q^[ |^y Government for the export of grain 
 
( xlvii ) 
 
 wWcli on no account . whafcevex* would be deviated from — " tliat if lie 
 could so arrange liis purchases as to meet these regulations he would 
 experience no obstacles whatever ;" adding that " on referring to the Custom 
 House exports and imports of grain not one man of the many the petitioner 
 named had any balance due to justify any further export, and consequently 
 > it was in direct breach of the Government orders if one grain of the 
 above was permitted to be exported, and would lead to evils of the most 
 incalculable magnitude to our own Islands and to our Dependencies ; and 
 though I feel every desire to give full effect to Colonel Close's certifi- 
 cates, and to relieve the distresses of the capital and country of His High- 
 ness the Paishwa, yet my primary duty to this Grovernment compels me to 
 view its orders and arrangements as paramount to every personal feeling 
 and anxious wish to relieve our neighboufs. I cannot, therefore, but press 
 
 on the Honorable the Governor in Council a 
 Orders thereon. rejection of the petition,'' which was adopted 
 
 by Government, as signified to the Custom 
 Master by Mr. Secretary Grant on the 10th of May, and Colonel Close was 
 advised accordingly. 
 
 21. On the 29th of April 1804 Colonel Close represented, in a letter to 
 
 the Secretary to the Government, that there 
 Colonel Close's letter in favour ^^^^^ t]jj.ee boats laden with grain by the 
 of Khundee Row Kasta. t -n t. • <. ■■ 
 
 agents or Khundee Kow Kasta m some of the 
 
 market Ports in Guzorat, that having arrived in Bombay were prevented 
 
 from prosecuting their voyage to Panwell, which the Colonel suggested they 
 
 might be, aiid that the quantity might, if necessary, be included in that 
 
 allowed for exportation to Poona during the present season ; which having 
 
 -, „ , , , , been also referred to Mr. Henshaw, that gen- 
 
 Mr. Hensnaws remarks thereon. -, r-> ' o 
 
 tleman observed that Government had been 
 
 sorely troubled with mis-statements and mis-representations, to relieve them 
 
 from which, and believing their wishes to be in concurrence with the 
 
 Resident at Poona's request as to the grain in question, if to be done consis- . 
 
 tently, he begged to suggest that the quantity of joaree landed from these 
 
 Q , , three botellasmight be permitted to be exported 
 
 to Panwell, as a marh of attention to the 
 
 Paishwa, which was agi-eed to, and Mr. Henshaw advised on the same date 
 
 as in respect to the subject of the preceding paragraph. 
 
 22. A further letter from the Resident at Poona under date the 1st May 
 
 was in like manner referred to Mr. Henshaw 
 
 Upon the case of Hurry Bhug- fo^. i^ig report. This application from Colonel 
 tee s chanty gram. i J^^ 
 
 Close recited that the Senear, Samul Hurry 
 
 Bhugtee, had represented to him that his agent at Baroda had some time 
 9 ajp 
 
( xlviii ) 
 
 since purcliaseH by his desire 100 puUas of coarse grain, intended to be 
 distributed in charity at that place, which, being also detained at Bombay, 
 the Eesident requested it might be allowed to be exported to Panwell, and 
 the quantity included in that allowed for exportation to Poena during the 
 current season, respecting which last cargo Mr. Henshaw reported, on the 
 same date, that ho had yesterday granted to the agent of Hurry Bhugtee 
 free export thereof, on the score and certain information of its being devoted 
 to charitable uses at Poena. 
 
 23. On the 15th of May 1804 the Custom Master submitted to the 
 
 Governor in Council that the export of all 
 
 Mr. Hensliaw's suggestion on . . j. t i n i ^ -i^v^j f .„™ 
 
 the 15th of May that the export gram, rice excepted, should be prohibited trom 
 
 of all grain, rice excepted, should thai day, as was accordingly sanctioned by Mr. 
 
 be prohibited. Secretary Grant's answer of the day following ; 
 
 and on the 23rd of the same month and year this prohibition was, at the 
 
 further suggestion of Mr. Henshaw of the 22nd 
 
 This prohibition rendered gene- of t^jat month, extended to rico also. The 
 
 ral on the 23rd of May 1804. ,. ^i • i i -i -i.- t- ;> 
 
 causes for this general prohibition are entered 
 
 into more fully in Mr. Hcnshaw's separate letter to me of the 8th of June, 
 
 stating that when he suggested the general stop to the exportation of any 
 
 grain whatsoever the stock in store was low, whilst only one ship of the 
 
 first convoy from Bengal had arrived, nor was there any room to expect the 
 
 others before the middle of June. 
 
 24. Under date the 28th of April a letter was addressed to the Secretary 
 
 . . ,, ,. ^. . to Government bv the Resident at Poena, 
 
 A further application from 
 Colonel Close in favour of a Car- Setting forth that the bearer of it was a Car- 
 coon to be allowed to export grain cgon belonging to that Durbar, who proceeded 
 
 to Bombay to purchase 200 candies of grain, 
 respecting which the Resident observed that if it should be inconvenient 
 to allow the Carcoon to remove from Bombay the above-mentioned quantity 
 the Colonel would request that he might be permitted to purchase such a 
 proportion of it as could with propriety be spared, including it in that of 
 which the exportation to Poena during the present season had been declared 
 by Government to be allowed : which being referred to Mr. Henshaw for his 
 report, he noticed, under date the 24th of May, that it had escaped lum in 
 his letters to the Secretary, respecting the prohibition on the export of grain 
 and rice, to state that ho by no means meant to bar the doors to any small 
 
 Application thereon by Mr. exports that could consistently be admitted in 
 Ilensliaw (24th May 1804) for a aid of His Highness, and forming part of 
 discretionary power to authorise j j j. 4.1 -o • 3 i. j !-> 
 
 the export of grain to Poona on "^ho quantity noted to the. Kesident at Poona, 
 the present or former pass notes ^ and was, therefore, induced to suggest that 
 of the Resident at tliat capital. „ iii . j.-i- t 
 
 GoYerumcnt would please to vest lu mm a dis- 
 
( xHx ) 
 
 cretionary power to auttoi-isej consistently with existing circumstances, tlie 
 
 export to Poona of the quantity now applied 
 
 Export to Poona thus applied for^ as well as any small balances that might 
 lor allowed on the 25th May 1804, . ° 
 
 on condition of reservin" always remain over for Some former pass notes from 
 the stock of 50,000 bags In store, the Resident at that Court; in answer to 
 
 which it was signified to Mr. Henshaw, on 
 the 28th of May, " that as long as he could keep the 50,000 bags, in 
 store Government can admit of the desired export to Poona, but otherwise 
 not." 
 
 , 25. In a subsequent letter to me from Mr. Henshaw of the 8th of June 
 (already adverted to in the 23rd preceding, paragraph) that gentleman sug- 
 gests the means that had occurred to him of extending relief to Poona 
 (respecting which the Supreme Government had also expressed their soli- 
 citude) at prices more favorable than were understood then to prevail there, 
 to which end he proposed that the embargo laid on the one-fourth proportion 
 of imports might be taken off; and that Government should announce the 
 opening of their own stores at certain moderate prices, of which Colonel 
 Close should be advised, that he might concert with the minister the best 
 means of availing themselves thereof; and Mr. Henshaw further proposed 
 tliat, as an additional check, the supplies of grain thus to be parted with 
 should only be made " to those who bring certificates from Colonel Close to 
 
 that end." On these suggestions from Mr. 
 resSriLSoUune'^lgot Henshaw, it was accordingly notified to the 
 
 public on the same date (8th June 1804) that 
 the letter and spirit of the Government advertisement of the 30th March 
 were again in force, of which the Resident at Poona was also advised and 
 furnished with a copy of Mr. Henshaw's letter of the 8th for "his sentiments. 
 Soon after wai'ds, viz. on the 12th of the same month, the Castom Master 
 
 suggested the propriety of opening the Honor- 
 Mr. Henshaw's suggestion to able Company's grain stores for the sale of 
 ran;Cin rS&tn^""'- fro- 10 to 20,000 bags of rice for exportation, 
 
 and that its price should be of Moongliy rice 
 Rupees 12, and of Patcherree rice Rupees 13 per bag ; in consequence 
 of which Mr. Henshaw was on the same date authorized to sell as far 
 as 5,000 bags at the price and for the purpose he mentioned, which 
 might, it was remarked, operate beneficially on the exportation intended 
 to be allowed to the importers during the embargo of their one -fourth 
 respectively, to which he should accordingly give immediate effect, which 
 might (as was further noticed) render any larger present export by the 
 Company unnecessary, and enable Government to save the Honorable 
 Company's store of rice as much as possible. 
 
( 1 ) 
 
 26. Under dates the 16tli and 17th of June 1804 there will be found in 
 Case of an application for «^« collection of my separate correspondence 
 
 clienna under a rahdary from Ge- with Mr. Henshaw a discussion With him res- 
 neral Wellesley. peoting an application on account of Captain 
 
 Barclay, Deputy Adjutant General with General "Wellesley, to export a 
 quantity of chenna, for which his servant had brought a rahdary, or passport 
 under the seal of General Wellesley, which Mr. Henshaw appears to have 
 mistaken for an antiquated one of the Paishwa's, or otherwise he would, he 
 said, have first submitted to my judgment the authority for the application, 
 and been guided by my orders ; "but I trust (continues he) none of them, 
 for there are hundreds of notes daily presented, in gentlemen's names," which 
 I ever disregard, unless accompanied with a letter to me as Custom Master." 
 In reference to this special rahdary, I desired that the eight bullock loads of 
 chenna should be allowed to bo exported " if the quantity in town would, in 
 view to the season and our local calls for that grain, admit thereof," in Mr. 
 Henshaw's opinion, but not otherwise; that is, not to our own material 
 
 distress. On this occasion, after intimating to 
 
 Caution to Mr. Henshaw. j^y. Henshaw that he seemed too inaccessible 
 
 to the Natives and trusted too much to his Purvoes, I added — " I know 
 
 you have more to do than you can well get 
 es imony in . through, and I believe you as fit or fitter for the 
 
 weighty trust reposed in you than any one that could have been chosen 
 for it." 
 
 27. Under date the 28th of May a letter was written by Colonel Close, 
 Application on behalf of the *^« Resident at Poona, intimating his hope 
 
 Pcishwa for grain, Sec, for his that the late arrivals of ships from Bengal 
 own consumption. ^j^^j. ^g^^-^ ^-^^ exportation of a further 
 
 quantity of grain to Poona, which induced him to request that the person 
 
 accompanying this letter might be permitted to purchase ghee and grain of 
 
 different sorts to the amount of twenty thousand Rupees, as required by His 
 
 Highness the Paishwa for the consumption of 
 Of the late KiUedar of Loghur. ,. , ■, t, mi- i- ^^ -i ■• 
 
 his own household. This was lollowed by a 
 
 letter from Dhondoo Ballaul, the late Killedar of Loghur, applying under the 
 
 auspices of General Wellesley for permission to buy grain towards the support 
 
 of the late Nana Pumavees' family under his charge, and who had, with 
 
 himself, recently come under the Company's protection. Both these appli- 
 
 -, . . . ,^ 1 ii cations were on the 12th of June referred bv 
 
 Jomt report thereon by the •' 
 
 Custom Master and Superintend- the Board for the joint report of Messrs. Hen- 
 ent o o ce. shaw and Halliday as to whether so much grain 
 
 could be spared, in consequence of which these gentlenjen reported, on the 
 18tli of June, that all the articles in both might be complied with, excepting 
 the bajree and joaree, " articles that would not (they observed) admit of 
 
( li ) 
 
 any exportj consistently witli the existing regulations as to all exports^" of 
 all wliicli Colonel Close' was advised as far as respected the Paishwa, as was 
 General Wellesley in regard to the part that related to his protege Dhondoo 
 Ballaul. With respect to that part of the above report which states that 
 neither bajree nor joaree could bo allowed to be sent at that period out of 
 the Islandj " consistently with the existing regulations as to all exports," 
 
 the key to that observation may be probably 
 ad^ttbg^of eTport!™ ^""^ "°* fo'™^ in a report from the Custom Master of 
 
 the day before on similar subjects, wherein 
 he states 'that ''the stock in store of these grains will not admit of any 
 export whatever therefrom, but that the full quantity of 200 ghautee candies 
 of rice (which the Soubahdar of Chowl had applied for) might be permitted 
 to be exported by him consistently with the existing regulations of its 
 forming part of some privileged export of a fourth of some actual import, 
 but not otherwise, unless Government should please to admit the purchase 
 from their store and at their export price, which mode was accordingly 
 Paishwa and Killedar of Lo- similarly recommended, and resorted to on 
 gliur supplied from the Company's the day following, in favour of the Paishwa 
 
 and Killeodar of Loghur, with this further 
 
 modification in their behalf, that they received the rice at the Company^a 
 
 home price of 8 and 10 Rupees per bag." 
 
 28. Under date the 12th of June 1804 a letter was addressed by the 
 
 _ , , ^, . , Ti i. T.T Resident at Poena to the Secretary to Govern- 
 Colonel Close s Keport on Mr. •' 
 
 Henshavv's suggestions for the ment, stating (in answer to the signification to 
 relief of Poona. j^jj^ ^f ^^q q^-^ of ^j^at month) that the Port of 
 
 Bombay being again open for the export of grain must, no doubt, prove 
 advantageous to the inhabitants at Poona, to promote which he did not con- 
 ceive that it was possible for the Bombay Presidency to do more for the 
 assistance of His Highness' subjects than to allow the export of grain from 
 this Port with as little restriction and at as low rates as possible ; which 
 having been referred to Mr. Henshaw, he thereon appears to have addressed 
 on the 19th of June a separate letter to me (but which I placed at the time 
 on the public record), suggesting, on the ground of this further representation 
 
 ,, ^-. from the Colonel, that the expediency of open- 
 
 Further letter from Mr. Hen- . jo^ T 11 -f 
 
 shaw (19th June) urging the sale mg the Company's Stores, and sellmg for ex- 
 of part of the Company's rice portation at a moderate price, appeared to be 
 *"" ® "^^ '" ■ thereby so forcibly corroborated that he could 
 
 not avoid applying again for authority to sell generally of Moonghy rice at 
 10 Rupees and Patcherry at 12, having attention never to bring our store 
 (which was now overflowing) under 50,000 bags, at the same time that by the 
 Large additional quantity of 15th of next month upwards of a lac of bags 
 rice expected. were, in addition, to be expected, adding that 
 
( lii ) 
 
 that. the Paishwa's Cavkoon was impatient for an answer as to the grain he 
 wished to send off to Poona ; upon all which the Secretary to Gopernraent 
 was, under the same date, directed to signify that the accomm( Jation 
 contained in Mr. Henshaw's letter was acquiesced in, but that he was to 
 
 make a further report when .he had sold of 
 ^ permitted to sell ns far as 30,000 ^q^qqq bags ; which having been communicated 
 
 to the Eesident at Poona, he replied, on the 
 
 24th of June, in temis expressive of " the deep sense of His Highness the 
 
 Thanks of the Paisluva for the ^ P^ishwa of the constant and cordial disposition 
 
 assistance to Poona. of Government to meet his wishes and promote 
 
 the interest of the State." 
 
 29. Under date the 2nd of June a letter was addressed by the Eesi- 
 
 _ ., „ , dent at Poona to the Secretary to Government, 
 
 Kesulent at Foona s represen- ... 
 
 tation in favour of Byajee Naik stating that permission having bemg granted to 
 
 being allowed to exp6rt grain to the Paishwa's servant Byaiee Naik to export a 
 
 that place. ti,, tit n • t-it 
 
 few thousand bullock loads or gram, he had 
 
 represented that a proportion of the stated quantity, amounting to 500 loads, 
 still remained at Bombay, and had earnestly solicited the Resident to request 
 that his agent might be allowed to forward it to Panwell, a copy of which 
 letter was, on the 23rd of June, referred by the Secretary to Government to 
 
 Mr. Henshaw, expressing to him, at the same 
 
 Board's surprise expressed at time " the Surprise of Government why the ex- 
 there remaining so much diffi- ,<. -lu jj.i -j.- j 
 culty in respect to the exportation POi'* "^ S^'^^"^ should, under the existmg orders, 
 of grain. thus appear to continue a matter of such favour 
 
 and difficulty," to which Mr. Henshaw replied on 
 the same day, stating that under the 5th of April, the abovenamed Byajee 
 
 ,, TT 1 . i • 1 brought him a memorandum from Colonel Close, 
 
 Mr. Henshaw s report m repl}-. . ? , • , i • • p i tt 
 
 reciting that with the permission of the Honour- 
 able the Governor, the grain mentioned in the memorandum annexed was per- 
 mitted to be exported to Panwell ; the memorandum specified 2,500 bullock 
 loads, which quantity Mr. Henshaw showed that he had already exported, as 
 sanctioned by the countersignature of Colonel Close, upon which Mr. Hen- 
 shaw further remarks — " I trust your letter is not meant as a censure 
 in any part of my conduct in this transaction : it took plac9 in April, and 
 the same orders then existed as are now in force ; yet you must be sensible. 
 Sir, that favour alone could have procured to Byajee Naik that indul- 
 dence as he expected in consequence of Governments commands, without 
 Board's order thereon. adhering to any existing orders regulating 
 
 this report." On consideration of which answer, 
 the Secretary to Government was directed to signify to Mr. Henshaw 
 on the 25th of June, that under the present circumstances of the 
 abundance of the market, Byajee Naik (a confidential servant of His High- 
 
( liii ) 
 
 ness the Paishwa) should bo allowed to purchase and export 500 loads 
 more than he had yet done, provided the same be purchased from the one- 
 fourth of the cargoes which individuals might sell for that purpose j at the 
 same time that it was but justice to him to notice that his (the Custom ' 
 Master's) official conduct appeared to be unobjectionable 'in the present 
 instance, the grounds of the surprise of Government being that, whilst the 
 one-fourth of rice imported was allowed to be exported, and that the Com- 
 pany was also selling for exportation, the Natives should still see occasion 
 to resort to Government for their special sanction in respect to the export 
 of this article, of which another instance appears by the records of the 
 
 Country Correspondence Office to have about 
 CaseoftheSoubaMarofBassem ^j^g ^^^^ ^^j^g occurred in consequence of a 
 applying to export gram he had tciiit 
 
 purchased, and Mr. Henshaw's letter to me from the Soubahdar (or his 
 objections thereto, as militating Deputy) of Bassein, setting forth that 600 
 agamst the Regulations. t r Ty ^ ■ i-jx. ^ ^ 
 
 bags 01 Isengal rice had been purchased 
 
 through Mahomed Hussein Cauzee, for the use of his (the Soubahdar's) 
 people, for which he was about to send boats, when he understood " that 
 a stop had been put to the exportation of grain ;" wherefore the Sou- 
 bahdar requested " that from motives of friendship, I would permit this 
 quantity to be exported, as they had already been purchased," which from 
 a similar motive of accommodation to these parties, has swayed the Board, 
 two days thereafter on the occasion of the supply to Byajee Naik, viz. the 
 comparative abundance of the market, and the Soubahdar's near connection 
 with His Highness the Paishwa, I desired accordingly Mr. Bouchier, the then 
 Acting Secretary and Translator in the office of Country Correspondence, 
 to write, on the 23rd of June, to the Custom Master, to allow to be exported ; 
 upon which Mr. Henshaw applied to the Secretary, Mr. Grant, to know 
 whether the above order (which Mr. Bouchier appears to have erronoeusly 
 worded in the name of the Governor in Council) implied, without 
 any reference to existing Regulations as to exports, or that they 
 were to be " attended to : " whereupon Mr. Bouchier requested (as he 
 has noted, to be by my desire) to know "how the Custom Master^ 
 understood this to militate against existing Eegulations ?" To which 
 Mr. Henshaw replied, " because it forms no part of the one-fourth allowed 
 to be exported;" so that I know not whether the Soubahdar got this 
 quantity or not, having, in fact, learnt thus much not from our records, but 
 from the correspondence in Mr. Cumberlege's custody, as obtained by him 
 of Mr. Henshaw. With a view, however, to obviate the recui-rence of these 
 repeated appeals to Government, Mr. Henshaw was, on the 25th of June, 
 instructed to communicate to the Superintendent of Police the Regulation* 
 •in force, by which persons might unobjoctionably purchase and export rice 
 and other grain, to the end that Mr. Halliday might cause the same to be 
 
( liv ) 
 
 proclaimed by beat of battakee ; but when on the occasion of drawing up 
 this narrative I called on Mr. Halliday for a statement of the terms in which 
 that proclamation might have been made, he reported that none took 
 place, and that Mr. Henshaw never communicated to him the Government 
 order. 
 
 30. Under several dates in June and July I had some correspondenc 
 
 ' AUusion to a suggestion for "^^^^ Colonel Close on an intimation from 
 throwing the trade in rice cntu-ely the Honorable General Wellesley that the 
 ^P^'^- Colonel's opinion was in favour of throwing 
 
 open altogether the trade in grain to the Continent, against which I sent 
 the Colonel some reflections, furnished by Mr. Henshaw, in* view to which, 
 or to the other motives adverted to in the Colonel's answer, as per separate 
 "extracts in the series No. 2, he does not seem to have persevered in the idea 
 of the practical eligibility of the measure ; but the discussion led to a further 
 reduction in the Company's selling prices for exportation, as will appear in 
 the next paragraph, and to the establishing of a selling station for rice at 
 Panwell, as well as to the charity at Poena, under the original suggestion, 
 and promoted chiefly by Lady Mackintosh. 
 
 31. On the 12th July 1804 Mr. Henshaw submitted in a letter to the 
 
 Secretary to Government (as adverted to in 
 ofSorefortatfon'^^^'™'' *^° preceding paragraph) the expediency of 
 
 reducing the export price of rice, in view to 
 the more extensive relief of the poor of the Maratha countries, to 9i Eupees 
 per bag of Moonghy, and to 11 Rupees of Patcherry, which was agreed to 
 on the 13th July, and the Superintendent of Police advised, -with orders to 
 proclaim the reduced export prices by beat of battakee. 
 
 32. On the 25th of August Mr. Henshaw noticed to me that the call for 
 
 rice exceeded any thing ho could have suppos- 
 
 A kc of bags of rice exported g^ f^^ that since the 27th of July a full lac 
 
 ■«in one month between July and r- i t i 
 
 August 1804, and intimation of bags had been sold for export, adding that 
 
 thei;eon -to Mr. Henshaw to stop « i^ ^^^ ^ g if the export was not under check 
 
 further sales for exportation, till •' '^ 
 
 the Board should decide in view not a bag would be left in the place," in view 
 
 to the stock on hand, which re- ^q ^l^l^l^ j ^pQ^ ^g ]^i^ ^^ ^j^^ ^ following- 
 
 striction was the next day with- . •' o 
 
 drawn, and a full confidence ex- that I thought it proper he should not dis- 
 
 pressed in his discretion as to the pose of any more rice for exportation till he 
 point in question. . ^ 
 
 should lay his statement of the stock on hand 
 
 ^^(which ho had reported to be then reduced to little more than 80,000 bags) 
 
 and expectancies before Government, as he was accordingly to do with the* 
 
 least delay, and to obtain thcii' orders.'^ 
 
( Iv ) 
 
 33. On further reflectioTij howevep, and lost Mr. Hensliaw's refusing in- 
 termediately the offers of purchasers might jiroduce bad consequences, 
 I preferred to leave that matter to Mr. Ilcnsliaw's discretion, in which (as 
 signified to him in a note of the 27th of August) " I felt persuaded that every 
 confidence might be placed." In reply, Mr. Hensliaw wrote to me on the 
 same date — " I am much flattered by your confidence, which you may rest 
 assured shall not be ill applied by any exercise of my discretion as to 
 sales for export." 
 
 34 Mr. Henshaw having (as I conclude from my answer) made in the 
 beginning of September some verbal proposition respecting our bazaar prices, 
 
 ^. .„ . I wi'ote to him on the 5th of that month (as 
 
 Signification to Mr. Henshaw j. j • ji i /■ ji • /. ii 
 
 that the Board alone couklautho- entered m the sequel of the series of the 
 rise the alteration of the bazaar Correspondence No. 1) that " I was very 
 
 doubtful whether anything should induce us 
 to heighten them, but that, according to the Regulations, nothing could be 
 done in respect to altering either, excej)ting upon a public report and oflicial 
 suggestion from him, such as the Board at largo might exercise their judg- 
 ment on," which I, therefore, advised him to make. 
 
 35. Under date the Cth of September the Magistrate at Surat advised 
 
 Indication from Surat of undue ^^° ^'^^ ?<=>" Correspondence in the voucher 
 fees being taken for permission to No. 3) of the desire of some of the merchants 
 export gram. ^^ Surat to have permission to export from 
 
 Bombay such quantities of Bengal rice as might alleviate in that quarter the 
 distress of the season, provided they could do so free of any customs or fees. 
 Upon the receipt of the intimation, I directed Mr. Shank, my Private Secre- 
 tary, to write to know whether there were foes of any description (not 
 having then immediately in recollection whether the Custom House Regula- 
 tions did not authorise some) on the exportation of grain ; to which Mr. 
 
 Henshaw answered, on the 22nd of Septernber, 
 
 Mr. Henshaw's denial thereof. ^^^^ ,, ^^ ^^^ ^^ ^^^^ description was collected 
 
 on grain of any sort exported, either to Surat or any other port," which 
 original denial on his part I immediately sent to Mr. Crow, who, in conse- 
 quence, transmitted a letter from Dadabhoy Nasserwanjce Moody at Bombay 
 to Pestonjee Calla at Surat, dated the 25th of August 1804, reciting that 
 " when the Sircar allows exportation it takes one and a half or two Rupees 
 on each bag for the permission, and order is given to pass it out." 
 
 36. On my sending for the writer of the original letter in question, he 
 urged having written merely from general impressions or hearsay, without 
 possessing any real knowledge on the subject ; on which occasion I, however, 
 expressed my doubts to Mr. Crow whether in that respect this Native 
 told the truth, and !_, therefore, invited that gentleman to transmit such other 
 IQ ap 
 
( Ivl ) 
 
 documents as miglit be procurable on so interesting a subject. Mr. Crow 
 accordingly transmitted anotlier extract of a letter from Luckmichund 
 Poonjraz at Bombay to Jadowjee Luckmichund at Surat, dated the 29th 
 of August 1804), giving merely a price current of grain, with a notice 
 a,t the bottom in these words-'^" in which appears will be an addition/^ 
 which might refer to a probable general rise in the price ; meanwhile 
 Dadabhoy ITasserwanjee, the author of the first mentioned letter, delivered 
 in a translate of it into English as made by himself, purporting, according 
 ' to his annexed declaration (No. 4), that the 1 J or 2 Rupees therein men- 
 tioned was merely the additional price on exportation, or what persons 
 entitled from their imports to pass notes, and not wanting them from dispos- 
 ing of all their' cargo in town, would sell them for to those who desired to 
 export. Upon this explanation, although not perhaps entirely satisfactory, 
 the matter rested till after the recent trial of Abajee Bhow in the King's 
 Court, but since then I have had a translation of it made in the Country 
 Correspondence ofSce, which implies that, independent of the price, what is 
 heroin denominated " the expense thereof" is from one and a half to two 
 Rupees per bag, so that, on the whole, these inuendos, rather than exact 
 information, may admit of further elucidation. 
 
 37. On the 21st September 1804 it was represented to me that Abajee 
 
 Charge by Munoher Roivjee G™nesh Bhow, employed by Mr. Henshaw in 
 
 against Abajee Giinnesh, a I'ltr- in the Grain Department, had received from 
 
 voe in the Grain Department. -nj- ^ t> ■ j. j.i i c in nnn 
 
 ' Munoher Ilowjoo to the amount of 17,000 
 
 Rupees and upwards, in money and goods, for procuring chits to pass rice 
 
 and grain for exportation ; and further, that the said Munoherdass had paid 
 
 a fine of Rupees 950 for a quantity of 1,900 bags of grain, which had been 
 
 detected in the attempt to be impropei-ly passed, on which occasion Munoher 
 
 stated to have also paid the sum of Rupees 4,000 to the aforesaid Bhow, for 
 
 which he obtained the latter's receipt. 
 
 o8. Upon this information I thought it my duty, in the recess of Council, 
 
 to direct my Private Secretary to order. Mr. 
 pen^teXt^f pXce!" *'" '"^ Henshaw to suspend the accused Purvoe; at 
 
 the same time that the Superintendent of Po- 
 lice was directed to examine upon oath Munoherdass, in the said Purvoe's 
 presence, on the foundation there might be for the above representation of 
 circumstances, allowing Gunnesh to cross-question Munoherdass, and makiug 
 thereon his report. 
 
 39. In acknowledging the above order to him, Mr. Henshaw, by his letter 
 
 Mr. Henshaw's remonstrances ^f the 22nd of September 1804, professed 
 
 against anfl suggestions in respect obedience to it, but. not until the Purvoo 
 
 ■to this order. should dchver in his accounts j expressing 
 
 disappointment that the matter was not referred to him in the first instance. 
 
( Ivii ) 
 
 ■when he would have requested some other gentleman to be joined with him 
 ■in the investigation, preferring, however, that the matter should be left to its 
 due course at law. On the same occasion Mr. Honshaw added that " he felt 
 a shameful stigma in tho distrust (too evidently marked) of his energy to 
 discover any misconduct of a person employed by him ;" observing that 
 although the party accused in this instance may avoid detection, still the 
 disgrace of the charge against him must attach to tho office in some degree^ 
 and bring a portion of delinquency with it. "I feel" {continues Mr. 
 Henshaw) " most sensibly, therefore, tho shame of such a charge." 
 
 40. Upon this remonstrance from Mr. Ilenshaw, he was, on the 23rd 
 
 September ISOl, appointed to act jointly with 
 Mr. Henshaw joined with -Mr. ,, ttiti • ,^ ■ j- j.- r ji ■ 
 
 HalUday in this investigation. ^^: Halliday m the mvestigation of this 
 
 charge; but the object was frustrated by 
 
 Munoherdass tho accuser's refusing to say 
 Accuser refused to plead before , , . , « , , , , , . , « , . 
 
 this committee. anythmg botoro tliem on the subject oi his 
 
 charge, further than that ho had declared all 
 
 he knew to his attorneys. Messieurs Thriepland and Cumberlege, without 
 
 whose presence he would say nothing. 
 
 41. On the day following Munoherdass addressed a letter to Government 
 
 stating that, having previously consulted the 
 Munoherdass' ovvn account of professional gentlemen above named on the 
 the particulars of the charge. ^ ^ ■ -, \ 
 
 means of recovering tho largo sums of money 
 
 advanced by him to Bhow, ho had, by tlieii" advice, intended to seek redress 
 in the Court of the Recorder, and to state his grievances to Messrs. Hen- 
 shaw and Halliday in such general terms as might not be taken advantage 
 of in the intended legal process, but that he was yet ready to make a dis- 
 closure to Government not incompatible with his own interests, for that the 
 payments, as he had already stated them, wore true, and matter of fact, as 
 he had that day made affidavit of, viz., that Abajeo Gunnesh, alias Bhow; 
 was justly and truly indebted to this deponent in the sum of twenty thou- 
 sand Rupees and upwards, for so much by him had and received for this 
 deponent's use, as per the following particulars : — 
 
 3rd March ISO-i, so much had and received by defendant . . Rs. 4,000 
 
 6th April ditto ditto ditto „ 3,400 
 
 7th April ditto ditto ditto „ 3,950 
 
 26th April ditto ditto ditto „ 2,000 
 
 8th May ditto ditto ditto „ 1,050 
 
 1 2th May Hemp ditto ditto „ 800 
 
 12th May Cash ditto ditto ". „ 1,600 
 
 llth May ditto ditto ditto „ 4,440 
 
 Rupees .... 21,840 
 
( Iviii ). 
 
 42 Upon this information it was orderetl by tlio Board, on the 29th of 
 
 September 1804, that a copy of all the papers. 
 Company's Counsel's opinion respecting it should bo referred to the Com- 
 m that stage of the cai.se, ^^^^,^ Standing Counsel for his opinion and 
 
 report on the means to be pursued by Government for prosegjiting Abbajee 
 Gunnesh Bhow, as a person charged with corruption in office whilst employed 
 in the service of Mr. Henshaw in the Grain Department of Government, in 
 pursuance of which Mr. Thriepland reported, on the 5th of October, that 
 Munoherdass Eowjee, having consulted him professionally before the 
 receipt of the Board's reference on the subject of the fraud practised on 
 him by Abajeo aforesaid, it had thereon become his (Mr. Thriepland's) duty 
 to advise the commencement of a Common Law- action, which would be 
 accordingly tried in the course of the ensuing term, the event of which he 
 counselled Government to abide previous to attempting the defendant's 
 conviction criminally. 
 
 43. Upon the receipt of this opinion, Mr. Henshaw was called upon^ 
 
 under dato 7th of October 1804, to state from 
 Abajcc removed from the Grain . ^^^^^^ period ho could dispense with the services 
 Department. ^ i -m i • 
 
 of Abajce Gunnesh Bliow, as being a man 
 
 against whom such acts of corruption arc charged upon affidavit as to render 
 it highly indecorous and unfit that he should longer have access to the Com- 
 pany's offices or accounts, or hold any tnist, ostensible or otherwise, in their 
 concerns, until at least his conduct be cleared, by the issue of the suit now pro- 
 ceeding with, from the imputations that so prominently stand against it; in 
 reply to which Mr. Henshaw reported, on the 8th of October, that, "as no 
 choice of measures v/as loft to liim, he should accordingly dismiss the said 
 Bhow, in the firm conMonce that he should not find the trust he had hitherto 
 reposed in him in any way abused or misplaced." 
 
 44. It has since appeared that Mr. Thriepland, acting in his private 
 
 .,.,., , capacity as Counsel for Munoherdass, had 
 I'rocess agamst Abajcc chiitigcil , . , _ 
 
 from a civil to a criminal suit, ami found occasion to alter the modo of legal pro- 
 information furnislicd thereon ccss, from a civil suit to a criminal prosecution, 
 irom the Custom House. t • i <. , 
 
 as was aunouiiceu m a letter from him of the 
 
 5th of March 1805, written as Company's Coansol to Mr. Cumberlego, in that 
 gentleman's capacity of (Solicitor for Crown Prosecutions, specifying that the 
 •Grand Jury having found twQ Bills agahist Abajee Gunnesh, the one for 
 extortion at Common Law, and the other under the Statute 33 of the 
 King, Mr. Thriepland theieupon desired the said Mr. Ciimberlege to apply 
 to Government to have certain books of the Custom House delivered up, to 
 enable him to substantiate the charge before the Jury, as was accordingly 
 ordered in the 8th of that month and year j and upon Mr. Thriepland's sub- 
 
. ( li^ ) 
 
 sequent application of tho 26th of March 1805 Mr. Wappers was, on the 
 28th, directed to furnish Mr. Thricpland with such further information as 
 his long experience in the Custom House Depai-tment might enable him 
 to afford. 
 
 45. On the 17th of April 1805 Mr. Cumberlege reported, in his capacity 
 
 ..,._, , of Solicitor for Crown Prosecutions, that 
 Conviction oi Abajee Gunuesu. .i-/^ 
 
 Abajee (junnesh had on the day before been 
 
 found guilty, after a trial of 14 hours, of having received Rupees 21,840 from 
 
 Munoherdass Rowjee for promising pass notes from the Custom Master for the 
 
 exportation of grain to the adjoining continent, to the extent of 3,000 bags 
 
 of rice and 900 candies of bajree, joaree, and black gram, during the months 
 
 of March, April, and May 1804, in defiance of the existing regulations of 
 
 Government ; adding that the Honorable Company's Standing Counsel, who 
 
 conducted the prosecution, meant to forward a circumstantial statement of 
 
 the whole to Government, of all which Mr. 
 Notice thereon to Mr. Hen- tt ■■ j-j j.i.oojji-'A-i 
 
 shaw. Henshaw was advised on the 23rd of April, 
 
 with information that Government reserved 
 
 any further notice that might appear to be requii-ed on their part till the 
 
 expected report in detail from Mr. Thriepland. 
 
 46. This detailed report from Mr. Thriepland was accordingly received 
 
 under date the 10th, and stands recorded in 
 
 thiftrial'^^™^^^'"^'^ ""^^""^ °^ °^^ Proceedings of the 15th of May 1805, 
 
 wherein, after adverting to the great unwill- 
 ingness with which the requisite information was furnished to him at the 
 
 Custom House, Mr. Thriepland proceeds more 
 
 Insufficient state of the Cash particularly to animadvert on the insufficient 
 iJook received irom the Custom • . . 
 
 House. state in which he received the copy of the 
 
 Grain Cash Book for March 1804 (to which 
 
 period the charge was known to refer) j as exhibiting merely a collection 
 
 of numerals both on the debit and credit side of the account, and containing 
 
 scarcely any names or references, though the 
 
 And as to the pass notes. iiri-i-j. j.i rn/- 
 
 '■ book irom winch it was taken was full of 
 
 both, whilst the mass of pass notes were delivered to him in such a state 
 
 of confusion as required much labour to extricate them from. 
 
 47. This report next adverts to Mr. Henshaw's employ of Abajee 
 
 Gunnesh notwithstanding his being warned 
 piSuTof uZndV'"'' *'^^ °f ^^ ^-^ Character, followed by the mention 
 
 that among those who dealt largely with the 
 Company for the grain we had ourselves collected in view to the scarcity was 
 one Bugwan CuUoo, whose business was principally carried on by his 
 nephew Munoherdass, who likewise traded, sometimes on his own account 
 
( Ix ) 
 
 and occasionally in paa-tnei'ship with one Munolier Maljee. Between the 4th 
 of Januaiy and 3rd of April 1804 Munoherdass had, either on his own or his 
 uncle's account, purchased from tho Company's store to the value of 
 1,52,727 Rupees, 2 quarters, 18 reas, all which he again exported, and paid 
 money besides to the prisoner Abajee Gunnesh as tho price of passes to ex- 
 port grain, which the prisoner falsely certified had been purchased from ihe 
 
 Company, in proof of which Mr. Thriepland 
 Instance of 4 pass notes eon- -, . . , „ „ 
 
 taining mis-statements of fact in found, on exammmg tho maSS of pass notes, tour 
 thebody of them, for the purpose bearing date in April 1804 with the prisoner's 
 of enablinp; Munoherdass to ex- . .^. , /yii i i ± • ni 
 
 port more grain than he was initials affixed to each, and countersigned by 
 
 entitled to, as if purchased from the Custom Master, authorising the export of 
 the Company. ^^ ^^^^ ^ quantity than 2,200 bags of rice, 
 
 amounting in value to Ra. 26,400, on the ground of the same having been 
 purchased from the Company. 
 
 48. Besides this, it was next shown by Mr. Thriepland that there were 
 
 two descriptions of pass notes kept in the 
 
 Distinction between the regular q^^-^ department of tho Custom House : the 
 and irregular pass notes. ^ 
 
 one regular, and purporting ta be granted 
 
 after due examination and report, ascertaining in the case of purchasers 
 from individuals tho title of the party to export under the regulation of 
 Government ; the other being without that regular reference and report, or 
 certificate, that the grain had been manifested, to justify the proposed ex- 
 port, of which last class of applications, converted by Mr. Ilenshaw's initials 
 into in-egular pass notes, Mr. Thriepland produced twenty-two in the name 
 of Bhugwan Culloo, orof Munolier Rowjee, which clandestine pass notes the 
 export Purvoo refused to pass, until so commanded either from Abajee or 
 the Custom Master. 
 
 49. It is on this occasion further surmised by Mr. Thriepland, on the 
 
 probable grounds adverted to in his report. 
 
 Supposed extensive exports of *^^* '^^"^ ^°i'° S^""^' t^° pi'operty of private 
 grain in the same clandestine importers, must have been allowed to be thus 
 manner. objectionably passed out than has been brought 
 
 to light in tho course of this prosecution, 
 
 50. In the subsequent part of his report Mr. Thriepland explains that tho 
 
 _ ^. , , ,, ., first 4,000 Rs. charged by the prosecutor 
 
 rarticulars as to the consiilora- ■ , ni i -m / ■ ■• 
 
 tion paid for exempting the against b unnesh Jihow (as per particulars in 
 smuggled grain in February 1804 the preceding 39th paragraph) was by way of 
 from confiscation. . -, ^. ° a i • /^ , \. ■, ■ 
 
 consideration to Abajee Gunnesh for his 
 
 interest with Mr. Hcnshaw in preventing the confiscation of a quantity of 
 gi-ain embarked on boats in February 1S04 without any pass whatever from 
 the Custom House (as stands ahcady noticed in the I'Jth paragraph of this 
 
( Ixi ) 
 
 nairativB), for which sum the said Munohel" gave the defendant a WTiting 
 in the name of his uncle^-^ugwan Culloo, as for so much money received on 
 loan under, date the 3rd March 1804 ; and it appears by Mr. Henshaw's 
 official report on that occasion that the smuggUng attempt in question was 
 first detected in the latter end of February, and that on tljp 15th of March 
 1804 he wrote in to the Board to dispense with the confiscation, and be 
 satisfied with a fine, which docs not, however, appear to have been 
 credited in the Fine Book of the Custom House till August following. 
 
 51. Mr. Thriepland next refers to a petition presented to mo on the part 
 of Abajeff Gunnesh previous to the January Sessions, wherein tiiat person 
 professing no small contempt for his prosecutor, Mr. Thriepland, takes occa- 
 sion thence to argue the unlikelihood of the defendant's plea as to the four 
 thousand Rupees in question being a bona fide loan to his accuser. 
 
 52. In the letter to me or petition from Abajee Gunnesh, which has been 
 
 ,, . , ,. abovereferredtoby Mr. Tlu'iepla.nd, that person 
 
 Abajee s representation as to i • i <. i ■ • t 
 
 his own merits in the Grain De- takes credit to himself for having raised money 
 
 partment. -[jj borrowing on his private responsibility to 
 
 enable Mr. Henshaw to discharge the earlier demauds of the grain merchants, 
 
 , , . ,. because Mr. Henshaw declined to apply for any 
 
 In borrowing inoncy on hia r t r xi n j rn 
 
 own credit to carry on the advance of cash Irom the Lompany s ircasury, 
 
 concern. giving as a reason that the funds in it would not 
 
 then conveniently admit tlieroof, respecting which what passed in correspon- 
 dence between mo and Mr. Henshaw will be found in the 5th preceding 
 paragraph. 
 
 53. Abajee further states that Mr. Henshaw required of him to conduct 
 
 As 2ndly, to the great profit bv ^^^ ^'^'^^^^ ^"^ *^« ^^^^^ Department with caro 
 his good management to the Com- and upon honour, which he accordingly did, 
 l"^"y- to an aggregate amounting, 'from January to 
 
 April 1804, of 11,65,500 Rs., yielding a net profit to tho Honorable Com- 
 pany, clear of all charges, of two lacs ten thousand Rupees, as would appear, 
 he said, by the books balanced up to the end of the year of account, whilst 
 from May to September there would, ho observed, prove a profit of three or 
 four lacs more, besides supplying, on an exigency referred to, the Com- 
 pany's Treasury in advance, as set forth at length in his accompanying petition 
 No. 6, which soon after its receipt I made over, with its accompanying 
 note from Mr. Travers, to Mr. Cumberlege ; but it is no more than fair to 
 the defendant that it should also bo thus far noticed on our records, and 
 that its more prominent assertions should find. some place in the present 
 
 , , narrative, among which one is that "having 
 How Abajee was assured by ^ ■, ^ ■ ^ . i -i i 
 
 Mr. Henshaw that he would be been confined by sickness to my bed, by 
 
 finally rewarded. extraordinary exertions in the distjharge of ray 
 
 duties, I reported it to Mr. Henshaw, entreating my resignation of the 
 
( Ixli ) 
 
 services imposed on me in tlie Grain Department, not only for that reason, 
 but from the ill-will and enmity I subjected myself t(i, on account of this grain 
 business, from those whose wishes were not gratified in that respect ; but 
 tho Custom Master, regardless of those representations, assured me that 
 it was sufficient Jbr us to be attentive to the interests of our employers, and 
 ho further assured me that he would recommend me to Government for 
 a handsome reward for tho pains and labour bestowed by me in this Grain 
 Department, to be given at the conclusion of this office." 
 
 54. This document will be found further to state that, between the 22nd 
 and 23rd of August, Mr. Henshaw ordered him to dispose of about twenty 
 thousand bags of rice at the limited price of Rupees 9-2-0 per bag for expor- 
 tation, on condition that I allowed thereof, or otherwise the bargain to be 
 deemed null and void, at which period tho quantity of rice on hand did not, 
 ho says, exceed sixty thousand bags ; and there being no prospect of rain, 
 Mr. Henshaw reported to me (as the defendant sets forth) the balance on 
 hand by a private note, upon which I was pleased, ho adds, on the 24th of 
 tho same month, to direct the Custom Master not to dispose of a single bag 
 
 of rice, which very much disappointed the con- 
 
 Cause- assigned for the mer- ^itional purchasers of tho twenty thousand 
 chants lU-wjU against him. _^ ,,.... 
 
 bags, and rendered them all mimical to him, as 
 
 within those two days the prices had risen from nine and a half to eleven and 
 a half, whence they conceived themselves losers of two Rupees on every bag. 
 On this pArt of Abajoe's representation my correspondence with Mr. Hen- 
 shaw of the 2oth, 26th, and 27th of August, will be found to throw a consi. 
 dcrable light, and to which I accordingly refer, as already adverted to in tho 
 32nd preceding pai-agraph, and in the correspondence at length in the 
 voucher No. 1. 
 
 55. Tho defendant next proceeds to lament the impeachment of his upright 
 
 character by what he describes " a groundless 
 charge agamst^hlm! ^'^ P^''*"^" '^^ and fabricated charge from a common servant of 
 
 a Banian, who has (he adds) been also dis- 
 charged from his employment for actual bad behaviour of this nature." Ho 
 then infers the improbability of his having received, as pretended by his ac- 
 cuser, a considerable present on account of passports, and fines from the export 
 office, beiug entirely separate and distinct from his own Grain Gepartment, tho 
 Head Clerk in the former being a Portuguese acting under fixed rules sanc- 
 tioned by the Custom Master for his guidance ; observing that every pass note * 
 for the export articles is generally countersigned by the Custom Master, 
 and then the notes go to the officer of the export department, who gives a 
 passport, under his signature, to the gatekeeper; he only ■ certified the pass 
 notes for such grain as was declared to have been purchased from the stock of 
 tho Honorable Company ; and such notes, after being also countersigned by 
 
( Ixiii ) 
 
 t"ke Custom Master, were sent to the officer of tlie export department, wlio 
 duly registered and gave passes to the purchasers respectively to export their 
 grain. He also equally denies having benefited by the intercepted grain, 
 and states finally that he was employed in no other than the grain department 
 to receive money for such grain as was sold and to keep an account thereof. 
 
 56. On the date of Mr. Thriepland's report being recorded, a copy of it 
 
 „ _- , ,, , ^ was transmitted to Mr. Henshaw for his infor- 
 
 Mr. Hcnsliaw called upon to • i i i 
 
 answer in respect to Mr. Thriep- mation, and such reply as might enable 
 land's report. Government to form a judgment, particularly 
 
 as far as respected the insufficient copy of the grain cash book ; secondly, the 
 confused state of the pass notes ; and, thirdly, to account for the irregularity 
 of the two and twenty pass notes, and, moreover, to explain the system he 
 seems to have observed in respect to the sale of grain on credit, and whether 
 ■any interest was received thereon j and finally to account for the altering 
 and tearing of the leaves in the book, or books, of record in his department. 
 
 57. In reference also to the suspicion entertained by Mr. Thriepland of 
 
 Accountant General called on ™°^° ^^^^^^ ^^^^^^ passed clandestinely than 
 to pi-epare statement of the im- has yet been ascertained, the Accountant 
 ^ ports and exports of grain. General was, on the same day, called upon to 
 
 lay before the Board a figured statement of all the grain imported since the 
 fii'st period of the restrictions on its export in September 1803 to that of the 
 proclamation for a free export from the '21st of April 1805, contrasting 
 therewith the amount of the Company's sales for exportation and the pre- 
 scribed proportion which the merchant importers were allowed to export, 
 exclusive of the small discretional quantities that the Custom Master, from 
 necessity, admitted of to boats and vessels for the provision of their crews, 
 which, together with the quantity consumed on the Island, or sent under 
 the authority of Government to Salsette, Poena, Surat, or elsewhere, ought 
 to make up the whole export and general consumption, exhibiting there. 
 on the stock on hand, respecting which if there should prove any difference, 
 the Accountant General was to call on the Custom Master, and, after receiv- 
 ing from him the requisite explanations, to make his report. 
 
 58. It appearing, in the course of Mr Thriepland's remarks, that Narrain 
 
 Kemjee, an officer in the Custom House, stood 
 
 NarrainKemjeesospendedfrom charged on oath with having received a bribe 
 
 * '^^' of five hundred Eupees, he was on the same 
 
 date ordered to stand suspended from his office till he should have been cleared 
 
 of this charge, of all which Mr. Thriepland was advised, accompanied by an 
 
 Approbation signified to Mr. intimation of the Board's opinion that he had 
 
 Thriepland. ' great merit in the pains ho had taken to expose 
 
 the corrupt system on which he had thus reported. 
 
 11 ap 
 
( Ixiv ) 
 
 o9. On the 9fch of June Mr. Henshaw delivered in his answer, dated the 
 
 day preceding, expressing equal surprise and 
 ¥/• Henshaw's letter in reply ^ ^ern to perceive his conduct had been 
 to Mr. Thriepland's report. '^ . . . i j. j-i, 
 
 construed mio an indisposition to let tne 
 
 charge against Abajee Gunnesh have all the necessary elucidation, as in the 
 
 . instances of the insufficient copy of the grain cash book and the confused 
 
 state of the pass notes; observing, as to the first article, that the copy of the 
 
 account in question is a faithful transcript from 
 As to the Cash Book and Pass ^^^q original one, and that had he delivered 
 
 any other he must have been blamed j and 
 with respect to the pass notes they are, he remarks, vouchers necessary only 
 for twenty-four houi-s, adding that they were formerly burnt once a month; 
 and had in the present instance been preserved in the desk of a Purvoe, 
 whence they were delivered, on being called for by Mr. Thriepland, in the 
 state they were found. 
 
 60. With respect to the irregular passes, Mr. Henshaw refers to the 4th 
 Clause of Section 8th, Eegulation VI. 1799, stating that grain of all sorts is 
 to be exempted from duty, and the Glorh of the Marlcet is to send a weekly 
 report to the Custom Master of the prices of the diiferent articles of grain, 
 that in the event of any uncommon decrease in the quantity at market a 
 temporary prohibition may be laid on the exportation of it ; under which 
 authority, joined to the flattering terms in which the Governor in Council 
 had been pleased to notice his exertions, was he (Mr. Henshaw asks) to 
 consider those flattering terms as indicative of any restriction of that autho- 
 rity as Custom Master which he before possessed ? Was he (adds he) to 
 consider the many and repeated instances of his possessing the Honorable 
 the Governor's unlimited confidence, as expressed to him both by note and 
 personally, as indicative of any curtailment of his former authority ? Did not 
 (continues Mr. Henshaw) these circumstances, on the contrary, fully confirm 
 to me in the grain department all that discretionary authority already vested 
 in me as Custom Master by the 4th Clause of Section VIII. of the Regula- 
 tions above quoted ? 
 
 61. It is on this occasion asserted by Mr. Henshaw that at the period 
 
 ,, „ , , , ,, of granting the two and twenty irregular pass 
 
 Mr. Henshaw's avowal of hav- ^ t ,• ^i ■ t , t . ,? .„, 
 
 ing granted the irregular" pass notes distinctly animadverted on m Mr. Thriep- 
 notes in reward for Abajee's ser- land's report, he (the Custom Master) had 
 vices in the Grain Department. ,, -n -i -lt ^i n 
 
 not been provided with the means of rewarding 
 
 the very able services of Abajee Gunnesh in the grain department, nor the 
 very efficient assistance which he more than once enabledhim to render to the 
 Public Treasury, and that having desired the said Abajee to point out to him 
 any means that occm-red whereby he (the Custom Master) might be enabled 
 
( Ixv ) 
 
 to reward his (Abajee's services), the latter represented that the calls for 
 grain for the adjoining continent were great, and that Government sold large 
 quantities for exportation at a considerable profit ; ' that two merchants had 
 spoken to him who had large stocks of grain on hand, bnt no privilege' to 
 export, and which they could not afibrd to sell so cheap as the Honourable 
 Company did theirs for the consumption of the inhabitants of this Island, 
 they had therefore applied to him, if he could procure permission to export 
 the grain, thoy would allow him some of the profits they might dei-ive there- 
 by ; to this (continuing in Mr. Henshaw's words) I consented, and gave him 
 the privilege to exjDort the grain mentioned in the chits, conceiving thereby 
 that I neither violated the spirit of any existing Regulation, or departed in 
 the smallest instance from any of the great objects of Government confided 
 to my management, and not without having first satisfied myself that the 
 state of the markets could not be in any respect influenced thereby. If 
 ■ therefore (remarks the Custom Master) any blame can attach in consequence 
 of these notes, that blame must attach to mo alone, since I granted them to 
 Abajee Gunnesh that ho might share in the profit of exporting the grain as 
 some remuneration for his important services in the grain ^iepartment. 
 
 62. These services, inclusive of Mr. Henshaw's own, that gentleman next 
 
 takes occasion to exj)atiate on as having him- 
 Mr. Henshaw's representation g^^f ^^Q principal merit in warning us season- 
 of the great ineritonoiisncssot his ^ ^ ^ ^- J^ 
 
 own conduct in the advismg and ably, and m suggestuig the proper measures of 
 pvoyidmg agamst the threatened j^recaution, and in carrying those measures 
 
 afterwards into effect for guarding against the 
 threatened scarcity and famine ; asking thereon whether any of these 
 bold conceptions of his have failed of success, and observing that if, on the 
 contrary, they have all been realized by him, to the saving of our population 
 below and the preservation of our armies above the ghauts, he thinks he 
 cannot be deserving of the severe imputations which the report from the 
 Honorable Company's Standing Counsel throws out against him, which would 
 not he thinks, have taken place had that officer been made acquainted with 
 the extent of the Custom Master's services in the gi-ain department, under ah 
 accumulation, too, of other public business, and a weight of bodily infirmity 
 from August 1803 to the following rains, which might, he thinks, have been 
 allowed some weight on the occasion thus alluded to. 
 
 63. Mr. Henshaw next proceeds to explaiii, in what seems a satisfactory 
 
 manner, the rules observed by him in respect 
 to£?rnf:f^iS"rhi: to the charging of interest on his sales of 
 sales aiid the mutilation of one of grain, and afterwards replies to the imputation 
 his office books. conveyed in Mr. Thricpland's report as to the 
 
 tearinf out -a leaf in one' of the books of the Custom House, which book, he 
 
( Ixvi ) 
 
 says, was not of record, but merely a rough acconntj from wliicli tliafc of 
 record is afterwards made; nor was it, ho adds, a book called for by the 
 Company's Counsel, but delivered of tlie Custom Master's own accord to tho 
 Company's Counsel, and that as a rougli or memorandum book, lie will 
 venture to affirm, it will be found, on inspectioa, to contain fewer alterations 
 or erasures, than any other similar rough book belonging to any department 
 of the service. 
 
 64. Mr. Henshaw thereafter begs leave to submit some few ques- 
 tions to the Honorable the Governor in Council as intimately connected 
 with the present subject, and on whose solutions by him I have (he adds) 
 no hesitation of submitting the justice of my case, and my pretensions to hi& 
 liberal construction of my proceedings throughout. 
 
 _, . 1 ,. nr TT First. — Did not every measure of limitation 
 
 Queries proposed by Mr. Hen- *'. . _ _ 
 
 shavv to the Governor and to Go- of export or of change in the system originate' 
 vernment. with me as the head of the department ? 
 
 Second. — Was not the small portion of private grain allowed for export 
 ever thought by ihe Honorable the Governor a hardship on the merchant,, 
 yet did he not, on my assurances of its being indispensible to ensure success 
 to the gTeat object in view, reject all their applications to remove the 
 embargo, or increase the quantity for export ? 
 
 Tliird. — The grand objects o.nco secured, did not the Honourable th© 
 Governor continually press upon my attention to increase the exports to the 
 utmost possible extent ? 
 
 Fourth. — And, in the event I had ever pointed out to Government the 
 expediency of quieting the merchants by a discretionary private indulgence 
 to export any additional quantity, would not Government have acceded 
 thereto, if satisfied every grand object was secured, and that no evil could 
 result therefrom ? 
 
 65. Finally, Mr. Honshaw refers to some reports, as false (he says) as 
 
 they are infamous, which have been spread 
 
 J^t^X ^it?"oSnare ^^^°^<^' ff f ^^^^ ' ^^^J^ ^^^nesh is 
 with Abajee Gimnesh. rumoured to be the author, respecting which 
 
 Mr. Henshaw expresses his hopes that they 
 will be received with extreme caution ; but that should Government not be 
 satisfied with his solemn assurances of their falsity, or be anxious that thev 
 
 should be investigated, he will be very 
 
 po^te^LTfct°m"tl*'^ ^^- ^Wy that a committee be appointed to that 
 
 effect, requestmg only that this letter may 
 not be refen-ed for comments of the Honorable Company's Counsel with whom 
 he feels himself in no shape equal to enter the Usts of controversy, without. 
 
( Ixvii .) 
 
 however, having any objection to his being a member of the suggested 
 committee, should his acting therein be doomed compatible with any 
 professional duty which he may have yet to prosecute in the Court of 
 the Recorder connected with any objects of the committee's inquiry. 
 
 66. Having thus comprised within as short a compass as the nature and 
 Governor's opinion on the se- extent of the matter at issue would admit of a 
 
 veral jwints that have been above summaiy of all the proceedings that have 
 
 appeai'cd to mo to bo in the least material to 
 guide to a judgment on the general subject, I should next offer my senti- 
 ments on. the principal heads into which it naturally divides itself. 
 
 67. With respect to the insufficiency of the Grain Cash Book for March, 
 
 As to the Cash Book for March. ^'•- Henshaw avers it to be a faithful transcript 
 
 of the. original one, finally closed by him 
 many months before ; whilst by Mr. Thriepland it is asserted that the book 
 from whence this copy was taken was much more full and explicit as to 
 details, differences that can only be reconciled, or elucidated, by a reference 
 to the documents referred to. 
 
 C8. Mr. Henshaw's explanation respecting the pass notes is not altoge- 
 ther satisfactory, since, whatever may have 
 As to the manner of keeping been the former practice, these notes are 
 the Pass Notes. essential, and should as such be preserved as 
 
 vouchers to the public accounts. 
 
 69. Respecting the authority of Clause IV. Section VIII. Regulation VI. 
 of 1799, which Mr. Henshaw notices as giving him, conjoined to the Board's 
 and my own confidence, all the former authority of the Custom Master in 
 
 respect to the export of gi-ain, it must be 
 ers'^alSri^a-'mfr::::^. -thin that gentleman's knowledge that the 
 Abajee Gunnesh by the grant of specific authority in question stood expressly 
 irregular Pass Notes. withdrawn by the formal Resolution of Govern- 
 
 ment of the 3rd of September 1802 ; at the same time that, admitting it to 
 have been virtually restored on Mr. Henshaw's being again vested with the 
 charge of the grain department, neither its letter nor spirit joined, even to 
 the amplest confidence of the Governor, or of Government, can justify the 
 mode thus taken to reward Abajee, which is, and must ever from its nature 
 bo pregnant with too many evil consequences to require to be more than 
 mentioned to be reprobated. My notes and separate correspondence with 
 Mr. Henshaw on this occasion (all, or all that is essential, in which, I am 
 happy to believe, I have with more than ordinary care preserved) will show 
 that I did indeed place in him very great, though quite unbounded, confi- 
 dence ; but inasmuch as I have done so the more aggravated fault would be 
 his should that gentleman now, or hereafter, turn out to have made an 
 
( Ixviii ) 
 
 unwoi'thy use of ifcj so the more especially as to have afforded any just gfoUild 
 for those current reports to which, in the latter part of his letter he himself 
 alludes, and that are indeed'so general as cannot but have reached the ears of 
 every member of the Board. 
 
 70: On that part of Mr. Henshaw's defence which respects the twenty- 
 two irregular pass notes, I need scarcely 
 Kespcctin? the twenty- two t n j ■, ■^^ t i- n j. j- i. 
 
 irreguLr Pass Notes. remark that it will be lound at direct variance 
 
 with whatever Abajce Gunnesh has himself 
 bi-ought forward on the same subject, as already adverted to in the latter 
 part of the 53rd paragraph ; and as these notes were granted between the 
 25th of March and 12th of May, and seventeen of them after the permanent 
 Eegulation and Advertisement of the 30th of March, authorising the export 
 of the quarter part of all grain imported by individuals from the southward, 
 and the moiety of all grain so imported from the northward (at the same time 
 that during the period of the issue of the first seven of these pass notes half 
 of the imports by individuals, from whatever quarter, were additionally allow- 
 ed to be transported to 8urat), all these twenty-two pass notes were in dero- 
 gation to both the rules thus laid down, audthelatter of which (being the last 
 and, as above remarked, the permanent regulation on the subject) Mr. Henshaw 
 will appear, in the course of the preceding narrative, to have considered of 
 such indispensible exigency as to have resisted (I do not say improperly), more 
 than once, the effect of my own and the Board's anxious intimations to him in 
 respect to the special instances of relief to Poena and the adjoining Mahratta 
 territories, as exemplified in his letter of the 8th of May 1804, stating 
 that although " he felt every desire to give full effect to Colonel Close's 
 certificates, and to relieve the distresses of the capital and country of His 
 Highness the Paishwa, yet his primary duty to this Government, compelled 
 him to view its orders and arrangements as paramount to every anxious 
 wish to relieve our neighbours, any deviation from which rules (referring in 
 particular to the party then arrived to buy grain under Colonel Close's letter 
 not having done so from any individual's quarter part proportion entitled to 
 be exported) would lead (he argued) to evils of the most incalcuable magni- 
 tude to our own Island and our dependencies." And yet Mr. Henshaw was 
 at that very juncture in the act (as appears by the dates of some of the 
 twenty-two irregular pass notes furnished to me by Mr. Cumberlege) of 
 clandestinely setting at nought the very rules from which publicly he was 
 Glaring inconsistency of Mr. thus deprecating any departure, or that any 
 Hcnshaw's official conduct. consideration, however urgent, should be 
 
 suffered at all to infringe ; for, in fact, two of the irregular pass notes, both 
 of them for Moonghy or Bengal rice, bear date the one the 6th, and the other 
 the 12th of May of the year of his aforestated remonstrance. How then 
 can Mr. Henshaw assert, as he docs in the beginning of his 17tli paragraph 
 
-( kk ) 
 
 that lie never concealed tlie giving of these clandestine noteSj of the contraxy 
 of which, embarrassingly for him, there is yet, if possible, more decisive 
 evidence, under his own hand, in that formal and explicit declaration of his, 
 standing upon our records under date the 13th of April 1804 (as per the 
 19th paragraph of this narrative), no less indignantly, than positively aver- 
 ring, among other points, that, besides being pure himself, he had not suf- 
 fered any one in the grain department to derive directly, or indirectly, the 
 smallest advantage from the trust reposed in him, or confided by him to 
 them, or violated any order of Government. On this part of the subject, 
 therefore, no farther remark can be necessary, or otherwise reference may, 
 be had to the 39th preceding paragraph, showing that Mr. Henshaw in 
 September 1804 denied, or at least concealed, his being privy to the grounds 
 of the charge as then preferred in resgect to the pass notes, although on the 
 8th of June of the present year he comes forward with an avowal and justi- 
 fication of what he had thus previously professed to feel an indignant 
 shame at. 
 
 71. With regard to the exposition made by Mr. Henshaw of his o^vn 
 merits, and what I still believe to have been his unremitting exertions, for 
 fending off from us the evils of extreme dearth, it is no more than justice 
 for me (who can best bear testimony on this part of the subject) to declare, 
 as I also do with satisfaction, that I consider him entitled to all the merit ho 
 thus claims, which increases my regret that he should have tarnished the 
 course of a conduct so highly praiseworthy by clandestine acts, in themselves 
 at all times unjustifiable, and which, as far as we yet know, may be consi- 
 dered as almost inadequate in their amount to induce an attempt at such 
 unworthy detours and concealments as are too irrefragably ascertained, by 
 the evidence of Mr. Henshaw himself, to have been practised in the instances 
 above specified. 
 
 72. Mr. Henshaw's explanations respecting 
 As to the article of interest on ti^g article of interest and the tearing out the 
 the sales, and conceramg the f 4.1 i i e xx. n j. 
 
 tearing out of aleaf from a Book, leat trom one ot the books ot the Oustom 
 
 House appear to me to be satisfactory. 
 70. On the subject of the four queries which Mr. Henshaw has stated, 
 
 . , ,, „ . the three first for my, answers and the fourth 
 
 As to the four queries. •' 
 
 for that of the Board at large, I deliver my 
 replies to tho three first articles by recording them generally in the affir- 
 mative, in like manner as the . facts adduced in the preceding part of this 
 narrative will suflSciently illlustrate ; and a similar answer may, I think, be 
 given to the foiirth head of these interrogations, as addressed to the Council, 
 more especially, under all the circumstances, premised in the terms of it; 
 in concurrence with which inference, I remember informing Mr. Grant, our 
 late Secretary, in answer to an intimation to him from Mr. Thriepland, incident 
 
( Ixx ) 
 
 to or about the time of the late trial of AbajeCj that a few months ago Mr. 
 Henshaw made a verbal coinmunicatlon to me of a particular case of hard- 
 ship which Mr. Adamson Avas said to labour under, through the merit of 
 having more punctually and fully complied with his engagements with 
 Government for the importation of rice during the last rains than some of 
 the other British contractors, whence such a stock had accumulated on his 
 hands that Mr. Henshaw aj^plied to me in favour of his being allowed, in 
 consideration to the cause in which this embarrassment originated, to export 
 from it a greater proportion than the quarter part prescribed by the 
 Regulations, and to which, in the idea by that time becoming- 
 prevalent that the risks of the season were already sufficiently averted, I yielded 
 my verbal assent, coupled probably, in at least some degree, with . the ex- 
 pressed reliance or hope that the otheii, co-importers, such a;s the Firms of 
 Forbes and Co., and Bruce, Fawcctt, and Co., might not take umbrage at 
 this proposed indulgence, or set up similar pretensions in consequence. 
 I canuot now account for this circumstance not appearing on the face of the 
 public records more reasonably than from no farther notice having been 
 brought before me on the subject, so that I remained uncertain as to 
 whether Mr. Adamson's larger export had taken place or not till I lately 
 desired my Private Secretary to ask that gentleman, when it appeared that 
 he had not at all availed himself of the permission. 
 
 74. For the rest, I do not perceive on what grounds Mr. Henshaw thinks 
 
 Whether Mr. Henshaw has ^'^ ^^"^ •'^'^^'^'^ """^^ *^^° J'^^'^^'^^ °^ ^"^ Case (as 
 anywise exceeded his powers antl adverted to in the 64tli paragraph) on the 
 
 c(l''inhim°^*'"'°''"'^'"''"'"'^'°'" solution of the four queries he has thus pro- 
 pounded, since their being ever so positively 
 answered in the affirmative can only ascertain that he had great powers and 
 great confidence reposed in him, without justifj'ing his appearing under the 
 pregnant suspicion of having nevertheless exceeded, for improper purposes 
 these powers, and thereby abuse, to a certain extent that confidence as he 
 may seem to have done without going further than his own showing. I 
 
 TT- 1 ^ •.. ■ admit, however, that the merits of his o-oueral 
 
 His conduct very meritorious . . ' f^ouuicu 
 
 in the Grain Department, with services in the grain department do give him 
 tlie exceptions taken from his. o«n the claim he prefers to a liberal construction 
 
 SllOWlllff, n 1 ' ~t 
 
 of his proceedings throughout, and that ho 
 should be dealt with suitably also " to his character and situation in the 
 service," as in another part of his letter of the 8th of June he lays reason- 
 able claim to, consistently with wliicli I proposed that a commission be ap- 
 pointed, composed of Mr. Money, of the 
 Suggestion of the institution of Marine, as President, with Mr. James Hallett 
 ;:Z^:^i^'^7^. °f <^^° Cwn service and Mr. Alderman Scott, 
 
 as members, to form a s>vorn committee, faith- 
 
( Ixxi ) 
 
 fully to investigate and report on the transactions of tlio grain department, 
 from its institution in September 1803 to the present periodj with a" view to 
 ascertain how far the several regulations and orders of Government (with 
 copies of all which they are to be furnished, besides having general access to 
 our proceedings at large) have been observed in respect to the limitations of 
 the exports from the imports by individuals j, to assist them in which they 
 are to call upon the Accountant General for the figured statement and other 
 information required by our order to Mr. Elphinstone of the 15th of May, 
 being also to the same end, moreover, authorised to call before them, and 
 examine upon oath, the officers and servants of the Custom House, particu- 
 larly such of them as appear by Mr. Thriepland's report to be most conver- 
 sant with the details of the grain department, such as Mr. Wappers, as well 
 as the keeper of the Import Book {whose name is not known), and Do- 
 mingos said to be the Export Purvoe ; from the interrogation of whom, and by 
 following up the information thence derived, by the like examinations of 
 others, such as the earlier informations to be thus acquired, may show the 
 expediency of, and by reference to the books and accounts in the Custom 
 House, or in the custody of Messrs. Thriepland and Cumberlege, (who 
 should one or other of them have leave to be present at the inquiry, with 
 privilege to submit to the committee the means of obtaining the re- 
 quisite information, and to propose questions to the witnesses) the real 
 extent of the irregularities and malversations announced and suspected may, 
 it is hoped, be satisfactorily traced ; at the same time that every opportunity 
 is to be afforded to Mr. Henshaw to vindicate his own conduct, for which 
 purpose that gentleman may personally attend, or by his Agent or Attorney, 
 with the right of cross-questioning all the witnesses to be examined in 
 support of these suspected delinquencies, with a like pi'ivilege to Messrs. 
 Thriepland or Cumberlege, according to whichsoever of them shall attend, 
 in respect to such witnesses as may be produced on the other side. 
 
 75. The Committee should (in view to the contents of the letter No. 5 of 
 the accompaniments to this narrative, and of which letter they should be 
 furnished Avith a copy) be further desired to endeavour to ascertain, through 
 the general means above pointed out, whether any fee, or commission, or 
 secret gratuity, or other valuable consideration, was exacted at the Custom 
 House for the permission to export grain, distinctly from the price thereof 
 about the period when the said letter was written, or at any other date or 
 dates within the limits above prescribed, for the extent in point of tiine of 
 their proposed scrutiny, which on every account, they should be instructed 
 to prosecute and complete with as little delay as possible ; including therein 
 the inspection of the Cash Book for March 1804, and of the original from 
 which it is represented to have been copied, and stating how the same 
 12 ap 
 
( Ixxii ) 
 
 appears to them in reference to the different views and impressions on that 
 particular subject between the Custom Master and the Company's 
 Counsel. 
 
 JONATHAN DUNCAN. " 
 
 fO'L. NICOLLS, 
 Concurred in by«< L. COGKRAN, 
 
 L THOMAS LECHMERE. 
 
( Ixxiii ) 
 
 No. 1. 
 
 SEPARATE CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN THE GOVERNOR 
 AND MR. HENSHAW, FROM OCTOBER 1803 TO MARCH 1805. 
 
 Honorable Sie, — Under every view of our situation, I conclude that from 
 six to seven Rupees per bag may be offered for good clean cargo rice deliver- 
 able into the Honorable Company's warehouses in Bombay between the 
 15th December and 15th February. 
 
 I conceive that the best Mangalore rice cannot stand the Honorable Com- 
 pany in more than 18 Pagodas percorge, or Rs. 3-1-71 perbagatMangalore^ 
 to which add even Rs. 1-2-0 per bag freight, it only comes to Rs. 4-3-71 
 per bag. 
 
 I mention this for your information and determination as to the quantity 
 you may contract for of Bengal rice. Being with every sentiment of respect. 
 
 Honorable Sir, 
 
 Yours, &c. 
 
 (Signed) ROBERT HENSHAW. 
 Uth October 1803. 
 
 15th October 1803. 
 
 ROBERT HENSHAW, Esq. 
 
 Deak Sie, — I hope you will now be able to keep us clear of famine, and 
 gradually to reduce the price of rice. You must not, however, rely on the 
 Sadry, as she unaccountably slipt away and proceeded to Calicut without 
 'Mr. Ravenshaw's permission. But what was intended for her will serve to fill 
 up the Huddart. You may buy all the rice that comes in, as long as you find 
 it useful, giving a liberal price, so that the importers may not be discouraged 
 from pursuing the traffic, and taking care not to force their inclinations, even 
 in obliging them to sell to Government where they may prefer to deal with 
 others ; but we can always afford to give as much as any first purchaser from 
 the importer. Our treasury is exceedingly low, but if you want a small sum 
 to go on with, let me know, and you shall have it. The importers should be 
 paid ready cash. In short, I trust this great and delicate commission to 
 your honor, zeal, and judgment, and rely on experiencing the best effects 
 from the confidence thusplaced. 
 
 I am, yours, 
 (Signed) J. DUNCAN. 
 
(' Ixxiv ) 
 
 15th October 180S. 
 
 HoNOEABLB SiR, — Twolvg hundred robins of rice are just entered from 
 Mangalore. The owner has sold it to the second man at 5-2-50 the robin of 
 best sortj and 4-2-50 the robin of the second sort. This sale was conditional 
 that Government permitted it > tlie second man has been with me, and is 
 willing to give up for two annas each robin pro-fit ; allow me, good Sir^ to 
 suggest that this be purchased for the Company, and instantly retailed ; the 
 best of consequenees will result therefrom, and, if you see no solid objection, 
 I would recommend all future imports during the next thirty days to be pur- 
 chased in the same nmnncr. I will manage it for your comfort and honour. 
 Believe me. 
 
 Honorable Sir, 
 Yours, &c., 
 (Signed) E. HENSHAW. 
 
 lUh October 1803. 
 E. HENSHAW, Esq., 
 
 Deae Sie, — I entirely approve of your purehasing the rice now imported, 
 and selling it in such manner as you shall see most likely to produce tho 
 greatest general relief. I have told Mr. Halliday that I leave it to you to 
 supply his shops. He will apciik to you ou the subject. 
 
 I am, yours, 
 (Signed) J. DUNCAN, 
 
 IQih October 1803. 
 
 HoNOKACLE SiK, — I wnn honored with your letter yesterday evening 
 and being in the carriage for an airing, I delayed its immediate reply. 
 
 I assure myself that every possibility of famine is now completely guard- 
 ed against, and am happy to report to you that the entries of new Batta 
 from the Mahratta countries, of rice from Canara and Malabar yesterday 
 and this forenoon, moot my most sanguine expectations. In addition there- 
 to I have notice of near one thousand candies of bajree being . partly 
 embarked, and ready to be embarked at Verowal, Gogo, Gnzerat, Manga- 
 lore, and other Northern Ports for this place, and of which a small portion 
 in a medley cargo of wheat, gram, dholl, &c., is this instant entered. I 
 shall conscientiously endeavour to meet your wishes in the discham-e of the 
 
( Ixxv ) 
 
 trust you have reposed in mc, and to merit your regards, and you may depend 
 upon my exerting every means to save calling on the Treasury for assistance* 
 The robin or morah of Mangalore weighs, when first packed, eighty-two 
 No. pounds of rice, and from innumerable experiments made by me during 
 my long residence in Canara, two thereof equalled one Bengal bag of two 
 Bengal maunds (Factory, not Bazaar maunds). The Canara candy is exactly 
 the same as that of Bombay, of twenty maunds each of twenty-eight pounds. 
 The cargo of rice varies as to number of robins ; to the Northward of 
 Cundapore "it consists of thirty robins ; but the quantity of rice contained in 
 the thirty equals exactly that in the cargo of forty-two robins, which 
 measure prevails at Cundapore and to the southward. 
 
 Honorable Sir, 
 Yours, &c., 
 (Signed) E. HBNSHAW. 
 
 2nd December 1803. 
 
 HoNOEAELE SiE, — 1 havc a very large supply of copper pice received from 
 Mr. Halliday, the produce of the sales of the rice at the Sirkar's shops, 
 amounting to Rupees 20,000. This pice is only to be exchanged for a loss 
 of two or three per cent., and the merchants from whom I purchased rice 
 will not receive it, but require gold or silver to avoid loss. Could it not be 
 received into the Treasury, and gold delivered me in return, to enable me 
 to discharge the rice bills ? 1 submit this for your determination : being with 
 all respect. 
 
 Honorable Sir, 
 Yours, &c., 
 (Signed) R. HENSHAW. 
 
 2ud Decemler 1803. . 
 ROBERT HENSHAW, Esq., 
 
 Deae Sie, — Let the pice be sent to the Treasury. It is a pity you kept it 
 till it had so- far accumulated as to render it inconvenient to return the 
 whole in gold immediately, but you shall receive a few thousands at a. time 
 as you may want. 
 
 You should pay in every rupee or pice you can command into the Ti-ca- 
 sury, either from the sale of grain or other resource, su^h as the Customs, 
 knowing how hardly we arc run for cash. 
 
( Ixxvi ) 
 
 I thouglit you were to pay for the gi-ain of Syed Seif is ship by Bilta 
 on Bengal. That would be desirable, as we should then have the money it 
 fetches to dispose of here. 
 
 We have written to Mr. Ravenshaw as you suggested, but will he have 
 tonnage to send it up, or must we furnish it hence ? In that case you will 
 seasonably consider of the means of doing so, and always keep rice enough 
 in hand, to have the supplies to PanweU (for our army there acting against 
 Scindia) in constant flow. Let, in short, nothing interrupt them. 
 
 I am, yours, 
 (Signed) J. DIJNCAN. 
 
 3rd December 1803, 
 
 HoNOKABLE SiE, — I had the honor of your note late yesterday, or would 
 have, instantly replied thereto. I beg you will be assured that I have never 
 lost sight of the distress your Treasury is in, and to that alone is to be 
 attributed the accumulation of the pice, which until these few days could be 
 exchanged without more loss than i or J per cent., and which the grain 
 merchants took at par. My anxiety not to trouble you made me keep it in 
 hopes the whole sum might be passed in payment, and yesterday evening, 
 subsequent to my note to you, I paid away seven thousand Rupees, and have 
 only thirteen thousand, which is going to the Treasury, and as I may find 
 call for it, wUl apply for gold in lieu. 
 
 Our receipts in the Custom House are principally in Treasury notes, but 
 you may rely on their being paid in on their receipt. 
 
 My agreement with Sj-^ed Seif's ship's Nacquedah was for sixty thousand 
 Rupees in Bengal Bills, and the remainder in cash here. • 
 
 I shall in the course of Monday submit to your inspection a statement of 
 the purchase, receipt from Canara, and issues of rice, since the 15th October 
 to this day inclusive, and also statement of batty and wheat received from 
 the northward, and in future keep you fully advised thereon. 
 
 I shall pay every attention to your suggestions as to the means of trans- 
 porting the Canara rice here, and submit my reflections to your judgment. 
 
 Captain Moor has received from me for the army 9,000 bags of Bengal 
 rice and 18,000 robins of Canara rice, and you may rely on every strenuous 
 co-operation in part with him to preserve in full the supply of grain to the 
 dispatch at Camp. 
 
 I have the hojior to be, &c. 
 
 (Signed) B. HENSHAW. 
 
( Ixxvii ) 
 
 Ith December 1803, 
 H. SHANK, Esq. 
 
 Bear Shane, — I pray you state to the Governor that I could not cor- 
 rectly till this mornin{» answer his query as to the price at which good 
 Bengal Moonghy rice is to be purchased hero : some few thousand tags may 
 be now purchased for five Rupees, two quarters, and twenty -five reas (5-2-25), 
 exclusive of brokerage, payable in Bengal Bills at the exchange of the day ; 
 but I would not wish Government to beat down the price below six Rupees 
 per bag, at which price if we can keep the bag there will be no hazard of a 
 want, as it-afibrds the trader a fair gain, and will prove inducement sufficient 
 to bring it to market : whereas, if lower, the stimulus is destroyed, and the 
 intelligence now reaching Bengal, not another vessel will load for this with 
 grain. If the Governor sees no objection, I would suggest my now purchas- 
 ing what good Bengal Moonghy rice offers for sale at six or under six for 
 Bengal Bills, and this, I think, will be attended with the best effects. 
 
 Yours truly, 
 (Signed) R. HENSHAW. • 
 
 lUh December 1803. 
 ROBERT HENSHAW, Esq., 
 
 Pear Sir, — ^I do not find that any boats are arriving from Mr. Eavenshaw. 
 Perhaps it would be best to hire a vessel at once and send down there. I 
 wait, however, your opinion. They write from Poena that grain is getting 
 very scarce there, and they wish to send down the native Brinjai-ies to 
 purchase here for the community of that place. Has any rice been yet re- 
 exported out of the one-third proportion that you recommended ? I rely on 
 your keeping your eye on the market with a view to provide always — first, 
 for our armies above the Ghauts to the extent of General Wellesley's com- 
 mission of 1,000 garce ; and secondly, for our population here. Perhaps it 
 would not be amiss to buy even now another ship's cargo, provided they will 
 accept payment by Bills on Bengal at the exchange of the day, 'i.e. the 
 Company's aud not the Bazaar exchange. 
 
 I am, yours, 
 . (Signed) J.DUNCAN. 
 
( Ixxviii ) 
 
 16th December 1803. 
 
 Honorable Sie, — I have reflected very seriously on what you mentioned 
 in your last note to me of tlio scarcity at Poona j if you are satisfied as to the 
 truth thereof, and convinced that the Government there will expect your 
 sanction for their Brinjaries purchasing grain here, I am, on every view of 
 this matter, convinced that it will bo no more than barely prudent in Go- 
 vernment to purchase to the extent of one lac of bags, if to be done at six 
 Rupees the bag of Moonghy rice, and so in proportion of other grain — ^this 
 independent of prior arrangements. By this measure the market will be 
 sure to be kept supplied to answer every emergency, and Government will 
 by having such store reserve to themselves the proper check over the markets 
 and prevent monopolizing, having the moans at any time when they see fit 
 to lower the price, and thereby protect the poor from those harpies the 
 grain dealers. 
 
 I am. Honorable Sir, &c., 
 
 (Signed) R. HENSHAW, 
 
 2dth Docombev 1803. 
 
 Honorable Sir, — I have hitherto managed to bear the Honorable Company 
 harmless as to every expense of Assistants, Purvoes, &c., for the grain 
 department, but 1 now find it presses very hard upon mo, and becomes over- 
 burthensome, so as to induce me to request you will permit me to employ 
 Mr. Whitehill to assist mo, with one good Purvoe ; and as they will have 
 very full employment, I hope you will not think me extravagant in recom- 
 mending Mr. W. for a monthly allowance of twa hundred Rupees, and a 
 Purvoe for one of fifty Rupees. 
 
 I am, &c. 
 (Signed) R. HENSHAW. 
 
 29th Docomhcr 1803. 
 ROBERT HENSHAW, Esq. 
 
 Deae Sie, — As long as there arc gentlemen in the service unprovided, I 
 cannot consent to the employment of Mr. Whitehill, but if you like to fix on 
 any of the young men in the line of public employment, he shall be named.' 
 
 I am, yoiirs, • - 
 (Signed) J. DUNCAN. 
 
. ( Ixxix ) 
 
 8th January 1804. 
 
 Honorable Sie, — I was in hopes to have boon able to go to Town this 
 morning to have sent in to Government a new statement of the grain wanted 
 to the end of November nextj and our ways and means. It was finished 
 before I quitted office last night, but was not fair transcribed, neither were 
 my observations thereon quite finished in elucidation thereof: but I am much 
 affected with a severe headache, and unable to do any business therefrom. 
 Our deficit by this statement (after admitting every ship that has laden or is 
 expected from Bengal, and of which most accurate mention is made) wiU be 
 ninety -three thousand bags, and I write this principally to suggest the expe- 
 diency of engaging with any ships that may be now or soon leaving this for 
 Bengal for a full returning cargo of good Moonghy rice, and I would further 
 suggest it to be done at seven Rupees per bag, payable on delivery in Ben- 
 gal Bills at the exchange of the day. The Tay is the only ship now on the 
 wing, and, if you approve, I will arrange to-morrow with Captain Mock if to 
 be done, and advise you the result. 
 
 You will, I am confident, be fully satisfied with the accuracy of my state- 
 ment, but apprehensive the Tay may sail, and unwilling to lose the opportu- 
 nity of so good a shij), I thought it advisable to write you on the subject. 
 
 I am. Honourable Sir, &c. 
 
 (Signed) R. HBNSHAW. 
 
 8th January 1804. 
 ROBERT HBNSHAW, Esq. 
 
 Dear Sir, — We are under an implied engagement to take whatever more 
 rice we may require from the house of B. P. & Co., and Forbes and Co., on 
 the same terras as our existing positive engagement with them of which you 
 have been advised. 
 
 I am yours, 
 
 (Signed) J. DUNCAN. 
 
 22nd January 1804. 
 
 Honorable Sib, — The price of Moonghy rice has i-isen considerably within 
 this last week. I judge it would be advisable to throw from four to six 
 thousand bags into the market, in order to prevent its farther rise, provided 
 yon approve the measure. 
 13 ap 
 
( Ixxx ) 
 
 To-morrow I sliall apply for an order to the Sub -Treasurer to receive 
 into the Treasury the sum of forty-thousand Rupees in cash on account of my 
 sales of grain. 
 
 I have no answer respecting the warehouses, which I am anxious to 
 receive'. 
 
 I am, &c. 
 
 (Signed) R. HENSIIAW. 
 
 22nd January 1804. 
 
 ROBERT HENSHAW, Esq. 
 
 Deae Sie, — As I leave you to judge of the regulation of the market, I 
 approve entirely of your intention to throw from 4 to 6,000 bags into the 
 local consumption, by way of keeping the price from rising too high. 
 
 The aid you mention to the Treasury will be highly acceptable. The 
 Military Board have boon written to about the warehouses, and their answer 
 may be daily looked for. 
 
 I am, 
 (Signed) J. DUNCAN. 
 
 1st Fehruari/ 1804. 
 ROBERT IIENSHAW, Esq. 
 
 Dear Sir.— I feel much at a loss to account for the different results of the 
 comparisons made here and at Poena of the Bengal and Canara rice. Per- 
 haps the assortment or parcels whence Colonel Coleman's Committee made 
 theirs was ft-om the first rice despatched by Mr. Walkenshaw, whilst yours 
 may have been from the last : the former consisted, I fancy, o£ old rice not 
 very good, but still sound ; the latter may be the new rice of the growth of 
 the late harvest, or otherwise to account for so great a diflforouce I should 
 suspect somethiug unfair was done to the grain on its passage from Bombay 
 to Poona. Your further opinion will therefore oblige 
 
 Yours, 
 
 (Signed) J. DUNCAN. 
 
( ixxxi ) 
 
 2nd Felmiary 1805. 
 
 Honorable Sir, — Though. I personally submitted my sentiments to you 
 this morning on the subject of your note of yesterday, yet, conceiving you 
 would prefer having them on paper, I will hero recapitulate them. 
 
 Adverting to the report from Colonel Coleman on the subject of the 
 Canara rice in the Depot at Poena, and also to the trials made by mc of the 
 same sort of grain, as stated in my address to Government of the 30th. ultimo, 
 the enormous loss resulting to the Honorable Company on the comparison, 
 calls, as I humbly conceive, on the part of this Government, for still further 
 investigation of the subject, to ascertain, if possible, how this loss arises, 
 and on whom tho responsibility should lay to account for such glaring defi- 
 ciencyj the first step to which I presume to suggest should bo to call upon 
 the Garrison Storekeeper for his opinion, furnishing him at the same time 
 copies of the letter from Colonel Coleman, of the order to me, and of my 
 report to Government in reply under date the 30th ultimo, directing him at 
 the same time to state if any, and what, progress the Canara rice undergoes 
 when he repacks it to forward it to the Depot, with every minute informa- 
 tion in his power that can possibly lead to a discovery whence this grqat 
 deficiency can arise. 
 
 This answer received, I would then appoint a committee, transmitting to 
 them all the before mentioned papers, together with tho report from the 
 Garrison Storekeeper, directing them to make a series of trials with every 
 sort of Canara rice in store, to ascertain the extent of every possible loss by 
 tare, dust, &c., and to report their opinion as to tho causes that could operate 
 to produce such a glaring deficiency as appears by the letters from Colonel 
 Coleman to be reported to him on the Canara rice in the Depot at Poena. 
 
 The Military Board, if I may suggest, should be this Committee, and 
 myself and the Garrison Storekeeper directed to attend to any requisition 
 they may make, or to attend them, if they call on us, when they go through 
 tho series of trials. 
 
 By thus pursuing this investigation, Government v/ill stand fully justified, 
 and exonerated from every shadow of censure and of want of attention to the 
 calls of the Army ; and if the deficiency proves to be really as reported, the 
 proceedings had here and forwarded to General Wellesley will serve as grand 
 . leading marks for a further investigation at Poena, and lead most probably 
 to a discovery of tho real cause of the deficiency. 
 
 I am, &c., 
 . (Signed) K. HENSHAW. 
 
( Ixxxii ) 
 
 7i/i Februari/ 1804:. . 
 
 E. HENSHAW, Esq. 
 
 Dear Sik, — I enclose for your private information the letter I have 
 yesterday received from Mr. Ravenshaw, of whose pretensions I am, in an 
 equitable point of view, inclined to think favorably, but by granting two 
 commissions to you and to him, I apprehend that wc shall either too much 
 enhance the value of the rice to the consumer, or subject the Company to loss, 
 both which I wish to avoid. I will, therefore, be glad to receive your senti- - 
 nients on what may constitute an eligible means of fair and reasonable 
 remuneration to both of you, without too great enhancement of the price of 
 the article. Now that more Canara rice is come up, I wish the sepoys to 
 have their rations from it at the usual price to them, supposing it will cover 
 the Company's cost and charges. 
 
 I am yours, 
 
 (Signed) J. DUNCAN. 
 
 17th Fehruao-y 1804!. 
 K. HENSHAW, Esq. 
 
 Deae Sie,; — I wish to receive from you a rough estimate of the value of 
 the rice as purchased and shipped by Mr. Eavenshaw, and to be so till the 
 end of the season, and a similar one of your o^vn sales hero, both of Canara 
 and Bengal rice. 
 
 I wish to have this to-day, if you can got it ready ; I do not expect you to 
 be quite accurate in such a calculation. 
 
 I am yours, 
 
 (Signed) J. DUNCAN. 
 
 The one of Mr. E.'s purchases is, howcvei-, what I want the soonest. 
 
 17th February 1804, 
 
 HoNOEABLE SiE,— I was Stepping into a boat to go on board the yacht to 
 breakfast with my family when your note reached me, and from some unlucky 
 circumstance the boat that was to have returned on board for me never came 
 till past one o'clock, or I should sooner have repHed to your reference. 
 
 Not having to this hour' been furnished with any accounts from Mr. Raven. 
 shaw, I can only offer a conjectural estimate of the price of the rice received 
 
( Ixxxiii ) 
 
 and to be received from liim, which I enclose for your consideration, as also 
 a statement of my sales, not only of Canara and Bengal rice, but also of Bengal 
 wheat, gram, and dholl, and also bajree and Northern wheat. 
 
 I find the account of my sales will not be ready before to-morrow noon. I, 
 therefore, forward this with only that of Mr. Eavenshaw'a supplies. . 
 
 I am, &c., 
 
 (Signed) R. HENSHAW. 
 
 Conjectural Esivmate of tlie value of Canara rice received and to he received, 
 
 from J. G. Ravenshaio. 
 
 Rice received from him (previous to the sailing of the 
 rice ships, and forming no part of the order for 
 160,000 robins) by various vessels; — • 
 
 Robins 27,013 at the supposed rate of 20 Pagodas per 
 
 corgo of 42 robins, exchange at 4 Rupees per Pagoda. 52,596 6 
 
 Rice received and to bo received in part and full of 
 ordei', robins 160,000, or corgcs 4,000, at 18 Pagodas 
 or Rs. 72 
 
 Rupees . 
 
 2,88,000 
 3,40,596 64 
 
 (Signed) R. HENS MAW. 
 
 Bombay, 17th February 1804. 
 
 2bth March 1804. 
 
 R. HENSHAW, Esq. 
 
 Deae Sir, — Although I am very glad to find it your opinion that we can 
 with perfect safety supply Goa with grain, yet you will keep in remembrance 
 that 2,000 bags must at least be reserved for Surat during the rains, and to 
 be 'sent up. there in all the month of May. 
 
 It may also be objected that we have on the grounds of your present 
 letter unnecessarily distressed the Southern merchants by requiring from 
 Mr. Ravcnshaw a larger stock of grain than the Settlement in fact wanted, as 
 to which I shall be glad to receive your remarks. 
 
 I am yours, 
 (Signed) J. DUNCAN. 
 
( Ixxxiv ) 
 
 21st April 1804. 
 Dear Grant [Secretary to Government], 
 
 I shall attend to your directions as to tlio Pomhay Merchant. 
 
 Our account as to quantity of rice from Ganara stands thus : — - 
 
 First order 80,000, or robins 1,60,000 
 
 Last order, estimated by J. G. Ravcnshaw to reach to „ . . 60,000 
 
 Eeceived to this day, viz ; — ■ 2,20,000 
 
 Robins 1,47,000 
 
 Gornwallis and Ilorculcs 36,000 
 
 183,000 
 
 Eobins 37,000 
 
 but as he wrote me he could procure boat tonnage, and not to send hence 
 any more craft, I have of course made no arrangcmonte. 
 
 Yours, 
 (Signed R. HENSHAW. 
 
 VothMay 1804. 
 
 Me. HENSHAW. 
 
 Dear Sir, — I had understood by Colonel Clarke's former letter, which was 
 sent for your notice, that ho had no more occasion for rice, and do not 
 therefore understand why ho took 11,000 robins out of the Gornwallis, or 
 why the latter called in there. His letters on the subject will be sent by 
 Mr. Grant for your report and sentiments. 
 
 I am, yours, 
 (Signed) J. DUNCAN. 
 
 lOi/i May 1804. 
 
 HoNOEABLE SiE, — I judgo I may bo able to have ready for General 
 WcUesley of gram, barley, joaroe, and coulthee, of all, eight thousand bags, 
 within these four days. His wants reach to ten thousand, which I trust to 
 complete, but at all events he may relj' on the former. If you see fit, permit 
 mo to request an order to supply him, and one to the Garrison Storekeeper 
 to receive and despatch it. 
 
 (Signed) R. HENSHAW. 
 
( Ixxxv ) 
 
 Endorsed on the above, in the handwriting of General Welleslcy — 
 " Will you be so kind as to give these orders, and oblige 
 
 Your faithful Servant, 
 (Signed) A.RTHUE WELLESLBY." 
 
 UthJuiio 1804. 
 HoNOKABLE SiE,— No application on accqnnfc of Captain Barclay has over 
 been preferred to me for any export of grain. Had it, I should first have 
 submitted to your judgment the authority for the application, and been, 
 guided by your orders ; but I trust none of them, for there are hundreds of 
 notes daily presented in gentlemen's names w hich I over disregard unless 
 accompanied by a letter to me as Custom Master. The expedients resorted to 
 to carry grain off the Island are so many, and frequently so arranged, that 
 nothing but the eyes of Argus himself can detect and counteract. 
 
 The man who has taken Captain Barclay's name I shrewdly suspect is an 
 impostor. He has no authority, and nothing to produce but an old Paishwa's 
 rahdarce, that serves for any one, and is dated so far back as 3rd April last ; 
 but whatever you please to direct shall bo obeyed. 
 
 I am, &c. 
 (Signed) R. HBNSHAW. 
 
 17th June 1804. 
 
 ROBERT HENSHAW, Esq. 
 
 Deae Sie, — I had at the first glance concluded the pass in the hand of 
 Captain Barclay's servant to bo under the seal of General Wellpsley, and not 
 that of the Paishwa, because the latter never impresses his on wax. How- 
 ever, as you had a different idea, I have got the writing translated, and now 
 transmit you a copy of Mr. Bouchier's translation, which sufficiently ascer- 
 tains the fact with respect to the eight bullock-loads of chenna. If the 
 quantity in Town will, in view to the season and our local calls for that grain, 
 admit, in your opinion, of its export, it is certainly my desire it should go, 
 but not otherwise, i.e. not to our material distress. 
 
 I will only further express my wish that you should pursue every means 
 for making yourself as accessible to every one as possible, which will enable 
 you to give more general satisfaction to parties applying, oven when they get 
 a refusal, and save to me the trouble of more writing than I have time for. 
 Tlio present case exhibits the^Droofthat this man has never been with you, and 
 
( Ixxxvi ) 
 
 it is reasonable to conclude tliafc it was because he could not get to you, for it 
 was clearly his interest to have done so, had he known the way. It will also 
 be proper for you to inspect passes a little more narrowly, to avoid the mis- 
 conception you have been under (perhaps from allowing your Purvoes to 
 report the matter to you, instead of calling for the papers yourself) in the 
 present instance. 
 
 You will take those hints in the same friendly way they are intended. I 
 know you have more to do than ^ou can well get through ; and I believe you 
 as fit, or fitter, for the weighty trust reposed in you than any one that could 
 have been chosen for it ; but still where errors occur to my knowledge I 
 must iat least seek to guard against their recurrence. 
 
 I am yours, 
 (Signed) J. DUNCAN. 
 
 HoNOEABLE SiE, — Haviug made the necessary inquiries, I now have the 
 honour to submit the replies to the several queries you suggested to me 
 yesterday. 
 
 Question 1st. — What ought to be the selling prices by the furreahs in 
 the bazaar grain shops of rice per parah, per adowly, and per seer, in view to 
 the price at which it is sold to them at the Honorable Company's stor-o of 
 Rupees 8 per bag, and to their allowed profit for their trouble ? 
 
 •Ansiuer 1st. — They are (under penalty of punishment and fine by the 
 Police) restricted from selling but at the following prices : — 
 
 Rs. q. r. 
 
 Moonghy Rice, per Parah 4 1 92 
 
 Do. do. „ Adowly 1 12 
 
 Do. do. „ Seer 28 
 
 Question 2iicl. — At what rate could the Honourable Company afford, 
 free of every loss, to retail rice at Panwell, at a store to be opened there 
 under their protection ? 
 
 Ansiuer 2nd. — At Rupees 11 per bag. 
 
 Question 3rd. — At what rate could the Honourable Company afford, free 
 of every loss, to retail rice at Poena, at a store to be opened there under 
 their protection ? 
 
 Ansiuer ord. — During the monsoon (as the transport from Panwell to 
 Poona will require two men, or Rupees 8 per bag) not for less than Rupees 
 1 9 per bag. 
 
( Ixxxvii ) 
 
 * 
 Question ith. — How mucli in quantity could we supply at eacli store 
 inoutLly so as to keep keep up a constant supply ? 
 
 Answer 4:th. — It will not be possible to speak correctly at such an early 
 stage ; the call at each store must guide us ; but I confidently hope we shall 
 be in stock to meet all their wants, and effectually relieve their distress. 
 
 I am. Honorable Sir, &c. 
 
 (Signed) E. HENSHAW. 
 
 Bomlay, 13th July 1804. 
 
 25th August 1804, 
 Honorable S IE, — I am very anxious to leam whether any, and what, 
 supplies of rice will be required to form a Depot for the Army in Guzerat, 
 &c., also what judgment has been formed to the northward of the ensuing 
 crops, whether abundant, whether scanty, or in what degree they may be 
 looked up to with confidence, for I am desirous to frame a new statement to 
 submit to Government. . As I before stated, the call for rice for export ex- 
 ceeds anything I could have supposed. Since 27th ultimo (July) a full lac 
 of bags has been sold for export, and in ten days, if the export was not under 
 check, not a bag would be left in the place. This uncommon call leads me to 
 consider the distresses on the main as far greater than we have hitherto 
 imagined, and consequently calls for your utmost efforts for their relief. We 
 are yet very strong in store-bags — 81,295, exclusive of the supply to Moor 
 for Poena of 10,000 bags, and of the 10,000 for Surat, and exclusive also of 
 the order in favour of Captain Young, and we are in expectancy of the receipt 
 of two lacs and upwards of bags from Bengal and Canara. 
 
 Notwithstanding this apparently large quantity, it would, if here, be all 
 
 called for in a month for export to the main ; this makes me so very anxious 
 
 for information as to the hopes of the ensuing crops, that we may be wise in 
 
 time. 
 
 I am, &C.5 
 
 (Signed) K. HENSHAW. 
 
 26th August 1804. 
 Me. HENSHAW. 
 
 Dear Sir, — I much regret the delay that has taken place in the execution 
 of the order for sending up the rice to Surat, which may produce very serious 
 consequences to that city ; at all events, you will take care that not- one 
 moment's delay ensues in sending up the 20,000 bags ordei-ed. 
 14 ap 
 
( Ixxxvlii ) 
 
 Considering also the unfavorable prospects of the season, and the lai^e 
 calls we shall probably have for our own wants, I think it proper you should 
 not dispose of any more rice for exportation till you have laid your report of 
 the stock on hand and expectancies before Government, .as you will accord- 
 ingly do with the least delay, and obtain their orders. 
 
 I am yours, 
 (Signed) J. DUNCAN. 
 
 2'7th August 1804. 
 Mr. HENSHAW. 
 
 Deae Sir, — Notwithstanding what I wrote to you yesterday as to discon- 
 tinuing farther sales till you can report your opinion, I would, on further 
 consideration, rather leave that matter to your discretion, in which I feel 
 persuaded that every confidence may bo placed ; and perhaps it may be best 
 not altogether to refuse the proposals of purchasers, but always to reserve 
 .enough for our utmost wa7its. 
 
 I am yours, 
 
 (Signed) J. DUNCAN. 
 P.S. — Has the rice for Surat gone off ? 
 
 27ih August 1804. 
 
 HoNOEABLB SiR, — I am much flattered by your confidence, which yon 
 may rest assured shall not be ill applied by any exercise of my discretion 
 as to sales for export, nor shall I ever lose sight of the calls on our store, 
 and the even possihle want of our own Islands and neighbours. After des- 
 patching the full quantity to Surat, the 10,000 forCundavim, and the 10,000 
 for Poena, we shall only have a surplus of 1 1,000 bags over and above our 
 fixed store stock of 50,000 bags. I before wrote you this day that the rice 
 began to move off last night, and it is loading as fast as Ave can get the 
 craft prepared for its reception, and you may rely that not an instant shall 
 be lost in its despatch to Surat. 
 
 I wUl send the man to Mr. Grant with copy of his engagement for the 
 rice at Goa, in view to his furnishing him with a letter to Sir William Clarke 
 for its delivery, &c., though I think, nevertheless, it will be advisable to 
 advise the Envoy of the engagement by express boat, and he can be re- 
 quested, as you suggest, to pay the proceeds to Mr. Eavenshaw. 
 
 In .regard to the rice for Gundavim, I have a note from Mr. Shank this 
 instant to repack it in small bags, &c. If you see no objection, will it not 
 
( Ixxxlx ) 
 
 he better to direct Moor as Garrison Storekeeper to receive it from me, 
 and prepare it as directed in Mr. Shank's note ? for in truth, in our depart- 
 ment we are just now up the very shoulders in business, and ill able to cope 
 witk any additional. 
 
 I am, &c., 
 
 (Signed) R. HENSHAW. 
 
 5th 8e]^Uniber 1804. 
 Mb. HENSHAW. 
 
 Dear Sie,— I am very . doubtful whether anything should induce us to 
 heighten our bazaar prices, but according to the regulations nothing can be 
 done in respect to altering either, excepting upon a public report and official 
 suggestions from you, such as the Board at large may exercise their judg- 
 ment on. I therefore advise your making such report, stating your senti- 
 ments at large. 
 
 I am yours, 
 
 (Signed) J.DUNCAN. 
 
 Sth SepUmler 1804, 
 Mr. HENSHAW. 
 
 Deae Sie, — If there be any vessel lately come in with rice, and not yet 
 unladen, that can be tempted by pecuniary consideration to go up to Surat* 
 with what she has on board, let her be engaged to set off immediately at any 
 expense or charge the party may require. Nothing could have happened 
 so unluckily as this disappointment in not being able to send rice to Surat. 
 Had that taken place even to a few boat-loads when the first cruizers 
 went up, previous to which you had, I think, the order, much cause of regret 
 would have been precluded, and the delay from the intermediate change of* 
 weather avoided. 
 
 I am yours, 
 
 (Signed) J. DUNCAN, 
 
 8th September 1804. 
 
 HoNOEABLE SiE, — Three boats with rice to the amount of 2,200 bags left 
 this five days previous to the sailing of the first cruizers for Surat, yet even 
 these met the same tempestuous weather ; two have got into Versovah, and 
 one is still to be accounted for. I had your orders on the 25th, and lost not 
 
( xc ) 
 
 a moment to meet your wishes. On the 28th one boat with 650 bags sailed, 
 on the 29th two more with 1,550 sailed, and on the 2nd sis more with 3,800 
 bags sailed, under charge of the Princess Augusta, which vessel, I learn from 
 Mr. Anderson, experienced extreme bad weather and was in imminent danger. 
 No one more truly regrets the disappointment than myself, but I cannot, on 
 any view of the case, see room for the smallest censure to attach to any one 
 concerned, convinced that everything has been done that was possible to be 
 effected. 
 
 I have sent to the Captain of the Resource, and will exert my utmost to 
 induce his going to Surat, though I much fear having no success. 
 
 I am, with every respect. 
 
 Honorable Sir, &c. &c., 
 (Signed) R. HENSHAW. 
 
 I2th September 1804. 
 
 Honorable Sir, — I find that we hav^ to this day not sold any Pat- 
 cherry rice to the Furreahs, consequently they have not been under any re- 
 strictions as to their retail price thereof as connected with any purchases from 
 the Company's store, and I have marked in the report to you in red ink the 
 price at which it may be had at their store. I return the samples, observ- 
 ing thereon that the difference in the sale prices of the fine rice, with the 
 ■ price-current prices thereof, require explanation, and as to the coarse rico 
 selling at 1 qr. 12 reas per adowly, the Furreahs pay to the Company^'s store 
 equal to I qr. 6 reas per adowly for the same rice, and the advance of 6 reas 
 appears not unreasonable. 
 
 I am, &c., 
 (Signed) E. HENSHAW. 
 
 8th November 1804. 
 
 HoNORABLB SiR, — From the disappointment we have hitherto expe- 
 rienced notwithstanding our exertions to supply the army with horse grain, 
 I cannot but be fearful that we may still want ; under this impression I 
 think we cannot be too cautious as to secm-ing a further supply, which 
 though it may (should all our engagements be fulfilled) exceed what may 
 be really required, yet is not such surplus, in my humble opinion, for a 
 moment to be considered in opposition to the distress which a failui-e of 
 supply may produce. Permit me, therefore, to suggest your reference to 
 
( xci ) 
 
 Colonel Close for his sentimontSj and tliat without loss of time, when, should 
 his sentiments tally with my suggestions, I would humbly recommend your 
 authorising. me to conclude an agreement on sure grounds with those com- 
 petent and able to fulfil the same for whatever further quantity it may be 
 deemed, necessary to secure, which I should hope may be effected for the 
 same terms as negotiated with Forbes' house, of Rupees 9 per bag of 168. 
 -lbs. gross. 
 
 I think it necessary to say that, if wanted, I purpose, if I can, bringing 
 Mr. Adamson to the acceptance of a contract for the quantity wanted, whose 
 ship the David Scott will be about sailling to Bengal in ten or fifteen days. 
 
 I am, &c. 
 (Signed) R. HBNSHAW. 
 
 9th Noveniber 1804. 
 
 Me. HBNSHAW. 
 
 Dear Sir, — It is probable that in forwarding your query about horse 
 grain to Colonel Close, he may want to have his memory refreshed by a clear 
 statement of our engagements, inclusive of our Mysore expectancies ; I will 
 therefore, thank you to send me to-day such a memorandum to enclose to 
 him. 
 
 I am yours, 
 
 (Signed) J. DUNCAN. 
 
 Statement of Engagements for Horse Grain, viz : — 
 
 Owners of the Waldegravo for bags 2,000. Failed to supply. 
 
 Ditto TJiotis ditto 2,500"] 
 
 Ditto Tay ditto 1,000 '.Supposed on the passage 
 
 Ditto Hercules ditto 1,500 ( from Calcutta, 
 
 Ditto Melville ditto 3,000 J 
 
 but which cannot be relied upon, as the new crop does not come in until 
 January, and there was a certain scarcity of last season's crop, so much so 
 as when the Waldegrave sailed not a bag was procurable. 
 
 Eecent contract with Forbes and Co. 10,000 bags deliverable in all the 
 month of February or by the 15th March, 
 
 Eecent engagement with Sorabjee Cowasjee for 3,500 bags concluded^ to 
 be on board his ship the Jchangeer, shortly exjjected. 
 
( xcii ) 
 
 Expected supplies of coolfcBee from the Southern Canara^ viz, 
 
 Mysore Gunnies 10,000 
 
 Deduct received by the Carron 1,000 moorees, or 500 
 
 Gunnies. . ..9,500 
 
 Observations. — The entire quantity of tho grain, tie Mysore coolthee- 
 excepted, is to be drawn from Bengal. The chances, if we may judge . from 
 the number of lost and missing ships, of receiving all that is excepted from 
 Bengal is extremely precarious, and forbids too much reliance to be placed 
 thereon, giving rise to the question, whether under the present view the 
 above engagements may be deemed competent to all the wants of the army 
 for horse grain, or whether under this same view it would be advisable to 
 increase our engagements to the extent of twelve or fourteen thousand bags, 
 thereby preventing aU distress consequent to a failure of the necessary 
 stock ? A want of grain may induce evils of the greatest magnitude, but the 
 only bad consequence that can arise from being overstocked is a pecuniary 
 trifling loss on sale of the surplus. 
 
 (Signed) E. HENSHAW. 
 
 Me. HENSHAW. 
 
 8th March 1805. 
 
 Dear Sie, — We have long been waiting for your General Report re- 
 specting the grain of this season, and the amount of our probable wants in 
 this respect between this and October and November next, and whether it 
 be necessary to prevent still the export of grain in the like proportion as 
 hitherto. 
 
 I am yours, 
 
 (Signed) J. DUNCAN. 
 
 No. 2. 
 
 Extract of a Letter from the Honorable Jonathan Duncan, to tho Honorable 
 General Wellesley, dated 27th June 1804. 
 
 With respect to Colonel Close's proposition to open our Port for an 
 unlimited export, I have consulted Mr. Henshaw, and send you his letter. 
 I fear to take any step in so delicate a matter that a man of his knowledge of 
 the subject deems a dangerous one, but we are ready to sell to all who come 
 to buy to the extent noticed in Mr. Henshaw's report, which is probably 
 more than will be called for. Colonel Close may always give letters to Mr. 
 Henshaw, specifying the quantity desired to be purchased from the Com- 
 
( xciii ) 
 
 pany at their prices, of which he is apprised, tiz. at 10 Rs. per bag of 168 
 gross lbs. of Moonghy rice, and at 12 Es. for Patcherry rice, and which is 
 distinct from the one-fourth that all importers are allowed to dispose of 
 in like manner on their own account. Will you, however, favour me with 
 your sentiments on Mr. Henshaw's letter now sent ? 
 The following is an enclosure to the above : — 
 
 The HONOKABLE THE GoVERNOE. 
 
 HoNOEABLE SiE, — I pray your excuse for not more immediately replying 
 to your reference of the extract of General Wellesley's letter. It is on a 
 subject that has occupied my thoughts incessantly for months past, and now 
 completely engrosses them, to the almost total exclusion of every other 
 object. 
 
 However productive of benefit an unlimited export may at first sight 
 appear to be, yet unless the supplies in aid of such export were unques- 
 tionably to be relied upon, the resulting evil from such export would very 
 quickly counterbalance the benefit, and instead of copious stores we should 
 soon be on the verge of want ourselves ; whereas by the measures Govern- 
 ment have adopted, and the precautions taken by them to ensure a regular 
 supply and. the opening their store, I am emboldened to hope that every 
 aid, consistent with prudence and self-preservation, is and will be afi'orded 
 to the unfortunate inhabitants of His Highness' country, and this I also 
 conceive to meet the general ideas in a very great measure of permitting an 
 export at least as long as Government can allow anything to be exported, I 
 am not aware of any further aid that can consistently be given ; the Govern- 
 ment store is opened to them at a very moderate price, and to an extent 
 fully adequate to their means of purchase, for we can now freely assist 
 (reserving our new stock. of 50,000 bags) to the extent of one lac of bags. 
 
 With every sentiment of respect. 
 
 Honorable Sir, yours, &c. 
 
 (Signed) R. HENSHAW. 
 Bombay, 27th June ISO-i. 
 
 Bombay, 12ih July 1804. 
 To Colonel CLOSE. 
 
 My Deae Sie, — The Honorable Major General Wellesley having sug- 
 gested to my consideration here an idea that he said you entertained of the 
 advantage that would accrue by our laying open the trade of this Port 
 altogether as far as regarded the exportation of grain to the Continent, I 
 transmit (lest the General should not have sent it to you) Mr. Henshaw's 
 reflections on that proposition, which I will wait to be favoured with your 
 
( xciv ) 
 
 further sentiments on before'I determine on even bringing before tlie Board 
 a question involvedj as this seems to be^ in a good deal of nicety. 
 
 Hearing, as we sometimes do, of the great ravages the famine is ' making 
 at Poena, my attention was yesterday called to this subject by Lady 
 Mackintosh, who, under the impression of perhaps something that may have 
 been written on the subject, addressed to me a rather urgent invitation to 
 see whether something more niight not be done to alleviate what_ she under- 
 stood to be so much misery ; suggesting, among other things, whether a 
 subscription to buy rice and send it to the poor at Poena might not be 
 advisable, and proposing in that case to contribute liberally. 
 
 In replyj I promised her Ladyship to consult you, and this having set me 
 on further consideration of the subject, one consequence has been that, on 
 consulting to-day with Mr. Henshaw, the Company's price of rice for export 
 has been lowered by one Eupee per bag, and now sells (where there are any 
 buyers) at 9 Eupees the bag for Moonghy, and at 10 Eupees for Patcherry 
 ,rice, which will oblige the merchants to sell theirs even somewhat lower, or 
 they will get no custom ; and the truth is that they complain of not meeting 
 with that ready sale for the proportioa they are thus allowed to export, 
 wHch might be expected from the represented state of scarcity on the 
 Continent. 
 
 It has also occurred to me that we might establish a retail shop or shops at 
 Panwell for the relief of the neighbouring poor in that quarter, and even have 
 one or more at Poena, to which Mr. Henshaw might send the rice, and cause his 
 people under your pi'otection to sell it at fixed prices, the same as here at Bom- 
 bay, with the superaddition only of the charge of transportation hence ; or we 
 might consign it to you at once for such retail sale, charged at the price of 
 the Bombay bazaar, with the farther cost only of the conveyance to you. By 
 the price of the Bombay bazaar I don't mean what the retailers deal it out to 
 the consumers at, but the rate at which the Company let these retailers have 
 it, which does not exceed 8 Eupees per bag. It would then rest with you to 
 fix the retail prices at Poona; and in this way we have nearly 90,000 bags 
 yet applicable to your supply of the amount first announced to you in April 
 last. Captain Young would, perhaps, be the best agency for sending this 
 rice up the Ghaut on the same terms as those of his contract for the public 
 rice proceeding for the Military Depot, and as much as we could thus send 
 you in rice would be in part of our monthly pecuniary remittances, for I 
 conclude, you would find no difiiculty in turning this rice into cash. I wait, 
 however, for your sentiments. 
 
 I remain, my dear Sir, 
 
 Your very faithful and obedient Sei-vant, 
 
 (Signed) J. DUNCAN. 
 
( xcv ) 
 
 I'oona, \hth Julij ISOiv 
 Dbae Sir, — I am just favoured witli your letter of tlie 12tli instant. 
 
 While tlie fair season lasted I was particular in inquiring into the state 
 of tlie city in respect to a stock of grain to answer the general oonsumptioa 
 during the monsoon, and the result was that on every occasion I had reason 
 to be satisfied that the quantity collected by the principal dealers was ample. 
 The Paishwa's Dewan told mo that during the rains rice would sell at four seers 
 for the Rupee. Finding, however, that previous to the commencement of tho 
 monsoon rice in the city. generally sold at a price much higher than was 
 justifiable in reference to the rate of purchase at Bombay, I repeatedly made 
 the most urgent applications to the Paishwa's Government to adopt somo 
 system of conduct to oblige the dealers to sell at a just price, and thus pre- 
 vent them from defeating your humane exertions in facilitating tho export 
 of rice from your presidency. In reply to my urgency I always received tho 
 most satisfactory promises ; the Paishwa, to manifest his disposition towards 
 the pool", remitted all duties, and enjoined the dealers to lower their prices. 
 His orders, however, on the latter point failed of effect, and under this cir- 
 cumstance there was strong reason to apprehend that the real cause of tho 
 extreme dearness at Poona originated -in a wicked collusion between tho 
 dealers and the principal persons in authority under the Paishwa's Govern- 
 ment. Exorbitant profit on tho part of the dealers may well aflford a hand- 
 some bribe, and, indeed, it is no secret that from early times it has been tho 
 uniform practice of the principal servants of the Poona Government to derive 
 a considerable revenue from the dealers of the city, in return for permitting 
 them to plunder the public by selling at prices dictated by their inhumanity 
 and sordidness. Finding of late that grain rose matei'ially in price, I 
 became particularly loud and importunate with the Durbar, but this produced 
 (as far as I can discover) nothing but a farce ; the Durbar people scolded the 
 dealers, and even allowed the public servants to take grain forcibly from them 
 
 easonable rate; the consequence was that the shops were shut up, and 
 ould procure subsistence but those who were capable of violence and 
 c V disposed to use it. The Government has since conciliated the deal- 
 
 er, yesterday promised to sell rice at 2 J seers for the Rupee, and a little 
 
 wat. lased at that rate. The state of things to-day I have not yet ascer- 
 
 tain •■/ 1 imagine the shops are open. You will perceive, then, that our 
 
 genei itress proceeds chiefly from artificial want suggested l^i^ iniquity 
 
 and d Voted corruption. Had I power to interfere in the internal man- 
 
 a^'emet \g Paishwa's Government, I might be able to cleanse the sink 
 
 'colonel ' on Mahratta of Poona corruption, but under the existing 
 
 managemei \i system of connection to enter on the labour 
 
 oven is impra;cticable. I hardly conceive that the above descriptive recital 
 
 15 ap 
 
( xcvi ) 
 
 will excite your surprise, but to minds accustomed only to tte sympathies of 
 Western civilization it may become matter of amazement how one part of 
 the innocent natives can be so hard-hearted towards the other as to fatten 
 themselves on their ruin. A short experience above the Ghauts would now 
 actually demonstrate, notwithstanding all the noise of our declaimers, that 
 even the Brahmin rule is not to be -preferred to British domination. 
 
 The loss of inhabitants here, and in the tract from hence to the Taptee, is 
 considerable, but here we have felt the blessings of plenty compared to the 
 miseries experienced more to the northward. It is now time that I should 
 advert to your considerations for affording us relief. Under every circum- 
 stance we must first attend to the public demands, as it is by the public 
 capacity that individuals must be upheld ; we are now at war, and conse- 
 quently in a state of necessity which feels many wants. At the beginning of 
 June we had 400 garce of rice in the public store here ; on the 1st instant we 
 had only 300 left, notwithstanding the intermediate supplies from Panwell, 
 which amounted to about 30 garce. During this month we have received 
 no rice from Panwell, Captain Young's means of carriage being used in 
 conveying grain which is more immediately wanted ; nor can we expect to 
 receive any rice from Panwell in all the present month. By .the first of 
 August we shall probably not have more than 200 or 220 garce, which may 
 amount to about 14,000 bullock-loads, which must be deemed a very small 
 quantity, considering that when the troops move at the close of August means 
 must be found to issue rice from the public stores to subsist the camp fol- 
 lowers as at present until the opening of the harvest ; therefore, the whole of 
 the carriage procurable by Captain Young will be required by the public^ 
 and specially as in the course of next month we must manage, if possible, to 
 send a quantity of rice to Ahmednuggur. The monsoon is yet favorable, and 
 at the opening of the harvest I trust the general distress will rapidly dimi- 
 nish. Tni that period our distress must, I fear, continue with little abate- 
 ment, unless happily and unexpectedly Captain Young can hire a larger por- 
 tion of conveyance during the rains than is actually required for the public- 
 Can he only procure carriage for the private purpose, retailing the rice here 
 will be an easy operation. If I find that carriage is procurable here, I shall 
 have the pleasure of giving you intimation on the subject. So much on your 
 proposal to send gi-ain was for the immediate relief of our wants. Since 
 my return hither from your hospitable roof we have fed daily on the public 
 account 1^00 women and children, and about 200 or 300 men. This institution 
 will continue till the harvest smiles upon us. A few individuals amongst the 
 Soucars in the city contribute handsomely towards subsisting the poor that 
 frequent the streets. That a wider charitable institution would afford 
 further relief must be evident. For instance, if, in addition to the institution 
 at the Sungam, another was to be established in the British Camp noar the 
 
( xcvii ) 
 
 skirts of the city, many miserable objects would, no doubt, be comfortably 
 supported. Unhappily, the greater part of the poor who have frequented 
 this neighbourhood came from a distance where they were starving, and on 
 their arrival were so much reduced as to be generally past recovery. 
 
 I should apologize forgiving you so long a letter, which could not be 
 justifiable on any subject less urgent than that of charity. 
 
 I remain. Dear Sir, 
 With the greatest respect and attachment. 
 Your most faithful Servant, 
 
 (Signed) B. CLOSE. 
 
 Tho Honorable JONATHAN DUNCAN, Esq. 
 
 No. 3. 
 
 Extract of a letter from N. Ceow, Esq^., to tho Honorable Jonathan Duncan, 
 dated 6th Septemher 1804. 
 
 I am strongly solicited by some of the principal Parsee inhabitants here, 
 who profess a public-spirited desire to contribute to the alleviation of the 
 distresses of the present season, to intercede with you to procure them per- 
 mission to export from Bombay such quantities of Bengal rice as they can 
 afford, or may be allowed to purchase, free of any custom or fee, which, 
 though very justly levied, they confess, on what is carried to the Deckan, 
 should not, they argue, be exacted on what is destined to the reHef of a 
 dependency. Upon asking them what would be the satisfaction to Govern- 
 ment that such drains of the store at the Presidency were faithfully applied 
 to the subsistence of this city and not carried elsewhere, they answer that 
 the purchasers at Bombay will enter into a penalty engagement to forfeit 
 double the amount should they not, within a reasonable period, produce a 
 certificate from the Custom Master, or from me, of the rice having been 
 landed in Surat. 
 
 Extract of a letter from the Honorable Jonathan Duncan to N. Crow, Esq., 
 dated 22nd September 1804. 
 
 I suppose your alarms about rice are now over, but if it be an object 
 still to get the fees (for duties there are none) on its export abolished, I 
 will revert to your letter on this subject of the 6th of September. 
 
( xcviii ) 
 
 Exlrad of Fostscrijyi to the said letter. 
 
 Tlie enclosed memorandum from Mr. Honsliawwill show you that lie asserts 
 at least that neither fee nor duty is collected on rice exported to Surat or 
 elsewhere. It is odd these fellows with you should on so fallacious a ground 
 apply to be exempted from either. 
 
 (Enclosure in the above, being Mr. Henshaw's certificate, sent to Mr. 
 Shank.) " No fee of any description on grain of any sort exported either 
 to Surat or any port, neither are customs collected." 
 
 Yours faithfully, 
 (Signed) E. HENSHAW. 
 22nd Sejjfembcr 1804. 
 
 Extract of a letter from N. Grow, Esq., to the Eonorahle Jonathan Duncan, 
 
 dated 1st October 1804. 
 I have received your favour of the 22nd September. 
 
 I have called upon the spokesman of the Parsees, at whose instance I 
 wrote on the subject of their public-spirited wish to bo allowed to export 
 rice to Surat, and of their begging to have a remission of all fees. I now 
 enclose an original letter he has produced from a merchant in Bombay to his 
 correspondent at Surat, in which is the paragraph I have herein translated. 
 Other documents are promised, and in the mean time, if further justification 
 of my troubling you be necessaiy, the author of the enclosed letter may, 
 perhaps, be able to afford it. 
 
 Exrtact of a letter frmn Dadadhoy Nassbkwanjee Moody, at Bombay, to 
 Pestonjee Kalla Gandy, at Bur at, dated Sumvut 1860, Shravun Yud 6th 
 Saturday, 25th August 1804. 
 
 You have proposed a trade in Bengal rice, but such trade I do not make ; 
 the price in Bombay, you will observe, is hourly changing in consequence of 
 the total want of rain, and is daily becoming dearer. If you yourself wish 
 to trade, commission me, and I shall send it you when the Sirkar allows ex- 
 portation : it takes 1 J or 2 Eupees on each bag for the permission, and order 
 is given to pass it out. It is the Sirkar itself that sells. 
 
 Extract of a letter from the Honorable Jonathan Duncan, to N. Crow, Esq., 
 
 dated 6th October 1804. 
 
 I have been favoured ^\ ith vours of the 1st October. 
 
( xcix ) 
 
 Having sent for tlio writer of the original letter you have furnished me 
 with, respecting the fees said to have been exacted for the liberty to export 
 grain from this port, I find he urges having written as he did merely from 
 general impressions or hearsay, without possessing any real knowledge on 
 
 • the subject. I am, however, somewhat dubious whether in this respect he 
 tells the truth, and will be much gratified by your transmitting the other 
 
 'documents which you mention to have .been promised on this interesting 
 subject. 
 
 Extract of a letter from N. Ceow, Esq., to the Honorable Jonathan Duncan, 
 
 dated llth Octoher 1804. 
 
 I am favoured with your letter of the 6th instant. 
 
 My application at the instance of the Parsees here for a remission of fees 
 is justified, I hope, by the idea which the letter I last enclosed shows had got 
 abroad here, and beyond apology for that trouble which I gave yon I should 
 be excessively distressed if the documents I sent were to become a founda- 
 tion of further investigation. I enclose another extract from a letter, or 
 rather part of a letter torn oS", which I received since I last wrote, and 
 should not have forwarded but for your express wishes in your letter before 
 me. As this scrap of a letter is urgently required by the owner, I request 
 the favour of your returning it. 
 
 Extract from tlie Postscript of a Zeffer/romLTJCKMicHUND Poonjeaz, at Bombay, 
 to Jadowjee Luckmichund, at Sural, dated Sumvut, 1860, Shravun Vud 
 9th, Wednesday, the 29th of August 1804. 
 
 The price of the grain is as follows : — 
 
 Rice Moongy in re-export at Rs. 12-3 per bag. 
 
 Ditto ditto in Town at Rs. 11-2 ditto. 
 
 Ditto Patcherry in re-export - . • . . at Rs. 14-1 ditto. 
 
 Ditto ditto in Town at Rs. 13 ditto. 
 
 Gram at Rs. 75 per candy. 
 
 Wheat, white at Rs. 12 per bag. 
 
 Ditto, red at Rs. 57 per candy. 
 
 Joaree r at Rs. 50 ditto. 
 
 Bajreo at Rs. 52 ditto. 
 
 Agreeably to the above the prices are, and on which appears will be an 
 addition. 
 
( c ) 
 
 Bombaiji 20th May 1805. 
 N. CROW, Esq. 
 
 Dear Sir, — If you have the original note from Mr. Henshaw that went 
 enclosed in my letter to you of the 22nd of September last, I will thank you 
 to send it to me by return of dawk. 
 
 Surat, 27th May 1805. 
 The Honorable JONATHAN DUNCAN, Esq. 
 
 Dear Sir, — I hava sought with great diligence, but without success, for 
 the memorandum to which you allude, and apprehend that, as I kept it 
 in my pocket to show to the person who spoke tome on behalf of the Parsees 
 for the remission, it has been torn among my private notes. I have 
 your letter which enlosed it, and recollect that the memorandum in question 
 was a note from Mr. Grant, or Mr. Shank, to Mr. Henshaw, telling him that 
 the Governor wished to know if there wore any custom or fee on the ex- 
 portation of Bengal rice (or words to that effect), and that the answer 
 was in the negative, and written at the bottom in Mr. Henahaw's hand- 
 writing. 
 
 I am. Dear Sir, 
 
 Yours most respectfully, 
 
 (Signed) N. CROW. 
 
 No. 4. 
 Translate. 
 To PESTONJEB KALLA GANDY, Surat. 
 
 Wrote from Bombay by Mody Dadabhoy Nasscrwanjeo. Your letter of 
 the Shravun Sood Puuam, Monday (20th August), came to hand : on the Vud 
 sixth (26th August) I read it and understood the contents :- you mention 
 that you have not received my letter for many days. I write you every post 
 day ; further you wish to know the prices of gi-ain, respecting which these 
 fifteen days ago there has been no rain in Bombay, therefore the price is 
 dear — ^boiled rice for export Rs. 11-2 per bag, fine rice Rs. 12 ; this price of 
 to-day; for to-morrow God knows further, brother; nobody has a large 
 quantity here in hand, and at Surat it will not answer; you wrote me 
 for twenty-five bags of rice for your use ; on that account I will send you 
 15 bags ; at present here is no vessel going to Surat, therefore I shall send 
 in the monsoon, or iu these days if somebody's boat may be going I will put 
 
( ci ) 
 
 on it. FufthcVj you write me for dealing in ricCj but I do not deal in rice. 
 Bombay has different prices in every horn-, because here is no rain at all, and 
 every day raising. If you want to trade you may write, and I wiU send you. 
 The Sircar or Company selling for export take 1 J to 2 Ks., and grant per- 
 mission for such as the Sircar or Company sell by self. "Write your com- 
 mands, and send for what you may want. I shall buy 16 bags for yourself. 
 Shravun Vud sixth, 26tli August. 
 
 Having been requested by Mr. Wood, at the desire of the Honorable the 
 Governor, to put down in writing the meaning of my letter written to 
 Pestonjee Kallabhoy, of Surat, I do hereby enclose a true and faithful trans- 
 late of my said letter, and do hereby solemnly declare that the price of 11^ 
 Rupees per bag of boiled jice for export and fine rice at 12 Rs. was of the 
 day in Bombay, and the latter part of my said letter states that the Sircar 
 or Company sell for export, taking 1^ or 2 Rupees, and grant permission 
 for such as the Sircar Company sell by self. This latter part is meant that 
 if a bag of rice sells for the consumption of the Island at 8 Rupees, the 
 Company sell their rice for export at 9^ or 10 Rs. per bag, and this is 
 what I then heard in the bazaar. Further, having at that time inquired into the 
 market, one merchant told he would let me have at 9 Rs. per bag, but could 
 not export ; in the mean time, another merchant, who had purchased cargo 
 of some ship, had pass notes for some rice, and having sold his in Town said 
 he would sell the notes at 1 1 to 2 Rupees per bag. On hearing this I wrote 
 to Surat as a mere imformation. 
 
 No. 5. 
 
 Translation of a letter from Dadabhoy Nasseewaujee Moody, of Bombay, 
 to Pestonjee Kalla Gandy, at Surat, dated Shravun Vud 6th Saturday 
 1860 of Hindoo Era, or 26th August 1804. 
 Your letter dated 15th of Shravun Sood, or 21st August 1804, I received 
 on the 6th following, or 26th August, and the contents of it I fully compre- 
 hend. You mentioned that I had not written to you for some time past, 
 whereas I regularly do myself the pleasure of writing to you every post 
 day. 
 
 You desired that I would furnish you with the prices of grain in the 
 Bombay market. As no rain has fallen within the last fifteen days, the price 
 of rice is much enhanced, viz : — 
 
 A bag of boiled rice for exportation is 11 J Rs. 
 A ditto fine ditto do. 12 do. 
 
( cii ) 
 
 TLo above are tlie rates of gi'aiu at pi-escntj but I caunot say that it will 
 not be dearer to-morrow ; rice is not to bo purcbased berOj and it , cannot 
 answer to send it to the Surat market. You desired mo to send you 25 bags 
 of rice for your own use. I can only send you 15, as it is not yet time for 
 vessels to sail for Surat. I shall send it on the opening of the season, should 
 ■ any vessels be about to sail shortly for your port. I shall let you know the 
 price of this article at the time. 
 
 You wrote to me about trading in rice, but I am not concerned in this 
 business ; the prices of the Bombay market arc hourly fluctuating in conse- 
 quence of a want of rain, and the price thereof is from the same cause daily 
 augmenting. 
 
 If you wish to trade (in rice), commission me, and I am willing to send it 
 to you, for the Government seU for exportation ; the expense of getting it 
 exported is from 1|^ to 2 Rupees per bag, upon which a permit for carrying 
 it out is given. Government deal in this article itself, of which you are to be 
 aware. Inform me any business you may have in this quarter, and command 
 my services in whatever you may wish. I shall purchase 15 bags of rice 
 for you. 
 
 (A true translation) 
 
 (Signed) E. T. GOODWIN, 
 
 Acting Secretary and Translator in the Office of 
 
 Country Correspondence. 
 (A true copy) 
 (Signed) G. OSBORNE, 
 
 Sub-Secretary. 
 
 No. 6. 
 To the Honorable JONATHAN DUNCAN, Esq. 
 
 President and Governor, &c. &c., 
 
 Bombay. 
 HoNOEABLE SiR,— It IS a fact well known to many that in the month pf 
 October 1803 the grain department for the relief of the inhabitants of this 
 Island and of those of the subordinates, under the management of Robert 
 Henshaw, Esq., Custom Master, was commenced; that this gentleman having 
 been pleased to direct me to take charge merely of the grain, I, in confer- 
 mity to his directions, undertook the management thereof by receiving and is- 
 suing the same agreeably to such directions. When the Custom Master had 
 begun to purchase the rice from different merchants, and these persons had 
 
( ciii ) 
 
 applied to me for paymoni; of tlic purcliase-inoiiojj I apprised the CusLorn Mas- 
 tor- of sucli application, and suggested to him tlic necessity of an application to 
 your Honour to make an advance of cash from the Honorable Company's 
 Treasury, in order to discharge the demands of the grain merchants, but 
 this ho totally refused to do, giving as a reason that the state of the Honor- 
 able Company's Treasury would not then admit of it, and that consequently 
 he would not trouble your Honour on this occasion, and then directed me to 
 wse such means as lay in mi/ poiucr to discharge the demands of the grain 
 merchants, or by borrowing money from the bazaar. To these commands 
 I cheerfully submitted, and carried on the business of imrchasiiu) rice accord- 
 ingly, without giving him any further trouble on the subject, by borrowino- 
 money on my own receipts, and discharging the said demands of the gi'aiu 
 merchants. Having proceeded thus far, I reported the same to the Custom 
 Master, and, moreover, informed him that I should not be able to pi-ocnre 
 large sums of money for this pui-posc, inasmuch as the genoi-al scarcity of 
 cash in town would not admit of it, when the Custom Master was pleased to say 
 in reply that this grain business would not last longer than four or five months. 
 ■ But Mr. Henshaw finding, however, that this Grain Department would con- 
 tinue for a longer period, and, as he sujDposed, until the succeeding rainy 
 season, ho therefore directed m.e that the business relative thereto should he 
 very carefully attended to, and that upon honour, as he entirely relied on me." 
 Seeing that it was for the benefit of the Honorable Company, as well as for 
 the good of the community at largo, I obeyed his commands, and continued 
 the receipts and issues of grain accordingly ; the sales effected and issues 
 from January to April last amounting to Rupees 11,65,500, — a not profit 
 clear of all cliarges of Rs. 2,10,000 accrued to the Honorable Company in 
 four months which will appear by the books balanced to the 30fch April last; 
 and from May to the 30th of September last (to which period I hope to close 
 another account of my management for the satisfaction of my employer in 
 this Grain Department), I humbly presume to say that the Honorable 
 Company will meet with a further profit of not less than between 3 or 4 Lacs 
 of Rupees. 
 
 About the latter end of March last Mr. Forbes waited on Mr. Henshaw 
 with a note from the Assistant to the Treasui'cr to the former dated the 27tli 
 of same month, informing him that there was a balance in the Honorable 
 Company's Treasury on that day of only 39 Rupees, and then said what was 
 to be done ; and Mr. Forbes having, moreover, acquainted Mr. Henshaw that 
 your Honour was'in very great expectations of assistance through liim from 
 the Grain Department in those distressful times to keep the Honorable Com- 
 pany's Treasury in as good a state as possible, desired him to pay in about 
 2 lacs of Rupees within ten days in order to discharge the immediate de- 
 mauds on the Honorable Company's Treasuiy, when Mr. Henshaw sent 
 
 16 u p 
 
.( civ ) 
 
 for me and inquired wli.it wafs the balance of casli in hand proceeding front 
 the sale of grain,- and having found it inadequate to the amount required to 
 be paid into the Honorable Company's Treasury (at the same time deliver- 
 ing to me the said note from Mr. Travers to Mr. Forbes, which I now take 
 the liberty to enclose for the satisfaction of your Honour) directed me to leave 
 all the business aside, and attend diligently in raising the said sum of 2 lacs 
 of Rupees in the course of ten days for the credit of the Honorable Com- 
 pany's Treasury. In obedience to such command, I, after saying that I 
 would render every assistance that lay in my power to my employer on 
 sucb an emergency, and after observing that the sale of grain was rather 
 slack, immediately postponed the execution of the current business then m 
 hand, and resorted to the grain merchants in order to procure the sum 
 required. I accordingly effected a sale of grain, and having also by great 
 exertions procured gold and sent the same to the Mint to be coined, seeing 
 that some profit would also be derived from that to the Honorable Company, 
 and the payment for gold made by grain merchants some time after ; how- 
 ever, finding that the sum promised by Mr. Henshaw would not be com- 
 pleted within the time limited from the sale of grain solely, I reported the 
 same to Mr. Henshaw, who directed me to make no excuse, but to complete 
 the sum of 2 lacs of Rupees in any manner that I could, as he had promised 
 that sum to your Honour ihrough Mr. Forbes. Matters being thus circum- 
 stanced, and conceiving the best expedient to resort to for the purpose of 
 raising the sum required was to borrow money from the Shroffs in the 
 bazaar, I accordingly applied to such of them as I was interested with for the 
 loan of about fifty thousand Rupees, promising to repay the same to them in 
 the course of fifteen days by a further sale of grain, but not being able, owing 
 to a gcnei'al scarcity of cash in town, immediately to procure that sum, I then 
 had recourse to Ramdass Munoherdass, and having intreated him particu- 
 larly to assist me on the present occasion with any sum he could spare to fulfil 
 my promise to my employer, I could only obtain from him the sum of 20,000 
 Rupees, which having received from him on executing a receipt in my own 
 name, I sent it immediately to the Honorable Company's Treasury, to make up 
 the sum of of 2 lacs of Rupees which Mr. Henshaw promised. This trans- 
 action relative to the raising of this loan will appear in the Grain Cash Book, 
 and I beg leave to refer your Honour to the same for your satisfaction, that no 
 imputation might attach to me in this correct statement thereof ; and 1 have 
 no doubt but Mr. Henshaw will, in justice to myself, always bear testimony 
 of my good conduct in the management and discharge of the duty intrusted 
 to me in the Grain Department, independent of that All-seemg Witness from 
 whose sight nothing can he concealed. 
 
 A sale of grain of no less an extent than about 20 lacs of Rupees has been 
 effected under my management, and I have the consolation to aver that from 
 
( cv ) 
 
 the commenccmciit of this employ to the coucluaion of it, not a Rupee of loss 
 has been sustained by the Honorable Company either in bad or irrecovera- 
 ble debts, or by any outstanding ones, but on the contrary, notwithstanding 
 the whole responsibility Mr. Heushaw placed on my shoulders of the sale, I 
 have, by the blessing of God, to the present period fully and satisfactorily 
 recovered the whole. Had. service of this nature boen executed by a European 
 he ivould probably have been handsomely rewarded by his employer, but this 
 duty has been executed by me as an Asiatic officer luithout receiving any pay 
 or salary, or the hast recompensive whatever on this score ; notwithstanding 
 which 1 have been laboui-ing from morning and until 8 and sometimes 
 9 o'clock at night, which Mr. Henshaw will certify, and several other re- 
 spectable persons who have had an opportunity of seeing me retm-ning 
 home, and whose veracity cannot be doubted. Having been severely confined 
 by sickness to my bed by extraordinary exertion in the discharge of my duties, 
 I reported it to Mr. Uonshaiv ; entreating my resignation of the services 
 imposed on me in the Grain Department, not only for that reason, but from 
 the ill-will and enmity I subjected myself to on account of this grain busi- 
 ness from those whose wishes were not gratified in this respect ; but 
 the Custom Master, regardless of those representations, assured me that 
 it ivas sufficient for us to be attentive to the interest of our employers ; and 
 he further assured me that he ivould recommend me to Government for a 
 liandsoine reward for the pains and labour bestowed by me in this Grain 
 Department, to be given at the conclusion of this ofSce. 
 
 Between the 22nd and 23rd August last Mr. Henshaw ordered me to 
 dispose of about 20,000 bags of rice at the price limited, namely, at Es. 9-2 
 per bag, for exportation, which was the quantity agreed to be sold to several 
 merchants and registered in the Sale Book, on condition that, should your 
 Honour allow the sale of such a quantity, they should become the purchasers 
 at the above price, otherwise the bargain should be deemed null and void. 
 The Custom Master finding the quantity of rice on hand about this period 
 to be only 60,000 bags, and having but a little prospect of rain, conse- 
 quently observed that we must look out for ourselves, and then Mr. Henshaw 
 reported the balance on hand by a private note to your Honour, as well as 
 what was due to the Garrison Storekeeper for the army, and the quantity 
 agreed to be sold. Your Honour was pleased to direct the Custom Master, 
 on the 24th of said month of August, in consequence of the private note, not 
 to dispose of a bag of rice, which notice the Custom Master communicated 
 to me for the information of the purchasers who had agreed to take the 
 aforesaid quantity of 20,000 bags. On this refusal the merchants became 
 more inimical towards me, as the price of rice had then risen within two 
 days from Es. 9-2 to Es. 11-2 per bag, and, thus conceiving they had sus- 
 tained a loss of 2 Es. on every bag, threatened to make a complaint agninst 
 
( cvi ) 
 
 mo for siicli refusal, particularly as the price was then hourly risiug in town. 
 However, on my informing the Custom Master of the conduct of these mer- 
 chants, he, to convince them of the integrity of my conduct, told them that 
 the quantity of rice that had been conditionally agreed to be sold could not 
 he delivered for any consideration, and therefore struck his pen across on the 
 entry of such conditional sale in the Sale Book. At length. Honorable Sir, 
 you will perceive that, notwithstanding all my diligence, assiduity, and 
 attention in the management of the grain business intrusted to my care, and 
 which I hope Mr. Ucnshaw will do me the justice to testify, the ouly recom- 
 pense or reward I have received for my services is a partial dismission from 
 my situation. 
 
 But this. Honorable Sir, is not all. What afflicts me most is an im- 
 peachment of my upright character, after I had faithfully discharged my duty 
 to the satisfaction of my employers in the Grain Department, and the more 
 especially BO as the charge against me is totally groundless and fabricated, 
 and proceeding from a common servant of a Banian, who has been discharged 
 from his employment for actual bad conduct of this nature. This man pre- 
 tends that a considerable j)roscnt had been made me on account of passports and 
 fines. Here I beg leave to state that the Export Office is entirely separate and 
 distinct from this Grain Department, which the Custom Ma,ster and others 
 employed in the export Office will satisfactorily prove, and that the Head Clerk 
 there who manages the duties of the Export Office is a Native Portuguese, 
 and is subject to fixed regulations sanctioned by the Custom Master for his 
 guidance. As I did not belong to that department, surely it cannot with 
 firopriety be said that the duties thereof or of another officer could be perform- 
 ed by me : neither was I at liberty, nor had I any authority, to execute such 
 duties. Every pass note for the export articles is generally countersigned by 
 the Custom Master, and then the notes go to the officer of the Export De- 
 partment, who gives a passport under his signature to the Gate-keepeer. 
 1 only certified the pass notes for such grain as were declared to have been 
 purchased from the stock of the Honorable Company, and such notes, after 
 being also countersigned by the Custom Master, was sent to the office of the 
 Export Department, who duly registered and gave passes to the purchasers 
 respectively to export their grain. My accuser further charged me with 
 having received a fine on confiscated grain. Hero permit me. Honorable 
 Sir, to remark that this charge is equally false. The grain confiscated in 
 February last was not the property of this man, nor any part thereof, but 
 the same is entirely the property of foreign merchants who had dis- 
 chai-gcd their fines respectively. Such as were levied on the quantity 
 confiscated were recovered by the Custom llouae Head Clerk, and not by 
 mo, and brought to the account for liuch fine;.; recovered bv the Custom 
 
( cvii ) 
 
 Master from difForent persons. This act will also be proved by the Custom 
 Master and the person who attends in that situation. I was employed in 
 no other than the Grain Department^ to receive money for such grain as was 
 sold, and to keep an account thereof. 
 
 I remain, with greatest respect, 
 
 Honorable Sir, 
 Your ever obliged and most humble Servant, 
 
 ABBAJEE GUNNESH. ' 
 
No. 2086 OP 1868. 
 
 Geneeal Department. " 
 
 Bombay Castle, 6th November 1868. 
 
 RESOLUTION of GOVERNMENT. 
 
 Colonel Etheridge is entitled to the thanks of Government 
 for his very interesting report, and for the care and industry with 
 which he has collected all the information obtainable regarding 
 famines that have occurred in Western India. "" __ 
 
 2. Copies of the report should be forwarded to the Govern- 
 ment of India, and distributed to the Collectors. 
 
 3. A copy should also be placed in the Editors' Room. 
 
 F. E. S. WYLLIE, 
 Acting Secretary to Government.