“_Once upon a time._”—The original words are “Tek vella,” and this is
the best, almost the only interpretation.
“_Carry Grain._”—The carriers of grain are generally called in the
district “Bunniâs” or corn chandlers, The word “Bunniâ” is of Sanscrit
derivation. Usually they are very intelligent Hindus. The Donkey-man in
this tale would more probably be one of the Farmer class, and a
Mahomedan. Other grain carriers are Farmers and Banjāras.
Their best oxen or donkeys are held in high esteem, and they decorate
them with all kinds of ornaments, such as shells, tassels of silk or
wool of different colours, and frequently with bells.
The sacks used for carrying grain are usually made from goats’ hair,
“Jutt,” and are woven by the Barber class, or “Nais.” Two are united
over the back of the animal, and fitted so that when full the weight
shall be balanced and carried with ease. A good donkey will carry from
two to three “maunds,” after the Arabic word “mun.” A “maund” is equal
to about 80 lbs.
“_You see._”—The original word is “Velcho,” really “Dekho,” the “V”
being used instead of the “D” by some dwellers in this district.
“_Oar._”—The native word is “Chuppa,” “Chuppū” in Hindustani, requiring
two or three men to use it.
“_Chiko bhâyo._”—“Chiko” is a corruption from the Hindustani word
“Kheincho,” pull.
“_Jeweller._”—The translation would be perhaps better rendered by
“lapidary.” A jeweller would be more correctly construed by the Sanscrit
word “Sonar.”
In days gone by, though in some parts of India it is still the custom
for lapidaries to wrap up their stones in bits of soiled rag, the more
warily to secrete them from the agents of Rajahs and others, who might
wish to despoil them.
“_Takht._”—The Persian word for a Throne, which it is usual with Rajahs
to adorn with precious stones.
_Note._—In the Punjab, Hindu Farmers worship their oxen and plough,
Shepherds their sheep, Bankers and Clerks their books, Grain-sellers
their weights, at certain stated festivals.—_Crooke_.
“_Chenâb._”—One of the five great rivers of the Punjaub. In the basins
of the Chenâb and Jhelum are four distinct races. The Dogra, Pahari,
Kashmiri, and Chaibati.
“_Nai._”—This class of Barber combines also Surgical practice, and in
some places Priestly offices are assigned to them.
“_Ruby._”—The best rubies come from India, Burmah, and Ceylon; and the
sapphire, topaz, and the emerald, though different in appearance, are
chemically the same substance, or “Corundum.” A rose-red stone is
distinguished as Balas-ruby. (_See Balfour and Chambers._) The largest
Oriental ruby is now a jewel in the Imperial Crown of Russia.
_Note._—Precious stones have mystic virtues, and the belief of the
narrator was so much hurt at its value being appraised so low, that it
could not contain itself, and broke into two pieces.
_Note._—In the district there are the usual jokes amongst the people on
the “Nais,” or Barbers, who, as it is said above, weave the sacks for
the donkeys.
Naie nay sunâh
Sorray graunt nay sunâh.
The Barber has heard the news, so no fear but that all the village has
heard it too.
------------------------------------------------------------------------