The grapes do not come within my reach,
So spit them out; they are bitter,
“_Tanks._”—In the Persian the word is “Talâb,” and in the original in
Punjabi it is “Surr,” a Sanscrit word signifying a large pond or tank. A
small tank in Punjabi is called a “Bunni.”
There is hardly a tank in India that is not more or less associated in
the minds of the people with some legend, and many are held sacred to
one or other of their titulary gods and goddesses.
Some tanks are supposed to contain treasure which is reserved under the
custody of a Yaksha, or sprite.
—_Crooke._
In Hindu mythology “Yaksha” is an attendant upon “Kuvēra,” the god of
wealth. The name is said to be derived from “Yaksha” to worship. As with
the Brownies in Scotland they are called “Punya-jana” or good people,
but they are sometimes imps of evil.
—_Williams’_ “Nala”; also _Dowson_.
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