receives about four or five rupees monthly: his dress corresponding with
that of a first-rate _mosaulchy_, or an inferior _khedmutgar_. The duty
of this menial, among Europeans, consists chiefly in cleaning the
furniture, putting up, or taking down beds, (which, in India, is always
effected without the aid of a carpenter,) beating carpets, preparing and
trimming the lights, opening and shutting the doors for guests, handing
chairs, setting tables for meals, together with a variety of minutiæ of
a similar description. Among the natives, the office comprehends far
more laborious employments, among which the arrangement of tents may be
adduced: in this they aid the _kalashies_, or tent-men, reserving to
themselves the performance of whatever relates to the interior.
According to the account of Abu Fazil, who wrote regarding the
establishment of the Emperor Akber, that monarch retained no less than
one thousand _fraushes_, for the purpose of attending his encampments,
or parties of pleasure. These, however numerous, must have had plenty to
do; for we find that ‘the equipage, on such occasions, consisted of 1000
elephants, 500 camels, 400 carts, and 1000 men, escorted by 500 cavalry.
There were employed in this service 1000 _fraushes_, 500 pioneers, 100
water-carriers, 50 carpenters, 50 tent-makers, 50 link-men, 30 workers
in leather, and 150 sweepers.’ The number of large tents was prodigious;
but some idea may be entertained of their amount, when it is stated,
that the royal precinct was enclosed by _konauts_ (walls of cloth) eight
feet high; and, in the whole, nearly two miles in length! Such a display
in this country, would attract half the population to witness its
enormity!
The _Mater_, or sweeper, is considered the lowest menial in every
family: his _cast_ is held in execration, on account of the filthiness
of his occupations. There are, nevertheless, various stages, or classes,
even among these abhorred people; of which the _hullalcore_ may be
considered the lowest, while the _loll-baygies_ assume the upper rank of
infamy. But, however much they may arrogate to themselves, in
consequence of such distinctions of _cast_, all are considered, by both
Hindus and Mussulmans, to be equally impure, alike polluting whatever
they touch. Hence, it would be considered the height of disrespect, were
a _mater_, in the service of a native gentleman, to handle any part of
his master’s raiment, or to step on the carpet intended for his master’s
seat: as to touching his cooking utensils, &c. that would be an
unpardonable offence, and subject the delinquent, not simply to private,
but to public, castigation.
Hair, or birch, brooms are never seen in India: there the instrument for
sweeping, called a _jarroo_, is made of bamboo, split to the size of a
wheat straw, about thirty inches long, and tied together very firmly,
for about six or eight inches at one end; forming a bundle of, perhaps
two inches and a half in diameter. This instrument is furnished by the
_mater_, who generally receives three, or sometimes four, rupees
monthly. The dress corresponds in general with that of a decent _cooly_,
(or laborer;) but some wear a short _coortah_, and take a little pride
in this particular.
The _mater_ is generally at little expence for provisions; he being the
only servant that may, according to his tenets, partake of what has been
served up at the table of any person, whether European, or native, not
of his own sect. In this, the _matranny_, or female sweeper, whose
duties are exactly the same, but usually confined to the women’s
apartments, must be included. The latter is, however, in general far
more sober, cleanly, and dainty, than the male sweeper. In such a
climate, it is of the highest importance that all filth should be
speedily removed: therefore it is established as a custom, that the
privy should be cleansed so soon as soiled: the _mater_ attending for
that purpose, with his _jarroo_, and a _tickra_, or piece of broken
earthen-ware, into which he sweeps away the ordure. This operation is
facilitated by a slight layer of grass placed below the seat, which is
usually of masonry. Wooden seats are highly objectionable; both on
account of being subject to collect filth, and because they harbour
centipedes, scorpions, &c. Many very ludicrous accidents used to happen,
some thirty years back, before a reform was made in the construction of
these conveniences; which are now on an admirable plan.
When a dog is kept, and that there is not occasion for retaining a
professed _dooreah_, or dog-keeper, the _mater_ is always expected to
dress its victuals, and to supply it with such refuse from the table, as
he may not deem worthy his own acceptance.
The _Dooreah_, though properly an out-door servant, residing at the
_dooreah-konnah_, or kennel, occasionally officiates as _mater_,
performing all the duties of that menial; but this is rarely done with
good will; _dooreahs_, though of a _cast_ held equally in abomination
with the ordinary sweeper, by persons of a different persuasion,
invariably considering themselves to be far superior thereto. Although
confined to one occupation, in general, a _dooreah_ can have very little
knowledge of its duties, beyond the mere mechanical routine of dressing
a little rice, and meat, for the dogs, and taking them out for an
airing. He is usually provided with a short whip, consisting of a thong,
or two, of raw hide, fastened to a piece of small bamboo; with this he
corrects the animals under his charge, the number of which necessarily
varies according to their size.
Thus, a brace of greyhounds, or, at the most, a leash, are considered as
many as a _dooreah_ should lead out; while of small dogs, it is common
to see him surrounded by seven or eight. Each dog has a collar, to which
a strong metal ring is sewed very firmly: this serves to fasten a piece
of stout cord, the other end of which is looped, so as to pass over the
_dooreah’s_ hand, and to sit round his wrist; in general, the whole are
led by the left hand, the right exercising the whip. The dress of this
servant mostly resembles that of the _mosaulchy_: their pay is also much
on a par.
The manner of preparing victuals for dogs is simple: the _dooreah_,
being provided with a large earthen pot, proportioned to the quantity of
provision to be boiled, puts in the meat, cut very small, the rice, some
turmeric reduced to a pulp, some _ghee_, or granulated butter, some
salt, and abundance of water. The pot is placed on a _choolah_, or
stove, and its contents are stirred until they are sufficiently boiled,
when they are taken out; the water being first drained off into a
vessel, and the more solid contents spread upon a mat to cool. Each dog
is led out to separate picket, always in the ground for that purpose,
and there tied; so that he cannot quarrel with his neighbours. A parcel
of old earthen vessels, every where abounding, are collected for the
purpose of receiving each dog’s mess: the meat and rice are first
allotted among them, according to bulk, and the gravy afterwards added.
Each then receives his portion; though not without exhibiting, both by
vociferation and greediness, how eager he is to obtain his meal. In this
manner, dogs are usually fed night and morning.
The business of a _Kalashy_ is, properly speaking, confined either to
what relates to camp-equipage, or to the management of the sails, and
rigging, on board a _budjrow_. In the former instance, he is expected to
understand how to set up tents of every description; to pack, and
unpack; to load and unload: to make tent-pins; to sew the _taut_ (or
canvas bags,) in which each part of a tent is generally enclosed, when
on the elephant, camel, bullock, or cart, by which it is conveyed; to
handle a _phourah_, or mattock, to level the interior; and, in short, to
compleat the whole preparation, within and without.
Many _kalashies_ are extremely expert in all the foregoing duties, and
are, besides, excellent domestics; not hesitating to perform a variety
of services about a house, such as swinging the _punkah_, (or great
fan,) suspended in most dining halls, rattaning the bottoms of chairs,
helping to arrange, and to clear, furniture, and doing, besides, the
duties of _hirkarahs_, or _peons_. This general assemblage of useful
talents, no doubt, renders the _kalashy_ a most useful servant; hence,
more are retained at this time, than were formerly employed.
As a public servant, whether attached to the train of artillery, or to a
quarter-master’s establishment, his merits are equally conspicuous: in
the former he is enrolled in some company, in which rank may be obtained
by a due continuance of good conduct. Though in a private capacity he
rarely receives more than five rupees, he may, in the latter instance,
consider his average pay at six rupees; which, with the chance of
promotion to the several ranks of _cossob_, _tindal_, and _serang_, with
consequent encrease of wages at each gradation, is considered a very
respectable situation. His duty in the above instance, is, however, by
no means trifling: during the whole day he is employed, generally in the
arsenal, or the store room, or the artillery shed; or, eventually, in
drawing timbers, cannon, &c. on transport carriages; mounting, or
dismounting great guns, cleaning arms, working in the laboratory,
piling, or serving out, shot; with a million of et ceteras in the
various branches of that department. Whether attached to the train, or
serving with a regiment of infantry, or cavalry, the _kalashy_, (or, as
he is often termed while in the public service, the _lascar_) must be
adroit in whatever relates to camp-equipage, making up ammunition of all
kinds, sorting stores, packing, loading, serving, and drawing
field-pieces, limbering, yoking the cattle, marking out lines for a
camp; and, in short, whatever relates either to the ordnance, or to the
quarter-master’s duties. All appertaining to these branches, are
cloathed in woollens of English manufacture: those in the artillery
wearing blue jackets with red trimmings, and such as appertain to
regiments of cavalry, or of infantry, being served with such colors as
may assimilate with the dress of the corps respectively: unless when a
quantity of any particular color is on hand in the Company’s stores; in
which case, it is disposed of by varying the dress of regimental
lascars, _pro tempore_, as far as it will go.
The whole of the _kalashies_ wear blue turbans, of rather a flat form,
having on their edges a red tape, about three fourths of an inch in
breadth; which greatly relieves the sombre appearance of their jackets.
The _kalashies_ on board _budjrows_, which are generally of the pinnace,
or keeled, kind, may be placed, nearly on a footing with those retained
by individuals; allowing for a certain imitation of the public servant,
and a smattering in what relates to the management of sails. This class
is by no means numerous, being confined entirely to the aquatic
equipages of great men: one of this description is by no means flattered
when directed to handle an oar on board the _budjrow_, though he prides
himself in rowing a jolly-boat furnished with oars on the European plan.
The _Manjy_, _Goleeah_, and _Dandy_, are the steers-man, bow-man, and
common rower in a boat, respectively. Where a gentleman keeps a boat, he
must always retain the two first, and, if in constant employ, the last
also; or he may generally, by previous notice, obtain a crew of
_teeka-dandies_, that is, job-watermen, at any of the _ghauts_, or
wharfs, along the river. The _manjy_ is usually paid from five to seven
rupees per mensem; the _goleeah_ from four to five; and the _dandy_ from
two and a half to three and a half, or even four; all according to the
kind of boat, and the dignity of the employer. There is no established
dress for either of the above classes; though the _manjy_ will, in
general, be found to adopt a mixed costume, between the _kalashy_ and
the _mosaulchy_. His business is to steer, and to give directions
regarding the several operations incident to the very numerous
metamorphoses of circumstances in rivers perpetually changing their
direction: thus, it is by no means uncommon to see a _budjrow_ hoist,
and lower, her sails, take to her oars, or to the track-rope, some
scores of times during the course of a day’s progress; just as the
localities may render necessary. Whatever authority may be vested in a
_manjy_, it is rare to see one able to enforce his orders: each of the
crew has an opinion of his own; and, knowing that his services cannot be
dispensed with, will, in most cases, adhere to his way of thinking,
until peremptorily compelled by the master’s interference, to submit to
orders; or overcome by absolute force.
The _Goleeah_ has particular charge of the bow, where he either rows the
foremost oar, or, when necessary, keeps the boat from running against
the bank, or upon shoals, by means of a _luggy_, or bamboo pole,
probably thirty feet, or more, in length; first casting it out in the
proper direction, and then lapping it round several times with the end
of a strong tail-strap, fastened to a ring on the forecastle; so as to
prevent the pole from returning.
Those who have not witnessed the dexterity of this class of people, and
the rapidity with which they recover their poles, so as to make repeated
resistances in dangerous situations, can form no idea of the strength,
activity, and judgment, necessary to qualify a man for this arduous
situation. Often the fate of a boat depends on the certainty of the
_goleeh’s_ throw; especially under a _cutchar_, or sand bank, perhaps
twenty feet, or more, in height, under which a strong current cuts away
the foundation, occasioning immense bodies of the soil to fall in,
attended by a noise competiting with thunder. One of these falling upon
a boat, could not fail to sink her; as experience has too frequently
proved. The very swell occasioned by the fall of such ponderous and
bulky rubbish, amounting perhaps to fifty or sixty loads, is sufficient
to sink the smaller class of vessels. Fortunately, the _cutchars_, in
general, subside, as it were, perpendicularly; without casting outwards;
otherwise, no vessels could navigate the Ganges, or the other great
rivers, at certain seasons; especially during the early winter months,
when the _cutchars_ are high, and the current rather strong.
The _Dandy_ certainly leads as hard a life as any scavenger’s
cart-horse; and really I know not what more picturesque instance can be
given of his consummate drudgery! Imagine the effects, even upon the
most hardy constitution, of exposure to all weathers; at one moment
under a burning sun, or numbed by a cold northerly blast; by turns on
board, or at the track rope; moving at a slow pace against a rapid
current; and wading, without the smallest hesitation, through a million
of puddles, often up to the neck, or even obliged to swim: the footing
perhaps rugged, or along a heavy sand, or a deep mud; and the path lying
through briars, bordering steep precipices! All this the _dandy_
undergoes for the small wages before specified; rarely equal to
three-pence daily! It is true, he has some reliance on the produce of
the fields he passes through, appropriating it, together with fire wood,
and, occasionally, some stray poultry, or a kid, to the participation of
his companions. Nor do this class, which consists promiscuously of
Hindus and Mussulmans, act very fastidiously as to the means of
obtaining their cloathing: they are, indeed, perfectly divested of those
prejudices entertained by our judges, and law officers, respecting the
iniquity of purloining whatever may offer itself to their acceptance:
far otherwise; all is fish that comes to their net. Knowing such to be
the invariable disposition of _dandies_, the European must blame
himself, should his valuables be missing in consequence of an ill-placed
confidence, or of neglect in regard to securing his property, so far as
may be practicable. Hence, it is advisable never to allow any one of the
crew to enter the cabin of a _budjrow_, under any pretext, unless
attended by a servant; who must direct his whole attention to the
prevention of theft. Most boats are baled by means of a skuttle in the
cabin: this affords a very reasonable plea for entrance; but too much
caution cannot be used, when that operation may be necessary; which may
be from two, to fifty, times within the twenty-four hours; accordingly
as the hirer may be in luck regarding the soundness of his vessel’s
bottom.
As to describing a _dandy’s_ dress, that is scarcely practicable; but a
tolerable outline was given when treating of the passage from the ship
at Kedgeree to the presidency: the perpetual changes from hot to cold,
and from wet to dry, (for each _dandy_ reserves a dry clout, to put on
when he returns on board,) must, one would think, at all events, keep
the poor wretches something like clean, and free from vermin. Such,
however, is not the case; for what with ring-worms, itch, and _a
certain_ loathsome, and infectious disease, added to an inexhaustible
stock of body-creepers, no mortal can well be more disgusting than a
Bengal _dandy_. It would be injustice to class them all under one
general anathema; there being, doubtless, some among them who are
tolerably clean in their persons; but such most assuredly form a very
disproportionate minority!
The _Berriarah_, or _Gurrearah_, is a person who, according to the
general custom of the country, devotes his life to tending sheep and
goats; and, in most situations beyond the metropolis, obtains a place
among the usual servants attendant upon the out-door concerns of a
family. This is not owing to the scarcity of meat, but to its bad
quality; there being plenty of sheep in India, which, however, are
rarely slaughtered for table expenditure, even by the natives; who very
justly consider it to be an unclean animal, feeding on all kinds of
filth. This occasions them to prefer the meat of a castrated goat,
commonly denominated _kussy_, which is certainly not to be despised;
though its taste is somewhat strong, and the meat itself rather coarse,
and dark colored: but it abounds with fat, and is very juicy. Be it
good, or bad, prejudice has proscribed it from the tables of persons in
respectable stations, or in easy circumstances; a joint of _bazar_
mutton, that is, such as the butchers sell in the market, being
considered no treat, and proving extremely obnoxious to the generality
of delicate persons: though I have frequently seen them partake of a
joint of _kussy_, when palmed upon them as home-fed wether, in such
style as led me to believe, that the imagination was a principal agent
in condemning the unfortunate goat-mutton. I do not mean to deny, that a
certain difference exists; but, when the former could not be had, I
rarely failed to make an excellent meal off the latter; while some of my
more fastidious friends have been grievously disappointed of their
dinners.
Sheep may, in a few instances, be purchased in tolerable good condition,
especially during the hot season, when they nibble the short stems, and
even the roots of the finer grasses; yet it must not be expected that
any, which may be procurable in the villages, should cut up well: they
are usually mere skeletons; and if they have any fat it is of a bad
color. This compels gentlemen to keep small flocks, perhaps from thirty
to sixty, according to the average of expenditure; which, among officers
in the army, may amount to one sheep in every fifteen, or twenty days:
observing, that the meat is seldom good, nor the animal comparatively
the better for his keep, until it may have been put up for about three
or four months. The most approved mode of fatting sheep, is to have
about a dozen on full feed; allowing as much _gram_ as they can well
eat; say about two pounds daily for each: another dozen should be upon
half feed; having an allowance of very fine chaff to complete their
diet; or perhaps some cut grass, the same as is brought in for horses.
All these twenty-four sheep should be confined in an area, enclosed
either by mud walls, or by railings of a suitable height; taking care to
allow them access to sweet water, and to have a small quantity of salt
in a flat vessel, accessible to them at pleasure. In this manner they
will fatten admirably in the course of six or seven months; their flesh
becoming fine grained, juicy, and high flavored.
Besides the above number, about as many more should be kept on a small
allowance of _gram_; allowing them to graze, in company with half a
dozen milch goats and their kids, under charge of the _berriarah_, in
some place remote from any camp or town; so as to insure their feeding
clean. This precaution may seem unnecessary, but is certainly proper;
for all sheep, especially those of India, are particularly partial to
certain excrements, abounding in a country where the goddess is
worshipped on the plains: the borders of tanks being particularly the
resort of all descriptions of persons, when pressed to pay their
_devoirs_ to the deity. The dress of the _berriarah_ is usually similar
to that of the _cooly_; with this addition, that, on account of the
oppressive heats at one season; the heavy falls of rain at another; and
the sharp cold during three months; he has constant recourse to a
substantial blanket, generally black: that being the ordinary color of
the sheep. In the hot season, the blanket serves to repel the heat;
during the rains, to keep him dry; and in the winter, to keep him warm.
As any cross folds, or pleats, would infallibly rather retain, than cast
off, the rain, these people have recourse to a most effectual mode of
managing the blanket; tying it together in a very regular manner, after
puckering the longest side, and placing that part over their heads.
Whatever portion of moisture may lodge within the short pleats above the
tie, cannot sink downwards, if the ligature be properly made; while all
the pleats below it, being in a perpendicular direction, serve as
channels to carry the water downwards. In fact, the blanket becomes a
bell-tent, of which the inhabitant is himself the pole. The wages of the
shepherd are usually about three and a half, or four rupees monthly; but
some gentlemen regulate them by the number of sheep maintained: this by
no means answers their expectations; for if the number be great, one or
two deficiencies, imputed to the wolves, are rarely noticed; and if the
flock be small, the only chance a shepherd has, is to make away with a
fat sheep, now and then. No sheep can be fatted, taking all things into
consideration, under four rupees, equal to about ten shillings,
including the price given; which of late years has risen to about a
rupee per head, for such as have six teeth: all below that age are
generally rejected, because their food goes more towards their growth,
than to their flesh; which is seldom of a good color, but retains a
certain light hue, like very young beef, until the second year be
passed.
The wool of the Bengal sheep is by no means valuable, as an article of
commerce; it being coarse and lank, more resembling dog’s hair than a
fleece. The natives manufacture a good deal of it into _puttoos_; which
may be made in any form, being nothing more than a very heavy close kind
of felt, which, when well made, stands proof against the severest
weather. The usual shape of these _puttoos_ is nearly conical, and more
resembles a bell-tent, than any thing now occurring to my memory; the
generality are made with a border, rudely worked, of some color strongly
contrasting with the body of the cloak: thus, a black _puttoo_ would
have a white pattern, another white _puttoo_ a black pattern. This
manufacture is extremely simple, and performed by means of a kind of
carding machine that entangles the wool; which is previously mixed in a
very strong lather of soap.