Indian Antiquary Vol 24

Author(s): Richard Carnac Temple
Publisher: Swati Publications

Page 53

FEBRUABY, 1895.)
THE GUGA LEGEND.
49
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39 (). Chuk ok-hiya. Areca-spathe receptacle for collecting the refuse of betel-hnsks,
after extracting the kernels for chewing. A superior variety made of wicker-work and provided with an outer tray for the husked nut is sometimes used, the large inner receptacle being for the hasks only.
8. Articles of pandanus leaf. 60 (m Shanōang (Car Nic. Tachokla). Ornamental head-band made of Pandanus-leaf, worn 8 9. on the head by both sexes, usually on festive occasions. At Car Nicobar it is always,
and at Chowra and Tereses sometimes, made of the spathe of the Areca catechu. 60 a. (m Kupòt-sinpai. Pandanus-leaf head-ornament, made by Car Nicobar women and
8 f). occasionally worn by both sexes. 61 6. Kendp-kõi-hanshöl. Dome-shaped cover made of Pandanus-Jenves and placed
over the kenya-kõi-hanshöi (vide No. 111) when boiling Pandanus, Cycas-paste,
or vegetables. At Car Nicobar a wicker-work cover is used for the purpose. S). Enrang. Pandanus-leaf receptacle, used at Car Nicobar for holding chewing
materials, when making distant trips in a canoe, or on feast days. 68 6). Hannah-lAh. Foot-brush, used in the Central and Southern Islands for wiping
the feet on entering a hat: consists of Pandanus-drape from which the pulp has been extracted. One or two are usually kept at the entrance of every hat for the use of visitors and others. At the Northern Islands the hut-broom (vide No. 96) is
employed for wiping the feet. 64 (). Kontain (Car Nic. Kensach). Tire-sticks, used at all the islands, but ehiefly
at the Central and Southern Groups, for producing fire. Both the upper and the lower (styled male and female respectively) are sticks cut from the Melochis velutina (vide No. 144). The working-end of the upper stick is rounded, and a splinter inserted in the fine hollow space in the centre, which would otherwise wear away before the necessary amount of friction had been produced. Instead of this, the end of the stick is sometimes slightly cross-split, which causes increase of friction when in use. The lower stick is notched near one end and a small hollow formed in its contre, into which the prepared end of the upper stick is placed and twirled with both hands, during which the lower stick is held firmly down by one or both feet. A blade, or peg, is also sometimes stuck into the side of the lower stick to keep it in position during the operation. On the part to which friotion is applied fine ash is sprinkled and, beneath this, dry cocoanut-husk fibre, or paper, is placed as tinder.
(To be continued.)
A VERSION OF THE GUGA LEGENDI
BY W. CROOKE, C.S. During the reign of Prithivi Raja, Chauhận of Dehli, there ruled in Marad688, now Bagara, of the Hissar District, a Rájs named Nar Siñh, or Már Sinh, to whom was born a son named Jawar. When the boy grew up he was married to the Rani Bachhal, danghter of Kanwar PAI, who ruled at Sirad Patan, now & mass of ruins near the town of Rehør, in Pargana Afzülgarh of the Bijnor District. The marriage was performed with great magnificence, and much money was spent by the father of the bride in the dowry and in entertaining the marriage guests. The bride accompanied her husband to his house, and they lived together for some years, but the Almighty did not bless them with offspring. In despair the prinee Jêwar went into the thresta and began to practise austerities. Meanwhile the Rani Bachhal occupied herself in fasting and deeds of charity at home. After some time the great saint Gura Gorakhnath with fourteen
I Told by BHOLA Bhagat of RhArA, Bijnor Distriot, and literally translated. * Blgard in the Bagar or prairie of the Eastern PanjAb and Northern Rajpatani.