Indian Antiquary Vol 27

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

Page 32

28
THE INDIAN ANTIQUARY.
Perhaps nothing would astonish the ordinary Burman more than to learn that the term could anywhere be applied to himself precisely as he applies it to others. But such is nevertheless the case, for it is invariably so used by the Eastern Shâns (Laos) about the Mêkhong (Nam Khaung); teste M. Aymonier, Voyage dans le Laos, 1895. The journey of the "Mission Aymonier about the Mêkhong, especially its right or Western bank, as far West as Korât and as far North as Nampat, was undertaken in 1882-8, and the leader's references to the Burmans as Kalas are so distinct that I will quote all there are in his first volume, the only one so far issued.
Page 37.-"La population [de Bassak] est laocienne avec quelques rares Khmêrs, Chinois, Kula (ou Birmans)."
Page 83."Nous rencontrons des Kola [à Phou Dên Mouong] nom que les Laos donnent
aux Birmans."
Page 197.Les habitants [d'Oubon] sont tous des Phou Thais qui cultivent des rizières, pêchent et élèvent des bestiaux qu'ils vendent aux Kola ou Birman pour les exporter à Bangkok."
Page 233." On y fait aussi à Dhatou Penola] un commerce de buffles que les Kolas ou
MUSALMAN TITLES OF HINDUS.
There is nothing really Musalman in these titles. Khán, which means simply tribal chief, was the usual title of the heads of tribes in the North-West Panjab. Within historic periods Afghanistan was ruled by Hindu or Kshatriya tribes, and many a tribe of Rajpats, Játs, and even Khatris still preserve the tradition of having emigrated into the Pañjâb from the neighbourhood of Ghazni. And of these several had ancestors who are said to have borne the title of
Khun.
In later times, too, titles borne by Muhammadans originally were adopted by others e. g., the Badshah, Shahzadá, and Sirdár of the Sikhs. In modern times Hindus gladly accepted such titles as Khan Bahadur, etc., when conferred on them by the British Government.1
The tradition of the Man Jats is that they once ruled in Ghazni, and that Raj Bhîmpâl was the last ruler of their race there. This king came on an expedition to India, and settled at Bathinda (Patiala territory), driving out the Bhatti Rajpats.
1 [The British Government frequently bestows mixed Hindu and Musalman titles on Native Chiefs, following in this the custom of the Native Governments. The Sikh
[JANUARY, 1898.
Birmans viennent acheter dans la region pour les emmener à Bangkok."
*
NOTES AND QUERIES.
Page 263. On rencontre à Nongkhai des Chinois qui occupent une quarantaine de boutiques, des Siamois généralement venus de Korat, et des Kolas ou Birmans."
Page 235."[Le Phya de Nongkhai] avait à ce moment de gros ennuis avec des Kolas ou marchands Birmans qui sont détestés dans le pays
... Le jour même le Chau et les mandarins firent signifier leur expulsionaux Kolas qui furent attaqués la nuit suivante, à coups de fusils . . . . Ils allèrent réclamer au consul anglais à Bangkok, d'où ordre au Chau de Nongkhaï de rendre justice aux Kolas, ou bien de faire expédier les accusés à Bangkok."
Dr. Cushing, Shan Dictionary, p. 13, gives "kala, a foreigner: kalalam, a black foreigner, used generally of a native of Hindustan because most known to the Shâns: kalü, a name applied kalaum, a Siamese or Laos, also an appellation to Karens on the mountains East of Toungoo: given to all who are under Siamese rule; infrequently karaum."
So the opprobrious term appears to be of mutual application !
R. C. TEMPLE.
Another Mân Jât of the same family held the title of Khân, his name being Bhandar. His son, Mirza, succeeded to the title. Another ancestor, now known as Mân Shah, had the title Shah conferred on him by the Delhi Emperors. His real name has been lost, and he is only remembered by his title of the Mân Shah. His descendants are called Manshâhia, and even now those who claim descent from Bhandar Khan would have no objection to the revival of the title of Khân in their favour.
GURDYAL SINGH in P. N. and Q. 1883. NICOBAR ISLANDS - LATTER-DAY FOLKMEDICINE.
THIS is a prescription by a "doctor" of the village of Kenuaka in Car Nicobar, given on 14th April, 1896
"Mix Eno's Fruit Salt in water. Add to it a little powdered camphor and turpentine. Give twice a day for colic and stomach-ache. Add a little quinine to the above in fever cases.
R. C. TEMPLE.
Port Blair.
rulers constantly did so. The custom no doubt arose in the time of the free-thinking earlier Mughal rulers of Delhi. - ED.]