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was sent by the Durbar to the Government of Bombay. The Durbar therein contended that the Agreement of 1821 was not in the nature of perpetual commutation of the Rakhopa money (Watch and Ward dues) but was simply a settlement for ten years. The Jain community, on the other hand, contended that the agreement was intended to be perpetual.
The dispute was referred by the Government of Bombay to Major Keatinge who after an inquiry fixed the annual payment at Rs. 10,000. He made that sum unalterable for a period of two years, and gave liberty to either party to call for a revision of the amount which was then to be fixed by the Agency.
RAKHOPA PAYMENT NOT A TAX.
It must be observed that the suni of Rs. 10,000 fixed by Col. Keatinge was fixed not merely on the number of pilgrims supposed to be visiting the Hill. This award was forwarded by Major Keatinge to the Government of Bombay who ultimately gave their decision on the 6th February, 1866. They confirmed the award of Col. Keatinge. In doing so they said that "the award should include all demands of the Shrawaks who should receive credit for any payments which the Thakore Saheb may take from them on any pretext, and for this sum the
