The Institutes of Akbar 88: THE SERVANTS OF THE ELEPHANT STABLES.

88

1. Mast elephants. There are five and a half servants for each, viz., first, a Maháwat, who sits on the neck of the animal and directs its movements. He must be acquainted with its good and bad properties, and thus contribute to its usefulness. He gets 200 dáms per month; but if the elephant be Phutahar, i.e., wicked and addicted to pulling down the driver, he gets 220 d. Secondly, a Bhoi, who sits behind, upon the rump of the elephant, and assists in battle and in quickening the speed of the animal; but he often performs the duties of the Maháwat. His monthly pay is 110 d. Thirdly, the Met’hs, of whom there are three and one-half, or only three in case of small elephants. A met’h fetches fodder, and assists in caparisoning the elephant. Met’hs of all classes get on the march four dams daily, and at other times, three and a half.
2. For every Shergír, there are five servants, viz., a Maháwat, at 180 d.; a Bhoi, at 100 d.; and three Met’hs as before.
3. For every Sádah, there are four and a half servants, viz., a Maháwat, at 160 d., a Bhoi at 90 d.; and two and a half Met’hs.
4. For every Manjholah, there are four servants; viz., a Maháwat, at 140 d.; a Bhoi, at 80 d.; and two Met’hs.
5. For every Karha, there are three and a half servants; viz., a Maháwat at 120 d., a Bhoi at 70 d.; and one and a half Met’hs.
6. For every P’handurkiya, there are two servants; viz., a Maháwat, at 100 d., and a Met’h.
7. For every Mokal, there are likewise two servants; viz., a Maháwat, at 50 d., and a Met’h.
Female Elephants. 1. Large ones have four servants, viz., a Maháwat, at 100 d.; a Bhoi, at 60 d., two Met’hs. 2. Middle sized ones have three and a half servants; viz., a Maháwat, at 80 d.; a Bhoi, at 50 d.; and one and a half Met’hs. 3. Small ones have two; viz., a Maháwat, at 60 d.; and a Met’h. 4. Mokals have likewise two; viz. a Maháwat, at 60 d.; and a Met’h.