Remonstrantie 4.9

4.9

Mewat is a tract 30 kos from Agra, but, owing to the hills and forests, it is mostly in rebellion against the King. Indigo is made in many of the villages of this tract, and the annual yield is 1000 bales or more, but it is inferior and of low quality, and usually sandy. The method of manufacture is that of Sarkhej rather than Bayana; the steeping of the plant, and the working back and forward to extract the dye from the leaves, are done in a single put, whereas in Bayana or Gorsa two are used as already explained. The price is consequently much lower, 20 rupees for a maund in Mewat when Bayana is selling for 30 rupees; very little is exported, but it is distributed all over Hindustan to places where indigo is not produced. This year, however, we have bought some bales for a trial. Opinions may differ as to the course to be followed in buying indigo, but my own view, based on several years' experience, is this. When the yield is plentiful, that is to say, when the ziarie has suffered no injury, and the rains have been timely for the nauti, one or two experienced men should be sent in the end of August or the beginning of September to Chanowa or the adjoining villages, and should buy whatever is really good;