A History of the Mahrattas v1.c7.156.4

v1.c7.156.4

He furnishes all necessary information, as well as supplies to strangers, and is often extremely useful to them. His duties are very numerous. Sixth, the gardener [Mālī]. Seventh, the Dowree Gosawee [Daurē Gosāvī], a religious personage who beats the *Dour*, a species of small tambourin. Eighth, the Gursee [Ghadshī], or piper. The Gursees, as already noticed, are said to be descended from the aborigines of Dhund Karinya the forest, or country between the sources of the Beema and Cavery. Ninth, the Ramoosee, or Bheel. These, although their office is the same when employed on the village establishment, are different casts of people, but they resemble each other in many of their habits; both are professed thieves. The Ramoosees belong more particularly to Maharashtra. The Bheels, in the Mahratta country, are only found in Candeish, and along the Syhadree range, north of Joonere. In villages, they generally hold the office of watchman; and when a country is settled, they become useful auxiliaries in the police; but under a weak government, or when anarchy prevails, they quit their habitations, and become thieves and robbers. The Ramoosees use the sword and matchlock; the Bheels more commonly the bow and arrow; the latter are less domesticated than the former. Bheels abound to the north of the Nerbuddah, and over the greater part of Guzerat.