Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan, or the Central and Western Rajput States of India v2.c27.s6.40

v2.c27.s6.40

Introduction of Melons, Grapes, Tobacco, Opium : the Use of Opium.—To Babur, the founder of the Mogul dynasty, India is indebted for the introduction [644] of its melons and grapes ; and to his grandson Jahangir for tobacco.¹ For the introduction of opium we have no date, and it is not even mentioned in the poems of Chand.² This pernicious plant has robbed the Rajput of half his virtues ; and while it obscures these, it heightens his vices, giving to his natural bravery a character of insane ferocity, and to the countenance, which would otherwise beam with intelligence, an air of imbecility. Like all stimulants, its effects are magical for a time ; but the reaction is not less certain : and the faded form or amorphous bulk too often attest the debilitating influence of a drug which alike debases mind and body. In the more ancient epics we find no mention of the poppy-juice as now used, though the Rajput has at all times been accustomed to his *madhava ra piyala*, or ‘intoxicating cup.’ The essence,³ whether of grain, of roots, or of flowers, still welcomes the guest, but is secondary to the opiate. *Amal lar khana*, ‘to eat opium together,’ is the most inviolable pledge ; and an agreement ratified by this ceremony is stronger than any adjuration. If a Rajput pays a visit, the first question is, *amal khaya*? ‘have you had your opiate?’—*amal khao*, ‘take your opiate.’ On a birthday, when all the chiefs convene to congratulate their brother on another ‘knot to his years,’ the large cup is brought forth, a lump of opiate put therein, upon which water is poured, and by the aid of a stick a solution is made, to which each helps his neighbour, not with a glass, but with the hollow of his hand held to his mouth. To judge by the wry faces on this occasion, none can like it, and to get rid of the nauseous taste, comfit-balls are handed round. It is curious to observe the animation it inspires ; a Rajput is fit for nothing without his amal, and I have often dismissed their men of business to refresh their intellects by a dose, for when its effects are dissipating they become mere logs [645].¹ Opium to the Rajput is more necessary than food, and a suggestion to the Rana to tax it highly was most unpopular. From the rising generation the author exacted promises that they would resist initiation in this vice, and many grew up in happy ignorance of the taste of opium. He will be the greatest friend to Rajasthan who perseveres in eradicating the evil. The valley of Udaipur is a poppy garden, of every hue and variety, whence the Hindu Sri may obtain a coronet more variegated than ever adorned the Isis of the Nile.