Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan, or the Central and Western Rajput States of India v2.c27.s7.t2.41

v2.c27.s7.t2.41

Godwār.—October 28.—Marched at daybreak. The Thakur sent a confidential vassal to accompany me through his domain. We could now look around us, as we receded from the Alpine Aravalli, with nothing to obstruct the vision, over the fertile plains of Godwar. We passed near Ghanerao, whose isolated portals, without tower or curtain to connect them, have a most humiliating appearance. It is to Raja Bhim, some twenty years ago, that their chieftains owe this degradation, in order to lessen their ability to recover the province for its ancient master the Rana. It was indeed one of the gems of his crown, as it is the only dazzling one in that of Marwar. While we marched over its rich and beautiful plains, well watered, well wooded, and abounding in fine towns, I entered into conversation with the Rana’s envoy, who joined me on the march. Kishandas has already been mentioned as one of the few men of integrity and wisdom who had been spared to be useful to his country. He was a mine of ancient lore, and his years, his situation, and his character gave force to his sentiments of determined independence. He was as quick as touchwood, which propensity occasionally created a wordy war between me and my friend, who knew my respect for him. “Restore us Godwar,” was his abrupt salutation as he joined me on the march : to which, being a little vexed, as the point could not be agitated by our government, I said in reply, “ Why did you [693] let them take it ?—where has the Sesodia sword slept this half century ?” Adding, “ God Almighty never intended that the region on this side the mountains should belong to Mewar ;—nature’s own hand has placed the limit between you.” The old envoy’s blood was roused as he exclaimed, “ Even on this principle Godwar is ours, for nature has marked our limit by stronger features than mountains. Observe, as you advance, and you will find to the further limit of the province every shrub and flower common to Mewar ; pass that limit but a few yards, and they are lost :