Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan, or the Central and Western Rajput States of India v3.c42.s1.t2.37

v3.c42.s1.t2.37

Narayandas became celebrated for his strength and prowess. He was one of those undaunted Rajputs who are absolutely strangers to the impression of fear, and it might be said of danger and himself, “that they were brothers whelped the same day, and he the elder.” Unfortunately, these qualities were rendered inert from the enormous quantity of opium he took, which would have killed most men; for it is recorded “he could at one time eat the weight of seven pice.”² The consequence of this vice, as might be expected, was a constant stupefaction, of which many anecdotes are related. Being called to aid the Rana Raemall, then attacked by the Pathans of Mandu, he set out at the head of five hundred select Haras. On the first day's march he was taking his siesta, after his usual dose, under a tree, his mouth wide open, into which the flies had unmolested ingress, when a young Telin ¹ came to draw water at the well, and on learning that this was Bundi's prince on his way to aid the Rana in his distress, she observed, " If he gets no other aid than his, alas for my prince!" " The amaldar (opium-eater) has quick ears, though no eyes," is a common adage in Rajwara. " What is that you say, rand (widow)?" roared the Rao, advancing to her. Upon her endeavouring to excuse herself, he observed, " Do not fear, but repeat it." In her hand she had an iron crowbar, which the Rao, taking it from her, twisted until the ends met round her neck. " Wear this garland for me," said he, " until I return from aiding the Rana, unless in the interim you can find some one strong enough to unbind it."