Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan, or the Central and Western Rajput States of India v3.c43.73

v3.c43.73

The Rana being yet a minor, and the queen-mother at the head of affairs, he hastened to her to be released from the debt of gratitude. But Lawa, unluckily, was held by herself; and although she was not heretic enough to doubt the miraculous tale, she thought the Dudia might have selected any other land but hers, and testily replied to her son’s request, that “ he might give him Mewar if he chose.” Displeased at this unaccommodating tone, the prince quickly rejoined, “ Mewar shall be his, then.” The word of a prince is sacred; he sent for Sangram, and thus addressed him: “ I give you Mewar for the space of three days; make the best use of your time; my arsenals, my armouries, my treasury, my stables, my throne and its ministers, are at your command.”³ The temporary Rana availed himself of this [609] power, and conveyed to his estate whatever he had a mind to. During the abdication Sardar held his court, though he had too much tact actually to press the cushion of his master; but seated himself on one side of the vacant throne, attended by all the nobles, fully impressed with the sanctity of the individual who had attained such distinction. On the third day the queen-mother sent her son the patent for Lawa; and on the fourth the Dudia surrendered the sceptre.