Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan, or the Central and Western Rajput States of India v3.c43.t1.273

v3.c43.t1.273

Pauna, or Pahona, July 25.—Yesterday was a day of disaster : I left the capital amidst torrents of rain, and between Merta and Mauli found my best elephant lying dead ; the long and sudden march, and too heavy a load, had destroyed the fine animal. It was rather ominous to lose the emblem of wisdom in the outset of this journey. We passed a most uncomfortable day, and still more uncomfortable night, for a strong gale forced up the tent-pins from the clay soil, and brought down the tent over my ears. I had an escape from the pole, part of which I propped under the fly to keep me from suffocation. Around me were nothing but yells of distress, half laughable, half serious ; horses loose, and camels roaring in discordant gutturals. We were glad long before dawn to pack up our chattels, thoroughly soaked, and consequently double weight, and begin moving for Pahona, where we are promised a little repose. I have taken this route as it is the last occasion I shall have to visit the work of my own hands, the mart of Bhilwara. Pahona is or was a place of some value ; but the Brahmans, through the influence of the Rana's sister, had got it by means of a forged grant, and abided by the