The Military System of the Marathas, with a Brief Account of Their Maritime Activities c7.46

c7.46

intercept him; he there sits down in *dherna*, with poison, or a poignard, or some other instrument of suicide, in his hand; and threatening to use it if his adversary should attempt to molest or pass him. In this situation the Brahmin fasts; and by the rigour of the etiquette, which is rarely infringed, the unfortunate object of his arrest ought also to fast; and thus they both remain until the institutor of the *dherna* obtains satisfaction.' Lord Teignmouth, quoted by Forbes, *Oriental Memoirs*, Vol. II, pp. 24-5. On the occasion alluded to above, Holkar was compelled by his creditors to abstain from food and drink for three consecutive days.