A History of Agriculture in India v2.c78.s5.1

v2.c78.s5.1

Mast elephants. 'There are five and a half servants for each, viz. a Mahawat, who sits on the neck of the animal and directs its movements. He must be acquainted with its good and bad properties, and thus contribute to its usefulness. He gets 200 dams per month; but if the elephant be khutahar, i.e. wicked and addicted to pulling down the driver, he gets 220 d. Secondly, a Bhoi, who sits behind, upon the rump of the elephant, and assists in battle and in quickening the speed of the animal; but he often performs the duties of the Mahawat. His monthly pay is 110 d. Thirdly, the Meths, of whom there are three and one-half, or only three in case of small elephants. A Meth fetches fodder, and assists in caparisoning the elephant. Meths of all classes get on the march four dams daily, and at other times three and a half.