A History of Agriculture in India v2.c78.s5.3

v2.c78.s5.3

'Two experienced men are monthly dispatched to inquire into the fatness or leanness of the khasa elephants. If elephants are found by them out of flesh to the extent of a quarter, according to the scale fixed by the Pagoshi Regulation the grandees in charge are fined, and the Bhois are likewise liable to lose a month's wages. In the case of halqa elephants, Ahadis are told off to examine them, and submit a report to His Majesty. If an elephant dies, the Mahawat and the Bhoi are fined three months' wages. If part of an elephant's tusk is broken, and the injury reaches as far as the kali—this is a place at the root of the tusks, which on being injured is apt to fester, when the tusks get hollow and become useless—a fine amounting to one-eighth of the elephant is exacted, the Darogha paying two-thirds, and the Fawjdar one-third. Should the injury not reach as far as the kali, the fine is only one-half of the former. But, at present, a fine of one per cent has become usual; in the case of khasa elephants, however, such punishment is inflicted as His Majesty may please to direct.¹