The origin of Bhom tenure is thus stated by Tod in his Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan: "It is stated in the historical annals of this country that the ancient clans had ceased on the rising greatness of the subsequent new divisions of clans, to hold the higher grades of rank; and had, in fact, merged into the general military landed proprietors of this country under the term bhumia, a most expressive and comprehensive name, importing absolute identity with the soil: bhum meaning 'land These Bhumias, the scions of the earliest princes, are to be met with in various parts of Mewar These, the allodial tenantry of our feudal system, form a considerable body in many districts, armed with matchlock, sword, and shield All this feudal militia pay a quit rent to the crown, and perform local but limited service on the frontier garrison; and upon invasion, when the Kher is called out, the whole are at the disposal of the prince on furnishing rations only.