579
is difficult to get correct figures, but may be
roughly estimated to be over 60 per cent.) of the
working classes use it, and sanyasis, ramayats and
garden coolies, and also Hindu sepoys.
23. No.
24. Generally people of the North-Western
Provinces and also lower classes of Hindus drink
bhang and also eat it.
25. The use of ganja is on the increase. Al-
though persons known as bhadralog, i.e., country
gentlemen of the middle classes, do not now
attend what may be called smoking booths, as
some of them used to do formerly, the lower orders
as a body use the drug. I do not think it will be
less than 75 per cent. of the people of the work-
ing classes.
26. I would put them as follows:—
(a) 45.
(b) 30.
(c) 20.
(d) 5.
27. (1) Labouring classes, especially fishermen
and boatmen; (2) up-country coolies; (3) hard
drinkers; (4) ramayats and sanyasis; (5) pros-
titutes are the chief consumers.
Among these a large proportion of (1) and (2)
are moderate consumers (both habitual and occa-
sional). Hard drinkers and prostitutes are exces-
sive consumers (both habitual and occasional).
Ramayats and sanyasis are excessive consumers
(habitual). In the case of moderate consumers,
no perceptible changes in life takes place. In the
case of excessive consumers, they become less
thrifty, they care more for the drug than anything
else; lose power of self-control, and become more
and more enslaved to the drug, and would not
attend to anything when they have their craving
for the drug unless they get it, and vice versâ.
By giving them some ganja, one can make them
do any work which they would not do for love or
for money. They become indolent and also excit-
able.
28. It is difficult to find the quantity consumed
by each man on an average, as they usually smoke
in company. Roughly speaking—
(a) Habitual moderate consumers on an
average take two to three chillums a dose,
costing from one anna to one and-a-half.
(b) Excessive consumers take four to eight
doses, costing from two to four annas.
29. Ordinarily a small portion of tobacco leaf is
mixed up with ganja when preparing for smoking.
Dhatura is used rarely and by confirmed excessive
consumers, the object being to increase the
strength. I have no information as to bhang
massala.
30. Ganja is seldom smoked by one person. It
is smoked in company. It is not confined to the
male sex, but females who use it are generally
prostitutes. It is not usual, but in some instances,.
which are unfortunately multiplying, children
also take to it.
31. Yes, it is very easily formed. I don't think
it is difficult to break off except in the case of
habitual consumers. It would depend on circum-
stances, but generally the tendency is not great
towards excessive use.
32. There is the disreputable "Trinath's seva,"
also called "Tinlokh pir's sinni," (i.e., the festival
of the saint of three lokh), the latter name point-
ing to a Muhammadan origin, although I find
from enquiries Musalmans have nothing to do
with it at present. It has practically come to be
regarded as a cloak for covering the questionable
character of the habit under the sanction of what
passes (as anything can pass as religion in this
country) as religion. It would be ridiculous to
consider it as a religious worship. A number of
men of the lower classes assemble at night and
have vulgar songs and some coarse refreshment,
and then smoke ganja (the rule is one pice worth
of ganja, one pice sweets and betel-nut, and one
pice oil for lighting, which, added up, makes three
lokhs of the saint). Then those present smoke
ganja—every one must have a pull. In the case
of beginners, it is nominal. But most certainly
this custom forms the training ground for be-
ginners.
In the case of confirmed smokers, the use of
the drug in this custom is excessive, but generally
speaking the use is moderate in connection with
the custom.
33. It is looked upon as discreditable. Ganja-
smoker is a term of severe reproach. Calling one
by this name may, and often does, lead to a breach
of the peace. This condemnation of the drug by
social opinion is undoubtedly due to the effects
of the drug as seen in the life and habits of
consumers. I am aware of no such custom of
worshipping this plant.
34. I don't think it would be a serious privation
to any class of consumers, excepting, perhaps,
ramayats and sanyasis. It will apparently not
cause any serious inconvenience to the occasional
consumers. In the case of habitual consumers
too I have known of persons who have been made
to give up the habit with no great difficulty, nor
has the privation in any case caused any injury to
health, excepting perhaps a slight loss of appetite
in the beginning.
35. Yes. I don't think it could be used
illicitly if proper measures be adopted. No, I
don't think the prohibition would cause discon-
tent, much less political danger. Only I wish
to guard myself from being supposed to deny the
possibility or even probability of discontent
among the ramayats and sanyasis. It would be
desirable to get correct information on this point.
The prohibition may to a small degree be followed
by recourse to alcohol.
36. Yes, alcohol is looked upon as more respec-
table.
40. I have heard bhang is used in some few
cases of dysentery.
41. Ganja is considered by the labouring
classes—
(a) to improve the appetite;
(b) to give staying power under severe exer-
tion or exposure or to alleviate fatigue;
(c) to ward off rheumatism. It is also used in
indigestion, spleen, and swelling of the
body.
Labouring classes and up-country people use it
for these purposes.
42. It is not harmless. Ganja-smoking brings
on dysentery and cough, and also causes ema-
ciation.
43. They are inoffensive in the sense they do
not molest any one unless provoked. But slight
provocation is sufficient to excite them.
44. Habitual ganja-smokers do not feel any
inconveniences after smoking. They eat more
food after taking ganja than at other times.
4 G 2