123
25. A far as I can ascertain, it is on the dec¬
rease, epecially among the higher classes.
28. About 1 masha (1/6 oz.), cost about 1 pice.
32. On the day of the Pooran Mashi the Sikhs
take it. This festival occurs at the end of each
month.
33. The Muhammadans do not approve of the
custom; the Hindus see no harm in it. In former
days the Hindus used to worship the hemp plant
at the Shivratri festival, but, as far as I can
ascertain, the custom is dying out.
39. The smoking of charas and ganja is consi¬
dered more injurious than drinking; the reason
being that it rises quicker to the brain and affects
the head.
41. Taken moderately in a very cold climate,
seems to be beneficial, as the natives have an idea
it warms the blood.
42 I consider from what I hear that moderate¬
ly taken it may be beneficial to a native.
43. Nothing has ever been brought to my notice
during the 33 years I have been in India.
44. It refreshes and stimulates for a time.
Taken in excess it produces intoxication.
Charas is supposed to allay hunger.
Bhang, on the contrary, acts as an appetizer.
The effect of charas soon passes off, but the effect
of bhang lasts longer, depending a great deal on
the amount taken.
To habitual consumers it does produce a longing
for it.
45. This depends a good deal on what is implied
by the term "moderate use," but I consider that
in the great majority of cases in which hemp
drugs are taken, no noxious effects result.
In such cases it does not mpair the constitution.
It is a well-known fact that it improves the ap¬
petite.
It is said by those who use it, to relieve chronic
bronchitis.
I do not think it impairs the moral sense. Kahars
who smoke it regularly seem to me to work better
than the others, and it renders them less suseepti-.
ble to cold, hence they smoke it more in cold
weather.
I have never heard of its producing insanity.
but I know that persons suffering from disease or
mental anxiety are in the habit of taking it to
soothe their misery.
No cases of admission for the effects of hemp-
taking occur in the records of the regiment
The Sikhs take it very moderately on their festi¬
vals and in the hot weather, when they say it acts
as a refrigerant.
46. I consider that all manner of noxious effects
might arise from the excessive use of these drugs.
49. The natives consider it decreases the power.
It is taken by some fakirs for the above reason.
51. No experience.
53. In large quantities it certainly does have
this effect. I cannot call to mind any case of
homicidal frenzy, but I have always heard that
a man previous to running "amuck" plies himself
with bhang.
54. Yes, by fanatics, as noted above.
55. I have heard that dacoits use these drags to
stupefy their victims.
I am unable to find out anything about the
latter portion of the question.
Answer No. 182.
20. Strength of the regiment —
(a) Combatants—
Non-commissioned officers and men
625
(b) Non-combatants—
Public followers
14
(c) Authorised camp followers
487
TOTAL
1,126
(a) Combatants—
Jats
588
Christians
2
Muhammadans
23
Lohari
1
Brahmins
4
Rajputs
7
TOTAL
625
(b) Non-combatants—
Muhammadans
9
Brahmins
4
Sweeper
1
TOTAL
14
(c) Authorised camp followers—
Muhammadans
50
Sweepers
24
Barbers
14
Dhobis
8
Muhammadans
8
Sikligars
8
Baniyas
32
Brahmins
20
Kahars
3
Koticks
12
Chamars, etc.
316
TOTAL
487
Smoke—
(a) Combatants
4
(c) Authorised camp followers
11
24. None eat or drink it.
25. Use of all on decrease.
28. 1 tola per diem, 21/2 annas.
32. No customs of this description- among the
Jats.
33. Entirely disapproved of generally. There
are no such festivals known.
39. Smoking is thought to be less injurious than
eating or drinking.
41. It is a bad habit and not beneficial like
the moderate use of opium.
42. I have known no cases of injury to health
by the use of any such drugs
R 2