The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1929-09-20

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"A inces and states in India, two
stand out as more familiar
than their fellows to Western
ears-the Punjdb and Hyderabad
Although the Punjab was one of
the last districts to come under Brit
ish control. it has long been noted for
its progressive viewpoint and modern
activities. II is a vast agricultural
state built upon irrigation. the dry
climate Of its plains making farming
possible only where canals lead Him.
alyan river waters into the fields.
There are seven of these great
streams which flow from mountain
snow fields down over the hot, dry
plains. OF these the Indus and the
Jumna, branch of the Gauges, form
Between them are the five fingerlike
tributaries of the Paninad, from which
the district received its name in the
days of ancient conquests. The word
Punjab comes from an old Persian
compound meaning five waters"
Punjab province is shaped like a
letter ''W'' whose top extends far into
the hill country which forms the north
of India, and whose left leg drops into
the great desert. Between these two
extremes lie the plains for which the
province is famous. On their irri-
gated surface crowd 25,000,O00 people.
The Punjab is one Of the few parts
of India where Mohammedans greatly
outnumber the HindEs. 1t is also the
homeland of the Sikhs, that tall and
swarthy race who police so much of
the British empire. The great variety
of racial and religious types in the
province, its nearness to the border.
and the fact that SiInla, midas Off
cial summer capital. lies in its hills,
combine to give the district great ro-
mantle interest.
Historic Lahore, the provincial cap
ital beside the river Raw, is cele-
brated among the cities of India for
its heat in summer and cold in win
ter Early in May government Off
Gals retreat to the hills for the dura-
ton Of the hot season. Amritsar, the
holy city of the Sikhs. is built around
an artificial lake. Its bazaGrs are
famed for Kashmir shawls and orr
entail rugs. Either of these two Pun
jab cities might have sprung full
grown from some Eastern fairy tale.
Their sky lines give the impression
of stage scenery and their streets are
perpetual pageants of movement and
color.
Delhi and Simia.
Delhi, the capital of the Indian
empire, lies in a federal district cut
out from Punjab territory. This old
city on the River Junna was capital
Of the ancient Mogul empire of India
and boasts some of the most beauti-
full mosques and palaces in the world
Like Lahore, however, it is famed for
its summer heat, and the English
early seek refuge from the sun in the
Simla hills. The viceroy and his gov
ernmental family conduct their Off
cial duties at an elevation of 1000
feet during the hot season.
II is to beautiful Simla, high amid
the pines and cedars of the foothills,
that Anglo-India retreats from the
heat Of the plains. At Simla, wrote
Kipling 4all things begin and many
come to an evil end High up the
mountainside on terrace upon terrace
stretch pleasant cottages of the Anglo
Indians. Roads and bride paths wind
among the fir trees beside the English
church and cricket grounds. Only
troops Of monkeys. swinging from tree
to tree, speak Of India. Simla, to the
Englishman, is a bit of home
This gay resort is different world
from the plains below on which stretch
mile upon mile the farming villages
that make up the Punjab, sitting hot
in summer. freezing cold in winter. de-
pending for their livelihood upon ir-
rigation. Part of this vast region is
governed by native rulers. like the
Maharajah of Patiala, while part Is
under direct British control Both
sorts of government have aided In the
building of roads and canals and In
the establishment of schools to relieve