Page:Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal Vol 34, Part 1.djvu/163

1865.] Notes on the Gurjat State of Patna. 101 Notes on the Gurjat State of Patna.-By Major H. B. IMPEY, Deputy Commissioner of Sumbulpore.

[Received 18th October, 1864.]

The following sketch of the history of the Gurjat state of Patna is founded upon the records, genealogical trees, and traditions maintained by successive Rajahs. Although there may be errors in the calculation of periods, and mistakes in the incidence of events, yet, considering how all natives of pretension or position strive to keep up a remembrance of their ancestors through the services of Brahmins, and how strictly they themselves cherish the links of private history (as for instance, the custom of the Hindus to religiously pronounce the names of their preceding generations, while engaged in their ablutions,) it may be assumed that such records and links, when adjusted by their circumstantial data, as in this case, will generally form a pretty correct chain of evidence in respect to main facts.

Origin of the Maharajahs.—The Maharajahs of Patna claim direct descent from a race of Rajpoot Rajahs of Gurh Sumbul, near Mynpooree, and count back the individuals of this race for 32 generations.

Foundation of one state, Patna, from a cluster of eight Gurhs.—It is narrated that these Rajahs used to be in constant attendance at the Court of Dehli till the last named Hutumber Singh having intrigued and run off with one of the king's daughters, was pursued and killed, and his family forced to fly. Amongst the wives of this Rajah was one who, escaping, arrived enciente, in Patna, and found refuge with the chief of Khobagurh, being one of eight gurhs,* which at that time, alone formed the territories of Patna, being comprised within the three rivers Ung, Mahanuddy, and Sel, and bounded on the west by Khurriar, (a possession then of Jaypoor), and Bindanawagurh and the chiefs of which took it in turns, a day at a time, to * 1 Patna.

2 Salabhata.

3 Kongaon.

4 Jhonrasinga.

5 Sindeehala.

6 Kolagurh.

7 Gooragurh.

8 Boonnagurh.