Page:The People of India — a series of photographic illustrations, with descriptive letterpress, of the races and tribes of Hindustan Vol 7.djvu/54

GOLAHS. hotter the season, the more profitable is the out-turn of salt. It is not only more plentiful, but of better quality, and the crystals are stronger; so that under the constant attention it requires, in watching the condition of the brine, in reference to its transference from one evaporating pan to another, the occupation is an arduous one. The Golahs are considered a gentle, honest class, and no habitual crime is attributed to them. As a rule they are very industrious, and are not migratory or unsettled. In regard to the salt they produce, the rent or taxes is usually levied on the lands, which are either let by private contract or by auction. In some cases certain families or villages have enjoyed the right of certain lands for generations, and these rights are respected. in others the ground is common to all, and therefore open to annual competition. Again, the salt produced may be weighed or measured, and an excise duty placed on it. The Golahs' occupation is hereditary, and in all parts of India, though the caste may have different appellations, is confined to itself The Golahs eat meat occasionally and drink spirits, but not to any excess, and their general diet is vegetarian.