1 A. D. 1805. RUNJEET VISITS HURDWAR. 57
2 families settled about the Cbnuab and Jhylum ; and,
3 although the amount obtained in this first visit in the
4 way of tribute, or by gifts, was not large, the effect
5 of the operations of the season was beneficial for the
6 ulterior views of the aspiring Sikh, for the chiefs, as
7 far as the Indus, began to see to what quarter their hopes
8 and fears must thenceforward be directed : most of them
9 at once made their election for submission to the ruler of
10 Labor, and withdrew from this period from further con-
11 nexion with the KalK)ol court or its officers.
12 In February 1805 Runjeet Singh returned to his
13 capital, which was now established at Labor, and cele-
14 brating tliere the Hoolee Saturnalia, he went afterwards
15 with a slight attendance to the annual fair held at the
16 time of performing ablutions in the Ganges at Hurdwar.
17 The ceremonies of his religion being there completed, he
18 returned towardsthe beginning of June, and employed the
19 rains in farming out the revenues of the districts retained
20 in his personal administration to the highest bidders. This
21 has ever been his only scheme of revenue management.
22 The farmer has full powers even of life and death over
23 those committed to his tender mercies, and his lease is a
24 mere licence to rob.
25 After the Dusera of 1805, the Sikh army was again led
26 by Runjeet Singh into the Mohummedan Territory be-
27 tween the Chunab and Indus, and the chief of Jhung was
28 called upon to settle for an annual tribute, the demand
29 upon him being now raised to 120,000 rupees. Before
30 however this negociation could be brought to a conclusion,
31 Rlnjeet Singh was recalled by intelligence of the near
32 approach of JuswuNT Rao Holkur and Ameer Khan
33 H