Opening Quotes
If only men - even a few - would do that, the out-worn public opinion would at once and of itself fall away and a new, real, and vital opinion would manifest itself. And with this change of public opinion all that inner fabric of men's lives which oppresses and torments them would change of its own accord. One is ashamed to say how little is needed to deliver all men from the calamities which now oppress them. It is only necessary to give up lying! Only let men reject the lie which is imposed upon them; only let them stop saying what they neither think nor feel, and at once such a change of the whole structure of our life will be accomplished as the revolutionaries would not achieve in centuries even if all the power were in their hands.' - The Kingdom of God and Peace Essays, Leo Tolstoy
'Let our affection flow out to our fellows; it would operate in a day the greatest of all revolutions. It is better to work on institutions by the sun than by the wind. The State must consider the poor man, and all voices must speak for him. Every child that is born must have a just chance for his bread. Let the amelioration in our laws of property proceed from the concession of the rich, not from the grasping of the poor.' - Man the Reformer, The Basic Writings of America's Sage, Emerson.
Questions on the subject by the Indian Hemp Drugs Commission 1895
33. (a) How is the consumption of each of these drugs generally regarded? (b) Can it be said that there is any public opinion (social or religious) in regard to the practice? If so, what? If you think that the use of any form of the narcotic is generally in disrepute, to what do you attribute that sentiment? (c) Is there any custom of worshipping the hemp plant on certain occasions by certain sects of the people?
34. Would it be a serious privation to any class of consumers to forego the consumption of the drug they use? Give your reasons in each case. Give some idea of the probable numbers of each class.
35. (a) Would it be feasible to prohibit the use of any or all of these drugs? (b) Would the drug be consumed illicitly? (c) How could the prohibition be enforced? (d) Would the prohibition occasion serious discontent among the consumers? (e) Would such discontent amount to a political danger? (f) Would the prohibition be followed by recourse to (a) alcoholic stimulants or (b) other drugs?
My thoughts on the subject
The Indian Hemp Drugs Commission was set up in 1894, with one of the explicit aims being to prohibit ganja. As a result of the correspondence between the British Secretary of State for India and the Under-Secretary of State from October 1892 to July 1893, the Government of India resolved "to enquire into the cultivation of the hemp plant in Bengal, the preparation of drugs from it, the trade in those drugs, the effect of their consumption upon the social and moral condition of the people, and the desirability of prohibiting the growth of the plant and the sale of ganja and allied drugs. In accordance with the announcement thus made, Lord Kimberley requested the Government of India to appoint a Commission for the purposes stated, and to issue such instructions as would ensure that the enquiry should be thorough and complete. His Lordship is of opinion that the investigation can hardly be confined to Bengal, but should extend to the whole of India, and that the Commission should be instructed to ascertain to what extent the existence of the hemp plant all over India affects the practical difficulty of checking or stopping the consumption of ganja, as distinguished from other narcotic drugs prepared from the hemp plant, and whether there is ground for the statement that bhang is less injurious than ganja to consumers."
History is replete with instances of a set of persons, beset with a kind of insanity, who demand the punishment of a person or persons, fueled by their hatred and selfish motives, and then, when the punishment is meted out, regret what they have brought about. The crucifixion of Christ is one such example. There are numerous other instances - Black slavery, Native Indian genocide, Jewish Holocaust, Spanish Inquisition, Salem witch trials, etc, etc. Sometimes the results are clearly evident, at other times they are subtly played out over decades or even centuries, at massive scales. In the answers to questions 33, 34 and 35, we see the two faces of ruling and upper class hypocrisy, with regard to 19th century ganja prohibition in India - the first face of hypocrisy, the public opinion farce, through responses to question 33, where ganja and its users were condemned, thus providing the alleged consensus for prohibiting ganja that the British government was seeking; and the second face of ruling and upper class hypocrisy, the overwhelming opposition to cannabis prohibition, expressed immediately afterward through responses to questions 34 and 35, when the British explicitly proposed prohibition. The victims, then, and even now, are India's poor, its working and labouring classes, its minorities, its indigenous communities, and its spiritual mendicants.
The first face of ruling and upper class hypocrisy: The public opinion farce in responses to Question 33.
The Indian Hemp Drugs Commission of 1894-95 needed to create the impression of favourable public opinion towards ganja prohibition across India, as required by the British government. It did so, not by seeking opinions from the actual users of ganja, India's majority - its working classes, poor, minorities, indigenous communities, spiritual mendicants - but from those persons who worked with, and for the British government - the magistrates, the police, zamindars, British medical and army officers, missionaries, and members of India's upper classes and castes who owed deep allegiance to their colonial rulers. The British themselves had little or no knowledge of the herb and its significance to the people, except that it was widely used, information garnered from their Indian servants. The Indian upper castes and classes, especially those in the service of the British government, had hatred and contempt for not just the users of ganja, but for the lower classes and castes in general. Much of this hatred towards the lower classes and castes may have been fueled by the fact that the upper castes and classes were themselves looked upon with scorn by the majority of India for their slavering and acquiescing attitude towards their British masters. The names used by the upper classes and castes for persons who smoked ganja, mostly in derogatory terms, and quite often as a form of abuse to heap scorn on a person of the lower class or caste, were "ganjakhor", "ganjeri", "ganjai", "ganjod", etc. The opinions of these upper class, ruling class and upper caste witnesses before the Commission were taken to be the general public opinion of the entire country, and then used by the Government as the basis for pushing ahead with ganja and charas prohibition in 19th century India. It is thanks to the commendable British method of extensively documenting everything that they did, like a serial killer who maintains a diary, that we are able to catch a glimpse of the tyranny of the ruling and upper classes.
A sample of the responses to question 33, indicating this deep rooted hatred for ganja users, and the lower classes and castes in general, from witnesses of various backgrounds among the ruling and upper classes, is as follows:-
In his witness statement, Babu Prakash Chandra Singha, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Chandpur, Tippera, states that - "With the higher classes all forms of narcotic, except tobacco, are in disrepute." Maharaja Girijanath Roy Bahadur, Kayasth, Zamindar, Dinajpur, states that - "The consumption of these drugs, and especially of ganja, although there is no religious objection to it, is socially regarded as disreputable, particularly by the upper and middle classes. The lower classes regard it with disapproving connivance, and the religious mendicants believe it to be essential to their mode of life". Another witness, Rai Bahadur Radha Ballav Chowdhuri, Baidya, Honorary Magistrate and Zamindar, Sherpur Town, Mymensingh District, says - "The consumption of ganja is very much disreputable, not only to the high circles, but even respectable classes of the society; but the bhang is not so regarded. The use of all narcotic drugs except bhang is generally in disrepute. I think the cause may be attributed to its being generally used by low people and to the stupor in habits it forms". Syad Abdul Jabbar, Zamindar, Commilla, Tippera, states that - "There is a Bengali proverb against the use of ganja current in Bengal. 'Whoever uses ganja, his fingers grow, his shoulder gets round, he loses the name and prestige of his forefathers, and himself becomes a thief.' The use of all these narcotics is generally in disrepute amongst people, and specially amongst people who are educated and enlightened. This sentiment greatly owes its origin to the spread of education and the advancement of civilisation". Babu Uma Kanta Ghatak, Brahmin, Government Pleader, Bogra, says - "Sanyasis are respected by people. Lowcaste people are not respected." Rev. Prem Chand, Missionary, B. M. S., Gaya, revealing his zeal towards converting Hindus to Christianity, and, inadvertantly, the discrete process of conversion of Shaivites to Vaishnavites that had been going on for some time, besides his loyalty to the British government and upper classes, says - "The general public opinion is against the use of these drugs. Many educated people consider it a great evil, which ought to be classed with infanticide, human sacrifices, Sati, and the atrocities committed at the Charak festival which Hinduism had the honour to permit, inculcate and practise, but for the intervention of the strong hand of the British Government. Some Hindus who are slaves to the use of these drugs might defend it on religious grounds, but Hinduism based on bhang and ganja is a social evil which should not be tolerated by any right-thinking person as well as the Government." Further, as oral evidence, he states — "The educated people to whom I refer in this answer are people with whom I am acquainted, who have received an English education, students, but not orthodox Hindus. I can't give the number of such people [who consume ganja, I assume], but they belong to Calcutta, Bankipur, Gaya, Monghyr. If you want to put down the classes to which they belong, I would say Kabirpanthis, Nanak Shahies, Dayanandies, Bramo Somajis, Muhammadans, and every one except bigoted Hindus. My answer needs no modification. Bigoted Hindus are not averse to temperance movements. A certain class are in favor of ganja, the Shaivs, not the Vaishnavs, who are against the drugs...The meaning of the last sentence of the first paragraph of my answer [in the written statement] is that if the prohibition of bhang and ganja will cause Hinduism to fall, then let it fall." Displaying his great love for wealth above all else, Babu Prosad Dass Dutt, Zamindar, Calcutta, states - "Few men of the middle or upper class of India use ganja, and very few men of those classes of Lower Bengal are addicted to it. The word "ganja-khor" i.e., the smoker of the drug, has been and is still considered as an abusive term. There is another saying, 'Ganja khele Lakhi chare', which means goddess of wealth quits him who smokes ganja." An example of the mindset of the British officer stationed in a foreign land as ruler, is H. V. Drake-Brockman, Officiating Commissioner of Excise, Central Provinces, who says - "Most people whose position is superior to that of a labourer profess to look upon ganja smoking as a disreputable practice, and the name "ganjeri" is considered abusive." Desaibhai Kalidas, Brahmin (Khedaval), Government Pleader and Public Prosecutor, Kaira, states that - "Among the three higher classes — Brahmins, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas of Gujarat — the use of ganja (and much more so of charas) is always looked down upon, and never favourably considered. The person using it is looked upon as vagabond and a scamp, and it is considered as a serious blot on his reputation. The majority of all the three classes heartily hate the use of ganja." Displaying the complete ignorance among British officers posted in India regarding ganja, Army witness no. 105 says - "I am unacquainted with the Native Army: the few native drivers I have under my command are so stupid, they can give me no information." The bizarre acceptance of, and preference for, bhang by the upper classes, while outrightly despising ganja is quite inexplicable, considering that bhang is the leaf of the cannabis plant, while ganja is the flower of the cannabis plant. This selective approval of parts of the same plant, while disapproving other parts, can only come from ignorance. Imagine saying that the breasts of a woman are acceptable, but her vagina is low caste, deplorable and untouchable...
The witnesses who do not speak ill of, or display hatred towards, ganja and its consumers, and towards the lower classes and castes in general, are few and far between. John D. Gwilt, Tea Planter, Longview Company, Limited, Darjeeling, says - "The moderate use of these drugs is, in no way, in disrepute." One Indian witness, who speaks with an unbiased voice, contrary to the statements of most witnesses, showing the prevalence of ganja and charas usage even among the upper classes, is Babu Beprodas Banerjee, Brahman, Pleader, Newspaper Editor, and Chairman, Baraset Municipality. He states that - "Charas smoking is called 'bhadraloker nesha' (luxury of the gentleman class). Ganjakhor is a term of reproach or ridicule. Yet these people are not socially degraded; on the contrary, ganja smokers are regarded as simple men who hate to speak falsehood, and are generally fair in their dealings with the world. Great songsters generally have a smoke before music. They consider it necessary to concentrate their energy. Society in one respect loves ganja and opium smokers for their drollery. Like Irish bulls, there are numberless stories regarding these men. The father of Sir Raja Radhakant Deb and Babu Durga Charan Mukerji of Bagh Bazar, Calcutta, used frequently to entertain these people. Durga Charan is reputed to have spent three lakhs upon them. The great Hindu god Siva, our first surgeon and physician, who was the first to introduce inductive philosophy in the world, was a ganja smoker; hence ganja is considered a thing necessary for ascetics."
Just as most other subjects covered by the Hemp Commission, such as - the medical uses of ganja; the immediate effects of ganja; the harmful physical and moral effects of ganja; methods of consumption and cultivation; the classes of people who consumed and cultivated ganja - were directed only at the select few, who were either part of the British administration or its sympathizers, rather than to the actual users, so too was the question of public opinion. Even though the British left 75 years ago, we see the same set of people from the Indian ruling and upper classes today diligently working to uphold ganja prohibition, working remotely for their British, and now American, masters while putting on a facade of love for the nation. The hatred for ganja and its users, besides the hatred for the lower classes, the lower castes, persons of other religions, indigenous communities, why, even the followers of Siva who smoke ganja, has not reduced at all. The ruling and upper classes themselves pursue alcohol, tobacco, opium and charas, and now synthetic legal and illegal drugs, with impunity, while keeping ganja prohibited for all others.
So, then, this was how the ruling and upper classes showed their first face of hypocrisy - the public opinion farce regarding ganja. Now, for the second face of ruling and upper class hypocrisy - the charade of opposition to actual prohibition when it was proposed.
The second face of ruling and upper class hypocrisy: Overwhelming opposition to ganja prohibition in response to Questions 34 and 35.
When the Indian upper castes and classes, those working for, and with, the British government were asked for their opinion regarding ganja usage, through question 33, they clearly spelt out their outright contempt and hatred, not just for the ganja users, but also the entire lower classes and castes. But, when through questions 34 and 35, they were asked if ganja prohibition would have an adverse impact on the people of the country, nearly all those who had earlier expressed their contempt for its use, replied that yes, ganja prohibition would cause great suffering to the country's vast majority, especially the poor, the working classes and the spiritual mendicants, and that such a move was ill-advised. So after pouring the fuel onto the fire that was about to be lit, these upper classes then feared the size that the fire would take, like accomplices to mass murder having second thoughts on the way to the deed.
The above two questions, 34 and 35, address the specific issue of determining whether the hemp drugs should be prohibited or not, and what the impact of such a move would be. While it was the clearly stated objective of those in the British House of Commons who instituted the Indian Hemp Drugs Commission that ganja must be prohibited, the resulting findings revealed the wide mismatch between this objective and the thoughts of even the people in their own service, i.e. the ruling and upper classes, as well as the dangers of such an unnecessary move. For example, F. H. Barrow, Magistrate and Collector of Bankura, states in his evidence that - "34. The prohibition of the consumption of any of these drugs by people of all classes who use it will lead to much privation. They would lose appetite their food would not be easily digested, and they would feel a sort of aching sensation all over their body. 35. It would scarcely be feasible to prohibit the use of any or all of these drugs. The prohibition would certainly lead to smuggling and occasion serious discontent among consumers; but such discontent would not amount to political danger in this district. But the prohibition would be followed probably by recourse to alcoholic stimulants or other drugs." As another example, J. Kennedy, Magistrate and Collector of Murshidabad, states that - "34. A very serious privation to the labouring classes, especially fishermen and boatmen, as ganja is their only stimulant...35. It would be a physical impossibility to prohibit the use of the drug. There would be no political danger actually incurred by the prohibition in this district as the very poor only use ganja, but there would be very keen discontent and probably strikes and riots. Of course the prohibition would lead to concealed cultivation of hemp and the use of any other drugs that could be obtained."
With regard to question 34, we see that the vast majority of the witnesses grossly underestimated the numbers and the classes of persons who consumed ganja. This could have been from ignorance, or a deliberate attempt to underplay the importance of ganja to India's poor, spiritual mendicants and its working classes. The evidence, provided in response to other questions regarding the classes of persons who consumed ganja, reveals that there was almost no class or religious group that did not consume ganja. Ganja was truly pervasive across the length and breadth of the country, both in terms of cultivation and consumption. An estimate of 40% of the Indian adult population consuming ganja, or bhang or charas would be more closer to reality than the figures of 5% that were put forward by the respondents to the Commission.
One of the main reasons for going ahead with ganja prohibition, in spite of knowing that it would cause great suffering to the users, was the clear evidence that emerged from witness responses that even if the working classes and poor suffered greatly, they would not revolt in the form of a violent uprising, as in the manner of popular revolutions in France and Russia, against the ruling and upper classes. The conviction that this would not happen is surely because the upper classes knew from long experience that the ganja consumers were, in fact, poor, simple, hard-working, peace-loving people. This is also the reason why, even though the upper classes despised the ganja users, they felt that the prohibition of ganja was a step too far. But it was too late. The British administration got the information it required and acted to further its own interests. The upper classes selling out the majority of the country to outsiders is not something new, but happens all the time, the recent fake Covid pandemic being a point in illustration. Imagine if the administration in Britain tried to ban beer...
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| Total number of witnesses for and against ganja prohibition |
Even though the vast majority of witnesses viewed ganja use with contempt and hatred, we find that an overwhelming 83% of those who responded were against ganja prohibition. This 83% included British superior civil officers and medical officers. The prominent reasons that the opponents of ganja prohibition gave for their anti-prohibition stance were as follows - (1) Prohibition impossible or unnecessary, or could not be enforced without a large preventive establishment.(2) Prohibition would be strongly resented by religious mendicants, or would be regarded as an interference with religion, or would be likely to become a political danger. (3) Prohibition might lead to the use of dhatura or other intoxicants worse than ganja.
Out of the 17% who advocated the prohibition of ganja, some of the key arguments that they cited for prohibition were - (1) the cultivators of the hemp plant are at a loss largely by their occupation, and that it is the duty of the Government to come to their rescue by abolishing it. (2) ganja causes insanity (3) ganja produces crime. Some of these witnesses even went so far as to suggest that alcohol, tobacco and opium - the preferred drugs of the ruling and upper classes - be used as substitutes for ganja. The Commission elaborated the absurd arguments of those in favor of cannabis prohibition to add weight to the overall explicitly stated objective of the British government to prohibit cannabis in India.
The Commission quoted from various experts the inadvisability of governmental interference in the personal choices of an individual. It stated that the linking of ganja as a cause of insanity was an unmaintainable justification for prohibition. It also pointed out that only four other countries had introduced prohibition at the time of the report in 1895 i.e. Turkey, Egypt, Greece and Trinidad. Turkey, had prohibited cannabis because of its orthodox Islamic views in the 13th century. Egypt had prohibited cannabis under orders from Turkey in order to reduce the smuggling of cannabis into Turkey from Egypt. Greece had prohibited cannabis on the basis of the very same faulty reports regarding the linkage between cannabis and insanity in India that the Commission found to be unreliable, with the unstated reason being that it was the original home of opium. With regard to Trinidad, the Commission was unclear if prohibition was even in effect there. It was one thing for Turkey, a regressive Islamic state in the 13th century, to prohibit cannabis in the name of religion. It was a completely different thing for the foreign rulers of India to prohibit the herb of the people, a herb central to Indian traditions and spirituality, an important agricultural crop, one of India's foremost medicines, and the intoxicant of its vast majority of poor people. In spite of this, in keeping with the orders of the British sponsors of the Commission, and in complete contrast to the opinions of the majority of the witnessed interviewed, the Commission went ahead to recommend that bhang must not be prohibited, that ganja and charas must be regulated. The government went a step ahead and prohibited both ganja and charas.
The opium angle to the prohibition of ganja and/or charas, starting in Turkey, then spreading to Egypt and Greece, and its effect on India should not be overlooked. One witness, Ganesh Krishna Garde, Brahmin, Medical Practitioner, Poona City, states - "If we throw a glance at the history of the introduction of opium into India and China, the same conclusion will be forced upon our mind. We know from the history of cultured plants that the poppy plant is not a native of India and that its intoxicant juice was not known here or in China before the 10th century A. C. It further tells us that the Arabians first brought it from Greece, its native place, and cultivated it in Turkey in Asia, and that from thence the followers of Islam introduced it into the eastern countries. It spread along with their religion and soon became acclimatised in India. The Muhammadans cherished it exceedingly, because in it they found a good substitute for alcohol, the use of which was forbidden to them by their religion. It [opium] found favour with the Chinese for a similar reason, for their new religion Budhism more than even Muhammadanism condemned the use of alcohol. It was under these circumstances that the Chinese came to be possessed of that unsurpassed love for opium for which they are well known." We also know of the British love for opium, for which they even fought wars with China. We know that many of the people, especially the upper classes in North India, were already users of opium. For the British, a market for opium provided much better revenues than ganja, which was practically free, since opium being alien to India, could be introduced on a tightly regulated basis with high taxation, just like alcohol and tobacco, once ganja was removed from the scene.
The warnings in 1894-95 from many of the witnesses for the Hemp Commission that the prohibition of ganja would lead to the use of more deleterious drugs, such as opium, was exactly what the British government would have liked to hear. Today, we see that opioids form one of the major sources of revenue for global pharmaceutical companies, despite the spiraling deaths and addiction associated with it. India is the world's largest producer of legal opium, and one of the key transit hubs for illegal opium and its refined form, heroin, flowing from Afghanistan and Pakistan to various parts of the world. The fact that Gujarat, Mumbai and New Delhi serve as the ports on the route, and the fact that the current central government and its business partners, Adani and Ambani, own and oversee operations in these areas, earning revenue to fund their activities and the central government, should explain how deep rooted the opium angle to ganja prohibition was, and still is. UNODC, in its World Drug Report, 2020, reports that "Most of the tramadol seizures in India in 2017 and 2018 were reported in the western part of the country, in particular in three locations: the State of Gujarat, India, which accounts for a third of the total turnover of that country’s pharmaceutical sector; in locations near the coast and in the city of Mumbai (suggesting substantial trafficking in tramadol by sea); and in New Delhi, in particular at its airport." The global opium cartel, consisting of the US - the world's largest consumer of refined opium - heroin, the UK, Russia, China and India, are together the biggest opponents of ganja legalization today. The US, UK and Russia, have in turns invaded Afghanistan to gain control over opium and heroin under various pretexts. The opium cartel even went to the extent of creating a fake global pandemic, Covid, to consolidate their control over global opium and synthetic pharmaceuticals, and slow down ganja legalization efforts. India's Hindutva brigade follows the footsteps of regressive Arabic nations to continue the ban on ganja, instead peddling opium to the masses, while putting on a display of searching for Shivlings as they keep Siva's herb out of the hands of the people. How's that for modern levels of doublespeak?
When we take stock of the situation today, 150 years later, we find that every one of the concerns stated by those against ganja prohibition have come true. The State today spends vast amounts of money in a large preventive establishment that has had little success in eliminating ganja from society. Prohibition has led to the persecution of vast numbers of people, especially indigenous communities, minorities and the poorer classes of society. The black market, a nexus of criminals, drug and law enforcement, thrives, not just for ganja and charas, but also for all the dangerous synthetic drugs that have emerged to fill the vacuum of ganja prohibition. Prohibition has led to the devastating damage to public health today through the abuse of alcohol, tobacco, opioids, as well as legal synthetic pharmaceutical drugs and illegal synthetic recreational drugs, killing tens of millions worldwide every year. With regard to the arguments of those in favour of cannabis prohibition, arguments now used worldwide to justify global prohibition, we find the absurdity of each. Insanity as a result of ganja was proved wrong by the Hemp Commission itself, and further disproved by numerous scientific studies since then. Ganja as a cause for crime has been repeatedly disproved in societies that have legalized it today. The words of those who suggested alcohol, tobacco and opium as substitutes for ganja, those who thought that ganja prohibition would not cause any serious privation to ganja users, can be today weighed against the damage that these drugs cause today. The saying "Fools walk where angels fear to tread" is a fitting description for the entire charade...
Summary findings with regard to cannabis prohibition
The following passages are taken from the summary findings of the Indian Hemp Drugs Commission Report of 1895.
Popular opinion regarding this use.
489. From what has been said above it will be expected that there would be many witnesses whose opinion regarding the use of these drugs as stimulants would not be favourable. The very great majority of witnesses in all provinces declare that this use of the drugs is regarded with disapproval by the people generally. This disapproval rests on several grounds. It depends partly on the classes using the drugs. Many witnesses point out that ganja is the cheapest intoxicant, and that it is principally used by the lower classes, while bhang is more used by the upper classes. They state that it is on this account that ganja smoking is regarded with much more general disfavour than bhang drinking. As one witness points out, the feeling is somewhat akin to that which some Englishmen who do not generally disapprove of stimulants have regarding a "vulgar taste for gin." On the other hand, the use of ganja by religious persons is not thus generally disapproved. Many witnesses share the view which one witness tersely expresses thus: "Sanyasis are respected by the people; low caste people are not respected." There is no doubt that by far the greater part of the community abstain from any disapproval, and in fact are even strongly in favour, of the use of these drugs by religious persons, although that use is so often excessive. Mr. Monro (Bengal witness No. 206), however, records an instance of his having persuaded the people among whom he was working to dissociate ganja and holiness, so that "a sanyasi was laughed out of the town when I convicted him of habitually consuming ganja."
The disapproval of the use of hemp drugs by classes other than these religious classes is, as has been already indicated, based also on a religious objection to intoxicants still held by many, both Hindus and Muhammadans. There can be no doubt that this orthodox objection influences the public expression of opinion by many who have ceased themselves to share this religious sentiment. It is a respectable thing to denounce intoxicants; and it sometimes requires an effort for a witness to speak favourably or apologetically of intoxicants, especially of those which are used by the lower orders. Another ground for this expression of disapproval by so large a majority of the witnesses is the fact that so many of them have seen nothing but the excessive use. It cannot be too carefully remembered that the moderate use does not obtrude itself, and that much of the evidence given before the Commission deals in truth only with excess. Thus we find a large number of witnesses illustrating the popular disapproval of the drug by pointing out that "ganjeri" or "bhangi" (the names given to the consumers of ganja or bhang) is a term of great reproach. They point out that it means "one who acts as if he had lost all sense," an unreliable and despicable character. Other witnesses explain that these terms correspond to the English word "drunkard," and that the moderate use is not, so far as their experience goes, regarded with contempt at all. Akin to this is the natural desire expressed by several witnesses to assist the young in resisting the temptations of bad companions by establishing in their minds a wholesome antipathy to intoxicants of all kinds, excessive indulgence in which is followed by disastrous results, especially to the young.
553. The question of prohibiting the growth of the hemp plant and the sale of ganja and allied drugs is one which stands in the forefront of the present inquiry. It has been remarked by a well known historian* (*J. A. Froude's History of England, 2nd Edition, Chapter I, page 57) that "no laws are of any service which are above the working level of public morality, and the deeper they are carried down into life, the larger become the opportunities of evasion." If these words are true as applied to England under a feudal system, they are much more true in the present day as applied to British India. The Government of this country has not grown out of the forces contained within it, but has been superimposed upon them, and the paternal system of government which may have been suitable in England during the sixteenth century, and in the initial development of some Indian provinces during the period immediately following their annexation, becomes purely visionary when public opinion is in process of formation and the needs of the people are year by year finding more ready expression. Occasionally, no doubt, the Legislature in India has anticipated a standard of morality not universally accepted by the people, as in the case of laws relating to infanticide or the burning of Hindu widows; but these measures were passed under an overwhelming sense of the necessity of correcting popular notions of morality in matters coming well within the sphere of Government, and in the assurance that in the course of time they could not fail to secure the assent of all intelligent members of the community. In the chapter of Mill's Political Economy which treats of the non-interference principle, a distinction is made between two kinds of intervention by the Government—the one authoritative interference, and the other giving advice or promulgating information. And the following remarks are made regarding the former: "It is evident, even at first sight, that the authoritative form of Government intervention has a much more limited sphere of legitimate action than the other. It requires a much stronger necessity to justify it in any case, while there are large departments of human life from which it must be unreservedly and imperiously excluded. Whatever theory we adopt respecting the foundation of the social union, and under whatever political institutions we live, there is a circle around every individual human being which no Government, be it that of one, or of few, or of the many, ought to be permitted to overstep: there is a part of the life of every person who has come to years of discretion within which the individuality of that person ought to reign uncontrolled either by any other individual or by the public collectively. That there is, or ought to be, some space in human existence thus entrenched around no one who professes the smallest regard to human freedom or dignity will call in question: the point to be determined is where the limit should be placed; how large a province of human life this reserved territory should include. I apprehend that it ought to include all that part which concerns only the life, whether inward or outward, of the individual, and does not affect the interests of others, or affects them only through the moral influence of example. With respect to the domain of the inward consciousness, the thoughts and feelings, and as much of external conduct as is personal only, involving no consequences, none at least of a painful or injurious kind, to other people, I hold that it is allowable in all, and in the more thoughtful and cultivated often a duty, to assert and promulgate with all the force they are capable of their opinion of what is good or bad, admirable or contemptible, but not to compel others to conform to that opinion, whether the force used is that of extra legal coercion, or exerts itself by means of the law. Even in those portions of conduct which do affect the interests of others, the onus of making out a case always lies on the defenders of legal prohibitions. It is not merely a constructive or presumptive injury to others which will justify the interference of law with individual freedom. To be prevented from what one is inclined to, or from acting contrary to one's own judgment of what is desirable, is not only always irksome, but always tends, pro tanto, to starve the development of some portion of the bodily or mental faculties, either sensitive or active; and, unless the conscience of the individual goes freely with the legal restraint, it partakes, either in a great or in a small degree, of the degradation of slavery. Scarcely any degree of utility short of absolute necessity will justify a prohibitory regulation, unless it can also be made to recommend itself to the general conscience; unless persons of ordinary good intentions either believe already, or can be induced to believe, that the thing prohibited is a thing which they ought not to wish to do." These remarks have been given at length, because the Commission believe that they contain a clear exposition of the principles which should guide them in deciding whether the prohibition of the hemp drugs should be authoritatively enforced by Government.
The question of entirely suppressing all intoxicants.
554. Now, a certain number of persons (among whom may in all probability be reckoned the mover of the question in the House of Commons which led to the appointment of the Indian Hemp Drugs Commission) deem it to be the duty of the British Government to suppress the trade in all intoxicants in all the countries under its sway; and there are no doubt special circumstances in India which render it less impossible than in some other countries to consider even so drastic a policy. These are notably the general sobriety of its races and the feeling, popular as well as religious, which prevails against their use among a large section of the community. Even then no appeal in support of such a measure can be made to the public morality or practice of civilised nations at large, nor, so far as the Commission are aware, to any marked success attending the experiment in particular instances. In the exceptional cases in which the experiment has been attended with partial success (as in some of the American States), the reformation of the habit has become an object of desire to the majority of the people, and the enactment for promoting such reformation has presented itself less as a restrictive force than as an auxiliary agency.
Not laid before the Commission.
555. But the Commission are not called upon to pronounce on so wide an issue. It was not upon the basis of this general principle that the Secretary of State for India accepted the proposal made in the House of Commons, nor do the instructions issued to the Commission by the Government of India cover so wide a field. The question of prohibiting the production and sale of the hemp drugs in India has to be considered by the Commission apart from the general question, and such prohibition must be justified, if at all, on some more special ground than the mere fact that they are intoxicants.
556. Again, there are a certain number of persons whose evidence before the Commission points to the assumption that the case for prohibition of the hemp drugs has already been established in the records of the Government, and that further enquiry implies a wilful blindness to what has been abundantly proved by such records. A reference to Chapter XII of this Report will show how untrustworthy these records are in regard to the production of insanity by the use of the drugs—an aspect of the question which is of the utmost importance, and has formed the basis of nearly all the official opinion heretofore recorded against such use. And, after availing themselves fully of every opportunity of consulting the official literature on the subject, the Commission have arrived at the conclusion that it shows little originality, and that a very limited amount of personal observation has been made to do duty as the basis of large conclusions. The want of reliable data has been compensated by annual reiteration until the stamp of antiquity has secured for the opinions so expressed a large amount of acquiescence among officials who had neither the time nor the opportunity to examine the matter for themselves. So far, therefore, as the effects of the hemp drugs are concerned, the Commission have had to approach the subject as almost a tabula rasa, and, while availing themselves of the imperfect data previously collected, have endeavoured to avoid accepting any conclusions without a substantial foundation of well ascertained facts. The attitude, however, of the Government in regard to the question may be briefly described. So far back as 1798 an inquiry was made in Bengal regarding the quality of ten intoxicating articles—"opium, madak, ganja, subzi, bhang, majum, banker, charas, tobacco, and toddy—" with a view to determining whether it might not be advisable to prohibit altogether the sale of any of them. The conclusion arrived at, which was stated in a letter of the Board to the Governor General in Council, No. 22, dated 29th May 1798, was to the following effect: "It appears that the original productions are as follows: Tobacco, opium, ganja, subzi or bhang, banker, and toddy, and that the three remaining articles are for the most part compositions of those here recited, as above mentioned. With respect to the drugs specified in the foregoing schedule, they are not for the most part represented as producing any very violent or dangerous effects of intoxication except when taken to excess; and, although the operation of them may be more powerful in their compound state, we apprehend it would be difficult to sanction the sale of the original productions, and to prohibit with effect the use of compositions of which they are susceptible; to which may be added that most of these articles, both as original productions and as artificial combinations, appear to be useful either in medicine or otherwise; for these reasons we do not deem it necessary to recommend that the sale of any of them be altogether prohibited, but shall proceed to state what appear to us the best means of restraining the use of them, and improving the revenue by the imposition of such taxes as are best adapted to the nature of the case." A complete inquiry was made in 1871 from all provinces as to the effects of the several preparations of hemp; and if the result should call for any action in the direction of restricting them by enhancement of the duty or of limiting, or even prohibiting, the cultivation of the plant, the advice of the Local Governments was invited as to the expediency and practicability of such measures. The result is contained in the Resolution of the Government of India, Finance Department, No. 3773, dated 17th December 1873. The following passage shows the conclusion arrived at: "Upon a consideration of all the opinions thus collected, it does not appear to the Governor-General in Council to be specially proved that hemp incites to crime more than other drugs or than spirits. And there is some evidence to show that on rare occasions this drug, usually so noxious, may be usefully taken. There can, however, be no doubt that its habitual use does tend to produce insanity. The total number of cases of insanity is small in proportion to the population, and not large even in proportion to the number of ganja smokers; but of the cases of insanity produced by the excessive use of drugs or spirits, by far the largest number must be attributed to the abuse of hemp. In Lower Bengal the circumstances have admitted of a system under which the consumption of ganja has been reduced one-half, while the amount of duty levied on it has been doubled. It would be very desirable to control the cultivation and preparation of ganja and bhang elsewhere in the same way. But it is believed that this would not be easy; indeed, it would probably be impracticable. Moreover, with the exception of the Chief Commissioners of British Burma and the Central Provinces, the Local Governments are not in favour of altering existing arrangements. His Excellency in Council, however, trusts that the various Local Governments and Administrations will endeavour, wherever it may be possible, to discourage the consumption of ganja and bhang by placing restrictions on their cultivation, preparation, and retail, and imposing on their use as high a rate of duty as can be levied without inducing illicit practices. As regards British Burma, the Chief Commissioner has already been informed that the Governor-General in Council concurs with him in thinking that the cultivation and consumption of ganja should be absolutely prohibited, and it has been prohibited from the beginning of the year 1873-74." In 1877 the Bengal Government appointed a special officer, Babu Hem Chunder Kerr, to make a full inquiry into the details of the cultivation of ganja, the sufficiency or otherwise of the present safeguards, and the reforms which it might be advisable to introduce. Sir Ashley Eden's conclusions on this officer's report in regard to the effects of ganja and policy to be followed were as follows: "The Lieutenant-Governor has himself no doubt that the use of ganja in any form is injurious to the consumer, and that it is the duty of Government to make the tax on this article as high as it can possibly bear. Unfortunately it is habitually used by large numbers of the lower classes of the population, who would, if deprived of it altogether, apparently find in the leaves of the wild hemp plant and in other drugs narcotics and stimulants of equally deleterious character. It does not seem possible, therefore, to stop the cultivation altogether. The policy of Government must be to limit its production and sale by a high rate of duty without placing the drug entirely beyond the reach of those who will insist upon having it." The last important utterance on the subject previous to the appointment of the Commission is contained in the letter of the Government of India, Finance Department, to Her Majesty's Secretary of State, No. 212, dated 9th August 1892, in which the following remarks occur: "We are inclined to believe that ganja is the most noxious of all intoxicants now commonly used in India. But even if the absolute prohibition of the use of the drug could be enforced, the result might be to induce the use of still more noxious drugs. India abounds with plants growing wild from which drugs can be procured which are more deleterious in their effects than ganja. One such plant is the dhatura (Stramonium), the seeds of which are already used to intensify the narcotic effects of bhang, a liquid preparation of hemp leaves; and we apprehend that if the use of ganja were suppressed altogether, dhatura might be largely resorted to by the poorer classes as a means of satisfying their craving for stimulants. Apart, however, from the objections just mentioned, we believe that it would be impossible to enforce in India a prohibition of the use of ganja. That drug is produced in Native States, and the difficulties in the way of preventing its import from them, if the supply in British India were cut off, would be immense. It would not, moreover, be possible to suppress the supply in British India. The hemp plant grows readily in India, in many places wild without cultivation of any kind, and it would be easy for any one addicted to the use of ganja to grow a plant or two in the enclosure of his own house and in nooks and corners which would be safe from observation and from the risk of detection. The question in the House of Commons suggests that as the possession and sale of ganja has been prohibited for many years in Burma, it is desirable that the same prohibition should be extended to other provinces of British India. The analogy of Burma does not, however, apply to India. When the prohibition was enforced in Burma, the drug was very little used by the Native Burmese, its consumption being almost entirely confined to coolies and other immigrants from India; and the cultivation of the plant in Burma, which had never been extensive, had virtually ceased, the consumers being dependent on importations for their supplies. In India, on the other hand, the practice of ganja smoking has existed from time immemorial, and among certain sects of Hindus, ascetics, and religious mendicants hemp intoxication is habitually indulged in; and, as explained in the preceding paragraph, it would be impossible to suppress the growth of the plant. But, although we consider it impracticable to enforce the absolute prohibition of the use of ganja, we fully recognise it as our duty to restrict its consumption as far as practicable, and we have distinctly laid down the policy to be pursued in respect of this drug in our Resolution of the 17th December 1873 already quoted. The annual reports of Excise Administration show that the subject has since been continually before Local Governments, who are making every possible endeavour to minimise the evils and discourage the use of the drug wherever it is a source of danger to consumers." Thus "restraining the use and improving the revenue by the imposition of suitable taxation," "discouraging the consumption by placing restrictions on the cultivation, preparation, and retail, and imposing on their use as high a rate of duty as can be levied without inducing illicit practices," "limiting the production and sale by a high rate of duty without placing the drug entirely beyond the reach of those who will insist upon having it," "restricting consumption as far as practicable, minimising the evils, and discouraging the use of the drug wherever it is a source of danger to consumers" have from time to time been the watch-words of the Government in the matter of the hemp drugs, a policy only once definitely abandoned, viz., in the case of Burma, where total prohibition was introduced in 1873.
Prohibition in other countries.
557. Allusion must be made to precedents for the prohibition of the hemp drugs in other countries in order to complete these general observations. Excepting British Burma (reference to which will be made further on), the Commission only know of four cases of prohibition, viz., in Turkey, Egypt, Greece, and Trinidad. For the first three of these, the only information at the disposal of the Commission is contained in the communications from Her Majesty's representatives addressed to the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in 1892 in consequence of a requisition made on them by the Earl of Rosebery at the request of Mr. W. S. Caine, M.P.
Turkey.
558. The ground of the prohibition in Turkey is thus stated in a note addressed by the Grand Vizir to the Ministry of Commerce, Constantinople, on 1st March 1292 (sic): "From the reports furnished by the Imperial Medical Council, it appeared that the use of hashish in the preparation of medicines was extremely rare, and that, being a narcotic, its use must of necessity be injurious, and that consequently the suppression of the cultivation of hashish could not fail to prove highly advantageous." The effect of the prohibition is thus described in an enclosure to the Ambassador's reply: "The importation and sale in Turkey of hashish, though contraband, is still, I hear, largely carried on, and is used for smoking, in the composition of various sweetmeats, and as an opiate in general."
Egypt.
559. In Egypt the cultivation, use, and importation of hashish were first forbidden in 1868, but in 1874 it was allowed to be imported on payment of duty. In November 1877 an order was received from Constantinople that all hashish brought into Egypt was to be seized and destroyed, and finally, in March 1879, the importation and cultivation of hashish were prohibited by a Khedivial decree. In March 1884 it was provided that confiscated hashish should be sold by the Customs (for delivery abroad) instead of being destroyed as formerly, and the proceeds of the sale divided amongst the informers and officers who took part in the seizure. "This measure was rendered necessary," says Mr. Caillard, the Director-General of the Customs, "by the absence of any fund from which rewards could be distributed; while, on the other hand, the profits of smuggling being very great, large sums were paid by the smugglers to insure the silence or complicity of the Customs officers, coastguards-men, and others. A considerable number of persons are employed in the smuggling trade, many of them having no other means of subsistence. Great ingenuity is displayed by the smugglers in this illicit trade, and no sooner has one trick been discovered than another is invented. The great obstacle, however, to the complete repression of the contraband trade is the refusal of some of the European Governments to recognize the right of the Egyptian Government to search suspected shops or warehouses, and to punish the delinquents by fine as well as confiscation In view of the impossibility of suppressing the contraband trade in hashish under the circumstances described above, I suggested to the Minister of Finance the desirability of removing the prohibition against the importation of the drug, and I proposed to collect a customs duty of P T. 100 per kilogramme (9s. 3d. per lb.), besides a license-tax on the sale of the hashish. It has been abundantly proved that the vice of hashish smoking cannot be suppressed by legislation, whereas by a system of licenses it may be kept under control to some extent." Mr. Caillard estimates that the quantity of hashish consumed annually in Egypt cannot be less than 50,000 okes (about lbs. 140,000) notwithstanding the prohibition. He states that the hashish appears to be manufactured chiefly in Greece.
Greece.
560. In Greece there is no law regulating or specially alluding to the production, manufacture, or export of hashish. The sale of it as merchandise is allowed, but a Police order of 1891 prohibits its sale and consumption in the small cafés of Athens and the Pirœus, in some of which, during the previous ten or fifteen years apparently, the habit of using this drug had been gradually introduced. The order was based upon a report of the Sanitary Board at Athens, in which prominent mention is made of the observations made in India by English doctors, and the statistics of insanity in Bengal lunatic asylums ascribed to the use of the hemp drugs are put forward as justifying repressive measures. The effect of the order passed is not mentioned, sufficient time not having elapsed.
Trinidad.
561. As regards Trinidad, the Commission are not sure that the hemp drugs are prohibited. The fact has been stated by the Indian Immigrants Commission, Natal, 1885-87,* (* Report, Chapter II, paragraph 9) and by Dr. Thomas Ireland, Government Medical Officer, British Guiana, in a paper published in the Alienist and Neurologist, St. Louis, in October 1893. But, on the other hand, Surgeon-Major Comins, lately on special duty in British and Foreign Colonies and the Netherlands, in his Note on Emigration from India to Trinidad, 1893, quotes a statement of the Protector of Immigrants, who says that in the year 1885 an Ordinance was passed requiring the payment of £100 per acre to obtain a license to grow ganja, which had previously been grown in large quantities. This practically put a stop to the growth and consumption for several years, but immigrants who had left Trinidad two years previous to the writing of his report had been growing it in Venezuela, and several seizures had been made by the Customs officers from persons endeavouring to introduce it into Trinidad. The Protector adds: "With a coast line such as ours, adjacent to that of the Spanish Main, it will be impossible to prevent its introduction into this colony if immigrants who go there continue to grow it." Dr. Comins himself says: "I do not know what are the laws in force here regarding the sale of opium and ganja."
Basis of prohibition and results in these countries.
562. Thus in the case of other countries, where the use of the drugs has been prohibited, the Commission do not find in the literature available to them many arguments for prohibition. In Turkey it rests upon the theory accepted by orthodox Muhammadans that hashish "being a narcotic its use must of necessity be injurious," while in Egypt the prohibition emanated from Turkey. In both these countries the measure has by no means been attended with complete success. In Greece the prohibition in the cafés of Athens is based largely upon Indian experience, which the Commission have had cause in great measure to recast. In Trinidad, if there has been prohibition, it does not seem of late to have been effectual. It must be added that the Commission have no scientific information regarding the strength of the article of commerce called hashish, and it may differ to some extent from the Indian products. From the description of its manufacture given by the Mayor of Orchomenus in Mantinea in Arcadia, whence the Egyptian supply is mainly derived, it appears to resemble more the charas of Yarkand than the ganja or bhang of India.
Is prohibition in India justifiable, feasible, and advisable?
563. Starting, therefore, from the position that what is known of the hemp drugs in the past is not sufficient to justify their prohibition in India, and that for such a measure there must be strong justification based on ascertained facts scientifically and systematically examined, the first question for the Commission to decide is whether such justification is to be found in the evidence before them, and the second whether, if this is so, prohibition is feasible and advisable on other grounds. These will now be considered.
Prohibition of bhang.
564 The effects of the hemp drugs have been treated in Chapters X to XIII of the Report; and as the first result of these conclusions, the Commission are prepared to state that the suppression of the use of bhang would be totally unjustifiable. It is established to their satisfaction that this use is very ancient, and that it has some religious sanction among a large body of Hindus; that it enters into their social customs; that it is almost without exception harmless in moderation, and perhaps in some cases beneficial; that the abuse of it is not so harmful as the abuse of alcohol; that its suppression, involving the extirpation of the wild hemp plant, would in some tracts be a matter of great difficulty; that such a measure would be extremely unpopular, and would give rise to widespread discontent; and, finally, that, if successfully accomplished, it would lead to the use of more hurtful stimulants. The Commission deem it unnecessary to traverse the evidence further than has been done in the preceding chapters of this report in support of these propositions. It is almost unanimous in regard to them. The utmost that is necessary in regard to this product is that it should be brought under more effective control, and this matter will be dealt with further on. But absolute prohibition is, in the opinion of the Commission, entirely out of the question.
Prohibition of ganja and charas.
565. Though it has been shown that as a rule ganja and charas are used in moderation, and that the moderate use ordinarily does not cause appreciable injury, yet it has been established that the excessive use of these forms of hemp drugs has been more injurious than in the case of bhang. Whether they should be prohibited or merely controlled is a question which might be settled merely with reference to their ascertained effects. The Commission consider that the effects are not such as to call for prohibition, and on the general principles discussed in the opening paragraphs of this chapter, such interference would be unjustifiable. Nevertheless, it seems advisable to refer to the other evidence with a view to ascertaining the generally prevailing views on the subject, and considering the grounds on which prohibition is advocated or opposed.
The evidence regarding prohibition of ganja and charas may be considered together.
566. In reviewing the evidence on these points, it will not be necessary to draw a distinction between ganja and charas. The effects of these two drugs have been shown to be similar, though charas is cœteris paribus the more potent. They are both ordinarily smoked, though very occasionally used for eating and drinking usually in the form of admixtures with other condiments. As stated by Mr. Lyall (Bengal 1): "Ganja and charas are really one, and in time, if the question be scientifically followed up, possibly charas will be the only form used." The refuse of ganja is used in some provinces as bhang, but this substance more nearly resembles bhang than ganja properly so called. The ganja of the different provinces varies in quality. But these distinctions cannot here be specially observed; it will be sufficient to bear in mind that the opinions in Bengal, the Central Provinces, Madras, Bombay, and the smaller Administrations relate to ganja; that those in the Punjab relate to charas; and that those in the North-Western Provinces and Sind relate to ganja and charas, both of which are consumed.
Supply of ganja and charas in its relation to prohibition.
567. A few remarks, however, recapitulating the local conditions of ganja and charas will not be out of place. Charas is practically a foreign article. Small amounts are imported from Nepal and Gwalior, but they may be left out of the account. The bulk comes from Yarkand through the Himalayan passes, or to a much smaller degree from other parts of Central Asia through the routes on the frontier of Afghanistan. It would not be a very difficult matter to stop these imports, though the co-operation of the Kashmir Darbar would be necessary in regard to Yarkand charas. It may, therefore, be accepted that the supply of charas might be cut off without much difficulty, though, as this article forms the principal import from Yarkand, the prohibition of charas would paralyse, if not extinguish, the trade with this country. In regard to ganja, the problem is more complex. Ganja is regularly cultivated in Bengal, the Central Provinces, Madras, Bombay, and Berar. In Bengal and the Central Provinces, the cultivation of the hemp plant for its production is under complete control. In Berar cultivation is only permitted under license. In the other tracts of British territory it is not directly controlled. Assuming that control is possible in these tracts, it does not follow that it would be equally possible to prevent cultivation altogether. Moreover, there still remains a considerable amount of production in many of the Native States all over India. To induce these States to prohibit cultivation would be a difficult matter, and, even if this were done, the suppression of illicit cultivation would offer the most serious difficulties. For, though ganja of good quality requires some cultivation and tending, the evidence before the Commission tends to establish the fact that ganja of an inferior kind can be manufactured from the spontaneous or casual growth which is found near human habitations and amidst cultivation of other crops in many parts of India. While, therefore, it cannot be asserted that the task of preventing the manufacture of ganja is an impossible one, it would certainly at the present time be attended with considerable difficulty.
Opinions of the witnesses regarding prohibition of ganja and charas.
568. The question addressed to the witnesses regarding the prohibition of the hemp drugs (No. 35) was so framed as to elicit in the first place opinions as to the feasibility of such a measure. The considerations bearing upon the subject were also set forth in the form of subsidiary questions. The question whether the witnesses advocated prohibition was not specifically put, but it is not difficult, comparing the answers to the questions above mentioned with those relating to other questions, to decide what the opinion of each witness is on this question. Those who hold decided views have no doubt generally stated them in some portion of their answers, and at all events ample opportunity of doing so was afforded them. A larger number of the witnesses have contented themselves with merely giving an affirmative or negative answer to the questions on the subject. It is impossible to attach much importance to such answers. The Commission have abstracted them and considered them, but they feel bound to give far more weight to the opinions of witnesses whose replies show that they have formulated an opinion on the desirability of prohibition. Some account will now be given of these answers.
Opinions regarding prohibition of ganja and charas.
569. Out of the total of 1,193 witnesses, 575 have expressed a decided opinion on the question of prohibition. Of these only 99 advocate it in their answers. The remainder are against it. The classification of these witnesses is shown in the following table:
Thus, not only is there a very large preponderance of opinion against prohibition, but the preponderance is specially marked among superior Civil officers. The only witnesses indeed of the latter class who favour prohibition are three in the Punjab, where charas and not ganja is consumed. The most important of these opinions on either side will now be specified. The most forcible opinions in favour of prohibition will be quoted at some length in order that the argument for this view may be thoroughly appreciated. The opinions against prohibition are too numerous to be quoted, but the witnesses will be named under headings setting forth the most prominent views expressed.
Bengal opinions in favour of prohibition of ganja.
570. The Bengal witnesses in favour of prohibition of ganja consist of a SubDeputy Collector, an Assistant Surgeon, two Medical Practitioners, an Honorary Magistrate, two zamindars, two pleaders, a delegate from the Indian Relief Society, Calcutta, the Secretary to the Band of Hope, Faridpur, the Secretary to the Bogra Medical Society, and two Missionaries. The Commission cannot find much to quote from these opinions, but the following are the most forcible:— (238) Delegate, Indian Relief Society, Calcutta, Babu Amrita Krishna Mullick, B.A., B.L.: After quoting official and medical opinions relating to the injuriousness of ganja, the Society endeavours to show that the cultivators of the hemp plant lose largely by their occupation, and maintains that it is the duty of the Government to come to their rescue by abolishing it. The Society maintains that the privation to the consumers would not be serious, and that it is difficult to suggest any drug more deleterious than ganja to which they could take. The Society contends that the alleged religious sanction to the use of the drugs is a fallacy, and refers to the opinions of several pandits in support of this view. The Society argues that to meet the deficit in the revenue, which would be about 24 lakhs per annum, the salaries of European officers should be cut down, the duties on cotton goods re-imposed, and the income-tax increased with an enhanced taxable minimum. Savings would be effected by reduction of establishment and by decreased cost of lunatic asylums. (236) Secretary, Band of Hope Temperance Society, Faridpur, Babu Purna Chandra Maitra: "This Society begs to urge upon the Commission to consider the justice and propriety of a just, benign, and Christian Government to allow cultivation and sale of a drug which has been excluded from some countries, and in England doubly protected in the poison list." The witness argues that the drug "has been unreservedly condemned by eminent doctors as one of the most dangerous poisons known, as the most potent cause of lunacy, and as the most pernicious and deleterious of all excitants ever in use in any country." He admits that there are a number of jogis, sanyasis, fakirs, and mendicants addicted to ganja smoking, but states that ganja smoking forms no part of their religion, and there is not a single Hindu or Muhammadan religious book which sanctions the use of ganja. "No real disaffection can under the benign rule of the British Government be seriously apprehended, and, even in the event of there being such apprehension, the fact should not be lost sight of that the Government in this case will have the support of the bulk of the population." He alleges that ganja produces crime, and that the taxation, amounting to 22 lakhs, is a drain on the poverty-stricken and half-famished people of Bengal. He finds it difficult to suggest a substitute for ganja, but liquor may be one, and a peculiar preparation of strong tobacco may also serve the purpose. (134) Secretary to Bogra Medical Society (10 members), Pyari Sanker Dass Gupta, L. M. S.: "The prohibition will give rise to no political danger. For the ganja smokers have very little influence over society. The Government has faced questions of a greater religious character, as the Suttee or the Age of Consent Act, with boldness. This is comparatively a minor question affecting only depraved men." (203) Rev. W. B. Phillips, Missionary.: "What with liquor and opium and hemp drugs of various kinds, all licensed by Government, it does seem as if the population were terribly exposed to degrading influences. It is not my province to face the difficult task of dealing with these evils; and I sincerely sympathize with the Government in the heavy duty of solving the grave problems involved. But I do feel it my duty to set forth as strongly as possible the assurance that very much mischief is being worked in the country by the various intoxicants so freely and largely sold. I hardly care to distinguish between opium, alcohol, and ganja. I regard them all as bad. My mind is so impressed with the evil effects of excessive use that I do not care to consider the moderate use. I would wish Government to begin with ganja, to proceed with little delay against opium, and then tackle alcohol. I prefer this as a matter of policy, as ganja is easiest dealt with. I am prepared to prohibit all three intoxicants on account of the evil which I see done by them." (81) Kali Das Mukerji, Sub-Deputy Collector: After advocating prohibition of ganja on the grounds of the evil effects, and stating that there would be no danger from the discontent caused owing to the small number of the consumers, the witness proceeds: "The reasons usually put forward in favour of ganja consumption are as follows: (1) that Hindu friars and jogis cannot do without it, for it helps them in their religious contemplation, and sustains them under severe exertion and exposure; (2) that it is a safeguard against disease in malarious tracts; and (3) that it serves the labouring classes as a refreshing stimulant, alleviating fatigue. I do not think that any of these reasons is conclusive, though plausible. In fact, none of them stands the test of close examination. If any intoxicating drug is at all necessary for friars and jogis, alcohol, opium, or siddhi may serve the purpose. Eight kinds of intoxicating drugs are prescribed in the Tantras for Hindu devotees, and it is optional with them to take any if they care to do so at all.............................. That ganja is a safeguard against disease in malarious tracts is not necessarily true.............................. Even as a stimulant and remover of fatigue, ganja has very little to recommend it to the labouring classes............................... A careful observation is sure to establish the fact that any ordinary labourer whose only stimulant is tobacco is on the whole a better workman than his ganja consuming brother."
Opinions against prohibition of ganja in Bengal.
571. It is impossible to quote the mass of opinion against prohibition of ganja, but the following analysis of some of the most important opinions will give an idea of the strength of these opinions:— (1) Prohibition impossible or unnecessary, or could not be enforced without a large preventive establishment. (1) Hon'ble D. R. Lyall, C.S.I., Member, Board of Revenue. (2) Mr. Westmacott, Commissioner. (9) Mr. Price, Collector. (11) Mr. Skrine, Collector. (21) Mr. Jenkins, Collector. (17) Mr. Gupta, Commissioner of Excise. (46) Ganendra Nath Pal, Deputy Collector. (197) Mr. H. M. Weatherall, Manager, Nawab's Estates, Tippera. (2) Prohibition would be strongly resented by religious mendicants, or would be regarded as an interference with religion, or would be likely to become a political danger. (1) Hon'ble D. R. Lyall, C.S.I., Member, Board of Revenue. (3) Mr. Westmacott, Commissioner. (19) Mr. Manisty, Collector. (18) Mr. Hare, Collector. (16) Mr. Marindin, Collector. (32) Mr. Bedford, Deputy Commissioner. (63) Abhilas Chandra Mukharji, Deputy Collector. (62) Kanti Bhushan Sen, Deputy Collector of Excise. (163) Maharaja Bahadur Sir Jotendra Mohan Tagore, K.C.S.I. (174) Radhika Churn Sen, Zamindar. (175) Raghonandan Parsad, Zamindar. (185) Jogendra Krishna Rai Chaudhri. (207) Purnendu Narayan Sinha. (208) Mahendra Chandra Mitra, Chairman, Naihati Municipality. (92) Mr. Ricketts, Manager, Nilgiri State. (217) Biprodas Banarji, Pleader, Newspaper Editor, and Chairman, Baraset Municipality. (250) District Board, Monghyr. (228) Jadubans Sahai, Vice-Chairman, Arrah Municipality. (3) Prohibition might lead to the use of dhatura or other intoxicants worse than ganja. (21) Mr. Jenkins, Collector. (46) Ganendra Nath Pal, Deputy Collector. (62) Kanti Bhushan Sen, Deputy Collector of Excise. (161) Maharaja Girijnath, Roy Bahadur. (164) Raja Surja Kanta Acharjya, Bahadur. (167) Radha Balav Chaudhri, Rai Bahadur. (233) Secretary, Rajshahi Association. (217) Biprodas Banarji, Pleader, &c.
Assam.
Opinions in favour of prohibition of ganja.
572. The opinions in favour of prohibition of ganja in Assam are those of a Civil Surgeon, the Secretary to the Tezpur Raiyats Association, the Secretary to the Upper Assam Association, a merchant, and a pensioned Overseer, Public Works Department, and member of a Local Board. There is nothing especially to note in these opinions.
Assam. Opinion against.
573. Against prohibition we have the Commissioner of the Assam Valley, the Commissioner of Excise, the Director of Land Records and Agriculture, an Officiating Deputy Commissioner, a Civil Surgeon, an Extra Assistant Commissioner, a medical practitioner, four pleaders, and four planters. Mr. Driberg, Commissioner of Excise, says: "It would be useless to prohibit the use of ganja in a province like Assam, surrounded as it is by independent hill people, who would cultivate it in their hills and smuggle it down with little risk of detection. Any prohibition will only lead to the increase of illicit consumption and to the secret use of the drug, which would be decidedly bad; of course, stop cultivation in Bengal, and the prohibition of the use of excise ganja could be enforced; but there would be serious discontent, though in this province it might not amount to a political danger, and the prohibition would be followed by recourse to opium, and in some cases to alcohol." The evidence of planters tends generally to show that the use of ganja by the garden coolies, who (except in the western districts of the Assam Valley and those of the Surma Valley, all of which border on Bengal) are the principal consumers, produces no serious effects. There is nothing in any of the Assam evidence to controvert these views.
North-Western Provinces.
Opinions in favour of prohibition of ganja and charas.
574. The advocates of prohibition of ganja and charas in the North-Western Provinces are as follows: 6 subordinate civil officers, 9 subordinate medical officers and private medical practitioners, and 18 non-officials. But few of these witnesses give any reasons for their opinions. And the Commission are not able to quote any one of them as having any special weight. The only opinion which it appears worth while to quote is that of a Collector (Mr. Addis (4), who does not, however, specifically recommend prohibition. He says: "It probably would be feasible to prohibit the use of all these drugs. Public opinion is against their use, and the people are very obedient to authority. The prohibition would certainly lead to the increased use of opium and alcohol."
North-Western Provinces. Opinions against prohibition.
575. On the other hand, the opinions against prohibition [of ganja and charas in the North Western provinces] are very strong. The following is an analysis of some of the most important:—
(1) Prohibition impossible or unnecessary, or could not be enforced without a large preventive establishment. (1) Hon'ble A. Cadell, Member, Board of Revenue. (6) Mr. Stoker, Commissioner of Excise. (12) Mr. Brownrigg, Officiating Deputy Commissioner. (20) Mr. Partridge, Officiating Deputy Commissioner. (9) Mr. Jackson, Collector. (10) Mr. Tweedy, Collector. (17) Mr. Spencer, Officiating Collector. (34) Mr. Cockburn, Assistant Sub-Deputy Opium Agent. (32) Mr. Robarts, Joint Magistrate. (26) Rama Shankar, Assistant Collector. (24) Mr. Rogers, Assistant Commissioner. (191) Kanwar Kundan Singh, Zamindar. (2) Prohibition would be strongly resented by religious mendicants, or would be regarded as an interference with religion, or would be likely to become a political danger. (12) Mr. Brownrigg, Officiating Deputy Commissioner. (9) Mr. Jackson, Collector. (10) Mr. Tweedy, Collector. (34) Mr. Cockburn, Assistant Sub-Deputy Opium Agent. (21) Mr. Gillan, Assistant Collector. (26) Rama Shankar, Assistant Collector. (46) Pandit Bishambar Nath, Deputy Collector. (28) Mr. Bruce, Assistant Collector. (33) Pandit Sri Lall, Officiating Joint Magistrate. (185) Kewal Ram, Zamindar. (220) Mr. Finch, Planter. (190) Bas Deo Sahai, Zamindar. (227) Syad Mahammad Nuh, Zamindar. (3) Prohibition might lead to use of dhatura or other intoxicants worse than ganja or charas. (6) Mr. Stoker, Commissioner of Excise, (15) Mr. Ferard, Collector. (28) Mr. Bruce, Assistant Collector. (51) Thakur Tukman Singh, Deputy Collector.
Punjab.
Opinions for prohibition of charas.
576. The advocates of the prohibition of charas in the Punjab are as follows:— 3 superior civil officers, 3 subordinate civil officers, 2 subordinate medical officers, and 10 nonofficials. It may be noted that Mr. Ogilvie, Financial Commissioner in charge of Excise (2), records the following opinion: "I am inclined to hold the opinion, though I am not quite satisfied on the subject, that the use of charas is so deleterious that it might be permissible, both on grounds of morality and utility, for its use to be prohibited or for the price of the drug to be so artificially raised as to confine its consumption to a very small number indeed. The reason why I say that I am not quite satisfied on the point is because I have not sufficiently investigated the facts. All that I can, therefore, say with certainty is that my opinion tends to the direction above indicated.................. I would observe, however, with regard to the Yarkand trade that the imposition of a duty so high as to be practically prohibitive would very considerably injure that trade, because the Yarkand trader in exchange for the charas takes back the products of the Punjab to his own country or to Kashmir. The extinction or serious injury of the Yarkand trade would, of course, be a very regrettable circumstance. On the other hand, from my personal knowledge as Deputy Commissioner of the Dera Ismail Khan District, I would say no harm would accrue to general trade on the western border from the prohibition of charas." Mr. Coldstream, Deputy Commissioner (5), though he does not seem to have formed a definite opinion regarding the moderate use of the drugs, says: "The gradual stoppage of import of ganja and charas might be tried. It is not as yet a very widely-spread habit, but it might grow. It would cause great pain and discontent if the prohibition were sudden and comprehensive, but this would not amount to political danger. A prohibitory measure regarding ganja and charas would no doubt be followed at once by a recourse to opium and alcohol. I can quite believe the moderate occasional use of the drugs may be comparatively harmless, but I am not aware that they are commonly used occasionally and in moderation. They may, however, be so used for all I know." Mr. Wilson, Deputy Commissioner (14), says that he should like to see the experiment made in selected districts of prohibiting trade in charas (and bhang) altogether. As regards charas, he thinks the prohibition would be feasible, as it is imported, and the discontent would be insignificant. He knows of no class, such as labourers, who take the drug in moderation as an ordinary stimulant. Among fakirs and other excessive consumers, he thinks the use produces great evils, and that there is no more harmful drug which they are likely to take to. He does not know anything of the use of dhatura except its administration as a poison. He thinks sudden prohibition would be cruel. He would therefore begin by taxation and gradually raise it, leaving the question of total prohibition to be decided by experience. The evidence of Arjan Singh, Extra Assistant Commissioner (19), is much to the same effect, but he states that the use of dhatura is general among the followers of Siva at the Shivratri in the Dera Ghazi Khan district. He says it is taken in very small quantities, so that its effect is almost imperceptible. General Millet (69), formerly District Superintendent of Police, would like to see all intoxicants prohibited which cannot be proved to be actually necessary. He thinks gradual prohibition of the hemp drugs feasible, and that educated, intelligent native public opinion, which to a great extent leads that of the lower classes, would support prohibition. Discontent at first among the degraded classes would be inevitable, but there would be no political danger, though tact and discretion would be needed and calm-minded European officials at the helm. He fears that recourse to alcohol would be the result. Shekh Riaz Husain, zamindar (67), thinks that "having regard for the welfare and good of the people which the British Government has in view, the prohibition of the hemp drugs (including bhang) is imperatively necessary. Loyal and intelligent subjects and well-wishers of the country would welcome the prohibition, though the unscrupulous habitual consumers would indeed dislike it. But as it would be for the good of the people, it is not hoped that any class of persons would resent it. The enforcement of the prohibition should be effected like other new laws and regulations, exceptions being made to some extent in the case of the existing old habitual consumers, because its sudden stoppage would cause them serious privation. The discontent resulting would not amount to a political danger. If it were possible to make charas as expensive as alcohol, that would be one way of dealing with the subject." Sardar Sujan Singh, Rai Bahadur, Contractor (59), considers charas as certainly most injurious, and thinks its use should most certainly be prohibited. It does no good to anybody. There are not many kahars who take it. Those who do, go to the bad. He does not know of the use of dhatura as an intoxicant. The use of madak and chandu is more injurious than charas, and they also should be prohibited as well as liquor. He would not recommend immediate prohibition, but would put on such a tax, increasing it gradually, as to make it impossible for the majority of people to buy them at all. Dr. H. M. Clark, Missionary (46), would like to see charas prohibited if it were possible. He thinks, however; that alcohol does more harm than charas. He cannot believe that a moderate use of charas is possible. Fakirs and devotees are the chief consumers. Devi Dayal, Editor of the Kaistha Mitra,* Lahore, circulation 300 copies (83), says: "If charas be called poison (fatal, killing, murdering drug), it is not an exaggeration of any kind. It is a great vice to smoke charas. May God not give this even in the lot of a fœ. Only just people as have bad luck get engaged in this vice. Government will do their subjects a very great obligation by saving them from early death and whirlpool of destruction and ruin. My present belief is that there is no such thing as moderation in the use of charas, because, when a charsi visits another, he offers him the chillum, and they smoke in company. The smoke is thus repeated frequently." Consumers acknowledge that they would have no complaint; and if Government were to prohibit the use of charas to-morrow, the bad habit would die out of itself. Ganesh Das, Pleader, and President, Sarin Sabha, Hoshiarpur (77): Charas is consumed by shoemakers, musicians, jogis, sanyasis, and suthra fakirs, and by some Khatris and Brahmins. The physical effects are very bad, and most consumers become incapacitated for work and lead a miserable life. The subcommittee of the Sarin Sabha appointed to consider the subject recommend prohibition. Enquiry was not made from medical experts. Consumers would not take to other intoxicants, because the intoxication of charas is not like that of opium or other intoxicants. The greatest loss would be that of the traders of Hoshiarpur and Amritsar, who take merchandise to Ladakh and Yarkand and bring back charas.
577. The following is an analysis of some of the most important evidence against prohibition:— (1) Prohibition [of charas in the Punjab] impossible or unnecessary, or could not be enforced without a large preventive establishment. - [Evidence of](1) Mr. Rivaz, First Financial Commissioner. (3) Mr. Thorburn, Commissioner. (6) Mr. Ibbetson, Deputy Commissioner. (8) Mr. Maconachie, Deputy Commissioner. (13) Mr. Drummond, Deputy Commissioner. (66) Kazi Syad Ahmad, retired Government servant. (2) Prohibition [of charas in the Punjab] would be strongly resented by religious mendicants, or would be regarded as an interference with religion, or would be likely to become a political danger. - - [Evidence of] (3) Mr. Thorburn, Commissioner. (6) Mr. Ibbetson, Deputy Commissioner. (10) Mr. A. Anderson, Deputy Commissioner. (8) Mr. Maconachie, Deputy Commissioner. (13) Mr. Drummond, Deputy Commissioner. (29) Mr. Brown, Officiating Deputy Inspector-General of Police. (39) Thakur Das, Rai Bahadur, Assistant Surgeon. (36) Bhagwan Dass, Assistant Surgeon. (25) Muhammad Ikramulla Khan, Khan Bahadur, Honorary Extra Assistant Commissioner. (27) Muhammad Barkat Ali Khan, Khan Bahadur, retired Extra Assistant Commissioner. (61) Bahram Khan, Honorary Magistrate. (93) Gujar Mal, Trader. (94) Jawala Bhagat, Trader. (3) Prohibition might lead to use of dhatura or other intoxicants worse than charas. - [Evidence of] (76) Babu P. C. Chatterji, Judge, Chief Court. (10) Mr. A. Anderson, Deputy Commissioner. (18) Rai Bahadur Bhagwan Dass, Extra Assistant Commissioner. (39) Thakur Das, Rai Bahadur, Assistant Surgeon. (27) Muhammad Barkat Ali Khan, Khan Bahadur, retired Extra Assistant Commissioner. (86) Lachman Dass, Merchant.
Central Provinces.
Opinions in favour of the prohibition of ganja.
578. There are only two witnesses in the Central Provinces who advocate the prohibition of ganja. Honorary Surgeon-Major Harrison (38), on the retired list, employed in the Kalahandi State, advocates gradual prohibition, "which would cause discontent, but not any serious danger. The prohibition would no doubt be followed by recourse to alcohol and other stimulants." The other is a pensioned hospital assistant, who also advocates gradual prohibition.
(1) Prohibition impossible or unnecessary, or could not be enforced without a large preventive establishment. (1) Mr. Neill, Judicial Commissioner. (4) Mr. Laurie, Officiating Secretary to Chief Commissioner. (2) Colonel Bowie, Commissioner. (9) Mr. Drake-Brockman, Officiating Excise Commissioner. (39) Dr. Prentie, Civil Surgeon. (66) Rev. Israel Jacob, Missionary. (2) Prohibition would be strongly resented by religious mendicants, or would be regarded as an interference with religion, or would be likely to become a political danger. (1) Mr. Neill, Judicial Commissioner. (4) Mr. Laurie, Officiating Secretary to Chief Commissioner. (2) Colonel Bowie, Commissioner. (3) Mr. Anderson, Officiating Commissioner. (6) Mr. Duff, Deputy Commissioner. (27) Mr. Lowrie, Officiating Deputy Conservator of Forests. (17) Batuk Bharthy, Superintendent, Kalahandi State. (66) Rev. Israel Jacob, Missionary. (68) Rev. Oscar Lohr, Missionary. (22) Vinayak Balkrishna Khare, Excise Daroga. (59) Lall Noorpraj Singh, Zamindar. (47) Mir Imdad Ali, Honorary Magistrate. (3) Prohibition might lead to use of dhatura or other intoxicants worse than ganja. (1) Mr. Neill, Judicial Commissioner. (9) Mr. Drake-Brockman, Officiating Excise Commissioner. (39) Dr.Prentie, Civil Surgeon. (64) Rao Sahib Balwantrao Govindrao Bhuskute, Jagirdar.
Madras.
Opinions in favour of the prohibition of ganja.
580. The Madras witnesses in favour of prohibition are a Civil Surgeon, a subordinate civil officer, a medical practitioner, a Hindu priest, and six missionaries. Dr. King (85) says: "The restriction of the sale of ganja under conditions similar to those required for poisonous drugs in Great Britain would be an unqualified blessing to the country, thus contrasting with the action taken against opium, which agitation I believe to be unnecessary and mischievous. I consider special measures should be taken to restrain the use of ganja by sepoys, and especially to prevent the young sepoy from acquiring the habit." In oral examination, however, Dr. King stated as follows: "My opinion of the effect of the moderate use in impairing the moral sense and inducing laziness, etc., is a general impression and not based on actual observation. My impression is based on the fact that persons alleged to have been ganja smokers have presented these characteristics. They were pointed out as notorious ganja smokers. I did not discriminate in these cases between the moderate and excessive use." Syad Mahmud (122) says: "It is an unquestionable fact that ganja, bhang, and charas are poisons, and this fact is admitted by all. In my opinion their suppression would be an act of virtue deserving of future reward, but it is not advisable to suppress their use at once. Its suppression should be regulated under certain rules without any loss to the State. To the best of my knowledge and researches, alcohol cannot be safely used as a substitute for ganja, charas, and bhang." Rev. Mr. Laflamme (153), speaking on behalf of the Baptist Missionary Conferences of the Presidency, advocates prohibition in these terms: "Owing to the scarcity of shops in these parts, practical prohibition exists. Much that is consumed is consumed illicitly. The introduction of the license system seems to have had no appreciable effect on the use of the drugs. The ganja is nearly all grown by the consumers in their own yards." "The drugs should all be so safeguarded as to prevent or minimize any possible harm resulting from their abuse." "The general sense of the people is opposed to the use of the drugs." So far as the witness can gather, the members of the Mission are united in the belief that in these parts hemp drugs are far less injurious than opium and alcohol; thus far that the latter are not only much more extensively used, but much more baleful in their effects. Two other missionaries, though neutral in opinion, are worth quoting. Rev. Mr. Pittendrigh, Missionary (160), says that he would have ultimate prohibition in view if possible, but there is not much ground for special interference in anything that he has seen. Another Missionary, the Rev. Mr. Goffin (145), cannot undertake to criticise the present or any system of excise administration. His impression is that Government would be wise to adopt a strictly "let-alone" policy, leaving it to the spread of education and enlightenment among the people to prevent and lessen all its effects. The province of Government should be carefully to watch such effects, and wherever and whenever necessary interfere with prohibitive legislation. Such necessity, however, in his opinion would not often occur.
Madras. Opinions against prohibition.
581. Among those who are opposed to prohibition, the evidence of the following witnesses may be quoted:— (1) Prohibition impossible or unnecessary, or could not be enforced without a large preventive establishment. (1) Hon'ble C. S. Crole, Member, Board of Revenue. (8) Mr. Willock, Collector. (14) Mr. Bradley, Collector. (19) Raja K. C. Manevedan, Collector. (23) Mr. Campbell, Sub-Collector. (30) Mr. Levy, Acting Deputy Collector, Salt and Abkari. (2) Prohibition would be strongly resented by religious mendicants, or would be regarded as an interference with religion, or would be likely to become a political danger. (8) Mr. Willock, Collector. (10) Mr. Stokes, Collector. (6) Mr. Sewell, Collector. (30) Mr. Levy, Acting Deputy Collector, Salt and Abkari. (94) Dr. Walker, Civil Surgeon. (95) Dr. Sarkies, Civil Surgeon. (38) Buddhavarapu Narayana Murthi Pantalugaru, Assistant Collector. (23) Mr. Campbell, Sub-Collector. (121) H. S. A. M. Manju Miyyah Sahib, Medical Practitioner. (3) Prohibition might lead to use of dhatura or other intoxicants worse than ganja. (23) Mr. Campbell, Sub-Collector.
Bombay.
Opinions in favour of prohibition of ganja.
582. For the prohibition of ganja or charas in Bombay and Sind, we have the following advocates: in Bombay two mamlatdars, a hospital assistant, and a medical practitioner; and in Sind a health officer, two hospital assistants, and a banker. There is not much that need be quoted from the evidence of these witnesses. It may be noted that the Hon'ble T. D. Mackenzie, Commissioner of Abkari, etc. (1), holds that the policy of Government in relation to the hemp drugs should be one of restriction, as far as restriction is possible, and that, if absolute prohibition were possible, he thinks it would be a good thing. Owing, however, to the fact that the territories of the Bombay Presidency interlace so extensively with foreign territory, and to the feeling which would be aroused among the consumers and those who sympathize with them, it would in his opinion be impossible or undesirable. The Secretary to the Arya Samaj in Bombay (109) states that while fully sympathising with the objects of the Commission, which are apparently understood to be the restriction or prohibition of the drugs, the Arya Samaj "is of opinion that any Governmental action in the direction of further restricting the preparation and sale of the drug will be productive of very little good. The Samaj believes that education of the masses is the only proper and effective remedy for correcting such baneful habits, and fears that any compulsion in this matter is likely to drive the consumers of these comparatively innocuous drugs to the use of more injurious intoxicants that are plentifully supplied to the people like the various preparations containing alcohol." The Samaj prays that the Government will devise measures for the restriction of the sale of European liquor in India, and leave the hemp drugs to themselves. The only thorough advocate of prohibition whose opinion is worth specifying is Rao Sahib Shesho Krisna Madkavi (41), who considers such prohibition very necessary, and holds that, although there would be temporary discontent among the consumers, such discontent would not amount to a political danger, "the people in this part of the country being loyal and of mild nature, and the proportion of the persons using bhang and ganja to the general population being too small to be taken into consideration."
Bombay. Opinions against prohibition
583. On the other hand, the opinions against prohibition are weighty. The Opinions against prohibition. following may be specially quoted :— (1) Prohibition impossible or unnecessary, or could not be enforced without a large preventive establishment. (1) Hon'ble T. D. Mackenzie, Commissioner of Abkari, etc. (3) Mr. Vidal, Chief Secretary to Government. (10) Mr. Monteath, Collector. (12) Mr. Cumine, Acting Collector. (53) Mr. Vincent, C.I.E., Officiating Commissioner of Police. (110) Rai Bahadur Vishvanath Keshava Joglekar, Merchant. (108) Daji Abaji Khare, Honorary Secretary, East Indian Association. Sind. (1) Mr.James, Commissioner in Sind. (26) Seth Vishindas Nihalchand, Zamindar and Merchant. (2) Prohibition would be strongly resented by religious mendicants, or would be regarded as an interference with religion, or would be likely to become a political danger. (1) Hon'ble T. D. Mackenzie, Commissioner of Abkari, etc. (2) Mr. Reid, Commissioner. (10) Mr. Monteath, Collector. (8) Mr. Lely, Collector. (59) Mr. Foard, Superintendent of Police. (57) Mr. Austin, District Superintendent of Police. (54) Mr. Kennedy, District Superintendent of Police. (26) Khan Bahadur Dadabhai Dinshaji, Deputy Collector. (38) Mr. Almon, Assistant Collector of Abkari. (49) Yashvantrao Nilkanth, Superintendent, Office of Survey Commissioner. (104) Desaibhai Kalidas, Pleader. (46) Balkrishna Narayan Vaidija, State Karbhari. (39) Rai Sahib Ganesh Pandurang Thakur, Mamlatdar. (110) Rai Bahadur Vishvanath Keshava Joglekar, Merchant. (100) Parbhuram Jeewanram, Vaidya. (115) Nanu Mian B. Shekh, Municipal Secretary, Surat. Sind. (1) Mr. James, Commissioner in Sind. (4) Khan Bahadur Kadirdad Khan, Gul Khan, C.I.E., Deputy Collector. (5) S. Sadik Ali, Deputy Collector. (26) Seth Vishindas Nihalchand, Zamindar and Merchant. (3) Prohibition might lead to use of dhatura or other intoxicants worse than ganja. Bombay. (1) Hon'ble T. D. Mackenzie, Commissioner of Abkari, etc. (6) Mr. Sinclair, Collector. (53) Mr. Vincent, C.I.E., Officiating Commissioner of Police. (49) Yashvantrao Nilkanth, Superintendent, Office of Survey Commissioner. (62) Rao Sahib Pranshankar, Inspector of Police. (102) Ramchandra Krishna Kothavale, Inamdar. (109) Secretary, Arya Samaj, Bombay.
General review of evidence
585. A general review of the evidence relating to the question of prohibition of ganja and charas brings the Commission to the same conclusion as that which they have framed upon a consideration of the evidence on the ascertained effects alone. The weight of the evidence above abstracted is almost entirely against prohibition. Not only is such a measure unnecessary with reference to the effects, but it is abundantly proved that it is considered unnecessary or impossible by those most competent to form an opinion on general grounds of experience; that it would be strongly resented by religious mendicants, or would be regarded as an interference with religion, or would be likely to become a political danger; and that it might lead to the use of dhatura or other intoxicants worse than ganja. Apart from all this, there is another consideration which has been urged in some quarters with a manifestation of strong feeling, and to which the Commission are disposed to attach some importance, viz., that to repress the hemp drugs in India and to leave alcohol alone would be misunderstood by a large number of persons who believe, and apparently not without reason, that more harm is done in this country by the latter than by the former. The conclusion of the Commission regarding bhang has been given in paragraph 564; under all the circumstances they now unhesitatingly give their verdict against such a violent measure as total prohibition in respect of any of the hemp drugs.
Individual witness responses.
Following are individual witness responses (not exhaustive) to the questions 34 and 35 listed at the beginning of this article.
33. The consumption of each of these drugs is generally disregarded in the social point of view, but it is not so in the religious point of view. 34. Certainly. A serious privation to all classes of consumers. The reason is that a habitual consumer can pass a day without taking any food whatever, but it is quite impossible for him to do so without his usual smokes, as the habit is a second nature. 35. (a) No; as far as I understand. (b) Very possible. (c) The prohibition, if necessary, (though I do not advocate it), can be enforced by legislation. (d) and (e). Yes. Serious discontent among the consumers, and calamity to the country not amounting to a political danger. No political danger can be apprehended if the sepoys of the Native regiments, who are generally addicted to the smoking of ganja and drinking of bhang, are not discontent. (f) The orthodox class of consumers will never have recourse to alcoholic stimulants. - Evidence of BABU SREENATH CHATTERJEE, Brahmin, Cashier, Public Works Department, Darjeeling Division.
33. The consumption of ganja is generally regarded with contempt. The public opinion is unfavourable to the consumption of the drug. It makes people irritable and hot-tempered. This is the reason why people look down upon the consumption of the drug. I am not aware of any custom of worshipping the drug. 34. It would be a serious privation to those classes who live by manual labour. They would not be able to work as hard as they are now able if they be not allowed to indulge in the drug. I can give no idea as to the probable numbers of each class. 35. It would not be feasible to prohibit the use of ganja and bhang. Many of the ganja consumers would be attacked with various sorts of diseases. Bhang is in many cases used for its medicinal properties, so the use of the drugs cannot be prohibited. If the use of the drug is prohibited there would be illicit consumption. It would be impossible to enforce the prohibition. The prohibition would occasion serious discontent among the consumers, but such discontent will not amount to a political danger. The prohibition would not be followed by recourse to any other drugs. - Evidence of BABU HARA GOPAL DUTTA, Kayasth, Retired Excise Daroga, Mymensingh.
33. Ganja and charas are held in disrepute. Bhang, however, is more pardonable than the above two. 34. Certainly. The want of bhang and ganja will have serious effect upon the consumers. The occasional moderate consumers of bhang, such as those who use it as an observance, will consider any attempt to prevent the use of the same as an interference with their religious custom. How far the use of the bhang is recommended in the religious books of the Hindus is a question for the priestly pundits to discuss. But the custom, whether sanctioned by the books or not has acquired a sanctity which no amount of liturgical sophistry can remove. With certain restrictions, this may be said also of ganja. As to charas, I do not think that in this part of India the foregoing of it would be considered a serious privation. 35. It would be, I think, feasible to prohibit the use of charas, which is either imported from the frontier countries or manufactured in particular localities. Prohibitory duties, and such other excise rules as may be used against smuggling, may, in several years, by enhancing the price of the article and making it scarce in the market be abolished altogether. As to bhang and ganja, the plant itself being found wild throughout India, I am afraid it would not at all be feasible to forbid its use. Prohibitory duties and stringent excise rules may make the article difficult to obtain, but I believe illicit means will not be altogether stopped. In such out of the way stations as Baxa Doars and British Bhutan, I have myself seen Lepcha women professing to sell butter and ripe banana fruit offering to the basti people smuggled spirits, which they carry about their person under their flowing garments in bamboo pipes. And therefore I am inclined to believe that if with such strict surveillance spirit smuggling in the frontier districts has not been stopped, the use of the dried leaves and of the flowering spikes of a plant growing wild all over India would not be materially forbidden. It is true that every bhang plant does not produce good marketable ganja, but in times of scarcity the deficiency of the narcotic principle in the ganja will not be unfrequently compensated by the addition of other more injurious narcotic drugs than good ganja. I mean dhatura seeds and such other ingredients. I have heard that those who are addicted to the use of opium just to satisfy their craving when in straitened circumstances not unoften scrape the poisonous oily extract of tobacco which accumulates underneath the chillum and at the ends of huka pipes. It would not therefore be at all a wise policy to interdict the use of a drug which is so general, and which in moderate quantities is not quite so injurious. While on this subject, I may mention that I have seen viciously disposed taxidermists of the Museum of the Asiatic Society of Bengal take to stealthily drinking alcohol in which specimens were immersed, and the vice became so general that Dr. John Anderson, the then Curator of the Asiatic Society, substituted methylated spirits for the purpose. Perverted gentlemen again have been seen when all spirit drinks have been placed beyond their reach to swallow eau-de-cologne for the spirit it contains. From all that I have seen of my countrymen, I am convinced that no amount of excise surveillance would prevent this vice, this craving after intoxicating drink or drug. A thorough moral education may reduce the number of consumers, but to prevent it altogether is beyond all human means. And of the two things, Cannabis indica and spirits of wine, I am of the opinion the former is less objectionable for more reasons than one. The authorities need not dream of any political danger in the Gangetic province of Bengal. Here there is neither unity in strength nor strength in individual. We may howl, long howls which may be heard from Alaska's shore, but we can never bite. The people of this part of the country, nevertheless, are more to be dreaded for the mischievous interpretations which it is their nature to give to all wholesome moves. The case is different in other parts of India proper. The mere prohibition of any particular drug may not by itself bring any serious consequences, but there is no doubt that this will foment special discontent amongst a class who have nothing to lose in riot and anarchy - Evidence of BABU PRATAPCHANDRA GHOSHA, Registrar of Calcutta.
The reasons usually put forward in favour of ganja consumption are as follow:— (1) That Hindu friars and jogis cannot do without it, for it helps them in their religious contemplation and sustains' them under severe exertion and exposure. (2) That it is a safeguard against disease in malarious tracts. (3) That it serves the labouring classes as a refreshing stimulant, alleviating fatigue. I do not think that any of these reasons is conclusive, though plausible. In fact none of them stands the test of a close examination. If any intoxicating drug is at all necessary for friars and jogis, alcohol, opium or siddhi may serve the purpose. Eight kinds of intoxicating drugs are prescibed in the Tantras for Hindu devotees, and it is optional with them to take any if they care to do so at all. So any measure of Government prohibiting the use of ganja would not interfere with this religious class of consumers, for seven sorts are still open to them. But Manu, the highest authority on Hindu religion, encourages abstinence in unmistakable terms:— "There is no sin in taking meat or liquor, or indulging in sexual intercourse; for every man is naturally prone to them. But the highest virtue consists in total abstinence." That ganja is a safeguard against disease in malarious tracts is not necessarily true. I know two men of the Khulna district who acquired the habit of smoking ganja in the district of Dinajpur, where both of them had to go on private service, but there are numerous gentlemen (both Europeans and natives) who were not affected by malaria in Dinajpur, though they never smoked ganja at all. Even as a stimulant and remover of fatigue ganja has very little to recommend itself to the labouring classes. There is no doubt that a labourer, who has acquired the habit of smoking ganja, works well for the first two hours just after taking a chillum of ganja. But as reaction begins to set in, the labourer begins to feel aversion to work, becomes uneasy and restless, looks sullen and evades work, if possible. A careful observation is sure to establish the fact that any ordinary labourer whose only stimulant is tobacco is on the whole a better workman than his ganja-consuming brother. I hold the same view with respect to charas. Ganja.—Considering the advantages and disadvantages of the use of this drug, I have no hesitation to say that its consumption should be totally prohibited for the following reasons:— (a) It causes mental, moral and physical deterioration. Dysentery, laziness, insanity, and want of self-respect often turn out to be the inevitable results of ganja smoking. (b) Native physicians do not, so far as I know, want this drug for its medicinal property, if any. (c) If Western medical science, as now practised in India, cannot do without it, a very limited quantity may be cultivated in some Government botanical gardens to supply the demand of the medical department only. (d) Prohibition of consumption would cause privation to consumers for some time only. For they are almost sure to take recourse to other exciseable articles. It would create discontent among the ganja smokers. But their number does not exceed one-half per cent. of the total population, and Government will have the sympathy of the remaining 99 1/2 per cent. Secondly, Government have very little to apprehend in shape of political danger from the proverbially worthless men of the ganja-smoking class. - Evidence of BABU KALI DAS MUKERJI, Sub-Deputy Collector and Superintendent of Distillery, Serampore, Hughli.
33. The use of ganja is regarded as a bad habit by the public, because its effects are sometimes injurious. 34. It would be no doubt a privation, though not very serious, to the consumers amongst the lower labouring class of men to forego the consumption of the ganja they use, because they require it after hard labour for relief. Their number, however, is not very great. 35. I do not think that it would be feasible to prohibit the use of all these drugs, specially ganja. If prohibited, the consumers will try, if possible, to consume illicitly. I do not know in what way it could be enforced. The prohibition no doubt would occasion serious discontent among the consumers. I do not think that such discontent would amount to a political danger. The prohibition no doubt would be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants or other drug - Evidence of RAI KAMALAPATI GHOSAL BAHADUR, Brahmin, Pensioner, SubRegistrar and Zamindar, 24-Parganas.
33. I think it is generally regarded as harmless and its excessive use only as disreputable. I cannot answer the other parts of the question. 34. It would be regarded as a hardship. 35. I think it is not feasible on account of the growth of the wild plant. I believe the prohibition would lead to extended recourse to alcohol and opium. Alcohol is more harmful than ganja in all respects, but opium much less so. The opinion here expressed that alcohol is worse than ganja is regarding the use generally. I believe that the habit of using ganja moderately is absolutely harmless; but I think even the moderate use of alcohol is liable to produce tissue changes in the long run. Further, I here refer entirely to the native community; and it is my observation that when a native takes to alcohol it is extremely difficult for him to remain moderate; and in life assurance work, of which I have a good deal, I always advise an extra premium in the case of any native who indulges in alcohol even in the most moderate way, and utterly refuse to accept a native life if there is evidence of the consumption of alcohol to any considerable extent, which would still be considered moderate in the case of Europeans. This of course refers only to the upper classes who come for life assurance. But my experience leads me to hold the same view of the effects of alcohol on the lower classes. A native who takes to liquor is lost. This is founded on my hospital experience and my experience as a medical practitioner. I am decidedly of opinion that in Bengal alcohol is absolutely evil. I am aware of the large extent to which alcohol is used in Bengal. It is used probably more than ganja. It is difficult to say, because ganja is so much cheaper. As regards the excessive use, I would still place alcohol first. I regard it as most deleterious. This is a comparison of evils; and I think that the evils of alcohol seem to me to over-balance altogether the evils of ganja. I would instance my own darwan, who takes ganja or bhang in excess, but is always at his post and capable of doing his duty. If he took alcohol in excess to the same extent he would be useless to me and utterly untrustworthy. Then I think also that the social evils of alcohol in excess are much greater. The excessive use of ganja in this country would never lead to the misery produced by the excessive use of alcohol, say, in Scotland or London. The effect of the excessive use of ganja may be to produce a sudden outburst of violence which would naturally lead to the incarceration of the man in an asylum. This is not the character and result of alcoholic excess. It leads to more chronic misery. Alcohol also produces disease of almost every internal organ and premature death. Dysentery is attributed to ganja; but I do not know of any good ground for that belief. There is no reason that I know of in the known physiological action of the drug to believe that it should cause dysentery. Chest affections are also attributed to ganja; but I have no reliable information to give on that subject. I know of no other disease which the drug causes. In regard to opium, I would distinguish between opium-eating and opium-smoking, taking first opium-smoking. Like ganja, opium is smoked in company, and it is therefore an incentive to idleness, dissipation, and bad company, with all its results; and I believe that the habit of smoking opium obtains a firmer hold on the smoker than in the case of ganja. It is also very expensive, which ganja is not, and leads sooner to the ruin of the individual and his family. On the other hand, opium-smoking does not lead to the commission of violent acts, and apart from the individual and his family, leads to no general evil as regards the community at large. After his smoke he walks quietly home and does no harm. But the ganja smoker is liable to sudden outbursts of violence, which may lead to murder sometimes of a wholesale kind. My experience leads me to believe that ganja is generally smoked in company. And my statement regarding outbursts of violence from ganja is based on my knowledge of cases which have been before the criminal courts. In regard to opium-eating, the opiumeater is as a rule a respectable, well-doing member of society, who takes his opium pills before leaving his house in the morning, goes about his business, and returns without any apparent effect from the drug. I think there is a respectable use of ganja corresponding to this—the moderate use. But I am told that ganja is more commonly taken in company than privately. My personal experience has been chiefly of the excessive use of ganja; and I set this down as more deleterious than excessive opium-eating, which is essentially the habit of elderly people, but not more deleterious than excessive opium smoking. I think that the effects of excessive opium-smoking are worse to the individual, though not so dangerous to the community. - Evidence of SURGEON-LIEUTENANT-COLONEL A. CROMBIE, M.D., Surgeon Superintendent, General Hospital, Calcutta.
33. Public opinion among the higher classes is against ordinary consumption. - Evidence of SURGEON-LIEUTENANT-COLONEL E. G. RUSSELL, Civil Surgeon, Darjeeling.
33. The use of ganja is generally regarded as degrading, and the better classes and all respectable people look on it as such. A confirmed ganja smoker is generally distrusted. Those who smoke ganja generally conceal the fact, partly on account of its being used as an aphrodisiac and by those who consort with prostitutes. I have not heard of any custom of worshipping the hemp plant. The use of a moderate quantity of bhang in infusion does not seem to be regarded with disfavour. 34. Not to moderate consumers, but probably so to those who exceed. As a reason I state that prisoners in jail, many of whom have taken hemp drugs in various forms, never beg for them, while opium eaters habitually do. 35. The prohibition of ganja would certainly lead to its illicit consumption among habitual consumers, but bhang is not so much craved for and might be forbidden; but the prohibition would lead to increased consumption of alcohol, and might lead, among habitual consumers, to the consumption of other drugs. - Evidence* of SURGEON-LIEUTENANT-COLONEL E. BOVILL, Officiating Civil Surgeon of Patna and Superintendent, Lunatic Asylum.
34. It will be a serious privation for the class of the consumers, as it is always hard upon one to be deprived of any narcotic habits ; but I have no idea of the number of each class. I have already said before that the number is very limited. 35. Yes ; it would be quite feasible to prohibit the use of all these drugs, and it would not be illicitly consumed ; if the cultivation of hemp is prohibited all over India and its import is also prohibited. and keeping of it in the house is made punishable, its illicit use would be impossible. There is no doubt that this prohibition would occasion a serious discontent among the consumers, and such discontent would form a discontented class of people who would be a dangerous class of people at the time of any political outbreak. No doubt the prohibition would lead the consumers to take to some other drug according to each individual's fancy and convenience. - Evidence of KHAN BAHADUR NAWAB MUHAMMAD SALAMULLA KHAN, Jagirdar, Deulghat, Buldana District.
33. Bhang is considered less hurtful when taken in excess than charas, and lastly, ganja is thought to be most deleterious in excess. I am not aware of any public opinion in regard to the practice. I do not know of any custom of worshipping the plant. 34. It would be a serious privation to all classes of habitual consumers to forego the consumption of the drug they use. My reasons for this opinion are as follows: The cases may be compared with the cases of persons who are in the habit of using alcohol. In the case of the moderate user a want is felt if the stimulant is witheld; if taken in larger quantity appetite and digestion may suffer, and lassitude and a general feeling of uneasiness may result. In the case of the excessive consumers this want and malaise becomes an imperious craving, which must be satisfied at all costs. Ganja smokers have told me of their craving for the drug. I have held charge of jails for the greater part of my service. I have never been asked for ganja by any prisoner, nor have I had to allow it medicinally as I have had to allow opium. The statement regarding the "craving" is not based on any physiological facts which I have observed. 35. I do not think it would be feasible to prohibit the use of these drugs. I believe they would be consumed illicitly. The prohibition would occasion serious discontent among the customers. I cannot give any opinion as to the probability of such discontent amounting to a political danger, or as to the effect of the prohibition to the consumption of other stimulants. - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR R. COBB, Civil Surgeon and Superintendent, Lunatic Asylum, Dacca.
33. The habitual use of all is regarded as disreputable, with the exception of siddhi when used as medicine. Public opinion is against the habitual use of all of the three drugs, because they are narcotics and may produce evil after-effects. As far as I know, the hemp plant is never worshipped in Lower Bengal. 34. If a man is compelled to suddenly give up using ganja after prolonged use, he would certainly feel it. The effect would be inappreciable in the case of charas and siddhi. 35. The total prohibition of the use of the drug would produce discontent, and may give rise to illicit manufacture of the drug. If habitual consumers are prohibited from using the drugs, they would most probably take to using alcohol or opium. - Evidence of Assistant Surgeon RAI TARAPROSANNA RAI BAHADUR, Baidya, Chemical Examiner to the Government of Bengal, Calcutta
35. It would be feasible to prohibit the use of ganja and bhang. The drug would not be consumed illicitly. No doubt the prohibition would occasion serious discontent among the consumers. Such discontent would not amount to a political danger, as the number of consumers is very small in comparison of the population of the whole province. The prohibition will be followed by recourse, not to (a) alcoholic stimulant or other drugs, but to too much eating and smoking of tobacco. - Evidence of LAXMAN GOPAL DESHPANDE, Brahmin, Naib Tahsildar, Mangrul Taluk, District Basim.
33. I believe the indulgence in charas seldom or never grows into a passion 34. Daily labourers ascetics, persons who expose themselves to the inclemency of the weather, who keep up at night, who are suffering from bowel complaints or want of appetite, would be deprived of a necessity of life and valuable remedy if they are prevented from, ganja-smoking. I consider the drugs a necessity of life to the poor people who take them, because they get relief from them under their physical exertions and mental troubles. Some stimulant is necessary for such people, and I consider this is the best and cheapest of all the nervine stimulants I know. I never prescribed ganja-smoking, but when I have found patients suffering from nervousness and want of sleep who have abandoned the habit, I have advised them to resume it. I refer to the moderate habit and patients of the gentlemanly class. What I have said about the drug being a necessity of life applies to the moderate use among the labouring classes. Ascetics stand apart. They suffer from excess. 35. A compulsory prohibition of the use of these drugs would cause great misery and create discontent, as they are absolute necessity with the people who use them. Yes, if the consumers are deprived of the short spells of enjoyment amid the labour and cares of life. Prohibition may stimulate men to have recourse to alcohol and other drugs, who now shun them on religious and social grounds - Evidence of RAI BAHADUR KANNY LOLL DEY, C.I.E., late Chemical Examiner to the Government of Bengal, Calcutta.
33. The consumption of ganja and bhang is regarded with hatred by the public. Ganja-smokers are generally rude, violent, and angry in disposition, imperious, wanting in duty to parents, wife and children, and are bad citizens and quarrelsome neighbours; they are liars and exaggerate tales. I do not know any custom of worshipping ganja. 34. It may be a little hard for a habitual ganjasmoker to relinquish that habit at the beginning; but yet, like other habits, it may also be discontinued gradually without any bad effects, We get ganja-smokers in prisons and hospitals; but the privation of the drug does not seem to tell on their health. 35. I do not know why it would not be feasible to prohibit the use of ganja. It may be attempted by imposing heavier duty on it. The classes of people smoking ganja are not fit for any agitation amounting to a political danger. Yes, the prohibition of ganja-smoking would be naturally followed by recourse to (a) alcoholic stimulants (b) or other narcotics. - Evidence of ASSISTANT SURGEON BOSONTO KUMAR SEN, in Civil Medical Charge, Bogra.
34. There seems to be no serious privation to any class of consumers to forego the consumption of any of these drugs they use. 35. It is feasible to prohibit the use of any of these drugs amongst the family men, but it is not in sadhus, fakirs, bairagis, etc., and they only will be discontented by the prohibition. It must be made by government laws, and will not amount to a political danger. The prohibition will be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants and other drugs. - Evidence of VICKOOJI NARAIN, Tahsildar, Kathapur.
33. People generally regard the ganja-smokers with some degree of hatred. There is no concern with the religion here. The ganja-smokers are generally of peevish and hot temperament, so they are disliked by the people. No custom to worship hemp plant here. 34. It would certainly be a serious privation to habitual moderate ganja-consumers to forego the use of the drug. They lose their energy and appetite and get flatulence. 35. It would not be feasible to prohibit the use of the drug at once. If it be prohibited, then the ganja-smokers will resort to illicit dealings. Prohibition is therefore not desirable, as it will render serious discontent among the consumers. No political danger is apprehended if the use of the drug is discontinued. The prohibition of the ganja-smoking is very likely to be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants or other narcotic drugs. - Evidence of ASSISTANT SURGEON NORENDRA NATH GUPTA, Baidya, in Civil Medical charge, Rangpur.
33. The consumption of all these drugs, especially ganja and charas is held in disrepute. 34. There would be a serious privation to the consumers of all these drugs to forego their use, because they will suffer for want of them, from pains in the abdomen, diarrhœa, lassitude, and general uneasiness, and they would be deprived of comforts after fatigue, etc. 35. The prohibition of the use of these drugs would cause misery and discontent to the consumers of these drugs - Evidence of Assistant Surgeon CHOONEY LALL DASS, Teacher of Medical Jurisprudence and Therapeutics, Medical School, Dacca.
33. Consumption of ganja and charas is not regarded with favour except in the cases of yogis, sanyasis, and fakirs. There is a public opinion in regard to the practice. It is disapproval. The consumers are believed to be of irritable temper. Consumption of bhang is not regarded with disfavour. There is no custom of worshipping the hemp plant. 34. Yes. The want of the drug brings about lassitude, disinclination for work, loss of appetite, dyspepsia, rheumatic, and colic pains. - Evidence of ASSISTANT SURGEON PREONATH BOSE, Teacher of Materia Medica and Practical Pharmacy, Dacca.
33. The consumption of bhang is not regarded as so objectionable as that of ganja and charas; nay, the use of the latter drugs is always regarded by the public to be disreputable. The Hindu religion does not countenance nor sanction the habitual use of any intoxicating drug, whatever. Excepting bhang, the other two preparations, even when moderately consumed, bring in disorders of mind, viz., irritability of temper, delusions, insanity, and carelessness chiefly—so much so that whenever any one gives any exaggerated description of anything, or does anything that is absurd, people in Bengal stamp them with their disapprobation by saying that none but a ganja smoker will do or say such a thing. The body also suffers with the mind, more especially when there is want of good food. So anything that' will deteriorate the mind will naturally be put down as bad by everybody, irrespective of the other effects on the society. I do not know of any custom of worshipping the hemp plant. 34. Bhang is less offensive, so it will be a great hardship on them to forego its consumption. To ganja and charas smokers it will be privation as well, but it will not be a hardship on them considering the amount of good that will result from the prohibition. 35. I do not think it will be quite feasible to do so all on a sudden. Every attempt to consume it illicitly will be made. Prohibition will very likely lead to drinking, which will be more expensive, and the consumers will not be able to afford it; hence crime will increase. I do not think that it will lead to any political danger - Evidence of ASSISTANT SURGEON DEVENDRANATH ROY, Brahmin, Teacher of Medical Jurisprudence, Campbell Medical School, Calcutta.
33. The consumption of each of these drugs is generally regarded as only a thing of habit. It cannot be said that there is any public opinion (social or religious) in regard to the practice. There is no custom of worshipping the hemp plant. 34. I think a consumer of the drug he uses, would feel somewhat dull and unmindful of his duties if he have to forego the consumption. I do not think that any thing serious would happen to him.- Evidence of ASSISTANT SURGEON AKBAR KHAN, Teacher, Temple Medical School, Patna.
33. The consumption of any of these drugs is not regarded favourably by the educated. But, judging them inter se, bhang is not so much in disrepute as ganja or charas. Manu strictly prohibits the use of ganja by the Brahmans; and the upper class Muhammadans religiously avoid it. 34. It will be a serious privation to the Hindu consumers of the drug, especially the sanyasis, Brijobasis, native soldiers, and darwans, who cannot substitute alcohol for this drug owing to religious prejudices. I think about 50 per cent. of the population in Behar and the up-country are consumers of bhang and ganja; in Bengal, their number may be 20 per cent. By 50 per cent. I meant half the adult males. But on reconsideration I think that is too high. I should say 30 per cent. of adult males. The estimate is a guess based on observation. I think the estimate for Bengal (20 per cent.) may be accepted. It is a rough estimate. My experience of Bengal is for Eastern Bengal principally. I have also had experience of Burdwan. 35. The prohibition of the use of these drugs is feasible. There must be illicit consumption; but the prohibition may be enforced by gradually increasing the duty to the highest rate. Any sudden prohibition may be attended with disturbance. At the same time it is certain that a large number of the consumers of hemp who are not orthodox in their faiths will have recourse to alcoholic stimulants or other drugs, such as opium, dhatura, etc. I had no other drug specially in mind when I entered, "etc." at the end of this answer. There are, however, other drugs to which I have heard that people might go, but I had none in my mind beyond dhatura and opium. - Evidence of Assistant Surgeon SOORJEE NARAIN SINGH, Kayasth, Bankipur.
33. A ganja-smoker is regarded as an outcast of society. "Ganja-khor" and "ganjel" are terms of opprobrium. They have no position in society and are looked down upon. They are pests of society, shunned by all and never pitied by any. There is a strong public opinion in regard to the practice. A "ganja-khor" (smoker) is a ruined and a wrecked man; he is potent for mischief and may be up to anything. He may commit murder with an easy conscience. There is no act that he will not do. Hence is the strong sentiment against him. When strongly under the influence of siddhi a man may be as bad as a ganja-smoker, but the moderate drinkers are not generally so regarded. Question 33. [oral evidence] —The description in this answer applies to every ganja-smoker, however little he may take. I have seen many ganja-smokers. Almost every one of the lower orders smokes ganja, and I have mentioned the classes to which they belong. Every ganja-smoker is potent for mischief, and may be up to anything; but he is not a wrecked man unless he goes to excess. In Chittagong I only found four ruined and wrecked men. My experience is confined to towns, and does not extend to the country. My experience is not among my friends or acquaintances, but connected with cases I have sought out. As a member of society, a moderate ganja-smoker is more dangerous than the inveterate smoker, because the latter has become powerless. I had no prejudice about the drug. Some of my friends belonged to a temperance society and wished me to join, but I could not take pledges. I, however, entertained a strong opinion against the drugs from my boyhood. When I was a boy of twelve I used to see my superiors and relatives smoking ganja and charas. They smoked privately and that roused my dislike, because I knew they were doing wrong; but I did not see any of the pernicious effects in them. 34. It would not be a serious privation to any class of consumers to forego the consumption of the drug they use. 35. The use of all these drugs may be prohibited. They would not be consumed illicitly to any appreciable extent. The prohibition can be enforced by stopping the cultivation of the plant altogether and by making it penal for any private individual to do so as an article of trade. The prohibition would not cause serious discontent. It cannot create apolitical danger. It would not be followed by recourse to (a) alcoholic stimulants or (b) other drugs - Evidence of Assistant Surgeon HARI MOHAN SEN, Baidya, Chittagong.
33. The people generally regard the ganjasmokers with some degree of hatred. There is no concern with the religion here. The ganja-smokers are generally of peevish and hot temperament, and so they are disliked by the people. No custom of worshipping hemp plant here. 34. It would certainly be a serious privation to habitual moderate or excessive ganja consumers to forego the use of the drug. They lose their energy and appetite. I have no idea of the probable numbers of each class. 35. It would not be feasible to prohibit at once the use of the drug. If it is prohibited, then ganja-smokers will resort to illicit dealings. A prohibition is not therefore desirable, as it will render a serious discontent among the consumers. No political danger is apprehended in discontinuing its use. The prohibition of the ganjasmoking is very likely to be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants or other narcotic drugs. - Evidence of BABU DURGA DASS LAHIRI, Brahmin, Medical Practitioner, Rangpur.
33. With opprobrium. Yes; the names ganjari and ganjakhor are considered as disgraceful when applied to any one. I attribute the sentiment to the complete and well-understood demoralization which takes place in the character of the smoker. He is unreliable and liable to frequent bad company. I am not aware that it is worshipped; but there are hundreds of "slokes" which describe the charms and merits of the drug--(1) as giving pleasing and exalted visions; (2) as an aphrodisiac; (3) as a stimulator of muscular energy; (4) as giving courage and mental concentration, tending again to irritability and mania when deprived of it or taken constantly to excess. 34. I do not think so. It is a vice, and only a vice. Many would be benefited, but no one would suffer if it were stopped to-morrow. 35. Ganja could be prohibited to the class who take it most now, by simply doubling the price. I mean the labouring class. This would mean 90 per cent. of the consumers in this town. The other 10 per cent. are among the well-to-do classes. Illicit cultivation can easily be kept down by a small reward, as it is a large bulky plant and not easily concealed. No discontent among consumers if it were done gradually and warning given beforehand. Yes; I believe there would be some who would take to liquor if it were cheap enough. First try the effect of enhancing the price; then, if necessary, let prohibition follow, except for medicinal purposes. In my opinion enhancement would put it beyond the reach of the class who consume most. - Evidence of REV. D. MORISON, M.B., C.M., M.D., Medical Missionary, Rampur Boalia.
33. Ganja-smokers and bhang-drinkers are generally looked upon with hatred. Educated public opinion hates them. There is no religious or social check. The ganja-khors are generally hated. It is for their bad character that they are so much hated. He is generally rude, violent in temperament, lacking in all his duties, a bad son, undutiful father, cruel husband, a troublesome neighbour, and a bad citizen. He is a liar. If any one speaks in a varnished language, it is said to be a "ganja-khori galpa." I do not know any custom of worshipping the hemp plant. The Mahanirban Tantra says, "Modyam mansam tatha matsyam mudra maithuna mabacha." Wine, flesh, fish, fried peas and women are mentioned as essentials of Sakti Puja, but nowhere the hemp drug is used as such. 34. It may be considered a little hard, but the difficulty is not insurmountable. There is no probability of any disease. Of the class (a) and (b) 50 per cent. will be much inconvenienced. Of the (c) and (d) it will not be very hard. The sanyasis will take it much to heart, as they are, as a class, invariably addicted to the vice. 35. It is perfectly feasible to prohibit these. There may be probability of the drug being illicitly consumed. To prevent consumption the tax may be increased and the methods suggested in the last chapter may be adopted. The prohibition will give rise to no political danger; for the ganjasmokers have very little influence over society. The Government has faced questions of a greater religious character, as the Sati or the Age of Consent Act, with boldness; this is comparatively a minor question, affecting only depraved men. Prohibition will not increase alcoholism, but it may give rise to bhang intoxication. - Evidence of PYARI SANKAR DASS GUPTA, Baidya, Medical Practitioner, Secretary, Bogra Medical Society, Bogra
33. Bhang-drinking is never taken into account by the people of this province. Ganja and charas smokers are always looked down upon by higherclass gentlemen. There is no such custom prevalent in this province which would require people to worship the hemp plant. 34. It would undoubtedly be a privation to the labouring class of consumers who, to while away the fatigue of their work, indulge in ganja or bhang. The kahars or water-carriers and domestic servants, who form nearly one-eighth of the total number of inhabitants of Calcutta, will suffer materially if they are constrained to forego the habit of ganja-smoking or bhang-drinking. 35. It would not be feasible; certainly it would be consumed illicitly as it is now to a certain extent used. It would be impracticable to enforce prohibition. It would occasion discontent among the low class of consumers. Prohibition, if enforced, might lead to political danger. Yes; the consumers would have recourse to alcoholic stimulants and other intoxicating drugs. - Evidence of KAILAS CHUNDRA BOSE, Kayasth, Medical Practitioner, Calcutta.
34. It causes inconvenience to many persons to forego it. 35. It would be difficult to give up any kind of intoxicating drug - Evidence of AHRUMOL PRITAMDAS, Farmer of Bhang, Charas, Ganja and Opium, Karachi.
33. It is generally regarded with disfavour. Social public opinion denounces the consumption of ganja and charas. The sentiment is to be attributed to the conviction in the minds of the people that the consumption of these drugs leads to laziness, immorality and crime. I am not aware of any such custom. 35. (d) and (e) It would occasion serious discontent among habitual consumers, but such discontent would never amount to a political danger. (f) Yes; in some cases the prohibition would be followed by recourse to (a) alcoholic stimulants, (b) opium. - Evidence of PRASAD DAS MALLIK, Subarnabanik, Medical Practitioner, Hughli.
33. The consumption of ganja is regarded to be heinous. Charas is not consumed in this district. People do not regard bhang-drinking to be so heinous as the other two. The use of any form of the narcotic is in disrepute, simply because people have understood, by the light of education and experience, the evil effects they produce and bring on over the human frame. The custom of worshipping the hemp plant is not prevalent in this district. 34. Yes; it will be a serious privation to habitual excessive smokers to forego the consumption and little privation to habitual moderate smokers, and it will be no privation to the other two classes. 35. Yes; the prohibition of all these drugs is feasible, and that would be doing great benefit to the people of India. There cannot be any political danger, because the use of the narcotics is chiefly confined to the lower and the poorer classes of the land. The consumers are mostly illiterate and of unsound mind. To prohibit the use of the narcotics one easy plan would be if there be a notification to the effect that no vendor will be able to sell ganja, bhang and charas for any other purpose except medical. Of course there are consumers who will suffer much for the first few months. In that case they will procure a medical certificate to the effect that such a man requires such a quantity of ganja, etc., for such a length of time. Within a year at least most of the consumers will give up the practice for the difficulty of procuring medical certificates, and then all will be in peace. - Evidence of NIMAI CHARAN DAS, Vaidya, Medical Practitioner, Chittagong
33. Ganja-smoking is looked down upon by the better classes of society. Ganja-smoking is looked down upon because it injures the health, both of the body and mind 34. The labouring class may be slightly inconvenienced by being deprived of the ganja, inasmuch as the drug serves to sustain them during work in the absence of food, but only temporarily. - Evidence of ANNADA PRASANNA GHATAK, M.B., Private Medical Practitioner, Arrah.
33. The consumers of charas and ganja are socially regarded to be low, because these intoxicating drugs are generally looked upon as hated things, for men create a peevish temper by taking ganja and charas. 34. When a person creates a habit of taking these (bhang, ganja or charas) intoxicating drugs, they would certainly feel uneasiness for some time if required to give them up. The want of stimulating effect which acts on them by their use is the cause of this uneasiness. 35. Yes, it is feasible to prohibit the use of all these drugs; for some time it may be illicitly used. The present excise laws are sufficient to enforce this. The prohibition will certainly create discontent to a certain extent, it will have no connection with politics. The prohibition may be followed by a recourse to alcoholic stimulants or other drugs. - Evidence of BIJOYA RATNA SEN, Kaviranjan, Kabiraj, Calcutta.
33. People in general speak ill of the use of any of these drugs, unless it be in keeping with the rules of Sastra. To use ganja, bhang, and charas is disreputable, as it alters the man's temper and tells upon his health. I know nothing about the worship of hemp plant, neither do I know of any rule prescribed in the Sastras for such worship. 34. In my opinion it would not be a serious privation for those who consume ganja for the sake of mere intoxication, to forego the use of it. Of course they may be uneasy for a period, but if the use of ganja be gradually given up, there is no fear of uneasiness. But it would be a serious privation on the part of those who use ganja and bhang moderately for devotional purposes. I cannot speak as to the probable number of them. 35. In my opinion it is feasible to prohibit the free use of these drugs, as they are not generally used according to the dictates of Sastras. Government may prohibit the consumption in any way it likes. The prohibition may at first occasion discontent among consumers, but in the long run, when the habit of hankering after this drug is weakened, it will prove to be a source of good. Therefore this immediate discontent, when followed by future contentment, may not prove injurious to Government, and there is no fear of political danger from the class of consumers of these drugs against the rules of Sastra. This prohibition may cause a small number of excessive consumers of these drugs to have recourse to some other stimulants or drugs. But it may not be the case, as the intoxicating power of different drugs is different. - Evidence of RAM CHANDER GOOPTA, Kabiraj, Barisal, Backergunge District.
33. The habitual use of any of the drugs has been always looked upon with disfavour. The consumers are generally regarded as men liable to be easily irritated, and therefore men to be cautiously dealt with and not to be lightly offended. 34. It would be a serious privation to several classes of consumers if they were forced to forego the use of the drugs. Persons suffering from chronic bowel complaints or want of appetite, for instance, would be deprived of a valuable remedy if they were prevented from taking their daily allowance of bhang; persons who have to work in the sun, keep up nights, or undergo hard manual labour would be deprived not only of a valuable refreshment, but what must be regarded a necessity of life to men of their occupation, if they were prevented from smoking their usual dose of ganja. 35. A compulsory prohibition of the use of the drugs would cause great misery to the consumers and make them seriously discontented. The number of consumers is not large enough to justify any apprehension of political danger; but it would be wrong to create such discontent and to deprive a large number of peaceful men and useful members of society of their short spells of enjoyment amid the labours, cares, and anxieties of life. It would be a tyranny of the majority over the minority. The use of the drugs is so great a necessity to them that it would be practically impossible to prohibit their use. There would be illicit consumption to a large extent, and the very prohibition would perhaps stimulate persons who would have otherwise kept aloof to take to the use of the drugs. Hemp is used by a large number of men who shun alcohol on religious and social grounds, and who would never use it as a substitute for hemp. - Evidence of RAJA PEARY MOHUN MUKERJI, C.S.I., Zamindar, Uttarpara, Hughli.
33. The consumption of these drugs, and especially of ganja, although there is no religious objection to it, is socially regarded as disreputable, particularly by the upper and middle classes. The lower classes regard it with disapproving connivance, and the religious mendicants believe it to be essential to their mode of life. I am not aware of any custom of worshipping the hemp plant. 34. Yes. The fishermen, boatmen, labourers and the jogis. The fishermen, boatmen, and field labourers, who carry wet clothes on them for nearly half the day, and are, exposed to all the inclemencies of the weather, will suffer seriously. Ganja is considered by its consumers as a sort of "concentrated food," and is believed to infuse fresh spirit and energy into the hard worked and knocked up system. However exaggerating the praise bestowed upon the drug by its consumer may be, there is no doubt that in some extent it is invigorating and refreshing. 35. It would not be feasible to prohibit the use of these drugs altogether without conniving at their increased illicit consumption and depriving the poor labourer of the only stimulant that obtains in this country. The prohibition is possible only by strong legislative measures, which will add to State expenses by increasing the works of our Criminal Courts and reducing the revenue. Serious and widespread discontent, which may be the result of such prohibitions, may not be fraught with absolute political danger, but might not be advantageous politically, socially, or financially,—politically because there will be no end of fracases between the detectives and smugglers and illicit users; socially because people will in that case naturally have recourse to alcoholic stimulants and other drugs which are notoriously injurious to health, and consequently looked down by the society with abhorrence; and financially because it will increase the expenses of the State and reduce the revenue. - Evidence of MAHARAJA GIRIJANATH ROY BAHADUR, Kayasth, Zamindar, Dinajpur.
33. Those who use these drugs are generally looked in bad lights by the public. There is no such custom to worship the hemp plant. - Evidence of RAJA MAHIMA RANJAN ROY CHOWDHRY, Zamindar, Kakina, Rangpur.
33. Use of ganja is regarded as disreputable. The public opinion is against it. 34. It would be a serious privation to excessive consumers to forego the use of ganja and bhang. By the use the consumers feel a sort of pleasure which they cannot forego. 35. It is not feasible to prohibit the use of any of these drugs. Its prohibition would occasion discontent among the consumers. But it would not amount to political danger. Its prohibition would be followed by the recourse to alcoholic drinks or other drugs. - Evidence of RAI RADHA GOVINDA RAI, SAHIB BAHADUR, Kayasth, Zamindar, Dinajpur.
33. The consumption of ganja is very much disreputable, not only to the high circles, but even respectable classes of the society; but the bhang is not so regarded. The use of all narcotic drugs except bhang is generally in disrepute. I think the cause may be attributed to its being generally used by low people and to the stupor in habits it forms. I do not know of any custom of worshipping any hemp plants. 34. Yes, it would be a serious privation to certain classes of consumers to forego the consumption altogether, as it will be impossible for them to give up the habit which they have once formed. It is generally seen that if a ganjasmoker cannot smoke ganja he gets dysentery. 35. It will be impossible to prohibit the use of ganja and bhang; I am afraid that if it is done so the drug would be consumed illicitly, and the prohibition would occasion much discontent, rather a panic among the consumers; but I do not think that such discontent would amount to any political danger. Yes, surely the prohibition would be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants, which I think are in themselves much more injurious in every way than ganja, bhang, opium and all other drugs, if even taken together - Evidence of RAI BAHADUR RADHA BALLAV CHOWDHURI, BAIDYA, Honorary Magistrate and Zamindar, Sherpur Town, Mymensingh District.
33. Gentlemen class generally regards the consumption of these drugs as a vice, but the case is quite different with the lower class people. He who can smoke ganja in excess gets the title bhangi—perhaps the name has been derived from bhang—boasts when he is addressed by other people with this honourable title. There is no social or religious public opinion in regard to the practice. I do not know any custom of worshipping the hemp plant on certain occasions by certain sects of the people. 34. It would be a serious privation to the mendicants, jogis, sanyasis and fakirs to forego the consumption of the drug they use. These innocent religious men are the houseless children of want and have to bear all kinds of weather. 35. It would not be possible to prohibit the use of these drugs; the use of the drug has been so widespread that if it be prohibited the habitual smokers of ganja and charas and drinkers of bhang will be quite unfit for any active work for some time. It is generally seen that when a habitual consumer of ganja drugs, opium, or liquor leaves his habits either willingly or by force, he feels such uneasiness for some time that he becomes quite incapable of any active work. It is moreover largely used by physicians as medicine. Besides these, ganja-growing fields will be left uncultivated causing a great loss to the cultivators and others who have interest in them. In case of prohibition of the use the drug would be consumed illicitly. I am afraid the prohibition would occasion serious discontent both among the consumers and those who are interested in the cultivation. This discontent may also amount to political danger. The prohibition will certainly be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants or other drugs. - Evidence of BABU HARI KRISHNA MAZUMDAR, Baidya, Zamindar, Islampur, District Murshidabad.
33. Bhang consumption is regarded quite innocent and beneficial to health, but not so the ganja consuming by house-holders. Ganjasmoking by house-holders is generally in disrepute; generally on account of its expensive character, and also because its consumption sometimes makes the consumer lazy. Ganja is offered to certain class of elementals (Bhutas or Devas of lower kind) by certain persons in worship. 34. To habitual consumers of ganja and bhang (specially to those consumers of bhang who consume bhang on medical ground), and more specially to sadhus, it would be serious privation to forego the consumption of the drug they use. The habitual consumers of ganja, when they do not smoke it for some time, become unfit for any work and much uneasy (occasionally senseless) until they smoke it. 35. (a) Not feasible. (b) Yes. (d) Prohibition will occasion serious discontent among the consumers. (e) Sadhus may create political danger, but house-holders will not. (f) Not to alcoholic stimulants, but to other drugs may. - Evidence of BABU RAGHUNANDAN PRASAD SINHA, Brahman, Zamindar, District Muzaffarpur.
33. The moderate consumption of bhang, specially on religious occasions or for medicinal purposes, is not looked down upon, but those of others (ganja and charas) are. The use of any form of the narcotic is generally held in disrepute, as that destroys the sobriety, morality and the innate dignity of man. Those addicted to this habit are generally found to lose their steadiness of character. There is a sect of Puritans who, having no regard for these religious ceremonies, look down upon the use even of any of these narcotic drugs. I do not know of any custom of worshipping the hemp plant. 34. Yes, I think it would be a serious privation at once to forego the consumption of the drugs, specially the siddhi, or bhang, and in some cases even ganja. Amongst others, the industrial classes shall perhaps suffer most if they be deprived of the use of what they consider to be a necessity (vide answer to question 26). 35. No, not siddhi in special. The result of such prohibition would be illicit consumption. Prohibition can by no means be strictly enforced, for, as experience shows, in spite of the excise laws, cases of illicit sale of exciseable articles are often heard of. Yes, I think it would occasion serious discontent among the consumers; but I would not fear so much as to cause political danger, certainly not in this province. Yes, the prohibition in the consumption of these drugs will, I am afraid, be followed by the use of the baneful and absolutely ruinous alcoholic stimulants. - Evidence of BABU SURENDRA NATH PAL CHOWDHURY, Zamindar, Ranaghat, District Nadia.
33. The consumption of these drugs is certainly held in disrepute. People addicted to the use of these drugs are regarded as idle and worthless. Sanyasis (ascetics), who smoke ganja, are not looked upon in the same bad light. They belonging to a privileged class, the odium does not approach them. There is no custom that I know of, at least in Bengal, where hemp plants are worshipped. 34. In the case of boatmen and Muhammadan labourers, who on Ramzan days are wont to fast, they are accustomed to smoke ganja in order to sustain their powers as a labouring class. I think it would be a serious privation to interfere with their habits. The same will be the case with the ascetic class. 35. Charas, I think, is not of so extensive an use as the other two, and it can be easily checked. Bhang is used by persons subject to chronic dyspepsia and looseness of the bowels. But they are exceptionable cases. In Muttra, Brindaban, and in other parts of the North-West it is in extensive use, where a prohibition would occasion serious discontent. A sentiment of high respect is entertained for sanyasis by all classes of people, and a discontent reaching them by such an interdiction is, in my opinion, likely to extend to other classes, which might in time amount to a political danger. In the Punjab I think ganja is more extensively consumed than in other parts of the Continent, and there are many Punjabi ascetics whose influence upon the people of their presidency is perhaps greater than those in others, and an interference in their habits might result in a serious danger. The prohibition might lead to alcoholic drinks - Evidence of BABU RADHIKA CHURN SEN, Kayasth, Zamindar, Berhampur.
33. There is a public opinion with regard to the use of these drugs. For instance, the use of bhang is not regarded as a social sin, while the use of ganja and charas among the higher classes is considered disreputable, although their votaries are not punished by ostracism or in any other way. Among the lower classes their use is not in any way considered reprehensible. I am not aware of the existence of any custom of worshipping the hemp plants, but bhang and ganja are sometimes placed as a native offering at the shrine of Siva. 34. It would be a privation to the habitual consumers to forego the use of the drugs. To the sadhus it would be a serious privation, for the drugs are said to exert a helpful action in the practice of what is called "hatha yogya," or the regulation of breath by systematic postures for the purposes of the concentration of mind. But in all cases there would be privation more or less after the habit is formed; for I consider that the habit of indulgence in intoxicants, whether hemp drugs or spirituous liquors, after it has been decidedly formed, produces a peculiar state of the nervous system, which becomes then almost natural to the man, and when the influence of the intoxicants is all at once withdrawn that system collapses. 35. I think it is possible to prohibit the use of charas, at least in this province. Charas is used by comparatively speaking a very small number of men; it is but rarely, if ever, imported into villages, and those who do indulge in it are not a very respectable class, or one from whose discontent any political danger can possibly arise. There is no likelihood in the case of charas of its being illicitly used. Charas is not made in this province; it is imported in small quantities from distant places; the price is higher than that of the other hemp drugs; and after its use is prohibited, it is likely that the demand would cease, or would be so small as not to make it any body's worth while to risk the dangers of smuggling. The case is different with bhang and ganja. In the first place, the consumers are a much more numerous class, including the sadhus who are notoriously held in reverence by the masses; and as the prohibition would soon come to be regarded as an interference with the liberties of those sadhus who are also religious teachers, a colorable interpretation might be put upon the prohibition as being interference with religion itself. This would be a political danger undoubtedly. In the second place, I do not think it would be practicable to prevent the illicit use of bhang at any rate, as it grows wild in the province; and nothing short of an army of excise men would be able to enforce the prohibition; while, on the other hand, the enforcement of such prohibition by the medium of under-paid men would naturally become inquisitorial in its character. It is more than possible that the prohibition would be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants and in a smaller number of instances other drugs like nux-vomica and dhatura. Ganja is produced in this country from the wild plant, but it does not come into use, because Government causes it to be destroyed. There may be very occasional illicit consumption. There is a little hemp grown in people's yards and fields, and it will be very difficult to put a stop to it. A person is not liable to punishment for allowing the plant to grow in his ground if be does not cultivate it, or if the intention of using it as ganja cannot be established. If the existence of small plants in such places were made penal, a good deal of oppression would result. If Government issues an order that the hemp plant is to be extirpated in occupied lands, it will be carried out. My statement that prohibition might be regarded as an interference with religon applies only to the followers of the Shaiv and Shakti sects. - Evidence of BABU RUGHU NANDAN PRASADHA, Zamindar, Patna.
33. The habitual use of these drugs has been always deprecated. There is no custom of worshipping hemp by any sect of the people so far as I know. 34. It would be a serious privation to several classes of consumers if they are forced to forego the use of these drugs. Persons whose occupations constantly expose them to inclemencies of weather, or who have to be in water for a long time or to keep up nights or who work in water-logged and swampy places, find in the use of these drugs sufficient protection from the dangers which their hard lives expose them to. Their number is large. - Evidence of BABU NUNDO LAL GOSSAIN, Brahmin, Zamindar, Serampore
33. The consumption of these drugs is generally regarded as degradation. In public opinion, the practice is condemned. As they are intoxicating drugs, their use is considered disreputable. There is no such custom of worshipping the hemp plant.
34. It would be a serious privation to the consumers of these drugs to forego their consumption. It would affect the health of the consumers. The answer of the last portion is not known. 35. It is not feasible to prohibit the use of any or all of these drugs. The drug would be consumed illicitly. If the price of the drugs be considerably raised, the prohibition may be enforced. The prohibition would occasion discontent among the consumers. The discontent would not amount to political danger. The prohibition may be followed by recourse to other drugs. - Evidence of GOSSAIN MOHENDRA GIR, Sanyasi, Zamindar, English Bazar, Malda.
33. The consumption of these drugs is not regarded favourably. There is a tradition that god Siva was very much addicted to the use of ganja and bhang, so people when they smoke ganja or drink bhang they have some religious sentiments, but as far as I am aware there is no social public opinion regarding it. I am not aware of any custom of worshipping the hemp plant. The use of ganja is to some extent in disrepute. It may be attributed to the fact that men of the higher class do not use it. 34. To some extent it would be a privation to people who are in the habit of smoking ganja if they are to forego the consumption of this drug. 35. In my humble opinion it would not be feasible to prohibit the use of these drugs. If it is so prohibited, there is every chance of the drug being consumed illicitly. There is also every chance of discontent among the consumers. Certainly these discontents would not amount to a political danger. In my humble opinion the prohibition would be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants and other drugs. The prohibition can be enforced by enhancing the present rate of duties. - Evidence of BABU KALIKISTO SARKAR, Kayasth, Talukdar, Kasundi, Jessore
33. The consumption of any of these drugs is considered prejudicial. The religious idea of using them is now-a-days discouraged and disreputed; though certain religious sects, mostly ascetics, regard ganja-smoking as a necessity to lead their religious life and achieve the object of their religion. Among people in this district ganja plants are not worshipped, and I have not even heard of any such custom. 34. Though ganja-smoking is thought to be injurious, still it will be a privation, specially to the labouring class of the population, to forego it altogether. And if ganja is no more allowed to them, they will mostly addict to spirit drinking which will be practically more prejudicial to their health as well as to their income. Ganja is used in this country from very traditionary times, and it is no introduction of Western civilization. To meet their cravings for intoxication it suits more the constitution of the people than any other intoxicating ingredient. 35. The prohibition of ganja in particular might occasion some discontent among certain classes that cannot do without it. But I think certain restriction is more advisable than prohibition. In my opinion no political danger except clamour is probable by such a discontent. The total prohibition of ganja will force the people to addict to alcoholic stimulants or dhatura which are regarded more injurious than ganja. - Evidence of BABU JAGAT KISHOR ACHARJEA CHAUDHURI, Brahmin, Zamindar, Muktagacha, District Mymensingh.
33. There seems to be a public opinion in regard to the practice of bhang. The use of charas and bhang produces bad effects. It is therefore that these are held in disrepute. There is no custom of worshipping hemp plant, but sometimes in performing religious works, certain people make offerings of ganja and bhang. 34. That class of consumers who have been using the drugs from a long time, and who have therefore formed a habit, will suffer a serious privation if they forege them. 35. No; if prohibition be enforced, the drugs will be used illicitly. Prohibition will occasion serious discontent among the consumers. - Evidence of BABU KAMALESWARI PERSAD, Zamindar, Monghyr.
35. (a) It would certainly be most difficult indeed—I should say absolutely impossible—to enforce total prohibition, as distinct from checking the trade by increasing the price, because hemp drugs are small in bulk and smuggling would be very easy and an army of Native subordinates and preventive officers would be needed. (b) Illicit consumption would surely go on, just as the consumption of liquor has (I understand) in American towns where total prohibition has been tried. (c) The only way of enforcing prohibition would be by forbidding the growth of the plant, making the importation or possessions or preparation of it punishable by law, and giving the Police power to search individuals, not only on frontiers, but everywhere in the country itself. These measures would be very unpopular, and even then they would be ineffectual, because the plant is found in Native States, and also grows wild in large quantities in Kashmir and Northern India, as well as (so I am told, but I doubt it) in Baluchistan. (d) Of course consumers would be very discontented if their supply of drugs were cut off. And the large number of respectable people who take bhang in water as a refrigerant in the hot weather would be justly incensed. (e) Yes —Every wandering fakir (and the Commission must know how, all over India, the richest and most enterprising of merchants, and in Native States, even high officials pay abject homage to these ascetics) would preach to his disciples the " zoolum " of the Sirkar, and say it was only another step to interference with religion. We are accustomed to despise this kind of thing too much. Taken with other things the stoppage of the drugs would be politically dangerous. (f) I cannot say how far the prohibition of drugs would lead the consumers to take to alcohol or other drugs. The tendency would be for the poor to adhere to their use, as, even if smuggled, they are cheaper than spirits. The better-to-do might in time take to alcohol. - Evidence of MR. H. E. M. JAMES, Commissioner in Sind.
33. The consumption of both the drugs, bhang and ganja, is regarded unfavourably, socially and religiously. The public opinion is against any use of the drugs religiously. General reformation of social and religious custom and the spread of education are the causes of these sentiments. Hemp plant is not worshipped by any class of people in East Bengal. 34. It would be a serious privation to those who are addicted to the drugs if they were forced to forego the consumption. The reason is obvious. Opium-eaters cannot do without opium and there are habitual ganja-smokers and bhangdrinkers who cannot do without them. It is not easily possible to give any probable number of each class. 35. Prohibition will not easily be possible or feasible; if measures be adopted, illicit consumption would be carried on Government may make laws against the use and growth of the drugs and enforce penalty for illicit consumption, but society would gain little. Government would gain little; the Police or whoever will have to carry out the operation of the law will be enriched. The discontent amongst consumers will be serious, but I do not think that there will be any political danger. I would suggest that Government make certain rules or laws appointing honest and sober villagers to form a committee or panchayat. They ought to be vested with powers to inflict social punishment, such as excommunication, etc.; they will have to look to the education of the mass, and by gradual introduction of practical reformation and by superior power of persuasion they may do something in the way of reducing consumption, and by slow progress may look to the final object. It will take long time to get even a slight reformation in this direction. The prohibition may at first induce the consumers to use dhatura or any other drug. Alcoholic stimulants will be too dear for them. - Evidence of BABU KRISHNA CHANDRA RAI, Baidya, Government Pensioner and Zamindar, District Dacca.
33. The use of these drugs is now generally regarded with hatred; the public opinion, with few exceptions, is quite against it. Of these drugs ganja is generally in disrepute. I do not know anywhere hemp plants are worshipped. 34. There may be some uneasiness at the time people forego the consumption, but after some time no such uneasiness will be felt. As is evident with the convicts in the jails, they are not allowed to continue the habit and they enjoy better health. I have no idea of the numbers of each class. 35. Yes, it will be feasible to prohibit the use of ganja and charas, but not bhang, as it is less injurious, and religion of the Hindus in a certain measure enjoins the use of it. If the use of the former two drugs be prohibited by law, I dare say no one will illicitly use them. No serious discontent will be occasioned by the prohibition, and no political danger will ensue. The prohibition will not be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulation or other drugs. - Evidence of BABU BEPIN BEHARI BOSE, Kayasth, Zamindar, Sridhanpur in Jessore
33. Ganja-smokers are generally regarded with disrepute. The public opinion as regards ganja smokers is that they associate with low people, and have no control over their passions and are excitable. Bengalis generally do not approve the use of any form of narcotic. The character of the people is mild, and the climate does not require stimulants. Bhang consumers are not regarded with disrepute. There is no custom of worshipping the hemp plant; but ganja is often given as offering to Mahadeo by the habitual execessive consumers of the Hindu sects, such as sanyasis. 34. Yes; it would be a serious privation to forego the use of ganja. People can forego their food rather than the use of these drugs. Three per cent. of the people are ganja smokers; but it would not be serious thing to forego the use of bhang. Two per cent. use bhang here. 35. It would not be feasible to prohibit the use of ganja or bhang. They would be consumed illicitly. It will be difficult to enforce the prohibition. The prohibition would occasion serious discontent among the consumers; but it would not amount to a political danger. The prohibition will be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants by ganja smokers - Evidence of M. KAZI RAYAZ-UD-DIN MAHAMED, Zamindar, Commilla, Tippera.
33. The consumption of each of these drugs is generally regarded as bad. Whoever consumes any of these drugs is unanimously considered as immoral. Even those who are habitually addicted to the use of these drugs regard it to be ill, and will never allow their children to get into these habits. The public opinion is strongly against the use of these drugs. Musalmans are strictly prohibited from using these drugs by religion. It is condemned also in society of the Musalmans. There is a Bengali proverb against the use of ganja current in Bengal. "Whoever uses ganja, his fingers grow, his shoulder gets round, he loses the name and prestige of his forefathers, and himself becomes a thief." The use of all these narcotics is generally in disrepute amongst people, and specially amongst people who are educated and enlightened. This sentiment greatly owes its origin to the spread of education and the advancement of civilisation. 34. No, the privation in foregoing the use of these drugs is only fanciful and temporary. If any one really tries to abandon this habit, he can easily do it, with a little firmness and strength of mind. Though at first it may appear to be difficult to give up the habit, but if once given up and continued for a few days with strictness, this new habit will gradually be practised and formed by course of nature. 35. It is quite practicable to prohibit the use of these drugs. If prohibited at once, they may be used illicitly; but this illicit use may be lawfully abolished. If the Government decreases year by year the amount of these drugs permitted to be sold, then in a few years the whole country may be free from these poisonous drugs, which injure people physically, morally, and in respect of money. If at once the use of these drugs is prohibited, then the consumers may be discontented, but the discontent cannot amount to any political danger, because the consumers are mostly poor, mean, and paltry fellows. If the prohibition is done slowly, as already mentioned, then most of them will not even be able to perceive the abolition.- Evidence of SYAD ABDUL JABBAR, Zamindar, Commilla, Tippera.
33. Except tobacco, smoking all other intoxicating things is disreputable amongst all classes of natives. 34. I think it will be a serious privation to the cultivators and labourers, because, I understand ganja smoking stimulates to work and makes one impervious to heat and cold, and it is beyond their means to have a substitute. 35. I do not think it would be feasible to prohibit the use of any. Probably the prohibited drug would be consumed illicitly. It will be difficult to enforce prohibition, and any attempt to do so is almost sure to occasion discontent not only among the consumers, but probably among others also. Such discontent may or may not amount to a political danger; but it cannot be denied that every such discontent has a tendency to develop and amount to a danger. The prohibition is likely to be followed by illicit consumption. In some cases it might be followed by alcoholic stimulants - Evidence of BABU JOGENDRA KISHORE RAI CHAUDHURI, Zamindar, Ramgopalpur, District Mymensingh.
33. The use of ganja and bhang is generally in disrepute. Its plant is not worshipped here. 34. We are of opinion that to forego the consumption of ganja and bhang would be no privation to any class of the consumers. 35. The use of ganja and bhang can be easily prohibited. If practicable they will be illicitly consumed. It can be enforced by prohibiting the cultivation of its plants. There will be no discontent and no political danger. The prohibition will not be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants. - Evidence of BABU KALI PRASAD SINGH, Rajput, Zamindar, District Bhagalpur.
33. The consumption of these drugs is blameable. There is no custom of worshipping the bhang and ganja plants. 34. Mathura Chaubes and bairagis would suffer by giving up bhang. - Evidence of BABU GOPAL SINGH, Zamindar, Kumarsar, Bhagalpur.
33. There is no religious or social feeling against the consumption of these drugs, nor does any disrepute attach to the practice. The hemp plant is not worshipped on certain occasions more than other crops are. 34. The privation would not be serious. Those addicted to the consumption of these drugs would feel the want of them for a few weeks, and would be disinclined for exertion of any kind till the craving wore off. No serious harm would result. 35.Prohibition could be easily enforced as in the case of opium, and illicit consumption would not be general. There would be no serious discontent, and certainly no political danger, at any rate in rural tracts. The prohibition could not be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants in the case of the higher castes, who must not touch alcoholic liquor of any kind. Such castes might take to opium, but this is doubtful; the lower castes would generally take to alcoholic stimulants. - Evidence of MR. L. H. MYLNE, Zamindar and Indigo-planter, Justice of the Peace, President of Independent Bench of Honorary Magistrates, Chairman of Jugdispur Municipality, District Shahabad.
33. The moderate use of these drugs is, in no way, in disrepute. 34. Yes; I think it would be a serious privation, as those accustomed to the drug take it regularly, and state they cannot do without it. 35. It would be, I think, feasible to prohibit the use of these drugs. Of course, it would create a little discontent amongst those who habitually use the drugs, but their numbers are so few that such discontent could not amount to a political danger. The prohibition would most likely lead to recourse to some other drug or to alcohol. - Evidence of MR. JOHN D. GWILT, Tea Planter, Longview Company, Limited, Darjeeling.
33. I believe it is generally regarded as baneful. 34. To habitual consumers of the drug its prohibition would be a privation for a time at least, but would be beneficial to them eventually, I think. 35. It would, I think, be feasible to prohibit to a certain extent. - Evidence, of MR. JNO. RUDD RAINEY, Proprietor of "Khulna Estate," Khulna.
33. Hemp plant is not worshipped.35. No; if so, would be consumed illicitly, and prohibition would cause grumbling among consumers. It would not cause political danger. - Evidence of Mr. A. G. M. WODSCHOW, Assistant Manager, Indigo and Zamindari, Dumur Factory, Purnea
33. I think public opinion, either social or religious, is not in favour of the consumption of any of these drugs. On the contrary, the consumers are looked down upon by the society. The reason why they are held in such disrepute lies, perhaps, in the fact that the consumers generally come from the lowest class of society and form the dregs of it. I am not aware of people worshipping the hemp plant on any occasion. 34. I do not think that the habit of smoking ganja is such that consumers cannot shake it off. I have enquired of a number of persons who have been addicted to ganja smoking, and their unanimous testimony is that the habit may be broken off. I kept a notorious hemp smoker, after I had got these questions, in close custody for about nine hours, and it did not seem that he felt any very serious uncomfortableness at this privation. Jail reports of the newly admitted prisoners bear this fact out. 35. I think it is feasible to prohibit the use of all these drugs without creating any very serious discontent, though there might be some at the beginning. Our past experience shows that any political danger is, to say the least of it, an impossibility. The only case in which the suppression of any social custom or religious rites by any legislative enactment brought on political danger was that which caused the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857. But the history of India has other illustrations to hold out, which prove that there is no such apprehension. The suppression of the Thugs, the sati during the Viceroyalty of Lord William Bentinck, and the enforcement of the Consent Bill in the teeth of such universal opposition from every province of Bengal have not led to any disturbance. These were customs which affected the whole country very intimately. But the consumption of these drugs, which has obtained only among an infinitesimally small fraction of the population, and that of such a nature as are without both light and culture, cannot, if prohibited, bring on any sort of disturbance. Such a state of things is never expected from these loyal subjects. I don't think that the prohibition will tend to introduce illicit consumption—even if it does, it is sure not to endure long; I think the present consumers of these drugs may then get addicted to alcoholic drinks. The only means for such prohibition is legislative interference. - Evidence of BABU SASI BHUSAN ROY, Manager, Dubalhati Raj Estate, Rajshahi District.
35. The use of charas should be prohibited and that of ganja and bhang restricted by some legislative enactment. This procedure would neither produce any serious discontent nor cause any political danger - Evidence of BASSUNTO KUMAR ROY, Zamindar and Medical Practitioner, 24-Parganas.
33. Yes, there is a strong public opinion, both social and religious, in favour of the practice. The hemp plant is not worshipped in any ceremony, but it is held in great veneration by jogis, bairagis, and other religious mendicants. 34. It would certainly be serious to a very large class of consumers. 35. It would be feasible to prohibit, but difficult to enforce. An army of excise men could not prevent the illicit growth and consumption. The prohibition would not drive Hindu devotees to alcoholic stimulant; to others it would. - Evidence of Mr. H. M. WEATHERALL, Manager, Nawab's Estate, Tippera.
33. Notion for ganja-smoking—bad. Meanness and a certain amount of moral degradation are attached to the habit of smoking ganja and charas; no bad repute is attached to siddhi. No evil effects. 34. No. If a habitual ganja or charas smoker be denied the use of these drugs, he may feel little physical uneasiness for a certain number of days, then it ceases. 35. I think it quite feasible to abolish or prohibit the use of ganja and charas, but not siddhi or bhang. There is little chance of ganja and charas being illicitly consumed. The people do not know how these drugs are manufactured. Prohibition of the use of ganja and charas would create slight discontent among the ganja and charas smokers, and that for a time only; neither it would create any political danger. But the prohibition of bhang would assuredly create general and widespread discontent among all classes of the people, because the drug is highly valuable in connection with the preparation of some highly useful medicines of the Indian school; besides, the moderate use of the drug is rather wholesome than injurious. Prohibition of these drugs would not, I believe, lead to the use of alcohol. - Evidence of BABU AGHORE NATH BANERJI, Vice-Chairman, Serampore Municipality, District Hughli.
33. The general public opinion is against the use of these drugs. Many educated people consider it a great evil, which ought to be classed with infanticide, human sacrifices, Sati, and the atrocities committed at the Charak festival which Hinduism had the honour to permit, inculcate and practise, but for the intervention of the strong hand of the British Government. Some Hindus who are slaves to the use of these drugs might defend it on religious grounds, but Hinduism based on bhang and ganja is a social evil which should not be tolerated by any right-thinking person as well as the Government. I have not seen or heard of the worship of the hemp plant. Question 33. [oral evidence] —The educated people to whom I refer in this answer are people with whom I am acquainted, who have received an English education, students, but not orthodox Hindus. I can't give the number of such people, but they belong to Calcutta, Bankipur, Gaya, Monghyr. If you want to put down the classes to which they belong, I would say Kabirpanthis, Nanak Shahies, Dayanandies, Bramo Somajis, Muhammadans, and every one except bigoted Hindus. My answer needs no modification. Bigoted Hindus are not averse to temperance movements. A certain class are in favor of ganja, the Shaivs, not the Vaishnavs, who are against the drugs. A very small proportion of the Hindus are bigoted. The proportion given in question 24 does not refer to the opinion of the people, but to the number who take the drug, as shown in answer 30. Many who are induced or forced to take the drug share the strong opinion described in answer 33. The proportion mentioned in answer 24 must be taken exclusive of Muhammadans. The meaning of the last sentence of the first paragraph of my answer is that if the prohibition of bhang and ganja will cause Hinduism to fall, then let it fall. 34. It would be a privation to the consumers if the drugs are prohibited; but it is not likely to be a serious one When some of the habitual consumers are put in jail for the commission of some crime, they do not get these intoxicants there, and they generally do well and gain flesh and health. 35. It would be quite feasible, and is most desirable to prohibit the use of these drugs, except when required medicinally on the prescription of a duly qualified medical practitioner. There will be some discontent amongst the consumers, but no political danger whatever is apprehended, as the Muhammadans, as a rule, are against these intoxicants, and several sects amongst the Hindus and many educated people look down upon it with horror. In some instances people may take to other intoxicants, but not as a rule. I say that people would not take to other drugs on prohibition being ordered, because I have known people to give up alcohol and opium. - Evidence of the REV. PREM CHAND, Missionary, B. M. S., Gaya.
33. By people generally the use of these drugs is accounted harmful. They consider that it leads to serious complaints, turns the blood black, gravely affects the chest, and brings on early death. Some people think that bhang and ganja aid digestion or keep off malaria; but the general sentiment is against these drugs. It is very commonly known that they are largely taken for their aphrodisiacal properties. 34. It certainly would be felt as a very great privation; but in reality health would improve by that privation. At the usual time for smoking if the drug cannot be got, there is much uneasiness. Some say that the eyes begin to water. Then, of course, there is the craving. But these things are not "serious." It is the results of use that are serious, and not the results of leaving off. 35. (a) Yes. (b) Probably for a time at least. (c) Cultivation could be checked largely. (d), (e), and (f) Discontent, but not "serious." Not the slightest political danger. Probably to alcoholic stimulants. Let us hope that other dangerous drugs, such as opium, will be treated in the same way, and so be largely out of reach. 35. The feasibility of prohibition applies to ganja. I am doubtful if bhang could be prohibited, as it is made only from the leaves of the plant which grows wild. My impression is that devotees universally use ganja. I do not think that that constitutes any difficulty in the way of prohibition. I do not think the consequences of prohibition would be serious in view of the fact. The moderate use of ganja by the working population has not come under my observation. I have heard of such use. I should expect the first six classes mentioned in my answer No. 27 to furnish a large number of moderate consumers. I hardly care to distinguish between opium, alcohol, and ganja. I regard them all as bad. My mind is so impressed with the evil effects of excessive use that I do not care to consider the moderate use. I would wish Government to begin with ganja, to proceed with little delay against opium, and then tackle alcohol. I prefer this as a matter of policy, because ganja is easiest dealt with. I am prepared to prohibit all three intoxicants on account of the evil which I see done by all of them.' - Evidence of the REVD. W. B. PHILLIPS, Missionary, London Missionary Society, Calcutta.
33. The educated and higher classes of the people have a deep abhorrence for ganja. It is regarded as injurious both to body and mind. Public opinion is always against the practice. 34. It would be a serious privation, at least for some time, for the excessive consumer of ganja to forego it altogether. But such is not the case with the consumers of the other two drugs. 35. (a) Yes. (b) Not possible. (c) Gradually and by substituting coffee or tea instead. (d) The prohibition may cause discontent among the excessive consumers of ganja only, but for a short time. No apprehension of political danger therefrom. (f) The prohibition would not necessarily be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants or other dugs, for such are costly, and in most cases against the religious teaching of the consumers. - Evidence of the REVD. G. C. DUTT, Missionary, Khulna.
33. Public opinion sanctions the moderate use of bhang. The use of ganja is always in disrepute, except in the case of ascetics. This sentiment is is due to the bad effects produced by ganja, especially the irritable temper and impulsive violence generally noticed in the consumer. Ganjaconsumer is a word of reproach, meaning one who acts as if he has lost all sense. There is no custom of worshipping the hemp plant. 34. It will be a serious privation to ganjasmokers to forego the consumption of the drug, only when the practice is old and becomes a habit. Charas is not habitually used in smoking. The foregoing of the drug will not be a serious privation. The consumption of bhang is an inveterate habit with many, and the foregoing of the drug will be a serious privation to many. 35. It would not be feasible to prohibit the use of ganja and bhang, but it would be feasible to prohibit the use of charas. Certainly there will be illicit consumption of ganja and bhang. The prohibition of these drugs would occasion serious discontent among the consumers. As the prohibition will affect Naga Sadhus, who are very assertive of their rights and fearlessly bold, and a large number of people of the illiterate classes, it may lead to some sort of political danger. - Evidence of BABU PURNENDU NARAYAN SINHA, Kayasth, Pleader and Zamindar, Bankipur, District Patna.
33. It is an opprobrium to the gentleman or Bhadralok classes to make a public display of their habit of smoking ganja or charas. The plant is never known to be an object of religious worship or veneration. 34. It would be a serious thing to several classes of consumers if they are required to forego the use of the drugs. Bhang is a remedy to those who are suffering from chronic bowel complaints or want of appetite. Ganja is not only a solace, but a necessity of life to persons who work in the sun and keep up nights, or who undergo hard manual work. 35. It would not be feasible to prohibit the use of this drug by compulsory legislation. The use of the drugs (ganja and bhang) may be viewed as a necessity considering the climate of the country and the condition of its people. The use of the drug is so bound up with the habits of the people that its prohibition will be considered a hardship. The use of the drugs is so great a necessity to them that it would be practically impossible to prohibit the use. The result of the prohibition is apprehended to bring illicit consumption to a large extent. Certainly the prohibition will occasion serious discontent. Of course there is no political danger because the discontented people are not many in number in comparison of the population of the country. The prohibition will be followed by recourse (a) to alcoholic stimulants. Another grave issue hangs upon the question. There can be no doubt that the drug in one form or other is in extensive use at the present time; and that from ages it has been so used is evidenced in the ancient works of Hindu sages and philosophers. Their Great God—Mahadeb—was a votary of this drug, and ancient writings have sanctified its use on that account. There are numerous passages in the writings of the ancient sages in which the taking of siddhi (bhang) is strongly recommended. For instance, in the Debi Purana, a book held in high respect amongst the Tantriks of this country, occurs the following passage:—"It being said that siddhi is contemplation." "O Goddess, drink it for purposes of contemplation, as by drinking it, ever and anon, Mahadeva attained immorality." I venture to think that it would not be good policy to deprive the country of its use. Moreover, the drug is an intoxicant and very many people take it with the object of obtaining the relief and happiness which it furnishes to its users. Thus, the craving for the intoxicant has become the prevailing passion of the people, and if law removes the drug from the category of licensed article for popular consumption, popular taste and tendency for intoxicants will surely be diverted to something else, and that something is as surely to be the poisonous drink which goes by the name of imported liquor. The prohibitive enactment would thus lead the people from a less to a greater evil. Before the days of the Excise Law, people used the drug with perfect freedom; and if in those days the people had the good sense of using the drug in such proportions as to avoid the disasters of excessive indulgence, the introduction of the restrictions under the Excise Law still further advanced the cause of moderation, and protected the people against possible extravagance in its use. The Excise Law itself is a safeguard against the possible evil. Viewing the question from these points, prohibition is neither feasible nor desirable. All that can be recommended in this connection, if we assume that, from informations gathered that there is evidence of demoralization of popular tendencies, and a depreciation of popular energies, that the law may be modified so as to stay the course of those evils and save the people from themselves. - Evidence of BABU MAHENDRA CHANDRA MITRA, Kayasth, Pleader, Honorary Magistrate, and Municipal Chairman, Naihati, 24-Parganas.
33. The use of all these drugs is generally held in disrepute, but the odium is greater in the case of charas than in that of bhang, and still greater in the case of ganja. This is generally the turn of public opinion. In regard to Muhammadans, this opinion may be regarded as religious, but with the Hindus it is merely social. It is a religious prohibition for the Muhammadans to use anything that intoxicates; and though this is not the case with all the different sects of Hindus, yet they generally regard the use of any intoxicating drug as morally wrong, except when it is for spiritual benefit, such as concentration of mind, etc. It is to this I think that the sentiment of disrepute has its origin. I do not know of any custom of worshipping the hemp plant. I have never seen any. 34. No doubt habitual consumers may feel some difficulty in giving up the habit, but I do not think the difficulty even with the habitual excessive consumers would be so great as it is with confirmed opium-eaters or opium-smokers. Though I personally do not know any, I have heard of cases in which confirmed opium-eaters, when imprisoned, have given up the habit under compulsion, though with extreme difficulty, sometimes necessitating their removal to hospital for a time. Ganjasmokers, when imprisoned, have never been heard to have presented any such piteous spectacle. With regard to consumers of charas and bhang, the difficulty is still less. Bhang consumers may give up the habit without any serious difficulty. 35. I think it would be feasible. There would certainly be some tendency to the illicit consumption of the drugs if the use of it be prohibited. The prohibition may be enforced by legislative measures. A register of the consumers in each village may be prepared through the agency of the police; and if these persons in particular are kept under proper and constant surveillance, the prohibition will, I think, be effectively enforced. No doubt the prohibition would occasion some discontent among the consumers, but not of a very serious nature. I do not think the discontent would amount to a political danger. The discontent would be confined to consumers, and they would have little or no sympathy from the outside public, who hold the consumers in disrepute. It is quite probable in some cases, that the prohibition would be followed by recourse to other stimulants. - Evidence of BABU MADHAVA CHANDRA CHATTERJEE, Brahmin, Pleader, District Court, Dinajpur.
33. The hemp-smokers are often hated. The public opinion (both social and religious) is against the practice. The use of the narcotics in excess, except for medicinal purposes, is held in disrepute, as the people addicted to these vices, render themselves useless to the society, become prey to the innumerable ailments, lose their mental activity, cultivate all the beastly propensities which the human mind may be subject to, and impoverish the family. There is no custom of worshipping the hemp plant prevalent in this part. It is not even heard of. - Evidence of SYED RIYAZ UDDIN QUAZI, Pleader, Bogra.
34. No, no serious privation. 35. Yes, it is feasible gradually. It cannot be done by one stroke. The only way to make it practicable is to gradually diminish the area under cultivation. If half of the area at present cultivated is only allowed to cultivate in the next year, and if there be an annual decrease of 10 per cent. in the succeeding years, it may be fairly hoped that it would be feasible to prohibit the use of ganja to a great extent for intoxicating purposes. Care should also be taken to raise the market price by doubling the rate of the standard duty now in vogue. The drug does not grow in any other tract than those defined in my answer to question No. 7. And if strict vigilance is enforced in that tract, the illicit consumption will be rendered almost impossible. Of course, it would occasion a sort of discontent among the excessive consumers for some time, and will not last long. There are evidences in the jail records that the ganjasmokers, who are imprisoned for a considerable time, are not allowed to smoke ganja in the jail, and they do not feel much distress by it, and they actually give up the habit when they are released. The political danger is out of question. In some cases the prohibition may be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulant known as toddy, but the proportion will not be significant. - Evidence of SYED RIYAZ UDDIN QUAZI, Pleader, Bogra.
33. (a) and (b) Consumption of ganja is generally considered as hateful and disreputable. The smokers generally go by the name of ganjakhor, a term used in contempt. This sentiment is attributable to its non-use by the higher classes. (c) Not known - Evidence of BABU PARAMESHWAR DAN, Kshetrya, Pleader, Judge's Court, Vice- Chairman, District Board, Dinajpur.
34. Ganja-smokers would feel it a serious privation if they are to forego the consumption, because they contract a habit and feel refreshed by smoking. 35. It is not feasible to prohibit the use of ganja. Its prohibition would occasion discontent, but would not amount to a political danger. Its prohibition would be followed by recourse to alcoholic and other drugs. - Evidence of BABU PARAMESHWAR DAN, Kshetrya, Pleader, Judge's Court, Vice- Chairman, District Board, Dinajpur.
33. Sanyasis are respected by people. Lowcaste people are not respected. 35. The prohibition of the use of ganja is likely to create discontent among the smokers. - Evidence of BABU UMA KANTA GHATAK, Brahmin, Government Pleader, Bogra.
33. When among rishis and fakirs, it is regarded as religious, and in other cases otherwise. Yes, disrepute. The people who use it generally become headstrong. The worshipping of ganja and bhang is prevalent, but nothing is known about hemp plant. 34. Yes, especially to those who use it habitually, as it may bring diseases; and also the low and labouring classes will not be able to labour as hard as they do, the drug being stimulant to them. 35. The use of charas may be restricted, but not ganja and bhang. Yes, very difficult to enforce prohibition. Yes, there would be serious discontent, though no political danger. No other alcoholic stimulants would do. - Evidence of PUNDIT RAKHAL CHUNDER TEWARY, Brahmin, Pleader and Honorary Magistrate, Diamond Harbour, 24-Parganas.
33. It is regarded unfavourably. Yes, there is public opinion, but entirely social, not at all religious. The public opinion in regard to ganja is that smokers of it are considered low and irritable or inconsiderate. This disrepute is due among other reasons to: (1) it is no longer a fashionable intoxicant; (2) consumers mostly being not middle or higher class people; (3) consumers generally being very irritable. The word "ganjasmoker" (ganja-khor) has come to mean inconsiderate and rough. There is no custom here of worshipping the hemp plant. 34. It surely will be a serious privation to consumers to forego ganja-smoking, if the habit has been formed. Taking the adult male population to be two crores in Bengal, I should say the number of consumers will be somewhere about ten lakhs. 35. In case of prohibition it will be very difficult, I believe, to prevent illicit consumption, which will in all likelihood follow in not a few instances. Prohibition will produce great dissatisfaction among the consumers, but it will not be "serious." Such dissatisfaction or discontent will certainly not amount to a political danger. I believe the prohibition in many cases will be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants. - Evidence of BABU SASADHAR ROY, Brahmin, Pleader and Honorary Magistrate, Rajshahi
33. The consumers of any of these drugs (with the exception of persons occasionally taking siddhi or bhang) are generally treated with contempt in society. They are generally considered as untrustworthy, incompetent to manage any business through lazy habits which the practice is believed to engender. Those who use the drugs are found to be worthless, hence the consumers are treated with contempt. I am not aware of any custom of worshipping the hemp plant. 34. The discontinuance of the use of the ganja may be regarded as a privation to the houseless religious mendicants, who believe that they overcome hunger and bad weather, as well as all melancholy thoughts, by the use of the ganja. They are lost to the society, and anything which makes them the more so is welcome by them. The discontinuance would not be a privation to any others, but would be a blessing, as it would make them more economic, active and careful about their family. 35. Yes, it is desirable that the use of the drugs be put a stop to. This can be done by prohibiting the cultivation of hemp and destroying it wherever it grows spontaneously, as also prohibiting foreign imports. All illicit consumptions may be prevented by a strict vigilance and enforcement of the Excise Law, prohibiting the use of any of the drugs except for medicinal purposes. The prohibition can be enforced in the same way as the law as to the offering to sale or having in possession any unwholesome food or drink is enforced. There would be no doubt discontent in the minds of the consumers, but that would not be serious, nor would there be any political danger. The consumers have very little position in society, and are conscious of their guilt. They would not fail to perceive the noble intention of the Government. Yes, the prohibition would be followed by recourse to (a) alcoholic stimulants or (b) to the use of tobacco or opium. In the majority of cases, the use of tobacco smoking to excess would be resorted to. - Evidence of BABU JADUNATH KANJILAL, Brahmin, Pleader, Judge's Court, Hughli.
33. Charas smoking is called "bhadraloker nesha" (luxury of the gentleman class). Ganjakhor is a term of reproach or ridicule. Yet these people are not socially degraded; on the contrary, ganja smokers are regarded as simple men who hate to speak falsehood, and are generally fair in their dealings with the world. Great songsters generally have a smoke before music. They consider it necessary to concentrate their energy. Society in one respect loves ganja and opium smokers for their drollery. Like Irish bulls, there are numberless stories regarding these men. The father of Sir Raja Radhakant Deb and Babu Durga Charan Mukerji of Bagh Bazar, Calcutta, used frequently to entertain these people. Durga Charan is reputed to have spent three lakhs upon them. The great Hindu god Siva, our first surgeon and physician, who was the first to introduce inductive philosophy in the world, was a ganja smoker; hence ganja is considered a thing necessary for ascetics. The hemp plant is not considered sacred. 34. Yes, it will be a serious privation to all religions men to cultivators, small traders— in short to all but a few educated men who have taken to drinking liquor. Siva was a ganja smoker. Abolish ganja, and I shall not be responsible for the peace of a hamlet. Hindu jogis, Muhammadan fakirs will proclaim throughout the land that the sirkar want to introduce English beer and Scotch and Irish whisky by abolishing ganja. The cry of "religion in danger" will be raised. There will be discontent and rebellion, in which all sects are sure to join. Remember that ganja is the only stimulant of the mass, and sanyasis and fakirs. Except the higher classes, the rest are given to use of ganja and siddhi. Of course the use of opium is far more extensive. In the sepoy army, ganja, siddhi and opium are extensively used. After a march these are used. The peasant, after hard toil, smokes ganja and drinks bhang. In Bengal bhang is less used. But ganja is, par excellence, the only solace of the poor. You may as well try to abolish the use of tea in Great Britain. 35. There will be illicit growth as it is now; High duty has already led to illicit manufacture of country liquors. The dealers sell these, else how can a Sonthal get drunk at the expense of half anna? There will be an increase in the consumption of liquor. Poor people will not be able to buy "regulation liquor." The police already shut their eyes to illicit manufacture of liquor. The evil will be universal. Revenue will suffer; and we will be a nation of drunkards, instead of being the most sober people in the world. The prohibition will be a political danger before which the greased cartridge agitation was child's play. Ganja is even now secretly cultivated. This evil will increase. The Russian Government, with all their police spies, etc., can't shut out objectionable literature. It will be insanity to hope that ganja, siddhi or opium can be abolished altogether. Stop these, dhatura, kuchila (strychnine), etc., will stand in their place. - Evidence of BABU BEPRODAS BANERJEE, Brahman, Pleader, Newspaper Editor, and Chairman, Baraset Municipality.
35. I think that alcohol would be the first drug to be generally substituted for hemp drugs for the sake of accustomed stimulation. I judge from the experience of fishermen and such people in providing for their need in this way. This is more expensive than hemp drugs at present. Then I think they would take to dhatura, which is found growing all around. I know that dhatura is not used now ; but it might be used if hemp drugs were stopped. Opium also might be used. I do not think that nux vomica would be used. It is not common in Thana, and it is a spinal stimulant and would not be popular. So also the twitching and tetanic spasms caused by aconite would prevent its being used for pleasure. It is true that dhatura is viewed with great apprehension by the people, but it produces in moderation similar effects to those found in the early stages of ganja-smoking, and might be used. Some natives know that we give dhatura in cigarettes for asthma ; and those who take ganja, for relief in asthma would take to dhatura. But the people generally would not take to dhatura so long as they could get alcohol or opium. - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR K. R. KIRTIKAR, Civil Surgeon, Thana, and Medical Officer, Thana Depot and District Jail
33. Siddhis are used mostly by up-country men of middle and higher classes. The most of them use it; they do not indulge in any other intoxicating drugs. For this there is no social disrepute. The natives use siddhi for medicinal purposes. Charas was used formerly by men in their young age, but now educated Bengalis hate it, and they are used by up-country men. Ganja, if used by any rich native, is used after being merged in rose-water for a whole day. The bhadralok use ganja privately. The up-country men and the low class Hindus and jogis use publicly and openly. Men say that lakhichharas (penniless persons use ganja). I have never heard of a ganja plant being ever worshipped by any Hindu. 34. Yes, it would be a serious privation to any class of consumers to forego the consumption of the drug. My idea is that if the habit of using siddhi and charas be discontinued, that would affect the consumers most; but in ganja cases, 50 per cent. would die of darrhœa and rheumatism, if this habit be suddenly discontinued. This is my conjectural opinion. 35. According to my opinion, it is not desirable to prohibit the use of these drugs. If prohibited, it would be consumed illicitly. Yes, this prohibition would occasion serious discontent. But there is no chance of any political danger. Yes, it is probable that this prohibition would be followed by recourse to other stimulants. This prohibition can be enforced by legislative enactment and judicial sentence, by enforcing penalty upon the consumers of ganja. - Evidence of BABU NOBO GOPAL BOSE RAI CHOWDHOORY, Kayasth, Talukdar and Judge's Court Pleader (late Munsiff of Nator), Memari, Burdwan District.
33. The consumption of ganja, charas and siddhi is always looked with disfavour by the people. Excepting the sanyasis, nobody ever supports the custom of using these drugs. These narcotics are ever in disrepute. Ganja and charas undermine the intellect and make a man devoid of common sense and totally unfit for the world. People never trust a ganja or charas smoker. As soon as a man is known to have contracted a habit of smoking, he is put down for lost. His Lakshmi (or goddess of Fortune) is said to desert him, and people believe that he will be a ruined man before long. In a word, the consumption of these drugs by a man is always looked with horror. I know of no custom of worshipping the hemp plant. Question 33.[oral evidence]—These remarks entirely refer to the excessive consumption of ganja. But sometimes the moderate use develops into the excessive. Therefore people are generally afraid of their friends and relatives contracting the habit. The remarks regarding effects, however, I desire distinctly to confine to the excessive use. 34. If sanyasis have to forego the consumption of ganja, they would regard it as a serious privation; and so would inveterate smokers among householders. To others, it won't be any privation at all. These remarks hold good in the cases of siddhi and charas also. Barring the sanyasis, the number of those who would suffer any serious privation to forego the consumption of these drugs is, I think, only 5 per cent. of the consumers. 35. It would be feasible to prohibit the use of ganja and charas. Siddhi may be allowed to be used. In that case, ganja and charas won't be illicitly consumed. The prohibition of ganja and charas may be enforced by levying a heavy tax upon them. The prohibition won't occasion any serious discontent among the consumers; and the discontent would never amount to a political danger. Ganja and charas should not be prohibited altogether by legislation. They should be heavily taxed; so that consumers would get only a very small quantity for what they can afford to expend on them. Necessity would compel them to use small quantities; and from small quantities, they may give up the habit altogether. The prohibition in certain cases may be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants. - Evidence of BABU ABINAS CHANDRA DASS, M. A., B. L., Pleader, Judge's Court, Bankura.
33. Ganja or bhang consumers are generally hated by the respectable people, because their use is connected with something low or detestable. 34. It would be serious privation, no doubt, to many smokers. 35. It would not be feasible to prohibit the use of any of these drugs. The prohibition may lead to the habit of drinking alcoholic stimulants. - Evidence of BABU ANANGO MOHAN NAHA, Kayasth, Judge's Court Pleader, Comilla, Tippera District
33. Yes. a ganja-smoker is held in disrepute here. A ganja-smoker is not generally believed. It is the general belief that if you give a chillum of ganja to a man you can make him do anything. A ganja-smoker cannot do without it. In courts of justice we find sometimes witnesses being crossexamined as to whether they smoke ganja; if the answer be in the affirmative, it is sought to be inferred that the witness is of disreputable character and that he has been gained over by the party producing him to depose in his favour. 34. It would be a serious privation to the working class, who use it as a stimulant. But their number is small, say one in a thousand. 35. It is not feasible to prohibit it altogether, though it may be restricted. In districts where the drugs are not grown, prohibition would lead to illicit importation from districts where they are grown. Prohibition would, of course, occasion discontent among the consumers, but it would not certainly amount to a political danger, as the general public would not sympathise with them. Prohibition is not likely to be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants or other drugs, such as opium, as they are more costly and as these stimulants are of a different character. - Evidence of BABU KAILAS CHANDRA DUTTA, Baidya, Vakil, Judge's Court, Comilla, Tippera District.
34. There would be no serious privation to consumers to forego the consumption of the drug they use. 35. It would be feasible to prohibit the use of any of these drugs. It would be consumed illicitly if procurable. The prohibition could be enforced by forbidding cultivation. The prohibition would occasion for a time a slight discontent which would not amount to political danger. Half the number only would have recourse to alcoholic stimulants or other drugs. - Evidence of Mr. DHANJISHA DADABHOY, Parsi, District Superintendent of Police, Thana.
33. Any one addicted to the use of ganja is looked down upon as morally degraded, although there seems to be no public opinion against the practice in either a social or religious point of view. But such is not the case with regard to the use of bhang, which is a comparatively innocuous drug. 34. To the labouring classes of people, which form the bulk of the ganja-smoking population in these districts, it would be a serious privation to prohibit its use. 35. As regards ganja, though it may be possible by legislative enactment or raising the taxation to control its use to a certain extent, yet it would not be feasible to prohibit its consumption altogether for in that case the inevitable result will be the illicit consumption. The prohibition no doubt will be attended with serious discontent among the consumers, but is not likely to create any political danger. If ganja is prohibited, the consumers will naturally resort to dhatura or some such narcotic drug, but not to alcoholic stimulants, inasmuch as the latter would be more costly luxury. - Evidence of BABU MOHINI MOHAN BURDHAN, Kayasth, District Government Pleader of Tippera.
33. The public opinion is against the consumers. 34. No serious privation to forego their use. 35. It would be feasible to prohibit their use. It would be difficult to consume them illicitly. The prohibition can be enforced by stopping licenses and importation. Will not cause serious discontent. No political danger will follow. Prohibition would not be followed by a recourse to (a) or (b) - Evidence of BABU TARA NATH CHUCKERBUTTY, Brahmin, Government Pleader, Faridpur.
35. (a) No, (b) It would be consumed illicitly. (c) It could not be enforced. (d) Yes. (e) Possibly. (f) Probably to both, if the prohibition could be enforced - Evidence of MAJOR T. R. M. MACPHERSON, District Superintendent of Police, Poona
33. The consumption of ganja is generally regarded as a disreputable and vulgar practice. It is commonly associated with lower classes of people; and the coarseness of the intoxicant, coupled with the depravity which follows its long use and the mental debility arising therefrom, may be taken as the basis of the aversion with which ganja-smokers are generally regarded by the public. I know of no such worship. 34. It would certainly be a privation for some time to the consumers to forego the consumption of the drugs they use. For obvious reasons the privation would be very great, if not altogether serious, in the case of habitual smokers of each class, the precise number of which it is rather difficult to estimate. 35. In places where ganja and charas are not locally produced it might be practicable to prohibit these drugs; but it would be difficult to prohibit bhang, which is extensively produced throughout the country. Such prohibition would, no doubt, create discontent among consumers; but such discontent could hardly amount to a political danger. Prohibition might, however, naturally enough, be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants, as all intoxicants are found to be more or less interchangeable - Evidence of BABU AMVIKA CHARAN MAZUMDAR,* Vaidya, Pleader and Zamindar, Faridpur.
33. The consumption of ganja is generally regarded as something bad and demoralizing. I am not aware of any public opinion, social or religious, in regard to the practice. The public generally attach shame to its use: they look down upon those who consume the drug; the very word ganja-khor (consumers of ganja) is a word of reproach. The sentiment entertained against the consumers is attributable principally to the disreputable life and bad character of the majority of the habitual and excessive consumers. I am not aware of any custom of worshipping the hemp plant on any occasion by any class of people. 34. In my opinion it would be a serious privation to habitual consumers of ganja, both moderate and excessive, to forego the consumption of the drug. In case of moderate consumers of ganja of the lower and labouring classes, the use of the drug enables them to undertake difficult and laborious works without feeling much fatigue. In case of the excessive consumers of the drug, a giving up of the habit may produce serious diseases. I am sorry I am unable to give the probable numbers of each class; the number would, however, be very small. 35. Under the present state of affairs, I would not consider it feasible to prohibit the use of the drugs. A prohibition may lead the consumers to consume it illicitly. Besides, it is likely to drive them to the use of more harmful intoxicants, such as alcohol and dhatura. Ganja is certainly bad, but alcohol is worse. I doubt not a prohibition of the use of the drugs would occasion serious discontent among the consumers, though I am not prepared to go to the extent of saying that the discontent may amount to a political danger. - Evidence of BABU BHUVAN MOHUN SANYAL, Brahmin, Government Pleader, Purnea.
33. Bhang drinking is scarcely taken notice of, but the consumption of ganja and charas is generally regarded with hatred. The public opinion (social) is everywhere strong against it. The sentiment may be attributed to the fact that the ganja and charas smokers are always low-lived, have scarcely any sense of honour or of duty, are victims of many filthy diseases and generally meet with early death. I am not aware of any custom of worshipping the hemp plant on certain occasions by certain sects of the people. 34. To those who drink bhang for medicinal purposes, I think it would be a serious privation to forego the consumption of the drug. To ganja and charas smokers it would be a privation, no doubt, for some time. The bhang-drinkers are likely to suffer in health and spirits if they are to forego its consumption. The ganja and charas smokers will feel some difficulty for a number of days, but afterwards they would be gainers in health, so the foregoing of its use will be of no privation to them. 35. I do not think it feasible to prohibit the use of bhang, as it is sometimes used or drunk for medicinal purposes, but I think the use of ganja and charas can be feasibly prohibited. It may be consumed illicitly. Certainly the prohibition will occasion serious discontent among the consumers. Such discontent can never amount to a political danger. I think where the means will allow, prohibition may be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants. But as the people who smoke ganja and charas are generally poor, there is not much reason to apprehend this. - Evidence of BABU AMRITALAL RAHA, Kayasth, Pleader, Judge's Court and Talukdar, Khulna.
33. The public consider the use of ganja and charas as disreputable. Votaries of Siva consider it generally necessary to take ganja or bhang. Indulgence in these drugs makes one unfit for active life unless he get rich and substantial food. The hemp plant is never worshipped. 34. It would be a privation to suddenly forego the consumption to all consumers, specially to sadhus who are supposed to derive material help in their jog-sadhan and in concentration of mind. 35. It is quite possible to prohibit the use of charas, specially in Behar, inasmuch as it is used by a small number of people, and that in towns alone, and very rarely indulged in by the respectable class. There is no likelihood, in the case of charas, of its being illicitly used as it is not a local preparation and has only to be imported; and if its use is prohibited, there will be little or no danger of smuggling. The case is quite different with ganja and bhang. The consumers are numerous and they are used invariably and unexceptionally by sadhus, who are notoriously held in high reverence by the people generally. The prohibition may come to be regarded as interference with their religious liberties, and a colourable interpretation might be put, which might cause political danger. The illicit use of bhang can never be prevented. It grows wild in every district of Behar, and an effort to practically enforce the prohibition might give those, to whom the duty is entrusted, a handle for oppression. Most probably the prohibition will be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants and other drugs. It may not therefore be feasible to prohibit the use of ganja and bhang, and it cannot but cause discontent if not political danger. - Evidence of BABU JADUBANS SSHAI, Pleader and Vice-Chairman, Arrah Municipality.
33. The public opinion is strongly against it. The use of ganja is generally in disrepute. The word ganjakhor (i.e., ganja eater or smoker) is now a term used by the people towards bad characters. It is now an abusive term. It (ganja) is very injurious to health. It spoils the system and sometimes leads to insanity. There is no custom of worshipping the hemp plant. 34. I don't think it would be a serious privation to ganja-smokers to forego the consumption. 35. It would be feasible to prohibit the use of ganja. The prohibition may be enforced by stopping import. There is no likelihood of the drug being consumed illicitly. The prohibition may occasion discontent among the consumers, but such discontent would not amount to a political danger. The prohibition of ganja may be followed by recourse to bhang, but not to alcoholic stimulants. - Evidence of BABU GURUDAYAL SINHA,* Kayasth, Honorary Magistrate, Municipal Commissioner and Secretary, Total Abstinence Society, Comilla, Tippera
33. The habitual use of any of the drugs has been always looked upon with disfavor as is the use of any other narcotic. The consumers are generally regarded as men liable to be easily irritated, and they are therefore not easily offended. 34. It would be a serious privation to several classes of consumers if they were forced to forego the use of the drugs. Persons suffering from chronic bowel complaints or want of appetite, for instance, would be deprived of a valuable remedy if they were prevented from taking their daily allowance of bhang; persons who have to work in the sun, keep up nights, or undergo hard manual labour, would be deprived not only of a valuable aid to their work but what must be regarded a necessity of a life to men of their occupation if they were prevented from smoking their usual dose of ganja. 35. A compulsory prohibition of the use of the drugs would cause great misery to the consumers and make them seriously discontented. The number of consumers is not large enough to justify any apprehension of political danger, but it would be wrong to create such discontents and to deprive a large number of peaceful men and useful members of society of their short spells of enjoyment amid the labours, cares and anxieties of life. The use of the drugs is so great a necessity to them that it would be practically impossible to prohibit the use. A late member of the Board of Revenue, Mr. Money, rightly observed.—" The fact that 600 men in a village prefer to drink water is no reason for debarring the remaining 200 from obtaining some other drink if they wish it. It would be questionable how far it would be right to set up such tyranny of majority." If consumption of hemp be prohibited, there would be illicit consumption to a large extent and the very prohibition would perhaps stimulate persons who would have otherwise kept aloof to take to the use of the drugs. Hemp is used by a large number of men who shun alcohol on religious and social grounds, and who perhaps would never use it as a substitute for hemp. - Evidence of RAI BAHADUR RAJ KUMAR SARVADHIKARI, Secretary, British Indian Association, Calcutta.
33. The consumption of each of these drugs is generally regarded as bad. The public opinion is against the use of ganja. The use of the said drug and charas is generally in disrepute as being immoral and ruinous to health as well as to the intellectual faculties. The habitual ganja and charas smokers generally become depraved and indifferent to their health and worldly prospects. 34. I think not; but a sudden privation to habitual consumers may result in bringing about serious diseases on them. The reason is this. None of the drugs is essential to the maintenance of human life, except where used for medicinal purposes. 35. It would be so in the case of ganja and charas, except in cases where the use is prescribed by medical adviser for the treatment of any particular disease. I think there is much probability of the said drugs being consumed illicitly if the consumption is prohibited. The prohibition will, no doubt, occasion a serious discontent among the consumers for some time, but the discontent, I think, would not amount to a political danger. There is every chance of the prohibition being followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants or other drugs, which are less injurious to the health and life of men. - Evidence of UMAGATI RAT, Brahmin, Pleader, and Secretary to the Jalpaiguri Branch, Indian Association.
33. The consumption of ganja and charas is regarded as evil habits, and the consumer is looked upon as a low-bred individual. There has always been a public opinion more or less strong against the use of these two drugs, and the opinion is daily growing stronger than before. This public opinion is social rather than religious. There is no doubt whatever of the existence of this public opinion, which is freely expressed whenever occasions arise. The disrepute attached to the use of ganja is mainly due to the fact that ganja-smokers are mostly low class men, always ill-tempered, irritative, and often concerned with petty offences of a mean order. I know of no custom of worshipping the plant, as alluded to in the question. But ganja smokers are seen offering their chillum to Mahadeo before they partake of it. This arises from the popular belief that Mohadeo, the god of power and destruction, counts ganja amongst his favourite drugs. This has, however, nothing to do with religion, for a Baisnava smoker, who belongs to the opposite sect and owes no. allegiance to Mahadeo, is also seen to do the same before he smokes his ganja. Ganja, out of this belief, is sometimes offered at the temples of Mohadeo as a present to the deity.
34. I do not think it would be a serious privation to any class of consumers if they were to forego ganja and charas. The habit of using these two drugs is not so hard to shake off as that of opium. No particular class of society is addicted to these drugs as a class, and most of the habitual consumers are only moderate consumers of the drug. The hardworking bearers and boatmen of Behar and the North-Western Provinces, and very few low class people of Bengal will no doubt regard its disuse as a privation; but whether such disuse would constitute a real or a sentimental privation has yet to be ascertained. The use of ganja is not essential for their existence; it does not supply a physical need, and its disuse is not known to produce any disastrous physical discomfort of a serious nature. These considerations lead me to suppose that even if it be regarded as a privation by some, it would really be a sentiment rather than a fact. 35. The question of feasibility is a large one. It is not impossible, nor will it be deemed unwise to prohibit the use of ganja and charas; but I do not think that a prohibition, however strict, will stop illicit consumption. This, again, is not, however, a consideration which should be looked upon as a serious stumbling block to its prohibition. Illicit consumption may be detected and adequately punished, that is all that can be done, and is even now being done in the case of illicit distillation of liquor. In my humble opinion the real point at issue should be, if I may venture to suggest it, to decide whether the consumption of any and which of these drugs is injurious to public health and morals, and then to find out how to repress with a strong hand the consumption of such drug. The prohibition can be enforced in the same way as the prohibition of unlicensed cultivation or sale of ganja is enforced, namely, by law and by the enforcement of the legal penalty. Such prohibition will, no doubt, stop a great source of public revenue, but it will not saddle the Government with any additional expenditure to enforce the prohibition. The Excise Detective Establishment, now in force, has not only to keep in check the smuggling in hemp drugs, but it has also to exercise similar functions in respect of opium and distilled liquor of all sorts. The prohibition of ganja will not, therefore, relieve the Government of this Detective Establishment, which, as at present, may be utilised in enforcing the prohibition of ganja without any additional cost to Government. Ganja cannot be successfully grown on any soil, and its cultivation and manufacture, from the very nature of the drug, cannot be secretly carried on. The cultivation, which takes about six months from transplantation to reaping, has to be carried on in open fields; the peculiar odour set forth by the plants when in flower travels far beyond the cultivated area; and the final manufacture has also to be completed in open places. All these considerations tend to show that its manufacture, once being prohibited, may be very easily detected and adequately punished. The only other question to be considered in this connection is the vexed question of loss of public revenue; that loss may, however, be recovered by slightly increasing the tax on distilled liquor. I am opposed to any scheme of establishing a Government monopoly in the cultivation and manufacture of ganja. That course will not only be met with great opposition by the tenants and landlords, but will also be attended with great oppression in its operation, inasmuch as it will necessarily take the form of a forced cultivation. The prohibition of consumption of ganja is not likely to affect the bulk of the people, nor is it such a matter that the disinterested majority will take it as a national grievance and make a common cause with the interested minority. There are questions of sectarian importance, which may be taken up by the opposite sects as a matter involving a principle of Law applicable to all. If a public worship of the Hindus of one sect were sought to be repressed by Law, the Hindus of other and opposing sects, nay, Christians, Muhammadans and other non-Hindus may join their hands to oppose such repression on principle. But I do not see any reason to suppose that the prohibition of consumption of ganja involves such a principle or is such a cause as is likely to arouse the sympathy of disinterested men. Persons interested in the free consumption of ganja are few and far between; and although the prohibition is likely to occasion some discontent among the habitual consumers, it is not likely to take any the least serious attitude. If the evil is there, the only question for consideration should be how to repress it. To think for a moment that such prohibition would create a discontent likely to amount to a political danger is, in my humble opinion, entirely groundless and frivolous. So long as there is a tendency in human nature to have recourse to some form of intoxication, there will always be room for supposing that the prohibition of one form will only serve to introduce another form of intoxication; and in the present case the prohibition of ganja is likely to be followed by the introduction of dhatura to some extent and by increased consumption of alcoholic stimulants to a large extent. - Evidence of BABU AKSHAY KUMAR MAITRA,* Secretary, Rajshahi Association, Pleader, Judge's Court, Member, Rajshahi District Board, Commissioner, Rampur Boalia Municipality.
33. The consumption of these drugs is not regarded with much disfavour, although its excessive use is considered injurious. 35. It would not be feasible to prohibit the use of any or all of these drugs. The prohibition is likely to cause discontent among the consumers, but having regard to their limited number, there is no likelihood of a political danger. There is every chance of the prohibition being followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants. - Evidence of MR. A. F. M. ABDUR RAHMAN, Honorary Secretary, Muhammadon Literary Society, Calcutta.
33. They are generally in disrepute because of their irritable temper owing to such consumption. No such custom of worshipping the hemp plant. 34. Yes, by fishermen and sweeper classes. They would be unable to carry on their profession or work efficiently. 35. If prohibited, they are likely to be used illicitly. Prohibition could be enforced by increasing the price or by punishing them criminally. Yes, prohibition would cause serious discontent among the consumers. No political danger is expected; might or might not be. - Evidence of BABU KAMALA KANTA SEN, Kayasth, Zamindar and Pleader, President of the Chittagong Association.
33. By the better and thinking class of people, the use of the drug in all shapes is regarded with disgust and pity. There is no religious binding to use it, and therefore mostly the cultivating class of people and day labourers also look to the practice with abhorrence. I attribute this sentiment of disgust that people in general express is to the belief and experience that all narcotics muddle the head, injure health and cause unnecessary expenses; and also under the influence of intoxication often social and moral rules are violated to the great grief and disgrace of friends and relatives of the offenders. No worship of hemp plant is observed here. 34. I do not see any serious privation will necessarily be felt by the consumers, if they forego the habit. But the fishermen, etc., and the itinerant jogis or fakirs will feel the want for a time. The whole class makes a great minority against non-smoking class. 35. Prohibition of the use of the whole of the drugs, excepting bhang made out of special bhang plant, is very feasible. No doubt there would be illicit consumption at first, but if the stringent law be enacted and enforced, the practice will gradually fall off. Prohibition can be enforced by stopping the cultivation, importation and exportation of the drug. I do not suppose there will be serious discontent among consumers; they may grudge for a time and then all will wear off. There is no possibility of political danger. There is every probability that the stoppage would lead to other recourse, such as alcoholic stimulants and other drugs. But if law is also severe in that respect also, the consumers will be satisfied with their lot. - Evidence of BABU NITYA NANDA ROY, Teli, Merchant and Zamindar, Chittagong.
33. Public opinion is against ganja-smoking, but the drinking of bhang is not much in disrepute. Not known to me. 34. Yes, with excessive smokers of ganja. Not known to me. 35. No; but there ought to be some restrictions regarding its consumption. It will be consumed illicitly; prohibition cannot be forced. There will be great discontent amongst hard consumers, but there is no political danger. (a) and (b), yes. - Evidence of BABU NOBIN CAHNDRA SARKAR, Kayasth, Wholesale and retail vendor of ganja and bhang, Barisal.
33. The consumption of ganja is generally held in contempt. The reason for such a feeling is that the indulgence in the drug tells upon the constitution. There is no custom of worshipping the ganja or bhang plant. 34. It would be a serious privation to all classes of consumers to forego the use of ganja. This will produce all sorts of bowel complaints in the consumers. Bhang is generally consumed for medicinal purposes. If the consumption of the drug be prohibited, this will also be the cause of great hardship. 35. It would be feasible to prohibit the use of ganja and bhang. If all supply be stopped, there would be no illicit consumption. There will be great discontent amongst the consumers, but such discontent would not amount to political danger. The prohibition would be followed by indulgence in opium. - Evidence of BABU DHANI RAM SAHA, Excise Vendor, Mymensingh.
33. The consumption of the drug is held in contempt. This feeling is due to an apprehension that their example might be followed by others. I am not aware of any custom of worshipping ganja or bhang plant. 34. It would be a serious privation to the labourers who indulge in the drug. The drug enables them to bear fatigue. I can give no idea of the number of this class. 35. It would be feasible to prohibit the use of the ganja. The drug will not be consumed illicitly when the supply will be entirely stopped. It will occasion serious discontent among the consumers; but such discontent will not amount to political danger. I cannot say if the prohibition will be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants or other drugs. - Evidence of BABU RAM NIDHI SHAHA, Excise Vendor, Mymensing
33. Few men of the middle or upper class of India use ganja, and very few men of those classes of Lower Bengal are addicted to it. The word "ganja-khor" i.e., the smoker of the drug, has been and is still considered as an abusive term. There is another saying," Ganja khele Lakhi chare," which means goddess of wealth quits him who smokes ganja. In fact the respectable class always try that no member of his family should indulge in ganja. Nevertheless, hitherto some young people of this class who had prejudice to wine used to indulge in it sometimes secretly amongst their party; but now such smoking is considered as degradation, and wine has taken its place. 35. I have an estate in Saugor Island, where I generally reside five to six months continually. I look upon the people as my children, and they in return entertain kind regards for me. Some mendicants have taught most of my people to smoke ganja. I have tried my utmost to suppress it, but I am sorry to say I have failed. This led me to think that it would be useless to make an attempt to prohibit the use of the drugs. As an economic question, I may point out that this is a cheap intoxicating drug acceptable to the poor class of people, and it is a grave question whether its restriction may not lead the people to resort to expensive intoxicating substances. It should be borne in mind that India is a poor country, and the major portion of the people cannot afford to expend much. It is all very well to advise people what they ought to do; but to make them conform to such advice is a different matter. A horse may be taken to the water; but to make him drink against his wish is impossible. - Evidence of BABU PROSAD DASS DUTT, Zamindar, Calcutta.
33. Bhang is generally worshipped by Hindus in general, and it is not looked down by the public as with alcohol drinkers, and it is not generally in disrepute. 34. Yes, it is with the mendicants, fakirs, nagas and sanyasis to forego the use of bhang and ganja. 35. It is not feasible to prohibit the consumption of these drugs, since it will create serious discontentment throughout the country, and no substitute will have recourse to alcoholic stimulants or other drugs - Evidence of BABU MAHENDRA NATH ROY, of Santa, Jessore
33. Looked down upon with contempt. Public opinion is decidedly against the consumption. To moral reprobation. No custom of worshipping the plant that I am aware of. 34. Yes, most decidedly. The habitual consumers of ganja and charas will not be able to stand the fatigue, exposure, etc., which they have to undergo without the smoke. They will have recourse to still more injurious drugs. Bhang again could not be given up by the habitual consumers without aggravating the complaints, to prevent which it was resorted to. 35. The prohibition would hardly be feasible. If repressive measures be adopted, the habitual consumers will probably have recourse to subtances far more deleterious in their effects than hemp drugs and will resort to illicit consumption. The prohibition would cause discontent among the fanatics, fakirs, and sanyasis, but that need not lead to a political danger. Yes, recourse could be had to other stimulants. - Evidence of the DISTRICT BOARD, 24-Parganas (Sub-Committee)
33. The consumption of bhang is not so much looked down in this society as in the case of ganja and charas. Those who take ganja or charas have the bad reputation of being called liars and therefore seldom believed. Use of narcotics in any form is of course looked down, and it is due to its bad effect on the consumers. There is no custom of worshipping hemp plant known in this part of the country. 34. It would of course tell hardly on the sanyasis if they are made to forego. In case of others it might not be so. But those who are addicted to any of these drugs might take themselves to drinking, which may have a more pernicious effect on the consumers. Those who are prohibited by religion to take alcohol might resort to illicit manufacture of these drugs. We cannot furnish any number, but may barely state that it would affect the Chowbeys as a whole, Rajputs and Pavans. 35. Please see above. Prohibition cannot, we think, be totally enforced. It would in all probability create discontent amongst the sanyasis, who live upon it. We do not think there would be any political danger. (a) Yes. (b) Yes. - Evidence of the DISTRICT BOARD, Patna.
33. The consumption of each of these drugs is generally regarded more as social than religious. Hemp plant is never worshipped on any occasion by any sect of the people. 34. Yes; certainly, one who is addicted to ganjasmoking cannot do without it. Any attempt to forego it would affect the health seriously. But this is not the case with one who is addicted to drinking bhang, which could be done without. Gradually the use may be dispensed with. 35. Very likely illicit consumption will be rife if licit consumption is stopped. It is not easy to enforce absolute prohibition, which would assuredly give rise to serious discontent among the consumers. But an enforced prohibition shall not lead to a political danger, but may be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants and opium. - Evidence of the DISTRICT BOARD, Mymensingh (Sub-Committee).
33. Bhang is considered more beneficial than harmful and is used by those moving in good society, while ganja-smoking is held in disrepute and associated with bad habits and badmashes. No one worships the hemp plant. 34. Yes, certainly, and for obvious reasons; specially the class of religious mendicants, etc. Universal prohibition would be attended by serious dissatisfaction. Ganja is said to be the poor man's only luxury in this country. 35. No, certainly not. Prohibition would probably be followed by smuggling to a very great extent, and would, besides, lead to very great general dissatisfaction. The prohibition could not be enforced with any practical result because of the wide-spread smuggling that would at once result. The discontent so caused would certainly be serious, and the feeling aroused would be much the same as that which would follow in England on the stopping compulsorily the use of beer and tobacco. The prohibition would not be followed by the use of alcohol, but by wholesale smuggling of hemp drugs. - Evidence of the DISTRICT BOARD, Monghyr (Sub-Committee).
33. It is not in disrepute as far as I know. 34. Yes, it would be like depriving a poor man of his beer or his tobacco. 35. (a) No. (b) Yes, I think so. (d) Yes. (e) No. (f) Yes, to excessive tobacco smoking or to consumption of opium. By far the larger proportion of the population of the six districts of the Assam Valley consume opium; next in point of number come the consumers of country spirit, and last the users of ganja. The proportion of consumers of opium to those of country spirit is about as 10 to 1. - Evidence of MR. G. GODFREY, Commissioner, Assam Valley Districts
33. No doubt, the use of ganja is considered disreputable—not amongst the consumers themselves, but by the more respectable people. The habit is considered bad and immoral, hence the disrepute with which it is viewed by non-consumers. I do not personally know of any custom of worshipping the plant. 34. Yes. I think it would be hard to stop the use of the drug, and a distinctly serious privation to habitual consumers, just as it would be to stop the opium of opium-eaters or the beer of beerdrinkers. 35. No. It would be useless to prohibit the use of ganja in a province like Assam, surrounded as it is by independent hill people, who would cultivate it in their hills and smuggle it down with little risk of detection. Any prohibition will only lead to the increase of illicit consumption and to the secret use of the drug, which would be decidedly bad. Of course to stop cultivation in Bengal and the prohibition to the use of excise ganja could be enforced, but there would be serious discontent, though in this province it might not amount to a political danger, and the prohibition would be followed by recourse to opium and in some cases to alcohol. - Evidence of MR. J. J. S. DRIBERG, Commissioner of Excise and Inspector General of Police and Jails.
33. The hemp plant is not worshipped in Assam, so far as I know. The habitual (and open) use of ganja is restricted to the lower classes, and is so far disreputable. 34. It would be a very serious privation to all habitual consumers to deny them the use of the drug. But our experience in jails and lunatic asylums shows that the habit can be broken within walls. A man who has no sufficient strength of mind to abandon ganja is apt to have relapses. I have known cases of this kind. 35. To prohibit the importation of ganja from Rajshahi would be easy. The result would be the increased use of the wild ganja, which is said on doubtful authority to be less intoxicating. There would be enormous discontent. But in this matter Assam may be regarded as part of Bengal. If it is possible to prohibit the use of ganja in Eastern Bengal, then it is equally possible to do so in the precisely similar districts of Sylhet, Cachar, and Goalpara. If the immigrant population of Assam proper were to be deprived of their supply, the result undoubtedly would be an increased recourse to country spirits and opium. There are, of course, many other drugs available, such as dhatura. - Evidence of MR. J. D. ANDERSON, Deputy Commissioner; Officiating Commissioner of Excise.
33. All classes regard the ganja consumer as a disgraceful character. The question "do you smoke ganja?" is frequently asked in cases in court with the object of casting discredit on the witness. 34. I do not think that a ganja consumer must go on using ganja in the same way as an opium consumer. I do not think the privation, if justifiable, would be serious. 35.(a) Quite feasible. (b) Very little. (c) By penalty for possession. (d) Probably. (e) No. (f) Probably opium and alcohol, as people must have some stimulant. The increased use of either opium or alcohol would be worse on society in general than the present use of ganja. - Evidence of MR. J. L. HERALD, Deputy Commissioner, Silchar, Cachar
33. Not much public opinion on the subject. No doubt abstention from all drugs and intoxicating drinks is looked upon as meritorious, just as are abstention from marriage and other forms of asceticism. But I do not think that the use of the drug in moderation is looked down upon. 34. I think it would be a serious privation; but have no special grounds for my opinion beyond that ganja-smokers find it hard to abandon the habit of their own free will, and that they would no doubt suffer equally if they were forced to abandon it. 35. (b) The drug would certainly be consumed illicitly. Lunatics in the Tezpur Asylum who were formerly ganja-smokers are frequently found to secrete wild ganja, and if they, with their scanty opportunities, are able to do so, still more would consumers whose movements are free be able to. (d) Yes. (e) Not in the Assam Valley, where the number of consumers is comparatively small. (f) My impression is that it would in cases where wild ganja could not be procured. Such cases, however, would be rare. - Evidence of MR. E. A. GAIT, Director of Land Records and Agriculture, Assam.
33. Eating and drinking are not thought much of. Smoking is considered vulgar 34. It would; for this reason that not only they but non-smokers look upon the habit as harmless. Smokers themselves firmly believe that they work better when under the influence of the drug. 35. It would be very difficult and the drug would probably be obtained from the hills. The discontent would not amount to a political danger as the class affected are not powerful. Professional agitators might perhaps make capital of it. - Evidence of MR. C. W. E. PITTAR, Officiating Deputy Commissioner of Kamrup
33. The consumption of neither of these drugs is regarded with favour by the public. The consumers in consequence always observe secrecy in using them. I am not aware of any public opinion based on religion in favour of the practice. I think that the use of all the forms of narcotic is generally in disrepute owing to their injurious effect, real or supposed. Nowhere in this district, so far as I am aware, the hemp plant is worshipped on any occasion by any section of the people. 34. The mendicant class and those of other classes who have acquired a regular habit will, I am afraid, consider it a serious privation to forego the consumption of ganja. The reasons are obvious. I am unable to give any idea of the probable numbers of these classes. 35. It would not, I suppose, be feasible to prohibit the use of all of these drugs. A total prohibition would, I think, tend to provoke attempts at illicit consumption. If ganja is allowed to be used, the use of its other forms may be done away with. Total prohibition will, at least in the beginning, occasion great discontent among the consumers; but I do not for a moment think that it will amount to anything like a political danger. It does not seem to me probable that the prohibition of the use of the narcotic will be followed by a recourse to alcoholic stimulants, but will, I am afraid, lead to the use of other drugs. - Evidence of ISHAN CHANDRA PATRANAVISH, Bengali, Brahmin, Extra Assistant Commissioner, Sylhet.
33. The use of any of the hemp drugs is looked on as immoral in Assam by the respectable natives of the province. I attribute this sentiment to the fact that their use is an innovation largely introduced by low caste outsiders, such as garden coolies. The result of the use of these drugs is palpably bad to all uninterested non-consumers. 34. It would be a privation, but not a serious one. It is a luxury rather than a necessity even in the case of habitual consumers of any of these drugs. 35. Government could stop the ganja godowns and prevent the cultivation of hemp, but the wild plant is so abundant that its use could not be stopped. No doubt there would be discontent, but it would never amount to political danger. I think it possible that opium would take the place of hemp products if restriction was practised. It is worth noticing that Assam hill people, who don't use hemp, indulge freely in fermented liquors, and that hill people in the plains give up alcohol for opium to some extent. - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR J. W. U. MACNAMARA, Civil Surgeon and Superintendent, Lunatic Asylum, Tezpur.
33. In society it is not considered immoral or a social crime. No. In higher sphere it is considered disreputable to get addicted to any sort of intoxicating drug, nor is it intended for such society. I do not know of any custom prevailing in any parts of the county of worshipping the hemp plant. 34. Certainly. It would operate very hard with the labouring classes, who, after their day's hard work, indulge in the smoke of a chillum of ganja as a good refreshment. 35. (a) I think so. (c) By stopping the issue of large quantity of ganja at a time to consumers. (d) Yes. (e) Perhaps most probably. (f) No. Certainly. - Evidence of LATCHMAN PERSHAD, Kayasth, Hospital Assistant, Manipur State.
33. As disreputable, except in the case of mendicants who do no mischief to any one. Siddhi is supposed to increase intelligence; ganja drives away the star of fortune. The sentiment is due to health and morality. I don't know any custom of worshipping the hemp plant. 34. For some time, of course. But they can quite get rid of the habit in a month or so. Habitual moderate consumers and habitual excessive consumers will be mainly affected; they form the larger number of consumers. Occasional moderate and excessive consumers will not suffer any privation by altogether renouncing the drug. 35. (a) Not quite feasible. (b) Probably so. (c) By restricting the cultivation and sale of hemp drug. (d) Some uneasiness and murmuring for a time. (e) No. (f) To some extent, of course. - Evidence of KRISHNA CHANDRA SANYAL,* Brahmin, Medical Practitioner, Sylhet
33. The consumption of each of these drugs is, I believe, injurious both for the society and for the religion. It is generally the thoughtless young men who catch the corruption in bad companies. I do not know if the hemp plant is ever worshipped by any sect of the people. 34. Yes; specially to the lower classes of consumers. - Evidence of MOULVI ABDUL KADIR, Honorary Magistrate and Zamindar, Sylhet.
33. So far as I can gather, the high as well as low class of people take it; there is no disgrace attached to it. I have not heard nor know of any form of worship to the plant. 34. No; I do not think it would be a serious privation to any class of consumers to forego it. From personal experience I have seen men who used to take it largely give it up, and felt no bad consequences. 35. I do not think it would be possible to prohibit the use of the drug, as it grows wild, and habitual smokers could always arrange to get a supply - Evidence of MR. F. C. MORAN, Tea Planter, Khoniker, Lakhimpur.
33. To take ganja is rather looked down on. No public opinion. No, the hemp plant is not worshipped. 34. No, it would not be a serious privation. Some coolies here have given it up of their own free will. 35. Prohibition would be feasible. The drug would be, and is, consumed illicitly unless the Kukis were watched. If Government stop the sale to the licensed shops, the use will gradually die out. No shop should be allowed within two or three miles of any coolie lines. - Evidence of Mr. ALFRED SPICER,† Tea Planter, Pathecherra, Cachar
33. The general feeling of the people is against the use of ganja. The term "ganja-smoker" is a term of reproach. Even the ganja-smokers are ashamed to admit the habit of ganja-smoking; but it is not regarded as a degrading habit when contracted by the ascetics. It is said that Mahadeb, a deity of the Hindus, used to smoke ganja, and his followers consider the smoking of ganja to be a sort of religious service. Ganja-smoking is generally confined to the dregs of the society and is looked down upon by the respectable people. The ganja-smokers are considered to be useless members of society, because the habit of smoking ruins mind and body. I therefore attribute that sentiment to this. I am not aware that hemp plant is ever worshipped on any occasion by any sect of people. 34. Yes, it would be so to the consumers mentioned in (a), question 27. The others can bear the privation. 35. (a) Not all at once (b) Yes. (c) Very difficult. (d) At first it would. (e) Would not amount to a political danger. (f) Yes - Evidence of MASDAR ALI, Pleader, Sylhet
33. Ganja-smoking is disreputable, it being chiefly confined to the lower classes. I know of no custom of worshipping the plant. 34. I do not think it would be a serious privation. The habitual consumers may temporarily feel a want of appetite. 35. All these drugs may be dispensed with, but not as long as we have the more pernicious liquor traffic. The spontaneous growth of bhang may tempt a few to have recourse to it, but this may be easily prohibited. There is no apprehension of a political danger, but some may take to alcoholic drinks. I regard the liquor traffic as more pernicious than hemp, because (1) liquor is prohibited by the religion of Hindus and Muhammadans alike; (2) it is more costly; (3) the drunkard is more offensive to his neighbours, in that he is mischievous and a nuisance to his neighbourhood. As regards the consumer, however, I consider that ganja is more harmful than liquor. - Evidence of BISHUN CHANDRA CHATTOPADHAY, Pleader, Dhubri.
34. No. It would be well to stop it, though it would be somewhat difficult to the habitual consumers. I think that the drug should be prohibited for the common people, but left to fakirs and other religious persons. The latter by its help lead a life of contemplation on God. But the common people are destroyed by it. Mahadev used to take ganja, bhang and dhatura to a great extent. Ganja is Mahadev's bhuti (plant); and is used by his followers of worshippers. It does me no harm. I would not deny it to any one who benefited by it. It is only the excess that I want to prevent. A man who takes it much on the first time, and a man who takes to excess, will be damaged; but a careful consumer who moderates his dose is benefited. 35. (Vide remarks above, i.e., against 34.) It does never amount to a political danger, and does not contain serious discontent. - Evidence of BALDEVDAS, Brahmin, Priest of Hanuman Math, Rajahmundry
33. It is looked upon as discreditable. Ganjasmoker is a term of severe reproach. Calling one by this name may, and often does, lead to a breach of the peace. This condemnation of the drug by social opinion is undoubtedly due to the effects of the drug as seen in the life and habits of consumers. I am aware of no such custom of worshipping this plant. 34. I don't think it would be a serious privation to any class of consumers, excepting, perhaps, ramayats and sanyasis. It will apparently not cause any serious inconvenience to the occasional consumers. In the case of habitual consumers too I have known of persons who have been made to give up the habit with no great difficulty, nor has the privation in any case caused any injury to health, excepting perhaps a slight loss of appetite in the beginning. 35. Yes. I don't think it could be used illicitly if proper measures be adopted. No, I don't think the prohibition would cause discontent, much less political danger. Only I wish to guard myself from being supposed to deny the possibility or even probability of discontent among the ramayats and sanyasis. It would be desirable to get correct information on this point. The prohibition may to a small degree be followed by recourse to alcohol. - Evidence of KAMINI KUMAR CHANDRA, Kayastha, Bengali, Pleader, Silchar.
33. The consumption of each of these drugs is generally regarded with hatred. Among the Hindus the public opinion is against it in enlightened circles from social point of view, and among the Muhammadans, the public opinion is against the practice both from social and religious points of view. The use of this narcotic is generally in disrepute on the following grounds, viz.:—(1) it makes the consumer sickly; (2) it produces no good; (3) it drains the pocket; (4) it wastes the time; (5) it makes one insensible while under the influence of the drug and makes him forgetful of his duties; (6) it improves angry habits; (7) it leads many to insanity, etc. No worship of the hemp plant is ever seen in this province. 34. It may be a serious privation to the habitual consumers, especially habitual excessive consumers, to forego the consumption of the drug they use, but it will never prove fatal. In the case of habitual excessive consumers, the number suffering a serious privation in case of foregoing the consumption of the drug will not be less than half of the whole, and in the case of habitual moderate consumers, it will be about a quarter. 35. Prohibition of the use of charas is entirely feasible; but it is not so with ganja and bhang. There will be some cases of illicit consumption of the latter two drugs. The prohibition can be enforced by exemplary punishments. The prohibition will, no doubt, occasion serious discontent among the habitual consumers. Such discontent will never amount to a political danger in this province. The prohibition will be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants and other drugs only in solitary cases. - Evidence of GANGADHAR SORMAH, Brahmin, Pleader, Jorhat.
33. Respectable people look down with contempt upon consumers of ganja, but the habit is so common among the working classes that they do not consider it in any way a disgrace to take it. 34. The people who take it would certainly consider it a privation to forego it. The people generally would be glad if it were done away with altogether. * Invited to attend at a sitting of the Commission for oral examination but failed to appear. 35. I cannot say whether it would be feasible or not to prohibit the use of ganja. It would certainly occasion great discontent among the consumers, but would not amount to any political danger. - Evidence of REVD. J. P. JONES,* Missionary, Sylhet.
33. Generally regarded as bad. No public opinion of any kind. The use is generally in disrepute. I attribute this to the evil effects of the drug. Hemp plant is not worshipped. 34. The tea-garden coolies and doms will seriously feel for the drug, as they consider it is useful to them. The probable number of the class cannot be stated. 35. Prohibition is feasible. The consumers will be discontented for a time; but there is no political danger. The prohibition may be followed by alcoholic stimulant or opium. - Evidence of HARIBILASH AGARWALA, Merchant, Tezpur.
33. The consumption of ganja is looked upon with hatred. Ganja-smokers are generally treated with contempt; they are believed to be untrustworthy. Ganja-smokers are not true to their words; they are a source of annoyance to the neighbours; they do not mind their works; these are the reasons why they are generally hated. 34. I have no experience of my own. 35. If ganja is not imported, and if the cultivation is not allowed, then I think the Assamese would give up smoking, and they would find no way to consume illicitly. I do not think there will be much discontent in case of prohibition, and there is not the least fear of political danger. As use of alcohol is looked upon with much greater contempt here, and the persons addicted to it are outcasted, it is not likely that in case of prohibition the smokers of ganja would have recourse to alcoholic stimulants, but a few may take to opium - Evidence of LAKSMIKANTA BARKAGATI, Brahma, Secretary to the Tezpur Raiyats' Association, Tezpur, Darrang.
33. In Assam, the use of not only hemp, but all other intoxicating drugs, is religiously prohibited. In the sastras or the convents of the principal gosains or spiritual guides in Assam the rule against the use of any intoxicating thing is strictly enforced. Question 33. [oral evidence] — Spiritual guides, called Gosains in Assam—four of them are the principal guides or Popes of Assam—all forbid the use of intoxicating things. This prohibition is strictly enforced among their disciples; not among the people generally. I know the Gosain at Kamaikia takes bhang; but he is a follower of Durga. We in Upper Assam are followers of Vishnu; not all, but the most. I was not aware that the Chaubies of Mathura (the Vishnavite head-quarters) are great consumers of bhang. 34. The prohibition of the drug may be a serious privation to the religious mendicants as well as to other habitual consumers. The percentage of the former will be one per cent. and that of the latter nearly three per cent. 35. Of course the prohibition of the drugs is strongly recommended, and it would no doubt be feasible. If the police use proper vigilance, and the reward system to the informants is continued, illicit consumption will be totally impracticable. The number of consumers is so insignificant that not the slightest political danger or discontent can be anticipated. The consumers being up-country Hindus and ascetics and low-class people who are so conservative in point of religious observances that they will not use any alcoholic stimulants if the prohibition of the hemp drugs is enforced. - Evidence of RADHANATH CHANGKAKOTI, Brahmin, Proprietor, "Radha Nath" Printing Press; Municipal Commissioner; Member of Local Board; Secretary to the Upper Assam Association; and Secretary to the Government Girls' School, Dibrugarh
34. I do think that it will be a privation to those who are accustomed to its use, specially hard-working people, as it relieves them of their mental and bodily fatigues. 35. I do not think it is proper or feasible to prohibit the use, as the consumers may fall upon another drug or alcocholic stimulant, which may be more expensive or dangerous; and as it is mostly used by native soldiers, the probibition may lead to a great discontent. - Evidence of MIRZA MEHDY ISPAHANI, Merchant, Madras
33. These drugs are generally regarded as hateful and injurious to mental power. The public opinion in regard to the practice of the drugs is quite against for the use of all forms of narcotic. I attribute general disrepute to the ganja. No custom of worshipping the plant in Assam. 34. There will be none in Assam. 35. It would be feasible to prohibit the use of these drugs and would be a blessing to the people in my opinion. I don't think they would be consumed illicitly. Stopping importation and sale and prohibiting cultivation, a small quantity being kept for sale with restrictions for religious occasions and medicinal purposes. The prohibition might occasion little discontent among the fakirs for some time and shall never amount to a political danger in Assam. None shall follow to other stimulant, as, excepting fakirs, ganja is being now considered as ruinous drug by the general public here. I should be glad to see the drug prohibited in Assam. The wants of the coolies should not be regarded, because the Assamese contract the habit through association with them, I do not think the coolies would object to the prohibition. The users of ganja would not take to opium, because the progress of civilization tends to make people avoid that drug also. I am aware that the Assamese use opium largely. But I do not think they would take opium any the more for ganja being prohibited, because ganja was never used in this country. The coolies would take to rice liquor. They take it already in addition to ganja, and they would confine themselves to liquor. Liquor would be better for them than opium or ganja since they want a stimulant. By liquor I mean rice beer and country rum. The latter is the Government excise liquor. - Evidence of JADU RAM BOROOAH, Assamese Kayasth, Local Board Member; Pensioned Overseer, Public Works Department, Dibrugarh
33. Public opinion is certainly not against the drinking of bhang, and no disrepute whatever attaches to it. I can remember some of my Marwari friends in Nagpur recommending it to me as an excellent cooling drink in the hot weather and offering to bring me some. Similar-ly, I think that there is no public opinion against the moderate use of ganja, though there is with regard to the excessive use of it. Except in the case of religious mendicants, an ordinary person who uses ganja to excess is generally lazy and useless, and falls into disrepute in consequence. 34. I believe that to persons accustomed to drink bhang in the hot weather, it would be a serious privation to forego the consumption, and any illness they might subsequently contract would most certainly be ascribed to this cause. Similarly, I think that to men who have to undergo severe bodily labour, it would be a very serious privation indeed if they could not get their accustomed pipe of ganja. 35. I do not think it would be feasible to prohibit the use of either bhang or ganja. The drugs would most certainly be consumed illicitly, and the prohibition would cause most serious discontent among the consumers ; such discontent would, I have no doubt, be a political danger. The chief consumers are religious mendicants, and the question would be sure to be made a religious one, and no one can say to what this would lead. The prohibition, if it could be enforced, would be followed by recourse to other drugs in the first instance, and then probably to alcoholic stimulants. - Evidence of COLONEL M. M. BOWIE, Commissioner, Nerbudda Division.
33. A certain amount of disrepute attaches to ganja smoking, due, I think, to the fact that some smoke in excess, and that excessive smoking is known to be deleterious. The objection is not religious, and is moral rather than social, for a man is not put out of caste for smoking ganja. It is not so much an offence against society as against the consumer's own bodily and mental welfare. I am not aware that any disrepute attaches to the drinking of bhang. I have not heard of the custom of worshipping the plant, but Mahadeo is said to have smoked ganja and drunk bhang, and I have been told that bairagis invoke Mahadeo before having their pipe. When I asked a man in the lunatic asylum about Mahadeo the other day, he opened out wonderfully. 35. Such discontent might certainly develop into political danger if the flame were fanned by mischief-makers. There is no saying to what the action of Government in prohibiting it might be attributed. The principal difficulty of prohibiting the hemp drugs would be the impossibility of stamping out cultivation. Prohibition of cultivation would check consumption; but the drug would be procured by illicit cultivation and smuggling from over the border. There would be risk of political trouble from total prohibition of the drugs; but I would not regard that risk as serious. The people would be driven to the next cheaper stimulant if they were deprived of ganja ; that would be liquor. Liquor is cheaper where the excise arrangements are managed on the outstill system. I look upon liquor, as consumed by the labouring classes in these provinces, as innocuous. The risk to which I referred above would not be appreciable if restriction took the form of raising the duty only. I cannot suggest any improvement of the system of control over the hemp drugs; but the duties might be raised gradually if the hemp drugs are shown to be deleterious. In saying that liquor is innocuous, I mean that the weak liquor consumed in the Nagpur district is harmless. And, on the assumption that hemp drugs are deleterious, I should regard the change of habit from hemp drugs to liquor as beneficial. - Evidence of MR. F. C. ANDERSON, Officiating Commissioner, Nagpur
33. No doubt respectable people do not like to have it said of them that they smoke ganja. There is not the same feeling in respect to bhang. I attribute the feeling about ganja to the fact that it is emphatically the luxury of the very poor, and that, therefore, the criminal classes are generally addicted to it. I never heard of any worship of the hemp plant. 34. I imagine persons who habitually consume the drug would suffer severely from its abrupt discontinuance. 35. Ganja is the only drug which is consumed in these provinces to an extent worth considering. It would be feasible to prohibit its use, but such prohibition would undoubtedly be followed by extensive smuggling. Serious discontent would be caused, but the aggrieved parties would be chiefly of the silent class, and the class with least powers of resistance. So perhaps it would be an exaggeration to call such discontent a political danger. Still everything which harasses and worries the lower classes to any large extent tends to aggravate any political danger which may arise. I should expect an increased consumption of opium (vide answer to question 36). - Evidence of MR. A. C. DUFF, Deputy Commissioner, Jubbulpore.
34. I don't think so. 35. No political danger as far as this district goes. - Evidence of C. SRINIVAS RAO, Brahmin, Government Pleader, and Chairman, Municipal Council, Cuddalore.
33. I think there can be no doubt that the consumption both of ganja and of bhang is regarded as lowering, but I should not say that public opinion is very pronounced on the subject. . There is little doubt that consumption—of ganja ; there is not the same concealment about bhang—to some extent takes place in private among the upper classes, showing that they would consider it disreputable to be publicly considered addicted to the drug. Among the lower classes, though the habit of ganja smoking can hardly be said 'to be looked upon with repute, there is little senti-ment about the matter either one way or the other. I can account for the consumption of ganja being looked down upon only on the grounds that it is intoxicant in its effects, and that it is specially the poor man's drug. There is not the same prejudice among the upper classes against the use of bhang as there is against ganja smoking. 34. If the ganja supply is stopped, there would be an outcry among almost all classes of consumers. As the great proportion of consumers are habitual, they would miss their daily pipe, and would consider themselves aggrieved in consequence. 35. (a) I think not. (b) It would certainly be illicitly consumed in Nimar, as the smuggling of ganja from Holkar's territory would be a comparatively easy matter. (c) I do not see how it could be enforced without carefully watching our borders. (d) The prohibition would, moreover, be largely productive of discontent. (e). I do not consider that the discontent would amount to a political danger. (f) The prohibition of the drug would almost certainly be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants. - Evidence of MR. B. ROBERTSON, Deputy Commissioner, Nimar.
33. Most people whose position is superior to that of a labourer profess to look upon ganja smoking as a disreputable practice, and the name "ganjeri" is considered abusive. The use of bhang is for the most part confined to the hot weather, and its moderate consumption at that time is in no way deprecated: even Marwaris drink very little in the rains or cold weather. The hemp plant is cultivated only in Nimar, and it is not worshipped there. 34, I certainly think that the labouring classes would suffer greatly, if they were entirely deprived of ganja; they can do more work when under its influence, and at the end of the day a pipe greatly alleviates their fatigue. Mendicants and devotees are constantly on the move, and would take care to supply themselves somehow, whatever we might do in the way of prohibiting or restricting consumption: if absolutely shut out from ganja, they would generally find dhatura easily obtainable. Bhang is more or less a luxury, and there are not many who would suffer for long if deprived of it for good. The number of consumers must be well below 100,000, judging from the fact that half tola, is the ordinary daily dose, and that retail sales for the past five years average only 11 3/4 maunds per annum. But it must be remembered that Marwaris travel a great deal between British and Native territory, and no doubt carry about bhang bought in the latter: as possession of any quantity up to 20 tolas, no matter where purchased, is legal, our statistics of sales cannot be regarded as a satisfactory gauge of consumption. 35. If the consumption of ganja is prohibited in the Central Provinces, the prohibition would have to be enforced by a large preventive establishment with special inquisitorial powers. Smuggling goes on now when possession of 5 tolas is legal and 1,000 retail shops are licensed yearly; so there can be no doubt as to what would happen if the drug was not procurable within the provinces. Smokers are not, however, so influential or numerous that their discontent could give cause for alarm for the permanence of our political supremacy; they would take to dhatura or kuchla, if smuggled ganja was not to be had. The present policy of the Local Administration is to raise the price of country liquor, and even now there is some reason to suspect that prices are so high as to drive consumers to the use of drugs. Opium is not likely to be appreciated as a substitute for ganja by consumers of the latter who are labourers, for the reason that opium does not produce an intoxication which brings inclination for physical exertion, but is rather of an opposite nature. - Evidence of MR. H. V. DRAKE-BROCKMAN, Officiating Commissioner of Excise, Central Provinces.
33. The occasional moderate use of the drug, either in smoking, drinking, or eating, is not looked upon as vice, and it is not in disrepute. It is the excessive use that is in disrepute. An excessive smoker and excessive drinker have the contemptuous names of ganjadi and bhangud given to them, and it is this class that is looked down with hatred by all classes. Hemp plant is not worshipped. 34. As I have said before, the labouring and agriculturist class use the drug so as to give relief to them after the hard work they are used to do. To them and to the excessive smokers it would be a great hardship to forego the use. The number of such men is not very large. The total quantity of ganja consumed last year was 1,194 maunds, or in round numbers 1,200 maunds or 48,000 seers. A person who has a pipe of ganja in the morning and again in the evening consumes about 1/4 of a tola, and at this rate his average yearly consumption would be one seer. If it were supposed that all were moderate daily consumers, the number for the whole province would be 48,000, but due allowance must be made for persons of the mendicant class who use this drug in large quantity. The number of persons using this drug cannot be more than 30,000, which to a population of over ten millions would give 3 per thousand. [Oral evidence] The proportion of consumers I have calculated in my reply is not, I think, below the truth. I have not noticed any increase of ganja smokers as I have of liquor drinkers, and I am constantly observing the habits of the people. 35. If the use of this drug were prohibited, people would import it illicitly. I know of instances in Raipur, Jabalpur, Damoh, and other districts bordering on Native States, where, owing to high prices of this drug, they have recourse to illicit imports in small quantities. Prohibition would no doubt cause some discontent, but if it be general, then in time I am inclined to think the consumers would have recourse to other intoxicating drugs. I do not entertain the slightest fear that discontent caused by the prohibition would amount to political danger. - Evidence of BHARGOW LAXMON GADGIT, Brahmin, Extra Assistant Commissioner, Nagpur.
33. Consumption of bhang in a moderate degree is not regarded as a bad luxury, but ganja smok-ing is held in disrepute except in the case of religious ascetics. People consider the ganja smoker as an unwelcome associate. Such men are generally debauchees or of a disreputable character. They consider it a vice, the indulgence in which is injurious to their health. 34. For some time the habitual excessive consumers of ganja or bhang, especially the former, will feel it a serious privation to forego its use, because when ganja smokers are confined in the jail they are not allowed the use of the drug under the jail rules. On this account their bowels become lax; they feel feverish, and refuse to eat and cannot do any work. This happens for about 15 or 20 days in the beginning; and afterwards in the majority of cases, they look healthier. As for the bhang takers they feel similar privations but in a less degree. Their bowels become costive (constipated); they feel feverish, yawn, their eyes and nose run. A prisoner was seen by me to have attempted to commit suicide on being refused the drug (ganja) on his admission, because he said he could not bear the sufferings caused by its want. 35. I think it would not be feasible to prohibit entirely the use of ganja or bhang, as habitual excessive consumers will not fail to try all means to obtain it. It will cause discontent among them. The prohibition is likely to be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants among the lower classes, and in the higher classes opium smoking will take its place. This I say, because a ganja smoker told me that whenever he did not get ganja, he satisfied his desire by smoking opium. In Sonepur the higher classes have not begun to take liquor, because it is prohibited by their religion. The liquor there also is of inferior quality and cheap. - Evidence of TRIMBAK RAO SATHE, Extra Assistant Commissioner, and Diwan of the Sonepur State.
33. The use of all intoxicating drugs is looked down as a vice by the public generally. The Hindu religion deprecates the use of all intoxicating drugs. There is no social or religious opinion for the practice, but as the use of these drugs does not bring on excommunication from caste they are used by the people. It is the bairagis, etc., who make use of ganja under colour of religion, but it is not really so. Ganja smoking is generally in disrepute. This sentiment is due to public opinion, as it is injurious in various ways. I do not know whether the hemp plant is ever worshipped. 34. It will be a serious privation to the bairagis, fakirs, and the idlers of Benares, Allahabad, Muthra, etc., to forego the use of bhang and ganja, because these people have been using it from times immemorial, and it is said that the intoxication keeps them up in cold and unhealthy places and helps them to concentrate their attention to the worship of God. The poorer classes of labourers and agriculturists will also find it inconvenient to forego the use of ganja, as it is said that it relieves them of the fatigue of the day at a trifling cost. The number of such people cannot, I think, be more than 20 per cent. 35. It will not be feasible to entirely prohibit the use of any of these drugs. If this is done, it will be consumed illicitly or recourse will be taken to other intoxicating drugs. The prohibition will cause discontent to some extent, but it will not amount to a political danger. The poorer classes will either give up the drug altogether or find out some other means of intoxicating themselves. The higher classes may take to alcoholic stimulants. The lower classes cannot do so for fear of detection and excommunication from caste. The higher classes can manage to use liquor without the risk of exposure - Evidence of RAGHUNATH RAO, Extra Assistant Commissioner, Damoh.
33. The consumption of ganja is regarded very badly. The public opinion about this is that it is the most derogatory kind of intoxication, and its smoker is looked upon as a mean person. Its use is forbidden by the Muhammadan religion, and Brahmins also abstain from it. Bhang is not badly regarded by Hindus, but the Muhammadan religion and laws of society strictly insist upon abstinence. To the best of my knowledge hemp plant is not an object of worship. 34. The occasional, moderate or excessive smokers easily forego the consumption of the drugs they use, but habitual smokers will find it difficult. It will be a serious privation to habitual excessive consumers. But it is possible to knock the habit off. I have often met, as a Superintendent of Jail, with cases in which prisoners who were addicted to use of these drugs lost the habit. They do not suffer so much as opium eaters do. In my opinion moderate habitual consumers can forego the habit, and 75 per cent. of excessive habitual consumers. It is much more easy to knock off the habit of drinking bhang. Only excessive habitual consumers will suffer, but opium can supply its want. Ninety per cent, of bhang consumers can forego the habit. 35. In my opinion, it is feasible to prohibit the use of all these drugs. It should only be allowed as medicine for sick persons. Efforts will be made for a certain time to consume the drugs illicitly. The best way to enforce prohibition would be to prevent cultivation of hemp plant. I do not think that prohibition will occasion any serious discontent among the consumers. There is no fear of any political danger. The prohibition of bhang might cause some ill feeling. In my opinion, if the consumption of these drugs is prohibited at once, it will of course be a privation to the present generation for some time, but it must be taken into consideration that the future generation will be quite free from this vice, which is a great source of degeneration of morals and destruction of health. I fear the prohibition will be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants and other drugs. - Evidence of SYED MOHAMED HUSAIN, Extra Assistant Commissioner ; Diwan, Khairagarh State.
35. The use of the drugs is not so prevalent as to render any further restrictive measures necessary, and the excessive consumers are very few. During the last twenty years I have occasionally travelled about the neighbouring country. The plant is very occasionally cultivated in gardens in this district. There is no regular cultivation. Such cultivation as there is could be easily stopped. The people don't care for the drug, and there would be no opposition if the cultivation were prohibited. In the remoter parts the poor people having no other stimulant would be inclined to grumble. They cannot afford to buy opium and. liquor. I have not passed through any village in the interior since 1866, nor through the coast villages outside Vizagapatam for five or six years. - Evidence of the VERY REV. A. CHELVUM, Roman Catholic Diocese, Vizagapatam.
33. Ganja is regarded disreputable in respectable and higher class of society, as its use is confined to religious and low caste people. Its excessive use makes a man wrong-headed. Bhang is not looked upon as disreputable if taken at times and seasons. The hemp plant is not worshipped ; but both ganja and bhang are offered to Mahadeo god by the smokers and drinkers. 34. It would be a serious privation in the beginning to bairagis and fakirs, also to some extent to lowest classes who are accustomed to work hard in cold and hot seasons, probably to 15 per cent., who are habitual excessive consumers. 35. It is feasible to prohibit the use although it will take a long time to have a complete effect. I think consumption can be stopped gradually. Prohibition may be enforced by increasing price of ganja. It will occasion serious discontent among the consumers in the beginning, but it would not amount to political danger. The prohibition might be followed by recourse to other stimulants to a very limited extent. - Evidence of RAM KRISHNA RAO, Brahmin, Extra Assistant Commissioner, Bhandara
33. Bhang drinking is not regarded or taken in a bad light . The public do not censure a bhang drinker. But ganja smoking is not taken in a favourable light. It is generally in disrepute. I have known parents rebuke their sons and guardians thus hard for smoking ganja, because ganja smoking leads to certain diseases, such as asthma and insanity. There are ballads prohibiting ganja smoking. I do not know of any custom of worshipping the hemp plant. 34. Yes ; it would be a great privation, because the ganja smokers, if they do not get ganja, will feel great inconvenience, especially the daily habitual smokers ; for without it they will feel very uneasy, and will not be able to do their work and take their food. This remark also applies to daily habitual moderate consumers of bhang. To the daily habitual excessive consumers to forego ganja smoking will be a very serious privation, because they will become quite useless, and even their life may be endangered without taking the drug. The percentage of the former is about 20 and that of the latter about 10. 35. No ; it will not be feasible to prohibit the use of bhang and ganja. If prohibited, ganja and bhang will be surely consumed illicitly. Charas can be prohibited, because the charas smoker can manage with ganja smoking. I can't see any way to enforce prohibition, except by heavily taxing the drugs. Certainly the prohibition will occasion serious discontent and ill-feeling among the consumers, and it would certainly be a danger politically, because a vast number of them will be dissatisfied and discontented. Moreover, the total prohibition will lead the consumers to liquor drinking and opium eating, because when a habit is formed they cannot do without it. - Evidence of BATUK BHARTHY, Superintendent of Kalahandi State
33. The consumption of ganja is generally in disrepute. There is no custom of worshipping hemp plant as far as I have seen. 34. No, the prisoners and the spoiled children of well-to'-do persons, who used to smoke ganja before, can easily give up the habit of smoking ganja if they are properly supervised. Of course they will feel unwell for some time, but in the end they give up this bad habit. 35. It would be practicable to prohibit the use of ganja. The people would give up smoking ganja when they cannot procure it for their use. It is not cultivated in Bastar. The prohibition would not occasion any serious discontent among the consumers. Such discontent in no way amount: to a political danger, as far as Bastar is concerned The prohibition would be followed by recourse to liquor to small extent and to opium to a large extent. - Evidence of ALAM CHAND, Superintendent, Bastar State.
33. Respectable and educated people regard ganja smoking as bad. The public opinion is against it, as viewed from social standpoint. I think that the use of ganja is in disrepute, and the sentiment is attributable to the fact that it spoils health and renders him indifferent and care -less towards his worldly duties. Moreover, a ganja smoker loses trust. It does not cause so much harm to bairagis.I do not know of any custom of worshipping. 34. I think it would go very hard with bairagis and gosains to forego the consumption of ganja. The reason is that they are habitual smokers and they have very little worldly cares and anxieties. They can't drink liquor or eat opium, and so they require ganja as a matter of necessity for concentration of mind. 35. Yes, for some time the drug would be consumed illicitly. Prohibition can be enforced by abolition of shops and stoppage of ganja supply, as well as abolition of its cultivation. The prohibition would certainly occasion serious discontent among the consumers. But it would not amount to a political danger. Yes, there is probability of the prohibition being followed by recourse to liquor and opium. - Evidence of T. GOONDIAH, Tahsildar, Janjgir, Bilaspur District.
33. Bhang is by no means held in disrepute. Ganja is among respectable classes. Beason is that former is not used to induce intoxication, but the latter is so used. Never heard of plant being worshipped. 34. It would be a serious privation for a man to lose his ganja. He would be unable to do his ordinary work. Ganja is necessary to the workman who is accustomed to it. 35. The use of ganja could not be stopped, People would get it as they do now from native territory. People will have some kind of stimulant. Thinks that liquor drinkers and opium or madak consumers are separate classes from each other and from ganja smokers. A man deprived of ganja would not derive satisfaction from liquor or opium. But if one be abolished, the consumption of the others would increase. If ganja were prohibited in States as well as British territory, people might find other means of intoxication, such as dhatura. I am not aware that dhatura is used at present. When bairagis and such people are entertained, they are generally given money to buy ganja. Those who are not liquor-drinkers would not take to liquor. The hemp drugs are an old stimulant. They do much good to the people. It is a matter in which Government need not interfere - Evidence* of MUNSHI THAKHT SINGH, pensioned Tahsildar, Bata, District Damoh.
33. Those who do not ever touch it regard the practice as a vice, and it is therefore condemned by them. In this respect " charas " stands first. Ganja smoking takes the second place, and bhang, though it produces a more lasting intoxication, still it is not considered disreputable by the drinking or non-drinking class. The total abstainers call ganja smokers as " ganjakas, "bhang drinkers as " bhangad." The consumers themselves cannot be expected to regard it as a vice. There is no custom of worshipping the hemp plant. 34. Certainly those who are habituated to it will deeply feel if this drug is denied to them. I think they will rather go mad without it than with it. Habit is second nature, and it must be attended to. The classes which will mostly feel are mendicants and labouring classes chiefly. 35. It will not be advisable to prohibit the use of any of these drugs. If they are denied licitly, the consumers will certainly have recourse to obtain it by illicit means. Unless the growth of hemp drug is entirely abolished, the use of the drug will not cease. If, on the other hand, it is abolished in one part of the country under the British rule and not interfered with in the Native States, it will be extremely difficult to enforce prohibition; and if such a prohibition is announced there will be a great discontent among the people whose interest is at stake, and they will cry inside their homes and quietly bear it, and will sit to think over the matter to contrive means to satisfy their appetite ; and if they fail to succeed in their attempts, in my humble opinion, it must eventually result in political danger, which at the present moment cannot be anticipated. My idea about these intoxicants is that a habitual consumer can forego his meals once, but not his usual allowance of drug. Of course those who have restrictions for liquor will not like to take to it, which must necessarily be in violation of his caste rules. Opium is a dull intoxication and a costly one, and which cannot be given up as others. I do not know then what other article would take the place of this drug - Evidence of VINAYAK BALKRISHNA KHARE, Brahmin, Excise Daroga, Nagpur.
33. Generally, and as a rule, their consumption is considered bad, but the general opinion, both social and religious, is to use it in the way of offering, so that one may be able to divert himself by keeping his thoughts aloof for some hours from the anxieties of the world. Charas is not smoked in these provinces. The gentlemen consider con-sumption of ganja bad. The noblemen abstain from this. Generally it is restricted to fakirs, Gosains and other menial castes. They very seldom take bhang. They take it in the summer season and. Holi festival as thandai, but they are not censured for this. They do not worship the hemp plant. 34. The fakirs and gosains no doubt, who under religious restrictions, smoke hemp to keep their minds aloof from worldly anxieties, will object to quit it. The sailors, water-carriers, palanquin bearers, who generally have to deal with water, Will also object. Five per cent. of the Hindu community will raise objections. 35. Both charas and ganja are injurious for man's health, It is advisable to put a stop to their use. Bhang does not injure anybody's health; it need not be stopped. The people will, no doubt, murmur if the cultivation and sale of these drugs is stopped. But if a heavy tax is levied upon the drugs, it is presumed that in course of time it will diminish day by day. Less leniency might be shown as to the right of lawfully keeping drugs, that is to say, instead of 5 tolas of hemp, the limit may be reduced to 2 tolas, and that of bhang, instead of 1/4 seer, to one chittack. The political administration will not suffer in any way by so doing. If the drugs are at once abolished, the people will incline to use other drugs, because it goes hard with them to leave the use of the drugs then and there. They, therefore, will satisfy themselves with other drugs. The mean castes will satisfy themselves with wine, and the fakirs with the seeds of dhatura and bachnag, the poisonous drugs. - Evidence of ANANDI PERSHAD, Excise Daroga, Hoshangabad.
33. People think nothing of the habit of using either bhang or ganja. They do not worship the hemp plant. Ganja and bhang are offered to Mahadeo. 34. Religious mendicants cannot give it up easily, as they use hemp to aid their contemplation. There would be about 50 such in Sambalpur. Other classes could give it up after a while with some difficulty. 35. No. The drug would be consumed illicitly. The prohibition could not be enforced properly. It would cause serious discontent. They might even rebel against the Government. Consumers would not likely take to alcohol or other drugs in place of hemp. They have not the same effects. - Evidence of BRIJMOHUN PATNAIK, Mahanti, Treasurer, Sambalpur.
33. Social Hindus regard ganja as "a good electrical herbage giving a nice vigour in the body and sanctity in the mind." I do not think the habit of smoking it is regarded with disapprobation. - Evidence of UMA CHURN MUKERJEE, Brahmin, Government Clerk, Jabalpur.
34. I presume it would be a serious privation, but I gather that even many smokers would approve such action. 35. One man who was familiar with the preparation and use of ganja, although not himself consuming it, said that restriction would be just as feasible in regard to cultivation of ganja as to cultivation of opium. No doubt there would be illicit growth and consumption, but it would probably be slight. I do not think the prohibition in this district would occasion serious discontent or amount to a political danger. Resort in many cases would be more frequent to alcohol or to other drugs. I learnt that most ganja smokers use spirits, toddy, opium or some electuary composed partly of ganja. 35. I found that most of these smokers used opium and took spirits as well. As mentioned in answer 29, one man mentioned dhatura ; but as I have said I could ascertain nothing definite about that. I know nothing of it. The use of dhatura was generally denied indignantly. I believe the consumers would, if ganja were restricted, go to opium or alcohol ; and as my limited inquiry seems to me to show that ganja is worse than alcohol, I think that (as far as alcohol is concerned) this would be a chance for the better. I do not know whether opium or hemp drugs are worse. - Evidence of the REV. S. J. LONG, Missionary, Coimbatore.
33. The consumer of any one of the drugs is regarded as an inferior lot by the general well-todo Hindus and Muhammadans; whereas among the Gonds and other regular agricultural castes in the district, the consumer is not taken notice of, No, there is no public opinion in regard to the practice. The use of the narcotic is not generally in disrepute. There is no custom of worshipping the hemp plant here. Question 33. [oral evidence] — My experience is limited to ganja. I do not refer to hemp. 34. No, it would not be a serious privation to consumers to forego these drugs, except that it would make them take to liquor, which perhaps would be worse. 35. It would be difficult to prohibit the use of these drugs. Yes, I think the drug would be consumed illicitly. Prohibition could be enforced by very stringent measures. Yes, the prohibition would occasion serious discontent, inasmuch as the mendicants of Shiva and others of their class would raise a cry, and then the lower classes who consume liquor would at once get the fright on board that Government having stopped ganja smoking would the next thing stop their liquor. Yes, the prohibition would largely be followed' by a recourse to alcoholic stimulants. When I enquired amongst the religious mendicant class—Mr. Jacob, a Missionary, also enquired—they said that they anticipated the stoppage of hemp would only be a step towards further restrictions, and that liquor would be next attacked. I do not think that the greater cost of liquor would prevent the Gonds resorting to it if the hemp drugs were prohibited. The cost of alcoholic liquor is not as a matter of fact high in that country. - Evidence of MR. A. E. LOWRIE, Officiating Deputy Conservator of Forests, Chanda.
33. The consumption of the drugs is generally detested both by Hindus and Muhammadans. The former dislike the practice because it leads to some vices, such as dissipation, debauchery, dishonesty, robbery, and also results in some instances in insanity ; while the latter object to it chiefly in consequence of its being prohibited by Muhammadan law. Those who use the drugs are often irregular in the mode of their living, and bear generally some impeachable character. I know no sect by which the hemp plant is worshipped. 34. Yes, it would be a very serious privation to all habitual consumers, because they shall have no other narcotic articles to substitute for those now in use at a comparatively low cost.- Evidence of MUNSHI MAHOMED GHOUSE, Extra Assistant Conservator of Forests, Raipur.
33. The use of the drug is generally accepted as a sign of dissolute habits. 34. I am not prepared to use the word serious ; not such a serious privation as in the case of opium. An opium-eater on admission to jail has to be carefully watched as to his health, and it is often necessary for a short time to treat him with stimulants. After this he recovers the privation and rapidly increases in weight. No notice is taken of a man who is a ganja eater or smoker when known to be such. 35. Not feasible to prohibit; would be consumed illicitly. The prohibition could not be enforced, and would cause discontent. I think that the prohibition of the use of the drugs would not be feasible, because the plant could be cultivated so easily with little fear of detection. Smuggling, of course, would also have to be faced as a difficulty, especially in such places as Saugor and Damoh. The present system has, of course, checked private cultivation, because there is a punishment attached to cultivation, and certain people have an interest in exposing it. - Evidence of COLONEL H. HUGHES HALLET, Officiating Inspector-General of Police and Prisons. Central Provinces.
33. Ganja—Considered disreputable by rich and respectable people as practice is mainly confined to religious mendicants and low castes who toil for livelihood. Bhang : ganja, internally—Taken by all classes at certain seasons. Considered a very wholesome and refreshing drink in hot weather. Not looked on as disreputable. Not worshipped, but smokers of low castes make offerings of ganja to Mahadeo and " Mata Devi's " attendant sprite. 34. Would be a serious privation to labourers and others who undergo severe and prolonged toil at certain seasons, i.e., rice transplanting and work during rains, long journeys on foot with insufficient clothing, poor food. Fishermen and others who lead outdoor, laborious lives, exposed to all weathers. Perhaps 25 per cent. of adult males. 35. Quite impossible. The plant would be cultivated secretly all over India, and the constant prosecutions and espionage by police would be intolerable. It might thus possibly amount to a political danger. The prohibition would inevitably be followed by increased consumption of alcohol or other drugs, opium or dhatura. Liquor is comparatively expensive in Bhandara. If ganja were prohibited, the ganja smoker, who could afford it, would take to opium, the next cheaper, and then to liquor. The liquor habit is considered more disreputable than the opium habit. I think the resort to opium smoking would be more hurtful physically. The resort to alcohol drinking or opium eating would not be more hurtful, because the classes who smoke ganja could not afford much of the other intoxicants. I think prohibition might encourage consumption of dhatura on account of its greater powers and its cheapness ; but I know of no cases of ganja smokers having taken to the habitual consumption of dhatura. I know of no case in which the ganja habit has been relinquished for the opium habit. - Evidence of APOTHECARY J. PRENTIE, Civil Surgeon, Bhandara.
33. The habitual ganja smoking is certainly regarded by the general public as a moral weakness, even a vice ; and the reason is obvious, for the poor smoker is degraded in the eyes of the public and is looked down as a fallen creature, who is never to be believed or trusted : such, however, is not the case with bhang drinking, habitual or occasional. There is no custom of worshipping the hemp plant on any occasion that I know of. 34. However serious the privation would be to any class of consumers to forego the consumption of the drugs for a certain number of days, the effect is only temporary, for instances have often been observed in jails, where a convict, who had been a hard smoker, has, as a matter of course, left off the habit during his sojourn in the jail, with perfect impunity, except for the first few days, when he was rather out of sorts. - Evidence of DOORGA DAS SEN, Baidya, Assistant Surgeon, Warora.
33. Bhang and ganja consumers are looked on by Hindus and Musalmans alike as somewhat loose and untrustworthy, and a respectable man would not give his daughter in marriage to such a man. In connexion with religious rites and very occasional consumption, a bhang or ganja consumer is not in any way socially looked down on. Among Muhammadans, of course, if a man is in the habit, or ever uses intoxicating drugs, and it becomes known, he is socially and religiously outcasted; but this is. generally the case among Muhammadans of lower sects, such as Pinjaras, Kunjras, and the like. 34. Sudden deprivation of the drug would be a serious privation to habitual consumers, but any one could gradually break himself off the habit. 35. Feasible by prohibiting cultivation of the hemp plant, which would to a small extent be illicitly consumed. Of course, discontent would be occasioned among consumers, but not to the extent of a political danger. The prohibition can possibly be effected by (a) raising the price, (b) reducing the number of retail vends, (c) the quantity now legally allowed to each consumer may be reduced, as may appear, feasibly to half. It is possible that the drug may be substituted for alcoholic stimulants or some other drugs. - Evidence of MUHAMMAD HABIBULLA, 1st grade Hospital Assistant, Seoni.
33 The consumption of ganja and charas, and also excessive consumption of bhang, have no favourable opinion among the people. The habits of consuming them are regarded as very low and mean. The social opinion in regard to the practice is very unfavourable and scornfully against. According to the Muhammadan religion they are strictly forbidden. The use of all forms of the narcotic is generally in disrepute, because its use has always produced bad results, such as insanity, immorality, weakness of constitution, and many others. In this province there is no such custom of worshipping the hemp plant on any occasion and by any sect of the people. 34. It would not be a serious privation to any class of consumers to forego the consumption of the drug they use, for I have seen many cases of excessive consumers of these drugs, who, when they were put either in the gaol or in the lunatic asylum, could live easily without the consumption of the drug they used to consume habitually. 35. Yes, it can be practicable to prohibit the use of all of these drugs, but by wise and gradual measures. Yes, if stopped all at once, those who are strongly and deeply addicted to the use of these drugs, would consume them illicitly. The prohibition could be enforced by wise and gradual measures which, according to my humble opinion, I have given on a separate paper annexed herewith. If stopped all at once it will occasion discontent among the habitual consumers. But such discontent will not amount to any political danger. The prohibition will not be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants, because both the Hindus and the Muhammadans are strictly forbidden by their religions to use any sort of alcoholic stimulants. But there is probability of their taking to madak, opium or dhatura. - Evidence of MIR ZAMIN ALI, Pensioned Hospital Assistant, Jabalpur.
33. (a) Among low castes with tolerance; among high castes it is thought somewhat of a disgrace from its intoxicating effects. (c) No worship of this sort occurs here. 34. It would be a similar privation to most consumers as would occur from the prohibition of any other luxury. It would not be such a privation as the prohibition of opium. No one could say that it was an interference with his religion. 35. There would not, I think, be any serious discontent or disturbance, as none followed the prohibition of the growing of the plant. The consumers are too weak and devoid of influence to cause any political danger. They would probably take to other drugs. - Evidence of KHUSHALI RAM, Honorary Magistrate, Chhindwara.
33. The consumption of each of these drugs is looked down upon by the people. It is considered immoral in the social scale. Generally all sorts of vices are looked down upon by the better classes of society, and as this is a narcotic that is generally used by the lower classes of people, and as its consumption is necessarily very generally associated with bad characters, and also as the smoking of this drug has a tendency to make its victims demoralised and lose much of their mental vigour, the habit is looked down upon by the people. No classes of persons here worship the hemp plant. Question 33.[oral evidence] — Strictly moral persons do not use bhang. The names ganjeri and bhangeri applied to consumers are rather terms of implied reproach. As bhang is more used by the higher classes than ganja, there is some difference in public opinion. 35. It would not be feasible to prohibit bhang and ganja. Charas, which is a greater intoxicant, may be prohibited. In the case of labourers and wage-earners, Gonds and others, there are reasons to believe that the prohibition of this drug would necessarily bring about illicit consumption. The smoking of it is, they say, necessary in the case of labourers to give them staying-power. It is not like madak, which makes its victims disinclined to work. Its prohibition would of course produce discontent among the labouring class. Even now, as far as I can make out, the severe restrictions imposed upon it afford cause for discontent among them. But the discontent cannot under any circumstances amount to a political danger, but it would, I suppose, create a social danger, inasmuch as people would then take to opium, which, being along with wine the sole intoxicant, might rise in value, and would thus deprive their families and children of the necessaries of life by spending an increased amount on such luxuries. It would be possible to prohibit ganja altogether; but there would be much illicit growth and many prosecutions. The process of producing ganja is known to ordinary cultivators. Complete prohibition would be very difficult. - Evidence of GANGADHARRAO MADHO CHITNAVIS , Honorary Magistrate, Nagpur
33. Ganja smoking is thought disgraceful. A respectable man who smoked ganja would do it in secret at any rate at first (see No. 30). Bhang is not looked down on by any means. 35. Does not consider it possible to stop bairagis smoking it. They wander about and often visit Native States. A general prohibition would lead to endless prosecutions, and many false ones. Does not think a ganja smoker deprived of his ganja would take to liquor. Ganja is the poor man's intoxicant : can do it for a pice on ganja, but in liquor it takes two annas' worth at least. Thinks ganja, liquor, and madak smokers three quite distinct classes. - Evidence* of MIR IMDAD ALI, Honorary Magistrate, Damoh .
33.—There is a feeling of disapprobation against a man of wealth or standing who smokes ganja. It is thought to be the right thing for poor and naked labouring men. Brahmins of course are forbidden to touch ganja, but they also drink a preparation of bhang in the hot weather. - Evidence of CHAUDHRY UMRAO SINGH, Honorary Magistrate, Jubbulpore.
33. There is no mention of either ganja or bhang in religion ; but the public opinion is against the consumption of ganja, either to moderation or excess, and it is regarded as disgraceful, because it is held to render the consumer insensible, and, if taken in excess, to destroy his reason. The use of bhang in small quantities occasionally is not considered objectionable, but the use of ganja is, as it reduces a man's intellect in time. 34. I don't think that it would be a serious privation to any class of consumers to forego ganja. Those who consume it to a moderate extent could give up the habit; while those who used it to excess would substitute liquor or some other drug, such as dhatura, the root of jowari, or arsenic. These would only be used by those who used ganja in the largest quantities. The others would take to opium. There would be no objection to the prohibition of the use of bhang as the habit of using it is easily given up. The consumers of ganja are labourers who are also drinkers of liquor. If deprived of ganja, they would take to other drugs or confine themselves to liquor and would not feel inconvenience. Jowari root is the root of the ordinary jowari (Sorghum). It is pounded and mixed with water and ghee and then boiled. In this process an oil rises to the surface, which is taken off and made into sweetmeats. It is intoxicating. This preparation is used at marriages, and its qualities are generally known. The preparation is made up by halwais. It is more intoxicating than bhang, but less so than ganja. It grips the throat. Jowari root is not mixed with ganja for smoking. 35. It would be perfectly possible to prohibit the consumption of all these drugs. Such provision would occasion no serious discontent. It should be declared an offence to possess, sell or consume ganja or its products, and cases in which the prohibition was exceeded should be punished. Such prohibition would not lead to an increased consumption of alcoholic stimulants. They would not take to opium, as it is too expensive. Some perhaps, might have recourse to dhatura or the roots of jowari or arsenic and tobacco ; but I do not think that many would. - Evidence of SETH BACHRAJ, Honorary Magistrate, Wardha.
33. The consumption of these drugs on particular occasions is regarded good, but indulgence in it in every place and time is considered disreputable. On religious and social customs the public opinion is in its favour. There is no custom of worshipping hemp plant in these provinces. 34. Of course, it would be a serious privation to labourers, fakirs, and those who think it to be religious custom, to forego the consumption of the drug they use. The number of these consumers is 50 per cent. To break off the habit of consuming any of these drugs will prove injurious to health. 35. These drugs cannot be used for purposes other than medicinal. The practice of consuming these drugs should not be prohibited, but the old and rotten drugs, or the stuff containing large quantity of seeds and leaves, ought to be prohibited or be destroyed, as the use of such drugs is injurious to health. - Evidence of MODAN MOHAN SETH, Honorary Magistrate, Jubbulpore.
33. Government has classed ganja and bhang in the same category, but there is a great difference between them. No one objects to bhangdrinkers, but ganja-smoking is a vice. I cannot, however, say that there is any strong public opinion against it. It has its advantages and is therefore not to be utterly condemned, like madak-smoking. I know of no custom of worshipping the plant. 34. Yes, in both cases. Ganja-smokers are usually poor and cannot allow any more expensive stimulant. Marwaris, etc., who drink bhang, cannot touch liquor. Their caste forbids it. 35. (a) No. (b) Yes. (d) Yes, certainly. (e) Yes. The fighting classes would create disturbances. (f ) Yes, in the case of the poor. Dhatura probably. The sepoys are not ganja-smokers, but they drink bhang. The Purbhias are bhang-drinkers. They and the Chaubes of Mathura are the fighting classes I refer to. I speak of the prohibition of bhang, not that of ganja. - Evidence of KAPUR CHAND, Honorary Magistrate and Gumasta, Raipur.
33. It is looked on as a bad habit. Non-smokers look down on smokers. The reasons are—(1) waste of money; (2) it generally implies low company or running after women; (3) it seems to lead sometimes to asthma; (4) ganja smokers become violent tempered. This does not apply to bhang with Marwaris. There is no worship of the hemp plant. 34. Yes; to sadhus and bairagis, who have to undergo hardship. 35. Yes, except in the case of sadhus and bairagis. There would be illicit consumption, but not much. The ganja shops should be closed, except at large cities, and there the sale should be restricted to sadhus and bairagis and doctors. I think there would be little discontent and no political danger. No doubt the consumption of country liquor will increase. - Evidence of RAGHOBA MAHADIK, Malguzar and Honorary Magistrate, Rajim
33. These drugs are generally regarded as injurious. There is no opinion (social or religious) regarding it. As it injures the body and, owing to its narcotic quality, induces the consumers to commit other bad acts, it is hated. We hear that the people of Bikanir, Malacca, Siam, etc., and particularly Marwaris, worship this plant. 34. If they should suddenly give up its use, they may be attacked by various diseases, i. e., they would not have sleep at night; joints, etc., of their bodies would ache; and sighing, swelling of belly, unsoundness of mind, indigestion, and continuous anger would follow. All these are generally produced by ganja, bhang, and charas. 35. If the use be prohibited at once, the consumers would be put to considerable difficulty. It would be improper to consume illicitly. If it is proposed to prohibit its use, first of all, the event of leasing out the monopoly shall have to be gradually lessened. If its use be prohibited at once, the consumers would, no doubt, be discontented, and consequently a political danger is likely to arise. Yes, the prohibition would be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants and other drugs; but as the jogis, Vaishnavas, and Brahmins in India hate liquor, and do not use other drugs, I think it would be difficult to have recourse to them at once. - Evidence of HARI HAR SINGH, Zamindar and Honorary Magistrate, Sambalpur District.
34. No, as it is not much used. 35. It is feasible to prohibit them ; it will not be consumed illicitly. The prohibition can be enforced by the strict prevention of sale and cultivation. It will not cause serious discontent among consumers. The prohibition of these drugs may give recourse to alcoholic stimulants. - Evidence of Hospital Assistant C. M. APPATHORAI MUDALIAR, Vellala, Chairman, Union Panchayat, Hindupur, Anantapur District.
33.There is a slight feeling of disapprobation among respectable natives against persons who smoke ganja even in moderation, but I believe this to be due to the fact that if any man is known to smoke ganja at all, his enemies say he is a great ganja smoker. 35. I think it would be inadvisable to try and put a stop to it altogether. - Evidence of BEHARI LAL, Banker and Honorary Magistrate, Jubbulpore.
33. The use of every intoxicating drug is considered to be bad. The opinion of the common public as well as my own opinion is that the use of such drugs is disgraceful to the people generally and especially to those who deal in money or business of any kind. There is no custom of worshipping bhang plants in this district. 34. Undoubtedly it is difficult to give up the use of ganja and bhang. But the persons who use them in smaller quantities and not from long time will find it less difficult to do so than those who have been long accustomed to them and use them in larger quantities. The number of such consumers of ganja and bhang is 15 and 2 per cent, respectively. 35. It is not an easy matter to prohibit the habitual consumers specially of ganja and bhang from using these drugs. Such prohibition will lead to the illicit use of the drugs, and will be very much disliked by the consumers. There is to wonder that it may cause a disturbance. If the prohibition is ordered, it will not be within the reach of every consumer to use liquor or any other intoxicant as a substitute for ganja. - Evidence of RAI BAHADUR SETH TIKA RAM, Brahmin, Money-lender and Malguzar, Narsinghpur.
34.It would not be a serious privation to any class of consumers to forego the consumption of any of these drugs. My reason for this opinion is that I have known men, who have been habitual consumers and who have found their way into prison, not to suffer anything beyond a craving for a few days, after which the feeling passed off and the men's health in no way suffered. I am unable to give any numbers of each class. - Evidence of Hospital Assistant P. NARRAINSWAMY TELEGA, Parvatipur Vizagapatam District.
33. The term "ganjeri" is certainly one which carries contempt with it. There is no general public opinion against moderate smoking, but a man is considered generally a better man who does not use the drugs at all. Parents do their best to prevent their sons using them at all. Ganja is considered far more harmful than bhang .I have never seen bhang or ganja worshipped. 34. The sadhus would feel the privation very much, and would feel it an interference with their religion. It would be a far greater hardship to the people to forego opium than to forego ganja or bhang, but in my opinion more harm is caused by opium than by these drugs. 35. I think it would be inadvisable to put a stop to ganja or bhang. It would be illicitly consumed, and there would be general discontent. The lower castes would take to drinking liquor instead. But the higher castes, Brahmans, sadhus, and Chattris would have no alternative. - Evidence of DIWAN PREM SINGH, Zamindar, Bilaspur District.
33. The term ganjeri(a ganja smoker) is equivalent to a loafer. I do not believe the theory that ganja or bhang can habitually supply the place of food for a poor man. It gives him strength for a short time, but a reaction sets in. It renders him liable to cold and bronchitis. Its use is in bad repute, because the craving to go and smoke with his fellows make a man idle and dishonest. Its use clouds the brain. I believe opium to be of use if used in moderation. I believe all use of ganja and bhang to be harmful. Question 33 [oral evidence].—I think the use of ganja or charas to any extent, but not necessarily bhang. 34. Ganja, consumers could not stop its use without great privation. To forego bhang would be privation for only the very insignificant percentage of habitual drinkers. 35. It would be a good thing for bhang and ganja smokers to be driven to liquor, as these are not harmful to the same degree. My opinion is that liquor is less injurious than ganja; but I do not think that of opium. There must have been some mistake or misunderstanding. I think that opium smoking is much worse than ganja. - Evidence of LALL UMED SINGH, Zamindar, Bilaspur District
35. It is never consumed illicitly. It can be easily prohibited. - Evidence of Hospital Assistant M . V. RAMANUGULU NAIDU, Peddapur, Godavari District.
33. The public regard the smoking of ganja with unmixed contempt. The disrepute is due to the loss of mental powers that the use brings on in the case of the drugs of the hemp plant. 34. The abstinence from ganja would entail diseases on the habitual consumers. 35. I do not think it possible to prohibit the use of ganja in my State. The confirmed smokers of ganja, I should think, will no doubt have recourse either to illicit consumption or to other drugs. If the prohibition is at all to be enforced, the only way possible for it is to disallow licensed vending and to place the consumers under police surveillance and sanction. The consumers will be seriously discontented. Political danger might follow the prohibition. Probably the consumers of ganja will take to other narcotics; which they may be I cannot specify - Evidence of LALL N ROOPRAJ SINGH, Chatriya, Zamindar of Barpali, District Sambalpur
33. The respectable class of people regard the intoxication of ganja as very bad. Its use has no connection with religion. It is liked only by bairagis, gosains and sadhus, who profess to have left all worldly cares, and the labouring classes, who are under the impression that by smoking ganja they will be relieved of their worry. There is no custom of worshipping the hemp plant in this district. It is not advisable to drink bhang, but people take delight in doing so. 34. It would not be a serious privation to any class of consumers to forego the consumption of the drug they use. I cannot guess the probable number of each class of consumers. 35. It is possible to prohibit the use of all these drugs. If it is gradually reduced, the consumers can after some time forego the consumption of their favourite drug. If it is prohibited all at once, the ganja-smokers would find it very inconvenient, and they will adopt any measure, however bad it may be, whereby they could expect to get the drug. It is not advisable to replace the ganja by any other intoxicating stimulant, for all intoxicating things are bad. The prohibition would certainly create discontent among the consumers, but not to such an extent as to amount to a political danger. The entire prohibition of ganja would be beneficial to all classes of people excepting the sadhus, bairagis, gosains, etc., who consider this drug even more indispensable than food itself, and as they are always travelling, the use of ganja prevents the effects of the changing climates on their constitution. - Evidence * of PANDIT NARAYAN RAO GOBIND, Brahmin, Zamindar, Hurda.
33. (a) and (b) It is considered disreputable, because it produces intoxication, and impairs the intellect, but there is no religious prohibition of its use. (c) No. 34. Ganja smoking is a thing which is done daily, and foregoing it would be a serious privation to those accustomed to it. This is not so much the case with eating bhang, which is a more occasional thing. Some 5 per cent. of the total population of this district are, I should say, ganja smokers, and some 3 per cent. bhang eaters. The proportion of consumers given in my answer 34 is correct. Bhang is not consumed here as it is in Marwad. 35. (a) Bhang eating might be forbidden, but not ganja smoking. (b) Yes, where British territory adjoins Native States. (c) The best means of prohibition would be by gradually raising the price. (d) The prohibition would occasion discontent amongst habitual consumers. (e) There would be some danger from this discontent, but not much. (f) Consumers of ganja and bhang, if cut off from them, would not take to liquor or opium. My meaning is that the bhang habit can be discontinued, but people cannot abandon ganja-smoking. People would not take to other intoxicants if hemp were prohibited. They might take to opium-smoking (madak). - Evidence of CHANDI ERSHAD, Brahmin, Malguzar, and President, Municipal Committee, Chanda.
33. (a) They are not considered articles necessary for life. (b) No. To hatred and dislike to the partaking of any drugs that will intoxicate and make a man a beast. (c) No. 34. No; it would be a benefit. People who give up or have to give up consuming these drugs improve in health, Can't give an idea of the probable numbers of each class. 35. (a) Yes. (b) In isolated cases. (c ) By prohibiting cultivation and prescribing severe penalties for introduction of the drugs into British territory. (d) Not serious discontent, though there will be a little discontent at the beginning. (e) No. (f) The lower classes will take to liquor instead if they can afford it - Evidence of THAKUR MAHARAJ SINGH, RAI BAHADUR,* Malguzar, Saugor.
35. It would not be feasible to prohibit the use of any or all of these drugs. The drug will surely be consumed illicitly. There is no doubt that the prohibition would cause serious discontent among the consumers, but it is doubtful if such discontent would amount to a political danger. It is certain that the prohibition will lead to recourse to the use of other narcotic drugs, and even to alcoholic stimulants. - Evidence of DR. ARTHUR WELLS, Medical Officer, Chicacole, Ganjam District.
33. (a)It is generally regarded as being injurious. (b) The public opinion is against the use of these drugs. The use of these drugs is held in disrepute because it is injurious to health. 34. At first it would be felt seriously by the consumers if they were to forego the use of ganja or bhang. 35. It would not be feasible to prohibit the use of all these drugs at the same time.. If prohibited, they would be consumed illicitly, The prohibition could be enforced by law. The prohibition would create discontent among consumers, but such discontent would not amount to a political danger. The prohibition would not be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants or other drugs. - Evidence of RAO VENKAT RAO, Brahmin, Malguzar, and Political Pensioner, Saugor
33. The consumption of each of these drugs is regarded as low. The use of ganja as well as bhang is generally held in disrepute. The sentiment may be attributed to the control one loses more or less over his own actions and speech, and also to the eccentricity of disposition it tends to create. Use of ganja is considered more vicious, in fact the use of any intoxicant is regarded as disreputable among the Hindu community. There is no custom of worshipping the hemp plant on any occasion by any sect of people. 34. To forego the consumption of any of these drugs would be a serious privation to such persons as have been long in the habit of using it. The gosains and bairagis may be cited as examples. They are half-clad. They endure the heat of summer and cold of winter under the influence of ganja and bhang, and for them to forego the use of these drugs would mean a very serious privation. To others it will cause great uneasiness. It may even affect their health for some time. 35. It may be feasible to prohibit the use of any of these drugs but it will certainly not be feasible to prohibit the use of all of them. If the use of all the drugs were prohibited entirely, the people will be more inclined to take recourse to the consumption of illicit drugs. Yes, the prohibition will occasion discontent to some extent among moderate consumers, and will lead to serious discontent among habitual excessive consumers. I do not think the discontent will amount to political danger. It may, however, cause petty riots. The prohibition will be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants in case of those whose religion permits the use of such stimulants and who can afford to pay for them, or to other drugs such as opium, poison root, arsenic, dhatura, nux vomica, roots of jowar and kanher plants, in case of others. - Evidence of RAO SAHIB BALWANTRAO GOVINDRAO BHUSKUTE, Brahmin, Jagirdar of Timborni, Barhanpar, .Nimar District.
34. No ; if the consumer is given a cigar when he craves for ganja, the cigar seems to quell him - Evidence of Apothecary N. H. DANIEL, In charge Police Hospital, Koraput, Vizagapatam District.
33. The use is disapproved of, because it injures the heart and brain, i.e., for its physical, mental and moral effects. I do not know of the hemp plant being worshipped, but a preparation of bhang is offered to Mahadeo. There is no special occasion in which it is offered. 34. There would be no particular privation in stopping the use of either drugs, as the habit is soon cured, and no benefit is derived from the use of the drugs. 35. I do not think the prohibition could be enforced so as to prevent illicit consumption. There would be serious discontent. They might even rise against the Government. I do not think hemp-users would take to liquor or other drugs. People will not take to liquors on account of its expense and the fear of losing caste, and because the intoxication of liquor leads to crime and violence, which is not the case with hemp. People could reduce their consumption of the drugs. They might take dhatura instead. - Evidence * of DAMODHAR DASS, Brahmin, Mafidar, Bargarh, Sambalpur District
33. Ganja-smoking is considered very disreputable, but not the other uses to which it is put, as using it in "vadas," "bhajas," "chivdas," etc. The religious sentiment of the Muhammadans is unerringly against ganja-smoking, as it is against the use of all intoxicants. No such religious sentiment exists amongst Hindus against the use of narcotics, as there is against the use of alcohol. But both Hindus and Muhammadans, as well as other religionists, consider ganja-smoking as bad and lowering, on account of the disastrous effects it produces on the physical and mental faculties of the smoker. "Ganjadi," "affeemchi," "mad-datti" are well known abusive and disgraceful epithets, used against idle and inactive moods and idiotic actions on the part of an awfully careless man. 34. Gosains and bairagis, jogis, fakirs, and the poor labourers can ill afford to forego the use of ganja-smoking. The reason is that the use of it is not prohibited by religion in the case of Hindus, and ganja is so cheap compared to the price of liquor. Majum-eaters, bhang-drinkers, and the occasional pleasure-seeker would feel the loss of it, as it is the only cheap, intoxicating drug that they can use without incurring the displeasure or odium of their co-religionists. 35. I do not think it feasible to entirely prohibit the use of ganja, bhang or majum all at once. I should think it would be illicitly consumed. The prohibition of any of these drugs could only be enforced by drastic measures which I am loath to recommend. I am inclined to think that the prohibition would occasion great discontent and lead to political danger. Bairagis, gosains, jogis and fakirs would constitute themselves into leaders of the rebellion if ganja smoking was prohibited. The higher class Hindus, bairagis, gosains, jogis, and fakirs would certainly not resort to alcoholic stimulants, for they are prohibited to use them. In their extremity they would have recourse to opium and its various preparations, such as maddat and chandu. - Evidence of the REV. I. JACOB, Church of England Missionary, Chairman, District Council, etc., Chanda.
34. It is, I think, impossible for consumers to forego the consumption of the drug. If deprived of it, they are sure to take opium in some form, and, if unable to get this latter drug, to drink arrack, etc., mixed with the seeds of dhatura and some other similar drug. 35. It would not be feasible to prohibit the use of the drug, especially in the case of the regular consumer. He would feel the want of it as much as a man who is deprived of his tobacco or his glass of beer. I can mention no other drug but dhatura which is capable of being used as a substitute for the hemp drug. - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR R. PEMBERTON, Civil Surgeon, Cochin.
33. As far as I know, with indifference. There is no public opinion on the matter. I don't think it is in disrepute; nor are people who use it shunned more than users of tobacco are, except by the extreme temperate people, i.e., people who object to the, use of tobacco, spirits and narcotics in any form. 34. Not to my knowledge. I have come across instances of people giving it up because of my advice, and no evil effects have resulted. 35. Since the people have been accustomed to use the drug (ganja) from time immemorial, prohibition would be very difficult, and it would be consumed illicitly. I think prohibition would lead to political trouble, and would be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants and other drugs. - Evidence of the REV. O. LOHR,* Medical Missionary, Bisrampur, Raipur District.
33. A man who smokes ganja is looked down upon even by persons of his own social standing, much more so by persons above his. Bhang -drinker, however, is not in such a bad repute. The reasons appear to be that a ganja-smoker is almost always easily excitable, is not amenable to reason, is ever disposed to quarrel, even with his best friends. He is an uncertain friend and a bad enemy, for once he resolves to do a thing, no matter however wrong, he does it at all hazard. The bhang-drinker is, on the other hand, quiet and forbearing, more so than the ganja-smoker is. I am not aware that the hemp plant is ever worshipped, though I know when persons begin to tread it in process of its manufacture they reverentially join their hands and bow respectfully to the heap which they are about to tread. 35. Yes, the cultivation of ganja, should be stopped altogether. A heavy duty might be levied on bhang and charas. I do not think then that there is any fear of illicit consumption. A certain amount of discontent would certainly arise, as the persons consuming the drug belong generally to that illiterate class who take a very long time indeed before they see what is good for them. I do not think that this discontent will breed any political danger, for the simple reason that the consumers are men of no influence, and all right-minded men look upon the consumption of this drug as fraught with deterioration of the national intellect. The lower classes will take to liquor; but the higher classes will seek for its substitute in vain. At the time of writing this answer, I did not realise how large an amount of foreign hemp drugs found its way into India. The prohibition of cultivation in India would be ineffectual in face of the free growth of the plant in surrounding countries. I therefore would withdraw the opinion I expressed. Bhang is not so deleterious as ganja, and I would not charge it with causing deterioration of the national intellect. People must have some sort of intoxicant, and the lower classes would substitute liquor for ganja if they could possibly afford it. The higher classes might take to opium. - Evidence of ADHAR SINGH GOUR, Kshattri, Barrister-at-law, Hoshangabad.
33. Occasional and moderate use of bhang meets with no social disfavour except it be with extreme puritans of the modern theistic schools. The use of ganja, on the other hand, is universally condemned as disreputable. The use of neither drug is condemned by the Hindu religion. Strict Muhammadanism condemns both, but even with them abstinence from these drugs is a moral not a religious duty. It is in the language of their Doctors a matter of "sunnat," not "furz." The ganja smoker is as a rule eccentric, shorttempered and slovenly. His hands are covered with corns—the result of daily kneading the drug in the palm of his left hand with the thumb of the right. He is talkative and does not always confine his talk within the bounds of sober sense or truth. This drug is cheap, and only people of the lowest classes indulge in it. All these causes combine to make ganja and the "ganjeri" alike disreputable. Moreover, the Hindu mind, from its past climatic and religious history, is averse to all sorts of intoxicants, and it is a pity that this frame of mind is changing with the spread of western civilization. I have never heard of any custom of worshipping ganja or bhang. 34. I do not believe that it would. Of course the want of the customary excitement will be felt as a trouble for a few days, but my experience of such men sentenced to imprisonment leads me to think that they can very well do without it. It is another matter whether poor men, whose work compels them to frequently expose themselves to wind and rain or to undergo great fatigue, ought to be deprived of the means of alleviating their hard lot by a cheap smoke which deadens the sensations of cold and pain to a considerable extent. A stringent law against the growing of the plant and its use strictly enforced would minimise, if not eradicate, the practice. The same result in a less measure would be secured by raising the price of the drug. Illicit growing of the plant is bound to increase on the adoption of either of these courses, but it will diminish as the present race of smokers die out or are weaned out of the habit by want of the drug or actual suffering of or the dread of punishment. Of course the ganja smokers will be highly incensed by prohibition of their favourite drug, and the bhang drinkers will feel the same sentiment with somewhat less intensity, but there cannot be the least political danger from such discontent. The better class of bhang drinkers and ganja smokers will not dare openly express their sentiments for fear of public opinion, and as for the lower classes they will meet the order with resignation. As it is, alcohol is already ousting these drugs, their prohibition will most likely give a further stimulus to the sale of the former. The poorest classes may take to toddy. 35. When I was young it was the fashion for a good many among the well-to-do classes to indulge in some intoxicant or other. Most took opium in pills. Some took ganja on the sly. Few now take either of these drugs in consequence of the fashion having leaned to alcohol. I have said that the lower classes would follow this fashion. I consider the hemp habit, as we see it, to be preferable to a change for alcohol to be consumed to the extent it is among the lower classes in Europe. The sale of alcohol would increase if the consumption of hemp were stopped. - Evidence of MR. TARA DASS BANERJI, President, District Council, Raipur.
33. The consumption of ganja and bhang is regarded with much more toleration than wine drinking. In fact, religiously and socially speaking, I think there is no popular prejudice against either of these drugs. Excessive use is certainly condemned, but beyond this there is nothing else. The use of ganja is generally in disrepute for the evil effects it has on the physical constitution, I hear that the hemp plant is worshipped in the Berars. 34. It would certainly be a serious privation to the labourer class at least to forego the consumption of ganja, and to a certain extent to the sanyasis and fakirs. Ganja is the cheapest intoxication available. One pice worth of ganja keeps up the spirits of the labourer who can under its influence work the whole day without feeling himself tired. I do not think that the bhang drinkers will feel it a privation if they were prohibited its use. I cannot give any idea of the number of people who will suffer the privation, but I can safely say that the poor people will think a boon taken away from them. 35. It would not be feasible to prohibit the use of the ganja or bhang. It would be used illicitly, and the prohibition would produce a serious discontent among the consumers not amounting to a political danger. I do not think that the prohibition will be followed by the use of alcoholic stimulants because of a religious and social prejudice against them, and also because of their high price. But they may have recourse to other equally cheap drugs, if any. - Evidence of BABU KALIDAS CHOWDHRY, Brahmin, Pleader, Hoshangabad.
35. Yes, in Madras. The prohibition would not occasion serious results in Madras. - Evidence of CAPTAIN F. L. JONES, Commandant, 3rd Madras Lancers, Bellary.
33. Moderate smokers of ganja are not regarded generally with disfavour, but excessive smokers are called "ganjairis," but are not outcasted on account of it. There is no public opinion (social or religious) in regard to the practice. There is no custom cf worshipping the hemp plant on certain occasions by certain sects of the people, as far as I am aware of. 34. I think it would be a serious privation to habitual smokers. Gossains, Bairagis and perdaisis will bitterly feel it. Gout's, Gowaries, Powars, Halbas and other labouring classes will feel that they have been deprived of the fatigue-relieving drug; the Brahmins, Musalmans and Marwaris will consider themselves deprived of their occasional luxury. 35.I think it would not be feasible to prohibit the use of ganja, just as it would not be feasible to prohibit the use of beer in England. I think the prohibition would lead to illicit consumption, for these plants grow wild in some parts of India, and it would be very easy to grow these plants in fields, gardens, and private houses without fear of detection. It would cause a good deal of discontent amongst the consumers, but I do not think that, as far as Bhandara district is considered, such discontent would amount to political danger. I certainly think that the prohibition would be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants and opium. Ganja smoking is so general, that its prohibition would lead to illicit consumption. In the second place, detection of illicit growth would be very difficult. - Evidence of RAO SAHIB RANGRAO HARRY KHISTY, Pleader, Bhandara
35. If prohibited, some other stimulant would probably be used. - Evidence of COLONEL II. S. ELTON, Commandant, 16th _Regiment, Madras Infantry, Bellary.
33. Ganja and charas are held in disrepute by the higher classes, and any excessive smoking of ganja or eating and drinking of bhang, is held to be disreputable. I have never heard of the plant being worshipped here, but the Gonds in their hill homes are said to be worshippers of these plants. 34. Bhang is not much used here, nor is charas. If smoking of ganja is prohibited, the privation of it will not be felt seriously, but might be felt for some time. 35. It would be feasible to prohibit the use of these drugs where the plant is not cultivated and does not grow wild. The illicit use of these drugs might be carried on as long as money and a little trouble could procure it. The discontinuance of the use of these drugs would not be likely to cause such discontent as to amount to political danger. The prohibition would in all probability cause recourse to be made to alcoholic stimulants and other intoxicating drugs. - Evidence of Mr. J. A. MAUGHAN, Manager, Central Provinces Collieries, Umaria, Jubbulpore District.
33. The practice of these drugs is not very favourably regarded in excessive use. I know not any custom to worship the hemp plant. 34. It would be a kind of privation to consumers. 35. It would not be feasible to prohibit the use of any of these drugs. - Evidence of RAI BAHADUR KUSTOORCHAND DAGA, Bania, Banker, Kamptee, Nagpur District.
33. The consumption of these drugs is generally regarded by the people at large with indifference. But persons habitually addicted to ganja and charas are held in low estimation by the community. Nothing except in the case mentioned in Answer 32. The use of any form of the narcotic is generally held in disrepute, because it deranges the brain, etc. No ; there is no custom of worshipping the hemp plant as far as I know. 34. It will be a serious privation in case of fakirs and ascetics performing penances, inas-much as they think they cannot properly meditate without it. 35. It would be feasible. It can be consumed illicitly if available. The prohibition can be enforced by discontinuing the cultivation and destroying the wild growth throughout India. No ; the prohibition will occasion no serious discontent, nor is there any probability of a political danger. Yes ; the prohibition will be followed for a time only by recourse to alcoholic drinks as well as to other drugs, such as opium, etc., so far as available. - Evidence of LALA NANDKESHORE, * Agartcal, Merchant, Banker, Contractor, Malgoozar, Honorary Magistrate, Secretary, Municipal Committee, and Member, District Council, Saugor.
33. Among classes and families, who do not smoke ganja, it would be considered a disgrace if one of their sons was to take to ganja smoking, and he would be given the reproachful title of "ganjeri." But among classes accustomed to ganja, no such reproach attaches to the habit. It is only prejudice on their part, for half the male population indulge in ganja without injurious effect. I never heard of any custom of worshipping the ganja plant. I have, however, heard that some people consider ganja the (buti) flower of Mahadeo, and offer the flower (kali) of ganja in their worship of Mahadeo. But nothing of this kind has come across my personal observation. 34. It would be a serious privation to deprive habitual consumers of the ganja smoke to which they are accustomed. It would affect all their energies and their digestion, and lay them up more or less for a month. I say so from what I imagine. I have never known a case of the kind. 35. It would be feasible to prohibit the use of ganja. Is anything too difficult for the Sarkar? But let the Government first make certain that it is really for the good of the people to stop the use of ganja. If Government is satisfied on this point, two years' notice should be given by proclamation, that people may gradually accustom themselves to do with less and less ganja, till they can dispense with it altogether. I do not think the prohibition could be enforced by fine or imprisonment. If ganja smoking were made punishable, even after two years' proclamation, with fine of even Rs. 5, I apprehend that the jails would not be large enough to hold all the persons who would become liable to imprisonment. There would be a very general plotting to obtain the drug illicitly. Serious discontent would be roused, and there would certainly be riots. Probably about 50 per cent. of the present consumers of ganja would bow to the proclamation and give up smoking ganja, 30 per cent. would submit after making all the commotion and resistance they could, and 20 per cent would take to alcohol or opium instead. I do not, however, advise any such attempt to suppress the consumption of ganja. - Evidence of GIRDHARI LAL, Oswal Bania, Merchant and Banker, Seoni-Chapara.
33. The consumption of either ganja or bhang is considered disreputable. The terms "ganjhar," a regular ganja smoker, or "bhangar," a habitual drinker of bhang, are terms of reproach. A parent, not himself a consumer, would grieve if he caught his son taking to ganja. Even if the parents being addicted to ganja thought little of their son taking to it, employers of labour and others would disapprove it. The same reproach does not attach to the men occasionally partaking of a draught of bhang decoction in the hot weather as a cooling drink. I never heard of any worship of the ganja plant. 34. I consider it would be a serious privation to the labouring classes to stop their smoking of ganja. Not only would they suffer from indigestion, sleeplessness and loss of energies for two or three months, but in the end, even they would not be able to undergo hard work or exposure as before, without fortifying themselves with some other stimulant. The labouring classes require their smoke of ganja. 35. The general consumption of ganja could be stopped by proclamation, allowing consumers a year's time to get over the habit by gradually lessening their consumption. After that, abstinence could be enforced by fine, not exceeding Rs. 50, with imprisonment in default of payment. The habitual ganja smokers would be driven to take opium or liquor instead. Their dissatisfaction would be exceeded by the satisfaction of the majority of ganja consumers thus forced to give up the habit. There would be no fear of a mutiny or the like from stoppage of ganja smoking; there would be much abuse of the Government and its officers by the ganja smokers, but no real danger to the State is to be apprehended from them. - Evidence* of ONKAR DAS, Agarwalla Bania, Mahajan, Seoni-Chapara.
33. Those classes, who do not themselves indulge in ganja, consider the smoking of it to be disreputable. For instance, the Musalman community think it wrong of me even to sell ganja. There are Musalmans who smoke ganja, and these are considered disreputable. Similarly, many Brahmins smoke ganja, but those who do not do so blame those who do. No one is ever turned out of caste for merely beginning to smoke ganja, but Brahmins and Banias excommunicate any of their caste fellows who take to alcohol, and so do Musalmans. But similar measure is not dealt out to ganja smokers. I never heard of any worship of the ganja plant. 34. It would be a serious privation to a ganja smoker to forego his smoke. If a man has not money to buy ganja, he will go to a friend or some free-handed smoker and ask for a whiff. Deprivation of such smoking in the case of an habitual smoker throws his digestion quite out of order, causes a swelling of the stomach, and deprives him of appetite. The man gets pains in his arms and legs, and cannot work as before ; he soon gets tired. I have seen such cases often when consumers have been out of money ; they come begging to me for ganja to get them up to go to work again, saying they have been off work for want of ganja. This is the case with all habitual consumers. 35. The Government could stop the consump tion of ganja—nothing is beyond the Government ; but it would cause great dissatisfaction. Some would be pleased at the stoppage : 25 per cent. of the adult males would approve the stoppage, but the remaining 75 per. cent. would object, Such prohibition would certainly result in illicit cultivation and consumption, but this could be repressed. The well-to-do classes would take to other stimulants, as opium or liquor (alcohol). The prohibition of ganja would cause riots and great discontent among consumers, but there would be no general uprising against Government on account of it. If Government really wishes to do good, let it repress madak [opium]. I say this, though I am a madak contractor, but I see the ruin it causes. Ganja is the poor man's stimulant, and the least harmful of all stimulants. It should not, in my opinion, be prohibited, Alcoholic stimulants require much more to be repressed than ganja. Less general hardship would be involved in suppressing alcohol than in suppressing ganja. Also any prohibition should be prepared for by proclamation for six months or a year, that people might prepare themselves to do without ganja. - Evidence of HUSEN KHAN, Pathan, Abkari Contractor, Seoni-Chapara.
33. Upon a social point of view, amongst the Hindus of middle and higher classes, a ganja con-sumer would be looked down somewhat, but a bhang consumer will not in the least lose his pres-tige, whereas, amongst the Muhammadans, the consumer of anything intoxicating, being a high sin, the consumer of any of these drugs amongst them would be looked down very badly. Amongst the high caste, or orthodox Hindus, a ganja or bhang consumer would not be looked upon on a reli-gious point of view, but if the consumer takes liquor then he is at once outcasted. Hemp plant is not actually worshipped by the Hindus, but in the Veda it is reckoned with soma plant as one of the five plants "which were liberators of sin," viz., pimpal, bar tree, odumbar tree, palas tree, and soma. The witness thinks that, properly speaking, the real soma plant is our bhang plant, but to keep this secret from the public, fabulous description of the soma plant of Vedas and homa plant of Zend is given, though the effects of these three (soma, homa, and bhang plant) are the same when prepared in a peculiar manner. 34. Yes, it will be serious privation to the labouring class of habitual moderate and excessive consumers of ganja and bhang, as they will not be able to work and support their families and could not get some cheaper drugs to satisfy their longings. 35. It is not advisable to prohibit the use of ganja or bhang. It is the only narcotic stimulants for middle and poor classes. It will occasion serious discontent among the consumers, and in the Native States, where the cultivation is grown. The prohibition will be followed by recourse to dhatura seed, somal, wachhnag, and kuchla only. The result will be something like the Govenment introducing more idiotcy all over, as the mass of people will not be able to pay for dearer alcoholic stimulants, and in what repute the liquor is held, I have already expressed the native opinion in No.33 - Evidence of COWASJEE MEHERWANJEE HATTY-DAROO, Parsi, Merchant and Abkari Contractor, Seoni-Chapara.
33. The total abstainers regard it as a vice, others don't. The opinion of the former is based on the fact of its being an intoxicant to some extent. Charas is looked down upon, but its use is not prevalent in these provinces. No custom exists of worshipping the hemp plant. 34. Most certainly, to all habitual consumers. They would rather forego food. [I can't answer the other part of the question.] 35. (a No. (b) Yes. ( c ) Not at all. (d) Yes. (e) Yes. (f) Yes, by those who can afford it, and are not prejudiced by caste. - Evidence of BIJRAJ, Marwari, Wholesale ganja vendor, Kamptee, Nagpur District.
33. Strong disapprobation is felt in respectable circles against the habit of ganja smoking, because ganja is generally smoked by low and disreputable persons. - Evidence of LALA RAMSAHI AND LALA SITARAM, Abkari Contractors, Nagpur.
33. A respectable man will incur social odium if he takes ganja in public with regular ganja smokers, but not if he takes a little in the privacy of his own house. - Evidence of SHEW NARAIN, Bajpai Brahmin, Public Works Contractor, Jabalpur.
33. The consumption is looked down upon as degrading, and public opinion, both social and religious, is against it. The use being in dis-repute is due to the knowledge that it causes in-toxication and leads to bad habits. In some few localities there is a tradition of sanctity attached to the plant, but no regular worship. 34. It would be a serious privation to habitual consumers, who however are very few indeed. 35. The consumption is so small that prohibition would hardly be noticed by the general population unless taken up as a grievance by demagogues; but habitual consumers would continue to secure what they require in spite of any prohibition not enforced by legislative measures on a scale out of all proportion to the magnitude of the evil to be dealt with. Prohibition of systematic sale with-out prohibition the present casual cultivation would, I think, not only tend to prevent the spread of the use of the plant, but would lead to a certain proportion of the consumers substituting other drugs for ganja. - Evidence of MR. J. STURROCK, Collector, Coimbatore.
33. Some of the consumers take it as a medicine. Public opinion is against the practice. Its use is regarded as vicious, and one who uses it, becomes unfit for the conduct of business of life. Hence the public opinion is against it. The plant is not worshipped. 34. The consumers of both ganja and bhang who use it to overcome exhaustion may feel it a privation to forego the practice. 35. May be prohibited. Will be consumed illicitly then. Prohibition may be enforced by making cultivation, manufacture, sale, etc., penal. Discontent not serious. No political danger. The prohibition may be followed by recourse to other stimulants and drugs. - Evidence of MR. E. TURNER, Collector of Madura.
33. Generally disreputable. There is no custom of worshipping the hemp plant here. - Evidence of MR. C. B. MACLEANE, Collector of Nellore.
34. I think it would be a serious privation to the habitual consumers to forego the consumption of the drug they use. 35. I do not think it would be feasible to prohibit the use of these drugs. I believe that prohibition will occasion serious discontent among the consumers. Prohibition may be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants or other drugs. - Evidence of Assistant Surgeon BEHARI LAL PAL, Sadgop, Krishnagar, Nadia.
33. Consumers of these drugs are universally looked on as slaves to a bad habit. The practice is in disrepute. To call a man a ganja-smoker or bhang-eater is equivalent to calling a man in Europe a drunkard. This is plainly because the excessive or immoderate use stupefies a man and destroys his mental keenness, just as habitual intoxication does. Hindus despise all such practices as self-indulgent, since people are, or ought to be, confirmed water-drinkers. Consequently there is an innate tendency amongst the Hindus of respectable castes to despise a man for any such self-indulgent practice ; and this is enhanced by observing the effects of excessive consumption on • the intellect. I hear of no worship of the hemp plant except in Raidrug, where the Tahsildar says that it is.. worshipped by Rajputs. 34. Much as it would be to deprive an ordinary Englishman of his beer. The two cases appear to be parallel. 35. I can only speak from belief. I do not see how it is possible to prohibit the use of the drug, though of course public sale could be forbidden. The drug would certainly be consumed privately, and would probably be sold illicitly. I think that prohibition would occasion very serious discontent, just as it would in England if a Government were suddenly to command that no man should ever consume beer, wine, or spirits. I think that it would result in very deep discontent, though it is too much to say that it would amount to a political danger in these parts, because the consumers of the drugs are in a minority. It would be felt as an utterly unreasonable attack on a man's liberty to please himself so long as he does no harm to others. Prohibition to consume these drugs would probably lead to increased consumption of alcoholic stimulants and other drugs. - Evidence of MR. R. SEWELL, Collector of Bellary.
33. When taken as a medicine, the consumption is not regarded as blameworthy. When taken to gratify the senses, the consumption would be generally regarded by the high castes as reprehensible. The answer to the last question is in the negative. 35. So far as this district is concerned, there would be no justification for attempting prohibition. Unless the cultivation of the hemp plant can be stamped out where the plant grows, it would be impossible to prevent illicit consumption without an intolerable amount of spying and prying. - Evidence of MR. H. M. WINTERBOTHAM, Collector of Tanjore
33. The consumption of any product of the hemp plant is regarded as disreputable. The reason appears to be the fact that it produces intoxication, which is looked on as disgraceful by all respectable persons. There is no custom of worshipping the plant here. 34. Bairagis and fakirs and a few excessive consumers would find it a serious privation, but I think moderate consumers would soon get over its loss. 35. No. It would be impossible without most inquisitorial penal legislation, and would cause serious discontent amongst the consumers and arouse the sympathy of others in their favour, even of those who regard the practice as disreputable. The discontent would not amount to a political danger here, because the number of consumers is small ; but the prohibition would arouse the suspicions of other classes, and raise an outcry against needless interference in private affairs by the State. It is difficult to answer the latter part of the question, but I think that consumers would on deprivation take to alcohol or opium. - Evidence of MR. W. A. WILLOCK, Collector, Vizagapatam.
33. With great disfavour, except when used as medicine. The public hold the consumers in disrepute generally, although the religious fanatics are excused the use of them. This is due partly to the evil effects of the drug and to the low and vulgar people using it. The hemp plant is not worshipped in this part of the country. 34. Yes, to those who are habitual consumers of the drug, and, it is said, may end fatally. But the number of such persons will be very small. 35. No, it will not be feasible, and the cost of such prohibition will be enormous if the result is to be successful to an appreciable degree. Illicit consumption must be the inevitable result. Complete prohibition cannot be enforced. It may occasion discontent, but it can never amount to a political danger, the users being themselves generally lazy cowards and held in disrepute by the public. The prohibition would be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants in cases where the consumers can afford to indulge in them, and to other drugs in the case of the poor. - Evidence of MR. J. THOMSON, Collector of Chingleput
33. Ganja smoking is held by the public to be degrading. The use of any kind of intoxicant among the Muhammadans is not allowed in their Koran. 34. Yes ; it would be. Once accustomed to it, the man must continue the habit, or he gets sick one way or other. 35. (a) No ; never absolutely to prohibit. (b) Yes, if prohibition be imposed. (c) By legislation, if at all. (d) Yes ; will likely lead to disastrous results. (e) Yes ; almost so. (f) Yes, as an alternative. - Evidence of MR. G. STOKES, Collector of Salem.
33. Hindus consider the use of the drug other-wise than medicinally as not reputable.s - Evidence of MR. G. S. FORBES, Collector of Tinnevelly.
33. (1) Disreputable. (2) Ditto. (3) Ditto. (4) I am unable to say definitely. (5) No. 34. The consumption is not confined to any particular class. 35. (a) No. (b) Yes. (c) No. (d) Not very serious. (e) No. (f) No - Evidence of MR. S. H. WYNNE, Collector, Godavari District.
33. Generally public opinion is against the use of the drug. 34. Local medical opinion is that it would be a serious privation to consumers to forego the consumption of the drug. 35. I doubt whether it is advisable to try and stop the consumption of the drug altogether. It would always be consumed illicitly. - Evidence of MR. M. HAMMICK, Acting Collector of South Arcot.
33. The habit is not looked on favourably; the practice is condemned. Presumably because it leads to intoxication and laziness. On the other hand, it is said some religious people think it enables the will-power to be controlled, and that its use is therefore holy. If so, they are exceptions to the fact told me that consumers were ashamed of letting people know they were so. On the authority of the Hospital Assistant of Sidhout alone, it is said that these religious people worship the hemp plant once a year. 34. Yes; as far as I could make out, fakirs look upon it as a necessity of life, and others, who take it to keep off pain and disease, would become at once liable to such things. 35. In my opinion it would not be possible. The drug would be consumed illicitly. I do not see how the prohibition could be enforced. Preventing the cultivation of hemp might be the best way. The prohibition would occasion serious discontent, especially among fakirs. Whether this would be a political danger or not it is difficult to say. Per se, I should say not, and beyond that I do not feel able to give an opinion. Judging by analogy, I think that opium or alcohol would be substituted for hemp drugs. - Evidence of MR. C. H. MOUNSEY, Acting Collector of Cuddapah
33. Not regarded as disreputable when moderately consumed. Habitually excessive smokers are looked down on, just as an habitual drunkard is Bhang is drunk and majun eaten at marriages and feasts. No sects worship the hemp plant. - Evidence of MR. F. D'A. O. WOLFE-MURRAY, Acting Collector of the Nilgiris.
33. The consumption is not regarded as a respectable accomplishment; rather it is regarded as a bad habit as producing intoxication. The habit is generally confined to the lower orders. If a stray plant is found anywhere, consumers, it is said, make obeisance. It is given to fakirs as a mark of respect. Habitual consumers are said to burn frankincense before a plant found unexpectedly. 34. As the consumers are generally poor people who cannot afford to buy liquors, it will be a serious privation to make them forego the habit of consumption, as it is difficult to give up the practice. In the Trichinopoly taluk there are reported to be about 1,000 persons who smoke ganja and eat bhang. In the Kulitalai shop there are from 40 to 50 customers a day. The figures are of course not accurate, but the number of consumers is undoubtedly very small compared with the number of those who use alcohol. 35. It would not be feasible to enforce a prohibition of the consumption of so easily carried a drug, even if it were desirable. There is no doubt that the drug would be illicitly consumed. The prohibition would cause discontent, but not here, probably political danger. I think there would be very probably a desire to have recourse to alcoholic stimulants, but I do not know enough of the effects of the drug, to say certainly. - Evidence of MR. L. C. MILLER, Acting Collector of Trichinopoly.
33. Public opinion is not very critical in regard to the consumption of the drug, though the exhibition of persons being known as confirmed ganja users is avoided and not relished. The apparent disrepute of being known as using the narcotic is owing to the evil results of the excessive use thereof. Consumers of the drug from Upper India often invoke the divinity just before taking the drug, as well also opium, in the belief that they possess wholesome properties calling for being approached at with meek and humble heart. 34. It is thought that it would be rather a serious privation not to use the drug when there is craving for it, occasioned both by moderate and excessive use. There is no means of ascertaining the numbers of each class. 35. It would be feasible to prohibit the use of the drug, but in such case illicit consumption cannot be totally prevented, as it would be impossible to reach every illicit instance of use, the use being so easy. The prohibition can only be enforced by interdicting its cultivation. As the drug is used as an intoxicant, it would be quite impossible to prohibit its use accordingly. The method of prohibition would be to tax the cultivation. The total prohibition of the use of the drug my Treasury Deputy Collector, who knows something of Upper India, says would occasion serious political discontent, leading possibly also to a political danger.(a) The Hindu of the tropics has taken to alcohol as only an acquired habit which he can easily shake off, while the use of the drug in question, as with opium, is indigenous, so that it is believed if the consumption of the hemp drug is totally prohibited, he will take more to opium than to alcohol. - Evidence of MR. K. C. MANAVEDAN RAJA, Collector, Anantapur.
33. The use of ganja seems to be universally regarded with disapproval. That of bhang, especially on certain occasions, less so. But the habitual consumption of all forms of the drug is in disrepute, and consumers, as a rule, endeavour to conceal the habit. The evils resulting from excess in its use, and the fact that it is generally used as an aphrodisiac, may account for the sentiment against it. I believe the plant is not worshipped by any of the natives of the district. 34. I have no doubt it would to all habitual consumers. I cannot give numbers. 35. In my opinion it would not be feasible. I believe it would be illicitly consumed. It would be practically impossible to enforce prohibition. It might, of course, be practicable with a very large staff to stamp out to a large extent the production of the drug ; but this would involve the evils which attend all such attempts in this country. I believe the prohibition would cause severe discontent among consumers. I do not think that in this district it would amount to a political danger. - Evidence of MR. C. J. WEIR,* Acting Collector, District Magistrate, and Agent to Govr., Ganjam.
33. The consumption of these drugs is regarded with contempt, although it cannot be said that there is any public opinion on the point. Every object which causes intoxication is generally held in disrepute by the Hindus; more so ganja, as it is supposed to cause derangement of the brain. 35. (a) No. (b) Yes. The prohibition would cause great discontent among the consumers, though it will not amount to a political danger in these parts. The prohibition will no doubt be followed by recourse to liquor and other intoxicating drugs. - Evidence of MR. J. G. D. PARTRIDGE, Assistant collector, Ganjam.
33. Ganja smokers are not generally looked down upon as much as consumers of majum and other strong preparations. The consumption of tha latter drugs is associated with licentious habits. The higher castes of the Hindu religion condemn the use of all intoxicants. A habitual ganja smoker or consumer is not generally re-spected, but suffers social degradation. No harm is, however, thought of a bairagi or fakir who consumes the drug on the ground of religious devotion. The custom of worshipping the hemp plant does not obtain here. 34. It would, in my opinion, be a serious privation to the consumers to forego the use of the drug which they have so long been accustomed to. Any attempt to stop the use of hemp drugs by prohibitory duty or by means of executive order would only drive the people to illicit consumption or to the use of still more deleterious drugs, as the habit of indulgence in stimulants, when once formed, will be persisted in in spite of all repressive measures. 35. The absolute prohibition of the consumption of ganja could not, in my opinion, be enforced. To prohibit its consumption absolutely, its cultivation should in the first instance be put a stop to, and this does not seem feasible. The practice of growing the plant in back-yards and in vegetable gardens has long been prevalent. For any person addicted to the habit of ganja, nothing would be easier than to grow a few plants secretly within the enclosure or compound of his own house, in nooks and corners, or in the midst of other vegetables. To effectually prevent the cultivation of the plant, nothing short of a large preventive establishment working by the most inquisitorial methods would be required. Moreover, it seems to be very little use preventing the cultivation of the hemp plant, for the reason that India abounds with plants growing wild everywhere from which drugs can be prepared far more deleterious in their effects than even ganja. If the cultivation of the hemp plant is put a stop to, the ganja consumers, unable to suppress their longing for a stimulating drug, will be forced to resort to such plants. They can be gathered for the mere trouble of going out to the jungles, and can be used without the possibility of any interference or check on the part of Government. Already the effects of the seeds of one of such plants, namely, the dhatura, are being felt, and it would be a Herculean task for Government to undertake to discriminate between the several kinds of plants and suppress their growth or to reserve the lands where such plants are growing merely for the purpose of removing or rectifying a social evil. Apart from the question of revenue there are other grounds why it is impossible to enforce the prohibition of the use of the drug in this country. The drug is also produced in the Native States, and the difficulty of preventing its importation would be immense. Even though political danger may not be apprehended by the adoption of repressive measures, yet there will be widespread discontent greatly disproportionate to the advantages conferred on the people by the absolute prohibition of the use of the drugs. The prohibition may, moreover, open the way to the use of alcoholic stimulants. - Evidence of MR. H. CAMPBELL, Acting Sub-Collector, Guntoor.
33. All the higher castes in India view the use of alcohol and narcotics as vicious, if nothing more; and Muhammadans are strictly forbidden to use it in the Koran. Nobody worships the plant. 34. Ganja is used as a stimulant by working classes to alleviate fatigue and to overcome exhaustion. To forego the consumption of the drug will no doubt be a serious privation. 35. As the number of consumers is limited, the use may be prohibited by abolishing the shop. But the effect will, of course, be to make these take to alcohol as the only alternative. - Evidence of MR. E. L. VAUGHAN, Acting Sub-Collector, Dindigul.
33. There may be some slight social public opinion against excessive ganja smoking (not against moderate consumption) as it is apt to make the smoker lazy immediately afterwards. No worship of the hemp plant is known. 34. Yes, undoubtedly. Habitual consumers, whether moderate or excessive, are said to suffer much and to deteriorate physically if the drug is denied them. 35. It would be exceedingly difficult. If the shops were closed, the drug could with ease be illicitly prepared and secretly cultivated, The prohibition could only be enforced by obnoxious espionage by the police, whose powers for annoyance would be greatly increased. Consumers would experience undoubted discontent, but here they are so few that their discontent would hardly have any marked political aspect. Opium would perhaps be resorted to, but there is no efficient substitute for ganja. Alcohol is too expensive (in the form of arrack) for the average consumer. - Evidence of MR. W. FRANCIS, Acting Head Assistant Collector, Ramnad.
33. The consumption of these drugs is generally regarded as degrading. This is the public opinion (social and religious). The use of intoxicants is prohibited by both Shastras and Koran, and is therefore held in disrepute, social opinion being in conformity with religion. There is no such custom. 34. No. It is said that the habit can be broken off much more easily than the opium habit. 35. Prohibition of the use of any or all these drugs would cause discontent, but only amongst the consumers. If the use of these drugs be prohibited, recourse will be had to opium or alcoholic stimulants. The discontent amongst the consumers would not amount to a political danger. Non-consumers would rejoice. The consumers are too few to be formidable. - Evidence of MR. R. E. GRIMLEY, Acting Head Assistant Collector, North Arcot.
33. A moderate ganja or charas smoker is not considered as a disreputable person. But a habi-tual excessive smoker is considered in the same light as a habitual drunkard, and looked down upon accordingly. No stigma whatever attaches to the consumption of bhang, which is either taken as medicine or drunk or eaten (as the sweet-meat majum) at marriages and feasts. There is no custom of worshipping the hemp plant known to me. 34. Any attempt to prohibit or interfere with the consumption of the drugs in this division would be misplaced. The consumption of the drugs is very small; so small, indeed, that Government has determined to ignore it and not to introduce shops with attendant rules and regulations that might foster it. Almost all the ganja smokers in the division are moderate in their use of the drug, and prohibiting its consumption would be an injudicious step, and cause much discontent without being productive of any good. - Evidence of Mr. H. F. W. GILLMAN, Acting Head Assistant Collector, Nilgiris.
33. Ganja and bhang.—The practice is undoubtedly looked down on from a social point of view, and I attribute this chiefly to the fact that the consumers are so largely of the poorest and most wretched classes, who can't afford more ex-pensive stimulants, such as arrack and opium. I know of no custom of worshipping the hemp plant, but believe it is held in a certain sort of veneration by some classes. - Evidence of MR. J. H. MERRIMAN, Deputy Commissioner of Salt and Abkari, Central Division.
33. The use of the drugs is usually regarded as vicious. It does not appear that the hemp plant is worshipped. 34. Generally thought that it would be a serious privation, especially in the case of the Moplahs of Malabar. The Erode Assistant Commissioner.thinks that habitual consumers, such as sepoys and bairagis, require the drug as a stimulant to keep them in health and spirits. 35. In the extreme south of the presidency it is believed that the prohibition would be feasible, the practice of consuming the drugs being so limited. Elsewhere it is considered that the entire prohibition is impracticable, and would result in illicit consumption. Amongst the Moplahs it is considered that the prohibition would result in serious discontent and render a large increase to the preventive force necessarv. The prohibition of ganja would probably result in the increase of the opium consumption. - Evidence of MR. F. LEVY, Acting Deputy Commissioner, Salt and Abkari, Southern Division
33. As derogatory to rank and injurious to health. The social and religious opinion is strong against the practice. The disrepute is because of the intoxication brought on by the practice, and its concomitant evils, affecting the sobriety and health of the consumer. 34. It is believed that the privation of the drug does not so seriously affect the consumers as in the case of opium eaters. There are some 30 consumers. 35. (a) Yes. (b) Perhaps occasionally. (c) Enforced by legal enactment. (d) and (e) No. (f) I do not think - Evidence of P. PUNDARIKAKSHUDU, Brahmin, Deputy Collector, Venukunda, Kistna District.
34. It would be a serious privation to all habitual consumers. It would be worse than depriving a smoker of tobacco. 35. It would not be feasible to prohibit the use of the drug. It grows so easily that the consumer would scatter a few seeds in waste or jungle land, and gather it secretly. It would require an army of men to prevent its consumption in this way. Prohibition would cause serious discontent, though not political danger, and would be followed by recourse to other drugs or alcohol. I consider that it would be impossible in the Wynaad to effect prohibition of cultivation. It is so jungly; and there are jungle tribes that do consume considerably. In other parts of the district I think that generally prohibition of cultivation would be possible. Such prohibition would be generally carried out without much interference with the people, but would be hardly possible in the jungly parts. Excluding the Wynaad and the jungly tract on the sides of the ghâts and at the foot of the ghâts the prohibition could be enforced. But the difficulty in South Canara and Malabar is to get at the people except in their own back-yards. The houses are far apart, and surrounded by compounds. I think for ordinary tracts the present abkari staff might be sufficient to secure compliance with the order. I do not guarantee this. The cultivators here are consumers. To stop cultivation would cause discontent among them. This discontent would be limited to those who cultivate for their own use. I think they would be seriously discontented. It would not amount to a political danger, but it would be serious. I cannot estimate the number of consumers in the Wynaad, but I believe it to be large. - Evidence of MR. HERBERT BRADLEY, Acting Collector of Malabar.
33. Public opinion regards the consumption with contempt on account of its intoxicating and slightly demoralising effects. No such custom to my knowledge. 34. It would be a serious privation to consumers in large quantities, because the privation brings on restlessness, indigestion or other complaints. Such people are almost nil in this district. 35. It would be feasible to prohibit the use with some difficulty. The drug would in that case be consumed illicitly, end the prohibition can be enforced by prohibiting the cultivation of the plant and the import of the drug. It would cause discontent among the consumers to some extent, but no political danger need be apprehended. The prohibition would to some extent be followed by recourse to toddy and country grog and other deleterious drugs prepared of dhatura and nutmeg. - Evidence of D. JAGANNADHARAO PANTALU, Brahmin, Deputy Collector, Anantapur.
33. There are different opinions in regard to how the consumption of each of these drugs is generally regarded. Bairagis prefer smoking ganja to other drugs. The hemp plant is not worshipped. A few of bairagis and sanyasis offer bhang to Hanuman and drink. 34. Yes, especially to bairagis. 35. No, not feasible. Yes, it is consumed illicitly. Yes, the prohibition will cause serious discontent among consumers. Such discontent does not amount to a political danger here. The prohibition will not be followed by recourse to (a) or (b). - Evidence of W . VENKATAPPIAH PAN TULU GARU, Brahmin, Deputy Collector, Chatrapur, Ganjam.
33. The consumption of the drug is regarded with disfavour; there is a public opinion about it, and it deprecates its use and looks upon its devotees as people unworthy of good company. Society shuns them, and no respectable man uses either ganjayi or bhang openly, and if he should do so, he becomes at once a marked man. The use of the drug is certainly in disrepute as it is believed to indicate low society, unsteadiness of character, want of assiduity, and general in -capacity for any intelligent work or sustained effort. The hemp plant is not worshipped by anybody in this part of the country. 34. No, except to bairagis, who are excessive consumers of ganjayi, but their number is so small that the inconvenience arising from the prohibition of its consumption is practically very little. The number of these bairagis will be about 10,000. 35. It is not worth while to prohibit the use of ganjayi and bhang, but it should be restricted; there will be no illicit consumption of the drug, no private discontent among the consumers, nor any public danger, social or political. I think that such a prohibition will not be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants or other drugs. - Evidence of M. R. R. DEWAN BAHADUR S. VENKATA RAMADAS NAIDU, Deputy Collector, Godavari
33. Use of ganja is socially held in disrepute. It is considered a moral depravity - Evidence of DEWAN BAHADUR K. V. LAKSHAMANA Row GARU, Brahmin, Deputy Collector, North Arcot.
33. Public opinion is always against its consumption, as it demoralises the consumer. Nowhere the hemp plant is worshipped in this division. 34. Ganja smoking is not like opium eating. Ganja consumers can forego its consumption without much difficulty. 35. Absolute and. sudden prohibition is not feasible. The drug will be consumed illegally. Prohibition can be enforced by enhancing the price of these drugs and checking the progress of hemp cultivation. Absolute prohibition would cause serious discontent among the consumers. Such discontent can never cause a political danger. Prohibition will be followed to some extent by recourse to alcoholic intoxicants and other drugs. - Evidence of M. AZIZUDDEEN, SAHIB BAHADUR, Deputy Collector, North Arcot.
33. The consumption of this drug is generally regarded as disgraceful in a social point of view, and intoxication is reckoned as a vice. The smoking of ganja is, however, religiously respected by ascetics, etc., as a means of absorbing the mind in meditation and practising yoga. Ganja leaves are, therefore, styled by this class gyanapatti —meaning leaves of spiritual knowledge. Hemp plant is not an object of worship. 34. It would be a serious privation to forego the use of ganja smoking to fakirs, ascetics, and other habitual excessive consumers who have become complete slaves to the habit. For when they cease to smoke ganja, they become awfully restless, and suffer from pulling sensation in the body, life itself becoming a burden. 35. It is not feasible to prohibit the use of this drug. If prohibited, an illicit use will be made of it. The prohibition can be enforced by a special enactment ; but such a course is most inadvisable, as a serious discontent will be felt upon it by consumers and cultivators of this plant. Such discontent may lead to political danger, as it will be very seriously felt by the numberless bairagis and other religious ascetics when they are deprived of their only luxury in this world. They may probably grow desperate, and may even be backed up by many bad characters given up to the same habit. (a) No. (b) Yes; to muddat, a drug more pernicious than ganja. - Evidence of B. NARAYANAMURTY, Brahmin, Deputy Collector, Ganjam.
33. The use of ganja is generally held in disrepute by the higher castes ; but there is no public opinion, social or religious, among the class of people who use the drug. There is no custom of worshipping the hemp plant. 34. It will be a privation to the consumers if they are made to forego the consumption, as it is the cheapest way of indulging themselves in intoxication and forgetting their cares and anxieties. 35. It is quite possible to prohibit the use of the drugs; but it will require a large preventive party. There will no doubt be discontent; but I cannot say whether it would amount to a political danger. The consumers will surely have recourse to alcoholic stimulants. - Evidence of K. NARAYANA IYER, Brahmin, Deputy Collector, Gooty.
33. Owing to their known intoxicating proper-ties and demoralising effects they are generally regarded in disrepute. The hemp plant is not worshipped by any class of people. 34. Habitual consumers would regard it as a serious privation to forego the consumption of the drug they use, for in its absence they are apt to become restless, with no inclination for work, combined with a gradual loss of appetite. 35. If the use of the drugs is to be prohibited, the cultivation of the hemp plant must be made penal. Then the wild plant will be resorted to, and illicit consumption would largely prevail. Of course, the prohibition would cause serious discontent among the habitual consumers ; but nothing approaching a political danger. The prohibition is likely to be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants and opium. - Evidence of MR. J. H. GWYNNE , Deputy Collector, Wynaad, Malabar District.
33. The consumption of these drugs is not regarded as good, and the consumer a good man. He becomes excited and loses temper. As the consumption affects manhood, it is in disrepute. The worshipping of ganja does not obtain here. 34. Yes ; the person accustomed to it cannot give it up, as without it he cannot generally digest his food. Medicine will not act properly on those who use the drug. 35. It is feasible to prohibit the use of ganja. The drug is consumed illicitly. The prohibition may be enforced by an act declaring that the cultivation of the drug is illegal and criminal. But this gives rise to discontent among consumers, although there is no apprehension of political danger. The prohibition would be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants and other drugs, such as the seeds of mushtikaya (nux vomica), which is used as follows : the seeds are separated from the fruit. Each seed is of the size of 1 pie, and. is cut into two parts. Each part is sufficient to intoxicate a person accustomed to eat it raw. If eaten by those unaccustomed to it, they will be subject to the symptom of aconitic poisoning. Those who are well accustomed to it can eat one seed. Some peel off the skin of the seed and powder it with dried betel leaves and smoke the mixture to get intoxication - Evidence of M. R. RY. P. VEERASWAMI NAIDU, Deputy Collector, Masulipatam.
33. Those that do not use the drug hold the smokers of ganja and drinkers of bhang in contempt just like teetotallers do those that use the liquor. There is no custom of worshipping the hemp plant. - Evidence of TADEPALLI SIVARAMAYYA, Brahmin, Pensioned Deputy Collector, Chatrapur.
35. I think it will be impossible to stop ganja altogether. It would always be smuggled in from somewhere. In my contract, I remember, when the price of ganja went up, the Madras Regiment stationed here smuggled ganja from Bellary in boxes of dried fish. Again, if we raised our duty, we should have ganja smuggled in from such States as Panna and Maihar. The price of ganja there now is from 8 annas to Re. 1, but I believe the smuggling from there is very small. - Evidence of BABU MUNA LALL, Ex-Contractor of Ganja, Jabalpur.
33. Those who use the drugs are considered men of bad reputation ; it is not considered safe to have dealings with them.
34. Those who are habituated to it suffer in health, if deprived of it. 35. I think the use can be prohibited. Illicit consumption may gradually cease. I answer the other points in the negative. - Evidence of M R. W. E. GANAPATHY, Retired Deputy Collector, Palamcottah, Tinnevelli
33. The consumption of the drug is considered as degrading. The public opinion against the consumption is socially demoralising and degrading. Religiously it is prohibited in this part of the country. The use of ganja is in disrepute, as it is considered to produce unwholesome effect on the mind of the consumer, in making him unsteady in his avocations, unfit to manage any business, unfit to be the managing head of a family, and unsuitable generally for the purposes of society. It is very often found to accelerate death in cases of extremes. Many instances are within my knowledge in which parents of young men accustomed to the use of this ganja and its preparations have had serious thoughts about their sons' future. The plant is not worshipped in this part of the country. To show to what extent ganja smoking is despised, I take the liberty to quote the following folk-song sung in public dramas :— There is nothing in the world to compare with ganja. There is no godliness equal to lying. - Evidence of C. VENKATA CHALAM, Tahsildar, Guntur
33. Socially, it is not considered a good thing to use it, and the consumers are condemned as unfit for company on occasions of social gatherings. Even in a religious point of view, it is praised only by those who use it, and public opinion is not so much against them who use it as an incentive to religious devotion. There is no custom of worshipping the plant. 34. It will be a serious privation to the consumers to forego its use in the same manner as deprivation of opium to an opium eater, and of liquor to a habitual drunkard. 35. The use of ganja tells only upon the consumer like that of opium. It does not make the consumer dangerous to society as arrack or toddy. The prohibition of its use entails great hardship on an innocent class of men. It does not seem to be possible to successfully prohibit its use, as illicit consumption is sure to go on. - Evidence of A. KRISHNAMACHARULU, Tahsildar, Bapatla, Kistna District.
33. With disfavour. Yes; public opinion has a bad opinion of the consumer. The sentiment is due to the fact that the consumer becomes lazy and good for nothing. I am not aware of any worship of the kind. 34. It would be a serious privation to a moderate habitual consumer. I am not aware of any special classes. 35. No; not feasible. Yes ; illicitly. Yes ; it will cause discontent. No political danger. (b) Perhaps opium; but not (a) alcohol. - Evidence of P. S. SINGARAVELU PILLAI, Tahsildar of Erode.
33. The use of ganja is held in disrepute by the public. It is perhaps owing to the injurious results that would follow in the case of excesses. No custom of worshipping the plant exists. 34. No serious privation to any class of consumers if they are made to forego the consumption, as there are hardly any who indulge in excess smoking. 35. It is quite feasible in this taluk to prohibit the use of all the three drugs by making the cultivation of the plant and the possession of its products penal. No political danger would ensue, The consumers of ganja will take recourse to drinking toddy or arrack. - Evidence of S. VASUDEVA. RAO, Tahsildar, Tadpatri.
33. The consumption is looked upon as a bad habit. There is certainly public opinion which is not in favour of the consumption. All communities look down upon the consumer, and regard him as low in the social ladder. The use of the drug is in disrepute whatever may be the form. The hemp plant is not worshipped in this district. - Evidence of T. KODANDARAM NAIDU, Tahsildar, Hospett.
33. It is considered as injurious to health ; it disorders the brain, and brings on lung affections. Respectable class of people and officials do not give credit to the statement of the persons who smoke ganja or use bhang. As it is said that Siva even used ganja, Rajputs sometimes worship ganja plant. - Evidence of M. BIMACHARI, Tahsildar, Rayadrug.
33. The consumption of ganja is generally regarded contemptuously. Both social and religious opinion is against its practice. Among the Musalmans the use of ganja or the use of any form of the narcotic is forbidden by religion; but among the Hindus, though not forbidden by religion, yet the consumers are treated by their brethren with disregard. The reason why the use of any form of narcotic is in disrepute is that the consumers are generally a set of lazy people, quite averse to work as long as they can help and talk vain stories. I do not know of any custom prevalent among certain sects of the people regarding the worshipping of the hemp plant. - Evidence of MUNSHI S. MOHAMED UNWUR SAHIB, Tahsildar, Suthanapully Taluk, Kistna District.
33. The consumption of these drugs is regarded by the Hindus as a detestable habit. The practice is in disrepute generally in Southern India. The plant is not worshipped as far as known in this country. - Evidence of M. SAMBA SIVA RAU NAIDU, Tahsildar, Bellary.
33. The consumption of these drugs is generally abhorred. The person that uses bhang or ganja is looked upon as a bad character. There is no custom of worshipping the hemp plant. 34. It would be a serious privation to forego the consumption of the drug they use. 35. It would not be feasible to prohibit the use of these drugs. The drug would be consumed illicitly. The prohibition would occasion some discontent among the consumers. Such discontent would not amount to a political danger. The prohibition would to some extent be followed by recourse to (a) alcoholic stimulants; (b) opium.' - Evidence of ADAKI JAGANNADHA RAO, Brahmin, Acting Tahsildar, Hindupur, Anantapur District.
33. There is no public opinion prohibiting the use of these narcotics, at least among the lower orders of the population. No custom of worshipping the plant exists. 34. No serious privation to habitual moderate consumers by preventing them to consume the drug they use. 35. It is feasible to prohibit the use of these drugs by heavy duty. It would be consumed illicitly. The prohibition will cause much discontent among the consumers without any political danger, The prohibition will lead the consumers to take recourse to alcoholic stimulants. If the cultivation of the hemp plant were prohibited in the hill tracts, I do not think serious discontent would be caused, because the people in the Agency are well supplied with opium, which they get cheaper than the low country people do. In the low country the hemp drugs are being consumed to a greater extent, because opium and liquor have risen in price. A part of my present charge is in the Agency, viz., the Sitampeta tract. The opium traffic in the Agency is a Government Monopoly, as it is in the low country; but the drug is supplied cheaper in the Agency in order to avoid causing discontent. - Evidence of G. JAGANNAYAKULU, Acting Tahsildar, Gooty.
33. The use of ganja and bhang are looked down as disgraceful. In these parts the consumption of ganja and bhang are considered socially and religiously objectionable. These drugs are held in disrepute, as they intoxicate and gradually enfeeble the constitution and make one impotent - Evidence of CHAGANTI SOMAYAJULU, Brahmin, Acting Tahsildar, Palakonda.
33. When fakirs and dervishes take it, it is not considered objectionable ; but in the case of others it is considered degrading. Society views the practice with disfavour. Smoking, drinking, eating or having recourse to any other form of the narcotic drug is in very great disrepute with the majority of the population, because the man using it, besides being a burden to the family, is useless to society. No custom prevails here of worshipping the hemp plant. 34. In the case of fakirs and dervishes who have little to do in the world, it will be a serious privation. All that they have to do is to go about begging and to spend the day in intoxication. They probably cannot do without it. In the case of others, I do not think the privation will be serious. About 20 per cent. of the consumers may feel it a serious privation. 35. There can be no possible difficulty in prohibiting the use of this drug. No doubt they might be consumed illicitly. The prohibition can be enforced by making it penal to cultivate the hemp plant without previously obtaining the license for which a heavy fee should be fixed. As the taxation of ganja has already decreased the extent of cultivation, this license system would in the long run dissuade the raiyats from cultivating it. There might be disappointment, but not discontent by the prohibition. This would not create any political danger any more than the prohibition of the manufacture of earth-salt has done. Some of the consumers would no doubt have recourse to other stimulants or drugs. - Evidence of A. KATCHAPESWARA. IYER, Brahmin, Stationary Sub-Magistrate, Cuddapah Taluk.
33. Certainly the use of these drugs is held in disrepute. People addicted to them are held in low estimation. This is on social grounds. The reason is that all intoxicants are so regarded amongst the Hindus. There is no custom of worshipping the plant by any class of people. - Evidence of K. RAMA KRISTNA BRAMHAM, Brahmin, Stationary Sub-Magistrate, Kudlighi, Bellary District
33. Respectable people avoid the' company of the bhang eaters, as bhang eating is considered very disreputable socially in Southern India. The great majority of the population of Southern India abstain from eating bhang. 34. Yes, a sudden prohibition will cause serious discontent among the hemp drug consumers. 35. It would not be feasible to prohibit the drug altogether. It would lead to illicit consumption. The consumers will suffer from several kinds of diseases. An absolute prohibition will cause serious discontent, but it would not lead to any political danger, as the consumers are only an infinitesimal portion of the population in Southern India. It would be well to restrict the consumption of the hemp drug gradually by raising the price of the articles and making it dear. - Evidence of M. SESHACHALA NAIDU, Baliya, Pensioned Tahsildar, Vellore
33. Ganja smoking or drinking is considered by many natives to be a vice, and the consumers are generally regarded by them with a sort of contempt. Generally people (except the consumers) do not appreciate or like the use of these drugs. 34. Persons who have long been in the habit of using ganja and to an excess could not be without it even for a day. If he is deprived of the drug, it would produce complicated diseases, and in his delirium he is apt to do any sort of mischief. 35. No ; the prohibition of the use of any of these drugs would cause serious injury to many of the habitual consumers, and there would be much discontent among them, and there will be no apprehension of political danger. In case of prohibition, there would either be illicit consumption, or it would be followed by recourse to other intoxicants, such as dhatura, opium, nux vomica, etc. Most of the consumers of ganja do not go in for alcoholic stimulants in the absence of the former. The prohibition could be enforced gradually by the introduction of penal enactments. - Evidence of N. SOONDRAMIAH , Brahmin, Deputy Tahsildar, Ootacamund.
33. Regarded not with. favour. The mistake does not really give a man temporary vigour during the intoxication. The consumer, under the influence of the narcotic, looks giddy and awkward. without proper sense, and the slightest contact of anything with his body causes him to jerk and shiver. It is not known in these parts whether there is any custom of worshipping the hemp plant. - Evidence of R. SAMINATHA IYER, Brahmin, Acting Deputy Tahsildar, Coonoor.
34. Habitual smokers, if interrupted, do not digest food, and are said to suffer from disorder of stomach. - Evidence of R. SAMINATHA IYER, Brahmin, Acting Deputy Tahsildar, coonoor
35. (a) Yes.(b) Of course those addicted to it would try to get it. (c) By forbidding the sale of them except for medicinal uses - Evidence of the REV. A. G. DANIELSSON, Missionary, Chhindwara.
33. As far as I am aware, I beg to state that the use of the drug is not regarded by the people favourably. Those that use it are looked down upon. - Evidence of R. C. RAMA IYENGOR, Brahmin, Village Magistrate, Berangy, Mudanapulee Taluk, Cuddapah District.
33. The consumption of this drug is generally regarded as degrading in ordinary society. It may be said that there is some public opinion in regard to its practice when religiously considered. Those that pretend to practise concentration of mind have a general idea that the use of the drug is essential. The narcotic is generally in bad repute, because the use of this, however moderate it may be in the beginning, leads to intemperate habits, and incapacitates the victim to attend to the ordinary requirements of life, and makes him go mad to some extent. There is no custom of worshipping the hemp plant.
34. I don't think it will be a serious privation to any class of consumers, seeing that the consumers do not confine to any particular class or creed. The probable number of consumers will be half per cent., as stated in my answer to Question 20. 35. It would be feasible to prohibit the use of this drug to a great extent. If this is done, there will be illicit consumption to some extent. Prohibition can be enforced by legal enactment, making the cultivation or possession of the hemp plant an offence. Certainly the prohibition would occasion serious discontent among some of the consumers. The discontent would not amount to a political danger under any circumstances whatever. Prohibition would be followed by recourse to (a) alcoholic stimulants, and (b) other drugs. - Evidence of K. NARAINASWAMY NAIDU, Velama, Huzoor Sheristadar, Masulipatam.
33. The consumption of these drugs is considered a bad habit by one and all, and irreligious by the first three classes of Hindus. The public opinion about this is against the use of these drugs, as their use is prohibited amongst the said three classes; but the prohibition is not so seriously observed as there is no excommunication from caste on this particular ground. The use of any form of the narcotic is generally in disrepute, and it is attributable to its intoxicating nature, as it makes a man lose his temper if it be a little excessive. It is taken although it produces disrepute as it gives some excitement if taken moderately. None, I hear, worship hemp plants on any occasion. - Evidence of P. LAKSIIMINARAYANA, Brahmin, Manager of Court of Wards' Estate, Nuzvid.
33. The use of any of these drugs is considered an evil practice. No public opinion (social or religious) exists in regard to the practice. Ganja smoking is considered bad, and therefore the consumers stand very low in the estimation of respectable people. They cannot be steady-minded. I know no custom of worshipping the hemp plant in the district. - Evidence of RAI BAHADUR K. NARAINASWAMY, Telaga, Inspector of Police, Vizianagram.
33. The public at large hate the immoderate consumers of these drugs and have got a low opinion of them. It is not customary to worship the hemp plant among any sects. - Evidence of T. S. KRISTNASAMY CHETTY, Vishnuvite, Pensioned Police Inspector, Trinamalay, South Arcot District.
33. The habit of ganja smoking is viewed by all natives (except the consumers) with disapprobation. It frequently causes the entire ruin of men, physical and moral, and bhang and ganja smokers are held in disrepute. 34. It would be a serious privation to excessive smokers and consumers of hemp drugs to forego their consumption. It would even cause death in some cases. I have known men behave like maniacs when deprived suddenly of ganja. 35. No, the drug would be obtained illicitly and will hemp drugs consumed in default of the very superior cultivated article. Serious discontent would ensue, but it would not amount to a political danger. Many ganja smokers and eaters, if absolutely deprived of the drug, would probably take to opium smoking or eating as a substitute. and this would be a great gain, as opium smoking is harmless. - Evidence of MR. R. W. MORGAN, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Ootacamund, Nilgiris.
33. The Hindus consider ganja as the hair on god Siva's head and some that are addicted to its use worship it. The bairagis and sanyasis are the people that mostly worship it - Evidence of Mr. G. HADFIELD, Deputy Conservator of Forests, South Malabar.
33. The custom is in disrepute owing to the belief that only bad characters indulge in it. 34. For those who cannot afford to buy liquor it would be a privation. It is impossible to give the numbers of each class. 35. It would be feasible to prohibit its use generally, but the drug will be illicitly consumed to a certain extent. The prohibition will occasion some discontent among the poor residing in malarious places and badmashes, but will not amount to a political danger. Alcoholic stimulants and other drugs will be resorted to. - Evidence of MR. C. E. HARDIE, District Forest Officer, Manantoddy, North Malabar.
33. Ganja smoking is generally regarded with disfavour. - Evidence of SURGEON-LIEUTENANT-COLONEL II. HYDE, District Surgeon, Trichinopoly.
33. The only public opinion that I know of is that a ganja smoker is considered to be a low vagabond, simply because most ganja smokers are low people. They don’t worship the ganja plant. Question 33.[oral evidence]— The drug has for several generations among Hindus unduly fallen into its great disrepute, and with Europeans in India, as it is the drug of the poor man and associated in their mind with squalor; poverty and crime, and the knowledge that it is used in the haunts of vice and in the low bazaars of big towns. The beneficial uses of the drug have been quite forgotten owing to its abuse. The use is not common in Southern India. Crime is not unfrequently associated with the drug without sufficient grounds.
34. To a habitual smoker it would be a serious privation for a time only. 35. It would be feasible to prohibit the use of all these drugs only partially, as ganja at least would be smoked illicitly as now done by some sepoys, though they are not allowed to do so. I don’t think it would lead to any political danger. Alcoholic stimulants may take the place of ganja. - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR CHATTERJIE, Medical Officer in charge 13th Madras Infantry, Cannanore.
33. High caste Hindus would (theoretically at least) be against the practice, in accordance with their tenets of religion, which discountenance the use of stimulants and narcotics; with regard to low caste Hindus, Pariahs, Native Christians, and Muhammadans, there cannot be said to be any public opinion against the moderate use of these drugs in private. There is no custom of worshipping the hemp plant in this province that I ever heard of. Public opinion is against the use of the drug to this extent, that re–spectable persons would not resort to ganja shops in public streets. 34 and. 35. As is the case with any stimulant or narcotic, so with ganja, it would be for a time a serious privation to one accustomed to the use of this drug to forego it; such an one would, if prohibited its use, probably endeavour to consume it illicitly. It would be very difficult to enforce the prohibition, the amount of the drug needed being small and easily concealed; even in jails, prisoners though constantly under supervision, often manage to get hold of tobacco. The prohibition to a free man using the drug he has been accustomed to would undoubtedly give rise to a strong feeling of discontent in his mind; the feeling of discontent would probably not amount to a political danger in this part of India, as the proportion of consumers to non–consumers is very small; but I can easily conceive serious and wide–spread discontent following prohibition in parts of the country where a large proportion of the people (and those of excitable nature and warlike instincts) consume hemp drugs in some form. The ganja consumer, if prohibited the use of this drug, would probably have recourse to arrack, toddy, or opium. Many of the present consumers of ganja take it as the cheapest form of intoxicant. - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR G. L. WALKER, Civil Surgeon, Ootacamund.
33. These drugs are generally consumed as a medicinal agent. The bairagis take it in a religious point of view. The cooly or labouring class as a restorative after a hard day's work. 34. Yes; the reasons are—health fails; appetite is lost; weakness of limbs sets in; twitching of the muscles of the legs and hands; incapable to perform his usual work; sleeplessness, restlessness and easily excited. No probable number of each class can be given. 35. (a) No. (b) Yes. (c) It can be enforced gradually. (d) Yes. (e) Most probably. (f) No - Evidence of SURGEON-CAPTAIN C. F. FEARNSIDE, Acting District Surgeon, Ganjam.
33. (a) It is generally held in disrepute owing to its intoxicating effect. Nevertheless, it is very largely used. (c) No. - Evidence of Civil Apothecary T. M. CHERIYAN, Manantoddy
35. I do not anticipate that ganja smokers deprived of the drug would have recourse either to opium or to liquor. - Evidence of RAJA SETH GOKAL DAS, Banker and Landowner, Jubbulpore.
33. The use of hemp in any form is in disrepute among the people in general of the Madras presidency on account of its injurious effects on health. - Evidence of Apothecary K. VASUDEVA RAU, Brahmin, Adirampatnam, Tanjore District.
33. There does not appear to prevail any social or religious custom necessitating the use of the drug here. It is taken for its slightly intoxicating effects. 34. Yes; it would. It acts as a mild stimulant and intoxicant, which enables people addicted to it to get on with their work. There is a general indisposition and disinclination for work in case the drug is withheld. 35. Though it may be feasible to prohibit the use of the drug, it is sure to be consumed illicitly, and resort would be had to other intoxicants. - Evidence of Apothecary G. A. W. VELLONES, Chetambaram, South Arcot.
33. (a) With great disfavour and disrepute, as it invariably leads to apathy, lethargy and ascetism, due probably to inanition or perverted nutrition, as the drug deadens or annihilates the sensation of hunger, and minimises to a considerable extent the necessaries and much more the luxuries of life. (c) None. 34. Yes. As those addicted to it are generally poverty-stricken, and some of them are of opinion by experimenting on themselves that it is a preventive of Beri Beri and decidedly curative of malaria and obesity, for those that give up the habit get ascites and other dropsies. 400 Muhammadans. 200 Hindus. My experience is gained at Guntur and Ellore. After getting the Commission's questions, I sent for ganja consumers at those places, and questioned them. My statement regarding the beneficial and preventive effects of the drugs is based on their answers, corroborated by experience gained in my practice at the dispensaries. I have also learnt something from books. As regards malaria, I have never known an habitual ganja smoker to suffer from that disease. As regards the other alleged beneficial effects, I have no experience. I have never known a person who has given up the habit, and I am therefore ignorant of the results of deprivation of the drugs. 35. (a) to (c) It would be feasible to prohibit its use in Southern India by preventing its cultivation and importation. It will be consumed illicitly. (d) Yes. (e) No. (f) No. As other habits are comparatively very expensive and cannot be cheaply taken to. - Evidence of Apothecary MUHAMMAD ASADULLA, Ellore, Godavary District
33. The consumption of any of these drugs is regarded with contempt. I cannot positively say that there is any organised public opinion. Yes, the use of any form of the narcotic is generallyly in disrepute. The sentiment is attributed to the fact that the consumption of any of these drugs causes derangement of the brain. No custom of worshipping the plant. 34. To forego the consumption of the drug will be a serious privation, especially to the habitual consumers. When the habit is formed and becomes second nature, though compliance does not give pleasure, resistance creates a want or longing. "The very fact that they are customary has as its further result the attachment or clinging of the mind to them, so that their removal occasions a painful sense of strangeness and craving." This is the law of habit. 35. No; it would not be feasible. Yes, the drug will be consumed illicitly. Prohibition is sure to cause serious discontent among the consumers, though it may not amount to a political danger. In case of prohibition, recourse will be had to alcoholic stimulants and other drugs. - Evidence of K. JAGANNADHAM NAIDU, Medical Officer, Parlakimedi, Ganjam District.
33. The public opinion on. the habit of ganja–smoking appears to be that it is degrading, and this seems to be the reason why a ganja smoker always has a reluctance to be known as addicted to the habit, and is very unwilling to confess it. Among Muhammadans, the Koran prohibits strictly the use of any intoxicating drug whatever. But among the low Hindus, there seems to be no such religious prohibition. The use of the narcotic in question is generally in disrepute, because it makes the user callous to his surroundings, in–different to the welfare of his kith and kin, and even to his personal well-being. Certain sects of the people in Northern India are said to make, on certain occasions, bhang the object of worship. But no such thing exists here. 34. I am told it would be a serious privation to forego the drug accustomed to, as it would produce certainly some evil consequences, such as diarrhœa, flatulence, complete loss of appetite, utter disinclination to do any work, and even madness. - Evidence of Assistant Surgeon SALDANHA, Salem.
33. Public regard the consumption of this as degrading and one of the vices. In regard to the practice, the public opinion is both social and religious. Social—bad society of low morals. Religious—it is believed to tend to concentrate the thought for the purpose of offering prayers. It is generally in disrepute on account of its intoxicating property, and also its deteriorating effects on the health. Never worship the ganja plant. 34. Yes ; in ganja and charas smoking, because the privation will lead to suffer from puffiness of belly, indigestion, loss of appetite, cough, accumulation of phlegm in the throat, constipation, and nervous exhaustion. Bhang drinking can be given up without any suffering. Probable number in each class is about 1 per cent. 35. No, in regard to the ganja and charas, and it is consumed illicitly. The prohibition can be enforced, but causes serious discontent among the consumers. There may not be any political danger. The prohibition will lead them to practise alcoholic drinks and no other drugs. - Evidence of Hospital Assistant T. RANGANAYA KULU NAID00, Rajahmundry, Godavari District.
33. Whatever may be the nature of the hemp plant, the consumption of which is regarded by the public as being infamous and degrading, both socially and religiously, such persons are less re -garded, and no reputation is attached to them. Sanyasis and bairagis, who generally live apart from other people, as also the mendicants, cultivate ganja plant to a certain extent for their use, and worship the plant just like the others worship the tulsi plant, on important occasions. It would be impossible to prohibit any of the cultivation of these plants, for they can be raised illicitly for consumption. Discontent may arise to some extent if stoppage is enforced, and I do not think that any danger of political importance will arise by so doing. Such prohibition, however, would not be necessarily followed by recourse to either (a) or (b). - Evidence of Hospital Assistant M. IYASWAMY PILLAY, Saint Thomas' Mount, Madras
33. The use of narcotics, onions, and animal food is said to have been prohibited in certain parts of the Shastras and Vedas. This idea is ge-nerally prevalent in native minds. It is generally considered a mean action. 34. Bairagis and Muhammands. The former frequent the place generally, but not natives of these parts. I have learnt from them they suffer from climatic disorders if a stop is put to the use of ganja. The latter class generally acquired the habit by inheritance. Their nervous system requires stimulation naturally, and their controlling power over the use of the drug would be wanting. 35. Its use cannot be prohibited. It will be consumed illicitly. Prohibition would create for them a new passion to other intoxicants as alcohol, or for procuring the drug privately, and thus becoming criminals. This discontentment would never amount to a political danger. When strictly prohibited, they will have recourse to another narcotic according to their means. - Evidence of Hospital Assistant CHINNY SREENIVASA RAU, Prapanna Komity, L. F. Hospital, Bobbili Vizagapatam District.
33. Smoking ganja is more hateful than drinking bhang when used by family people; but when both the drugs are used by bairagis and other religious people, they do not mar their reputation in the eyes of the public, because they do not practise them as aphrodisiac or for any other temporal good, but for having their mind concentrated on religious views, and also as unaphrodisiac. To gain these objects, they practise them rather excessively from the very beginning and at any time they like. Such people keep some regard in them. In this subdivision I have never seen or heard any class of people worshipping hemp plant; but before their use they are offered to god by the consumer or consumers. According to Hindu Shastras, Hanuman was born on the day of Mesa Sankranti (probably 12th April), and it is on that special day, bhang is offered to him and taken generally by all. 34. Yes ; specially to bairagis and other religious people that indulge in it. The reason is that the above mentioned people cannot have their mind fixed on religious points unless they are entirely free from jealousy, covetousness, and lust ; and for family men, it is not so serious. It would be a serious privation to 90 per cent. of bairagis to forego the consumption of the drug and to 10 per cent. of the family men and others. 35. It would not be feasible to prohibit the use of these drugs. Yes, it would be consumed illicitly. The prohibition could not be enforced without occasioning serious discontent to the consumers. I think no political danger would occur in this part of the country by such discontent ; but it may cause to a certain extent in the North-Western Provinces and Punjab The prohibition may probably be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants by the rich who could afford and to other drugs by the poor who could not afford alcoholic stimulants. - Evidence of Hospital Assistant JAGANNATII PANDIT, Uriya, Russellkonda, Ganjam District.
33. Consumption of each of these drugs is generally regarded bad. No such custom - Evidence of Hospital Assistant MADURANAYAGUM PILLAI, Vellala, Uravakonda, Ananlpur District.
33. The consumption of each of these drugs is not at all countenanced by society, whether Hindu or Muhammadan. The ganja-smoker is shunned out as abhorred, mean and irresponsible in society. He is hissed out in secret as one unworthy of association. He does not hold any social status save in the society of consumers of the drug. Any statement from his lips, even if true and grave, is put down for one coming from a mad fellow. Brahmans and Vaisyas are excommunicated from caste, if found addicted to this vice. This is not the case with those that, as I have above said, use bhang occasionally as a matter of pleasure. For I found Brahmans, Rajputs, Vaisya and Sudras among bhang drinkers. No custom is obtained here to worship the hemp plant. 34. An occasional moderate consumer can forego the consumption of the drug to any length of time ; so is also, though in less proportionate number of cases, with the habitual moderate consumer. But it would be a serious privation to habitual excessive consumers to forego the consumption of the drug to any shortest length of time. 35. (a) No. (b) Yes. (c) I am ignorant of any means. (d) and (e) Yes, it would occasion serious discontent, leading, in my humble opinion, to a political danger. (f) Yes, only in a very few cases ; for I find in my experience that many that have recourse to the drug loathe the idea of taking spirituous liquors. Muhammadans use the drug (ganja) with apparent sanction of their religious authority ; but they cannot, without subjecting themselves to ostracising influences of their caste or religion, use intoxicating liquors (alcohol). - Evidence of Hospital Assistant I. PARTHASARATHY CHETTY, Penukonda, Anantapur District
33. The use of each of these three drugs generally contempted by all, as it leads to negligence, idleness and irregularity, and the same is applicable to all narcotics. As for worshipping the hemp plant is not known. 34. Certainly it will be a serious matter of the consumers when they do not use it, as they are generally restless and not inclined to work ; and the number of ganja consumers probably will amount to 200 and that of bhang 20. 35. The use of these drugs cannot be prohibited, and it may be used sometimes illicitly. I think its prohibition is a difficult matter, and it will produce great inconvenience among the consumers, and not likely to amount to a political danger, or to follow any alcoholic stimulants or any other drugs. - Evidence of MIRZA DAVOOD BEG, Pensioned Hospital Assistant, Trichinopoly.
33. Public opinion is strong against the consumption of the drug in either of the forms known here. Intoxicants are as a rule at a discount in the estimation of the Hindus ; and the bad effects it manifests in the habitual consumers is enough to account for the ill-esteem in which they (consumers) are held. - Evidence of P. S. MOOTOOSAMY MODELLIAR, Retired Native Surgeon, Tanjore.
33. The consumption of ganja is regarded a mean practice. With fakirs and sanyasis the practice is not at all thought of. It may be said that there is a social public opinion on the practice, but none religious. The hemp plant is never worshipped. by any sect of the people here. 35. It would not be feasible to prohibit the use of ganja or bhang, especially the former. I can devise no means or suggest any measures for enforcing the prohibition of the use. The prohibition would occasion serious discontent among the consumers. In my opinion such discontent may probably amount to a political danger. The prohibition, if at all carried out, would never be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants. I have some reasons to assign for saying that the prohibition would occasion serious discontent which may develop into a political danger. They are — (a) Thousands of sanyasis or bairagis and hundreds of fakirs or dervishes are habitual consumers of ganja. Generally there are chiefs or heads over bands of sanyasis and fakirs (which bands consist of a thousand persons each, and sometimes a hundred men each, and so on). When the prohibition is enforced, these heads will most probably become discontented, and consequently the thousands under them would also be discontented. (b)These sanyasis or dervishes are always content, only if they have the usual supply of ganja for smoking. As for meals and other requirements, they do not care much. (c ) Several of them are engaged in their remembrance of God, and the smoking of ganja is only a means to give them patience to be engaged in such devotion, without food or water for hours and days. They do not wish to interfere in matters of government or any other person's matter, In short, they are satisfied with any ruler, with any form of government, and with anything which falls to their lot. (d) When ganja smoking is prohibited and the prohibition enforced, I have no doubt that they (the consumers) would rise against Government, though they may not be able to do any real injury to the Government. Common people who smoke ganja may also side the sanyasis and fakirs then. (e) They smoke ganja, care very little for food or clothes, and are engaged in praying to God, and praying for the good of the reigning monarch; whoever may be the ruler, they are satisfied with him and pray for his welfare and prosperity, and never say anything bad of him. (f) Moreover, during my experience of twelve years as Honorary Magistrate of Cuddapah town, I have not known of any case of murder or homicide committed under the influence of ganja, whereas other intoxications prompt the persons under their influence to commit more serious offences. (g) No Muhammadan Emperors of India, however strict in matters of intoxication (according to law), nor any Maharajas and Hindu rulers, etc., seem to have, at any time, attempted to prohibit the practice or taken notice of the matter (though there was no duty in those days on ganja). The reason seems to have been only that discontent would be created among the consumers and that the discontent would lead to a political danger which they did not like. Nor did those kings ever wish to disturb poor and innocent people, that is, sanyasis and bairagis or fakirs, who are always engaged in remembering God, by such prohibition. - Evidence of H. S. A. M. MUNJUMIAH, Native Medical Practitioner, Cuddapah
33. Although the Puli Puja is performed, but it is not a special one, as it is performed in honour of other sorts of cultivations also. Other answers are contained in answers to questions 31 and 32. 35. O cherishes of the poor, that it is an unquestionable fact that ganja, bhang and charas are poisons, and this fact is admitted by all. In my opinion their suppression would be an act of virtue deserving of future reward, but it is not advisable to suppress their use at once. Its suppression should be regulated under certain rules without any loss to the State. (1) In order to put a stop to the cultivation of ganja gradually, more check and control should be maintained over its cultivators, in order that the desired object may be attained. (2) A notice should be issued to the effect that a person who is in the habit of consuming ganja, charas or bhang should produce a certificate from a Government doctor permitting him to purchase any one of the above drugs for his daily use, the quantity being mentioned therein. (3) If any consumer requires a certificate to use 3 tolas of any such drug, then the Government Medical Officer should explain to him the several evil results that emanate from its use, and if possible give him sound advice, and thus by degrees reduce the quantity, so that he may wholly give up his habit. It is hoped that by the adoption of such measures, beginners who make use of ganja privately and who are not void of shame would voluntarily give up their habit. (4) No contractor should be permitted to supply any person with ganja, charas or bhang who does not produce such a certificate from a Government Medical Officer. But these drugs (ganja, bhang and charas) may be sold to native Medical practitioners without the certificate. (5) Severe control should be exercised over the contractor in order that he may not sell the above drugs surreptitiously.To the best of my knowledge and researches, I am of opinion that alcohol, etc., cannot be safely used as a substitute for ganja, charas or bhang.' - Evidence of SAIYID MAHMUD alias HAKEEM NHANNAY MIAN, Medical Practitioner, Cuddapah.
35. The moderate use of ganja and bhang among the natives of India is analagous to that of alcoholic drinks among, Europeans, and, as far as ordinary observation goes, the effects are no more injurious in one case than the other. Any action that would deprive the people generally of their accustomed dose of ganja, etc., would not, I consider, be politic. - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR W. A. QUAYLE, Civil Surgeon, Nimar.
34. I do not consider it would be a serious privation to forego the consumption of these drugs; but probably they would fall on other narcotics, such as opium and liquors, especially opium. 35. Yes, of all these drugs the use should be prohibited gradually. Prohibition should extend to the strict prevention of the cultivation in all parts of India under Government rules, and small cultivation should be allowed only for medical purposes. The prohibition would cause discontent to the consumers, but not any serious danger. The prohibition would, no doubt, be followed by recourse to alcohol and other stimulants. - Evidence of HONY. SURGEON-MAJOR J. E. HARRISON, Retired List, and Civil Surgeon, Kalahundi.
33. The consumption of ganja, etc., is not looked down upon, as it does not produce as much intoxication as arrack, and. make a man senseless ; nor is its consumption prohibited. The ganja plant is not worshipped in this country. - Evidence* of SINGITAPU VENKATA RAO, Brahmin, Madahwa, Native Physician and Inamdar, Coconada, Godavari District.
33. Most highly regarded. Those who are addicted to morality dislike it, and others think it a social and religious practice. The use of these drugs are generally criticised by those people who are not in the habit of using them. The persons who are accustomed to its use, worship a god, some with two hands, and others salute them before commencing to eat or smoke. - Evidence of I. PONNUSAWMI PILLAI, Private Practitioner, Pothawar, Salem, District.
33. (a) It is generally considered to be a vicious practice. (c) No. - Evidence of ABDUL KARIM SAHIB, Native Physician, Namakkal, Salem District.
33. I think that the habitual use of this drug is generally in disrepute for the simple reason that it is apt to induce inebriation. I am not aware of any custom of worshipping the hemp plant on any occasion by any sect of the people. 35. Where the use is habitual, which however is, so far as I know, very rarely the case in this country, the feasibility of its prohibition is open to question. It might he consumed illicitly, and it may not be possible to enforce the prohibition except by recourse to extreme measures. I do not think, however, that the prohibition would occasion serious discontent. A political danger it most assuredly would not amount to. It is quite possible though that the prohibition may be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants or other drugs. - Evidence of the RAJA OF RAMNAD, Madura District.
33. Almost all the people say that smoking ganja is a bad habit. It is socially used by the mendicants only. But there is no rule that the polite and the religious men should use it. I cannot say much about it. On the whole it is injurious, as it spoils the brain and disturbs the calmness of the mind, It often deviates a man from the right path. He will become quite mad if he cannot get it in its proper time. He will feel much disgust without it, and will be roused to a spirit of robbery. It spoils the reputation of a man. Nobody of any sect has at any time worshipped the hemp plant. - Evidence of SRI VASUDEVA RAJAMANI RAJAH DEO, Kshatria, Zamindar of Mandasa, Ganjam District.
33. The use of these drugs in excess is regarded as very bad, but in moderation the effect is considered good. This is public opinion. There is no custom of worshipping the hemp plant. - Evidence of SRI SRI SRI GOURA CHANDRA. GAJAPATY NARAYAN DEO GARU, Kshatria, Zamindar of Parlakimedi, Ganjam District.
33. It is generally regarded with contempt. Yes; the public opinion is that the practice is bad. There is a popular opinion that the use of any form of narcotic acts against the intellectual powers of a person; hence it is generally in disrepute. I am not aware of any custom of worshipping the hemp plant. - Evidence of TIMMARAZU VENKATA SIVA RAO., Brahmin, Landed Proprietor and Chairman, Municipal Council, Chicacole, Ganjam District.
33. Hindu religion, I think with very good reason, is quite averse to the use of any drink or drug that will bring about an abnormal state in the mind of a man. Addiction to the use of these is included among the five greatest sins—to wit (1) murder, (2) theft, (3) use of intoxicating drink or drug, (4) wounding the feelings of one's preceptor, and (5) falsehood, mentioned in Hindu shastras. Since Hindu social customs are so interwoven with their religious observances, it is not possible for anybody, however depraved otherwise, to get over that feeling of abhorrence—at any rate of contempt—towards one who uses these drugs. I am not aware of any custom of worshipping the hemp plant by any sect of people here. - Evidence of C. MUTHU KUMARASWAMI MUDELLIAR, Zamindar, Chunampet, Chingleput District.
33. With disgust and contempt. None. It is in disrepute. It demoralizes poople and undermines their health. Do not know. 34. Yes, because these people are so devoted, and the habit becomes a second nature. They almost go mad and become helpless if they are deprived of it. It is difficult to give even an approximate proportion, but the Muhammadan class predominates. By Muhammadans I mean the poverty-stricken people. 35. (a) Not easily. (b) Yes. (c) I am unable to suggest any method. (d) Yes. (e) No. (f) The people who use these drugs are, as a rule, the poorest classes of people. They would have recourse to alcohol but for its costliness. They are sure to indulge in other drugs if within their means to purchase. - Evidence of M. ETHERAGULU PILLAY, Land-owner, Bezwada, Kistna District .
33. The use of the drug is not in disrepute. There is no custom of worshipping the plant. - Evidence of P. SESHACHALLAM NAIDOO, Balija, Landlord, Merchant, and Chairman, Vetapollem, Kistna District.
33. (a) The consumption of the drugs is regarded as a source of making the mind steady. (b) No. The use is generally in disrepute, as he cannot manage himself being out of senses. (c) No. 34. Yes ; for some time. Because they would find it difficult to give up the practice. Only 2 per cent. can do so. 35. (a) Yes. (b) No. (c) The prohibition could be enforced by putting a stop to the cultivation of these drugs. (d) No. (e) No. (f) The prohibition would not be followed by recourse to (a) or (b). - Evidence of AZIZ-UD-DIN ALI KHAN, SAHIB BAHADUR, Jagirdar, Cherlopalle, Gurramkanda, District Cuddapah.
33. It is very much despised. In these parts it is held in very low estimation, both in a social and religous point of view. I have never known of the ganja plant being held in veneration. 34. Yes, beause they feel very uneasy without it. 35. (a) (b) . Yes. (1)(a) Yes - Evidence of SAGI RAMA SASTRY, Brahmin, Inamdar and Native Doctor, Rajahmundry, Godavari District.
33. The custom is regarded as degrading, and the user of ganja is not respected. The use is in disrepute, because the users lose their self-control, and become offensive to neighbours. There is no custom of worshipping the plant in this province. 35. The discontent cannot amount to a political danger. The prohibition may lead to the use of other intoxicating drugs or spirits - Evidence of M.R. RY. V. VENKATARO YER, Brahman, Managar, Ettayapuram Estate, Tinnevelly District.
33. The use of ganja is not regarded by the public as prohibited, and the plant is not worshipped here. - Evidence of BONDILI MOTIRAM, Cultivator, Cocanada, Godavari District.
34. Those consumers of bhang, either smokers or drinkers, will seriously feel privation of ganja if they will have to forego its consumption. 35. It would be in no way feasible to prohibit all of these drugs. As to the prohibition of any of these, the consumers will take recourse to one or the other part of it if one part be prohibited. The prohibition of all parts cannot in any way be given effect to. The prohibition will surely and certainly occasion serious discontent among the consumers, which may amount to political danger - Evidence of CHINTAMANI NAND VIDYÂ BHUSHANA, Uria Brahmin, late Tahsildar, Sonepur, Sambalpur.
33. Religious people treat the person using or eating ganja as immoral or impious, because it produces intoxication. I don't know, nor have I heard, that any hemp plant is worshipped by any sect of people. - Evidence of LANKA KRISTNIENGAR, Vaishnava Brahmin, Chairman, Municipal Council, Srirangam, Trichinopoly District.
33. Public opinion is opposed to the consumption of these drugs, as even the moderate consumer is liable to indulge to excess. - Evidence of MR. W. TAYLOR, Chairman, Municipal Council, Parlakimedi, Ganjam District.
33. The consumption of ganja is looked down upon as a bad habit, except in the case of bairagis, sanyasis, and other religious ascetics. The hemp plant is not worshipped in these parts. The drinking of bhang is not generally in disrepute like ganja. 34. To those much addicted to use, such as fakirs, bairagis and sanyasis, it would be a serious privation to forego consumption of the drug. 35. As the number of consumers is comparatively very small here, the use of ganja may be prohibited by making its cultivation, preparation or possession penal; but even then there may be illicit consumption, at least to some extent. The prohibition may cause some discontent, but such discontent may not amount to political danger. The prohibition may be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants. - Evidence of K. SUBBARAYADU PUNTALU, Brahmin, Chairman of the Adoni Municipal Council, Bellary District.
Vide answer above. There is no plant to be worshipped here ; but it is generally used as sacrifices to some of the minor Hindu deities. 34. Yes ; no doubt it will be a serious privation to them, which may result in serious diseases. 35. It may not be feasible to prohibit the use of these drugs with the excessive consumers. There may be attempt to consume it illicitly. It may create discontent among some of the consumers, but not to such an extent as to apprehend any political danger. Alcoholic stimulants and other drugs are not considered to be good substitutes for the drugs in question. Consumers can in no way be satisfied with these in place of those drugs. - Evidence of E. SUBRAMANA IYER, Brahmin, Chairman, Municipal Council, Con jevaram, Chingleput District.
33. The practice is held as bad. Many object to take this. Not known. None worship in these parts. - Evidence of RUNGO SRINIVASA RAO, Brahmin, Chairman, Union Panchayat, Madakasira, Anantpur District.
35. If cultivation of the hemp plant in the Nimar district and the sale of the drugs were prohibited, the use of the drugs would not be entirely stopped. It would be smuggled from over the border. The restriction would cause distress among the people who use the drugs to alleviate their toil. - Evidence of KHAN BAHADUR AULAD HUSSEIN, C.I.E., Assistant Commissioner and Settlement Officer, Jabalpur.
33. It is generally looked down upon as disreputable for the reason that its effects are bad. There is no worship of the plant amongst the people here. 34. No doubt excessive consumers would feel the deprivation very much, but they form an insignificant fraction of the people. 35. Quite feasible. No doubt the drug would be consumed illicitly, and no doubt also the prohibition would be followed by a slight increase of alcoholic stimulants; and specially of opium. I do not think there would be any danger politically in prohibiting its use, but its enforcement would be difficult. - Evidence of the REV. H. J. GOFFIN, Missionary, Kadiri, Cuddapah District
33. Regarded by all classes to be a very mean and bad habit. Such men's company is avoided. both publicly and privately. During the mouth of August, the hilly tribes worship the hemp plant. 34. Muhammadans predominate, Hindus are next. 35. Even if proper steps are taken, it may not be easible. Though there is a strict law prohibiting the cultivation of hemp plant, yet there are breaches. The prohibition may cause serious discontent among the consumers, and won't amount to any political danger. - Evidence of the REV. J, DESIGACHART, Missionary , Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, Badvel, Cuddapah District.
33. There has been from time immemorial a strong public opinion against it. It is wholly in disrepute. In the "Tanvanthiri wisdom," stanzas 49 A-493, disciples for Yogam are told—" Hemp smoking will increase bile, destroy the brain, and cause consumption." In Tiravullavar's Guna Seth, stanza 859, candidates for the state of Yogam are ordered to reject utterly "opium, ganja, and liquor;" they are urged to use milk, rice, and green gram. Mattralangi, the great ascetic, also urges his followers not to take ganja, liquor and opium, In the Nunthi Sar Gunman, the 100th poem, sloka 2, are the words—" If one wishes to take a disciple, let the disciple be examined a hundred times * * * If he is addicted to ganja, toddy or other liquor, he must be forthwith rejected, and the master must see him no more." It must be noted that these lines are by Tamil poets, who lived more than a thousand years ago. 33. [oral evidence] The passage containing the mention of ganja and opium in the work of Pathamanjali is taken from a Tamil version of the Sanskrit, for the correctness of which I will not vouch. - Evidence of the REV. W. ROBINSON, Missionary, London Missionary Sobriety, Salem.
35. Quite feasible to prohibit the use; but difficult to enforce the prohibition effectively. There would be a certain amount of discontent created. Considering that Hindu ascetics—and also, I believe, Muhammadan fakirs—are reported to consume ganja, the discontent might amount to a political danger, if our repressive measures proved thoroughly effective. But they would probably fail to suppress the use of ganja, which would be illicitly cultivated. - Evidence of MR. L. K. LAURIE, Officiating Secretary to the Chief Commissioner, General Department.
33. The use of ganja is generally regarded as disreputable. I don't know of any religious sentiment on the subject, but there is a strong feeling against the drug. People generally recognise the injurious effects of the drug on the moral and intellectual as well as on the physical nature of those who use it and condemn it accordingly. I have not been able to discover the existence of any custom of worshipping the hemp plant, but smokers commonly do reverence to the drug by a simple salutation or prostration before they begin to smoke, just as women bow before a lamp on lighting it in the evening. 34. For some time consumers would feel it a very severe privation if deprived of the drug, with occasional consumers there would not be much difficulty, but habitual consumers, whether moderate or excessive, would undoubtedly suffer considerably for some time. After a month or two months however had passed, they would no longer need the unnatural stimulus, and before long would recover their natural vigour. 35. Yes, if the cultivation of the plant were strictly prohibited. The plant cannot be grown in secret, and if its cultivation were declared illegal, the use of the drug would almost cease. The evil can be met with in no other way, for so long as the cultivation of the drug is permitted its illicit consumption is easy. At present, although only about a dozen shops are licensed for the sale of the drug in this district, it can be bought at any garden where it is grown, and in very many places can be purchased in non-licensed shops. If the cultivation of the plant were prohibited, there would undoubtedly be a good deal of grumbling among consumers, but public opinion is so strong against the drug that such prohibition would be most popular with the great majority of the people. There would be no possibility of political danger. Possibly consumers would take to alcohol or opium if deprived of the drug, but the very much greater cost would certainly be a great deterrent, and in most cases would necessarily restrict them to a moderate occasional use of these drugs. - Evidence of the REV. W. H. CAMPBELL, Missionary, London Missionary Society, Cuddapah.
33. The smoking of ganja and the eating of majium, etc., are considered bad. Undoubtedly this is the general opinion in this district. The reason is that the custom of using these things weakens the consumer physically and morally. One man, I spoke to, said that if he had a friend enslaved to ganja consumption he would recommend him to take spirits and so substitute that habit as less serious. The Mudeliar referred to in answer 31 was regarded by his friends as falling into a depraved state, and so he regarded himself and left the habit. Two smokers, when asked, told me they would be glad to give up the habit. Both said they would not persuade others to adopt it. One man said : " my boy may perhaps follow my example, or he may take me as a warning " ; others admitted the habit was bad, but they said how could they give it up. If they had plenty of food they might, but they could not work ; they would get pain in their backs by working. Others, to whom I spoke (a sugarcane grower's son and a saltmaker), said it was against their caste customs to smoke, and that the habit was bad. I asked some smokers : " will you get other young men to smoke ?" They at once replied : " we would not ruin others (mattavargalai kedukka mattom)." I did not at all suggest the idea of ruin. Winslow's Tamil Dictionary gives ganjagottri as meaning " a worthless person" (gottri lit.= a young calf). The fact that the sellers of ganja do not use it goes to shew that the use is bad. They and other respectable men were somewhat indignant at my asking if they used ganja. I have not heard that the hemp plant is worshipped, but it seems that ganja powder is burned as a sort of incense before certain idols It is said to be offered to Mathurai veeran, Karu-annasami Munniappan, Karuparayan Aiyasswami and a swami at Palni. It is also offered in the form of ganja roti (= ganja bread) which is made in the houses, taken to the temple and eaten. This is said to be offered by pilgrims to the swami at Palni. A gnani named Corakkar is said to have used ganja and to have given his name to the plant (viz., Corakkar Karmulikkai). The power of extinguishing sensual and wordly desire is attributed to the plant when smoked. It enables the smoker to concentrate his thought for meditation. Appendix 3 contains a piece of poetry on the use of ganja taken from " Kudyer Sinthu." The book treats of the use of toddy, tobacco and ganja—see page 6. There is another song book on ganja called Kannerivu Malai which I have not been able to obtain. One smoker quoted " ganja Sivabatthiri, pukai ilai Brahmabatthiri," i.e., " ganja is Siva's leaf. Tobacco is Brahma's leaf." 1 could not learn that ganja was called " the lock of Siva," though as sadai means entangled locks, it may be so called as well as Sivabatthiri (=leaf of Siva). 33. [oral evidence] I have myself the opinion that alcohol is decidedly less injurious than ganja smoking. I think the effects of ganja are more rapid. In some respects alcohol is more injurious, as making men pugnacious and so on. But from the fact that these smokers whom I met were young men, and from the general drift of their statements, I judged that the excessive use of ganja killed people off more quickly than that of alcohol. At the same time the excessive use of alcohol has come to my notice, though not to a great extent, in my experience, while that of ganja has not. I think this is due to my presiding over Native churches. Christians sometimes fall into the use of alcohol, and not, so far as I know, into the use of ganja. I am also Secretary of a Temperance Association which takes note of intoxicating drugs as well as of liquor, but these drugs have not forced themselves on my notice. I have little time for work outside of my own duty. Because I think the hemp drug more dangerous, the physical effects so injurious, and the habit so difficult to leave off, I also think that ganja calls for more restriction than alcohol at the hands of the Government. But what I say is founded on a brief and very limited inquiry. It is only as judging from this very limited experience that I make the above statement as to the comparative effects of alcohol and ganja. I may say that I have never seen a member of the Native church drunk, but I know some take liquor and we disapprove of this, whether in moderation or excess. Coimbatore is not a drunken place. I have seen little of drunkenness among the people generally ; only a few cases of really drunk people. I have never seen or had pointed out to me a social wreck from ganja or a man intoxicated from the use of the drug. - Evidence of the REV. S. J. LONG, Missionary, Coimbatore.
35. I do not think it would be feasible to prohibit the use of ganja. It might be possible to prevent consumption by prohibiting the cultivation of the ganja-bearing plant all over India, but that could not be done, that is to say the prevention of the use of ganja, without causing serious discontent, which, I am persuaded, would amount to a political danger. Ganja is much used by religious mendicants and others of that class, and it would be quite in their power to get up among a discontented people an agitation against the Government. While, however, the discontent would necessarily follow the prohibition of the use of ganja, it is almost certain that those who were deprived of this stimulant would promptly turn to another, and if not to alcohol, turn to other drugs–dhatura and so forth. "You may oil a dog's tail as much as you please, it will still remain curly," says the Sanskrit proverb. You may prohibit the use of this or that stimulant, but while human nature craves for a stimulant, it will find one somewhere, and the danger is lest Government, by proscribing the use of ganja, should drive people to some more deleterious stimulant. It is difficult to say which of the two objections to prohibition of the use of this drug is the stronger, but I may be pardoned for saying that the present time, when the rupee question (the closing of the mints) may yet be found to produce political difficulties which it will not be easy for Government to overcome; when it may be impossible to avoid further taxation ; when the Commission on the morality of the opium traffic is unsettling men's minds ; when religious animosities have been revived; when the action of Government in relation to these animosities has been misconstrued, and the Government is even by men who are undoubtedly loyal at heart blamed for bringing them to life, is not opportune for any direct and drastic interference with the habits of the people. - Evidence of MR. J . W. NEILL, Judicial Commissioner, Central Provinces
33. Respectable people among the Hindus say that the habit is a bad one and dangerous. Consumers generally will not at first admit that they use the drug. 34. To moderate consumers there may not be much privation, but to excessive users much privation will be experienced. I am told that when a man stops using the drug, he becomes intensely anxious for it, and after obtaining it devours it ravenously. 35. The consumers would be troubled, but probably no riot would occur. They would probably use other drugs too if available. - Evidence of the REV. W. V. HIGGINS, Missionary, Parlakimedi, Ganjam District.
33. All who use it are despised. " A bhang eater," " a ganja smoker," are terms of opprobrium. When they take it, as Siva is said to have used it, they worship him as they take it. 34. They are so dependent on it that very likely it would cause them suffering to drop it at once. 35. (a) Yes; to a considerable extent in this district, (6) Some would probably bring it in from the north; but residents generally would not do it illicitly. (d) Only at first. (e) No. (f) Very probably. - Evidence of the REV. JOHN S. CHANDLER, Missionay Madura.
33 (a) The ganja habit is regarded as bad by the educated, because intoxicants are forbidden in the Shastras ; by the uneducated, because of the injurious effect produced by the use of the drug. A man who habitually indulges to excess is regarded as lacking in sanity. They do not believe his statements or respect his opinion. In fact, there is a common saying applied to a man who talks wildly or foolishly to the effect that "he talks as a man who smokes ganja." If a stranger comes to a town and is known to be following the advice of a man addicted to ganja, the neighbours say, " Will you listen to that lunatic ? Why, he uses ganja." And the poor fellow's influence is at once destroyed. (b) There is a very strong public opinion against the practice, which is regarded by the people as bad and injurious. It produces intoxication, which in their eyes is shameful and disgraceful. It produces in the course of time weakness and dependence on others for help, which is resented. The consumers are themselves ashamed. Many are surprised to hear that the Government is concerned about a practice which is confined to so small a portion of the people as use ganja and bhang, and are not seemingly concerned about the widespread, rapidly-increasing, and much more injurious habit of alcoholic drink, from which much greater harm results. 34. The information under this head is conflicting. Some say " yes," because a strong unnatural appetite has been formed, which will cry out for the drug. Whereas the majority say " no" That while the habit, when once formed, is seldom, if ever, discontinued, yet the deprivation of it does not seem to be attended by the racking pains and suffering caused by abstention from opium and alcoholic drinks. A ganja smoker comes into the village. He finds there is no shop here. The last shop was 15 miles back ; the next is 26 miles on. He goes on seemingly not inconvenienced by the temporary deprivation. But when an opium user comes, if he cannot get the drug, he falls down exhausted and declares he will die. The numbers are most difficult to ascertain. 35. (a) Owing to the paucity of shops in these parts, practical prohibition exists. Much that is consumed is consumed illicitly. The introduction of the license system seems to have had no appreciable effect on the use of the drugs. The ganja is nearly all grown by the consumers in their own yards. If one illicit grower were arrested in each village, the plants would all be rooted out. But, as it is, the police themselves are in collusion. (d) No serious discontent would result in this province. (f) As the appetite created by the drug differs from that created by either alcoholic drinks or opium, there would be no recourse to them for that reason; and as no other drugs are so used, it is quite probable the practice would die out. My opinion that the prohibition of the drug would cause the practice to die out is based upon (1) the fact that prohibition of intoxicating liquors has been largely effective in America where it has been tried, and (2) that the native character being amenable to authority, the people of the country, if once convinced that Government desired to put an end to the traffic, would co-operate with it, and (3) I believe the general sense of the people is opposed to the use of the drugs. In the part of India with which I am acquainted the hemp plant does not grow wild so far as I have been able to ascertain. Of course, prohibition of the traffic implies prohibition of cultivation. How far this would be practicable in other parts of India I am not prepared to say. My answer was written under the impression that the cultivation and possession of the drug was illegal, and my impression was derived from information given me by an Assistant Collector. But I have since learnt that there is no prohibition against cultivation and possession, and that a cultivator is only forbidden to sell the drug to any one but a licensed vendor. The practice to which I refer is growing the plant in back yards for personal consumption, and would not be illicit. But I hear that the drug cultivated in this way is sometimes sold illicitly, though not, as far as I have been able to discover, to such an extent as can be called trade. As well as I could learn, it did not seem that the craving peculiar to ganja could be satisfied by any other drug. As a rule the various habits are distinct, but occasionally a man will practise more than one of them. - Evidence of the REV. H. F. LAFLAMME, Canadian Baptist Mission, Yellamanchili, Vizagapatam.
33. (a) As a disgrace. 34. It is difficult to break off. Hereabouts probably not more than one per cent. 35. (a) Gradually. (b) Probably, as it is easy to do so. (c) By making it penal. (d) Certainly, though they might in the end be thankful. (e) Consumers too few and uninfluential to make a political danger. (f ) Possibly, though as a rule, consumers of this are not habitual drinkers of liquor. - Evidence of the REV. J. F. BURDITT, Missionary, Narsaravupet, Kistna District.
33. Ganja smokers are generally regarded as of a morally bad character. 35. As far as this district is concerned, it is not much difficult to prohibit the practice of ganja smoking. There may be some cases of illicit consumption of the ganja for a few years to come; but its practice may be gradually uprooted by imposing penalties on the offenders. Almost all the ganja smokers are people of considerably poor circumstances, and, moreover, their number is so small that there would be no reason to apprehend a political danger. Of course the prohibition may naturally occasion some discontent among the consumers, but that discontent would not in the least degree affect the political affairs. Further the prohibition would not, I think, be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants or other drugs. - Evidence of the REV. J. HEINRICHS, Missionary, Vinukunda, Kistna District.
33. Every consumer readily admits that it is a bad habit, which sentiment has found an expression in a common saying about the consumption of bhangi, which translated runs thus:— He gave angi (coat), Who smoked bhangi. And become a manga (monkey). - Evidence of the REV. S. C. SCHAIBLE, Missionary, Moolky, South Canara.
33. (a) Considered as very mean by the majority. ( b ) No. Yes; generally disrepute, because it produces laziness, etc. (c). The plant is not worshipped in these parts; but the plant is tied on both sides of karady, while people carry them to Palany temple, etc. 34. Yes; it may prove a serious privation only to those bairagis who come from Northern India. Next to impossible. 35. (a ) It is very difficult to prohibit the use all of a sudden. (b) Yes. (c) By the introduction of a law according to the climate and condition of the country. (d) It may at the commencement to a very small extent. (e) No.( f ) Yes. - Evidence of S. P. NARASIMMALU NAYUDU, Editor of the " Crescent," Coimbatore .
33. The public opinion (social and religious) is that the use of the drug is bad, and the consumers to be looked down upon with disrespect. The sentiment is due to the bad effects of the drug. There is no custom of worshipping the hemp plant here. 34. It would be a serious privation to those who are long accustomed to the drug, for they get cough on breaking off the practice. The number is small. 35. Prohibition should never be enforced, although there is no political danger by interfering with the consumption and prohibiting people. The prohibition would never be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants. The drug would be consumed illicitly. The only way of prohibiting would be to publish pamphlets in the vernacular and explain to the people. - Evidence of N. KOTHUNDARAMAYYA, Brahmin, Editor of "Suneeti" Rajahmundry, Godavari District.
33. From the fact that people addicted to the use of the drug are ashamed to confess it, it is deducible that they look upon it as no virtue, and from my own observation of the consumers I have been able to gather that people have recourse to the drug as a luxury. 35. It is necessary to see that people do not take to this drug; but ordinary prohibition may induce the consumer to illicit means. Besides the people in this district, who, I believe, are harmless, I have had occasion to observe many irresponsible and responsible persons in the North-Western Provinces are addicted to the use of the drug, and it has to be considered if the prohibition is likely to occasion serious discontent amongst them. I believe there is no room for an inference that the prohibition is necessarily followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants, etc. - Evidence of K. VEMATASOOBIAH, Veishya, Trader and Pleader, District Munsiff's Court, Cuddapah.
33. Public opinion here condemns the practice, though not to that extent as the use of alcohol or other intoxicating spirits is condemned. If anybody belonging to these parts who goes to Benares or other places in the north and stops there for any length of time should contract the habit, he tries to give it up as soon as he returns to the country, being afraid of public opinion. There is no custom of worshipping the plant here. 34. I do not think that it would be a serious privation to any class of consumers, excepting perhaps the bairagis, to give up the habit. 35. I do not think it necessary or expedient to prohibit the use of these drugs in these parts, as the use thereof obtains only to a very small extent, and as public opinion acts as a sufficient deterrent. Practical difficulties also arise in enforcing the rule of prohibition, and such a stringent measure is likely to lead to illicit consumption, and may be followed also by recourse to alcoholic stimulants and the like. I do not believe, however, that it would lead to any serious discontent amounting to political danger; but, if such measures are to be adopted, I would strongly suggest that the Agency tracts may be entirely excluded from their operation. - Evidence of GANJAM VENCATARATNAM, Brahmin, 1st Grade Pleader, Coconada, Godavery District.
33. The use of ganja and bhang is regarded as a habit. In societies, men of these habits are not generally allowed. In the view of religion it is objectionable, for it affects the nervous and muscular system of the body. - Evidence of VISWANADHAM GURAVAIAH SASTRI, Brahmin, Pleader and District and Taluk Board Member, Chicacole.
34. Yes, it would be a serious privation where the habit of using ganja has become established. I have noticed restlessness and depression in the ganja-smokers, and found them to be quite unfit for work when deprived of their accustomed use of the drug. 35. It would not be feasible to prohibit the use of ganja. Any attempt to restrict its consumption would lead to smuggling and the clandestine sale of the drug (ganja), and the people would consume ganja of inferior quality. It would be very difficult to enforce the prohibition. The prohibition would cause, I believe, discontent among the consumers; but I am not prepared to say that it would amount to a political danger. If the consumption of ganja be prohibited, the poorer classes will, I believe, take to other drugs, and the richer to alcohol. The prohibition could be enforced by stopping cultivation, manufacture and importation of ganja. - Evidence of BABU A BANTINATH DATTA, Kayastha, Pleader, Judge's Court, Cachar
33. In respectable society the use of ganja and charas is looked upon with some degree of aversion. This is owing to bad temper caused by ganja and to a notion that the smoke of ganja scares away the goddess of fortune. - Evidence of B. CHATTERJEA, Brahmin, Pleader, District Court, Ganjam, and Chairman, Berhampore Municipality.
33. (b) No. There is no disrepute among the class of people that ordinarily use it. The panakum is generally offered to Eswara deity before consumption by people. (c) Panakum is also worshipped among some classes of people. 34. Some classes of people may grumble. The discontinuance of its use may be considered a serious privation by habitual consumers. It will affect digestion in them. 35. (a) May be feasible, but will be very difficult. (b) Would be consumed illicitly. (c) The regular cultivation of the drug may be prohibited ; but that would not completely stop consumption. Complete stoppage is almost impossible. (d) May cause discontent. ( f) In this part of the country such discontent will not be strong enough to amount to a political danger. The prohibition will increase consumption of alcoholic stimulants or other drugs. There will be a larger consumption of tobacco. - Evidence of P. C. ANUNTHACHARLU, Brahmin, Chairman, Municipal Council, and Government Pleader, Bellary.
33. The consumption of each of these drugs is generally regarded with disrepute, socially and religiously. It is due to a natural tendency to look with abhorrence on all things evil and ruinous. There is no custom, as far as I am aware, of worshipping the hemp plant. - Evidence of V. SIVA YOGI, Brahmin, 1st Grade Pleader and Municipal Chairman, Vellore.
33. The consumption is considered to be in breach of social laws. The consumers are looked upon with contempt. The public opinion is wholly against its use. This sentiment is due to its intoxicating effects. The object of consumption among well-to-do classes is not on account of medicinal properties but to give undue strength to satisfy certain desires. - Evidence of V. SRINIVASA RAO, Brahmin, Pleader, District Munsiff's Court, Tirukoilur, South Arcot.
33. Bairagis regard the use of ganja as enabling them to fix their mind upon the Divine Principle in their process of (Samadhi) concentration of mind upon the Eternal Principle. This plant is therefore known as yoga patri in the common language of bairagis. Ganja smoking is in disrepute because habitual consumers are known to be drowsy. Ganja smokers are proverbially lazy. - Evidence of MANCHALLER JAGANNADHAM, Brahmin, Pleader, Bapathla, Ristna District
33. (a) In these parts the consumers are held in contempt, and a ganja smoker himself would not proclaim his habit, and feels it a disgrace to be known as a ganja smoker ; but this remark is not applicable to fakirs and lowest classes of people. (b) The public sentiment against it is due to the feeling that a ganja smoker is known to be a lazy and never-well-to-do fellow, and has little credit. No doubt a ganja smoker is a better member of society than a drunkard; nevertheless, he is not considered to be a morally sensitive being. (c) No custom of worshiping the plant exists anywhere here. 34. Except to bairagis and fakirs, and perhaps to fishermen, the rest would not feel it as a great privation. Bairagis are wanderers and often they have spare clothing. They think it a great preventive against the effects of climate, etc. It also warms them up ; therefore some cultivators make it a point to cultivate ganja, and consider it meritorious to make doles of ganja leaves to the bairagis. Fishermen, but only very few, to warm themselves after their labour in water. Fakirs to while away their time. 35. It is feasible here. There will not be any political danger ; but the bairagis and fakirs who wander from place to place have to be reckoned with, in case it is prohibited every where and not allowed to be imported. Yes, the consumers, at least the majority of them, will take to the worse habit of drinking liquors. Prohibition would, in my opinion, stop the desultory cultivation in backyards. There would be no strong feeling aroused by prohibition of cultivation, for the people generally are against the drug, provided consumers had reasonable facilities for getting the drug. - Evidence of P. KESAVA PILLAI, Karnam, Pleater, and Honorary Secretary of the Gooty People's Association.
33. Ganja smokers in this province are looked upon as people whose words cannot be relied upon; the use of any form of the narcotic is generally in disrepute, because intoxication blinds the reason of man, his brain is muddled; and under its influence the man evolves endless fancy, mental pictures, and indulges in them to the detriment of his duty in the world as man. 34. To them, of course, it is a privation, rather of a serious nature too. It is very likely that such enforced abstinence may affect the health of some of the habitual consumers, who are mentally very weak; but this can be remedied in the natural way by lapse of time. Anyhow the consumer is sure to feel a shock and labour under it for about ten days at least. 35. Unless the cultivation of the hemp plant, which is now promiscuously done, be stopped, it is not feasible to prohibit the use of any of these drugs. The prohibition will eventually produce serious discontent, but this feeling will die away in course of time. There can be no political danger from such a step. Ganja consumers will not take to other intoxicants, as the latter are more costly than ganja. The fact that as much intoxication as from four annas worth of liquor could be got from one pie worth of ganja, stories foremost to all, and this is how even poor people also afford to use ganja freely. Perhaps after ganja toddy may be liked by these people, as it is only cheap intoxicating beverage available next to ganja. - Evidence of the HON'BLE A. SABAPATHY MOODELLIAR, RAI BAHADUR,* Merchant, Bellary.
33. The consumption of these drugs is not generally regarded in Southern India, where people are accustomed to consume tobacco. The majority of the people use tobacco, but in Northern India, where people are much given to this practice, regard it in high estimation. I do not know of people of any sect who worship the hemp plant. 34. It is not at all a serious privation to any class of consumers to forego the consumption of the drug they use. 35. Of course it would be feasible for the Government to prohibit the use of any or all of these drugs by passing an enactment. The prohibition of using these drugs occasions a sort of discontent among the consumers, who are very little in number in this part of the country. It would not amount to a political danger, as the number of consumers is very little. - Evidence of CHODISETTY VENKATARATNUM, Merchant, Coconada, Godavari District
33. The smoking of this drug is regarded as disreputable. No public opinion (social or religious) is in its favour. No custom of worshipping this plant in this country. - Evidence of KOMMIREDDI NARASINGA Row NAYUDU GARU, Merchant, Coconada.
33. The consumption is regarded as bad; but it is not prohibited on the Mesha Sankaranti. The social public opinion in regard to the practice is that it is injurious to health, since it weakens the system, creates delirium, intoxication, and makes the man more talkative. The bhang consumers offer it to the deity before they drink. The followers of Durga worship the plant just as Vyshnavas do the Tulasi plant. - Evidence of NALUM BHIMARAUZ VYSYIA, Merchant, Berhampore, Ganjam
District.
33. It is considered derogatory. It is rather an insult to insinuate that a man eats ganja. The butter decoction is offered to the god Hanuman. - Evidence of APPALA NARASSIAH CHETTY, Vaisya, Merchant, Berhampore.
33. The custom is generally regarded as bad and is disreputed. I do not know of there being any custom of worshipping the plant by any sect. 34. In Malabar the number of people using these drugs is very little; yet it will be a privation to those who are in the habit. 35. In Malabar there may not be any difficulty in prohibiting the use, and though there may not be any political danger, it may create dissatisfaction to a certain extent, and the prohibition may lead to the use of other drugs and alcoholic stimulants. - Evidence of MR. D . MANECKJI, Parsi, Merchant and Contractor, Calicut.
33. The consumption of ganja is looked down upon as mean. - Evidence of MOKHALINGAM APPANNA, Ganja Vendor, Coconada.
33. The consumption of these drugs is generally condemned by all classes of people. The use of the narcotic is in disrepute, because it tends to enervate the system and ends in debility. There is no custom of worshipping the hemp plant by any class of people on any occasion - Evidence of PERIANNA CHETTY, Potter, Ganja Shop-keeper, Kitchipolayam, Salem.
34. Only to the mendicants, the sadhus and the jogis. 35. No. But the discontent will not amount to a political danger as the drugs produce a sedative effect on the consumers who are generally a quiet sort of people. Not necessarily, as the consumers of the drugs are those who abstain from alcoholic drinks and fermented liquors. - Evidence of the DISTRICT BOARD, Arrah.
33. The use of this narcotic is considered to be in disrepute if used by respectable family persons. There is no custom of worshipping the ganja plant. - Evidence of KAMALAPURAM NAGAYYA, Komati, Ganja Contractor, Adoni
33. (a) Those addicted to the practice of consuming ganja in any of its forms are generally looked down upon by respectable people. (c) The hemp plant is not generally worshipped. 34. Naturally it must be felt as a privation to all those who resort to the use of these narcotics. 35. If this practice be prohibited by law, it would probably result in illicit consumption. The prohibition would certainly cause dissatisfaction ; but, if proper precautionary means are taken, no danger may be apprehended. The prohibition would, as a matter of course, be followed by recourse to some other form of stimulants. - Evidence of T. RATNASAMI NADA.R, Arrack Supply Contractor, Malabar.
33. The devotees worship this plant. 34. The habitual consumers suffer from dragging pains of legs and sleeplessness for want of the drug. 35. The prohibition of cultivation of this drug creates discontent among consumers. The prohibition may be followed by recourse to stimulants, alcoholic or other. - Evidence of MULAGULA KONDIAH, Goldsmith, Rajahmundry.
33. Ganja smoking and eating are universally looked down upon by the people. Those who consume it certainly suffer a social degradation. The habits are held in disrepute, because they I result in mean habits on the part of the consumer. The ganja plant is not worshipped. It is only ganja that is offered as a sacrifice to the deities. 34. It will be a great hardship to the habitual consumers to forego the consumption. But absolute prevention will not bring about insanity or death for two or three months the consumers will and can think of nothing else. Then it will be all right. 35. It will be impossible, in my opinion, to prohibit the use of ganja. In some way or other, it will be consumed by the people ; for who can say in what corner of his field the consumer cultivates it. It must be impossible to enforce prohibition. The consumers would feel discontented; but they would not have recourse to violent actions. The consumers of ganja are specially too timid to do any such thing. The prohibition will lead people to take themselves to other intoxicants. - Evidence of ANGAPPA GONUDEN, Blacksmith, Salem.
33. There is no weight attached to the sayings of a man smoking ganja. He is not regarded. as au honourable member of society. The plant is not worshipped by any people. - Evidence of MALLAPPA, Reddy, Guntakal.
33. The consumption of these drugs is neither regarded nor disregarded. Only in the case of bad characters who use it in excess it is not regarded. 34. To forego the consumption of the drug (used by some) would not in my opinion be a serious privation. 35. It would be feasible to prohibit the use of any of these drugs. Only those habituated to its use illicitly consume it only for a few days, because they may feel it difficult to break off at once. The prohibition would not occasion serious discontent to moderate consumers, but to those who use it in excess it may. Sadhus do not addict themselves to alcoholic stimulants, but bad characters may. - Evidence of SAMDASU BAVAJI, Brahmin, Priest in the Matt of Sri Jagannadha Swamy, Rajahmundry.
33. It is regarded with contempt. Neither the social observers nor the religious ones allow the use of this. They regard the use of this as contemptuous, because they see that all who use this leave their wives and relatives without support and go away with the fakirs. There is no sect that worships these plants. - Evidence of SYED SHAH ABDAL HUSAINI, Manager of Pencundah's Dargah, Pencundah, Anantapur District.
33. The practice of smoking is considered somewhat discreditable. As far as religion is concerned, the drug has the advantage of not being proscribed like liquor. I should, therefore, attribute any adverse sentiment to the same feeling that exists against any habit that is liable to become debasing by abuse, and the people of this district are distinguished for their sober habits. There is no custom of worship. The usual cocoanut is broken for luck at harvest, and sometimes incense is burnt and red lead sprinkled with the same object.
34. The obvious answer appears to be that the privation would at least equal that to be undergone by habitués of tobacco, opium or liquor if deprived of their means of enjoyment. In the case of the poorer classes the privation would be serious, as the drug is used to allay fatigue and appease hunger. This would especially be the case with fakirs, gosávis and other ascetics, to whom the drug represents the " Welshman's pipe." About 50 per cent. of this class would suffer very severely, as they could afford no substitute of equal effect. 35. Locally there would be no difficulty in prohibiting the cultivation and import. There would probably be smuggling. Serious discontent would be caused among consumers, but not such as to amount to political danger. I would not anticipate recourse to alcohol, as the majority of smokers are too poor to be able to afford it. There might be recourse to opium. - Evidence of MR. E. J. EBDEN, Collector, Ahmednagar.
33. The habitual consumption is looked on as discreditable in the Thana district. 34. Probably not very serious. I don't think it is even found necessary in jails to allow these drugs, though I have known eight ounces of alcohol per diem allowed in one case (gradually diminished to vanishing point with complete ease), and we allow Burmese convicts tobacco. 35. You can prohibit anything, but the prohibition of so portable an article could not easily be enforced. If it were, I suppose the few who now use it here would take to dhatura (a common weed), opium, or country spirit. - Evidence of MR. W. F. SINCLAIR, Collector, Thana
33. With indifference. There is no pronounced opinion. It is, however, supposed to induce idleness. There is no custom of worshipping the ganja plant. But it is offered to dead relatives who used it in their lifetime, at the time of death anniversary ceremonies by Musalmans and Marathas. 34. Only to bairagis, fakirs and wandering mendicants, and the few habitual consumers of all classes. There are only about 200 maunds of 80 seers of 40 tolas each used= 16,000? per annum. The excessive consumers would take about 9? each per annum and the moderate 1? lb 8 oz. The total population is 1,013,000 in the Belgaum district, giving an average of 1? to every 63 persons per annum. As only 16,000? in all are consumed, there could at most be only 1,600 persons if all were immoderate users, and about 12,000 if all were moderate consumers. I estimate the immoderate at 300 and the habitual moderate at about 8,000 at the outside. The farmer estimates his customers at from 1,000 to 1,200 in Belgaum town, which contains the largest number of consumers. There are minor shops in other parts of the district. 35. It would not be feasible, because where the plant grows people can pick it for themselves and make the preparation for themselves. - Evidence of MR. F. L. CHARLES, Collector, Belgaum.
34. It would be a serious privation if consumers are to forego the use of the drug. 35. The prohibition would certainly cause serious discontent, the evil effect of which I am unable to estimate. - Evidence of MAHARAJA DOORGA CHARAN LAW, C.I.E., Merchant, Calcutta.
33. Among respectable persons the consump tion of the drugs, especially of ganja, is undoubt edly held in some disrepute. In the case o f Muhammadans this is strengthened by religious feeling, and they use the drugs secretly. The feel ing of the rest of the community is based, I ap prehend, on disapproval of intoxicants generally. It is not very strong. There is no custom of wor shipping the hemp plant in this district. 34. It would be most reckless and unwise to think of such a thing. All habitual consumers would suffer for some time from want of sleep, loss of appetite, griping and indigestion. Most of them belong to the most ignorant and fanatical classes in the country, and would bitterly resent being deprived of a protective against all their bodily ills. 35. It would be wantonly causing the most serious discontent. As to the last question, I can only say I have met one or two cases where a ganja smoker has given up the habit and taken to opium. - Evidence of MR. F. S. P. LELY, Collector of Surat
33. The occasional consumption of ghota at festivals is apparently not considered by any class of the community to be open to objection. The habitual use of ganja is considered discreditable, and I have not been able to find a single person who will admit he uses it. Even the persons engaged in the cultivation of the plant informed me that no consumer of ganja would confess that he consumes it. The cause of the shame is presumably that the habitual use of the drug is generally considered deleterious. The plant is not worshipped in this district. 34. As the habit of smoking ganja is difficult to break off, it would doubtless be a serious privation, though probably beneficial, to forego the use of the drug. 35. I do not think the use of the drugs could be effectually prohibited ; certainly not unless cultivation was also stopped in Native States. The prohibition would create serious discontent, and as regards the occasional consumers of ghota would be a needless hardship. The discontent would scarcely amount to a political danger. A Government is not in my opinion justified in absolutely prohibiting the use of an article which in moderation gives pleasure and does little or no harm. What is legitimate is to check its use in excess, which is harmful, by making it expensive through the imposition of duty. I do not think the prohibition would necessarily be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants or other drugs ; or, if it were, that that would be a serious objection, for the immoderate use of hemp seems to be worse than the immoderate use of the others. - Evidence of MR. J. MONTEATH, Collector and District Magistrate, _Bijapur.
33. Ganja smoking is regarded among all classes as a degrading and disgraceful habit. This feeling is due partly to the classes of people who consume it owing to its cheapness, and partly to the baneful effects which result from its exces-sive use. No such stigma applies to the taking of bhang. The hemp plant is not an object of wor-ship to my knowledge. 34. I am of opinion that it would for obvious reasons. In this district I do not think more than 5 per cent. of the population would be affected. 35. Absolute prohibition would certainly entail smuggling, which could not be stopped. The discontent would be sore among the classes affected, but not such as to amount to a political danger. I don't believe in the possibility of absolute effective prohibition of the use of ganja and bhang ; but if it could be, alcohol, I believe, would be the substitute. The remaining alternative, opium, operates as a sedative, and could hardly be a fit substitute for hemp drugs, which are excitant and irritant in their nature. - Evidence of MR. H. WOODWARD, Collector, Kaira, Gujarat.
33. I don't think it can be said that there is any public opinion on the point. There is no hemp plant in those parts, and no custom of worshipping it. 35. As the tracts inhabited by these tribes march with Native States, I think it would be very difficult to enforce any prohibition of the use of ganja. The prohibition would, I think, occasion serious discontent among the consumers: all the more so because they would feel that it is totally uncalled for. But the consumers are far too few for their discontent to amount to a political danger. The consumers probably are, like the other members of the wild tribes, hard drinkers already. - Evidence of MR. A. CUMINE, Acting Collector, Dhulia, Khandesh.
33. It is generally considered disreputable to use the drug otherwise than as medicine. 34. The general opinion is that the practice cannot be suddenly stopped without danger to the life or person of an habitual consumer. 35. The consumers would attempt to import it illicitly. Opium, or perhaps liquor, might be used by some in its place - Evidence of MR. W. W. DREW, Acting Collector, Ratnagiri.
33. Generally with disapproval, quâ smoking ; drinking with indifference. I do not think there is any religious public opinion against ganja smoking. Fakirs and Hindu devotees (to whom apparently all things are permissible) are generally smokers. Social public opinion is against others smoking. The sentiment is attributable to the native aversion (possibly partly religious) to the use of intoxicants and excitants. The hemp plant is not worshipped. 34. Yes; a habitual moderate consumer has smoked his whiff of ganja (he tells me) daily for 30 years before dinner, and without it he would neither enjoy his dinner nor sleep at night. To occasional consumers the privation would be small. For numbers, see answer 26. 35. (a) Hardly. (b) Probably. (c) Not without much trouble and doubtful success. (b)( d) and (e) No. (f) It is impossible to say, except by guess. I guess that to some extent it would. - Evidence of MR. R. A. LAMB, Acting Collector, Kolaba
33. There is little opinion one way or another among the public concerning the use of these drugs. On the whole public opinion may be said to be against the use of ganja, on account of its intoxicating effects. There is no custom of wor shipping the hemp plant. 34. It would be a very serious privation to fakirs, gosains and similar classes, on account of their being accustomed to the constant use of the drugs. The number of persons to whom the privation would be serious would probably not exceed at the most 1,000 in the whole of Khandesh. 35. It would be difficult to enforce such a prohibition. There would undoubtedly be illicit consumption. Illicit cultivation of the hemp would be easy to check, but smuggling would increase. There would undoubtedly be serious discontent among the consumers, but it would not, in Khandesh, amount to a political danger. The prohibition would probably be followed by a slight increase in the consumption of liquor and by a decided increase in the use of tobacco. - Evidence of MR. C. G. DODGSON, Assistant Magistrate and Collector, Khandesh.
33.The consumption of each of these drugs is regarded differently. While ganja smoking is looked upon as a disreputable habit, bhang drinking is not so regarded. The reason appears to be that the former habit is generally confined to the lower classes, idlers and labourers, while the latter is tolerated or countenanced by the better classes in which the well-to-do indulge not infrequently in drinking gota. As far as I can learn, the hemp plant is not worshipped in this part of the country. The use of majum, yakuti, is not held in much disrepute. 34. It would be a serious privation to habitual consumers to forego the consumption of ganja and bhang. When the habit is formed, it is difficult to break off. The consumer will always long for the narcotic and he will not readily bear the privation. The smoker must have his ganja and the drinking man his bhang. I have not been able to get any reliable information regarding the number of men who use the different preparations of the hemp plant; but from the sales of such of the preparations as are recorded by the various vendors in the city and the cantonment of Poona, it would appear that in every hundred consumers of the hemp plant narcotics, there are about 90.4 ganja smokers, 2.4 majum eaters, l.9 yakuti eaters and as many shrikhand and gulkand eaters, and about 1.5 bhang drinking men. The total number of persons using ganja and its preparations may be taken at about 2 (two) per cent. of the population of towns and cities in this district. It is not much used by the rural population. 35. It would not be feasible to prohibit the use of all the drugs. Ganja and bhang are used by people who do not use alcoholic stimulants. The deprivation by any prohibition of the production or sale of the drugs would be acutely felt by a population not accustomed to use opium or alcohol. It would be very difficult to check the use of the drug, which is not so baneful as alcohol. Any serious restriction on the production or sale would lead to illicit consumption, and much discontent among consumers would arise from a prohibition. I am not prepared to say that the discontent would amount to a political danger; but the experiment is not called for with the present limited use of the drug by only a small proportion of the population, and by certain classes of people who do not use alcohol. I am not prepared to say if ganja and bhang consumers would resort to the use of alcoholic stimulants or other narcotic drugs if deprived of ganja and bhang, as consumers of these drugs do not use alcohol or opium as a rule. The cultivation of the plant could, however, be restricted under a system of licenses. - Evidence of MR. A. H. PLUNKETT, City Magistrate, Poona.
33. Ganja smoking is regarded as disreputable. Excessive drinkers of bhang are also looked down on with scorn. 34. Bairagis would regard it as a serious privation to forego the consumption of ganja. It would be a deprivation of an innocent enjoyment to consumers of bhang. 35. (a) Feasible, but not at all advisable or necessary. (b) Yes, if it could be obtained. (c) By stopping cultivation and importation. (d) Certainly. (e) Not quite. (f) Yes - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR LALLUBHAI GORDHANDAS, Vania, Huzur Deputy Collector, Nasik.
33. The use of these drugs is considered as disreputable, though it does not render one liable to lose his caste. Its use is considered as a vice. A man who is addicted to it is looked down upon as a low man. He avoids exposure, and will conceal his habit as much as possible. All this is due to the intoxicating effect of the drugs. In castes and sects where the use of these drugs is quite common or is considered necessary, there is no public opinion about it. This plant is not worshipped. 34. It is thought that to habitual smokers, such as fakirs, bairagis, gosavis, and itinerant classes, who are exposed to inclemencies of the climate, it will be a privation to forego the use. 35. The effective way is to stop the cultivation of the plant in British districts and also in the Native States, and to prevent imports, as is done in the case of opium. The drug will be consumed illicitly, as long as the persons now using the drug live or are not weaned from the habit. Some discontent will be caused among the consumers, but it will never in these parts develop into a political danger, as the discontented consumers are the dregs of the society, and their discontent will not influence good people, who form the largest majority. Nor will the stopping of this drug lead to the use of alcoholic drinks. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR NARAYAN GANESII DESHPANDE, Brahmin, Deputy Collector, Belgaum.
33. No dishonour attaches to a moderate bhang drinker; bhang is drunk openly either singly or in company; excessive bhang drinkers are taunted and ridiculed; ganja smokers are held low in the estimation of the high class Hindus, but they are not hated or despised as liquor drinkers, who are regarded as very low in point of social position. Liquor drinking is against religion, so it is gene -rally in disrepute. Bhang and ganja do not pollute the consumer from a religious point of view. 34. Bhang drinkers generally belong to respectable and orderly classes of the population; ganja smokers are chiefly mendicants, without homes or families in many cases. Any attempt to restrict the use of ganja by means of heavy duties will be looked upon by the ganja smokers as a great hardship. The existing system is good and satisfactory. The sale and transport are brought under control ; accounts are kept by the licensed retailers ; the abkari and revenue officers examine these accounts from time to time. Bhang is not in any way injurious, Ganja is injurious, if taken in large quantity. Ganja-smokers do not form part of the working or useful classes of the population ; no large revenue can be raised from the farm of hemp plant produce, or by raising the duty on bhang and ganja. From a humanity point of view interference is unnecessary. The loss of lives is very small, even if it is conceded that the lives of fakirs and mendicants should be saved. Alcohol has been the curse of the country since the past few years. I am strongly of opinion that any change in the existing system is politically unwise and unnecessary. The evil is so insignificant compared with the political danger in these days of agitation that the bhang and ganja subject should be left untouched. I will state my reasons in full before the Commission. In Gujarat Kunbis and Kolis are the principal agricultural classes. They eat opium. Therefore very few cultivators in Gujarat take ganja. Again in Gujarat and Broach, liquor prevails ; and liquor drinkers do not take ganja or bhang. Only in cities is there any appreciable consumption by cultivators in Gujarat. As to the labouring classes, there is no consumption among skilled labourers , and the lower labouring classes as a rule take liquor. Artizans then do not as a rule take hemp drugs. The consumption of hemp drugs in the whole of Gujarat is very inconsiderable, especially ganja. The evil effects on excessive ganja-smokers are appreciable, but only in excessive cases. These are very few ; that is to say, the extreme cases in which excessive consumption has injurious effects are very few. I have seen occasionally a man ruined by ganja ; not any one hopelessly ruined and unfit for every thing. These are found in cities and very rarely in taluka towns. One in fifty thousand there may be, but not more. If I examined all the Akhadas, I do not think I could find more than one or two. I do not believe that six or seven social wrecks could be found due to ganja in any taluka town in Surat. You might find two or three in a place like Barsa. We find more such cases in respect to liquor. A true social wreck cannot be found, except lean emaciated fakirs who smoke ganja. They never had anything to lose and can hardly be said to be wrecks. As to their injurious effects on the people, I think that young men have died from liquor drinking and that the effects of ganja and hemp are, compared with this, insignificant. The liquor habit is increasing among our people. Not so the use of drugs. There is no reaction here against liquor. I think that if the lower classes took to drugs instead of liquor, it would be to their advantage, especially bhang. Bhang is admittedly harmless, even in excess. Opium-eating is better than ganja-smoking; and opium-smoking is worse than ganja.' - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR BHIMBHAI KIRPA RAM, Brahmin, Huzur Deputy Collector of Surat.
33. It is regarded as vice by the public. The public opinion (social) is against the practice. The disrepute attached to the use of these narcotics is attributable to their intoxicating influence under which their user remains for some time. Before harvesting hemp plants are worshipped like other agricultural produce, the object being to invoke the assistance of the agricultural deity in securing eligible purchase. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR VYANKATESH BAPUJI WADEKAR, Deputy Collector, Ahmednagar.
34. For some days at least the consumer foregoing the use of the drug would feel languid, dispirited, dejected and weak. But the effects of the disuse of the drug by the consumer would not be more serious than this. 35. Yes, it would in my opinion be feasible to prohibit the use of these drugs. The consumers are not materially benefited by the use of these drugs except that they feel cheerful while under its influence. Fakirs, bairagis, etc., who have no means at their command to enjoy themselves otherwise, seek enjoyment in the use of these drugs. Yes; the drug would be consumed illicitly. The prohibition can, I think, be only enforced by prohibiting absolutely the cultivation of this drug. The prohibition would at the outset engender considerable discontent among the consumers, the majority of whom are beggars. Their discontent would never amount to a political danger. The prohibition, however, is likely to increase the use of alcoholic stimulants or other drugs less expensive, such as dhatura, which is more injurious than hemp drug. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR VYANKATESH BAPUJI WADEKAR, Deputy Collector, Ahmednagar
33. Bhang drinking is not in any way looked upon as disgraceful or degrading, and so is the case with regard to the use of majum and yakuti. Of course, when proper limits are exceeded, and the consumer by excessive use acquires the habit of losing self-control and becomes an annoyance to others, he is kept at a distance and called a "bhangari" or "nishakhor." But the same is the case with regard to the use of intoxicating drinks or drugs of every description. With re gard to ganja smoking the case is altogether different, as far as the higher classes are concerned. Among them the habit is certainly looked upon as unbecoming and disgraceful. Ganja is considered to be intended for mendicants, bairagis, and fakirs, and people of the lower classes whose means are so slender as to put it beyond their means to indulge in any other intoxicating drink or drug. It is not the custom here to worship the hemp plant on any occasion. 34. As far as bairagis, fakirs and mendicants are concerned, it would be a serious privation to them to be deprived of ganja smoking. Bairagis belong to the Hindu and fakirs to the Muhammadan religion. They live on alms from their co-religionists, among whom liquor drinking is treated as a sin. Intoxication from liquor cannot be concealed, and bairagis and fakirs consuming it cannot hope, therefore, to receive sympathy and alms from the members of their communities. Liquor is at the same time too dear in comparison with the cost of ganja. Where a pice worth of ganja is sufficient to keep a man in a state of pleasant intoxication, a pint of liquor worth five annas would be required. In the case of opium, there are no religious obstacles ; but as regards the cost it cannot take the place of ganja. Bairagis, fakirs and mendicants, in order to doze away their time and to remain free from the effects of ennui, require some intoxicant, and they as well as their co-religionists have for ages been accustomed to look upon ganja as the only drug suitable for their purpose. As long as there is nothing else equally cheap and effective to take the place of ganja, the consumers as well as the ignorant public would view any restrictions in the way of ganja as a design to force people to have recourse to alcohol and a danger to their religion. As regards numbers, please see answer to question No. 20. 35. Please ses answer to question No. 34. The prohibition may not perhaps immediately amount to anything like a political danger ; but the discontent among the lower and ignorant classes would be so great as may lead to serious embarrassments on some critical occasion. Entire prohibition is, therefore, not advisable. As regards recourse to alcohol or any other drug, please see answer to question No. 34.' - Evidence of KHAN BAHADUR DADABHAI DEENSHAH, Parsi, Huzur Deputy Collector and Magistrate,1st Class, Kaira.
33. The smokers of ganja are held in disrepute. This may be said to be social public opinion. Those who use bhang are not so regarded. Ganja smokers are held in disrepute on account of their mental derangement, which results from the use of the drug. Hemp plant is not worshipped by any sects of the people. 34. I do not think it would, except in a few cases of ganja smokers. If any would be made to forego, he would gratify his craving by means of tobacco. There would be hardly any privation in the case of other preparations. 35. I do not think the entire prohibition of the drug in places adjacent to foreign territory is feasible. The drug will be easily consumed illicitly. The prohibition can be enforced by prohibiting the cultivation of the drug. I think that the prohibition would cause serious discontent amongst excessive consumers only of ganja. There will be no political danger. I do not think that the prohibition will be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants or other drugs to any appreciable extent. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR BHASKAR RAO RAMCHANDRA HEBLIKAR, Brahmin, Deputy Collector, Sholapur
33. Occasional smoking of ganja or drinking of bhang is not generally regarded as much worse than the smoking of tobacco. But when a man has contracted the habit of being intoxicated with the narcotic drug, it is generally considered as disreputable in a social point of view. From a religious point of view, he is not condemned, nor his conduct disapproved. The reason why the use of the narcotic is in disrepute is that it is supposed to unnerve a man and make him generally unfit for the ordinary duties of life. It is supposed also to unhinge the intellect to a certain extent. I do not know of any custom of worshipping the hemp plant practised on any occasion by any sect of people—at least not in this district. 34. It would certainly be a serious inconvenience, specially to gosavis, bairagis, and other religious mendicant classes who have been addicted to the habit to forego the consumption of ganja. The preparation of ganja so as to make it fit for being smoked, and the preparation of other accessories to smoking ganja, usually keeps these members of society devoted in their prayers to God and keeps them off from committing crime ; but if they were deprived of the use of ganja, they would not know what to do with themselves the greater part of the day. It would be a serious problem with them how to get through the twenty-four hours. With regard to the probable number of each class, I have to refer to my answer to questions Nos. 20 and 26. 35. It will be difficult to prohibit the use of these drugs ; but at the same time it will produce discontent in the minds of the consumers of it, and the fact that religion does not come in the way of using it would stand forcibly against prohibition. Where it is grown spontaneously it will be consumed illicitly. I am not in favour of the prohibition of this drug. If prohibited, there will be discontent, as said above, amongst consumers, but there is no fear of political danger. If prohibited, those who need some sort of stimulant would take to alcoholic drinks or any other stimulant that would be found fit to be substituted. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR SITARAM DAMODAR, Huzur Deputy Collector, Khandesh
33. In this district those who make use of ganja as an intoxicating ingredient are regarded as men of a lower social grade, and their actions are severely criticised. There is a public opinion, but not so strong as before. As the consumption of in -toxicants is prohibited according to the Hindu religion, those who consume them incur a certain amount of odium. The use of any form of the narcotic is generally in disrepute on account of religious sentiment. There is no custom of worshipping the hemp plant in this district. - Evidence of KHAN BHADUR RATANJI ERDALJI KANGA, Parsi, Deputy Collector and Magistrate, Dharwar.
33. The consumption of each of these drugs is generally regarded with disfavour on account of the tendency to develop into the excessive and consequent bad effect. 34. It would be a serious privation in the case of fakirs, bairagis, and singers. But this class will not number more than one thousand souls in this district. 35. The use of these drugs can be prohibited by preventing cultivation of the plant. No serious discontent would be caused, at least in this district. But unless the prohibition be general, illicit consumption would be the result. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR BAPUJI MAHIPAT KHARKAR, Kayasth, Huzur Deputy Collector and Magistrate, 1st Class, Satara.
33. The consumption of any of these drugs is generally regarded as a vice. It can be said from the social point of view that the use of any form of the narcotic is generally in disrepute. The con sumers of the drugs, except bairagis, gosávis, and fakirs, are ashamed to admit freely, when questioned, that they use the drugs. This itself is sufficient to show that the use of the drugs lowers the persons using them in the estimation of the public. A man speaking at random is generally compared to a ganja or bhang consumer. This sentiment of the people is attributable to the intoxicating qualities of the drugs, which affect more or less injuriously the physical and mental condition of the consumers when the drugs are immoderately used. No custom of worshipping the hemp plant on any occasion by any sect of the people exists in the Southern Mahratta country. 34. Yes; only to bairagis, gosávis, fakirs, and other excessive consumers. The only reason that I can assign is that these people are so much addicted to the use of the drugs that they care more for the drugs than for their food. I regret I am unable to state, even approximately, the number of such people. It is, I should say, considerably small in the Southern Mahratta country. 35. I think it would be feasible, or at least it would not be impossible, to prohibit the use of the drugs ; but it is not quite necessary to do so. The entire prohibition would, no doubt, cause serious discontent among the habitual excessive consumers, such as bairagis, gosávis, fakirs, and mendicants; but I do not think that such discontent would amount to a political danger, as such persons carry no influence with the public in general, and are limited in number in the Southern Mahratta country. Considering the baneful effect the use of the drugs produces on the mental and physical condition of the persons using them immoderately, I am humbly of opinion that it is absolutely necessary that the consumption of the drugs should be restricted as far as possible. If the drugs become dearer and scarce, the consumers will naturally be more economical and prudent than now in using them. The consequence will be that the number of excessive consumers will gradually decrease, and some of the moderate consumers will, perhaps, substitute tobacco for ganja for smoking. I do not think that any considerable number of such people will have recourse to alcoholic stimulants if further restrictions be placed on the consumption of the drugs. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR RANGO RAMCHANDRA BHARDI, Deputy Collector and Native Assistant to the Commissioner, Poona, Central Division.
33. The first aim of Hindu Theosophy is to secure the concentration of the mind, and it is the popular belief that this drug possesses the marvellous qualities of bringing on this effect. The drug is so far adored that it has received epithets in Sanskrit such as "cheedanand" and "siddhapatri", which literally mean "giver of delight to the mind" and "leaves endowed with supernatural powers", respectively. The higher classes who use the drug for this purpose hold that the use of the drug is conducive to health if it is cleaned thoroughly before using it and taken moderately. The habitual use of these drugs is considered discreditable, and the habitual consumers are not as a rule respected and trusted. So far as I can ascertain, the plant is not worshipped in this part of the country. 34. Certainly it would be a serious privation to habitual excessive consumers of these drugs, as it is exceedingly difficult to break off the habit once contracted, though very probably beneficial. The probable number of habitual excessive consumers would be 8,000, i .e., 1 per cent. according to the imperial census of 1891 (Bijapur district). 35. I do not think that it would be feasible to prohibit the use of these drugs altogether. Certainly it would be consumed illicitly unless the cultivation of the drug is prohibited also in the Native States. Undoubtedly the entire prohibition of the use of the drug would create serious discontent for a time at least ; but such a sort of discontent would scarcely amount to a political danger. With some proper restriction these drugs should, I think, be sold for medicinal purposes by persons licensed by the Collector to do so ; perhaps the entire prohibition of the drug may drive the habitual excessive consumer to the use of other drugs, such as dhatura seeds, aconite and nux vomica, which grow wild, and other stimulants such as opium, &c. I think it is very desirable that the use of these drugs should be restricted, if not entirely prohibited, by making them expensive through the imposition of heavy excise duty. Such a measure will keep these drugs out of the reach of the poor people who are generally habitual excessive consumers. I would interfere with the habits of the poor in this respect because they give up their interest in life, become idle and do not work. Thus they suffer more from habitual excessive consumption than the better classes do. They use the drugs sometimes in moderation with advantage; but generally this moderate use becomes excessive to their great injury. So I would try to stop consumption by them altogether. These drugs also injure most those who have poor food. Rich food is necessary with these drugs. Probably they would turn to opium or dhatura, but not alcohol, owing to religious objections. To take to dhatura would be far worse. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR RUDRAGOWDA CHANVIRGOWDA ARTAL, Lengayet, Deputy Collector, Bijapur.
33. The consumption of ganja is regarded vicious and disreputable. There exists a strong public opinion against the use of ganja, as the person addicted to this kind of intoxication is not considered respectable in society. I do think that the use of any form of the narcotic is held in disrepute, and I attribute the sentiment to the following reasons: —1st .—Generally narcotics are used by lower orders of the people. 2nd.—They are used by criminal classes. 3rd.—The use of the narcotic demoralises the character of a man and intoxication makes him act like a beast. 4th.—As the results of the indulgence of the narcotic are proved pernicious, the habit is condemned by societies of all countries, The custom of worshipping the hemp plant is not known in this part of the country. 34. It would no doubt be a serious privation to gosains, bairagis, and fakirs to forego the consumption of ganja which they use every day. These classes spend their lives in pilgrimages in different parts of the country and use ganja as their main support. I do not think that other such classes as artisans, etc., would feel serious privation supposing they use the drug moderately. 35. I do not think it feasible to prohibit altogether the use of all these drugs. The drug (ganja) will be consumed illicitly. The cultivation of the hemp without permission will have to be made penal by the law. Such prohibition is likely to occasion serious discontent among the consumers, such as gosains, bairagis, and others of the similar class. So far as this province (Bombay presidency) is concerned, such discontent will not amount to a political danger. I think such prohibition will be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants and other drugs, such as drinks of sindi or palm juice. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR RAMCHANDRA RAJARAM MULÉ, Deshastha Brahmin, Administrator of Jath, in Southern Mahratta Country.
33. The people generally regard ganja smoking as a vice, as it brings on intoxication more or less. Ganja smoking and bhang drinking are said to excite the religious sense of a man. The bhang preparation, when occasionally taken in moderate quantities as a cooling drink, is not viewed as a vice. There appears to be no custom here of worshipping the hemp plant.
34. The privation in this case would be almost the same as the foregoing of wines and liquors would be to a European habituated to the con sumption of wines and liquors. As already stated, the users in Ahmedabad are very few. 35. As far as my experience goes, no good will come out of a prohibition to use either bhang or ganja in the Ahmedabad district. As the use of the drugs there is not general, its prohibition may not lead to any political danger, but it will be sure to cause considerable discontent. I know of a few cases in which bhang has given way to alcoholic liquors. Indeed, as matters stand in Ahmedabad, alcoholic drinks, which thirty years ago were looked upon as an abomination by the people there, Hindus specially, have now become articles of regular consumption among certain sections of the community, and they have caused far greater ruin among them during the last 25 years than bhang and ganja ever did singly or collectively during ten times 25 years. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR V. H. SHIKHRE, Brahmin, Huzur Deputy Collector, Alibagh, Kolaba District.
33. So far as I am aware, there is no public opinion against bhang drinking in Ahmedabad. But against ganja smoking there certainly is a public feeling just as there is against the drinking of spirituous liquors. Hemp plant is not wor -shipped in Ahmedabad. - Evidence of MR. J. F. FERNANDEZ, Retired Deputy Collector and City Magistrate, Ahmedabad.
33. The consumption of any of these drugs is regarded with disdain. The practice is not sup ported by public opinion. Respectable people regard the use of these narcotics as disreputable because it leads to vices. The hemp plant is not worshipped in this district. 34. Habitual excessive consumers, such as gosavis, bairagis, fakirs, etc., will alone experience serious privation if they do not get the drug. Non-habitual or non-excessive consumers will not experience any privation. They will leave off the habit. 35. It is not feasible to prohibit the use of all these drugs, so long as alcoholic stimulants and other drugs are freely procurable. Excessive liquor drinkers are more formidable than ganja smokers or bhang or ghota drinkers, and therefore men who want intoxication may have ganja in preference to liquor. It is easy to effectually prohibit the use of these drugs by prohibiting the cultivation of the hemp plant without any discontent amounting to a political danger. - Evidence of NARAYAN RAO BHIKHAJ1 JOGALEKAR, Brahmin, Pensioned Deputy Collector ; now Karbhari of the Aundh Stale.
33. Public opinion is averse to the moderate or excessive habitual use of any of the hemp drugs. The occasional use of a hemp drug by an indivi dual would not, I am told, be regarded as disre putable. I understand that the habitual use of ganja is looked upon as more disreputable than the habitual use of bhang. I attribute the above mentioned sentiment as regards the habitual use of a hemp drug to the objection and dislike that respectable natives have to the use of intoxicants of all kinds. I have not learnt that there is any custom if worshipping the hemp plant by any sects of the people here. 34. It would, I believe, be a serious deprivation to an habitual excessive consumer of a hemp drug of long standing to have his supply of the drug cut off. The habitual moderate consumer would not feel the deprivation so great; but a person of this class would feel the deprivation for some little time also. Some, at any rate, of the occasional consumers of bhang would also consider they had a grievance, as they believe that the use of bhang is beneficial to their health. I estimate the total number of hemp drug consumers in Bombay at from 3,000 to 4,000. 35. In the island of Bombay it would, I believe, be feasible to prohibit practically the consumption of hemp drugs. The drugs would to some extent, without doubt, be smuggled and consumed illicitly. Prohibition would have to be enforced by making the possession and sale of a hemp drug a penal act. Prohibition would, I think, be an ill-advised measure. It would cause much discontent among consumers, and, having regard to its use in Hindu religious rites, the discontent would not, I believe, be confined to consumers. I consider that the discontent consequent on prohibition would amount to a political danger. I believe that if the use of hemp drugs was prohibited, many of the consumers would take to alcohol or opium, and many ignorant people would attribute the prohibition to the desire of Government to favour the consumption of liquor, particularly of European liquors. I was personally told in making my enquiries that some people believed that the attack on hemp drugs was due to a desire to foster European liquor. I do not understand that it is a general impression; but I think it is the genuine opinion of some ignorant people. - Evidence of MR. W. ALMON, Assistant Collector, Abkari Department, Bombay.
33. Consumption of ganja and bhang in any form is regarded as a vice, and looked upon as a practice unworthy of society. The public would not ob ject to the use of these drugs on religious grounds ; but on social grounds it would be held in great disrepute, especially the consumption of g anja and its preparations. This sentiment is primarily to be attributed to the possession by these drugs of intoxicating properties, and to their mischievous effects on body and mind. The use of intoxicants is regarded with contempt by every society; and the Indians, who, under the warm climate of their country, can altogether dispense with such use, would naturally look upon it as one of the worst type of indulgence. The fact that the number of the ganja consumers is proportion ately very small has something to do with this sentiment. No narcotic or stimulant would fall in disrepute if it is indulged in by a whole na tion. Were, therefore, all the Indians, or at least a large majority, users of this narcotic, its consumption would not have been regarded with so much contempt. But, as the number of persons indulging in these drugs is very small, the con sumption is regarded by the non-consuming population as a bad practice. Ghota drink, not possessing such strong intoxicating properties, is not in so much disrepute. I know of no custom of worshipping the hemp plant on any occasion. 34. Yes ; it would, I think, be a serious privation to all classes of the consumers of these drugs to forego the consumption of the particular drug they use. Their habit of using the particular drug is, by long practice, carried to such a height that they will not be able, under any circumstances, to break it off soon. Nor will they be satisfied by the use of any other drug or stimulant for the one they had been using. If, therefore, they are prevented from using the particular drug, there will be serious discontent and uneasiness among them. Of the consumers, 60 per cent. are, I think, gosains, bairagis, mendicants, etc. ; 30 per cent. artizans, men of handicraft, etc.; 5 per cent. prostitutes ; and 5 per cent. others. 35. Under the present circumstances it is not, I think, feasible to stop altogether the use of any of these drugs. Such a prohibition would undoubtedly encourage illicit consumption, at least for some time, especially among the mendicant class, which forms the majority of the ganja consumers, and who will not be satisfied by the substitution of any other narcotic. Such a prohibition could be enforced either by recourse to special legislation, making the use of the narcotic penal, or by preventing the cultivation and importation of ganja altogether. But such a serious step would, I think, be quite uncalled for, and would create serious discontent among the consumers. I am not prepared to say that it may amount to a political danger. The whole body of the consumers, taken together, is so insignificant in number and wanting in influence that they are incapable of spreading the infection of their discontent to the general public, so as to stimulate them to any action amounting to political danger. I do not think alcoholic stimulants or other intoxicants will be had recourse to in case such a prohibition is enforced. Such substitutes would not satisfy ganja consumers of long habit. The ascetics have not enough influence with any class of the people to cause political difficulty. They may have exercised influence in former days, but times have changed, and I only speak for my own part of the country. They have influence in religious matters, but not in political. - Evidence of RAO SAHEB GANESH PANDURANG THAKAR, Deshastha Brahmin, Mamlatdar, Pandharpur, Sholapur District, at present auditing the jamabandi accounts of the Poona District, Poona.
35. It is desirable to lay before the Commission that the opinion prevails among the educated classes that the use of these drugs being injurious from moral, social and medical points of view, steps should be taken to minimize the evils by passing stringent enactments against its use. 35. The use of hemp drugs should be prohibited. This can be done by Government orders declaring the use to be an offence punishable by the Indian Penal Code. Exception may be made for the use on a very small scale for religious and medical purposes. - Evidence of BABU RAM DHARI LALL, Assistant Government Pleader, Darbhanga.
33. The public opinion (social and religious) is against the use of the drug. Consumers who in their intoxicated state are intemperate in their conduct and speech are shunned by respectable societies. The addicted are sensible of their vice, and generally avoid appearance in public, while such societies avoid company with the consumers for fear of contracting their habits. There is no custom either among the Hindus or the Muham-madans of worshipping the hemp plant. 34. It would be a serious privation to many classes of consumers to forego the consumption of the drug. For a few days there will be an obstacle to their mental or physical action. Just as the health of any ordinary man will suffer if he is not given his daily food, so will that of the bhang-consumer do if he is deprived of the use of this drug. But the abandoning of this habit will be beneficial to him in the end. The sufferance that might be caused in consequence is only a temporary one. After the lapse of some days in self-denial the practice leads to the cessation of the former habits, and the consumer's mental and physical powers would be maintained. The proportion of the people, who have once contracted the habit and who subsequently leave it, can hardly be 1 per cent. of the total consumers. 35. It is very necessary to prohibit the use of these drugs. The prohibition will lead to illicit consumption. The only way to enforce the prohibition seems to me to prevent by law the cultivation of these drugs in British and even in foreign territories, a severe penalty being attached to the breach of this rule. The police and the abkari departments should keep watch. Informers of illicit cultivation should be rewarded, and the trials of such cases should rest with lower grades of magistrates. The prohibition would, for some time, occasion temporary discontent among the consumers; but there is not the least ground for apprehending that such discontent would amount to a political danger, the people in this part of the country being loyal and of mild nature, and the proportion of the persons using bhang and ganja to the general population being too small to be taken into consideration. It cannot even for a moment be supposed that a measure affecting only such community would lead to political danger. The increasing practice being detrimental to the public health, it is the duty of the good-principled ruler to stop it. Although the vice of indulging in bhang and ganja and that of drinking liquor have no connection with each other, the prohibition is likely to lead some of them to have recourse to opium and others to alcoholic stimulants. - Evidence of RAO SAHEB SHESHO KRISNA MUDKAVI, Mamlatdar of Taluka Bijapur, Bijapur.
33. The consumption of these drugs is regarded as a degrading and ruinous vice. The habit of consuming these drugs leads to physical and mental deterioration. It undermines the structure of the society. Its effects are deleterious to the health, wealth, and knowledge. The consumers of these drugs are, to the best of my knowledge and experience, father troublesome to their family members and neighbours. They become indolent, and they also become deficient in self-control and intellect. Hence the public opinion is bad. 34. Certainly not. As ganja smokers are generally bad characters and indolent section of the village community, viz , night-mongers, bairagis, fakirs, etc., it would not be a serious privation if the consumption is foregone. On the contrary, it will he a help to society in general ; because the stuff is admittedly an intoxicating drug, and is deleterious to the health and intellect, It induces indolent habits. 35. In the five districts in which I have served, it would be, in my opinion, feasible to prohibit the use of these drugs ; because the habit is principally found among bad characters and travelling mendicants, who are indolent and troublesome to the community in general. Consumers are looked down by the gentry; and if under these circumstance "growing of the hemp plant as well as the importation of the drug " be prohibited by law', the habit of consuming these drugs of the consumers will be gradually checked, and in a few years it will disappear. For some time habitual consumers will no doubt continue to consume the drug illicitly ; but once the growing of the hemp plant and importation of the drug is prohibited by law, the illicit consumption will soon disappear, and the people will turn their attention to peaceful avocations of agriculture. Under the circumstances stated above, the prohibition would not occasion serious discontent among the consumers. The prohibition will not, in my opinion, encourage the use of alcoholic stimulants or other intoxicating drugs. However, as I have advocated the prohibition of the use of ganja for reasons recorded, I beg also to propose for good reasons to check by further restrictions the use of alcoholic drinks. If high authorities in Europe, like John Bright and others, are to be believed. then the best drink that a man can have is potable water. Alcoholic drinks are producing mischief in Europe. The main factors of the Indian population consist chiefly of Hindus and Muhammadans. Alcoholic drinks have been strictly prohibited by Hindu as well as by Muhammadan religion. Alcohol was not so widely used in former days as in the present days. The population is increasing year by year. The great question before Nation and Government is how to utilize the existing lands, and to grow more corn therein for the maintenance of people; therefore the sooner we take precautionary measures to check the use of intoxicating drugs as well as intoxicating drinks in India the better. I should like to propose that only one shop of country liquor and one shop of intoxicating drugs in each taluka is quite sufficient. No passes should be given to open temporary shops in fairs and jatras. These and similar other measures will prevent the spread of bad habits, and the people will turn their attention to peaceful avocations of agriculture. The land at present used for growing intoxicating poppy plants, etc., will be utilized in growing corn and cotton, the scarcity of which is feeling year by year. Cocoanut trees are now used for drawing toddy,and thus the people are deprived of delicious food of kernel and its edible oil. The more shops we open the more customers we get. Of late, the tendency to open more shops is checked by departmental orders ; still I would advocate that only one shop in each taluka is sufficient. By bad characters I mean those entered on the police list of persons tried and sentenced. As a mamlatdar I visit the temples and other places where people smoke and see them smoking. I should say that seventyfive out of every hundred of bad characters smoke. It is part of my duty to observe the habits of these men and of all troublesome persons. I have other unofficial means of finding out their habits apart from what appears in Court. I have served in all the districts of the Southern Division. Alcoholic stimulants are too dear to be much used. I do not think the people would take to such drugs as dhatura, which would at once kill a man. It is never used at present for intoxication so far as I know. I hear that it is used some-times in the northern parts of the country, but not where I serve. I have never asked sadhus and bairagis about this. Perhaps people must take to opium. I believe prohibition would reduce consumption. I have succeeded in getting two of my servants and two peons to give up ganja. I am not connected with any Temperance Society, but as a conservative and orthodox Hindu I am against all drugs and intoxicants. - Evidence of RAO SAHIB KRISHNAJI BALLAL DEVAL, Chitpavan, Brahmin, Mamlatdar and Magistrate, 1st Class, Chiplon.
33. Society looks upon ganja-smoking with con -tempt, as it produces evil effects on body and mind in old age, and decline of health. Besides, indulgence in every kind of intoxicating drugs is regarded as a vice. I have no knowledge of any custom of worshipping the hemp plant on any occasion by any sects of the people. 34. It would be a serious privation to habitual smokers of ganja to forego the consumption, as it is a very difficult thing to break off the habit once formed. Besides there is no cheaper drug which can as a stimulant be substituted for ganja. People who have to toil hard must have some narcotic drug to keep their spirits up. These men will keenly feel the want of ganja. 35. I do not think that it is feasible to prohibit the use of ganja unless its cultivation is wholly stopped like poppy. It would lead to discontent among a class of desperate men, such as bairagis, gosains, and other vagrant mendicants, who have no property to lose in the event of a riot or even a more serious disturbance. But no political danger need be apprehended from it. The prohibition will be followed by having recourse to other stimulant drugs, not necessarily to alcoholic stimulants, as they are dearer than the former. - Evidence of BALKRISHNA NARAYAN VAIDYA, Parbhu, State Karbhari of Sangli.
33. The consumption of each of these drugs is generally regarded as a low thing, but morally viewed the use is not condemned. Persons using these drugs are not held irreligious. The use of smoking is generally in disrepute. The disrepute is attributable to its intoxicating influence under which the user of it some time remains. There is not a custom of worshipping the hemp plant in this district on any occasion by any sects of the people. Before the hemp plant is harvested, it is worshipped like other agricultural produce by the cultivators of it. The object in so doing is nothing but to seek the assistance of the agricultural goddess in procuring eligible sale proceeds of the ganja. 34. It would be a serious hardship to the consumers of these drugs, if their consumption be stopped. As these drugs beguile the tediousness or fatigue of their labour and can be obtained at a cheap rate, and as they have in them a quality of making a man forget for a while all worldly cares and anxieties, they are chiefly used by labouring classes. The prohibition of its use would not be liked by 75 per cent. of the consumers. 35. It would not be feasible to prohibit the use of any of these drugs. The drug would be consumed illicitly. If the cultivation of the hemp plant be totally discontinued, the prohibition can be easily enforced, but thereby the agriculturists would suffer much, because the cultivation of ganja improves the quality of the soil. The prohibition of any of these drugs would undoubtedly occasion a serious discontent amongst the consumers generally. Such discontent, in my opinion, would not amount to a political danger. The prohibition would be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants or other drugs, which will depend upon the means of the consumer; but it is a work of time, because the native drugs to which they are easily accustomed can be had at a smaller price than any alcoholic stimulants. - Evidence of DADABHAI BURJORJEE GUZDER, Parsi, District Abkari Inspector, Ahmednagar.
33. The consumption and use of all or any of these drugs is regarded with contempt and disrepute by the public. People hold this opinion, I think, on account of the bad effects the drugs possess over the consumers. None of the people worship the hemp plant. 34. In my opinion it would not be a serious privation to any class of consumers to forego the consumption of the drug they use, because there are instances of men who used to smoke ganja before, but who have since left off smoking. 35. It would be feasible to prohibit the use of the three drugs and their preparations. The prohibition must extend to Native States also, that there may not be any chance of the drugs being smuggled and used in this district. For the prohibition to be enforced either that the cultivation of the ganja plant should stop altogether, or that heavy duties should be levied immediately the ganja is manufactured. The prohibition would not cause any serious discontent amongst the consumers. It would not cause any political danger. The prohibition would not be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants or other drugs - Evidence of KHAN SAHIB NASARVANJI EDALJI SETHNA, Parsi, Abkari Inspector, Satara.
33. The consumption of any of these drugs is considered disreputable, and the public holds a bad opinion about the person who habitually indulges in any of them. The person is considered unsteady, idle, quarrelsome, and as being an associate of bad characters. I am not aware of the hemp plant being worshipped ; but bhang prepared as for drinking is incessantly dropped on the god Shiva either in fulfilment of a vow or on high festivals in honour of Shiva. It is put in an "abhishekapatra,"a vessel with cone-shaped bottom perforated through the apex, and the vessel is held over the head of the idol either by the votary himself or by the priest in his behalf, and mantras or sacred verses in praise of the god are recited as the bhang water drops on the head of the idol. 34. It would be a serious privation to Hindu and Muhammadan ascetics, and to a less degree to artizans and professional singers and musicians, to forego the consumption of the drugs. They are accustomed to the use of some intoxicant. The ascetic class will not give up hemp drugs and drink spirits readily, for spirits are forbidden by religion, and spirits cost much more. 35. It would be practicable to prohibit the use of all these drugs. The cultivation of the hemp plant can be thoroughly controlled, as is done in the case of poppy cultivation ; but the prohibition cannot be enforced without occasioning serious discontent among the consumers. The ascetic classes who form the major portion of the consumers and who consider the use of these drugs necessary for the fulfilment of their vows of celibacy and devotion would resent such prohibition. And the lower orders of people, on whom the ascetics have still a considerable hold, will view an attempt at prohibition as an unnecessary interference with their religion. They will also take it as proof of the current belief that Government, if not actually encouraging, is at least conniving at the spread of alcoholic drinks. The prohibition will be followed in certain cases by recourse to alcoholic stimulants and other drugs. Though the religious devotees will not take to liquor drinking, they certainly will have recourse to dhatura smoking and nux vomica eating, the indulgence in these drugs not being forbidden by religion. These drugs are more pernicious than any of the hemp drugs. The poor classes also, owing to their cheapness, might take to the use of these drugs to satisfy their cravings for stimulants, if they are forbidden the use of any of the hemp drugs. - Evidence of YASHVANT NILKANTH, Patana Prabhu, Superintendent, Office of Survey Commissioner, and Director of Land Records and Agriculture, Bombay.
33. Educated people do not consider the moderate use of the drugs in any way degrading - Evidence of MR. G. P. MILLET, Divisional Forest Officer, West Thana, Thana
35. The use of hemp drugs should not be prohibited. Labouring classes and lower classes in damp districts use it more for health than for pleasure. If its use be prevented, it would be injurious to their health. In my humble opinion the ganja trade should not be prevented, as many lower class people use it. If the use be prevented, these will resort to drinking, which will bring ruin to themselves and their family - Evidence of BABU SASHI BHUSHAN ROY, Chairman, Satkhira Municipality, District Khulna.
33. Both ganja smoking and bhang drinking are looked down upon if habitually indulged in. They give a man a bad name. Bhangili or gotebaz and ganjedi or ganjebaz are terms of reproach for those who habitually indulge. Habitual takers, if otherwise respectable men, are ashamed to admit their failing. There is no religious objection to the drug in either form. The hemp plant is not worshipped. 35. It would be feasible to prohibit, but not to entirely stop the use of these drugs. They would assuredly be consumed illicitly. Prohibition could not be thoroughly enforced, and would certainly cause discontent, which would amount to a serious embarrassment, if not a political danger. If forbidden in any shape or form, recourse would be had undoubtedly to alcohol, and also to opium. - Evidence of MR. H. KENNEDY, District Superintendent of Police, Ahmednagar.
33. The habitual consumer of the drug is generally regarded as degraded and not much trust or confidence can be reposed in such a person. 34. To the habitual consumer the foregoing of the drug would be a serious privation, as his health would suffer thereby and he would lose his energy, appetite, and digestion. 35. It would not, in my opinion, be practicable to prohibit the use of ganja. It would lead to much discontent and means would be found to obtain and consume it illicitly. I cannot say the discontent would amount to a political danger. The prohibition would, in some cases, probably be followed by a recourse to alcoholic stimulants, or other drugs. - Evidence of MR. J. E. DOWN, Districts Superintendent of Police, Satara.
33. Smoking of ganja is generally regarded as disreputable ; but the same cannot be said of the moderate use of bhang. Possibly the fact that ganja smoking is more generally confined to the lower classes accounts for its being so considered by the well-to-do, and a respectable person who would not mind his friends knowing that he occasionally used bhang would, in case he had acquir ed the habit of smoking ganja, be very careful to keep it a secret. The hemp plant, so far as I know, is not an object of worship. 34. It would be a serious privation to fakirs, sadhus and habitual smokers to be compelled to fore go the use of ganja, and the same remark would apply to the habitual drinker of bhang, though not to the moderate consumer. Habitual ganja smokers would, I think, suffer from indigestion if the practice were suddenly abandoned. 35. I do not consider that it would be possible to prohibit the use of any of these drugs, unless the growth of the hemp plant be entirely prohibited; but any such stringent measure would certainly cause discontent, and it might possibly amount to a political danger, as the time-honoured practices of fakirs, sadhus and other more or less venerated individuals who have the ear of the people, especially of the lower orders, would be interfered with. Any such prohibition, even if it were possible, would lead to an increased use of liquor and of other drugs. - Evidence of MR. F. T. V. AUSTIN, District Superintendent of Police, Surat.
35. No. The moderate use of these drugs does not lead to any serious consequences. If prohibited people of the country who do not have recourse to spirituous liquors will fall upon them, and the result will be worse. Users of spirituous liquor run into excesses more expeditiously than the moderate users of these drugs. - Evidence of BABU GAURI SHANKAR, Manager, Bachour, Darbhanga.
33. The habit of smoking ganja or charas is not tolerated in respectable society of any denomination, because it demoralizes and incapacitates those who become addicted to its use. The habit among sadhus, gosains and fakirs is tolerated, and non-smokers supply them with the drug, because they think it essential to their vocation. Ganja and charas smokers other than sadhus and fakirs are considered depraved members of society, and their company is usually shunned by respectable members of society, of all communities. For social and religious customs regarding the consumption of these drugs, see paragraph 32. The hemp plant is not worshipped by any sect in this State, and, as far as I have been able to ascertain from educated people, I believe it is not worshipped by any sect in any part of Guzerat. 34. I am of opinion that it would certainly be a privation to excessive consumers, such as gosains, sadhus and fakirs and other wandering devotees, to forego the use of these drugs, because they are exposed to the extremes of climate without shelter or clothing, and seem to live for the drug alone. It also occurs to my mind that people of this class could not possibly reconcile themselves to such lives in the absence of these drugs or their equivalents. Their only ambition in life appears to be able to command a plentiful supply of the drug, and when under its influence they are happy with themselves and those around them, but in their lucid moments, or when unable to procure the drug, they are most dejected. 35. I am inclined to think that it would be impracticable to prohibit the use of any of these drugs. If the use of these drugs were prohibited, they would in my opinion be used illicitly. The prohibition of the use of the drug would, I think, cause serious discontent among the consumers. The discontent may not amount to a political danger, but in view of the fact that the use of the drug in its various forms is principally propagated by sadhus and fakirs, who command wonderful influence over the masses and are so blindly followed by them, it is quite possible that these sadhus, fakirs and others would try to spread sedition, and would at least cause a deal of agitation. Many of these sadhus, fakirs, etc., were formerly ordinary members of society, but now follow these vocations merely to gratify a craving for the drug, which they could not satisfy were they to remain in their ordinary spheres in life. There are, of course, many of these sadhus, fakirs, etc., whose vocations are hereditary; whether hereditary or adopted, the use of the drug in some form is indispensable. They are never free from the effects of the drug, and smoke it eternally from morning till night. As soon as the effect of one pipe commences to wane, it is revived by another. I do not think that the prohibition of the use of these drugs would be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants, but opium would I think be used in larger quantities. - Evidence of MR. T. G. FOARD, Superintendent of Police, Cambay.
33. Bhang-drinking is not looked upon as degrading if taken in a moderate quantity ; even a respectable person would not mind his friend knowing that he occasionally takes bhang. With regard to ganja-smoking the case is differ-ent, because in higher classes it is looked upon as unbecoming and disgraceful. It is considered to be intended for mendicants, bairagis and fakirs. There is no such custom of worshipping the hemp plant on any occasion in this district. 34. It would be a serious privation to fakirs, bairagis and sadhu mendicants, and such habitual smokers to be compelled to forego the use of ganja. Generally these people live on alms, and from their co-religionists, among whom liquor drinking is treated as sin as it cannot be concealed, while they can receive sympathy and alms from the members of their community, and also they can conceal the effects of smoking ganja. Such mendicants in order to pass away their time and to remain free from the effects of their anxieties require some intoxication. As long as there is nothing else equally cheap and effective to take the place of ganja, the consumers can be content with this drug. 35. The prohibition may not amount to anything like a political danger, but the discontent among the lower and ignorant classes would be great, so entire prohibition is not advisable. It would, however, I consider, lead to increase in the consumption of alcoholic stimulants. I think that the use of alcohol is gradually taking the place of bhang among the better class of consumers in this district, probably owing to the facilities in obtaining low-priced foreign spirit, the importation of which has increased during the recent years. - Evidence of KHAN BAHADUR NANABHOY COWASJI, Parsi, City Police Inspector, Surat
33. The consumption of ganja and charas is regarded with disfavour by the respectable classes. The consumption of bhang is regarded with less disfavour. These drugs are considered sacred, as Mahadey, a god, used to drink and smoke it large ly. Bairagis and worshippers use them on this account; but this doctrine does not find favour with the educated classes of the present day. 34. Yes, to habitual excessive consumers and habitual moderate consumers it will be. The consumers in both the cases will be debarred from sharing or enjoying the consequent pleasure in their estimation, and where any good from a medical point of view had been attained, the consumers would be most dissatisfied to lose it. For ganja—The habitual excessive consumers may be 1 per cent. The habitual moderate consumers may be 3 per cent. For bhang—The habitual excessive consumers may be ten per cent. The habitual moderate consumers may be fifteen per cent. 35. Yes, but the drug will most probably be consumed by some illicit process. The prohibition can be enforced only by legislation. The prohibition will occasion serious discontent among the consumers; but it would not amount to a political danger. Persons who are in the habit of smoking ganja require some sort of stimulant. Bairagis and labourers being poor people, would turn to dhatura, which they can get for nothing. Such people want a stimulating drug and not a sedative like opium. I know no other drug which would suit such people's tastes. Dhatura would be smoked with tobacco. The supply of dhatura is unlimited. People who can afford it will take to toddy or country liquor. Regarding the change to dhatura, I was referring to excessive consumers who want violent stimulant. Moderate consumers might not adopt an alternative drug. I have seen Bairagis smoking dhatura. The city of Broach is holy because of its situation on the Narbadda. It is much frequented by the pilgrims of the Narbadda. I have therefore had many opportunities of observing sadhus. My statement that dhatura is a violent intoxicant is based on information given me by these people. I may say that dhatura is commonly used even now, but by ascetics and fakirs only. The higher classes regard it as a dangerous drug. The fakirs do not ; but the lower classes who do not use it are afraid of it at present. I have seen the effects of dhatura taken in meat or drink. I don't think the symptoms consequent on dhatura poisoning are those found in a mad man. - Evidence of RAO SAHIB PRANSHANKAR, Brahmin, Inspector of Police, Detective Branch, Bombay.
33. Smoking of ganja or charas is generally regarded by higher and middle classes as disreputable, this sentiment being attributable to the deleterious effects of the drug on mind and body. In public opinion the practice is regarded as a vice except in ascetics, mendicants, fakirs, bairagis, and gosavis, who are supposed to have recourse to it in order to aid them in their religious austerities. Drinking bhang has become so general even among the higher and middle classes in the Punjab and North-Western Provinces, and to some extent in Bengal and Central Provinces, that no such feelings of disrepute are entertained against that habit. 34. Yes, it would be a serious privation to the habitual consumers among fakirs, gosavis and the labouring classes to forego the consumption of the drug they use. Because they will thereby lose their means of destroying the sensation of fatigue and protecting them from the effects of exposure and heat. 35. It may be feasible to prohibit to a great extent the use of ganja and charas by stopping the cultivation or importation, but it would not be feasible to prohibit the use of bhang, which is not generally obtained from the cultivated but from the wild plaint. The drug, especially bhang and ganja, may be consumed illicitly, as it is possible for anybody to grow a plant in some corner of his compound free from detection. It would be rather difficult to enforce the prohibition. The prohibition will certainly occasion discontent among the consumers, but it would not be so serious as to amount to a political danger. The prohibition is sure to be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants or perhaps in a few cases to opium. Just now, even without any such prohibition, there are, as I have incidentally remarked above, signs of people showing a preference to alcoholic stimulants. To prohibit the use of these drugs would therefore be aiding this tendency. If we throw a glance at the history of the introduction of opium into India and China, the same conclusion will be forced upon our mind. We know from the history of cultured plants that the poppy plant is not a native of India and that its intoxicant juice was not known here or in China before the 10th century A. C. It further tells us that the Arabians first brought it from Greece, its native place, and cultivated it in Turkey in Asia, and that from thence the followers of Islam introduced it into the eastern countries. It spread along with their religion and soon became acclimatised in India. The Muhammadans cherished it exceedingly, because in it they found a good substitute for alcohol, the use of which was forbidden to them by their religion. It [opium] found favour with the Chinese for a similar reason, for their new religion Budhism more than even Muhammadanism condemned the use of alcohol. It was under these circumstances that the Chinese came to be possessed of that unsurpassed love for opium for which they are well known. We thus see that the prohibition of alcohol by religion among the Chinese and the followers of Islam was followed by recourse to opium in these two nations. Legislation, like the commands of religion, may prohibit the use of a particular intoxicant but it cannot destroy the passion for intoxicants, and consequently the prohibition of one kind of intoxicant always leads men to resort to another. Speaking generally, I think that the effect of hemp drugs on the population is just as injurious as alcohol. Both are equally injurious. I think the same in regard to opium. I have not much experience of smoking opium ; and do not refer to this. Ganja is more potent in its effects than bhang. Perhaps bhang might be compared to opium eating; it is less injurious. Ganja smoking is perhaps more injurious than opium eating and equally injurious to opium smoking. This subject has attracted my attention in my practice and as a general observer. I am not a member of any Temperance Society, or otherwise specially interested in such inquiries. The above views are not inconsistent with what I say in answer 39; for here I refer to the true bhang, which is milder than ganja ; whereas in answer 39 I deal with the same preparation and the same dose. I admit, however, that the analogy with the view I have heard that opium smoking is worse than eating would seem to show that smoking ganja would be more harmful than eating it. But I have really but little experience regarding opium smoking, as already said. - Evidence of GANESH KRISHNA GARDE, Brahmin, Medical Practitioner, Poona City
33. The habit is generally regarded with disfavour, the person using them habitually is generally regarded by society as non-reliable, but is not excommunicated or looked on with great contempt. Both social and religious public opinion is against the use of these drugs, especially the sect of the Swami Narayen Pantha in Gujarat and Kathiwad. The ganja smoker is particularly looked upon with indifference. 34. I am strongly of opinion that it will be a serious privation to deprive the habitual consumers of the drugs, because it is a necessary of life with many and a luxury with others, which would ultimately lead to discontent. 35. I don't believe it will be feasible to prohibit the use of any or all of these drugs. It will be consumed illicitly. The prohibition will, I believe, cause serious discontent amongst the consumers which may spread amongst the other class and may lead to undesirable results. The prohibition may lead to the use of alcoholic stimulant or to the use of opium, at least in the case of some of those who have no religious scruples. It would be impolitic to restrict the use. - Evidence of BHALCHANDRA KRISHNA BHATAVADEKAR, Brahmin, Medical Practitioner, Bombay.
33. Those who use the drugs immoderately are not respected in society, but even those people who are in the habit of taking moderately are shunned by those who do not use it. - Evidence of ISMAIL JAN MOHOMED, Khoja, Physician, Bombay.
34. No ; it would be great blessing to prevent its free use. 35. (a) Yes. (b) Rarely. (c) By enhancing the duty on it. Prohibition may for a time be followed by the use of other drugs. - Evidence of ISMAIL JAN MOHOMED, Khoja, Physician, Bombay
33. The public opinion amongst the Parsis is very much against the use of bhang. 34. It would not be any privation to the Parsis to forego the consumption of the drug. - Evidence of ARDESIR DADABHOY MODY, Parsi, J.P., Member, Municipal Corporation, Medical Practitioner, Bombay
33. The use of these drugs is in disrepute. The hemp plant is not worshipped by any people. 34. There will be no serious privation to the consumers to forego the use of these drugs. 35. It is feasible to prohibit the use of these drugs. Consumers would for some time use the drugs illicitly. No doubt the consumers would be discontented, but such discontent will not amount to a political danger. Those who do not drink alcohol will not take to it, but will try to break off the habit. - Evidence of UTTAMRAM JEEWANRAM, ITCHAPOORIA, Audesh, Brahmin, Native Doctor (Vaidya), Bombay and Surat.
33. The consumption of ganja, bhang and charas is considered by the people as disrespectable. I do not know whether the hemp plant is worshipped on any occasion by any sect of the people. 34. Sudden prohibition will be considered by the consumers as a serious privation, but gradually the habit can be broken off. 35. If the use of ganja, bhang and charas is prohibited, the consumers will use them illicitly. The prohibition can only be, enforced by passing an Act. The sudden prohibition would cause discontent among consumers, though such discontent would not amount to political danger. The consumers who have no objection for other narcotic will take to alcohol, and those who could not take alcohol will leave the habit gradually. - Evidence of KESHOWRAM HARIDAT, Chcepooria, Audesh Brahmin, Native Doctor (Vaidya) , Render, Surat and Bombay.
33. Generally the consumption of bhang in moderation has no stigma attached to it, nor is the bhang drinker held in high respect. Its use is neither socially nor religiously prohibited in moderation, and public opinion is not averse to the practice in this way. The use of ganja is held in disrepute. The cause of this sentiment is that, generally, no great reliance can be placed on the man who makes himself senseless, and consequently forgets promises that he has made. So far as I know, the hemp plant is worshipped nowhere. 34. It would certainly be a very serious privation to all classes of consumers to forego the consumption of the drug they use. In India bhang is essentially necessary, both socially and medically. People have, to their great advantage, used the drug till now, and a certain religious veneration on account of its being offered to the deities has caused them to regard it as a necessity which they can ill afford to forego. To merchants and jewellers, who are moderate consumers of the best sort of bhang, it would bring great mental trouble and vexation to forego the use of the drug which they have used for many generations, and which would prevent them from doing their business with ease and confidence. As bhang quickens the imagination somewhat, religious preachers, who use bhang, would not be able to preach as well without it. Scholars and writers, who are in the habit of taking bhang before they set themselves to their work, would find themselves in grave difficulties without it. Bhang, when moderately indulged in, increases vigour and assists contemplation. The use of spirituous drinks is not wholesome with the simple vegetable native diet. Only vegetable stimulants are best suited to our climate and diet. It would certainly be a serious affliction to the poor native to debar him from his native, uncostly, beneficial vegetable stimulant, which in some cases is a necessity to him. The continuous use of ganja by bairagis for several centuries has caused them to regard it as almost a necessity of their lives. At first it would be very hard for them to forego consumption, and they would regard it as a religious encroachment, not because they could not easily break off the habit, but because, without ganja, they would find it difficult to obtain a substitute to assist them in forgetting worldly pleasures and desires. 35. I do not think it would be possible to prohibit the use of ganja and bhang. People would most certainly do their utmost to get the drugs by any means. Illicit possession is not very impossible, seeing that the plant is home-grown, and might easily be cultivated in enclosures about houses. If stringent measures of prohibition were adopted, there would be great discontent, as users of the drugs cannot well do without them. Prohibition could not be easily enforced, and, if enforced, those who are in the habit of using these stimulants would certainly try to obtain a substitute for them, and the consequence would be a resort to alcoholic stimulants, which are within easy reach of the people on account of the number of liquor shops in localities, towns, and villages. The using of liquor is socially and religiously prohibited, and it would at first be stealthily consumed; but sometimes exposure would follow, which would cause much dissatisfaction. - Evidence of MR. PURBHURAM JEEWANRAM, Nagar Brahmin, Native Doctor (Vaidya), Bombay.
33. The consumption of these drugs is generally regarded as a bad habit. I think there is a public opinion in regard to the consumption of these drugs, and that that opinion is that the practice is a bad one, I think the consumption of these drugs in all the forms in which they are used is in disrepute. 1 do not know of any custom of worshipping the hemp plant by any sects of the people. 34. It would be a serious privation to consumers of the drugs to forego consumption in the first place; but after a time they would probably look on the deprivation as a blessing. In the case of sadhus it would be a serious privation to deprive them of these drugs, as they are the only comforts they enjoy in this world. 35. In the island of Bombay I think it would be feasible for Government to practically prohibit the use of these drugs ; but I cannot form an opinion as regards places outside Bombay. If these drugs could be had, they would be consumed illicitly. Prohibition could only be enforced by prohibiting the cultivation of the hemp plant. Prohibition would at first occasion serious discontent among consumers. In my opinion such discontent would not amount to a political danger. I think that about half the number of consumers would take to alcoholic drinks and opium, and the other half would give up intoxicants. - Evidence Of VITHALDAS PRANJIWANDASS, Bhunksali Landlord and Trader, late Intoxicating Drugs Farmer, Bombay.
33. The consumption of bhang with massala is not regarded in any way as vice. There is no social or religious public opinion about drinking bhang, but on the contrary the religious opinion in. the cities of Benares, Ayodya and Mathura is in its favour. There is bad social public opinion about ganja-smokers, and they are looked down upon by society. It is equally so by religions. Ganja-smoking is generally in disrepute, and it is because those people who smoke ganja get violent and often lose their heads and generally given up to one thing. Bhang or hemp plant is worshipped by one sect only, and it is people from Northern India and Nepal. 34. Yes; ganja smokers, if prohibited, lose their flesh, get emaciated and often get mad. They cannot do anything, work, mental or physical. They can never do without ganja smoke. But if Bhang-consumers are prohibited, it will not much affect their constitution ; though for some time the want will be felt by them. But after a time they never feel for the prohibition. They get used. But it is not so with ganja. About 5 per cent. of the male population and 1 and 1/2 per cent, of the female population smoke ganja. 35. Yes ; it will be practicable to stop the use of any of these drugs, but it is not possible to consume the drug not illicitly. The prohibition can be enforced by making rules strict and getting the monopoly of the drug even from the Native States, just like alcohol and opium. It would cause discontent amongst the consumers, but it will not lead to any political danger. The prohibition would lead naturally to other stimulant drugs and to alcohol, but the alcohol would be expensive, and thus people would find difficult to use it, and so they will find out a cheaper drug, such as aconite, dhatura, arsenic, nux vomica seed, etc. - Evidence of RAMCHANDRA KRISHNA KOTIIAVALE, Brahmin, Inamdur, Taluka Wai, in Satara District.
33. Among the three higher classes—Brahmins, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas of Gujarat—the use of ganja (and much more so of charas) is always looked down upon, and never favourably considered. The person using it is looked upon as vagabond and a scamp, and it is considered as a serious blot on his reputation. The majority of all the three classes heartily hate the use of ganja. Consequently, when any one belonging to these three classes smokes or otherwise uses ganja, he has to do it in secret, and is ashamed of it in public. Such is the public opinion on this side against the use of ganja ; but if one openly smokes it, he does not thereby lose his caste, as in the case of liquor or wine drinking. Among the agricultural classes also ganja smoking is to be found to a small degree only. On this side, even among the Sudras, ganja smoking is so unfavourably looked upon that one from that class also would consider it low breeding to use it in public. The use of ganja for smoking and other purposes is in disrepute in Gujarat, because it is, firstly, a stronger intoxicant than bhang, and all sorts of intoxicants are disallowed and looked down upon by the higher and healthy public opinion of the province; and, secondly, because smoking of anything in any form is always in disrepute with the Hindus. Among the sadhus, bairagis, etc., ganja smoking is openly practised for the beneficial effects which it produces, and which are congenial to the conditions of their order of life. So far as I am aware of, the hemp plant is never worshipped by any class of people in Gujarat. The use of bhang as a drink is never unfavourably regarded by the public, except where the habit is excessive. Bhaug is generally in favour with the general public. 34. But in the north of India, and all over the country, there is such a large portion of the population who are sadhus that these, having nothing at stake, and being reckless and easily irritable people, it would not be politic to meddle with them. As a great portion of the ganja and charas consumers are sadhus, etc., they are not likely to take to alcoholic stimulants, these being forbidden by the religion and their order. A great portion of those from the common people have already taken to alcohol, the lower classes who live upon manual labour. Those who are habitual bhang drinkers are also not likely to have recourse to alcoholic stimulants if the use of bhang be prohibited. Most of the bhang drinkers being taken from the good and respectable classes, they are, as said above, not likely to take to alcohol. But the remaining people who use it for intoxication are likely to migrate to alcoholic use, and I am able to say that some already have. 35. It would neither be feasible nor advisable to totally prohibit the use of these drugs, because they are in that case sure to be consumed illicitly. And I am sure among the sadhus, bairagis, etc., the prohibition of ganja would occasion serious discontent, because besides being used as a pastime, it is looked upon as a necessity by the conditions of their order of life, and especially as curbing the carnal desires. I cannot exactly say whether total prohibition of ganja would or would not cause political danger if it were extended to the whole of India. But I can say for Gujarat that the number of consumers is so small and ever changing —most of them being sadhus, etc., moving about the country—that no political danger is to be feared from a total prohibition of the use of ganja, though serious discontent cannot be avoided at such uncalled-for interference. - Evidence of DESAIBHAI KALIDAS, Brahmin (Khedaval), Government Pleader and Public Prosecutor, Kaira.
33. By the non-consumers it is not favourably regarded. There is no public opinion worth mentioning, either religious or social, in this part of the country in regard to the practice. I attribute the sentiment to the intoxicating properties of the drug. The worshipping of the hemp plant is not known in this part of the country. 34. Yes; it would, I think, be a serious privation, particularly in the case of ascetics, to forego the consumption, as it is a sine qua non of their itinerant life. The exact number of the class cannot be given, but it is a pretty large one. 35. (a) I think it would not be feasible. (b) Yes ; it would be consumed illicitly. (c) By enacting a severe law prohibiting the cultivation, importation and sale of these drugs. ( d) Yes, I think so. (e) Yes, not unlikely. (f) No, not to a perceptible extent, great many people such as bairagis and other ascetics, as well as men of several classes who now use these drugs, will never stoop to use alcoholic stimulants instead. Other drugs such as dhatura, bachanaga, etc., as well as opium will likely be resorted to. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR GOVINDRAO RAMCHANDRA GARUD, Pleader Dhulia, Khandesh.
33. People of some position in this part of the country never use ganja or bhang. They regard it as a disrepute, and the society also looks down. upon those who use these drugs with contempt. I am not aware of any custom of worshipping the ganja plant, as it is not at all cultivated here. 34. To forego the consumption of the drug would be a privation to the consumers. Ganja smoking and ghota drinking keep the consumers in humour and easy. Its absence would necessarily create uneasiness ; the consumers would seem to miss an important thing and they would even rave like mad men ; without it they always seem to labour under some anxiety ; their digestive power is also greatly impaired; they grow weaker and weaker day by day. Probable number cannot be ascertained. 35. Regard being had to questions 40, 41 and 44, it would not be feasible to prohibit the total use of any of these drugs. If it is prohibited totally, there is every probability of its being consumed illicitly. Such prohibition should be enforced by raising taxation by legislative enactments. Such prohibition would for some time produce discontent amongst the consumers. Such discontents have not the slightest tendency to involve political danger of any sort. The total prohibition of ganja and bhang is likely to be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR HUCHRAO ACHUT HARIHAR, Deshast Brahmin, Pleader, District Court, Belgaum.
33. Respectable men of this district generally detest the practice of drinking bhang, much more that of smoking ganja. The consumption is held in disrepute on account of its narcotic injurious tendencies and not on the ground of any religious principles. There is no custom of worshipping the hemp plant in this district. 34. It will be a serious privation to the habitual consumers to forego the consumption of the drug they use. They will be uneasy if they will not get it. 35. It will not be feasible to prohibit the use of any or all of these drugs. The drug will be consumed illicitly. To enforce prohibition will not be advisable. The prohibition is sure to occasion serious discontent among the consumers. Such discontent will not amount to political danger in this district. The prohibition will not be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants or other drugs. Alcoholic stimulants and other drugs will not serve its or their purpose. - Evidence of NARO DHAKADEO, Brahmin, Pleader, Jalgaon, District Khandesh.
33. The consumption of ganja is universally regarded with disfavour, if not contempt. It is true that there is no religious prohibition of it. On the contrary, from its mention in the Veda and " Brahmans" and the virtues attributed to it, its use would seem to find an encouragement. It has been from time out of mind associated with that large class of ascetics and fakirs who avowedly use it, not for the sake of pleasure, but for enabling themselves to concentrate their mind on the worship of their favourite deity. This was at least the original purpose for which it began to be used. It still passes under the name of dyanwali. It is associated with god Shiva, one of the Hindu Triad, and, as a rule, the majority of those who practise yog philosophy from the old lines indulge in the use of ganja. Hindu religion, at any rate, may therefore be said to countenance the use of ganja. In the case of liquor, it lays down a hard rule of prohibition. Opium it does not so expressly prohibit. In society devotees of liquor are less feared or despised than those of ganja or opium. This may be due to the circumstance that ganja on account of its comparative cheapness and accessibility to the lower classes, is found associated with what may be described as the dregs of society. Liquor, on the other hand, though as injurious, is more costly and is associated with the ruling and the superior race, and its scent and sight to which seventy-five years have familiarized the native races, have ceased to repel even orthodox persons. But in the case of ganja, instead of prohibiting, religion does encourage its use by describing it in favourable terms, such as those mentioned below :— Jaya—The conquering or that which overcomes all painful feelings; Ananda—The joyous ; Chapala—The causer of unsteadiness; Gagan kini—The noisy; Harshini—The delight-giver ; Indrasana—The worthy food of Indra ; Ajaya—The invincible ; Matuli— The wife of dhatura apple,which Matulani— is the most potent of narcotics ; Madini—The intoxicator ; And by its mention in the sacred writings such as Veda and Smriti (law), etc. But this notwithstanding, society does not yield to religion. In no respectable society at the present day will any person on any public occasion, whether it be religious or social, dare smoke in public without giving an insult, and without himself being liable to be expelled the place. Society on this side at least condemns it very strictly. The social opinion is, in fact, the reverse of religious teaching. 34. I think it will be a serious hardship to the various classes of persons who now consume ganja if they have to give it up. Leaving aside the class of bairagis, fakirs, gosavis, whose number, since the great famine of 1877, has been steadily declining, the labourers, the artisans and the wandering tribes exposed to climatical rigours can't afford to remain without something to make them forget the day's toil. If we would withdraw from them bhang or ganja, they will take to opium, or more probably to its formidable rival, the country or European liquor. Already 95 per cent. of either of these classes do use liquor, and it is only among the 5 per cent, that ganja still claims some of its devotees. 35. I have talked about the matter with many persons, and in this answer I have stated the general opinion that it is remarkable that agitation has been directed against the hemp drugs and not against alcohol, which is equally harmful. This opinion I have heard expressed in Bijapur, Belgaum, Dharwar and my own neighbourhood. I have not read them in newspapers. I have stated further in my answer that the agitation is attributed to those who are anxious to encourage the spread of alcohol. By this expression is meant the persons who import and manufacture liquor. The opinion I have quoted is held both by the educated and ignorant people. The ignorant people cannot explain the grounds of their opinion. The opinion of the educated is based on the simple fact that Government do nothing to discourage the use of alcohol, which is more deleterious than the drugs. I myself have formed no definite opinion on the subject. I am therefore of opinion that the prohibition of ganja can be ultimately enforced. There will be some discontent occasioned by such prohibition. But as it is confined to a small class, it can't be serious, and political danger is out of question. As I have already stated, if the prohibition is confined to hemp and its preparation, it will only encourage the consumption of alcoholic stimulants, and in some places, like those in Central India, of opium also. There is already an opinion freely expressed that the agitation against ganja originates with those who want to encourage the spread of alcohol If therefore the prohibition is confined to ganja alone, the discontent can't but be serious, and may, in that case, be a matter for consideration. 35. If the use of the drug is to be prohibited, it can only be provided for by penal legislation. But penal legislation will take a number of decades to make the prohibition real instead of nominal ; compulsory legislation has nowhere succeeded, and will, in the case of ganja, lead to illicit practices, as it has done in every other case. Government has effectually prohibited the manufacture of salt. It has effectively controlled the manufacture and the sale of liquor. It can therefore effectively prohibit the production of ganja. But if ganja or bhang do exist in one place or another, their illicit import and use it will be difficult to prevent effectually. A prohibition may gradually work its way, and in course of years the habit may altogether disappear. Of this the Hindu writings furnish remarkable proof. Liquor and flesh were at one time freely used by all the higher classes of Hindus. But there was a time when the reaction set in and for centuries the Brahmin society, as a whole, has never touched meat or liquor. This only shows that reforms on a large scale can be worked out in course of time. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR VISHWANATH KESHAWA JOGLEKAR, Brahmin, Sowkar, Karajgi in Dharwar District.
33. Ganja and charas are regarded with disrepute socially ; smokers are looked down. Use of any form of the narcotic is generally in disrepute, because it makes the man victim to it and makes him maniac and unfit for work. There is no such custom of worshipping the hemp plant. 34. It is a serious privation. A ganja smoker will be very much excited and could not work when he does not get it. The same case with the bhang drinkers and charas smokers. 35. In British India it may be feasible to prohibit the use of these drugs, but it may be impossible in Native States. Prohibition can be enforced by restricting the sale. It will occasion serious discontent among the consumers. It may perhaps amount to a political danger. The prohibition might be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants - Evidence of DINANATH SHIWSHANKER, Druggist and Chemist.
33. The habitual excessive use of bhang is generally considered a bad habit. I do not know whether the hemp plant is worshipped or not. 34. The habitual consumers would for some few days feel the want a slight deprivation. 35. In our religion the use of alcohol is strictly prohibited, and at times we are inclined to take bhang, and it would be a hardship for Government to prohibit the use of bhang; and if the use of bhang is prohibited, it will, I think, be consumed illicitly. - Evidence of NAWALCHAND HEERACHAND, Jeweller, Bombay.
34. It would be a serious privation if the drug be prohibited regarding the priestly classes. 35. To prohibit the use of the drugs will produce great inconvenience to the people as well as discontent. The prohibition can be enforced by raising the price of these drugs, whereupon the consumers shall be obliged to diminish the quantity they take. This will tend to remove them from such habits - Evidence of BABU GIRJAPAT SAHAI, Kayasth, Zamindar, Patna
33. The consumption of bhang and ganja is not favourably regarded by considerate people, except the habitual consumers. There is no public opinion, social or religious, in regard to the practice. The use of bhang and ganja is generally in disrepute, except amongst habitual consumers, who are addicted to their use. There is no custom of worshipping the hemp plant on certain occasions by certain sects of the people in Gujarat. 34. It would perhaps be a serious privation to Muhammadan and Hindu religious mendicants to forego the consumption of bhang and ganja, which help professional beggars to while away their time in intoxication. Ganja is especially considered to produce bodily heat, and help those poor wretches against inclement weather and want of sufficient clothing. In the absence of any reliable statistics the probable number of each class of such people cannot be ascertained. 35. It would neither be feasible nor justifiable to prohibit the use of bhang or ganja in British territory without the co-operation of the surrounding and intervening Native States, whence the drugs would be smuggled and consumed illicitly. If all the Native States in India consent to cooperate with the British Government, the prohibition could be enforced. The prohibition would occasion serious discontent among the consumers in general, and such of the religious mendicants in particular. Such discontent would not amount to a political danger, because the consumers of bhang and ganja form only a microscopic minority as compared to the population of India, and who cannot expect any support from the masses. (a) The prohibition of bhang and ganja would be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants amongst people who have no religious prejudices against the use of alcohol, provided that they could incur increased expenditure; but non-drinking Hindus and Muhammadans would not take to alcoholic stimulants owing to the prohibition of bhang and ganja under any circumstances. (b) The prohibition of bhang and ganja may sometimes be followed by recourse to opium in rare cases amongst non-drinking classes. - Evidence of JAMSEDJEE NASSERWANJEE GINWALLA, Shenshai Parsi, Abkari and Opium Farmer, and proprietor of cotton-ginning factories, Ankleswar.
33. There is no religious prohibition for the consumption of any of these drugs. The higher classes of society entertain a kind of prejudice against a consumer of any of these drugs, for it is only in the low class people that ganja smoking, etc., is not looked upon as immoral. 35. It would occasion serious discontent. The prohibition would not amount to a political danger. People would take to alcoholic stimulants. - Evidence of KISAN DULICHAND, Licensed Vendor of Ganja, Nasik .
33. The consumption of each of these drugs is generally regarded by educated people with disfavour. The Muhammadan religion prohibits the use of any intoxicating drug or liquid. Amongst the Hindus for aught I know it may be different. It is drunk or smoked by Hindu sadhus and Muhammadan fakirs with incantation, invoking the aid of Mahadeo or Anal Hack or Shah Bahawal Hack, etc. 34. It would be a serious privation to the fakirs and sadhu classes to forego the consumption of the drugs they use. I know of fakirs and sadhus living for days together by simply smoking ganja or drinking bhang. It is in fact their food. I can form no idea as to the number of each class, having no census statistics before me, but it may be put down that at least 15 per cent. of the whole population of India will be put to the serious privation. They cannot at once give up the use, fearing attacks of asthma, want of rest, appetite, and indigestion. 35. It would not be feasible to prohibit the use of any of these drugs the present generation at least. The drugs would be illicitly consumed. The prohibition will cause serious discontent and lead to danger. Education is the only means of making the future generation understand the disadvantages arising from the consumption of any of these drugs. No end of preaching will have any effect on habitual consumers. I do not think the prohibition would be followed by recourse to (a) alcoholic stimulants, or (b) other drugs. - Evidence of NANNU MIAN B.SHAIKH, Municipal Secretary, Surat.
35. No. Though, as already stated, the consumption of ganja is injurious to health, and its stimulating power is temporary and weakening, yet its entire prohibition would not only be not practicable, but would bring in other worse intoxicants. 35. I think the use of bhang and ganja should not be prohibited altogether. Their complete prohibition might bring in a more extended use of alcoholic liquors and other poisonous substances, which would be worse than ganja for the people. The use of bhang, as far as I know, is not so injurious. It does very little harm to the health of the consumer, except that it makes him very much intoxicated when he takes it in excess - Evidence of FAZL RUNBBEE, Dewan to His Highness the Nawab Bahadur of Murshidabad, Murshidabad
33. It is regarded with contempt in these parts. Public opinion (both social and religious) is decidedly against the practice. For the Hindu Dharmashastra is strongly opposed to the use of any narcotic or intoxicating drug. A verse of the Rigved counts drinking among great sins and classes it wit stealing gold, embracing a Shudra woman, acceptance of donation from sinful persons, etc. The word surá pana in this verse includes all drinks affecting the brain. Manu counts madam, which means both intoxication and narcosis, among the ten vices caused by lust (ch. 7, verses 47, etc.). 34. Certainly so. Bairagis and other wanderers cannot live without ganja for a moment, as they value it even more than food. The other classes enumerated under question 20 would also feel it very hard to give up their habit, simply because it is the only luxury they enjoy and because they cannot kill their time without its help. The number addicted to ganja and bhang would not be less than 20 per cent. in this district. 35. Ganja and bhang cannot be prohibited easily. Serious discontent among the consumers would be the consequence. Still no political danger need be apprehended, at any rate in Southern India, as most of the consumers are poor people having no influence in society. They will probably take to drinking. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR VENKAT RANGO KATTI, Pensioner, Dharwar.
33. The consumption of each of these drugs is considered objectionable, because they are intoxicating. Public opinion (social or religious) in regard to the practice is prohibitive. The use of the drugs is generally in disrepute, because it absorbs money, obstructs profession, spoils health, and is generally abominable in the eyes of the public. The hemp plant is on no occasion worshipped by any sects of the people, except that the produce is worshipped before carrying it home by the cultivator as other agricultural produce. The crop when ripe is also worshipped before being reaped, and a caste dinner is given in honour of the same, and offerings are made. 34. It would be a serious privation to all consumers, irrespective of any class, who are excessive in their habits. Such people, in the absence of these drugs, become very deplorable, impatient, irritative, quarrelsome, and shamelessly humble. The moderate consumers in their absence do not feel much beyond than that they are uneasy and restless. The probable numbers of each class are given in answer No. 26. 35. It would be feasible to prohibit the use of any or all of these drugs. In that case it would be consumed illicitly. The only course open to prohibit the use of the drugs is to prohibit the cultivation of the hemp plant. The prohibition would occasion serious discontent among the consumers. Such discontent would not amount to political danger, because the number of consumers is proportionately very small, poor, and weak. The prohibition will create in them a strong incentive to have recourse to alcoholic stimulants or other drugs ; but they cannot afford to buy them a quantity sufficient to satisfy their daily requirements - Evidence of GURAPPA RACHAPPA, Lengayet, Office of Shetti (Revenue and Police), Dharwar.
35. No; it should not be prohibited, and neither is it feasible to do so, as the drugs are used by particular classes of men for particular purpose - Evidence of RAI TARA PERSAD MUKERJEE BAHADUR, Brahman, Zamindar, Pleader, Saran Bar, Chairman of Municipal Board, Revelganj, and of Local Board, Chapra, President, Bench of Magistrates, Chapra and Revelganj.
33. The smoking of ganja in public is not regarded as respectable. I know that highly respectable and enlightened native gentlemen do smoke ganja privately. The public opinion is that it is not respectable to smoke ganja. The drinking of bhang is not considered as disrespect. able as the smoking of ganja. Still an individual does not like it to be known generally that he drinks bhang. I attribute the sentiment to the fact that excessive use of any or these drugs may cause a man to speak or act foolishly. I know of no custom of worshipping the hemp plant. 34. It would be a serious privation to consumers of ganja and bhang to forego the consumption of these drugs. It would be a privation to break off the habit. In some cases life and health will suffer, and it would be a serious deprivation in connection with the religious custom connected with the offerings to the god Shiva. 35. I do not think that it would be feasible to prohibit the use of any of these drugs. The drugs will be illicitly consumed if at all obtainable. Prohibition could only be enforced by stopping the cultivation of the hemp plant. Prohibition would certainly occasion serious discontent among the consumers. In my opinion this discontent would amount to a political danger. Prohibition would be followed, in my opinion, by recourse in the greater number of cases to alcoholic stimulants or other drugs. - Evidence of LALDAS LAXMONJI, Kshatriya, Solicitor's Clerk, Bombay.
33. I am convinced that the excessive drinking of bhang is universally regarded as disreputable even by the very men who have become habitual drinkers. A common term in discrediting a man is to say that he is a " bhangi ; " i.e., one who drinks to excess, and even the drinking of pango is liable to be cast in a man's teeth. Thus people who habitually drink pango will without hesitation deny that they do so if I ask them, but this is no doubt partly due to their imagining that the sahib will look upon them less favourably, and not distinguish between their moderate and the bhangi's excessive use of the drug. Still I myself believe that all respectable natives, Hindus and Muhammadans, in their hearts look upon bhang, as they do upon opium and liquor, as bad. Charas and ganja are in disrepute with Sindhis, who consider that they produce asthma and impotence. 34. The moderate consumer would, no doubt soon take to other cooling drinks if the use of bhang was interdicted, but I do not think that it would be a serious privation to him. To the excessive drinker the privation would undoubtedly be great, and might also lead to his taking more injurious intoxicants, i.e., preparations of dhatura, aconite, opium, country liquor, etc. 35. As long as bhang could be procured elsewhere, it would inevitably be smuggled if prohibited here, and the same remark applies to the other drugs in so far as they are consumed in Sind. Its prohibition could be enforced by legislation only. Discontent would undoubtedly be caused by it, but I do not think that in Sind such discontent would amount to a political danger. I certainly think, however, that other intoxicants would be substituted, viz., liquor by the rich and other deleterious drugs by the poor. Charas, being prepared in Afghanistan and other parts of Central Asia, could always be smuggled into India - Evidence of MR. R. GILES, Collector, Shikarpur.
33. The consumption of ganja and chards is regarded as a vicious habit, as these narcotics impair the constitution. Not here. 34. In the case of bhang none to speak of, unless the drug has been taken to excess, when its deprivation is said to prevent the retention of urine by causing irritation in the bladder. In the case of ganja and charas the deprivation would be felt for a few days, and relief sought by imbibing bhang. 35. Ganja and charas might easily be prohibited, as the drugs are imported, and they are looked upon with disfavour by the better classes. The prohibition to bhang would give rise to considerable discontent among all classes, for it is looked upon as the poor man's narcotic, and furthermore because it is also considered to possess valuable medicinal properties. If prohibited, the consumption of opium would be stimulated thereby. - Evidence of Mr. C. E. S. STAFFORD STEELE, Officiating Deputy Commissioner, Thar and Parkar District.
33. As far as public opinion of this country is concerned, the smoking of charas and ganja is considered as not a respectable habit, and the moderate drinking of bhang is not regarded as disreputable. On the contrary, there are certain verses in Persian, Sindhi and Urdu, praising the drug. The hemp plant or its leaves or seeds are never worshipped on any occasion by Muhammadans. In the Sindhi months of Asu and Chet, when Hindu males and females observe fasting (called Ekana), the section of the Hindus who are the followers of Devi worship hemp in liquid before it is drunk. 34. Certainly it would be a serious privation to some ganja and hemp consumers to forego the consumption of these drugs, as it would be in the case of a European labourer if he is prohibited from his glass of beer. Once a man gets into the habit of taking certain intoxicating or narcotic drug, he feels the want of it even if he were a moderate consumer. It is very difficult to give the probable number of each class of consumers. 35. It would not be feasible to prohibit the use of any or all of these drugs, just in the same way as all governments in Europe would not find it feasible to prohibit the use of wines and beers. If the licit consumption of these drugs were prohibited, people would find ways to use them illicitly. The consumers will be seriously discontented if prohibition were enforced, and the discontent will certainly amount to a political danger, as all classes of people from the most influential spiritual leader to the lowest beggar will say that British Government, while not interfering or prohibiting the use of alcohol in their own country, are stopping them here from the use of less intoxicating drugs which they have been using from time immemorial and which is also religiously respected, and the prohibition will naturally be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants and other drugs. - Evidence of KHAN BAHADUR KADIRDAD KHAN GUL KHAN, C.I.E., Deputy Collector, Naushahro Sub-division.
33. Amongst Hindus the consumption of bhang in its liquid form is not in disrepute, as the plant is called to be Shiva or Mahadavi's buti. But amongst Musalmans, on account of its prohibition by the Muhammadan religion, its use is held in disrepute. The use of charas and ganja are held in disrepute by Hindus as well as Mussalmans on account of their injurious effects, and by the latter also on account of religious prohibition. There is no custom of worshipping the hemp plant even by Hindus known in this country. 34. It would certainly be a serious privation to the habitual consumers to forego the consumption of the drugs they use, specially to the fakirs, jogis and sadhus. It would be serious privation to all the habitual consumers stated in paragraph 26, and my reasons for this opinion are given in para graph 31. 35. It would not be feasible to prohibit entirely the use of any of these drugs, as such a measure would certainly lead to smuggling and illicit consumption. Their use could only be prohibited by a special law prohibiting the cultivation of bhang, manufacture and imports of its preparation. But the prohibition would certainly occasion serious discontent among the consumers for the reasons given in paragraphs 31 and 34, and the discontent would undoubtedly be a political danger, as the fakirs, jogis and sadhus will not fail to excite the less rational classes of people. In habitual excessive consumers the prohibition is very likely to be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants and other drugs to a great extent, but in moderate habitual consumers to a very less degree, as alcoholic stimulants are not considered to be cooling and refreshing in their effects. - Evidence of S. SADIK ALI SHERALI, Deputy Collector and First Class Magistrate, Frontier District of Upper Sind
33. It is not. In my opinion it is disgraceful to use all these drugs, for they are very injurious. I know nothing positive as to its being worshipped, but it is not worshipped here. 34. It will cause great inconvenience to excessive consumers—one-tenth of Musulmans and one eighth of Hindus in my opinion. 35. They can be prohibited gradually. It is illicitly consumed. It should not be prohibited at once, If it were prohibited at once, it will cause discontent among excessive consumers. The discontent will not amount to political danger. But the people interferred with will cause great annoyance to public servants. Some men have less recourse to alcoholic stimulants. But generally they will use other narcotics and injurious drugs, such as dhatura, etc. - Evidence of RAHMATALA KHAN, Police Inspector, Shikarpur.
33. The consumers like the use of drugs, but its use is not liked by sufis (non-consumers of intoxicating drugs). There is no social or religious opinion about the practice. In my opinion the use of the narcotic in any form is disreputable. The hemp plant is not worshipped in this province. 34. It would be a serious privation to consumers to forego the use of the drug they consume, i.e., he would fall ill, would have no appetite, would get no sleep; but if the use is gradually decreased it is likely that its use can be foregone altogether. I cannot give any idea of the probable numbers of each class. 35. Its use cannot be prohibited. It would be illicitly consumed. It would be difficult to enforce the prohibition. The prohibition would doubtless occasion discontent among the consumers. The discontent would not in my opinion amount to political danger. Government revenue will suffer. The prohibition would not be followed by recourse to alcohol, but it is likely that other narcotic drugs would be used which would be injurious in other ways. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR LAKSHMANSING MATTHRAJI , Police Inspector, Hyderabad, Sind
33. The consumption of bhang is generally considered as being innocuous. There is no opinion, religious, regarding the practice. Habitual excessive consumers of ganja and charas are termed Mowalees or sluggards on account of the lazy habits attained by some of these men. There is no custom as far as I can ascertain of the wor-shipping of the plant, but it is held in veneration by Hindu Gosains and Sadhus. 34. It would be a serious privation for consumers to forego the consumption of the drug they use. The reasons are :— Especially in the case of bhang, about half the population, I should say, use it in moderation; to those especially who work out of doors, exposed to the heat in a Province like Sind, the use of bhang is a kind of necessity to enable them to bear the heat of the day. Moderate consumers of ganja and charas (artisans, carpenters, dyers, stone-masons, etc.) would feel inconvenience. About one-third of the consumers, I should think, were addicted to ganja and charas. 35. It would not, I consider, be feasible to prohibit the use of bhang on account of its universal use. Ganja could with difficulty be brought under control by restricting cultivation and the quantity the contractor is allowed to import and sell, and gradually reducing the same yearly, and fixing the prices (high) at which it would be sold. Charas—Being of foreign manufacture could be prohibited, but smuggling would undoubtedly prevail. The drug being of small bulk is easly smuggled. Prohibition would cause some amount of discontent among consumers, but less if the prohibition could be gradually applied. Recourse in case of prohibition could be had to other drugs, especially by poorer classes. Nothing could be done without co-operation of surrounding foreign States. - Evidence of MR. GEO. J. BARKER, Abkari Inspector, Karachi.
33. As regards the use of bhang, opinion varies. Some consider the moderate use of bhang as beneficial; others discourage it altogether. The use of ganja and charas are generally regarded as very injurious to health as inducing languor and lassitude when intoxication ceases. Please see further reply No. 45. 34. The users of bhang will consider it a great hardship to be deprived of the facilities for its use. Many consider it a necessary cooling drink and as conducive to digestion and encouraging appetite. 35. I think it will not be easy to stop the use of bhang. Forcible prohibition will cause serious discontent. Under a weak Government it might be fraught with political danger. Bhang consumers are not likely to take to alcoholic stimulants. On the contrary, it might be said that the use of alcohol has been displaced by the use of bhang. But habitual excessive drinkers might take to poppy shells instead. The use of ganja or charas might be stopped without much fear of political danger, though it might cause discontent in the beginning. The users of ganja and charas will take to bhang smoking instead - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR ALUMAL TRIKAMDAS BHOJWANI, Deputy Educational Inspector, Karachi
33. The better class of Hindus and Muham-madans regard the consumption, especially of ganja and charas, with great aversion and disgust. They consider the indulgence a vice, knowing that the drugs will be the ultimate ruin and degradation of the individuals consuming them; and if they have a friend or relation, they will feel ashamed to have any connection with him, and try to dissuade him from indulging in any of the drugs. 34. It would not be a serious privation to the consumers, even in the case of bhang, to forego the consumption, except perhaps in the case of habitual excessive consumers whose minds and bodies are enslaved to either ganja or charas. They might suffer from mental excitement if the drugs were completely withheld. In a population of 100,000 there would be roughly 4,000 bhang drinkers and 1,000 each of ganja and charas smokers. 34. My statement about the possibility of mental excitement from deprivation of the drug is purely matter of opinion. It has no basis in experience. 35. It might be feasible to prohibit the use of charas and probably ganja. The former can be prevented from being imported. The growth of the plants can be restricted. The sale of the drugs, except by chemists, can be rendered penal, and the consumers, except under medical advice, can be made liable to punishment. The prohibition I do not fancy would cause any serious discontent; neither do I think that any discontent would amount to a political danger. I do not consider that prohibition would be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants. - Evidence of DR. S. M. KAKA, Medical Officer of Health, Karachi.
33. The use of these drugs is generally regarded as bad, and generally their use is in disrepute. For a man when intoxicated loses his senses. I do not know it positively, but I do not think any sect worships the hemp plant. 34. At first there will be much inconvenience, but giving it up will cause no injury, for the intoxicating drug does not satisfy hunger; it only gives temporary relief. I cannot give the exact numbers, but many fakirs would be inconvenienced. 35. Prohibition could be effected by Government if an Act were passed prohibiting the use of any of these drugs. Such a prohibition will at first cause discontent among the consumers, but such discontent would subside. It would involve loss of revenue to Government. The prohibition would not be followed by recourse being had to alcoholic stimulants, etc. I cannot, however, speak with confidence - Evidence of MAKHDUM DOST MOHAMMED MAKHDUM FAZUL MOHAMMED, Zamindar, Bubak, Karachi.
33. The use of sukho is never considered bad, for it is only used in moderation, is religious, and otherwise beneficial. In my opinion bhang is a necessity, for it is used at most religious and social gatherings, and its moderate use is beneficial. I do not think the use of bhang or charas or ganja is in disrepute. These narcotics are at any rate better than alcoholic drinks, as far I have seen the baneful effects of the latter. When such violent drinks as alcoholic drinks are in use, how can the use of these drugs (which are less expensive) be held in disrepute? The hemp plant is not worshipped in Sind, but is called the plant of Shiva (god), and Mussalmans who are prohibited the use of any narcotic call it the "humble plant." 34. Habitual consumers would, indeed, be inconvenienced if they had to forego the use of any of these drugs. It is a well-known fact, and it is not necessary to give any reasons for it. Yet I give some parallel cases. Persons habituated to use in heat will be really enfeebled if they can get only jawari or bajri for food. When one's constitution suffers by changing one kind of food for another, it is not likely that consumers of narcotic drugs would not be inconvenienced by breaking off the habit. I have had no opportunities of ascertaining the probable number of each class. 35. The use of any of these drugs cannot be prohibited. The drug would be illicitly consumed. There is no likelihood of such a prohibition being enforced. The prohibition would undoubtedly occasion discontent among the consumers. Besides, it would cause so much loss of revenue to Government. The discontented would cause much disturbance, and would dislike the Government. The prohibition would not be followed by recourse to alcoholic drinks or other drugs. There would be a great many complaints if the use were prohibited, and people would use it illicitly, which again would lead to the commission of more offences. - Evidence of SETH VISHINDAS NIHALCHAND, Zamindar, Merchant, and Contractor, Manjoo, Karachi.
33. Amongst respectable people the use of ganja and charas is in disrepute, simply so far as I can gather because of its intoxicating effect. I have given a few common sayings about these drugs, from which may, I think, be gathered the general opinion of the majority in reference to their use. I am told that there is no custom of worshipping the hemp plant. A few common sayings in regard to the use of hemp drugs. These were taken down as repeated by ganja smokers and others. Suka savai ganja ka bhai. Manga susra aur khawe jamai. Tobacco and bhang, the brothers of ganja, The father-in-law begs and the son-in-law eats. This has been explained to me to mean that the use of these drugs brings a father-in-law to beggary and reduces the son-in-law to such a state that he is content to sit in the house and eat. Suka piwe surada, Guraku piwe lal, Ganja piwe lakhpati, Urawe ghar ka mal. The last two lines mean—Let a wealthy man smoke ganja and he will squander his property. 35. Hardly. Prohibition would almost certainly lead to illicit consumption. In the case of bhang I am assured by natives that if bhang drinkers could not get it, they would drink "pust," poppy seeds, prepared with water like bhang, and in case they could not get " pust," they would drink "bojo," a fermented liquor made with wheat, rice or other grain. - Evidence of the REV. A. E. BALL, Missionary, Church Missionary Society, Karachi.
33. The consumption of ganja and charas is considered to be bad. The public opinion in regard to the practice is that these two drugs should not be used at all. I have never seen a respectable man using either. I think the use of any form of the narcotics is in disrepute. The smokers present a wretched and miserly appearance. They grow irritable if they cannot get it at their fixed time, , and are led to commit both sin and offence. It is publicly known that the use of bhang is prohibited according to Muhammadan law; but its use is allowed among Hindus, and it is not used in excess. Besides Hindus use the bhang as an offering to Shiva god, for which it is called Shiva's plant. But I, on my part, think that the use of bhang too is disreputable, for it is a narcotic. Very few drinkers would stick to the original quantity, but a larger number, out of mere luxury, would go on increasing it gradually, and would fall into excess. Such men would not satisfactorily discharge their ordinary duties, and would always be lazy, dull, and timid, and would lose all their energy and pluck. 34. It would be a serious privation to consumers to forego the use, i.e., fakirs, suthrias, nangas, sanyasis, bhagat, and the Mussalmans of otaras and the Hindus of tikanas. Habitual consumers are so habituated to them that they cannot eat with any good appetite, nor get any sleep, nor get free motions until they use the drug. If such men were to forego their use they would fall ill. I cannot give any idea of the probable numbers of each class. 35. It would be difficult to prohibit the use of bhang at once. It is probable that the drug would be illicitly used. It would be difficult to enforce prohibition. The prohibition would cause serious discontent among the consumers; but it is not likely that the discontent would amount to political danger. It is possible that people would think of resorting to alcohol or other drugs. As for charas and ganja, I am of opinion that they can be prohibited, and there would be no difficulty in so doing; but in that case bhang would be consumed to a larger extent. - Evidence of MAHOMED LAIK, Mukhtarkar of Hyderabad.
33. There is no public opinion in regard to the use of bhang. The followers of Shiva (Shivites) look upon bhang as sacred, because their god (Shiva) was, they say, fond of it, and took large quantities of it. Charas and ganja is in disrepute with the Sindhis because it produces cough, asthma, and sometimes impotency. 34. Yes, to habitual excessive consumers it will be a privation. 35. If prohibition be ordered, other poisonous drugs, such as dhatura, etc., would be used by the excessive consumers, or the drug would be used illicitly. It would cause discontent, but not such as to amount to political danger. The well-to-do will use liquor, and fakirs dhatura, aconite, etc. - Evidence of PRIBHDAS SHEWAKRAM ADVANI Secretary, Band of Hope, Hyderabad, Sind.
33. It is considered as a religious custom. On Shivaratri (i.e., Shiva's night) bhang is made into a drink and first offered to the Linga, and then distributed to all those who visit the god. The hemp plant is called Shiva's plant, and it is not considered. injurious to use bhang moderately. Of course, habitual excessive consumers will fall into excess. It is thought by some that the moderate use of bhang is beneficial. Some think that it should altogether be abandoned. Ganja and charas are dangerous both to life and health. 34. If the use of bhang were foregone, it would cause much inconvenience and difficulty. Several persons think that it is necessary to use bhang as a cooling drink. It aids the power of digestion and appetite 35. In my opinion the prohibition of bhang would occasion discontent. The prohibition would not be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants, but on the contrary alcohol consumers often forego alcohol in favour of bhang. All the three can be prohibited without any fear of political danger, although it will at first occasion discontent. Ganja and charas consumers can give up these two drugs in favour of bhang drinking. I know this from experience. - Evidence of TIRITHDAS HASRAJMAL, Member of the firm of Denmal Sachanond, Karachi.
33. The moderate use of bhang is not considered by people to be bad; but even the moderate use of charas or ganja is not taken to be good. There is a social opinion that the use of bhang is not bad, but that it is not good with respect to charas and ganja. The moderate use of bhang, is not disreputable, but the use of charas or ganja in any form is disreputable. Reasons. The charas or ganja smoker generally suffers from asthma and heart-burning, loses the colour of his face. Moreover, he appears miserable and gets a bad smell in the mouth. If he has no money, he is tempted to commit small thefts in order to procure the drug. But the use of bhang, called neinani buti (humble plant), is quite free from the above vices, and often aids in the remembrance of God. I know nothing of the hemp plant being worshipped. 34. It would be no privation to a moderate consumer of bhang to forego its consumption, but a moderate consumer of charas or ganja or the excessive consumer of bhang, charas or ganja cannot forego their consumption without serious privation. Reasons.They would fall ill, grow lazy and lose appetite. About 50 per cent. of the consumers would be thus inconvenienced. 35. The use of all these drugs cannot be prohibited at once; but if the use of charas and ganja be gradually put a stop to, it would be feasible, but the use of bhang can never be prohibited. If the use of charas and ganja were prohibited, they would not be imported, and hence they would not be illicitly consumed ; but bhang would be illicitly used if its use is prohibited, for it is produced in the country. If the importation of ganja and charas be prohibited, the prohibition of its use here can be enforced. The prohibition would occasion a temporary discontent among the consumers. It would not be a serious one. The discontent would not amount to political danger. The prohibition would not be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants or other drugs. - Evidence of PESUMAL NARUMAL, Farmer and Merchant, Hyderabad.
35. The only custom that I am aware of is the drinking of siddhi (bhang) in the Lower Provinces of Bengal on the Bijaya Dasami day. It has now become a quasi-religious custom, and the use of the drug on that day is essential. On that day, after the immersion of the image of the Goddess Durga into water, friends and relatives visit one another's house and are offered siddhi (bhang) and sweets. I am inclined to think that the custom was originally a social one, though promulgated under the ægis of religion, as every Hindu custom is. On that day relatives, forgetting at least for the time their old quarrels and ancient differences, embrace one another and drink siddhi in one another's house. Even those who don't touch or taste anything that intoxicates, must take the prepared siddhi on that day with the tips of their fingers and taste it. Siddhi is regarded by the Hindus as an emblem of peace and prosperity, hence it is offered for drink at that day along with sweetmeats. But apart from this emblematic use of the drug, I think there was originally another reason for its use. Bijaya Dasami is a day of hard work for the votaries of Durga, and some stimulant was found necessary to sustain their energies and also to alleviate their fatigue. Siddhi is mentioned in the Hindu medical books as a stimulant. It is also cheap, and hence possibly its use was resorted to. One day's use does not produce any injurious effects or form a habit - Evidence of Assistant Surgeon NEMAI CHURN CHATTERJI, Brahmin, Bhagalpur.
33. Bhang is generally drunk as a digestive and as a cooling draught. It is liked by most people. The use of ganja and charas is not, as a rule, regarded favourably by people. No custom of worshipping any of these drugs prevails. 34. It would cause serious privation to most persons if they had to forego the use of bhang. Bhang drinking helps the powers of digestion. Bhang is beneficial in many other ways. 35. It would be difficult to prohibited the use of it. The prohibition would cause serious discontent, and if it were prohibited by a weak Government, it would cause much disturbance. The bhang drinkers would not have recourse to alcoholic stimulants, but ganja and charas smokers would be greatly discontented, for they would be much inconvenienced by such a prohibition. - Evidence of MANGHANMAL ALUMAL, Bhang, Ganja and Charas, and Opium farmer, Karachi.
33. The consumers regard the use as a good. There is no public opinion in regard to it. I do not think that any form of the narcotic is disreputable, for all classes of people partake of it. The hemp plant is not worshipped here, but the bhang drink is offered to god Shiva. 34. It would, indeed, be a privation for the consumers of these drugs to forego the use. About one-fourth of such consumers. 35. The prohibition would not be feasible. The drug would be used illicitly. The prohibition cannot be enforced. It would occasion discontent among the consumers. Government revenue would suffer. The consumers might create a disturbance. The prohibition will be followed by a recourse to other drugs. - Evidence of DAYARAM KISHUNCHAND, Bhang, Charas and Ganja, and Opium Farmer, Hyderabad.
33. The use of these drugs is considered to be a habit. It is forbidden according to the Muhammadan religion. There is no religious opinion in regard to it. But the Hindus worship it and it is not in disrepute. But the use according to the Mussalman religion is disreputable. 34. It would be a privation to consumers to forego its use. Men of all classes use them. 35. Government can prohibit the use, but gradually. The drug would be illicitly used. It would occasion discontent among the consumers. The discontent will not amount to political danger. People will have recourse to the use of a little quantity of alcohol. - Evidence of DIN MAHOMED, Contractor, Shikarpur.
33. Hemp plant is not worshipped by any class of men here. But on occasions of religious ceremonies, such as the feast of "Khandoba," " Maha-sheo Ratri," it is offered to the persons addicted to use them. The social opinion is in favour of moderate use of ganja and bhang. Excessive use of the said narcotic substance has made it to fall into disrepute. 34. If persons accustomed to the use of the said narcotic substance are deprived of the use of it, they will lose their energy and behave like a mad man. This is applicable in the case of moderate and excessive consumers. 35. It is feasible to prohibit the use of these drugs. It can be consumed illicitly. The prohibition can be enforced by the strict regulation of the law. In this taluk there would be discontent to a small extent among the consumers, but that would not result into any political danger; the prohibition of that substance would not be followed by the use of other alcoholic substance. - Evidence of C. SHAM RAO, Attachè to the Resident at Hyderabad, now at Pusad, Basim District.
33. The consumption of the two drugs is socially or even religiously regarded as degrading. I am not aware of any public opinion in regard to the practice, but I do consider the use of any form of the narcotic to be in disrepute on the ground that the use of it, though moderate at first, leads after a time to a habit. The habit leads to an excess, and thus the consumer ultimately becomes unable to give it up. The moderate use of bhang alone may conduce to good health, but for the above reason the use of the drug is in itself to be condemned. I am not aware of the custom of worshipping the hemp plant.
34. It would be a serious privation, I think, to the consumer to forego the consumption of the drug. The habit of consuming the drug itself is such as cannot be left at once, and if so left, the consumer is sure to feel much for it and to be for a time madlike and dispirited. As explained in answer to question No. 20, the consumers are estimated to be 1,315 ; of these I estimate three-fourths to be consumers of bhang and one-fourth those of ganja. 35. It would be feasible to prohibit the use of the two drugs, ganja and bhang, but it should be done gradually in order to avoid discontent and privation, which would otherwise be the result. But if the prohibition of the use of the drug be enforced at once, we naturally must expect the illicit consumption thereof, if possible, or the habitual consumers will have recourse to some other alcoholic stimulants. The sudden prohibition will lead to serious discontent among the consumers, who are proportionately so few in this district that the discontent will not be politically felt, and therefore cause no danger. The danger will be serious where the number of consumers is large enough in proportion to population - Evidence of KRISHNARA0 HARI, Officiatiny Extra Assistant Commissioner, Buldana.
33. It is not considered to be an evil practice and degrading to the persons that use all or any of these drugs. There is a fear that the consumer may so far forget himself under the influence of the drug as to do or say something disgraceful. The plant is not worshipped at all. 34. To religious mendicants, but only for a week or two, during which, it is said, they would suffer pains and aches in their arms and legs. Can't say what is their number. 35. The use of all these drugs could be prohibited. They would at first, of course, be used illicitly, but the cultivation of the plant being strictly prohibited, the source of supply would be cut off, and the drugs would be unobtainable. No serious discontent would be caused, nor would such as arises be any danger to the State. There is no doubt that the suppression of ganja, etc., would be followed by a greater demand for alcoholic drinks or opium, or it may even drive some to bichnak or dhatura. - Evidence of MR. A. ARDAGH, Deputy Superintendent of Excise, Ellichpur.
33. It is taken as a bad practice. There is no social or religious opinion. It spoils the constitutions of people ; it weakens the mental power. There is no custom of worshipping hemp plant. 34. It would be a serious privation to jogis and fakirs to leave it off; it is considered by them as a part of their jogiship. 35. It would not be feasible to prohibit all of them; it will be consumed illicitly. By putting a check to cultivation. It would occasion serious discontent to religious sects. It would not produce any political danger. Yes, some will resort to liquor and some to opium - Evidence of MR. J. C. WATCHA, Excise Inspector, Ellichpur.
33. Ganja smoking has been considered to be one of the mean acts by the people, because thereby one loses memory and health ; it brings on cough and so forth. If bhang is taken moderately during the hot season it won't affect. There is no custom of worshipping the hemp plant in this taluk. 34. It is a serious privation to any class of consumers to forego the consumption of any of these drugs at once, because thereby they will not digest their food : they will suffer from purging, and so forth. This will last for two months and then it will be stopped. It is said that if any one wishes to break off this habit, ganja can be kept in buttermilk instead of water and then smoked, and thereby the habit of ganja smoking will be easily broken off. It is not injurious to drink bhang. There is a general custom to drink bhang in this taluk, and this habit can easily be broken off. 35. It is not feasible to prohibit the use of any of these drugs, because it is of a long standing. As there is a great number of the consumers of these drugs, it is impossible to stop it at once; and if it is so stopped the people will consume the drug illicitly. If the Government wants to prohibit the use of these drugs, I propose that some tax should be imposed on the consumers of any of these drugs, and thereby the number will be reduced. The quantity for the retail sale should also be reduced, but with all this, I don't think that it can be stopped at once. There is no doubt that there will be discontent amongst the consumers of these drugs, but it will not amount to a political danger, because the number of such people is not large. The prohibition will be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants by those who have got means to spend for them, and the rest will take to other drugs. - Evidence of WAMAN GANESH, Tahsildar, Wun.
33. The consumption of each of these drugs is generally regarded as a mean act by the people. The consumers of each of these drugs are generally disrespected. It is the opinion in general that these drugs are injurious to the consumer's health. The hemp plant is never worshipped on any occasion; but in case the habitual consumer dies, the hemp plant is kept near his corpse at the time of his funeral ceremony. The use of any form of the narcotic is generally in disrepute, because there is a firm opinion among the public that the use of these drugs is one of the mean acts, inasmuch as the social or religious customs are concerned. 34. There would be no serious privation to any class of consumers to forego the consumption of the drugs they use. These drugs have got one or two more troublesome effects than the opium, liquor, etc. Still in opium and liquor there are some permanent effects which are impossible to be checked at once, and hence there would be a serious privation to the consumers of these to forego the consumption. This is not applicable to the hemp drugs consumers. 35. It is feasible to prohibit the use of all these drugs. By this I mean that the cultivation of ganja should be stopped. The prohibition of all these drugs will not, I think, occasion serious discontent amongst the consumers, and it would not also amount to a political or social danger. The consumers of these drugs are generally bairagis, fakirs, kanphatias, etc. The number of such people is not large in this taluk. In family men such habits are very rare. If the use of the hemp drugs is prohibited, these men will have recourse to alcoholic stimulants or other drugs producing intoxication, without which they will not pull on. - Evidence of VINAYAK APPAJI KAUR, Brahmin, Officiating Tahsildar, Darwa, Wun District.
33. Ganja smoking is looked down upon. Bhang eating or drinking, though considered a bad habit, is tolerated and is not objected to. Socially the objection is raised on account of their narcotic properties; religiously there is no objection. Ganja smoking is in disrepute on account of the smell of the smoke. Otherwise why ganja smoking should be more looked down upon than bhang eating or drinking I do not understand, as the effects of both on the brain are nearly identical. 34. Yes, to the habitual consumer. In the same way as the privations of other narcotics would be to their respective consumers. 35. It will cause much discontent in the consumers. Those that use this drug only which is allowed to them by their religion will not take of any other drug. - Evidence of G. V. KOT, Brahmin, Medical Practitioner, Amraoti
33. It is regarded with aversion. Children and women are protected from it. It is socially condemned, though there is no religious objection. The disrepute is due to its inducing insensibility and is supposed to lead to impotency. No ; none that I have ever heard of. 34. Yes, to Marwaris, mendicants and others mentioned in my answer to question No. 20, because once one gets addicted to the use of it, he cannot take to another intoxicant, and suffers both in body and mind. Roughly they may come to about one or two per cent. of the entire population, but this is a guess only. 35, (a) No. (b) Yes. (c) It can never be enforced. (d) Yes. (e) There would be no political danger. (f) No. - Evidence of G. S. KHAPERDE, Brahmin, Pleader, Amraoli.
33. The higher classes deprecate the smoking of ganja, but not eating any of its preparations ; while the consumption of bhang is not looked down upon. The objection to ganja smoking is based on its being considered a low habit and likely to prove injurious. The hemp plant is not known to be worshipped in Berar. 34. The classes addicted to smoking ganja and drinking bhang would look upon its prohibition as a serious privation. The reasons are that they would be deprived of a muscular tonic and an intoxicant of the cheapest kind, which cannot be substituted for the price. For Berar the 1891-92 and 1892-93 reports show the probable number of the class to be 1 seer and 26 tolas per 100 of population on an average for ganja smokers, i.e., one tola per head. But the figure is not reliable. 35. It is feasible to prohibit the use of all of these drugs. It can be enforced by the stoppage of the hemp plant and its importation, in which case illicit consumption would be rendered difficult though not impossible. Great discontent would be caused among consumers, though it may not amount to a political danger. But a recourse to alcoholic stimulants and other drugs would become a certainty. - Evidence of YESHWANT VAMAN DIGHE, Pleader, Basim
33. Not favourably. I don't think there is any public opinion. It is in disrepute, because it brings on intoxication. I don't know if the plant is worshipped by any sect. 34. Yes ; they would get ill or suffer in appetite. This is with regard to all. 35. Not feasible in my opinion. There would be illicit consumption. The prohibition could be enforced by passing a law maintaining a department for the detection of illicit consumption. Yes ; the consumers would be discontented, particularly the fakirs and sadhus. I don't think the discontent would lead to political danger. Some would. resort to alcoholic stimulants or other drugs, but not all. - Evidence of NIAMAT KHAN BILAN KHAN, Merchant, Balapur, Akola District.
33. The consumption of ganja and bhang is regarded as a vice, because it blunts the mental faculties, and therefore it is generally in disrepute. 34. To forego the consumption of ganja or bhang is not a serious privation to any class of consumers. It is a luxury to take to its use, and has no beneficial effects on the constitution. 35. It is feasible to prohibit the use of ganja and bhang. These drugs will never be used illicitly. The cultivation of hemp should be at once stopped, as the poppy cultivation is stopped. The prohibition will not cause any serious discontent among the consumers, and will not therefore amount to a political danger. The prohibition will be followed by a recourse to tobacco, but not to alcoholic stimulants. - Evidence of LAKSHMAN ATMARAM MAHAJAN, Merchant, Manjrul Pir
33. The drugs being intoxicating, their use is not considered respectable by the public. - Evidence of KHAJA ABDUL BAKI, Money-lender, Mehkar, Buldana District.
33. With disgust, in respectable society. I believe the respectable public have an aversion to all drugs. I don't know of the hemp plant being worshipped. by any class of people. 34. A person who has become an habitual drug consumer is useless if he cannot get his prescribed quantity at the time he is in the habit of taking it. 35. (a) It would cause discontent. (b) Yes. (c) It would be unwise to attempt to prohibit the consumption. It may be heavily taxed to decrease the consumption, but I should not recommend any other course to be adhered to. (f ) Yes. - Evidence of MR. G. BENNETT, Abkari Inspector, Ajmere.
33. When the drug is ready, a little is usually offered to Mahadeo, but otherwise I do not think it comes into the Hindu religion. - Evidence of MR. G. W. GAYER, District Superintendent of Police, Ajmere.
33. Use of the drug is looked upon by the public as detrimental to health. 34. No ; it would not be a serious privation. 35. It would be feasible to prohibit the use of these drugs. These drugs would be consumed illicitly. The prohibition can be enforced by legislation, to prevent people from cultivating or collecting the wild plants, from possessing and from purchasing or selling any of these drugs. Privation would occasion some discontent among the consumers, but would not be so serious as to amount to any political danger. - Evidence of MR. A. BOPPANNA, Planter, Bepunaad, Green Hills, Coorg
33. The use of ganja is in disrepute among people not addicted to smoking. 34. I do not consider it to be a serious privation to any class of consumers, as they can take to smoking tobacco until the habit is entirely given up. 35. If the cultivation of hemp is prohibited, the habit can be easily checked. The number addicted to smoke ganja being very small, there will be no danger of any kind to anybody. Only poorer classes who cannot afford to buy alcoholic stimulants smoke ganja, and they are not likely to get into other habits. - Evidence of MUKKATI IYAPPA, Cultivator, Davanagiri, Coorg
33. The consumption of charas i s in disrepute, as it is only used by people of low classes. - Evidence of MAJOR G. GAISFORD, Deputy Commissioner, Quetta, Baluchistan.
34. I know that the Deoghur pandas are loud in their complaints if from any cause there is stoppage of the supply to them. - Evidence of MR. W. M. SMITH, Retired Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Sonthal Parganas.
33. By Burmans and persons of cognate races as highly disgraceful. Due to Buddhism and the training of centuries. 34. No. Many natives of India, I think, give it up, because they cannot get ganja here without great difficulty, risk and cost. I cannot say that the prohibition has succeeded as regards the natives of India, as I cannot say that there is no ganja in the country. The consumption of ganja would, however, I believe, have been very much larger among them if there had been no prohibition. I can answer for Tenasserim and Irrawaddy. My statement that many natives of India give up the drug owing to the difficulty, risk and cost of getting it is based on conversations with respectable natives of India. I believe, however, that ganja is a marketable commodity though expensive, and that any native (Burman or any one else) who wishes it could get it if he paid the price. This, no doubt, gives Burmans a chance of becoming consumers. In regard to opium we have found that some Burmans would not register at all and that others registered eagerly to enable them really to sell to other non-registered consumers. I regard the registering as utterly untrustworthy. The Burmans use alcohol. The use is extending, both the moderate and excessive use. The best Burmans take no intoxicant of any kind. Siamese. The Shans in Mergui district are almost invariably Siamese. I know nothing of cultivation by them in that district. 35. The mere possession is, and has been for years, prohibited. Opium is lawfully sold in the country. Besides that, opium is used by Burmans already ; ganja is not. I would stop ganja by punishing possession with rigorous imprisonment, and also by fining ships in which it is found without owner. I would leave as little as possible to the discretion of administering officers. Punishment should fall with absolute certainty and in fixed degree. Fine is useless, because if you fine lightly you do not punish the man, While a heavy fine is so difficult to realize that the higher judicial officers object to them, and imprisonment is better in every way. I should regard the matter purely from the Burman point of view, without regarding in the least the discomfort, or hardship, or suffering of natives of India. If they choose to come to this country they must accept the conditions there. The improvement alluded to in my written answer No. 58 is that indicated in answer No. 59, viz., this increased rigour. I am exceedingly anxious to prevent as much as possible Burmans from becoming consumers. They cannot control passion. They exceed in opium or liquor as well as in revenge ; and would, I believe, exceed in ganja if they took it. At present they only use it for elephants, etc., and rarely put leaves in curry I believe. I consider the present opium license system a bad one, and I should consider such a measure in regard to ganja equally inadvisable. There is no chance of checking opium by the present system. It seems to me that the proper measure would be to have licensed shops and only license consumption there, except in the case of respectable Chinamen, who might be allowed to take out licenses at the discretion of the Deputy Commissioner. That would have checked consumption by Burmans. I would not recommend such a system in regard to ganja, because there is no established use of ganja.' - Evidence of COLONEL H. R. SPEARMAN, Commissioner, Tenasserin Division
33. Bin or ganja used to be classed with opium in the time of Burmese rule, and its use was nominally prohibited. 35. As regards natives of India, I am doubtful, But the prohibition during the past twenty years has certainly had the effect of preventing the vice from spreading from Indians to Burmans. - Evidence of MR. H. ADAMSON, Deputy Commissioner, Meiktila
33. All use of narcotics is forbidden by the Buddhist law, and persons addicted to use of same are held in disrepute. I believe the same holds good amongst the Siamese, who are bound by the same laws. - Evidence of MR. H. G. BATTEN,* Deputy Commissioner, Mergui
33. Any Burman Buddhist consuming these drugs would be regarded as utterly abandoned. The Buddhist scriptures entirely forbid the use of these drugs. 34. No, none ; but natives of India use the drug. Few respectable members of that community use it, and the few who use it can get opium instead. Of Burmans, one out of many thousands may use the drug. 35. Total prohibition has been in force for twenty years past. The drug is consumed illicitly, but practically by natives of India only, and to a very limited extent. The total prohibition does not cause discontent to the Burman population, and few respectable persons amongst the native of India community consume the drug. The existing prohibition is effective. Heavy fines have sufficed to reduce the consumption to a minimum. Natives of India who used ganja and bhang in India probably use opium in Burma. - Evidence of MAJOR G. S. EYRE, Deputy Commissioner, Sagaing.
33. Hemp consumption is regarded with strong disapproval by Burmans and Shans. - Evidence of MR. W. N. PORTER, Deputy Commissioner, Upper Chindwin.
33. Bhang is not very much used in Lower Bengal; in Behar it is much used; it is not in disrepute. Ganja is the worst sort of intoxicating drugs, and it is very much in disrepute. All societies of Bengal (except the ascetics) hate it as most disreputable, and think that it is only, if at all necessary, fit to be taken by the meanest of mankind. Such a sentiment is due to the fact that people who use it become as a rule hot-tempered, violent and ugly. I have already mentioned before that certain low class Hindus require ganja to worship a god called Tinnath; but I am not aware that ganja itself is worshipped by any class. 34. It will be certainly a serious privation to forego the consumption of ganja—(a) to ascetics, (b) to fishermen, (c) to labourers in swampy places. The ascetics have no other means ordinarily at their disposal to prevent cold except ganja. It keeps them warm all the night and protects them from cold. Ganja like chilly is a climatic stimulant medicine to those who always expose themselves to cold and damp, and have not other means at their disposal to prevent cold. Those amongst the people who have not got accustomed to ganja frequently take strong tobacco instead. The probable proportion of each of the above three classes, to whom it would be a serious privation, may be, of ascetics cent. per cent., fishermen and labourers at least 30 per cent. 35. Charas is not, I believe, very much used in Bengal, and therefore it may be feasible to prohibit the use of it. But it matters little whether it is prohibited or permitted to be used to the extent it is now used. The use of bhang may also be prohibited, for very few persons, except the ascetics, are really in the habit of consuming it. Even those who are habitual moderate consumers can easily break off the habit. It is not necessary to prohibit its use, as it does very little harm to the consumer himself or his family or society at large. It is a very difficult question to answer as to the feasibility or otherwise of prohibiting the use of ganja. But it is very desirable that the use of it should be gradually restricted by imposing a heavier tax. Already heavy taxation has done some good, and it would be better if the tax were gradually increased—people would consume less. If its use be suddenly prohibited, there is no doubt that the people will try their best to consume it illicitly, and the result will be to send many people to jail, entailing the greatest misery to their families. Prohibition can only be enforced by gradually restricting its use. There would be serious discontentment amongst consumers if any law or order were passed all of a sudden. But I do not think this discontentment would amount to any political danger, at least in Bengal, unless taken up by the popular agitators to win the lower classes over for their own political gain. The prohibition would certainly be followed by recourse to opium. - Evidence of MR. R. L. WARD, District Superintendent of Police, Rajshahi.
33. The consumption of each of the drugs is regarded by the Buddhists with disgust. Public opinion (social and religious) is against the use of these drugs. Consumers of these drugs are looked upon as idlers, suspects, and bad characters. I am not aware of there being any custom of worshipping the hemp plant. 34. Not amongst the Burmans, except in the few cases of persons who have become habituals. In my opinion it would be a serious privation to natives of India; but this question is one for the medical witnesses to answer. 35. The use of these drugs has been prohibited for the last twenty years, and is now only illicitly consumed. Nearly all the steamers coming from Indian ports bring the drug into Rangoon. I have served in Rangoon as police officer on three occasions, and as Town Magistrate. I have also served as police officer. I have arrested men for smuggling the drug both in Rangoon and. the Henzada district. The smuggling by steamer is generally detected by the excise officers and the Port Trust Inspector. Arrests that I have made have been in houses after the drug has been landed. Smuggling is very extensive in Moulmein. There is a large direct trade with the Madras Coast by sailing boats. The Indian population is in comparison larger than that of Rangoon. There is a Madras Native Regiment in Moulmein, and they receive the drug more by post. I left Moulmein in March 1891. Up to that time arrests for smuggling were frequent, smuggling was largely carried on, and in connection with it there was a great deal of corruption among the police. The smuggling of hemp is a lucrative business ; for I remember the sepoys of a regiment subscribing to pay up a fine inflicted on one of their fellows, and the darwan of the circuit house bungalow at Henzada, who looked the poorest of the poor, paid up a fine of Rs. 200, besides having a large quantity of the drug confiscated. This man had 40 or 50 head of cattle which he could not have bought out of his pay. A horse-keeper of mine who came from Calcutta was found with a large pot of ganja, and traded in the drug at his quarters, on my premises, where, no doubt, he thought the police would hesitate to interfere with him. He also paid up his fine at once. - Evidence of MR. J. S. D. FRASER, Deputy Commissioner, Pegu.
35. Yes ; it is prohibited here. It would, I have no doubt, be consumed illicitly, but only to a small extent. The number of consumers in Burma is small I think, and no serious discontent has occurred. It would not amount to a political danger. I cannot say as regards (a) or (b) - Evidence of MAJOR B.A. N. PARROTT, Officiating Commissioner, Southern Division.
35. The Financial Commissioner has asked me to furnish you with the following information :— (i) The smuggling of ganja. (ii) The success of the system of prohibition which has been adopted in Burma. As regards point (i), I am inclined to think after a three years' experience as Deputy Commissioner of Rangoon town from May 1890 to June 1893, that smuggling has increased, and that it is due to the influx of the natives of India from the Madras side, also to the increase of native troops since the events of 1885. The records of cases tried and the experience of the Rangoon Excise and Customs officers will, I think, prove that I am in all probability right. It is now brought in, to some extent, by post, but principally in Rangoon by the crew of the British India Steam Navigation Company's steamers, who put it in floating tins, and as they come up the river somewhere about Elephant Point throw it overboard to accomplices who are on the look-out in small boats, or sampans. As regards the (ii) point, I should think, considering the fact that ganja is not used by the indigenous races of Burma, or if it is, only in very solitary instances, that the system of prohibition has, on the whole, been successful ; but it is by no means certain whether the success may not be due to the fact that the use of opium has taken its place. I cannot give any other facts to support my view. The Financial Commissioner has also desired me to give the quantity of ganja smuggled into this district during the past three years. The approximate quantity smuggled is as follows:–1890-91 . . . 254 tolas. 1891-92 . . . 267; 1892-93 . . . 1,018; - Evidence of MR. A. L. HOUGH, Deputy Commissioner, Akyab.
34. Yes, to the same extent as it would be to deprive the habitual toper of his dram. Can give no figures. 35. (a) Not in the Gurjat Mahals. (b) Yes, and with ease. (c) Only at a cost which would be prohibitive. (d) Yes. (e) No. (f) Probably to both - Evidence of MR. H. P. WYLLY, Government Agent at Keonjhar, Orissa.
33. The consumption of these drugs is regarded in an unfavourable light. The opinion in the native army also is not favourable. As the use of these drugs induces laziness, it is generally in disrepute in the army. Very few men in the army here use them. - Army, Answer No. 1.
33. The consumption of these drugs is considered a bad habit, as it is supposed to cause bodily and mental weakness. There is no custom of worshipping the hemp plant. - Army, Answer No. 3
33. There is no public opinion against the moderate use of ganja among the sepoys. - Army, Answer No. 4
33. They are practically unknown amongst the Gurkhas in our service. The native officers say they make men stupid and sleepy, or quarrelsome, and therefore they think ill of any one who uses them. - Army, Answer No. 6
33. Regarded as a vicious habit. Considered in this regiment as a misfortune, but at the same time disreputable. No such worship known. - Army, Answer No. 7
33. Opinion in the native army is decidedly against these practices, as they render men unfit for duty; but in this corps alcohol is taken much more than hemp drugs. Charas and ganja are in disrepute. The condition to which the charas and ganja-smoker is reduced, intoxication, madness and senility are sufficient to bring the drug into disrepute. Army, Answer No. 8
33. Is here considered bad and is reported to result in weakness of the lungs in old age. - Army, Answer No. 9
33. Bhang is supposed by some to be useful for disease; these drugs are not otherwise used. Opinion seems to be that ganja is bad when Used habitually, Charas worse. The disuse of these drugs may be due to this idea. There is no custom that I am aware of of worshipping the hemp plant. - Army, Answer No. 10
33. The consumption of bhang is considered less discreditable than that of ganja and charas so long as it is not taken to an extent which produces intoxication. There is no special public opinion in regard to the consumption of these drugs in the Army, but generally in the Army the consumption of these is considered as a vice, because they do harm and no good, and injure the health, because if they cannot be procured at the usual time, the excretions from the body are affected, hunger is not felt, sleep is interfered with, restlessness is produced, and there is a disinclination to work. There is no custom by which any section of people worship ganja, bhang or charas. - Army, Answer No. 11
33. The use of these drugs is considered bad and is not approved by the regiment, for they injure consumers morally (bad akhlok) and their intellect is impaired. There is in no sect the custom of worshipping these drugs. - Army, Answer No. 12
33. Ganja is smoked with tobacco in a dry state and bhang is taken with water. The use of these drugs by the consumers is considered beneficial. The hemp plant is said to be considered sacred by the worshippers of Mahadev - Army, Answer No. 13
33. Among Dogras the consumption of any of the hemp products is considered a disreputable habit on account of the known ill-effects caused when taken to excess. I can hear of no custom of worshipping the hemp plant. - Army, Answer No. 14
33. Consumption of charas and ganja regarded with distrust as affecting the brain. That of drinking bhang looked on as a stimulant. The usual apathy of Orientals is indicated by no marked opinion either way. No worship of hemp plant known. - Army, Answer No. 15
33. There appears to be no strong opinion on the subject, but the practice is not regarded with favour. There is no custom of worshipping the hemp plant by any of the castes in this regiment. - Army, Answer No. 16
33. The consumption of these drugs is not generally considered bad, but they are looked upon, rather, as an expensive luxury. There is no opinion in this regiment regarding their use. There is no custom of worshipping the hemp plant on any occasion by any sect in the regiment. - 33. The consumption of these drugs is not generally considered bad, but they are looked upon, rather, as an expensive luxury. There is no opinion in this regiment regarding their use. There is no custom of worshipping the hemp plant on any occasion by any sect in the regiment. - Army, Answer No. 17
33. Strict orthodox Muhammadans disapprove of the use of them. Others and Hindus see no harm in their moderate use. There is no custom of worshipping the hemp plant. - Army, Answer No. 18
33. The consumers of these drugs are called "ganjeris," and are looked upon much in the same way as drunkards are when they exceed. There is no custom known of worshipping the hemp plant. - Army, Answer No. 19
33. The Muhammadans condemn the use of all these hemp drugs for themselves, but they seem to think there is no harm for Hindus in using bhang; ganja and charas are condemned as harmful in themselves. The plant is not worshipped. - Army, Answer No. 20
33. Among the Mussalmans it is regarded as a vice. The Mussalmans do not worship the hemp plant. - Army, Answer No. 22
33. The smoking of charas is against the Sikh religion, but the drinking of bhang is regarded as harmless by Sikhs, unless taken in excess. Muhammadans do disapprove of charas-smoking, as they consider the habit grows on a man until he consumes it in excess. The drinking of bhang is also considered as against their religion. The hemp plant is never worshipped. - Army, Answer No. 24
33. The bhang is regarded as a stimulant to the brain, it is said, and is used by stoics and sadhus to fix their minds on religious matters only, so as not to have their minds drawn away to other matters; it is cooling and allays thirst. Ganja is considered a good deal worse than bhang; and charas is considered the worst of all. The disrepute is attributed, as in all cases of intoxicating habits, to those who take in excess; but more so those who smoke ganja and charas, even if moderately. There is no custom of worshipping the hemp plant by any sect or caste. - Army, Answer No. 25
33. Nobody in this regiment ever worships the hemp tree. - Army, Answer No. 26
33. Moderate consumers of bhang and ganja are not regarded with contempt by other men, but the charas-smokers are not treated with respect. Among the Hindus there is no custom of worshipping the hemp plant. - Army, Answer No. 27
33. The practice of using these drags is regarded as an evil. I am not aware of any sect worshipping the hemp plant. - Army, Answer No. 28
33. The use of these drugs is considered by the consumers to counteract the effects of bad water, but this is a subterfuge used for novices to induce them to the use of the drugs. It is held in disrepute, owing to their effects making a man to talk and chatter away all sorts of things. In fact the narcotic effects of these drugs will lead the consumer to become a mischievous and a dangerous character. I do not know if there is a custom of worshipping the hemp plant. - Army, Answer No. 29
33. It is considered as an ill-habit. It is generally considered a habit of disrepute. - Army, Answer No. 30
33. It is regarded as having the bad effect of prostrating both the bodily and mental faculties of those addicted to its use. The above is the opinion generally of the native army. To the rise in the exchange. There is no custom of worshipping the hemp plant. - Army, Answer No. 31
33. In the army in general they do not regard intoxication good, specially ganja and charas. The use of these drugs is not reputable. I believe no man of any religion or sect worships the plant of hemp on any occasion of festivity. - Army, Answer No. 32
33. (1) Regarded with disfavour. (2) The general idea is that a man who takes any of these drugs is more alert and wide awake when on sentry-go. (3) The disrepute is owing to the opinion that it dulls the reasoning power. (4) No custom of worshipping known. - Army, Answer No. 33
33. As generally injurious; bhang the least so, and ganja the most. I do not consider that any opinion can be said to prevail, though it is admitted that the consumption of these drugs is to be condemned owing to their hurtful effects on the system in the long run. Certain classes of Hindu mendicants regard the hemp plant with religious veneration; as they also do other plants, such as sweet basil and dhatura, and make it an object of worship, but I am unable to obtain any detailed information respecting such customs. - Army, Answer No. 34
33. From enquiry amongst the native officers of the regiment, there does not seem to be any opinion adverse or favourable to the use of these drugs amongst Gurkhas. Gurkhas do not worship the hemp plant. - Army, Answer No. 35
33. A Hindu who was notoriously apt to exceed his average consumption and to take bhang or smoke ganja to excess would certainly be despised. A Muhammadan who should ever taste bhang or smoke ganja would be despised by all his comrades. - Army, Answer No. 36
33. If anything, it is looked upon with disfavour. There is little or no sentiment attached to it. No such custom exists that I know of, or can hear of. - Army, Answer No. 37
33. The consumption of all these drugs appear to be considered disreputable in the Native Army, as a consumer is liable to take too much and become objectionable to his fellow men. Have heard of no such custom as worship of the hemp plant. - Army, Answer No. 38
33. The general opinion on the use of these drugs is unfavourable because they are intoxicating, but every one has his own particular views on some particular preparation, which he prefers. As for the opinion in the native army, there is none to my knowledge. The use of these narcotics is in disrepute because I suppose it is nothing short of vice. The hemp plant (i. e.) bhang is not worshipped, but its drinking preparation is on Shivratri festival poured on the god Shiv generally by consumers of the drug during the adoration of the deity, or puja, and even non-consumers regard it obligatory to use the drug on the occasion in memory of the great predilection the god Shiv had for the plant. - Army, Answer No. 39
39. No. On the contrary, it is more injurious as it is liable to produce faintness, or even loss of consciousness, as an immediate effect, and bronchitis or asthma as a more remote consequences. - Army, Answer No. 40
33. An habitual consumer of charas becomes slack in every sense as a soldier; his senses and perceptions become dulled, and if persisted in, he usually breaks down. Such men are naturally looked down upon by their comrades. There is no worship of the hemp plant amongst Gurkhas. Kumaonis and other hill-men on certain occasions place the hemp plant soaked in milk and sugar on the idol of Mahadeo. - Army, Answer No. 41
33. The consumption of ganja and charas is regarded as worst; that of bhang is also bad. The men in the Native Army who make use of any of these drugs are regarded as unreliable and uncertain. The use is in disrepute, because it renders men more or less useless. There is no custom of worshipping the hemp plant. - Army, Answer No. 42
33. (i) Not considered respectable. (ii) Considered discreditable. (iii) Not considered respectable. (iv) Not respectable. (i) No worship of hemp known. (ii) No. (iii) Not worshipped. (iv) Never heard of worship of hemp. - Army, Answer No. 43
33. Generally regarded as injurious if taken in excess; and people who so take it held in disrepute in Native army. Only Purbias (down-country men) it is said, worship the hemp plant. - Army, Answer No. 44
33. Consumers of ganja and charas are invariably looked down upon; not so consumers of bhang. The above may be taken as opinion of educated native gentlemen. Ganja and charas are both in disrepute, because consumer becomes so quickly insensible. No custom is known of worshipping the hemp plant in any form. - Army, Answer No. 45
33. The consumption of these drugs is considered objectionable. The Sikhs do not worship the hemp plant. - Army, Answer No. 46
33. Muhammadans condemn the use of any of these drugs. Hindus and Sikhs regard bhang as lawful. Ganja and charas are forbidden to Sikhs, and are not approved of by Hindus generally. They are supposed to be harmful. There seems to be no opinion in the Native Army generally on the use of these drugs, other than that of class and religious prejudices. I cannot hear of any custom of worshipping the hemp plant, though it is used by certain castes in the worship of Mahadeo and Sheo. - Army, Answer No. 47
33. The consumption is considered discreditable. There is no custom of worshipping the hemp plant. - Army, Answer No. 49
33. The occasional use of bhang, as a cooling drink, is looked on as in no way disreputable. The smoking of ganja and charas is considered disreputable. - Army, Answer No. 51
33. A man who consumes a moderate quantity is not thought any worse off by his companions on this account. The hemp plant is worshipped by Gurkhas and Hindustanis on the day of Shivratri. - Army, Answer No. 52
33. The consumption of bhang is considered very much as that of beer by the majority of the English people, and I consider that in Sikh, Rajput and other regiments there would be a very strong objection and very much discontent were its use prohibited. Pathans might not object or perhaps Mussalmans generally. The use of charas and ganja is held in disrepute because it ruins the constitution and makes men hopeless drunkards, while bhang is quite harmless. I have heard that there are tribes who worship the hemp plant, but cannot speak as to its truth. I have seen Brahmans and religious teachers use bhang at the holy lake of Pokar as a religious ceremony, and I believe it is used as such by Hindus generally, and to interfere with this would be intolerable to them. - Army, Answer No. 53
33. With disrepute. It is unpopular in the Native Army, for it is supposed to unfit a man for the proper performance of his duties, and those who use these drugs do so as secretly as possible. It is also popularly supposed to weaken the mental and sexual powers. Not among the Mers. - Army, Answer No. 54
33. As it is against caste custom to consume ganja or bhang, except as stated in the last answer, the use of narcotics generally is looked on unfavourably by strict adherents of the various castes. The moderate use, however, is not deprecated. Worshipping the hemp plant is unknown in this part of India. - Army, Answer No. 55
33. The practice is regarded as injurious and not approved of by Gurkhas generally. The consumption of charas is regarded as an expensive and harmful practice, and bad for the health of the consumer. There is no custom of worship of the hemp plant. - Army, Answer No. 58
33. There is a most decided opinion amongst all the native ranks that the consumption of any of these drugs is reprehensible. The sentiment of the regiment generally is opposed to the indulgence in these drugs, they being universally regarded as exercising a deteriorating and lowering effect on consumers. The hemp plant is not worshipped by any of the sects in this regiment. - Army, Answer No. 59
33. (1) Good Muhammadans look down upon a charas or ganja-smoker, it is not countenanced by them, as it is prohibited in the Koran. (2) No; not aware of any. (3) Vide No. 1. (4) No; not amongst Muhammadans that I know of. - Army, Answer No. 60
33. The consumption of these drugs by fakirs and sadhus is considered right, but the habit is considered bad in others. I learn from the native officers that the drugs are useful as medicine, but those who are in the habit of using the drugs to intoxication are unfavourably looked upon. The use is in disrepute, for those who use them injure their health, and suffer from shortness of breath, drying-up of their bodies, cough and watering of the eyes. The plant is not worshipped. - Army, Answer No. 61
33. A charas-smoker is looked on as a man of bad repute. The men generally smoke it secretly. The other men say that a smoker of charas generally loses his soldierly instincts, gets nervous, starts at the least thing, his perceptions get dim, and he loses courage. I have not been able to ascertain any custom of worshipping the hemp plant. - Army, Answer No. 65
33. The moderate consumption of bhang is generally regarded with favour, as rendering the consumer clear-headed, etc.; but the smokers of ganja are generally looked down upon by the others, even by those who drink bhang. The above opinion is pretty general in the regiment. The smoking of ganja is in disrepute, because this indulgence is believed to lead to a man neglecting his wife and family. The hemp plant is never worshipped as far as I can ascertain, but as Mahadev is supposed to have drunk bhang, it is drunk by all Hindus on certain festivals. - Army, Answer No. 67
33. There is not thought to be any harm in the drinking of bhang; it is supposed, if anything, to have a beneficial effect. The smoking of ganja is looked upon as bad and that of eharas as a worse habit. The smoking of ganja and charas is looked upon in disrepute, as it is a habit which when once acquired cannot be given up. And unless a man can get his ganja daily he is useless for work, though provided he can get his daily smoke it does not seem to do the moderate, consumer any harm. The Bengalis, I believe, worship the plant at their Holi festival. - Army, Answer No. 68
33. Consumption of all three drugs generally regarded with disfavour. A habitual consumer is regarded in the native army as unreliable. I attribute this sentiment to the knowledge, by experience, that the habitual consumer sometimes indulges in excess and loses control over his actions, and that, although he knows the evil effects of so indulging, he is unable to resist the temptation. I know of no custom of worshipping the hemp plant. - Army, Answer No. 72
33. Dogras consider the practice of eating, drinking or smoking any of the drugs as bad in every way. In the army the opinion is as adverse as can be, and no man of any authority at all would uphold it. This applies to the use of any form of the narcotic, for the simple reason that no consumer can possibly be proficient in the performance of his duties. Our men know of no custom of worshipping the plant among any sects; certainly none exists among Dogras. - Army, Answer No. 73
33. The consumption of any of these drugs is not well thought of in respectable society, and in the Native Army also an habitual consumer is regarded as an useless, lazy, indolent individual, and is styled "bhangar" or bhang consumer. The use of charas and ganja is decidedly in disrepute, partly because they are used generally by the lower classes, but chiefly owing to the demoralization, physical and mental, which they are said to produce—These drugs were apparently the chief food of the Hindu God Shiva or Mahadeo, and are therefore used by their worshippers; they are said to be much used by Hindu fakirs and sadhus, and are said to produce impotency. - Army, Answer No. 74
33. The consumption of these drugs, especially ganja and charas, is on the whole in disrepute, except when taken occasionally only and in very small quantities. Smokers of ganja are more in disrepute than eaters or drinkers of bhang, because it has a worse effect upon men. No custom of worshipping the hemp plant is known of, but only the custom referred to in No. 32 ante. - Army, Answer No. 75
33. The smoking of ganja and charas is regarded as bad, as it is supposed to have a deteriorating effect on the consumer. The consumption of bhang in moderation is not considered disreputable, as it is used to allay thirst, in the hot weather, and also to give an appetite. A person who smokes ganja or charas is looked upon as " low class," especially if a Muhammadan. A certain sect of fakirs (gosains) who worship Mahadeo hold the hemp plant in reverence, but I am not aware of any such custom amongst the natives of this corps. - Army, Answer No. 76
33. Consumption considered bad. Generally speaking adverse. Because it causes physical and mental debility. No worship of hemp plant known. - Army, Answer No. 78
33. The moderate use of any of these drugs is not looked down upon. There is no opinion in the native army in regard to the practice of the consumption of any of them, though any interference on the part of the Government in the use of them will, it is said, cause great dissatisfaction among all classes, as the use of them generally is considered beneficial and necessary. The hemp plant is not worshipped. - Army, Answer No. 80
33. The consumption of all these drugs is regarded generally with disfavour by all ranks in the native army, as they are considered debilitating and demoralising. There appears to be no custom of worshipping the hemp plant by any sects enlisted in the regiment. - Army, Answer No. 81
33. Generally regarded with disfavour. It is against the tenets of the Muhammadan religion, as tending to produce intoxication. There is no worship of the hemp plant among Mussalmans. - Army, Answer No. 82
33. The use of these drugs is looked upon with toleration, generally and by the men of the regiment. In unhealthy districts the use of bhang and ganja is considered by the men as a preventive against malaria and other diseases, but at the same time they consider that an excessive use of any of these drugs has an enervating effect. I cannot ascertain that the plant is worshipped upon any occasion. - Army, Answer No. 83
33. The consumption of either of these drugs is regarded with disfavour. The opinion in the native army is that the consumption of these drugs warps the moral fibre to a considerable extent, dulls the intellectual faculties, and thus stands in the way of a man's promotion. No custom of worshipping the hemp plant is known of. - Army, Answer No. 85
33. Some consider it a bad habit, while others regard it as a religious act to smoke ganja. We never heard of nor saw the hemp plant being worshipped by any sect of people. - Army, Answer No. 86
33. Ganja and charas are supposed to be injurious if habitual: bhang also if habitual, but useful if used only occasionally and medicinally. The above is the opinion in this battery. Habitual use is in disrepute, as the man's nerves, feelings and strength suffer thereby. No custom of worshipping the hemp plant is known of. - Army, Answer No. 88
33. Regarded by Muhammadans as intemperance. Offered to Shivaji by Hindus. - Army, Answer No. 89
33. A ganja-smoker is looked down on to a cer tain extent. Bhang is a stimulant of higher repute. The practice is looked down on as degrading by the men of this regiment. None so far as I know. - Army, Answer No. 90
33. The consumption of ganja and charas is generally regarded unfavourably, as being an unnecessary and pernicious habit. Bhang, on the other hand, is regarded as beneficial, if taken in moderation. I do not think it can be said there is any opinion in the Bombay army in regard to the practice. The men of the regiment under my command are strictly forbidden to use any of these drugs, and are apparently satisfied. There is no custom of worshipping the hemp plant on any occasion by any sect. - Army, Answer No. 91
33. (1) Askance. (2) As far as this regiment is concerned, those who use bhang or charas are ashamed of it. Why I cannot say. (3) I can find no trace of any such custom among consumers in this regiment. - Army, Answer No. 92
33. The consumption of charas and ganja is regarded in a bad light owing to its bad effects. No opinion with regard to bhang. No custom of worshipping. - Army, Answer No. 95
33. The consumption of the hemp drugs is generally regarded as a reprehensible habit. In the native army habitual consumers are looked upon as professionally useless. All forms of consumption are in disrepute, as they superinduce forgetfulness, stupidity and laziness. We are not aware of any custom of worshipping the hemp plant. - Army, Answer No. 96
33. They are forbidden by the Muhammadan religion. Nothing against it in the Hindu religion, but it is considered bad form. There is no custom of worshipping the hemp plant on any occasion. - Army, Answer No. 97
33. (a) Unfavourably. (b) If a sepoy known to be a ganja-smoker does anything wrong, others will say "what else can you expect—he smokes ganja," etc. (c) To their injurious effects. (d) No. - Army, Answer No. 98
33. In moderation, the use is not held in disrepute - Army, Answer No. 99
33. It is considered by all respectable men as a most vicious habit, and though many indulge in it that is the opinion. It makes a man unfit for his duty. None that I know of. - Army, Answer No. 100
33. No opinion in the Native Army, as far as can be ascertained. No custom of worshipping the hemp plant known to Jats. From enquiry, smoking is more injurious than drinking or eating the preparations, more especially as regards charas and ganja. Two cases have recently come under my notice of the pernicious effects of smoking. A Brahmin cook (Langrie) and a lascar suffering from the effects—contracted chest, lungs affected and general debility—have had to be discharged. - Army, Answer No. 101
33. Unfavourably regarded by strictly religious Muhammadans and Hindus. It does not appear to interfere with the men's duties as soldiers. It is in disrepute, as it is against Muhammadan and Hindu religious laws. The hemp plant is worshipped by Hindus at the festival of Shivratri. - Army, Answer No. 102
33. The use of ganja and charas is generally disapproved of on account of their demoralising tendencies. I can learn of no custom of hemp worship. - Army, Answer No. 103
33. A bhang-consumer is looked down upon as a worthless character, though the opinion in the Native Army is not sufficiently strong to make a consumer an outcast. The disrepute is due to the fact that the effects of bhang are intoxicating and stupefying. No sect worships the hemp plant, as far as is known in the regiment. - Army, Answer No. 104
33. I am unacquainted with the Native Army: the few native drivers I have under my command are so stupid, they can give me no information. - Army, Answer No. 105
33. The remainder of the men do not approve of the others using drugs. I can afford no further information. - Army, Answer No. 106
33. Natives apparently think it helps digestion. Is not in disrepute. No. - Army, Answer No. 108
33. Mussalmans regard its use in moderation even as degrading, but Sikhs and Hindus only do so when it is used in excess. - Army, Answer No. 109
33. Consumption of charas is regarded as a bad habit; bhang is taken by high-caste men without reproach. The men in the Native Army consider the taking of drugs a bad habit, as ganja and charas affect the lungs and bhang causes dyspepsia. The hemp plant is not worshipped. - Army, Answer No. 110
33. (1) It is no disgrace so long as taken in moderation. (2) It is a luxury amounting almost to a necessity. (3) No disrepute attached to it unless taken to excess. (4) The hemp plant is not held in any veneration. - Army, Answer No. 113
33. I have always heard that the consumption of these drugs is small amongst rustic population whence recruits are drawn, and that they regard the use of them as bad for the physical powers. - Army, Answer No. 114
33. It is looked upon as disgraceful, and the man who does so is looked upon as untrustworthy. This, I believe, is the opinion of natives in general— certainly in the army. I cannot hear of any custom of worshipping the hemp plant, and doubt its existence in the Panjab. In India there is nothing noxious not worshipped by some one. - Army, Answer No. 115
33. Immoderate consumers are in disrepute; moderate consumers, who are men of discretion, are not in disrepute. The consumption of the drugs is considered a bad habit. Mussalmans will not eat from the vessels of a consumer, because they consider them defiled, and on this account all Mussalman consumers are in some disrepute. No sects acknowledge to any worship of the hemp plant. - Army, Answer No. 116
33. All regiments have a standing order against use of these drugs, and punish for it. It is generally considered a disgraceful practice in the army as well as elsewhere, because only the lower orders consume these drugs and a man who becomes addicted to these drugs becomes useless and besotted in intellect, careless of his appearance and useless as a soldier I have never known the hemp plant to be worshipped. Generally the consumer's eyes will indicate the use of the drugs. They become yellow, blood-shot and watery, and have a staring dazed glassy look. - Army, Answer No. 117
33. (1) Regarded by some as a necessity, by reason of its being an old custom. (2) No. (4) Is in disrepute regarding those who take them in excess, attributable to the sentiment that those who take these drugs in excess are useless as bread-winners. (5) Not known. - Army, Answer No. 119
33. It is looked down upon. In this regiment a man is thought little of who is a habitual consumer. No particular person is more than another looked down on. Worshipping not practised. - Army, Answer No. 121
33. Very unfavourably. The men who indulge are looked down on as generally useless, and the use of bhang is generally supposed to be quite enough explanation for bad work. There is no custom of worship of the hemp plant. - Army, Answer No. 122
33. As a matter of habit. The natives consider that it is a bad practice to use charas, as producing chest affections. The same applies to ganja, but in a lesser degree. No. - Army, Answer No. 125
33. In moderation the use is not held in disrepute. - Army, Answer No. 127
33. I do not think there is much opinion in the Native Army about the practice. Use of one form not more in disrepute than another. The man who plants a ganja tree and the man who cuts it for use, is worshipped. No woman may go near a ganja tree; if she do, the flower, they say, dies, and the flower is the drug. They do not appear to worship the plant itself - Army, Answer No. 128
33. (1) It is generally regarded as a luxury, and is used by the consumers chiefly as a stimulant. (2) There is no strong feeling regarding the use of any of these drugs in the native army. (3) Nil. (4) No custom of worshipping the hemp plant. - Army, Answer No. 129
33. As far as I can ascertain, people rather look askance at the consumers of these drugs in this presidency, and their use is considered as disreputable in the native army. - Army, Answer No. 130
33. (a) As hurtful to mind and body, but yet habit supersedes this. (b) Yes, the practice is said to make soldiers very indolent. (c) I am unable to say. (d) Yes, on the last day of the Holi festival the Rajputs and Mahrattas worship bhang. - Army, Answer No. 131
33. Consumption regarded as bad. Practice regarded as bad. The use of any form of narcotic is generally in disrepute, on account of ill-effects it produces when taken in excess. Hemp plant not worshipped by any sects of people. - Army, Answer No. 132
33. The consumption of these drugs is regarded as more or less disreputable according to the amount indulged in, though there is no objection to a moderate consumer in the Native Army. Their disinclination to state whether they use these drugs shows that they are ashamed of it. Excessive use renders a man lazy and dull-minded and an indifferent soldier. If his physical and mental deterioration were known to be due to his own imprudence, the sepoy is liable to a reduction of pension. - Army, Answer No. 133
33. The consumption of these drugs is regarded as medicine for travellers, as they say that if these drugs are used, the climate of the foreign countries does not affect them injuriously. The practice is deprecated by native officers, as it makes men lazy and stupid; taken in excess causes intoxication. Never worshipped. - Army, Answer No. 134
33. (i) That the consumption of ganja is bene¬ ficial to those who require stimulants to enable them to work; that of bhang is the opposite. (ii) The custom is not approved. This seems to be a general opinion on the subject. (iii) I can attribute no reason. (iv) I cannot ascertain any such custom. - Army, Answer No. 135
33. The moderate use of these drugs does not appear to carry any stigma, but the excessive use of any or all of them is distinctly regarded with disfavour among native soldiers. Generally speaking the habitual use of any or all of these drugs may be said to be unfavourably regarded owing to the danger of excess. The reason for this is that an habitual excessive consumer cannot be regarded as mentally or morally a reliable man. The smoking of charas is in my opinion the worst and most disreputable form of indulgence owing to its production of perhaps a more violent, sudden and certain mental disturbance than is produced by the other uses of the drug. - Army, Answer No. 137
33. The use of ganja and charas is condemned as harmful: the opinion is that the men are better without it, as taken in excess often leads to homicidal mania. In this regiment bhang is drunk, as Sikhs cannot smoke the drugs neither can they worship it, as it would be an act of idolatry prohibited by their canons. - Army, Answer No. 138
33. (a) As a bad habit. (b) The opinion of the native officers is against the use of these drugs. (c) and (d) Because the native officers say any man addicted to these drugs is a useless man on service or in his fields at his home. (e) None known by any one in this regiment. - Army, Answer No. 139
33. The consumption of each of these drugs is generally regarded as highly injurious. In the native army there is a very decided opinion that even a moderate consumption of these drugs is injurious. The use of the narcotic in any form is in disrepute, because its ill-effects, in the way of causing neglect of duty and madness, if the drug be taken constantly in excess, are so well known. I have not been able to ascertain that there is any custom in the Panjab of worshipping the hemp plant. - Army, Answer No. 140
33. Generally regarded unfavourably, and similar opinion exists in the native army, in which a man known to be addicted to drugs would not be considered a good soldier. I know of no custom of worshipping the hemp plant. - Army, Answer No. 141
33. The consumption of these drugs is generally very indifferently regarded, and no opinion seems to exist in the native army in regard to the practice. It cannot be said that the use of any form of narcotic is generally held in disrepute. There is no custom of worshipping the hemp plant, but its leaves are placed in places of worship by the Hindus, during the Shivratri festival - Army, Answer No. 143
33. The consumption of all these drugs is considered a bad habit; this is the opinion of the native officers and non-commissioned officers I have consulted. Bhang-consuming is more in disrepute than ganja-smoking. I am told that formerly, the Hindus used to worship the hemp plant, the same as they do the tulsi plant now. - Army, Answer No. 143
33. The consumption of these drugs is considered generally to be bad for the health in the long run by the natives. It is customary on the Shivratri festival for ganja-smokers to repair to the temple of Mahadeo and there smoke ganja. - Army, Answer No. 144
33. The consumption of bhang is looked upon with much favour by the Sikhs, as it enables them to undergo the vicissitudes of change of climate without harm, also to undergo privations, and as an appetiser. The Muhammadans are against the use of all intoxicants; they are prohibited in the Koran. There is no custom of worshipping the hemp plant. - Army, Answer No. 145
33. (1) With disfavour. (2) None in the regiment; in the army favour¬ able, if not practised to an excess. (3) Vide answer to question 25. (4) Not worshipped by any sects in the regiment or in this part of India. - Army, Answer No. 146
33. As harmless if taken moderately; not dis¬ graceful if not exceeded in. Exhilarates in the same way as drinking spirits up. To a certain point: use of this narcotic not in disrepute. No custom of worshipping the hemp plant. I believe the effect to be the same whether the plant be smoked or swallowed; the injurious effect depending rather on the quantity smoked or swallowed. Am inclined on the whole to think that smoking is the more injurious method, as the drug acts sooner when inhaled. - Army, Answer No. 147
33. The consumption of each of these drugs is generally regarded as harmful. This view is commonly held by men in the native army here. The use of any form of the narcotic is generally in disrepute, because those who make use of it are considered low in the eyes of the generality of the people. There is no custom of worshipping the hemp plant in this part of the country. - Army, Answer No. 152
33. The consumption of each of these drugs is generally regarded as a defect in the moral character, and the use of any form of the narcotic is generally in disrepute. No one in the regiment worships the hemp plant. - Army, Answer No. 153
33. As very objectionable. Yes, that it is objectionable as likely to be injurious to health. I know of none. - Army, Answer No. 154
33. The custom in the Madras army is prohi¬ bited, when serving in Burma. Consumers are always looked upon as useless men, owing to their becoming out of health and lazy and slack. - Army, Answer No. 156
33. Viewed with indifference. Worship of hemp plant not known - Army, Answer No. 157
33. With regard to the first three queries, I am informed that men who do not consume these drugs rather look down on those who do consume them, probably for the same reason that they look down upon consumers of intoxicating spirits. With regard to the fourth query, not that I know of. - Army, Answer No. 158
33. It is looked upon as a bad habit, apparently because it is generally a lazy and indifferent soldier who goes in for it; whether he would have been a better soldier without it I cannot say. - Army, Answer No. 159
33. Bhang is so little used in the regiment that I do not think that any decided opinion has been formed for or against it. - Army, Answer No. 160
33. As these drugs are not used by the classes in this regiment, they naturally despise a man for using them. There are no sects in this regiment who worship the hemp plant as far as I know - Army, Answer No. 161
33. All consumers of these drugs are generally regarded in the regiment with suspicion as being incapable of any deeds of valour or prowess, except when under their influence, and dangerous to society in general when excited by them. There is no tendency to worship the hemp plant. - Army, Answer No. 162
33. The consumption of these drugs seems to be generally regarded as injurious. As far as can be ascertained, the use of any form of the narcotic does not seem to be in disrepute. It is not known whether certain sects of the peo¬ ple worship the hemp plant on certain occasions. - Army, Answer No. 163
33. The witnesses say that those of them, or rather natives in general who take these drugs, think it a good habit, and those who do not, think it a bad habit. They think that if a man uses a narcotic in excess he gets into disrepute, but the man who makes a moderate use of a drug does not get into bad repute. See answer to 32 for latter part of this question. - Army, Answer No. 164
33. As there are so very few in this regiment, there is no general opinion in this regiment on these subjects.
No such custom among Gurkhas. - Army, Answer No. 165
33. As prejudicial to health and reputation. It is generally believed that the practice is bad. It is generally considered that the use of these drugs brings ruin on the persons consuming them; hence is in disrepute. I am not aware of any such custom. - Army, Answer No. 166
33. The consumption of any of these drugs is considered baneful. It is thought in the native army that the practice of using any of these drugs arose from the belief that a beneficial effect is obtained in warding off ills arising from malaria, and that the use of any stimulates to bravery and to drive away ennui, and hence sickness. The use of any form of the narcotic is in disrepute, because the user is unfit for any duty physi¬ cally, socially or morally, just as an Englishman given up to drink is regarded. Nothing is known of any custom of worshipping the hemp plant. - Army, Answer No. 167
33. The consumption is apparently regarded unfavourably. I have not had enough intercourse with the native army to say. I have heard of no custom of worshipping the hemp plant. - Army, Answer No. 168
33. The consumption of these drugs is consi¬ dered a bad habit in the native army, and opinion is against their use. There is no custom known of the hemp drug being worshipped. - Army, Answer No. 169
33. Those who exceed arc looked down on, as habitual drunkards by Europeans. No opinion against moderate use; there is no custom of worshipping the hemp plant. But when partaking of ganja or charas a small portion is put aside as an offering to the God Mahadeo. - Army, Answer No. 170
33. It is not considered disreputable except when carried to excess. There is no custom of worshipping the plant. - Army, Answer No. 171
33. As regards my regiment, it is not considered wrong to take bhang, but taking ganja and charas is considered a bad habit, because they excite the brain and weaken the body. They do not worship the plant itself. - Army, Answer No. 172
33. The consumption of these drugs is general¬ ly looked down upon in Madras, and the native army shares this opinion. I attribute the sentiment holding these drugs in disrepute to the deleterious effect they have upon the men. In the Madras presidency there is no custom of worshipping the hemp plant - Army, Answer No. 173
33. There is no opinion in this regiment con¬ cerning the consumption of drugs. It is only so far in disrepute that it is harmful to body and mind. None whatever as known in this regiment. - Army, Answer No. 174
33. The consumption of any of these drugs is, in Gurkha regiments, altogether disapproved of and discountenanced. The use of any form of the narcotic is generally held in disrepute amongst Gurkha soldiers, as being conducive to loss of brain and nerve power, waste of stamina and physique, and as being calculated to unfit a man's nerves for the strain and excitement of battle. There is a very sacred Hindu shrine at Ambarnath in Kashmir, and men of the regiment who have visited it have been directed to present pieces of the hemp plant as part of their offerings to Shivji. - Army, Answer No. 175
33. (1) Unfavourably. (2) and (3) Among the Muhammadan portion, regarded with aversion. Ditto. (4) The teachings of the Koran among Muhammadans. (5) Among Brahmans residing in the east of India (Benares, for example) it is worshipped and offered to Mahadeo. - Army, Answer No. 176
33. There is a distinct opinion against the use of these drugs, as they are held to render a man useless and irresponsible. I know of no custom connected with the worship of this plant - Army, Answer No. 177
33. Regarded with total indifference. The general opinion is that the consumption is injurious. The consumption of ganja and bhang may be said to be in disrepute, as it is always secret. There is no custom of worshipping the hemp plant. - Army, Answer No. 179
33. Ultimately harmful; temporarily strengthening. Opinion as above. To the accepted idea that if used it is an increas¬ ing habit until constant excess is attained. I cannot say for certain; but I believe on certain occasions certain classes of Hindu women led away by imagination reverence the plant. - Army, Answer No. 180
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. - Army, Answer No. 181
33. Entirely disapproved of generally. There are no such festivals known - Army, Answer No. 182
33. It is not thought honourable to smoke ganja, and this is the opinion of the majority of native soldiers. People who smoke ganja become lazy and careless regarding their duty, work, etc., and this is not thought to be right. There is no such thing as the worship of the hemp plant, but when people are smoking they often recite odes in honour of Mahadev and to their Gods. - Army, Answer No. 184
33. Moderate consumption of these drugs is regarded in much the same way as moderate con¬ sumption of alcohol by Europeans. None. - Army, Answer No. 185
33. It tends to lower a man in the estimation of his friends. The regiment consisting mainly of Sikhs, does not interest itself much on the subject, as so very rarely any case of smoking or drinking these drugs occurs. No worshipping the hemp plant is customary. - Army, Answer No. 187
33. The moderate use of ganja and bhang is favourably regarded in the Native Army by the Hindus. The use of charas is in disrepute, because it stupefies a man's intellect. The sect of Hindus called Shaivas worship the hemp plant always, and there is a Sanskrit "sloke" in praise of the hemp plant, which is called "Vijya," meaning giving victory. - Army, Answer No. 188
33. This is regarded unfavourably, as when men take it to excess they are a nuisance to their neighbours and hence the whole of ganja-smoking people are branded with the same stigma. Please see answer to question No. 32. - Army, Answer No. 189
33. Generally with some contempt. There is certainly, and it is that they care for their respect and like to remain master of their actions. The experience of persons conducting themselves in a disreputable way when under the influence of any of the narcotics. Worship of the hemp plant is not at all known here. - Army, Answer No. 190
33. The moderate use of drugs is generally ad¬ mitted, but if taken in excess, those so addicted, are not respected. Any use of drugs in excess of 11 grains per day is considered wrong and leading to the loss of faculties. - Army, Answer No. 191
33. They are highly esteemed by sanyasis, bairaigis and fakirs and those associated with them. In the Madras Army the practice is generally disliked. Bhang makes a man sleepy, heavy and apathe¬ tic. Ganja and charas are not so powerful in their effects as bhang; they produce stupefaction to a less extent. The hemp plant is said to be worshipped by a sect of Hindustanis by the name of Maha Dhyoo. - Army, Answer No. 192
33. (a) It is regarded with disapproval; the feeling in the corps is against it. (b) There is an idea that the smoking of ganja has a weakening effect on the brain. (c) The Indian hemp, annabis I ndica or cannabis satira, is not indigenous to this part of the country, and there is no custom of worshipping it known in the corps. - Army, Answer No. 193
33. A man who takes any of these drugs is not in any way looked down upon amongst Mahrattas. But with Muhammadans he is considered untrustworthy. There is no custom of worshipping the hemp plant among either caste. - Army, Answer No. 194
33. Generally looked down upon. It is con¬ sidered unhealthy, and many people consider that smoking ganja has ruined many families. Ganja smokers are considered to be most disreputable on account of the condition to which its use reduces them. The hemp plant is not worshipped in this part of the country. - Army, Answer No. 195
33. It is regarded as a bad habit. There is no special opinion in the Native Army on this sub¬ ject. It is generally in disrepute. By using these drugs, the men as a rule get a little intoxicated, which causes slackness and loss of discipline. There is no custom of worshipping the hemp plant that I know of. - Army, Answer No. 196
33. The use of bhang in moderation is not consi¬ dered bad, while the use of ganja and charas is generally considered as deleterious to health. No custom of worshipping the hemp plant is known. - Army, Answer No. 197
33. The consumption of bhang and ganja is not approved of by respectable natives. Nothing is known in the regiment regarding charas. An idea seems to exist that ganja-smoking is beneficial when men are on foreign service as in Burma, or when they march about a camp, and the water is not good. Mussalman law forbids the use of intoxicating drinks, and hence Mussalmans disapprove of bhang. No one in the regiment worships the hemp plant - Army, Answer No. 199
33. No experience in regard to the native army, but camp transport followers, chiefly Mussalman, who happen to be on the march with the battery, state that absolutely no custom prevails of wor¬ shipping the hemp plant, and that preference is given to the use of bhang. - Army, Answer No. 200
33. It is repudiated by all ranks. It is in disrepute, because the use of any of these drugs makes a man irresponsible. None of the regiment worship the hemp plant. - Army, Answer No. 201
33. The consumption of ganja and charas is considered highly injurious. They are said to have a bad effect on the brain. The consumption of bhang is supposed to be very beneficial as an appetizer in the hot weather. It is also supposed to remove the bad effects of unwholesome water, but must only be taken in very small quantities. Ganja and charas are in disrepute for the reasons given above. There is no custom of worshipping the hemp plant known - Army, Answer No. 203
33. I hear from my Sikh officers that large consumers are not thought much of, and immoderate users are supposed to become stupid. By Am Hindus have a custom of making offerings of the drug to the image of Mahadeo, who they say ordered them to use it. - Army, Answer No. 203
33. The use of the narcotic is in disrepute, due occasionally to its being partaken of to excess - Army, Answer No. 204
33. Amongst the Sikhs no smoking of any kind is allowed, hence any drugs which require a pipe are prohibited: consumption not considered by Sikhs and Hindustanis, in moderation, wrong. Not if taken with milk or melon-seeds, etc. No. - Army, Answer No. 205
33. (a) I cannot say. (b) It is very hard to get any one to admit habitual consumption of any drug, so I presume the habit is regarded with disfavour. (c) As above. (d) I cannot say. (e) Not admittedly. - Army, Answer No. 207
33. Practice generally looked down on and condemned, because it is supposed to deaden the senses. None worship the plant - Army, Answer No. 208
33. The drug itself, generally, is in disrepute, because it is recognised to be frequently harmful. Charas is regarded as the worst form of the narcotic. I am unable to ascertain whether the plant is worshipped or not on occasions. - Army, Answer No. 209
33. Hindus do not look at it generally as very disreputable. The Muhammadans do, and the Sikhs never touch it. In the native army it is offensive, as tending to make a man lazy and stupid. We have no knowledge of the worship of the hemp plant. - Army, Answer No. 210
33. It is not thought well of in the native army. Smoking it is considered worse than eating it, owing to the smell it creates and to the stronger effect it causes. - Army, Answer No. 212
33. The consumption of bhang is not regarded as disgraceful among the Sikhs, but consumers of charas are held in disrepute, due to the cough and spit, and disgraceful smell and irritability of such. Nothing is known of worshipping the hemp plant. - Army, Answer No. 213
33. Officially, no doubt, taking the cue from western prejudice, the opinion is against these drugs; but privately it is accepted as an indul¬ gence which if not carried to excess, need cause no disability. Smoking ganja is looked on much in the way some Europeans do on cigarette-smoking, i.e., ruins the chest and causes dyspepsia, which will lead to weakness and unfitness for work. Some Uriyas enlisted from Ganjam speak to the hemp plant being worshipped in parts of that district, but can give me no details or reasons beyond that it is considered a source of strength - Army, Answer No. 214
33. Consumers are generally held in contempt, on account of the physical weakness caused by indulging in the use of these drugs. No such custom exists, so far as can be ascertained. - Army, Answer No. 215
33. The general opinion appears to be that excessive use brings the consumer into disrepute, but not otherwise. I cannot hear of any such custom - Army, Answer No. 218
33. Men who take these drugs in excess are held in contempt, especially charas or ganja, as the brain is affected and the blood dries up. Mahadeo is said to have created the hemp plant, and when Hindus take any of these narcotics, they call upon him. Otherwise there is no worship of the hemp plant. - Army, Answer No. 219
33. The practice is discountenanced. In opinion of native army, the practice is considered injurious, as it tends to stupefy the intellect. None known in the regiment. - Army, Answer No. 220
33. The use of each of these drugs is now-adays generally regarded with contempt. There is no opinion in the native army here in regard to the use of either bhang, charas or ganja. There is no custom is this place of worshipping the hemp plant. - Army, Answer No. 221
33. No men in Madras worship the hemp plant on any occasion. The consumption of these drugs, except medicinally, is not looked upon with favour. - Army, Answer No. 222
33. It is generally regarded as disreputable. - Army, Answer No. 224
33. An unfavourable opinion seems to exist with regard to the use of the drugs. Men who use them appear to be unable to resist taking more and more, until the habit becomes a necessity and a frequent necessity; this dulls their senses, and for this reason their brother sepoys seem to regard the practice unfavourably. - Army, Answer No. 225
33. Some consider it disreputable. Not among any sepoys in the regiment. - Army, Answer No. 226
33. It is generally disliked. - Army, Answer No. 227
33. The consumption is generally regarded as derogatory. Not in this regiment. - Army, Answer No. 228
33. I have no experience in this regiment. - Army, Answer No. 229
33. I have never heard any opinion expressed, as these drugs are only used occasionally by a very few individual - Army, Answer No. 230
33. There is no opinion in regard to the use of bhang in this army. Its use is not justified by the religion of any one. Nor is there any custom of worship. - Army, Answer No. 232
33. In the regiment it is regarded with dis¬ favour, and I am informed by all I have asked that it is not only so in my regiment but that a similar opinion holds throughout the Madras army. That in Southern India even in the villages a ganja-smoker or eater and bhang-drinker is generally looked on with disapprobation. I understand that a Madrasi, be he Mussalman or Hindu, invariably goes away to consume the drug in secret, either alone or with another consumer (this latter case very rare). That he will never openly use it before others. This is not the case with the Hindustanis of Bengal in the regiment, who use it openly As well as I can ascertain, the use of the narcotic is in disrepute, as it is not the custom in Madras and is looked on as a bad habit. There seems to be no custom of worshipping the hemp plant as far as I can find out. Certainly none among the sects to be found in Southern India. - Army, Answer No. 236
33. Consumers of these drugs often say that those who habitually travel from place to place use bhang in order to avoid the disagreeableness of the climate. Ganja and charas-consumers are always seen to be suffering from debility, asthma and other such diseases, and their complexion is also impaired. These drugs are generally very harmful for the army, for he who uses them is always lazy, while military men should always be active and strong, so that they may discharge their duties with satisfaction. All these drugs have nothing good in them, but bring disgrace to the consumer. The consumers of these drugs are often seen to be weak, suffering from asthma, and emaciated. If doctors be consulted as to the use of these drugs, they will surely detail the diseases arising from their use. None has been seen or heard to worship the hemp plant - Army, Answer No. 234
33. What is peculiar in these drugs is that who¬ ever uses them is so overpowered with sleep in an hour or two that he becomes altogether forgetful. Hence the use of such drugs by military men is to be strongly reprobated. Ganja is productive of the worst effects. The hands and clothes of one addicted to its use give a nasty smell, while one under its influence talks nonsense. I have not heard of any custom of worshipping the hemp plant. - Army, Answer No. 235
33. The use of these drugs should never be al¬ lowed among native forces, because the consumers? become weak, inactive and inattentive to their duties. The use of bhang is regarded with contempt; of ganja still more; and of charas the most. On the occasion of Shivratri, Hindus think it propitia¬ tory to offer bhang to their God Shivji. - Army, Answer No. 236
33. No opinion can be expressed, but still the use of these drugs is not considered good. The brain is deranged and the redness of face utterly vanishes away by the use of these drugs. So, on the whole, it makes the man contemptible. It is the Shiva's hemp, and is used in his worship. - Army, Answer No. 237
33. As one or two hours after taking the drug the consumer goes into a sound sleep and becomes quite senseless through its effects, it is not advisable to allow its use among the native army The use of ganja is most degrading, because the consumer's clothes and hands remain dirty and give out very offensive smell. There is no custom of worshipping the hemp plant. - Army, Answer No. 238
33. Evidently there is no benefit in using these drugs, and no opinion can be formed by the native army. As these drugs produce intoxication, hence the consumers often become degraded: for instance one drinks bhang or any other intoxicant; he talks nonsense and appears to be a madman. These intoxicants make the consumer coward. The Hindus consider bhang the plant of Shiva, but it is difficult to decide whether the people worship it or not. - Army, Answer No. 239
33. What is most peculiar in these drugs is that whoever takes them falls so fast asleep in an hour or two that he becomes quite forgetful of every thing. Hence the use of such drugs in native forces is very objectionable. Bhang-worshipping has neither been seen nor heard. - Army, Answer No. 240
33. As ganja and bhang are soporiferous drugs, and make the consumers lazy, it is unadvisable to allow the use of these drugs in the native regiments. It is a well-known fact that the use of these drugs is degrading for the consumer, therefore it is nothing but foolishness to form the habit of their use. There is no custom of worshiping the hemp plant on any occasions. The only custom that exists is the one that has been mentioned opposite question 32, but of these drugs ganja is the most degrading, because the hands and clothes of the consumers give nasty smell. - Army, Answer No. 241
33. The use of these drugs is generally regarded with disfavour. The soldiers commence the use of the drugs in order to become fearless, and it is necessary for them to be so in time of war, but in the end the consumers lose their lives and destroy their health. Nobody has been seen or heard as worshipping the hemp plant. - Army, Answer No. 242
33. The use of these drugs by employés and laymen is degrading for them. It is, moreover, physically and socially injurious for them. It is equally injurious to military men, as it brings on bronchitis, cough and asthma while on drill. - Army, Answer No. 243
33. The use of these drugs by employés and laymen is degrading for them. It is, moreover, physically and socially injurious for them. It is equally injurious to military men, as it brings on bronchitis, cough and asthma while on drill. - Army, Answer No. 244
33. There is no fixed opinion about it. The Hindus generally neither like the use of the drug nor dislike it. No one worships the hemp plant. - Army, Answer No. 245 (a)
33. The use of this drug is generally in disrepute. It is also forbidden. No Hindu worships the hemp plant, only bhang is used by some Hindus in hot weather. - Army, Answer No. 245 (b)
33. It is condemned by the public because it leads to quarrel and strife. Regarding its worship nothing is known. - Army, Answer No. 246
33. The public at large have no good opinion about these narcotics. Some think these substances, having the power of stimulating digestion, giving energy and bravery, might be used by the native army with advantage. In my opinion the public disapprove of the consumption of these narcotics because they think it a vice. I am not aware of any custom of worshipping hemp plant on any occasion by any sect of the people. - Army, Answer No. 247
33. When moderate it is regarded neither good nor bad. There is no settled opinion about the practice. The use of any form of the narcotic is in disrepute. There is no custom of worshipping the hemp plant on any occasion. - Army, Answer No. 248
33. Some men regard bhang and ganja useful, and they are medically used for their good properties. It is also considered in the native army that the moderate practice of bhang and ganja is beneficial and encouraging. - Army, Answer No. 249
33. A man who consumes these drugs is gene¬ rally regarded in the same light as a man who exceeds in drinking of alcohol without being an actual drunkard. The excessive use of any form of the narcotic is not regarded with favour, as it is considered to have a bad effect on a man's physical and mental powers. The witnesses do not think that a moderate use does much harm. There is no custom of worshipping the hemp plant known in these parts. - Army, Answer No. 250
33. As injurious. Universally deemed a bad practice. Do not know. None that I know of. - Army, Answer No. 251
33. In the native army it is considered to be degrading to get intoxicated; and the use of hemp drugs as an intoxicant is looked on as that of the poor and lower orders. There is no custom of worshipping the hemp plant or drug, as far as I am aware. - Army, Answer No. 252
33. As injurious. In general disrepute. It renders a man weak, and here is only used by men of a low caste. - Army, Answer No. 253
33. The use of bhang protects the consumers from the bad effects of unwholesome water, and that of charas is in winter beneficial to some extent; but their noxious effects surpass the bene¬ fits. The consumers of bhang become weak, emaciated and lazy, and the use of charas produces aridity which may develop into insanity, and also make the consumers destitute, consequently public opinion in the native army is against the practice, as the men in military service should always be bold and alert. The clothes and hands of the smokers of charas give a nasty smell. I have not heard of any custom of worshipping the hemp plant, but on the Shivratri festival the Hindus, indeed, shower the bhang leaves and flowers on Shiva. - Army, Answer No. 254
33. The use of these drugs is regarded with dis¬ favour. There is no opinion in its favour in the native army. I am informed that long ago, when the army had to cross a mountain of a considerable height, the men used charas to protect themselves from severe cold. The use of charas is generally in disrepute, because the beginners often lose their intelligence and become obstinate. Ac¬ cording to my personal experience the use of charas causes asthma and bronchitis. The hemp plant is worshipped by the followers of Shakat religion, as it is compulsory for them under the Bijya Kalp Shastra to worship the plant. - Army, Answer No. 255
33. The use of these drugs is not regarded with favour, and in my opinion their use in the native army is anything but good. The use of the narcotics is generally in disrepute, for the following reasons:— (1) The consumers of ganja and charas generally suffer from bronchitis, and dryness of blood. They become pale and unfit for work. (2) The consumer of bhang cannot discharge his duty while under the influence of the drug. Bhang is offered to God Shiva by the Hindus. - Army, Answer No. 256
33. The use of these drugs is considered to be harmful. Supposing a man addicted to the use of one of these drugs could not get his dose at the fixed hour, he would then surely feel serious pri¬ vation and be unfit to attend to his duties (until ho satisfies his craving). Military men dislike the use because the consumer looks like a madman, and quarrels under the influence of the drug taken by him. The use of the drugs is good for mendi¬ cants and beggars, who have no worldly affairs to look after. - Army, Answer No. 257
33. None of these drugs is regarded with favour in the native army. In my opinion the use of these intoxicants is not in disrepute. The consumers may be worshipping the hemp plant, but the custom does not exist among us. - Army, Answer No. 258
33. The use of these drugs is regarded with contempt. The consumers look pale and become unfit for hard work. In my opinion the use of narcotics in the military service should be prohibited as far as possible. Their use is anything but good. The consumers generally lose their intelligence and do not care even about their family or honour. As far as I know, the hemp plant is not worshipped by any sect of the people. - Army, Answer No. 259
33. The use of charas is generally regarded with disfavour, and it is smoked by menials only, viz., syces, coolies, etc. Moderate consumption of bhang is not considered bad, as it is a cooling beverage in the summer. The hemp plant is not worshipped here. - Army, Answer No. 260
33. The use of ganja and charas is viewed with contempt, as it leads to evil consequences. Bhang, however, is not disliked by Hindus, but its excessive use discountenanced. There is no custom of worshipping the hemp plant. - Army, Answer No. 261
33. The consumption of these drugs is usually looked upon as a matter of disrepute. - Army, Answer No. 262
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