Questions on the subject by the Indian Hemp Drugs Commission 1895
3. In what districts of which you have knowledge does the hemp plant grow spontaneously? Mention any in which it is abundant.
6. Is the growth of the wild hemp ordinarily dense, or scattered?
7. Is there any cultivation of the hemp plant in your province— (a) for production of ganja; (b) for production of charas; (c) for use as bhang?
8. If there has recently been any considerable increase or decrease in the area under such cultivation, state the reason.
12. Have you any reason to suppose that the (so-called) wild hemp is anywhere specially cultivated for the production of ganja? If so, give the names of the districts or tracts in which this occurs, and your opinion as to the extent to which the practice exists. Is the male plant extirpated in such cases?
13. (a) Is the cultivation of hemp plant for ganja restricted in your province? If so, to what districts? Why were they selected? If not restricted, is the cultivation common to all districts? 13(c) Is there any part of your province where its cultivation would be impossible?
My thoughts on the subject
Six major questions in the Indian Hemp Drugs Commission survey of 1895 asking about the areas of cultivation, questions spread across the survey and framed in different ways but essentially asking the same thing, which is where the plant is cultivated or growing naturally. The questions appear innocuous and part of a process of wider understanding of the plant's growth and geographical spread. Then why so many questions on the same subject spread across the questionnaire? If we look at the predetermined objective of prohibiting the plant that is so clearly expressed as one of the aims in the resolution that established the Indian Hemp Drugs Commission, then it becomes quite obvious that these questions are of paramount importance to the administration. Only when you know where the plant is growing and thriving can you take effective measures to curb its growth, contain it and destroy it on a large scale. If some of the less enthusiastic respondents to the survey miss out or choose not to answer one or more instances of the question, they are still likely to respond to one of the other instances. Like multiple traps laid out in numerous places to capture the prey, or using a shotgun to kill, these questions appear to have been spread out within the survey in enough places to ensure maximum information is received.
Points 25 to 88 in the report summary look to address the areas of spontaneous or wild growth of the cannabis plant. Points 92 to 150 cover the extent of cultivation. These points also touch upon the extent of home growing. From these points it should be self evident how the ruling entities had already set about in their objective of suppressing cannabis, including its home growing, through increased regulation and legal coercion. What was already the rule in British territories was slowly being extended to other Indian jurisdictions. The report summarizes that the total extent of cannabis cultivation across the country was not more than 6000 acres in 1893. This however does not cover the ubiquitous home cultivation of cannabis. Individual witness statements give an idea about the extent to which cannabis was an important aspect of many homes. They also show how the administration zealously went about creating fear in the minds of the people through prosecution of individuals for home growing, often at the behest of licensed cannabis monopoly traders who turned informers. A very striking point that emerges from the evidence provided by witnesses, comprising largely of magistrates and other law enforcers, is that the home growing of cannabis was not against the law in many places. It was only the trading of cannabis without license that was illegal. Licensed monopoly cannabis traders and many local law enforcers however managed to create fear in the minds of the people, bolstered by illegal prosecutions of some individuals for home growing, convincing most people that home growing was illegal. This maintenance of ambiguity regarding home growing has continued to this day and is sewn into the fabric of the NDPS Act of 1985. Even though the home growing of cannabis for personal use falls well within what can be considered personal medicinal, scientific and religious purposes, most individuals believe that it is illegal to grow a cannabis plant at home. The fear and legal overreach has been maintained to this day through illegal prosecutions of individuals for the benefit of the alcohol and the synthetic drug industries that have replaced licensed cannabis monopoly vendors, besides benefiting the black market that works in cohorts with law enforcers who themselves use the ambiguity for extortion from unsuspecting individuals fearing prosecution.
150 years later, when we look back, we can see the damage that was subsequently caused in the war on cannabis in India, a war that still rages on, especially against poor farmers, indigenous communities and minorities. It will hardly be surprising if the information available here is used by today's administration, working in tandem with the same unscrupulous forces as in the past, to initiate new assaults on the cannabis plant and its users, while society remains in a stupor of alcohol, opium, legal and illegal synthetic drugs. It is possible to use the information in the report to compare the extent of cannabis growth today, wild or cultivated, with that prevalent in the 19th century to gauge the extent to which cannabis prohibition has reduced the areas of cannabis growth. It can also serve as a baseline to try and understand the cannabis plant varieties that have gone extinct in the last 150 years. Anybody skeptical about the pervasiveness of cannabis in India in the
19th century, and the way in which the administration slowly and
systematically went about choking it, is advised to go through the
sections below.
AREAS OF WILD GROWTH AND CULTIVATION
The summary of evidence in the Indian Hemp Drugs Commission's report of 1895 says the following:
25. The Commissioner of Excise, Bengal, says in his memorandum that "the wild plant is found in nearly every district, and it grows abundantly in several places." The evidence enables the facts to be stated more definitely; and it will be seen that over a large part of the province the spontaneous growth is not so common or abundant that it can with any propriety be called wild.
The Patna Division north of the Ganges.
26. The Terai region of Bengal appears to resemble that of the North-Western Provinces in having a luxuriant growth of hemp. Beginning from the frontier of the North-Western Provinces, the evidence leaves no doubt that the spontaneous growth is extremely common and plentiful in that part of the Patna Division which lies north of the Ganges. The only witness who raises any doubt on this point is Mr. Williams, Collector of Darbhanga; and he describes the growth as much less common than in Assam, though plentiful on the borders of Nepal. The evidence generally, however, cannot justify any exception being made of the Darbhanga district.
The Bhagalpur Division.
27. Eastward from Patna lies the Bhagalpur Division, the region from which the bhang supply of Calcutta is brought. A special inquiry was made in this tract, North Bhagalpur and Purnea, by Mr. B. C. Basu, Assistant to the Director of Land Records and Agriculture, at the request of the Commission. Mr. Basu does not seem to have explored the waste lands of the Terai; his inquiries relate solely to the populous parts of the country. He says that the growth as a rule "is confined to land in the immediate vicinity of raiyats' holdings. Such land is usually called dihisar in Purnea and Bhagalpur, and is naturally the richest in the village." He says further on that these lands are used as standing ground for the cattle, and that "the washings from them flow over the alleys and ditches in the village; and as there is little or no cultivation at any time of the year, every bit of bare ground which is otherwise suited is covered with a luxuriant mass of wild hemp as soon as the cold weather has set in." The Commission would have been glad to learn more about the lands at a distance from houses. The Collectors of Purnea and Bhagalpur, while confirming Mr. Basu's account, report that the growth springs up notwithstanding that the lands may have been flooded for 3 or 4 months in the rains. It is not confined to waste lands, but comes up with the crops which are sown after the inundations have subsided. It is specially abundant within the influence of the floods of the Kosi river. It is clear then that the growth about homesteads and cultivation is extremely plentiful; and, looking to the whole evidence, the probability is that towards the Terai the wild growth is found in less close association with man, and in great quantity in suitable positions and soils. The Collector of Bhagalpur reports that in the Banka Sub-division, which lies on the south of the Ganges, the growth is not so plentiful, and is found principally on homestead lands.
The Rajshahi Division.
28. In the Rajshahi Division the Terai is still credited with heavy growth, and the northern parts of the Dinajpur and Rangpur districts are specially mentioned; but elsewhere evidence as to abundance has a more uncertain sound. Babu Abhilas Chandra Mukharji, 2nd Inspector of Excise, says that the wild bhang grows luxuriantly all over the division. But this sweeping statement is not generally corroborated. Witnesses do not agree that the growth is abundant, though the fact that there is no licensed sale leaves no doubt that it exists in sufficient quantity to supply the people's wants. The district of Malda, which adjoins the Rajshahi district on the north-east, and is favourably situated as regards proximity to the great bhang-producing district of Purnea, does not appear from the evidence to have much spontaneous growth. It seems probable that the exceptionally favourable conditions associated with the Himalayas and Terai cease at the point where the Ganges swings round the Sonthal highlands, and that a straight line drawn from Sakri Ghât to a point on the southern fringe of the Garo Hills would mark the limit of a less abundant growth.
The Dacca and Chittagong Divisions.
29. But there is evidence that the growth is still common south of this line and east of the Ganges and Bhagirathi, more so under the Garo Hills and along the course of the Brahmaputra than elsewhere. It is hard to realize an area of wild growth quite so large as that mentioned by Babu Abhilas Chandra Mukharji, viz., twenty square miles covered with long grass and hemp plants. Mr. Luttman-Johnson, talking of this very tract, Durgapur thana, says he saw the plant growing more or less thickly over twenty or thirty acres. Babu Abhilas Chandra Mukharji mentions many other places in Dacca and Mymensingh where the plant grows abundantly, and the Collector of Dacca corroborates his evidence regarding the south-west corner of that district. It is evident that in these districts the growth is very prevalent. Sarat Chandra Das (47) says that the growth is dense in places in the Chittagong Division, but he cannot say that it is abundant in any district.
The central part of Lower Bengal.
30. In the whole tract lying between the Brahmaputra and the Bhagirathi rivers, and bounded on the north by the imaginary line from the Ganges to the Garo Hills, the evidence as to the abundance of the growth is discrepant. The growth is probably most common on the banks of the Ganges and Brahmaputra.
South-Western Bengal bounded by the Ganges and Bhagirathi.
31. In the Patna and Bhagalpur Divisions south of the Ganges, and in the Burdwan, Orissa, and Chota Nagpur Divisions, the spontaneous growth is evidently very scanty. The plant is only found where its existence can be accounted for. In this respect the area resembles the southern fringe of the North-Western Provinces.
The Tributary States of Orissa.
32. The Tributary States of Chota Nagpur and Orissa are included in this description. Regarding the Garhjat, Mr. Worsley, Commissioner, reported in 1889: "I think it is very doubtful if ganja grows wild to any extent in the Tributary Mahals." And again Mr. Hopkins, Officiating Commissioner of Orissa, wrote in April of the same year: "The prevailing impression that ganja grows wild in the Tributary Mahals appears to me to be wrong." It is true that the Board of Revenue and the Government of Bengal declined to accept this opinion, but it is confirmed by the information gathered by the Commission. The Officiating Superintendent, Tributary Mahals, says indeed in his report that hemp grows in all parts of the Tributary States, but in his oral evidence he says he feels sure that the plant does not exist except in the enclosures of houses.
The Political States of Chota Nagpur.
33. Regarding the Chota Nagpur States, the evidence of the Commissioner, Mr. Grimley, does not describe any but a very occasional and sparse growth in certain places, and even this is not corroborated by any local witness. There will be found on the contrary distinct statements that the wild plant does not exist. The reports from the Seraikela and Kharsawan States in the Chota Nagpur Agency do not mention the existence of the wild growth.
Kuch Behar.
34. The memorandum of the Kuch Behar State reports that wild hemp grows spontaneously in most parts of the State. The State lies within the belt of Sub-Himalayan growth.
Hill Tippera.
35. The report from Hill Tippera makes no mention of the wild growth. It states at the same time that there is no cultivation of the plant. This is incorrect, for there is evidence of some cultivation as well as smuggling from the State, and the wild hemp is frequently referred to in connection with it. The evidence of smuggling comes from Assam as well as Bengal. It is probable that the wild growth is not very extensive, and the information is not sufficient to warrant a decided opinion as to whether the plant sows itself or merely springs from chance seeds dropped near the homesteads.
Assam.
36. The hemp plant grows spontaneously and in considerable quantity in all parts of Assam, including the Brahmaputra and Surma Valleys and the Hill Tracts. One witness states that the wild plant used to grow in Assam before the ganja shops were established, and this would appear to be the fact, because the plant is cultivated on the Himalayan slopes overhanging the Brahmaputra Valley; it is found growing without cultivation in the hill ranges, and in the Naga Hills it is looked upon as a jungle product.
The wild growth in the valleys.
37. The Excise Commissioner, Mr. Driberg, has served in the province for thirty years. In his written answers he passes in order over all the hill ranges within and surrounding the province, and concludes by saying that they are all ganja-producing tracts. And referring more particularly to the plain country, he says: "The hemp plant grows with equal abundance in all the districts of the province, and in the semi-independent hills beyond the frontier. It is never seen in forests or other lands remote from villages, but always near villages or on abandoned village sites . . . . In the interior, remote from tea gardens and the settlements of foreigners, it is not found. So in regard to fields, it is found chiefly where there are foreigners." On the other hand, Dr. Macnamara (20) states that he has found the plant in Assamese villages far away from places where there are foreigners; but it would be difficult to get a place in Assam very far from the gardens. Mr. McCabe, Deputy Commissioner of Kamrup, being questioned about efforts that may have been made to control this spontaneous growth, says that no attempt has been made to exterminate the plant in the hills or in unoccupied lands, but any officer seeing a plant in occupied land is bound to cause it to be uprooted and to prosecute— presumably if there is any appearance of the plant having been cultivated,— and that there is now practically no growth in occupied lands. He is of course speaking of his own district. He says further that the quantity of growth in waste lands is very small and has a tendency to decrease with the spread of occupation, and that active measures of extermination are not necessary. In face of other evidence, it is questionable if this can be accepted as a correct picture of the state of the spontaneous growth in the plains. It is certain that the weedy growth in yards and enclosed ground as well as in the waste places connected with habitations, present or past, is extremely common even in Kamrup. Mr. Gait, Director of Land Records and Agriculture, after appearing before the Commission, has sent notes with reference to Mr. McCabe's statements, in which he writes that he found the plant growing luxuriantly round the Kamalpur rest-house and within a mile of the one at Tambulpur, which were two of the four camps he stayed at since he entered the district; and he was beginning to think that, if properly looked for, it would be found in almost every village in Kamrup. From the fact that he always found it close to basti land, he was inclined to think that, if it was not actually planted, it was very actively tolerated. Dr. Mullane also says that "in the Kamrup district the hemp plant springs up spontaneously in almost every patch of cultivated ground." Without accepting Mr. Gait's opinion that the growth is fostered by the villagers, the Commission think from the body of the evidence that his description of the prevalence of the growth in Kamrup is not far from the truth, and that with but slight modification it will apply to every plain district of Assam. Regarding the Surma Valley, confirmation of this view is found in the evidence of Mr. Luttman-Johnson (Bengal, 6), an officer of long experience in Assam.
The wild growth in the hills.
38. Neither is there any reason to doubt that the plant grows without cultivation in the hill tracts within and bordering on the province. It is cultivated in the Bhutan Hills, and cannot but run wild there, as it does in other places which are thoroughly congenial. Mr. Driberg speaks of not only the Himalayas, but all the hill ranges within and bordering Assam, as ganja-producing tracts, and it is highly probable that the plant has to a greater or less extent run wild in all of them. Mr. Luttman-Johnson knows it grows wild in the Naga Hills and Bhutan, but thinks it must be from seed accidentally sown. He has seen it wild in the Khasi Hills and in the Mymensingh jungles, presumably at the foot of the Garo Hills. Mr. Godfrey (1) believes it grows wild in the Khasi Hills. Mr. McCabe (5) has seen it wild in the lower ranges of the Naga Hills. It may be doubted if the smuggling which is carried on from the hills in all parts of the province to the plains can be of the wild ganja as stated in the Excise Commissioner's memorandum, for the produce of the wild plant is of very inferior quality, and it can be got in the plains. The smuggled plant must have been to some extent cultivated, but its existence in the hills is a decided corroboration of the evidence that the wild plant is found there also.
The spontaneous growth must be regarded as wild.
39. It is difficult then to avoid the conclusion that Assam, including both the Brahmaputra and Surma Valleys, with the hill ranges which form part of the province, ought to be classed with the Himalayas and the Terai as a region in which the spontaneous growth has run wild.
Manipur.
40. There is only one Manipur witness, and he says nothing about the spontaneous growth. Mr. Driberg classes the State as a ganja-producing tract, whence the drug is surreptitiously brought down to the plains. No other witness gives direct evidence about Manipur; but the prevalence of the spontaneous growth in the hills bordering the State on the Assam side, which is taken to be proved, justifies the inference that the growth must also be common in the State itself.
North-Western Provinces.
41. The Government of the North-Western Provinces caused enquiry to be made about the growth of bhang in the year 1883. The Excise Commissioner then reported as follows: " The hemp plant grows wild, and is made into bhang in the fourteen districts (Dera Dun, Pilibhit, Saharanur, Gorakhpur, Muzaffarnagar, Terai, Naini Tal, Bijnor(Kumaon), Budaon, Kheri, Moradabad, Bahraich, Bareilly, Gonda.) The hemp plant is cultivated, and the cultivated hemp is made into bhang in the three districts (Farakhabad, Garhwal, and Hardoi)." In the memorandum furnished to the Commission by the present Excise Commissioner, Mr. Stoker, the districts of Muzaffarnagar and Budaon are omitted from the list of districts in which the wild growth is found, and Basti and Garhwal take their place. It is stated, however, that the produce is considerable in Muzaffarnagar, Shahjahanpur, and Meerut. In connection with the cultivation in Hardoi and Fatehgarh, the Excise Commissioner remarks: "It is supplemented to some extent by self-grown plants produced about wells or houses and on small waste patches and head lands." Mr. Stoker then refers to the accidental growth in other parts of the province in these words: "Beyond these districts the hemp plant flourishes widely, though it is not produced in sufficient quantities to render it of any commercial importance. I would not venture to assert that it is always of purely indigenous growth, though its wide diffusion leads me to believe that this is the case. It may be seen growing about wells and temples, and in such places it is, no doubt, the produce of seeds scattered by travellers and fakirs who use hemp drugs. It is also found in and about houses and in gardens, where it is either introduced in the same way or deliberately sown. In all these cases I think the plants, if not the result of cultivation, are knowingly permitted to grow, and are subsequently used by the people who live in those places. The plant may also be seen springing up in a scattered way in waste places and low lands." It has been shown in the previous chapter that there is no purely indigenous growth of hemp, and that this description cannot be correctly applied either to the plant in the area of wild growth or to that in the tracts with which Mr. Stoker is dealing when he uses the expression. But the distinction must not be lost sight of between the area in which the plant is so prevalent as to deserve the character of wild and the reputation of propagating itself, and that in which it is more scantily distributed and springs from seed sown accidentally by man. The former area comprises the Himalayan regions and the districts lying immediately below the mountains. The following observations of Mr. Stoker include the latter area: "In some districts the amount produced by these forms of sporadic growth is considerable, and the constant source of complaint by the drug contractors who have the monopoly of the vend. These conditions obtain, broadly speaking, to a greater or less extent in all parts of the province lying north and east of the Jumna." The Excise Commissioner then describes an area of very scanty spontaneous growth: "In Bundelkhand and most of Mirzapur—in fact, in all the country in and adjoining the hill system of Central India—the plant is much more rarely found. But that it can be grown, and with some perfection, in this tract also is shown by the occasional presence of plants and by the existence of considerable cultivation in Gwalior and in some of the Bundelkhand Native States which interlace with British territory." Thus the belt of hilly country along the south of the province is still less favourable to the spontaneous growth than the plain north and east of the Jumna.
42. The evidence tendered to the Commission confirms this description generally; but it may be noted that not a single witness speaks to spontaneous growth in the districts named in the margin, all of which, except Jhansi and Hamirpur, lie north and east of the Jumna. This absence of mention does not prove that the spontaneous growth does not exist, but it justifies the conclusion that in the central belt it is certainly not such as to deserve the character of wild, and that Mr. Stoker's description gives it as much of that character as it deserves. This central belt is approximately bounded on the north by a line drawn through Muzaffarnagar, Moradabad, Bareilly, Shahjahanpur, and Sitapur to Bahramghat on the Gogra, and thence following the course of that river. Throughout the country lying beyond this line, including the mountains, the spontaneous growth is abundant. It is bounded on the south and south-west by the Jumna river, beyond which the spontaneous growth is rare. (The evidence corroborates the official account - Bulandshahr, Fatehpur, Mathra, Hamirpur, Agra, Allahabad, Mainpuri, Jhansi, Etawa, Benares, Etah, Azamgarh, Budaon, Unao, Cawnpore, Rai Bareli)
Garhwal Tehri.
43. The State of Garhwal Tehri comprises the Himalayan region west from British Garhwal, and there is no reason to suppose that its circumstances as regards the spontaneous growth of the hemp plant differ in any way from the latter district. The Diwan of Tehri gives 2,500 to 4,000 feet as the elevation at which the plant flourishes. Other evidence shows that it grows freely beyond these limits.
Rampur.
44. The Rampur State stretches south from below the Terai district. The Revenue Member of the Council of Agency writes that the spontaneous growth is found in the north and north-eastern part of the State. There is nothing to differentiate Rampur from the British districts lying east and west of it in respect to this growth.
Punjab.
45. The hemp plant grows spontaneously throughout the Himalayas, and in a broad belt along the foot of the mountains. The growth is so free and vigorous that it may without impropriety be called wild, and it does not appear to differ in extent and character from that of the similar region in the North-Western Provinces. Its prevalence seems to be most notorious in the districts of Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur, and Jullundur, because the bhang contractors draw their supplies from, these districts; but witnesses, many of them of high authority, such as the Commissioner of Rawalpindi, speak to its existence in greater or less profusion throughout the submontane districts from Peshawar to Umballa. Contradiction may occasionally be found regarding the density and abundance of the growth, but about its frequent occurrence in this stretch of country there can be no doubt. It has been seen that in other provinces it is the habit of the plant, when it finds itself established in a suitable home like the Terai, to grow very densely and in patches of considerable size, and the Commission are inclined to accept the evidence of those whose statements are in agreement with this knowledge.
46. The growth decreases in frequency very rapidly as the Himalayas are left behind. It appears, however, from the evidence to maintain its hold in the Amritsar, Lahore, Karnal, and Shahpur districts further south than in others. As regards three of these districts, special reasons for this persistence may be suggested. Shahpur is watered by the Jhelum, which appears to carry an exceptionally heavy growth on the banks of its upper reaches. Amritsar is not only the great market for bhang as well as charas, but it is the head-quarters of the Sikh religion, and the former drug is largely consumed by the followers of that faith. It seems to be a regular drink or refreshment with the visitors to the Golden Temple. When members of the Commission visited the city, a dense growth of bhang flourished over a large area in the outlying parts of the public gardens and countless plants in the hedgerows surrounding the city. The seeds discarded from the large quantity of bhang that is daily consumed in the city sufficiently account for this growth, and it is probable that the ways leading to Amritsar from the country round are sown with hemp in the same way. The plant is probably propagated in the same manner, but to a less degree, around Lahore, the capital town of the province, and the head-quarters of the Administration. East of Umballa and Karnal the bhang-bearing belt appears to widen out, and its southern boundary would probably pass across the Karnal district.
The supposed wild hemp of the Suleiman Range.
47. The Excise Commissioner reports that "the supply of bhang is derived from the wild hemp plant which grows within the province in the submontane tracts under the Himalayas and the Suleiman Range." The evidence, it has been seen, corroborates the statement as regards the Himalayan tract. But it does not do so for the Suleiman region. The existence of the wild growth is not mentioned in Kohat or the Derajat Division. Witnesses (60) and (19) make statements which need explanation. The former says, speaking of the Dera Ghazi Khan district: "In the hill tracts of my ilaka the wild hemp grows here and there to a small extent, but no one consumes it. Sometimes budmashes, however, administer it from evil motives to another person without his knowledge." And again—"The wild hemp is known in this country by the name of 'kohi bhang,' and cultivated hemp is called bhang only." The statement itself is open to doubt for two reasons: it is unlikely that the true hemp, though growing wild, should not be consumed, and the uses to which the kohi bhang is alleged to be put point to a much more potent drug. The explanation will be found in the answer of Mr. Dames (9), whose experience has been gained especially in the Derajat. He writes: "There is a plant known as kohi bhang found along the beds of torrents in the Suleiman Hills, the leaves of which are said to possess strongly intoxicating properties. This plant is certainly not a Cannabis, but I am unable to state what its genus is. It looks like a solanaccous plant. Its growth is scattered, and it is not found in great abundance anywhere." There can be no doubt that this is the plant to which witness (60) refers. It is in all probability the same as the akoe of Sind, which is proved to be Hyoscyamus muticus of the solanaceous order. The same plant is referred to by witness (36) in his oral evidence as kuyi, growing in a valley 50 miles west of Dera Ismail Khan. Witness (19) is not a very exact observer, and when questioned in detail about his knowledge of the wild plant travels away to the Umballa district. Witness (24), an Excise officer, mentions the kooi (i.e., kohi), doubtless the same Hyoscyamus, as being imported from Kabul and Kandahar. The same witness gives the name of another hemp plant as badal, saying that it is known to grow in the Waziri Hills about 50 miles to the west of Dera Ismail Khan. He describes its leaf as being as broad as that of the madar, which shews that this also is not the true hemp.
Spontaneous growth in the plain country.
48. Witness (41) mentions the wild plant as growing scantily on the banks of canals and in waste places in the Delhi district, and its occurrence in one tahsil of the Firozpur district is stated by another witness. These statements may very well be correct, but they do not imply a growth which can properly be called wild in the sense in which the word is now being used, but only a casual and accidental growth. One or two witnesses talk in a general way about spontaneous growth in all districts.
Area of wild growth defined.
49. It will be a safe conclusion to say that the wild growth is only to be found in the Himalayas and in a belt of country under those mountains which is very narrow at Peshawar, and gradually widens as it approaches the North-Western Provinces. Self-sown hemp plants may be found elsewhere, but there is no tendency for them to run wild outside the above tract.
Punjab States.
50. The wild growth occurs in the Himalayan States, and those of which any part lies within the Sub-Himalayan bhang-bearing belt. No State shows any peculiarity in the capacity for growing wild hemp. The Hill States are numerous, and need not be named. Kapurthala and Patiala are the only States in the plain country from which the spontaneous growth is reported, and it will doubtless be found in those parts of the States which fall within the Punjab tract of wild growth. Patiala has a considerable area of territory in the Himalayas, where the wild growth will be found to exist. The Bahawalpur witnesses say that occasional plants are found in graveyards—a not unlikely locality for such growth when there is sufficient rainfall—as there are generally takias in connection with them to which fakirs resort.
Central Provinces. The wild growth does not exist.
51. There are only two witnesses in the Central Provinces who depose to having seen the hemp plant in spontaneous growth. One is Mr. Lowrie, Deputy Conservator of Forests, and he can only name one village. The other witness (52), Malguzar and Honorary Magistrate, saw it when ganja was allowed to be cultivated in his neighbourhood. Several witnesses make general statements, more or less of a hearsay character, that the plant springs up on heaps of village refuse from seed accidentally dropped. Mr. Drake-Brockman and many non-official and official witnesses, who ought to know, including Mr. Robertson, who has charge of the Nimar district, where ganja is cultivated and the escape from cultivation would be likely to occur, make more or less positive statements that the spontaneous growth is not to be found. The growth observed by Mr. Lowrie is the same kind of stray growth which is reported by other witnesses without having been actually seen. It was not in the jungles, and had probably sprung directly from seed thrown out of the houses. It is evident that in the Central Provinces the spontaneous growth does not occur, except very occasionally, as a weed in the neighbourhood of villages from seed accidentally dropped in suitable soil, and that there is no tendency for this spontaneous growth to reproduce itself.
Feudatory States.
52. There is no evidence that the plant grows spontaneously in the Feudatory States. The spontaneous growth, however, probably exists just as it does in the Province proper.
Madras.
53. It seems clear that the spontaneous growth does not prevail in any part of the Madras Presidency to such an extent as to have led to the idea that the plant is wild. The Government memorandum states that nothing is known about the extent of the wild growth; and Mr. Benson, Deputy Director of Agriculture, has only seen some references to its existence in the northern district. The Commissioner of Salt, Abkari, and Separate Revenue, replying to the direct enquiry of the Commissioner of the Orissa Division on this subject in his letter No. 529-Mis., dated 11th May 1887, was unable to say whether the hemp plant grew wild. This is remarkable because the plant has always been cultivated as a regular field crop in various parts of the Presidency; the desultory cultivation in yards is common in certain localities; there are highlands in all parts of the Presidency which would apparently be suitable to its growth without cultivation; and the use of the drugs among the jungle people and the coolies of coffee and tea gardens is by no means unfrequent. The want of official knowledge of it is a fairly strong indication that the wild growth does not exist, or exists only in inconsiderable quantity.
54. It is only in the hill regions, such as the zamindaris of Ganjam and Vizagapatam, the Javadi Hills, the Shevaroys and other ranges in the Salem district, the Nilgiris and Wynaad, and the Palni Hills, that there is any reason to suspect spontaneous growth on at all an extensive scale. And the suspicion is not strong, for it has only been possible to elicit from one witness a description of the growth which agrees in any degree with what has been learnt about it in Northern India. This witness is Mr. William Robinson, Missionary, and his evidence must be discounted by the admission that "I am singularly deficient in the power of differentiating plants, but the smell of the hemp plant is well known to me." On the whole it is probable that the growth which this witness saw in the Shevaroy Hills was really hemp, but that he has frequently been deceived by other weeds, of which there are several, which bear a certain general resemblance to it. As to the abundance of the growth in the Shevaroys, he is to some extent corroborated by witness (189), who appears to be a practical man, and to speak from personal observation. But his observation is not recent and his statement is not in a convincing form. Other witnesses talk of the spontaneous growth as abundant in the Ganjam Hill Tracts and the South-East Wynaad, and even in the Ceded Districts; but there are equally good witnesses on the other side. The District Forest Officer of North Malabar, who appears to be of a careful and observant habit, says he has seen the spontaneous growth in the Travancore and Tinnevelly Ghâts and in the Wynaad, but it was always in the neighbourhood of cultivated plants. He says distinctly: "I have never seen the plant wild where there was no cultivated plant near." He describes the situation which appears to be suitable to the wild growth, and the growth itself as scattered. This is probably the best witness in Madras on this subject. Mr. Long (149) says that he has sometimes seen a few plants growing together which people told him had sprung up spontaneously; but the most important of such patches of growth appeared to him to have been cultivated.
55. The general conclusion must be that the dense and widespread growth does not exist in the Madras Presidency, but that throughout the Presidency the chance and scattered growth on refuse heaps near villages or in other exceptionally favourable situations, such as old cattle-folds or coolie lines, may occasionally be found, and more commonly in the hill tracts than in the low country.
Travancore and Cochin.
56. There is information from Travancore that "in some hilly tracts where the seed was once sown by Kanikars, hillmen, a succession of plants appears to have been kept up without fresh plantation. This, however, is not strictly wild or spontaneous growth." The District Forest Officer of North Malabar has also spoken of the spontaneous growth in the Travancore Hills. This is all the available information on the present subject regarding this State. It seems certain that such spontaneous growth as does exist is not extensive; that it is intimately associated with cultivation, past or present; and that, though it may possibly succeed in occasionally reproducing itself, there is no marked tendency for the plant to run wild.
Sondur, Banganapalle, and Pudukottai.
57. There is no information about spontaneous growth in the minor Madras States. Their conditions are not in any way different from those of the Presidency generally, and the same extent of spontaneous growth may be expected to exist.
Bombay.
58. The spontaneous growth is found occasionally in the districts where the plant is cultivated, especially Ahmednagar. It is said by one or two witnesses to occur also in the highlands of the Southern Maratha Country. But in no place does it appear to be either dense or frequent, being represented only by scattered plants on the refuse heaps about villages. Many intelligent witnesses, who have evidently bestowed great care on their inquiries, state positively that the spontaneous or wild growth does not exist, or are silent on the subject. Mr. Dodgson and Mr. Cumine mention its occurrence in the Dangs, but only as occasional plants. This is a country of forests and hills and scattered hamlets far removed from observation, and having a copious rainfall. The same description applies to the whole of the Western Ghâts, and the plant might be expected to run riot in these regions if it were inclined to do so. The Excise memorandum reports that the spontaneous growth does not exist.
Aden.
59. The plant does not grow spontaneously in Aden according to the report of the Political Resident.
Kathiawar.
60. The plant does not grow freely from self-sown seed in any part of the Kathiawar Agency. A few plants may be found occasionally in fields or gardens or near irrigated crops. They seem to be generally more or less tended where they do exist. They are said to occur sometimes in grass preserves, but the evidence is of the weakest kind.
Cutch.
61. Cutch lies between Sind and Kathiawar. As there is no spontaneous growth in either of the latter provinces, it is unlikely that there should be any in Cutch. The Political Agent's report mentions none.
Palanpur.
62. The report of the Chief Minister of Palanpur, the principal State in the Palanpur Superintendency, states that "wild hemp is found to a very insignificant extent in this State." There is clearly no extensive growth, that which is referred to being probably the few plants that spring from chance seed. This description may be held to apply to the whole Agency.
Mahi Kantha. Rewa Kantha.
63. No spontaneous growth is reported from the Mahi Kantha or Rewa Kantha Agency.
Kolhapur and Southern Maratha Country.
64. The Diwan of Kolhapur reports that "the wild plant is not grown in that State." In the smaller States of the Agency there is some cultivation, but no wild growth. There may be a rare spontaneous growth from chance seeds, but nothing more.
Various States.
65. The only native territory in which the hemp plant is definitely stated to grow wild is the Dangs, and there only a few isolated plants. The language used by the Diwan of Cambay is ambiguous, but it at all events leaves no doubt that the spontaneous growth is quite unimportant if any exists; and the Superintendent of Police says that the wild plant is not found in the State.
Sind. The supposed wild hemp of the Baluch Hills.
66. The spontaneous growth is not reported to occur in the valley of the Indus. Many witnesses speak of a plant called ekoi or akoe occurring in the hills on the western frontier of Sind as wild bhang. Specimens of the plant have been submitted to Dr. King of Calcutta and Mr. Woodrow of Poona, and pronounced by both to be Hyoscyamus muticus. It is said to be very much more potent than hemp, containing the alkaloid hyosyamine, an isomeride of atropine. Under the name of kohi bhang, "hill bhang," its intoxicating properties are well known to the natives, and it is stated to be smoked like ganja, and sometimes used in the same way as dhatura to facilitate robbery; and its use has occasionally been suspected in the Punjab and Baluchistan, where it is common (Pharmacog. Indica, Vol. II, page 631). The statements describing it as wild hemp are made in confident language, and often with some circumstance as to the manner in which it came to be accidentally sown in the hills. The words ekoi and akoe are probably short forms of bhang-i-kohi, or "bhang of the hills," which is the name used by some persons in the Punjab as well as in Sind. The Commissioner in Sind doubted the existence of the wild growth in the Baluchistan Hills as reported to him, and himself submitted specimens of ekoi to Mr. Woodrow with the result stated.
No wild growth in the Indus Valley.
67. It is doubtful if the spontaneous growth occurs anywhere in the province, because the rainfall of the Indus Valley is extremely light and the mountains on the western frontier are very arid. Even growth on the rubbish heaps near houses is unlikely on account of the want of water. It is probable that the almost total absence of rain counteracts the favourable conditions which might from the experience of Upper India be supposed to exist in the periodical floods and irrigation from the Indus.
Khairpur.
68. The hemp plant does not appear to grow spontaneously in the Khairpur State.
Berar.
69. Under the regulations in force in Berar, the village officers are held responsible that all ganja of spontaneous growth is uprooted, and the cultivation of the plant is only allowed after license has been obtained. By these arrangements the spontaneous growth appears to be successfully kept under; for only one witness out of 38 can be found to say that it exists, and it may be doubted if he refers to the same plant.
Ajmere-Merwara.
70. There appears from the memorandum of the Commissioner, Ajmere-Merwara, to be no spontaneous growth of any importance —"Here and there a few plants grow spontaneously." The witnesses do not speak of any such growth. Plants that spring up in this way are up-rooted or made over to the contractor. There is evidently no dense growth of a wild character.
Coorg.
71. The Commissioner of Coorg is "doubtful whether wild hemp is actually found, but hemp springs up in the coffee gardens, near coolie lines, and near the huts of the wild tribes, and no one owns to its cultivation. A coolie in weeding the coffee will try to avoid pulling up the plant unless his master happens to be looking." The evidence of two witnesses describes a growth round about huts whose spontaneous character is doubtful, for it seems to be generally tended. A few chance plants may spring up of themselves in such places as are indicated above, but there is no wild growth of the dense character known in the north of India.
Quetta-Pishin.
72. No wild or spontaneous growth is reported from any part of Baluchistan. The witnesses do not know of its existence.
Burma.
73. Ganja was made contraband in Lower Burmai n1 872-73. In that year large seizures of ganja illicitly brought from Upper Burma were made, and witness (19) states that Upper Burma was the chief source of supply in those days. This being the case, with the known tendency of the plant to run wild, the apparent suitability of Upper Burma to the growth of the plant, and the fact that the ganja-supply has by no means totally ceased notwithstanding the prohibition, it is remarkable that the evidence of the existence of the spontaneous growth should be so uncertain as to make it doubtful if it is to be found in any of the settled districts except as a very occasional weed.
74. The Deputy Commissioner of Mergui alone mentions any extensive growth, and there are internal reasons for distrusting his statements. He no doubt made the acquaintance of the plant during his service in Kumaon, but he seems to have left that district over fifteen years ago, and his memory may not have served him. He talks unscientifically of the indigenous wild plant, which shows that he cannot claim to have made any study of the plant. The Burmese name he gives to the plant, "pi-san-bin," the literal translation of which is apparently "net-rope plant," is not used by any other witness. A rich alluvial loam, a climate hot and damp, and a low level are not, as far as the information given to the Commission teaches, conditions favourable to the spontaneous growth of hemp or to the development of its fibre. In his second paper he writes that the Siamese use the cultivated variety of hemp, which suggests that he is talking of some plant in which the distinction between wild and cultivated forms is more marked than is the case with Cannabis. He was unable to procure specimens of the plant in June in reply to the request of the Commission reporting that the plant was not in growth at that season. Under these circumstances, this evidence must be regarded as falling far short of proof. The Commissioner of Pegu (2) had the plant pointed out to him growing outside three villages in Upper Burma among the rubbish heaps. He would not have known the plant if it had not been pointed out to him. The Commissioner of Akyab mentioned the scanty and scattered growth in his division of a plant which the Chittagonians call boil ally, and which he supposed to be a species of wild hemp. He has kindly sent specimens of the plant in answer to a request from the Commission, and they are found to belong to two species of Sida, viz., Sida spinosa, L., and Sida carpinifolia, L. These plants have no narcotic properties. The Commissioner of the Eastern Division, Upper Burma, who has been at some pains to make enquiries, and the Deputy Commissioner of Mandalay can give no information of the wild growth, though both have apparently come across cultivation of the plant. The Deputy Commissioner of Toungoo mentions the wild growth as existing, though not abundant, in Prome and Shwebo. The Inspector-General of Police in an expedition north-east of Bhamo found that his men were getting some kind of ganja from the Kachins, who gathered it in the jungles. A specimen of the ganja from these hills has been examined, and consisted merely of leaves and tops of the plant rolled into balls, and showing no signs of cultivation or preparation. A District Superintendent of Police states that in Upper Burma the plant is often seen growing near villages.
75. The evidence cannot be accepted as showing more than a casual growth in the neighbourhood of villages, which could easily be accounted for. It can neither be extensive in any particular case, nor can the cases be very numerous. Except the doubtful report from Mergui, there is no evidence of any tendency in the growth to reproduce itself and spread. These remarks apply to the settled districts only. The plant probably has run wild in the Kachin country and in the mountain ranges adjoining China, Assam, Manipur, Lushai, and Tippera.
Mysore.
76. The report of Mr. McDonnell, Special Assistant Excise Commissioner, shows that hemp sprung from chance seed is often found in all the eight districts of the Mysore State; but it does not appear to be abundant anywhere or more frequent in one district than another. The seed thrown away on dust heaps finds its way with the manure into fields and gardens. It is reported both from Mysore and Bangalore that when such plants are discovered they are uprooted, and that prosecutions are instituted if there is evidence of their having been cultivated. One informant states that abundant growth is to be found in three districts; but, with this exception, the official account is generally confirmed, and may be accepted as correct.
77. Memoranda have been received from the States of the Rajputana Agency named in the margin (Rajputana, Kerowli, Kotah, Alwar, Jhallawar, Dholpur, Jeypore, Jaisalmir, Jodhpur, Kishengarh, Jaisalmir, Jodhpur, Bikanir, Bundi, Tonk, Serohi (only table), Shahpura). The wild hemp is only mentioned as occurring in four of them, viz., Jhallawar, Jeypore, Kishengarh, and Alwar, and that in very small quantity. The information leaves a decided impression that the wild and spontaneous growth of which mention is made is due to the germination of seed which has fallen by chance in favourable situations. There is no indication that the plant is inclined to run wild in this region.
Central India.
78. Mr. Gunion has collated the information furnished in the official memoranda from the States of the Central India Agency, and these have not been forwarded, with the exception of a memorandum of the Minister to His Highness the Maharaja Holkar. Mr. Gunion reports that "there appears to be no spontaneous growth of the hemp plant in Central India." The Minister says that "here and there a plant may be seen by road or river side or near the huts of fakirs, etc., due to the dropping of the hemp seed by consumers." There is no reason, except perhaps the somewhat greater prevalence of cultivation, why the accidental growth should be more common in the States of the Central India Agency than in those of Rajputana. It may safely be assumed that there is no material difference between the two Agencies in this respect.
Hyderabad.
79. The official memorandum by the Director of Agriculture and Commerce of the Hyderabad State reports no wild growth. The spontaneous growth, if it does exist, is not plentiful, and is only such as may be found all over India springing up directly in exceptionally favourable situations from seed accidentally sown.
Baroda.
80. The official report on the use of hemp drugs in the Baroda State by Anant Gangadhar Khoti states that "wild ganja is not to be found in this part of the country. It is neither cultivated nor does it grow spontaneously in any part of His Highness's Dominions;" and again "in none of the districts of this State does the hemp plant grow spontaneously." There may possibly be some confusion in the mind of the reporter as to the wild ganja plant being specifically distinct from that which is usually cultivated, for there is some small extent of cultivation in the State. But it may be safely inferred that the hemp plant has nowhere run wild, even if a chance plant may occasionally be found.
Kashmir.
81. Information regarding Kashmir is derived from memoranda by the Governors of Kashmir and Jammu and Muhammad Hayat Khan, Member of the Kashmir State Council. According to the last-named authority, the spontaneous growth in Jammu resembles in its character and the localities it affects the growth in the plains of the Punjab. He does not appear, however, to have any very exact idea of the latter growth; for he places many localities on the same footing, in some of which the growth is common, and in others scanty or even wanting. This much may be gathered, however, with tolerable certainty, that the growth in Jammu is not so abundant as in the more elevated tract of Kashmir. The tract of profuse growth in Kashmir mentioned by Muhammad Hayat Khan is Kashmir proper, extending from Baramula to Verinag and Shopayan. The country lying between Adhampur and Banhal in the Jammu province, as well as the jagirs of Bhaddarwah and Poonch, have also an abundant growth.
82. The memorandum of the Kashmir Governor mentions two kinds of wild growth which appear to have somewhat distinct characters. The growth called talia consists of the female plant, and is found in the Anantnag district and the Nagam tahsil of the ranges. It may very well be doubted if without these aids the plant would long survive in the low country under the vicissitudes of the Indian climate and seasons. The plant appears to be very hardy when it is once well established, but it is clear from the distribution of the wild growth in India that the conditions of soil and climate under which it can attain full growth are limited.
Areas where the spontaneous growth may be important outside the region of wild growth.
88. South of the demarcated boundary of wild growth will be seen on the map (Vol. III Appendices) two areas in lighter shading. One includes the central belt of spontaneous growth in the North-Western Provinces; the other the country between the Ganges and Bhagirathi on the one side and the Eastern Hill Tracts on the other stretching down to Calcutta. In these areas the spontaneous growth may under favourable conditions of site and season attain some importance.
EXTENT OF CULTIVATION, AND ITS TENDENCY TO INCREASE OR DECREASE.
Bengal.
89. In Bengal the law (section 5 of Bengal Act VII of 1878) forbids the cultivation without a license from the Collector of plants from which intoxicating drugs are produced. The cultivation of the hemp plant is accordingly confined to a compact tract having a radius of about sixteen miles, and lying in the three districts of Dinajpur, Rajshahi, and Bogra. The reasons why this tract was selected are not authoritatively stated. Cultivation was formerly carried on in the Jessore district also, but that was suppressed in 1875. The present ganja tract was probably found to be most suitable to the cultivation of the drug, and it was obviously an advantage to the excise administration to have the production confined to one area where economical and efficient arrangements could be made for supervising it.
90. There is practically no clandestine cultivation within this tract. The Excise Commissioner writes that "owing to the area in which cultivation is permitted being extremely limited, and to the close supervision there, there is every reason to believe that unlicensed cultivation has been all but suppressed." The ganja tract appears to have a tendency to further concentration. The 1st Assistant Supervisor of ganja cultivation states that it is now included within a radius of about fourteen miles, having been reduced from a radius of twenty miles since 1866, and he gives the following explanation of the change: "The gradual reduction in the extent of the tract was due to the fact that by the removal of jungles in the villages not far off Naogaon more land became generally available for cultivation, and more ganja was produced. Purchasers having ganja near Naogaon do not naturally like to go to distant villages for their supplies." The remote villages in the north, south, and east of the tract have accordingly given up the cultivation.
91. The area cultivated in 1892-93 was 3,540 bighas, an area far larger than the crop has occupied for twenty years past. But in the year 1891-92 the cultivation was the least in the same period, and doubtless the short outturn had to be made up in the following season. The cultivation of the two years together is not remarkably high. The following explanation by the Excise Commissioner must be read with the statistics of cultivation: "It will be observed that, except in the past year, there has been no material increase in the area under ganja cultivation during the last twenty years. The column shows the quantity of land in which the crop finally matured, excluding such land as was cultivated, but in which the plants failed altogether; and therefore, although it would appear that cultivation was greatly curtailed during the years 1875-76, 1878-79, 1879-80, 1885-86, and 1891-92, this was not really the case in all the years excepting 1885-86, as the plants in large areas under cultivation were destroyed in these years by heavy floods, and such lands were not taken into account. The decrease in the area cultivated in 1885-86 was due to the smaller profits of the cultivators in the preceding two years. The high price which the drug had realised in 1891-92 owing to wholesale failure of the crop in the previous year caused by inundation induced a large number of raiyats to take up lands for cultivation during the following year. Some raiyats are regular growers of ganja, and annually set apart a portion of their holdings for the purpose; others are induced to take to ganja cultivation by the high profits of one year to abandon it again when prices fall." The evidence furnishes no better account of the fluctuations than this. A bigha is about one-third of an acre in Bengal. The cultivation of 1892-93, therefore, amounted to 1,180 acres, and the average of the last five years from 1888-89 to 1892-93 is 824 acres.
92. Leaving the ganja tract, the evidence gives reason to suppose that there is a certain amount of rearing of scattered plants. This is, of course, carried on secretly, and in the places where the wild or spontaneous growth flourishes detection is more difficult. The Hon'ble Mr. Lyall thinks that the quantity of bhang that is now exported from the Bhagalpur Division shows that there must be cultivation to a considerable extent in that part of the country. He means that the bhang which is exported as wild must often be fostered, and perhaps to some extent sown and tended, by the occupants of the lands on which, or in the neighbourhood of which, it grows. Mr. Westmacott holds similar views because he has never found the wild plant in the jungle at a distance from habitations, but he does not indicate the localities to which his remarks apply. On the other hand, the Assistant to the Director of Land Records and Agriculture, who made special enquiries in the region referred to by Mr. Lyall, reports: "I could find no evidence of the hemp plant being actually cultivated in any part of Purnea and Bhagalpur. Everywhere it came up as a weed. In some places, however, where the plants did not grow in abundance, and would therefore seem to be an object of considerable value to bhang drinkers, I observed signs of its having been looked after with some degree of care." He then describes the signs of the plants having been attended to, and proceeds: "All this made me suspect that the people knew a great deal more about the bhang plant than they were willing to avow." This evidence is a partial corroboration of the high authorities named above, but it points rather to the surreptitious production of ganja in small quantity than to the cultivation on a large scale of the plant which the contractors carry away as bhang. And all the other evidence of the cultivation of the wild plant and of unlicensed cultivation generally refers more or less distinctly to the rearing of a few plants near houses, or in enclosures, or in the midst of crops, and not to operations of a more extensive kind.
93. This desultory cultivation, either from ganja seed or by rearing plants which have sprung up of themselves, occurs everywhere, though the evidence does not give the impression that it is common anywhere. It is stated in Mr. Gupta's memorandum that there were 86 arrests and 71 convictions on this account in the year 1892-93. Arrests were made in 25 districts, "but all the cases were for growing a few plants (very often a single plant) in the courtyards of houses." Babu Abhilas Chandra Mukharji says that "in almost all the districts in which cases of illicit cultivation have been detected, the plants had been grown from the seeds of the Rajshahi ganja." But Mr. Basu's report and such evidence as the first part of the following extract point rather to the nurture of self-sown plants. Babu Pran Kumar Das (43) states: "I prosecuted and also tried some cases of nourishing and promoting the growth of hemp plants. There was ample evidence of nourishment, such as soil properly prepared, watering, manuring, and otherwise taking care of, but in no case was there any evidence of cultivation. I, however, suspected that it was cultivated in a few cases. In Gaya I found plants grown in a field and being taken care of just as other crops. Generally the ganja smokers grew it in places hidden from the public view. Inside house compounds a few only are grown. The largest (sic) I saw was a field in Gaya, may be 20 or 25."
94. The Bhagalpur, Patna, Dacca, and Rajshahi Divisions appear to be those in which this illicit rearing is most prevalent, and the districts of Jessore, Cuttack, and Midnapur are also mentioned, but by only one witness in each case. It will be seen that this distribution agrees pretty closely with the prevalence of the wild growth. The quality of some of the evidence may be judged from that of a zamindar who wrote that "hemp (ganja) is said to be cultivated in certain parts of the Mymensingh district bordering the river Jamuna." The Board of Revenue ordered the Collector of Mymensingh to report on this allegation, with the result that the babu could not specify the villages in question, and that he was clearly, in the Collector's opinion, labouring under some misapprehension. The witness's statement indicated cultivation of a far more systematic kind than really existed, but it is unlikely that his information was entirely mistaken, and there is evidence in corroboration of the desultory kind of cultivation in Mymensingh. The evidence as a whole does not justify the belief that the wild plant is systematically cultivated or fostered to the extent suspected by Mr. Lyall even in the Bhagalpur and Monghyr districts, but it does show that the secret and desultory kind of cultivation is not uncommon in the divisions above named, and is rare in other parts of the province.
97. Witnesses (62) and (52) think that the cultivation is increasing, the former because the sale of Rajshahi ganja in Orissa has fallen off, and the latter because the restrictions on cultivation in the Tributary States have been withdrawn. Witness (13) of the Central Provinces, who is Extra Assistant Commissioner and Diwan of the Sonpur State, reports that the cultivation in the Boad State where it borders on Sonpur has increased since 1889 "because (1) it has not been allowed in the latter State; (2) it can be had cheaper than that supplied from the Government godowns; (3) people say that ganja manufactured from plants cultivated in the Boad State, which are similar to those cultivated before in Sonpur, is liked by them better than the flat ganja, which they think is more injurious to their health." It may be that the prohibition of cultivation in the Central Provinces States has given an impulse to it in the Garhjat even beyond the limits indicated by this witness. But it cannot be said that there is evidence of a decisive character showing any important extension of cultivation of late years.
Political States of Chota Nagpur.
98. All the detailed information that can be gathered of cultivation in the political States of Chota Nagpur comes through Mr. Grimley, Commissioner of the Division. One or two other witnesses who mention it state only the fact of its occurrence. In 1890 Mr. Grimley made special enquiries in the States on the subject, and the summary of replies from Sirguja, Udaipur, Gangpur, and Bonai seems to show that in all of them the cultivation is regularly practised, but everywhere under some sort of restriction. It would seem that the restrictions date back to 1883, and were imposed on account of representations from the authorities of the Central Provinces that considerable smuggling was being carried on from these States into that territory. It is proposed at present only to ascertain as far as possible the extent and character of such cultivation as exists.
99. Regarding the character, it cannot be discovered that there is any systematic field cultivation. Mr. Grimley states that "there is no regular cultivation. In some of the Tributary States people smoking ganja grow the plant at their doors according to their requirements for smoking and drinking; but this is done only on a small scale." It appears from Mr. Grimley's report of 1890 that the produce is of inferior quality, and it may be concluded that the produce as well as the cultivation very much resemble those of the adjoining Garhjat. Regarding the extent of this cultivation, there is no apparent reason why it should be less than in the Garhjat, unless it be the absence of such an outlet as the Garhjat possesses in the bhang-consuming population of Puri, and the restrictions which the authorities of Chota Nagpur have succeeded in enforcing. Mr. Grimley thinks that the local production is now insignificant, and he mentions as proof of this that the Raja of Gangpur some five or six months ago applied for permission to import ganja. On the other hand, reference may be made to a report of the Commissioner of Chota Nagpur in 1889: "The result of the inquiry was to show that a good deal of ganja was being grown, and was being sold in the Gangpur bazars to be brought into Sambalpur for sale," qualified by the following: "I have just passed through the Gangpur State, but have not visited the parts immediately bordering on Sambalpur. So far as the State generally is concerned, I have not been able to hear anything of a general cultivation of ganja, and I think it probable that the plant is grown chiefly on the borders of Sambalpur." No more definite estimate can be formed of the extent of the cultivation than that it is very considerably less than in the Garhjat States. The Chief of Jashpur, the State memoranda from Seraikela and Kharsawan, and other informants from Gangpur and Sirguja state that there is no cultivation at all, and it is said that in Sirguja the consumer has to import the drug. This evidence would indicate that in a great part of the country the practice of cultivation must be quite uncommon.
Hill Tippera.
100. Several witnesses speak to the cultivation of the plant in Hill Tippera, but they give little detail. It can be gathered, however, that the cultivation is of the ruder sort, the seed of the wild plant being often used. It is probably inferior to that of the Garhjat and the casual yard cultivation of the plain country. Otherwise it would have attracted the attention of Government, and the witnesses would have had more to say about it. Regarding the extent of cultivation, the evidence of a local officer, Babu Govind Chandra Basak (44), is probably the best. He says: "Very little ganja, say a few sérs, are grown in the Tippera Hills. The quantity is very small, for the hill authorities now import ganja under a pass from the Sudder (Tippera) golas." Still a small amount of smuggling into the plain country, both of Bengal and Assam, is said to occur. The State memorandum reports that "the cultivation of hemp is not carried on in the State."
Assam.
101. There is no authorized cultivation in the districts of Assam which are under settled administration, and prosecutions are regularly instituted against persons in whose ground the plant is found growing, if it bears any sign of having been nurtured and tended. The result is, in Mr. Godfrey's words: "This sort of cultivation is kept in check by the district officers, so there is no considerable area of it." This opinion is to be accepted rather than that of Mr. Gait, which has been quoted above, that the growth is very actively tolerated by the villagers. The plant sows itself and grows vigorously all over Assam, and there must, of course, be many instances of the desultory sort of cultivation, for the produce of the untended growth is very inferior, and the temptation to nurse a few plants is great. But there is no winking at the practice, and it cannot be regarded as important.
102. In the Himalayan region on the northern frontier the regular cultivation probably resembles that which prevails throughout those parts of the same mountains about which there is more complete information, and consists of the more or less skilful cultivation of small patches in the immediate neighbourhood of homesteads; and it doubtless extends to the extreme north-east of the province, for there is evidence of it as far as the country of the Miris. It will probably be found also in the lofty ranges towards the Hukong valley and the north of Burma, the country of the Khamptis and Singphos. In fact, there is information of the plant being cultivated with some care for fibre and the drugs in the adjoining Kachin Hills. But the evidence regarding the hill tracts within the province and on the southern frontiers points to cultivation of a very inferior sort, if indeed the plant is tended at all. It is said that the Nagas regard the plant as a jungle product, and that the ganja smuggled from the hills is hardly distinguishable from the produce of the wild hemp.
North-Western Provinces.
103. In describing the wild growth of the North-Western Provinces, reference was made to cultivation for the production of bhang in the districts of Farakhabad and Hardoi. The true hemp plant is also very widely cultivated in the Himalayan Division principally for its fibre, but yielding charas, bhang, and seeds as secondary products. The Himalayan cultivation is irregular and scattered, but it has been estimated to amount to 250 acres in the Almora district, and, more accurately measured, at 580 acres in Garhwal. Compared with the spontaneous growth of the mountains themselves and of the region lying below them, this extent of growth is not very important, for the plant cultivated for fibre seems to be little superior in narcotic properties to the spontaneous growth.
104. Turning to the plain country, the official returns give the marginally noted areas of cultivation in the district of Farakhabad, or Fatehgarh as it is called in Mr. Stoker's memorandum, for the last fourteen years (1879-80: 195, 1886-87: 107, 1880-81: 165, 1887-88: 178, 1881-82: 164, 1888-89: 90, 1882-83: 160, 1889-90: 160, 1883-84: 81, 1890-91: 72, 1884-85: 89, 1891-92: 281, 1885-86: 112, 1892-93: 336). The Joint Magistrate and Excise Officer (No. 29) of the district, who presumably has access to the local records, quotes very different figures, showing a decrease of the area from 691 bighas in 1891-92 to 561 bighas in 1892-93. There is no apparent reason why the official return should not be accepted, and it shows a decided tendency for the cultivation to increase. The reason may probably be correctly traced in the sentence of Mr. Stoker's memorandum: "All this plant is converted into bhang, which is of a superior quality, technically known as tatia (from a village in Fatehgarh district), and commanding a much higher price than the wild bhang of the submontane tracts." Regarding the cultivation in the Hardoi district, the official return only gives one acre in the year 1891-92. This seems hardly consistent with paragraph 9 of Mr. Stoker's memorandum, which indicates a considerable export from Hardoi; but it is possible that the explanation may be found in the fact that the cultivation is not pure, but often mixed with other crops, and that it is therefore impossible to measure it. The practice of the less systematic sort of cultivation may be very prevalent in Hardoi notwithstanding that it is not recorded. Several witnesses, however, state positively that it is decreasing.
105. The evidence generally corroborates the official account, but many witnesses have been misled by the word patsan having been used to signify the hemp plant in the translation of the Commission's questions issued by the North-Western Provinces Government. Patsan is the local name for the Hibiscus cannabinus ("Field and Garden Crops of the North-Western Provinces and Oudh"—Duthie and Fuller). It has not, however, been difficult to detect the answers which have been vitiated by this mistake.
106. It does not appear that any regular field cultivation exists in the plain country beyond that which has been above described. Such cultivation as there is consists of the rearing of a few plants near houses, the tending of scattered plants sown accidentally, and perhaps the surreptitious sowing in the midst of crops calculated to afford concealment by their size and their general similarity to the hemp plant. Referring partly to this sort of cultivation in connection with the spontaneous growth, Mr. Stoker says that "in some districts the amount produced by these forms of sporadic growth is considerable, and is a constant source of complaint by the drug contractors;" and the evidence corroborates this view. He thinks, broadly speaking, that it prevails to a greater or less extent in all parts of the province lying north and east of the Jumna, and this comprises by far the greater part of the province. South of the Jumna, the Collector of Jhansi thinks that a good deal is grown in a quiet way for domestic use; and it is not unlikely, as there is no absolute prohibition, that all along the southern fringe of the province this sort of cultivation may be occasionally found.
107. The best informants regarding the cultivation of the Himalayan region are Mr. Gillan (21), Joint Magistrate of Moradabad, Murlidhar (248), Drug contractor of Moradabad, Pandit Ganga Dutt (56), a retired Deputy Collector, and Dharma Nand Joshi, Settlement Deputy Collector (49). The two first allege that the cultivation is spreading because of the enhanced value of charas; the third also alleges increase, but attributes it to the general usefulness of the plant. Dharma Nand Joshi takes the opposite view, and gives as reasons for decrease that the people have become more civilized, and are changing their habits as regards the use of hemp for clothing; that newly cleared forest land, which is peculiarly suited to the plant, is no longer available; and that other crops have been found more profitable. The last witness's description of the distribution of the cultivation is interesting. It is cultivated very extensively, but more for its fibre and seeds than for charas. In the warmer parts to the south the people wear cotton clothes and are not dependent on hemp. In the north also little hemp is sown, and that in but few villages, because the people keep goats and wear woollen clothes, using the hemp only for their chabel or shoes, and making but little charas, which they do not commonly sell, but give to fakirs visiting Badrinath and Kedarnath. In the parganas of Chandpur and Devalgarh more largely, and to a less degree in Barah Syun, Talla and Malla Salans, Choundkote, and Badhan, the plant is widely cultivated. Roughly speaking, it is grown in about one-third of the Garhwal district. In the portion last named every cultivator of the Khasia or Dom caste in every village which is situated at an altitude of between 4,000 and 7,000 feet sows a plot equivalent to two or eight perches.
108. There is no prohibition in this province against the cultivation of hemp, but nevertheless it is clear that a contrary impression is abroad, as is the case in other provinces which are similarly situated in this respect. Mr. Bruce, of Ghazipur (28), thinks that as regards his district the belief "is traceable to the fact that in the adjoining districts of Bengal free cultivation is not allowed." The mere fact that the sale of the drugs is a Government monopoly might well give it wider circulation. Several of the witnesses evidently think that the cultivation is illegal, and there is some evidence that cultivation was formerly carried on in some of the Oudh districts until it was suppressed by authority. Witness (135) says that in the time of the King of Oudh bhang used to be cultivated in gardens abundantly. Witness (251) speaks of Mahadeva ganja (in large bundles) being formerly made in Sitapur and Nawabganj. Witness (61) says that the district authorities having heard of the practice in Loohaisar, tahsil Fatehpur, district Barabanki, forbade it. Witness (247) mentions Sitapur and Lakhimpur and Kheri as districts where ganja was formerly cultivated, and that it has now disappeared in the Province of Oudh. According to this witness, it was fostered by the Nepalese in the parts of the province which were formerly under their domination; and it would seem that the Mahadeva ganja got its name from a place in Barabanki where the cultivation was formerly carried on. This origin for the name is confirmed by the evidence of other witnesses. Mr. Stoker is therefore probably mistaken in supposing that this sort of ganja was imported from Nepal. The evidence leaves the impression that a system of practical restriction is going on tending to confine the cultivation to the districts of Farakhabad and Hardoi. It also seems certain that the local production of ganja has of late years very considerably decreased.
Rampur.
109. The only Rampur witness states that there is no cultivation of the hemp plant in Rohilkhand, but there can be little doubt that the sporadic cultivation prevails in Rohilkhand and Rampur to the same extent as in the neighbouring British districts.
Garhwal and Tehri.
110. The description which has been given of the general prevalence of Himalayan cultivation must be accepted for native Garhwal and Tehri. There is no memorandum from the State and no evidence relating exclusively to it.
Punjab.
111. The Himalayan cultivation of the Punjab does not differ from that of the North-Western Provinces, but from the fact that there is none in Kashmir, it would appear to decrease in frequency westward. The plant is grown principally for fibre and in small scattered patches, so that its area cannot be estimated. Mr. Anderson (10), however, ascertained in 1880 that the area in Kulu and Plach was then about 200 acres. Witness (71) states that in British Lahoul every zamindar cultivates a small patch for the sole purpose of obtaining its fibre, and that charas, which he calls bhang, is imported.
112. In the south-west angle of the province there is a small amount of systematic cultivation for the production of bhang. The Excise Commissioner reports that this does not exceed 100 acres. The evidence gives figures for some districts. Thus witness (68) estimates the produce of the Muzaffargarh district at 100 maunds, which would require some 10 or 12 acres of crop. Witness (24) states that the area in the Jhang district in 1893 was only 20 kanals. In Dera Ghazi Khan the area seems to be about 30 acres. Five acres are said to be cultivated in Shahpur. Several witnesses talk in general terms of cultivation for bhang being practised. Some describe the cultivation as consisting of the rearing of a few plants in yards and gardens by fakirs and other consumers. Witness (39) states that cultivation is carried on in every district more or less, "but more so in Hoshiarpur, Derajat, and other frontier districts." All this cultivation is stated to be for the production of bhang. Ganja is not smoked in the Punjab. The cultivation of the more systematic kind is probably not understated at 100 acres. The desultory cultivation of a few plants seems to be a wide-spread practice; but the total amount of bhang produced by it cannot be important— must, in fact, be trifling compared with what the wild growth yields.
113. The evidence and other papers do not show that the cultivation is other than stationary. There is no legal prohibition to the growth of hemp, but it is probable that it is discouraged and restricted by the fact that the sale of the produce is under regulation.
114. There does not appear to be any artificial restriction in any Punjab State on the cultivation of hemp, not even in Nabha, where the use of ganja and charas is said to be prohibited. Bahawalpur is, however, the only State of those furnishing information in which cultivation for the narcotic is admitted to exist. It is not confined to any special locality. Farmers grow small patches with other crops, generally near wells. It yields bhang, only in sufficient quantity for local consumption, and seeds which are used for food as well as for fresh sowing. It is stationary in extent. Chamba reports that the drugs are not produced, but it is probable that cultivation for fibre and seeds exists in this State as in the rest of the Himalayan region. There is no reason to suppose that the cultivation, which is habitual at certain elevations in the Himalayas, i.e., from about 4,000 to 8,000 feet, is not practised by the Native States. Mr. Coldstream refers to cultivation in Bashahr and near Kasauli, and says that in the former tract the plant produces resin. But it certainly appears from Mr. Anderson's report regarding Kulu, the evidence of witness (71), and the fact that the evidence about the preparation of charas is wanting in certainty and definiteness, that charas is not looked upon as a regular bye-produce of hemp cultivation to the same extent that it is in Garhwal further east. It would appear that towards Kashmir the wild plant becomes more extensively used for the preparation of drugs.
Central Provinces.
115. Going back to the year 1872-73, the Excise Commissioner writes that "in almost every district a few hemp plants were to be found in the gardens of cultivators, and it was only in Raipur and Bilaspur that a license-fee was imposed on cultivation." This general and unsystematic cultivation was an impediment to excise management and to the control which the Government of India enjoined on the Local Governments as the result of the inquiries made in 1873. By special inquiries instituted in 1873-74, it was ascertained "that in every district, except perhaps Hoshungabad, Narsinghpur, Mandla, Chhindwara, and Bilaspur, the amount privately grown for home consumption was insignificant, while in Sambalpur it was nil, home-growing having been prohibited by executive order of the Deputy Commissioner." From this date the general restriction of cultivation was kept steadily in view, and before long a system of licensing cultivation was introduced. Penalties for unlicensed cultivation were ordained and enforced in many cases. The districts where regular cultivation has been chiefly carried on during the last twenty years are Nagpur and Nimar, but up to the year 1878-79 licenses for cultivation of small areas were granted in one year or other in twelve other districts, of which Wardha and Chhindwara were the most important. From this year cultivation was confined to Nagpur and Nimar. It gradually fell off in the former of these districts, and since 1890-91 it has been restricted by law to the Nimar district. The Deputy Commissioner of Nimar now reports that "ganja is grown in sixty or seventy villages in Nimar. The cultivation is confined to the western half of the Khandwa tahsil." And he gives the following figures of area for the last three years:— Acres. 1890-91 477 1891-92 963 1892-93 984. The figures of cultivation in Excise memorandum to be corrected by figures given by Deputy Commissioner, Nimar.
116. Mr. Robertson's figures for the last twenty years frequently differ from those of the Excise Commissioner's tables, and he explains that they "represent the area actually cultivated, not the area for which the licenses were granted. The latter is almost always in excess, as the cultivator generally asks for a license for more land than he means to plant in order to ensure against his being proceeded against for excess cultivation." This explanation, applied to Nagpur as well as Nimar, may perhaps account in some degree for the abnormally high figures of cultivation shown by the Excise Commissioner in 1877-78, 1884-85, and 1885-86; but it will be seen that in 1884-85 the quantity of ganja deposited in the central stores was unprecedentedly high also (paragraph 32, Excise Memorandum). If the excess Nimar cultivation be deducted and the year 1878-79, in which the figures agree, be included, it will be found that the total area of cultivation has gone above 1,000 acres in only four years, viz.— Acres. 1877-78 1,605; 1878-79 1,285; 1884-85 1,166; 1885-86 1,659
117. Between these years of high figures will be found, after making similar deduction in 1882-83, a period of great depression, viz., from 1879-80 to 1882-83. The Excise memorandum shows that the whole of this period from 1877-78 to 1885-86 was marked by drastic changes in the excise arrangements, and it may be noted that it was coincident with extensive cultivation in the neighbouring Bombay district of Khandesh. Matters then settled down, and the normal demand under present arrangements seems to be met by cultivation closely approaching 950 acres. For 1891-92 the Deputy Commissioner's figures of 963 acres is taken in preference to the Excise Commissioner's 653 acres. Abnormally low figures are found in 1887-88 and 1890-91, which are probably to be accounted for by a surfeit of stock from previous years.
118. The desultory and illicit cultivation, if carried on at all, is confined to gardens and backyards, and is never to be found in open fields. The authorities believe that it has been practically suppressed, and the Commission have heard so little of its existence that they must accept that view. The Inspector-General of Police and Prisons is the only witness who believes that it is common. Mr. Naylor, District Superintendent of Police, states that "about six or eight cases are annually reported of the ganja or hemp plant being grown in baris;" but he adds: "I think the illicit cultivation has now almost ceased." Some few witnesses state that hemp is sometimes raised from the seed of the wild plant, and in saying this they must have the irregular cultivation in view; but the same witnesses do not clearly depose to the existence of such cultivation in the Central Provinces.
Feudatory States.
119. The Feudatory States, most of which lie in the extreme east of the province, have agreed not to allow cultivation and to import their ganja from the Government godowns at Khandwa. It is possible that the yard cultivation which was formerly common has not been entirely suppressed in these States, for it is unlikely that the supervision in such remote and wild tracts can be very strict. But the responsible officers of some of them—Khairagarh, Sonpur, and Bastar—give assurance that the cultivation has been stopped.
Madras.
120. The Deputy Director, Agricultural Branch in the Department of Land Records and Agriculture, has, at the instance of the Commission, made personal inquiries into the cultivation and manufacture of ganja in the Presidency, and recorded the results in bulletin No. 29. The opening paragraph of the bulletin gives a general view of the distribution of the true hemp plant (Cannabis sativa) throughout the province: "Though grown here and there in most parts of the Presidency in backyards, it is found as a regularly cultivated field crop in only two localities, viz., in the Malayali villages on the Javadi Hills in North Arcot, and in one or two villages in the Bapatla taluk of Kistna district. It is also raised to a certain extent in the hilly parts of Vizagapatam and Ganjam, but there seldom more than a few plants are grown by each person." The localities where field cultivation is carried on are no doubt correctly indicated in this passage, and they are the principal ones; but the statistics which have been furnished to the Commission by the Government of Madras as well as the evidence lead to the belief that regular cultivation to a greater or less extent is to be found in other districts. And there is reason to think also that the bulletin does not give a correct idea of the general prevalence of the practice of home cultivation in yards and gardens. This may have been outside the scope of Mr. Benson's inquiry. At the close of the pamphlet Mr. Benson writes that "in both localities it is stated that of late years the area planted with hemp has been reduced, the price offered for ganja having fallen with the restriction of the demand owing to the introduction of the system of licensing retail vendors. A few years ago the crop was also grown to some extent in the Pulivendla taluk, Cuddapah district, but its growth there has now been abandoned."
121. The official statistics of cultivation are admittedly inexact, and the imperfection appears to be due to two causes. The Acting Secretary to the Board of Revenue in the Department of Separate Revenue reports in his letter No. 1839-Mis., dated 1st May 1894, that "accurate figures are nowhere available, as no accounts are maintained respecting the cultivation of the plant." And further on in the same report he refers to the second cause of error in the following words: "It is very probable that the Collector here, as elsewhere, has confounded the area of the narcotic hemp plant (Cannabis sativa) with the fibre hemp (Crotalaria juncea), which is a totally distinct plant. The Board has been informed by Mr. Benson, Deputy Director, Agricultural Branch of the Board of Revenue, that the Cannabis sativa is never grown in this Presidency for fibre, and that the hemp plant grown for fibre must be the Crotalaria juncea." Under these circumstances it is useless to make a detailed examination of the figures of cultivation for past years, and there is little chance of its being possible to arrive at any definite conclusion as to whether the area of regular cultivation tends to increase or decrease. The area under regular cultivation in 1893-94 appears from the statistical table and the correspondence arising out of it to be as follows:— Acres. Cents - Ganjam 0 62; Godavari 1 12; Kistna 201 7; Kurnool 5 0; North Arcot 77 0; Coimbatore 50 0; Nilgiris 2 0; Nellore 1 44; South Canara 7 0; Total 345 25. But in Mr. Horne's memorandum South Arcot and Cuddapah are credited with 5 and 30 acres respectively, which would raise the total to 380 acres. It may, however, be doubted in view of Mr. Benson's statement that cultivation in Cuddapah has been abandoned, and of the fact that fibre is mentioned in connection with the cultivation in South Arcot, whether this cultivation really exists. The North Arcot area was 200 acres for 1892-93, and the fall in 1893-94 is said to be due to the restriction of the trade in the drugs and to the absence of seasonable rains in the hills. The total area of 350 acres is probably under the mark.
122. The evidence leaves no doubt that the home cultivation of a few plants is carried on in nearly every district in the Presidency, and it is difficult to believe in view of its general prevalence that it is altogether non-existent in Madras, Chingleput, and Tanjore notwithstanding the direct negative of the Collectors of the last two districts. On the other hand, there is reason to think that the regulation of the traffic in the drugs, which was introduced in 1889, and has been applied with greater care and stringency in recent years, has created the impression in the minds of the people that the cultivation is illegal. The occasional action of preventive officers in warning growers of casual plants, and perhaps in causing the plants to be uprooted in some instances, may have enforced this idea. The result on the balance of evidence seems to have been to reduce this kind of cultivation, and it is quite possible that many of the witnesses who depose to the existence of it are speaking from memory and experience rather than from recent observation. The Collector of Cuddapah, a district where there is reason to suspect the existence of a small amount of field cultivation as well as much home growth, argues that the excise restrictions may have reduced the cultivation which serves the markets, but must encourage the home growth, which is not illegal, for private consumption. Several other witnesses infer that there must be increase of cultivation from the spread of the taste for the drugs. One of the most definite statements of the last class is that of the District Forest Officer, North Malabar, that, "owing to the greater demand for ganja from the coast, cultivation as described above is slightly increasing year by year." Another witness states that in Ganjam the cultivation is increasing in the Agency tracts while it is declining in the plains. Reference may be made to another specimen of the arguments to shew increase. After quoting the returns of cultivation in the Bapatla taluk, which show steady decrease, as the only ones available, the Acting Sub-Collector at Guntoor writes: "As far as Baposia taluk is concerned, the figures given above seem to indicate that the area under hemp cultivation is gradually decreasing. But I am inclined to think that these figures are not reliable." And, after alluding to the introduction of excise arrangements and increase of revenue, he proceeds: "This shows that there is a possibility of large future developments in the trade in hemp drugs, and the hypothesis that the cultivated area is gradually decreasing must necessarily be wrong." Being ignorant of the method of keeping agricultural statistics in the Madras Presidency, the Commission are unable to judge how far the SubCollector is justified in mistrusting the figures he quotes. That some ground exists is shown by the admission of the Secretary to the Board of Revenue quoted above. But, taking this for granted, the arguments cannot be accepted, for there are other sources of ganja supply besides the Kistna district, and the expansion of the revenue does not necessarily imply an increase of production or even of consumption.
123. There is not after all any great body of evidence to show increase of cultivation, and the increase indicated is not very decided, except perhaps in the case of Angappa Gonuden (189), who says: "Hitherto cultivation of the ganja plant was very rare. But it has now considerably increased, since more people resort to its use now than before." This witness is worth quoting, because his answers are generally sensible, and he appears to be in the habit of cultivating the plant himself. But it is advisable to guard against an apparent tendency to exaggeration. His description of the extent of cultivation in Salem may be quoted here with the above reservation as probably typical of several localities in the Presidency: "There is little of the ganja plant cultivation in my district of Salem. They are all for the production of ganja alone. One-fourth of the houses in Salem have on an average half a dozen plants in each backyard. The same number of plants can be found in at least 2 per cent. of the fields in the villages of Salem, Ather, and Namakul taluks." In most districts the extent of backyard cultivation falls short of this description. In Cuddapah and Coimbatore the state of things would seem to resemble Salem, with the addition that there are probably some small patches of field cultivation grown for profit. In the hill tracts of Ganjam, Vizagapatam, and Godavari, and to a very much less degree in the Wynaad and the Nilgiris, the home cultivation seems to be carried on for the market, the produce being used for barter or sale to licensed dealers. There is no formal restriction on cultivation, and the cultivators are allowed to sell the produce to the licensed dealers. The whole of the homestead cultivation must, therefore, be regarded as entering into the licensed consumption. Looking to the extent of this cultivation throughout the Presidency, and especially in the hill tracts of the north and south, it will not be extravagant to say that the total area in which the hemp plant is cultivated is perhaps double that of the regular field cultivation.
Madras States. Sondur, Banganapalle, Pudukottai, Travancore, and Cochin.
124. The only cultivation reported is two acres in Banganapalle. But the plant is found uncultivated in Travancore, and there is reason to believe that in this part of India the spontaneous growth is associated very intimately with cultivation. It may therefore be inferred, in spite of the fact that the drugs are imported, that there is some home cultivation in that State. And from the survey of the whole Presidency, which showed a general prevalence of home cultivation, it may be presumed that it is to be found in all the States, more commonly in Travancore than elsewhere, owing to the country being more favourable to the growth on account of a great part of it being hill land. It appears also that in Travancore the Kanekars, a hill tribe, are allowed to grow the drug for their own consumption.
Bombay.
125. The districts in which the regular cultivation of hemp is now principally carried on are Ahmednagar and Satara, and their acreage for the last eight years is as follows:— Ahmednagar. Satara. Acres. Acres. 1885-86 1,030 411; 1886-87 789 558; 1887-88 637 173; 1888-89 268 170; 1889-90 830 368; 1890-91 605 471; 1891-92 676 317; 1892-93 382 299. In the following districts also there is a small extent of regular cultivation:— Five years' average (Acres) - Khandesh 30; Poona 12; Nasik 16; Sholapur 46; Bijapur 4; Broach 1/4; Surat 11. These figures are taken from the table submitted by witness 49, Superintendent, Office of Survey Commissioner and Director of Land Records and Agriculture, because it is more complete than the statistics furnished by the Commissioner of Abkari, and probably more correct. In the year 1885-86 Khandesh grew as much as 311 acres, but the area has now fallen to 9 and 10 acres in the last two years. The district adjoins the Central Provinces district of Nimar, and its hemp cultivation has probably been checked by the excise system of the latter province, which underwent important changes about the year mentioned above.
126. The total cultivation of the Presidency [in acres], excluding Sind, for the last eight years is as follows: 1885-86 1,844; 1889-90 1,341; 1886-87 1,488; 1890-91 1,201; 1887-88 904; 1891-92 1,093; 1888-89 533; 1892-93 812. One or two witnesses hint rather than indicate specifically the existence of cultivation in the Ahmedabad and Kaira districts of the Guzerat Division and in Thana in the Konkan. But there is certainly no regular field cultivation in these districts. Except about twelve acres in Surat and Broach for the production of what is called bhang, the whole cultivation is practically confined to the Deccan or Central Division. It has been suggested that the excise system of the Central Provinces is to account for the fall of the cultivation in Khandesh from the high acreage of 1885-86, and it may have affected districts at a greater distance from the frontier. But it can hardly be accepted as the explanation of the extraordinarily low figure of 1888-89. The reduction in this year was shared by the four contiguous districts in the southern part of the Central Division and not by the districts of Nasik and Khandesh in the northern part, and was probably due to an unfavourable season. There is no official explanation of it. In the succeeding year cultivation recovered, but has since shown a steady decrease. Witnesses state that the irksome conditions imposed by the excise system render the cultivation unpopular, though it is not burdened with any direct tax or license. This may well be the cause of the decrease.
127. Regarding homestead cultivation, the Collector of Thana writes: "The plant is not cultivated in the Konkan as a field crop, nor even as a market crop in gardens, but it occurs in small numbers in many private gardens, and I have seen specimens that seemed to me to be self-sown, and afterwards taken care of by the gardeners." This is the only positive evidence of the existence of such cultivation in British territory in the Bombay Presidency, though there are to be found hints that it is carried on to a very small extent in the Ahmednagar and Dharwar districts in the present day, and some definite information that it was formerly practised more widely. It seems certain that the extent of it in British territory is now absolutely insignificant.
128. The Bombay Presidency contains a great number of Native States whose lands are intermixed with British territory in a very complicated manner. Sometimes they are constituted into separate political charges, and some are under the political supervision of Collectors of British districts. In the Southern Maratha Country, Kolhapur with many smaller States forms a political charge covering a very considerable area. The leading State has prohibited the cultivation of hemp, but the following minor States allow it with in some cases the restriction of a license and the regulations as to sale of the produce which exist in British territory:— Acres. Sangli 44; Miraj (junior) 13; Jath 30; Jamkhandi 60; Total 147. There are also ten acres of regular cultivation in the Aundh State under the Satara Agency, which lies in the Deccan Division. There is no information of any homestead cultivation in the States in the south of the Presidency, nor of field cultivation in any State except those named above.
129. Turning northwards, there is no evidence of any cultivation till Baroda is passed. This State is under the direct control of the Government of India, and may be dealt with separately. In the Rewa Kantha Agency the plant is not cultivated at all. In the Palanpur Superintendency the authorities of Palanpur and Radhanpur report that there is no regular cultivation, but the plant springs up spontaneously to a very small extent in irrigated lands, and in fields situated on river banks and beside water. The information seems to imply that the plants are tended, and from Palanpur it is stated definitely that the plant is sometimes grown in gardens. It may be noted that a small import of bhang from Palanpur into the Bombay district is said to occur. The same state of things probably prevails in the Mahi Kantha Agency; for though it is reported from Idar, the principal State, that there is no cultivation, the Native Assistant to the Political Agent states that the plant is not cultivated "to any extent," clearly implying that there is some cultivation. And matters are not very dissimilar in Kathiawar, for the Assistant Political Agents in charge of the Halar and Gohilwad Prants write that there is no cultivation for the market, but in some places a few plants are reared in sugarcane fields and wadas for home consumption and gifts to holy men. The report from the State of Cutch describes similar cultivation. A witness of Hyderabad (Sind) states that ganja is imported from Panvel and Cutch. This may, and probably does, mean that it comes through Cutch from Panvel, a place near Bombay, where a wholesale business is carried on.
Sind and Khairpur.
130. There is a certain amount of cultivation in Sind for bhang, principally in the Shikarpur district, and some in the Khairpur State also. The average areas [Acres] for quinquennial periods during the last twenty years and for the year 1892-93 are given below:— . Karachi - 1st period 87, 2nd " 95, 3rd " 140, 4th " 81, 1892-93 65; Hyderabad - 1st period 15, 2nd " NA, 3rd " 5, 4th " 14, 1892-93 3; Shikarpur -1st period 164, 2nd " 175, 3rd " 143, 4th " 166, 1892-93 231; Upper Sind Frontier - 1st period 3, 2nd " Fraction, 3rd " ", 4th " ", 1892-93 ""; Khairpur - 1st period 156, 2nd " 151, 3rd " 168, 4th " 84, 1892-93 38. There has never been any cultivation in the Thar and Parkar district. The total for the first period is 425 acres as compared with 337 acres for the year 1892-93. There has been a remarkable falling off in recent years in the Karachi district and the Khairpur State, and 350 acres may now be taken as the normal area of cultivation in Sind. The cultivation of isolated plants near houses would appear to be extremely rare. The evidence does not speak of it.
Aden.
131. The hemp plant is not cultivated in Aden at all.
Berar.
132. The cultivation of the hemp plant was not restricted in Berar until 1875, and in that year a system of granting licenses, subject to a fee of Rs. 8 irrespective of area, was introduced. The system was modified in 1884, when the license fee was raised to Rs. 10 per acre. The total area cultivated since 1877-78 [acres] has been— 1877-78 85, 1885-86 106, 1878-79 94, 1886-87 58, 1879-80 241, 1887-88 38, 1880-81 139, 1888-89 67, 1881-82 143, 1889-90 60, 1882-83 84, 1890-91 35, 1883-84 87, 1891-92 46, 1884-85 80, 1892-93 86. And it has been confined to three districts in all but the first of these years, the figures for the last year, 1892-93, being— [Acres]. Akola 51, Amraoti 22, Buldana 13, Akola has always had the greatest area under the crop, the second place being taken by each of the other districts in different periods. There appears to be a tendency for the cultivation to increase in the last three years, which is probably connected with the fact that in some talukas foreign ganja is being imported, showing that the present production is not sufficient for the home market. Illicit cultivation hardly exists at all.
Ajmere.
133. The memorandum from Ajmere reports an insignificant amount of cultivation for the production of bhang. In 1886 the total area was reported to be 4 biswas. There is no restriction on cultivation, but it is only carried on by malis and Hindu ascetics, and the Brahmans of Pushkar. The District Superintendent of Police says that the produce has fallen to 40 maunds, and the Abkari Inspector also states that the cultivation is on the decrease. The extent of it would appear to depend a great deal on the character of the season.
Coorg.
134. In Coorg cultivation is allowed under license, but no one undertakes it openly. The spontaneous growth that springs up near the huts of coolies and wild tribes, the Yeravas and Kurubs, is sometimes fostered and tended. From the account of cultivation given by witnesses (1) and (2), it would appear that the plant is sometimes sown deliberately, and treated with some care. The extent of the whole cultivation must, however, be very trifling. It is reported that there have been eight prosecutions for illicit cultivation in the last two years.
Baluchistan.
135. The Political Agent and Deputy Commissioner of Quetta and Pishin reports that the hemp plant is cultivated to a very small extent in one or two villages of the Quetta Subdivision, and that the produce, which is sold to the contractor, amounted last year to 12 sérs. In his evidence the Deputy Commissioner mentions the cultivating village Ahmed Khanzai. The small quantity of the drug produced would seem to indicate that it is charas. The Political Agent, Kalat, states that the plant is not cultivated on land under the administration of the Political Agent, and that an insignificant amount is grown in the territory of the Khan of Kalat. These facts are corroborated by one witness.
Burma.
136. It has already been seen from the evidence of Mr. Lewis (19) that the hemp plant was formerly cultivated in Upper Burma. And it would appear to have been cultivated on a considerable scale, for it was the sole source of supply to the shops in Lower Burma. The information collected by Mr. Bridges, Commissioner, Eastern Division, though it shows that under Burmese rule the plant was not uncommonly reared in yards and gardens, does not convey any idea of the extent of the cultivation in the days before prohibition, when the crop must have been worth growing on the frontier of Lower Burma. The Deputy Commissioner of Mergui states that in those days the plant was cultivated in parts of the Tenasserim township, and some other localities in that division of the province. The Deputy Commissioner of Pegu also writes that before the prohibition the hemp plant is reported to have been abundantly cultivated in Bassein district, and in small quantities in Pegu.
137. It does not appear that the Burmans proper were ever given to the hemp drugs, and it is not therefore surprising that the more extensive cultivation in Upper Burma should have ceased with that of Lower Burma directly the prohibition was passed and the market in Lower Burma was closed. Some survival of the practice which supplied the shops is, however, indicated in the evidence of Mr. Tarleton, District Superintendent of Police of Thayetmyo (29), who says that "certain villages round Tindau and Thetngaibyin in the Allanmyo Sub-division are in the habit of trading in ganja, which they bring into Allanmyo and Thayetmyo and sell to natives of India." Unfortunately this witness was unable to attend in answer to the invitation of the Commission, and they are therefore left in doubt as to the precise value of the statement. Mr. Bridges states that he has frequently noticed in the diaries of excise officers in Upper Burma references to the cultivation of ganja; and again—"In Upper Burma the growth of the plant in a small way by consumers for their own use is general, but the consumers are few." Mr. Fowle, Sub-divisional Officer, Kyauktau, in the Pegu district, reports that the hemp plant is grown in back gardens in the Wuntho township at the base of the spurs of hills radiating from the Maingthong peak. Other official witnesses state that a few plants are still occasionally cultivated in secret, and that prosecutions are sometimes instituted on this account. This testimony comes from Lower as well as Upper Burma. But it appears on the whole that the practice is efficiently checked in the settled districts. The districts of Thayetmyo, Meiktila, Kyauksé, and Mandalay are perhaps indicated as those in which it is most prevalent. It is of course impossible under the circumstances to form any estimate of the extent of this cultivation.
138. The Deputy Commissioner of Mergui mentions the cultivation of the plant in Siam beyond the frontier of Burma. The Commissioner, Eastern Division, and the Inspector-General of Police speak of cultivation in the Danu country which lies between Burma and the Shan States proper, and part of which is British territory. A former chief of the Shan State of Nyaungwe describes the cultivation in his own country, which is probably typical of the practice of the Shans over a much larger area. At this point the Kachin tribes appear to be mingled with the Shans, and their habit of growing the hemp on a considerable scale for fibre is described by Mr. Bridges and the ex-Sawbwa of Nyaungwe. This habit probably adheres to the Kachin race in their own country to the north, and there is no apparent reason why it should not be found over the continuous mountain tract which stretches up to the Province of Assam. In the Danu and Shan country the cultivation is of the homestead kind; a few plants only are reared in each case for home consumption. The practice is more common among the Danus than the Shans, and the produce would appear to be more than sufficient for home consumption, for some quantity is smuggled into Burma. In the Upper Chindwin district there is a small amount of secret cultivation.
Mysore.
139. In the civil and military station of Bangalore the cultivation of the hemp plant is prohibited, and in the last seven years there have been two or three prosecutions for breach of the regulation. There can be no cultivation except a stray plant here and there. The Mysore laws provide that hemp may be cultivated under license. Cultivators appear to have made two or three unsuccessful experiments, and to have abandoned the idea of growing the plant as a regular crop. This information is furnished in the memorandum of the Excise Commissioner. Mr. McDonnell, the Special Assistant Excise Commissioner, who seems to have made a study of the whole subject of the hemp drugs, describes the method by which a superior quality of ganja is produced locally, and he thinks that its great value in the market as compared with imported ganja must be a strong inducement to clandestine cultivation in yards and gardens. He is evidently of opinion that this is not at all unfrequent, especially in towns and large villages where concealment is more easy. He is corroborated in some degree by other information. The Excise Assistant Supervisor, Tumkur district, says, however, that the hemp plant "is cultivated for the production of ganja, but to a very small extent, all over the province. The extent of cultivation has considerably decreased since the introduction of the rules...............for regulating and restricting the cultivation, possession, sale, import, and export of ganja;" and this must be clandestine cultivation, for it seems certain that no licenses have been taken out. The Sub-divisional Officer, Chick Ballapur, says: "The local cultivation and preparation of ganja are at present confined to the Chintamony taluk." On the whole, however, it would appear that the cultivation is inconsiderable, and the local production quite insignificant.
Hyderabad.
140. The official memorandum of the Hyderabad State reports that no license is required for cultivation, but it is understood that the produce must be sold to the farmer of the monopoly. Only enough is grown for local wants: the cultivators are few because special knowledge and skill are required for the cultivation. No statistics are supplied. The Director of Agriculture and Commerce states that the land under ganja in the whole dominion may be roughly estimated at about 300 or 400 acres. The cultivation is carried on in a small tract immediately south of Hyderabad and in the Aurangabad and Nandair districts, which lie on the north bordering Khandesh and Berar. By another informant the Indore district lying between Nandair and Hyderabad is mentioned, and another states that in Mahratwada and the Canarese districts, which latter must lie on the south and south-west of the dominion, it is grown to about the same extent as tobacco. The information gives the impression that only small plots are sown by each man. Besides this regular cultivation, a few plants may occasionally be reared in yards and gardens, but the produce from unskilful cultivation is said to be very inferior. About 350 acres may be taken as a fair figure for the whole State. One informant speaks of fluctuation in the extent of cultivation, and attributes a slight increase to the class of fakirs and gosains becoming more numerous.
Rajputana. Kotah. Jhallawar. Jeypore. Kishengarh. Bikanir. Kerowli. Alwar. Dholpur. Serohi. Jaisalmir. Jodhpur. Bundi. Shahpura. Tonk.
141. The memoranda from the marginally noted States show that, except in Dholpur, no attempt is made to regulate the cultivation of hemp. In Dholpur permission is required to cultivate, and it appears that no one asks for it, and that there is consequently no cultivation. In all the other States cultivation for the production of bhang only is reported. Only five States furnish figures from which to judge of its extent—viz., Jhallawar 30 acres, Jaisalmir 11 acres, Jeypore 10,000 maunds, Bikanir 3 bighas, and Shahpura 25 bighas. The Jeypore figure, if not a clerical mistake or error of calculation, indicates a large rural consumption, for the following quantities only are accounted for as being exported or sent to the capital:—27 maunds exported, 50 maunds transported, and 300 maunds imported from districts into the city: total 377 maunds. The statistical table at the same time shows an import of 354 maunds of bhang and no exports. In the first four States here named the cultivation would appear to be of the more systematic kind. In Shahpura and the rest of Rajputana the plant is sown in gardens either in small patches or in favourable positions, such as the sides of water-channels, or scattered among and around other vegetables. The figure given for Shahpura is an estimate of the aggregate quantity of this kind of cultivation. It appears that in Serohi a contribution is levied in kind from the cultivators and presented to the temples of Mahadeo. The average of these contributions for ten years was one maund of ganja and forty maunds of bhang. A witness from Bhartpur states that the plant was formerly cultivated, but is not now, and the official return shows no cultivation. Here only and in Bikanir is there any evidence of fluctuation in the practice, and in both instances decrease is indicated. The plants seems to require irrigation everywhere, and over a great part of the Agency water is scarce. This must operate as a check to cultivation. As a broad general description, it may be said that the plant is cultivated for the production of bhang all over Rajputana where irrigation is possible, and that, except in Jhallawar, Jaisalmir, and Jeypore, it is never sown in large patches, but appears as scattered plants in vegetable gardens.
Central India.
142. The information from the Central India Agency is scanty. The return from the Indore State shows that from 1873-74 to 1878-79 the area of cultivation exceeded 300 bighas. It then fell suddenly to below 100 bighas, and never reached that figure again until 1888-89. The average of that and the following four years is 180 bighas( 5/8a cre). The cultivation has during this period been about stationary. It is confined to the few mahals in the Nemad district bordering on the Narbada, and to a small tract north of Indore. The State puts no restriction on the cultivation whatever.
143. Enquiry made by the Commission shows that in the Antri pargana of the Gwalior State the cultivation amounts to 265 bighas, and that there is cultivation in other parts of the State as well, extensive in Ujjain and Sipri. The average rent of land fit for the growth of hemp is Rs. 5 per bigha, and an additional tax of Rs. 6 per bigha is levied on the cultivation. There seems to be no other restriction on the cultivation, which has a slight tendency to increase. It is stated in a report attached to the North-Western Provinces memorandum that ganja is grown in three tahsils of the Gwalior State—Antri, Sipri, and Kalaras,—and that the areas cultivated last season were respectively 250 bighas, 253 bighas, and 300 bighas, a bigha being one-half of an acre. The total comes to about 400 acres.
144. In Dewas the cultivation for ganja amounts to 39 bighas and for bhang to 9 bighas. In Baghelkhand and Bhopawar the cultivation is reported to be limited; in the latter division it serves for home consumption only. Dr. Caldecott, Agency Surgeon, Western Malwa, states that cultivation occurs all over Malwa, i.e., the southwestern portion of the Central India Agency, for the production of charas, bhang, and ganja, and that it is commonly grown along with tobacco. The reference to charas suggests that this wide statement must be accepted with caution, for charas is certainly a rare product in these parts.
145. In the correspondence of the last few years relating to the production of the hemp drugs and in Dr. Watt's dictionary, the cultivation of Indore and Gwalior is more prominently mentioned than that of other States. It may be inferred that in comparison with the production of these States that of other States in Central India and Rajputana is unimportant, though it is possible that ganja may have been exported from Central India as the product of Indore and Gwalior when it was really cultivated in some other State. But this does not appear likely. It is probable that the production of other States is not much more than enough to supply local wants. But in the Central Provinces evidence from the Saugor district mention is made of smuggling from the Central India States. The Excise Commissioner of the Central Provinces also writes (in his memorandum) that in one village of the Panna State ganja is freely grown, and that it is also grown in Rewah. The cultivation in Rewah is also mentioned by witnesses from the North-Western Provinces, the Joint Magistrate of Jhansi (32), and a mafidar of Banda (215). Besides Rewah, the states of Panna, Chattarpur, Ajaigarh, and Charkhari are indicated. Mr. Wall, Excise Commissioner of the North-Western Provinces, stated in his report No. 273-E., dated 22nd November 1883, that the Jhansi and Lalitpur districts drew their supply of bhang from the Native States of Dattia, Tehri, Gwalior, and Chattarpur. But there is not sufficient information to enable any estimate to be formed of the extent of cultivation in any but the States for which figures have been given. There is neither report nor evidence regarding the important State of Bhopal on this point.
146. The area of regular cultivation ascertained with some certainty is therefore—Gwalior 400, Indore 115, Dewas 25: total 540 acres. In the other States there may be small areas of regular cultivation, but the most of it is probably scattered and of the desultory sort, a few plants here and there in fields, gardens, and home enclosures.
147. The Baroda report states that "it is said that this plant was sown largely in various places. But the restriction placed by the British Government on exportation obliged the cultivators to give up cultivation. It is now cultivated in one village, Bhadran, where bhang is made for home consumption. No narcotic hemp is cultivated either for the production of charas or its flowers or seeds." The area is about 10 to 12 bighas. It is also found in the compounds of sadhus, fakirs, and other people who consume ganja or bhang. There is no reason to suppose that this latter kind of cultivation is very common.
Kashmir.
148. The Governor of Kashmir and Jammu and the Member of Kashmir State Council report that the plant is not cultivated. It appears that the wild growth is abundant enough, and develops the narcotic properties in sufficient degree to satisfy the wants of the people.
Nepal.
149. The answers to questions received from the Nepal State through the Resident, while alleging that no one cultivates ganja, describe how the wild plant is nurtured and treated, sometimes, it would appear, after being transplanted. This treatment is said to require special skill (questions 2 and 10), and the inference is that the industry is not followed by any large number of persons. The Bengal evidence shows that Nepal charas used formerly to be consumed in that province, but has now given way to that from the Punjab. But it is reported from the North-Western Provinces that 25 to 50 maunds are still imported into Lucknow. It would seem, therefore, that the industry is not inconsiderable. In Royle's Fibrous Plants of India will be found quoted a report from Mr. Hodgson, which shows that in the northern districts of Nepal the plant is pretty extensively grown for fibre.
Summary.
150. The following table shows the total area of hemp cultivation in India as far as it has been possible to state definite figures:—
The only cultivation of any moment which has been omitted is that of those States in Rajputana and Central India which have not been mentioned in the table, and the irregular kind of cultivation which is carried on in the Madras Presidency, the Garhjat States of Bengal, and the plains of the North-Western Provinces. There is also a considerable area of fibre cultivation in the Native States and British territory in the Himalayas which has not been taken into account, and probably amounts to some hundreds of acres. Deducting the fibre cultivation, which yields but little of the drugs, from the total area given in the table, and making allowance for the narcotic cultivation which has been omitted, the total area of cultivation in India for the drugs can hardly exceed 6,000 acres. The total Himalayan cultivation for fibre of the Punjab and North-Western Provinces in the region extending from the borders of Nepal to those of Kashmir may be taken on a liberal estimate at nearly double that of Kumaon and British Garhwal, or 1,500 acres. It cannot be said that the regular cultivation either of the mountains or the plains is shown to be increasing or decreasing. In British territory the desultory kind of cultivation has either been suppressed, as in Bengal, Assam, the Central Provinces, and Berar, or has disappeared, as in Bombay, or is being abandoned as in Madras, the North-estern Provinces, and the Punjab.
Individual witness statements in response to the six questions
The following are witness statements in response to the six questions, listed at the beginning of ths article, posed by the Indian Hemp Drugs Commission with regard to wild growth and cultivation across India and Burma as a part of its study and report of 1895.
3. I know no district in all Bengal in which the hemp plant does not grow spontaneously. Personally I have noticed it most in Champaran and Tippera, but it is common everywhere. 6. Generally scattered, but I have seen also considerable fields of it. 7. (a) Yes, about Naogaon. (b) No. (c) Yes, in Bhagalpur and Monghyr chiefly, but also elsewhere to a smaller extent. (d) To a smaller extent only. There is no licit cultivation in British territory in Orissa, but I believe the plant is cultivated outside in Native States. 8. There is not much variation. The amount of land cultivated [in bighas] since 1877-78 for ganja is as follows:— 1877-78 2,103; 1878-79 1,446; 1879-80 1,388; 1880-81 2,235; 1881-82 2,861; 1882-83 1,991; 1883-84 2,494; 1884-85 1,780; 1885-86 2,433; 1886-87 2,408; 1887-88 2,670; 1888-89 2,015; 1889-90 1,361; 1890-91 2,192; 1891-92 1,316; 1892-93 3,540. We have no details of the area under bhang cultivation. 12. No, it is never so cultivated, so far as I am aware. 13. No man can legally cultivate plants from which intoxicating drugs are produced without a pass from the Collector. These are only given in the tract round Naogaon in the Districts of Rajshahi, Bogra and Dinajpur. See reply to 3. I believe ganja could be grown equally well anywhere. It used to be grown in Jessore. - Evidence of the HON'BLE MR. D. R. LYALL, C.S.I., Member, Board of Revenue, Calcutta.
6. I should say dense. I sometimes see a single plant, but have more often seen it growing in a fairly dense patch, covering up to several hundred square feet. 7. The only admitted cultivation is ganja in the Naogaon sub-division. I believe, however, that so-called wild bhang is really often cultivated. Questions 3 and 7 (oral evidence).—I think the plants come up from self-sown seed. I have never seen it away from habitations, and that points to its being propagated by human agency. I have spent a great deal of time in the jungles, and have been in the habit of observing plants, but I have never noticed the hemp plant in jungles. The self-sown plant differs very materially in appearance from the cultivated plant, and I believe that the plant grows with different appearance in different parts of India and Europe, though all are botanically the same. The Gurjat plant differs both from the cultivated and self-sown plant of Bengal. I do not think the flowering parts of the self-sown plant contain so much of the resinous quality as the cultivated plant does. I do not think much pleasure could be derived from smoking the produce of the self-sown plant, though it may have been to some extent taken care of. 8. This can be obtained from figures in the office of the Board of Revenue. 12. I think not. The plant in the Gurjat mahals is not much better than bhang, but is used for smoking. I doubt whether much care is taken about extirpating the male. 13. (a) Naogaon sub-division and neighbouring tracts. I do not know why selected. (b) I do not know. I should think all Bengal would be suitable. (c) Not that I know of. - Evidence of MR. E. V. WESTMACOTT, Commissioner, Presidency Division; late Commissioner of Excise, Bengal
The hemp plant is said to grow spontaneously in Bhagalpur and Monghyr, and also in the Bettiah sub-division of the district of Champaran. Occasionally a few plants are to be found on the Burway plateau, a distant portion of the Lohardaga district, bordering on the Native States of Jashpur and Sirguja. It grows sparsely in some of the Native States under me, and is also to be found in the south of the Manbhum district, in Singhbhum, and in the Mohurbhanj State. It is grown best on light, rich alluvial soils with a moderate amount of moisture. The sandy banks of rivers are favourable to its growth, and it thrives well on the "sithi," or refuse of indigo vats. There is no regular cultivation. In some of the Tributary States people smoking ganja grow the plant at their doors according to their requirements for smoking and drinking, but this is done only on a small scale. In the districts of this division the products of the hemp plant are obtained from Rajshahi. There is no special treatment. The plants are allowed to grow according to nature. There are no regular cultivators. - Evidence* of MR. W. H. GRIMLEY, Commissioner of Chota Nagpur
The hemp plant is, I believe, universally grown in the Gurjat Mahals. I have only made one tour in these tracts, which lasted three months. I saw the plant growing near houses, but cannot say whether it was cultivated or had sprung up of itself. I have never seen it away from the villages. I could not say for certain whether the plant is used in the hill tracts. But I have heard that it is used medicinally in a decoction made from the plant in the green state. I have never heard of its being used for cattle. It is sold into the Mogalbandi. The fact that the plant is found near the houses, and not found in the jungles, points to its being either cultivated or sprung from seed thrown aside by consumers. It is not grown in fields, but five or six plants may be found in almost every village. This amount of growth is more than would be required for the alleged medicinal use, and I doubt if all the drug is used medicinally. - Evidence of M R.G .TOYNBEE, Commissioner, Bhagalpur Division
I have seen the hemp plant wild in Sylhet, Cachar, and Mymensingh, and all the districts of the Assam Valley and the Khasia hills; and I know it grows wild in the Naga Hills and Bhutan, because it is smuggled down. I should say that the wild growth is from seed accidentally sown. I judge this from its situation. I have seen it near villages in bunches and so on, but not actually in the jungles of Cachar or Assam. I have seen it rather in connection with habitations than in jungles; and I judge, therefore, that it grows from seed of imported ganja. I find that this view is stated in the last Excise Report for Assam. I have noticed it most in the waste spaces, especially near villages on the Grand Trunk Road through Assam in the Nowgong district, in tobacco fields in a village near Korabandar Ghat in the Kamrup district, and last cold weather, when out shooting in Mymensingh, I found twenty or thirty acres of it (more or less thick) in Thana Durgapur. These instances occur to me at present. But I have seen many other instances. In these cases I did not think it had been intentionally sown. I asked about it. The people said it was jungly, grown up of itself, and that they did not use it for anything. I have known of illicit cultivation in Assam. There were a good many cases discovered in the Golaghat sub-division and also in the Dibrugarh country. The cultivation was, as a rule, only of a few plants. In the Dibrugarh case there was not ganja by the acre, but there were many plants. All the people of the village seemed to be cultivating. I have not known any systematic cultivation on a large scale; but agricultural cultivation generally is much scattered in Assam; and I have known cases of cultivation of ganja on a small scale being discovered in remote places. I fancy the reason I do not remember many cases in Sylhet and Cachar is because we did not make any great effort to stop it or pay much attention to it. It is since I left that greater efforts have been made to stop unlicensed cultivation. - Evidence of MR. H. LUTTMAN-JOHNSON, Commissioner of Dacca
3. I believe in all districts of Bengal, Behar and Orissa. 6. Scattered. 7. In the Province of Bengal, there is, of course, the Government factory in the Rajshahi District for purposes (a), (b), and (c). I know nothing of (d). In Orissa, in that portion of the province that is called the Tributary Mahals, there is no check on the cultivation of ganja, and it doubtless goes on extensively throughout the States. 8. I am aware of none. Owing to the States enjoying an almost independent existence, it is impossible to obtain reliable statistics. 12. I should suppose that that is precisely what is done in the Tributary States of Orissa. I can't say if the male plant is extirpated there. In Bengal, Behar and Orissa, unlicensed cultivation is punishable. 13. (a) Of [course in Bengal it is entirely prohibited, except under Government supervision in Rajshahi. (c). I think not. - Evidence of MR. H. G. COOKE, Officiating Commissioner, Orissa Division
Cultivation of ganja within three miles of our border was prohibited in 1878, and importation of Gurjat ganja in 1882. The former order was withdrawn in 1889, and the latter in 1892. In 1882 there was a jump of thirty maunds in the Cuttack District in the consumption of excise ganja, and there was a marked decrease in 189192. The alterations in duty, which occurred meantime (especially in 1887-88 and 1889-90), have to be borne in mind; but the figures undoubtedly point to the extensive use of Gurjat ganja. The districts of Puri and Balasore are said not to be affected by the Gurjat ganja so much as Cuttack. Balasore people are said to prefer Rajshahi ganja. I cannot explain the figures for Puri, which seem to indicate that it is also not affected by Gurjat ganja. I know nothing personally regarding the smuggling into Puri from Madras; but I know there has been much correspondence regarding it - Evidence of MR. H. G. COOKE, Officiating Commissioner, Orissa Division
3. The hemp plant grows spontaneously in all districts of Bengal. It is to be seen growing in the Ganja Office compound at Naogaon: most probably the seeds of plants brought to the office for weighment have fallen off and germinated. There is scarcely a place where it does not grow wild to a smaller or larger extent. In the chatars, i.e., manufacturing grounds and adjacent places, and in waste lands on the outskirts of villages and around dwelling-houses in the ganja tract of Rajshahi, the growth of wild bhang is frequently noticed. 6. The growth of the wild hemp is ordinarily scattered. Sometimes in this district half-a-dozen plants may be seen growing together. But in the ganja-producing tract even a hundred plants may be occasionally noticed in one locality. 7. Yes; for production of ganja in Naogaon, a sub-division of the Rajshahi District, and parts of Bogra and Dinajpur that are adjacent. The area cultivated annually averages 800 acres, the produce being about 8,000 maunds in quantity. Not for charas; the little charas that adheres to the soles of the feet and to the hands during manufacture of ganja is washed off, as the quantity of it that might be scraped off would be inappreciably small. 8. There has been no appreciable increase or decrease. I give the figures for the last five years, and the quantities produced— YEAR. Bighas actually cultivated. Quantity produced - 1887-88 2,433 8,266; 1888-89 2,408 8,022; 1889-90 2,669 6,682; 1890-91 1,315 6,040; 1891-92 3,644 7,575; 1892-93 3,298 9,755.
The demand affects the area cultivated. If a season is a bad one, or the plant damaged by floods or otherwise, the supply will be less than usual. A slight impetus will be given to the cultivation in the next season, and perhaps a larger area will be cultivated and a larger quantity be produced. But this impetus will soon cease to have any effect: the third season's cultivation will be normal; and in the long run, matters will settle down to what they were before. 12. I have no reason; in fact, I am sure it is not. 13. Yes; it is restricted to the sub-division of Naogaon in the Rajshahi district, of which I am now serving as Collector, and to the parts of Bogra and Dinajpur that lie adjacent. The cause of the restriction is involved in obscurity. It is said that ganja used formerly to be cultivated and manufactured in Jessore also. For some reason or other those engaged in the industry were brought or came to Naogaon, where the cultivation was concentrated. The present ganja tract supplies the requirements of the whole province; this may be the reason that it is not cultivated in other districts also. It would not pay to do so, and the Government supervision would be felt to be irksome. Besides, as explained before, some knowledge of the cultivation and manufacture of ganja is necessary before a person can embark on its production with any chance of success. The ganja-producing hemp requires a dry soil. At the same time, constant irrigation from a well or tank or river is indispensable. No special conditions of climate or rainfall or elevation above sea level seem to be necessary, for these conditions are fairly similar throughout Bengal to what they are in and about Naogaon. The ganja-producing hemp could certainly not be cultivated in lowlying and damp localities; for instance, in those parts of the district of Rajshahi which do not come under the description of barind or high lands. - Evidence of MR. J. C. PRICE, Magistrate and Collector, Rajshahi
3. The spontaneous growth of the hemp plant is not allowed in this district; sometimes it grows spontaneously if seeds fall in moist places; but such instances are very rare. It grows wild and
abundantly in the districts of Dacca and Faridpur, and similar districts of which the soil is damp. 6. Ordinarily the growth of the wild hemp is dense. This remark applies to the districts where it grows. Not of course to this, where it grows only sporadically. 7 to 13. Do not apply to this district. The hemp plant for ganja is not cultivated in this district; but in some places it grows wild and the leaves are generally used as bhang. Wild hemp is not cultivated in this district for the production of ganja. It would be penal to do so. - Evidence of MR. F. H. BARROW, Magistrate and Collector of Bankura
3. Bhang grows in profusion wild, and it is impossible to check its use without adopting inquisitorial methods and incurring large expense. 6. Generally very dense. 7. Hemp is not cultivated. 13. The cultivation is restricted to one tract on the borders of the Rajshahi and Bogra districts. Question 3 (oral evidence).—My former experience led me to believe that the hemp plant grew more commonly in Bhagalpur than in other districts, but I have now little doubt the circumstances of the district are much the same as those of other riparian districts. In 1883 I made a report to the Board of Revenue describing the prevalence of the wild growth of the hemp plant in Bhagalpur, and suggesting measures for its extirpation or cultivation under license. I have noticed the plant growing principally on "diyara" lands, i.e., alluvial lands of new formation. Such lands are generally private property. I have been touring in the district during the cold season, and my views as to the prevalence of the wild growth are considerably modified. There is now less growth on account of the extension of cultivation on the "diyara" lands, which are eagerly taken up for the cultivation of the cold-weather crops. I have not recently seen more than an acre or two of the wild growth in any one plot. The aggregate area on which the plant is found would still be considerable. On the "diyara" lands the plant is found growing with tamarisk and tiger grass and other jungle plants. I noticed much the same sort of growth in the Rajshahi district, though not to the same extent, because the area of riparian lands is not so great. The same description applies to the Murshidabad and Nadia and Rungpur districts. All these districts lie along the Ganges. I have not observed the same conditions in any other districts. - Evidence of MR. F. H. B. SKRINE, Magistrate and Collector of Bhagalpur.
3. Bhang grows in almost all parts in all districts of North Bengal, specially in Dinajpur and Rangpur, and ganja in Rajshahi, Bogra, and Dinajpur; the production in Rajshahi being the highest, and that in Bogra lowest. 6. Dense. 7. (a) Yes, in Mahadebpur Thana. (b) No. (c) No, as it grows wildly. (d) No. Ganja grows only in three or four villages in Mahadebpur Thana in this district. 8. None. 12. No. 13. It is cultivated in Dinajpur, Bogra, and Rajshahi, the necessary condition for its growth being damp soil, high land and sufficient rainfall, and moist climate. - Evidence of MR. A. C. TUTE, Magistrate and Collector of Dinajpur.
I have ordered a copy of Mr. Kanti Bhusan Sen's report on the ganja across the Gurjat Border to be sent to the Commission with my forwarding letter. I have no knowledge of the cultivation across the border such as would enable me to give evidence that would be of use to the Commission. The plant grows—an odd plant here and there—in this district, principally towards the hills. I believe that these plants are sometimes found in this district apart from habitations; but the cases that come to light are cases of plants grown in the enclosures. The amount grown in this district may be left out of account in regard to any measures taken in respect to ganja, it is so small. An order requiring that it should cease could easily be carried out. But there is much jungle land to the north of Cuttack along the frontier in this district, and there the cultivation of a few plants would be difficult of detection. - Evidence of MR. G. STEVENSON, Magistrate and Collector of Cuttack.
3. It grows in Murshidabad, Jessore, 24-Parganas, and is abundant in Jessore. 6. Ordinarily dense. 7. Yes; but not in this district. 8. I am not aware of any such increase. 12. Not so far as I am aware. 13. The cultivation is restricted to the districts of Rajshahi, Bogra, and Dinajpur, known as "Naogaon ganja mahal." The districts were selected, I think, for their peculiar soil. I think a soft loamy soil with adaptability for irrigation is necessary for the cultivation of hemp for producing ganja. Its cultivation would be impossible, I think, in marshy land. - Evidence of the HON'BLE F. R. S. COLLIER, Magistrate and Collector, 24-Parganas.
3. Monghyr and Bahraich (Oudh) - Evidence of MR, C. R. MARINDIN, Magistrate and Collector of Shahabad.
3. It grows spontaneously everywhere in Lower Bengal as well as in Behar and Orissa. It is somewhat scarce in the districts of the Chota Nagpur division; but elsewhere it is generally abundant, especially in Champaran, Monghyr, Bhagalpur, Purnea, Rungpur, Jessore, etc. 6. Ordinarily dense. Cultivators and indigo planters do their best to keep down its growth. 7. (a) Yes. (b) No. (c) No. (d) I am not aware as regards (d). See my memorandum as Excise Commissioner. 8. The area fluctuates considerably from year to year, but there is little change on the whole. See official note. 12. Yes. In the Gurjat States of Orissa, in Hill Tipperah, and in Nepal. The practice is very general in the former; and smuggling of this drug seriously affects the ganja revenue in Orissa. That produced in Hill Tipperah is rarely brought into British territory. The extirpation of the male plant is not so thorough as in the case of the Rajshahi drug; but even in the ganja tract the male plant cannot be absolutely eradicated. Gurjat ganja is decidedly inferior in quality, containing more leaves and seeds and less narcotic matter than the Rajshahi drug. It is, however, much cheaper, the price being about onesixth that of the Rajshahi drug. 13. See official note. Cultivation restricted to a small tract in Rajshahi, Dinajpur and Bogra. - Evidence of MR. K. G. GUPTA, Commissioner of Excise, Bengal
3. Only the hemp plant known as bhang grows spontaneously in all districts of Bengal, The rest do not grow spontaneously. 6. Dense. 7. (a) No. (b) No. (c) No. (d) No. 8. No 12. The excise officers frequently come across plants which have to all appearance been cultivated, though this is always denied. 13. Excepting wild bhang, which grows spontaneously, no other hemp plant is cultivated here - Evidence of MR. L. HARE, Magistrate and Collector of Muzaffarpur.
3. The hemp plant grows spontaneously in the districts of Darbhanga, Champaran, Muzaffarpur, and Saran. It is abundant in Darbhanga, Champaran, Monghyr, and Bhagalpur. 6. The growth of the plant is ordinarily scattered. 12. No reason to think so. - Evidence of MR. G. E. MANISTY, Magistrate and Collector of Saran
3. It grows sparsely in this district. It also grows wild on the hills in the Cachar District, and if I remember right Sylhet. 6. Dense. 7. Yes, but I know nothing about it. I have never been in a district where it was cultivated. 13. It is restricted to Rajshahi District I believe, but I know nothing about it. - Evidence of MR. J. KENNEDY, Magistrate and Collector of Murshidabad
3. In all the districts of the Rajshahi Division, in Murshidabad and Dacca the hemp plant grows spontaneously. In Manikganj sub-division of Dacca it is abundant. 6. The growth of the wild hemp is ordinarily dense. 7. There is no cultivation of the hemp plant for production of ganja or charas in this district. Sometimes plants growing from the seeds of ganja purchased at the licensed shops are preserved and reared with care by some consumers, evidently with the object of obtaining ganja from them, or of using their leaves as intoxicants. The dried leaves of wild bhang plants are sometimes stored for use as bhang or as a remedy for cattle disease. The plants are not used for their fibre or seeds. 8. The growth of wild bhang plants is being greatly restricted by the action of the excise and police officers. 12. See answer to question 7. Such cases are not common in this district, and are not confined to any particular locality. The male plant is not extirpated in such cases, as the cultivator here cannot distinguish between male and female plants. 13. Babu Hem Chandra Kerr's report may be referred to for an answer to this question. - Evidence of MR. T. L. JENKINS, Magistrate and Collector of Dacca
3. In Dinajpur and Bhagalpur, and in Cuttack I think. The wild plant is abundant in Bhagalpur.
6. Rather dense. 7. Yes; in Rajshahi, Dinajpur and perhaps a little in neighbouring districts, but there is official information about this which I have not got. 12. Exceptional cases of illicit cultivation have come to my notice from time to time, but I cannot now say where exactly. 13. To Rajshahi and other neighbouring districts. I think that ganja might probably be cultivated anywhere, and have met isolated instances of illicit cultivation in many districts - Evidence of MR. H. F. T. MAGUIRE, Magistrate and Collector of Khulna
3. I have seen quantities of wild bhang in the Bettiah sub-division, and have seen ganja of an inferior kind introduced from Nepal. 6. The bhang grows very densely, especially near villages. 7. It is cultivated in Rajshahi, but I have never been there. 8 to 12. No information. 13. (a) Yes. To Rajshahi I believe. (b) No information. (c) There is no wild bhang in this district, which would seem to show that the climate is unsuited for it. - Evidence of MR. W. R. BRIGHT, Deputy Commissioner of Palám
3. Hemp plant is found occasionally to grow spontaneously in certain localities of the district. It is nowhere abundant. 6. Scattered. 7. No cultivation of hemp plant in this district. - Evidence of MR. N. K. BOSE, Officiating Magistrate and Collector of Noakhali.
3. The plant grows spontaneously in this district, but not abundantly. No doubt it might be easily cultivated, as a few cases occur of Kabirajes growing it illicitly for medicine. 6. Scattered. 7. Not in this district (as above noted, a few plants are sometimes illicitly grown by Kabirajes). - Evidence of MR. L. P. SHIRRES, Magistrate and Collector of Midnapur
3. A species of ganja known as Gurjat ganja grows in the Gurjat estates bordering on the Districts of Puri and Cuttack, and (illicitly) will grow spontaneously in the bordering portion of those districts. 6. Scattered in the cases where I have seen it. 7. There is no licit cultivation in Orissa, but in the Tributary Mahals of the Gurjat, the variety known as Gurjat ganja is grown extensively. 8. I cannot say. Enough is grown for local consumption, and also for export into British territory. The area has no doubt increased since 1889, when the prohibition against growing it within three miles of the British border was withdrawn, and that amount of extra land, there¬ fore, left available for its cultivation, where desired 12. Yes. In the Gurjat States. The male plants do not appear to be systematically destroyed. 13. Its cultivation is forbidden in Orissa. Any dry loamy soil would be suitable for its cultivation - Evidence of MR. E. H. C. WALSH,* Officiating Magistrate and Collector of Cuttack
3. In the District of Nadia. It is abundant in this district. I have seen it growing wild in Saran and Muzaffarpur districts - Evidence of MR. J. H. BERNARD, Offg. Magistrate and Collector, Nadia
3. The wild hemp plant occurs in most districts of Bengal. It grows abundantly in the western part of this district. 6. Usually dense. 7. (a) It is cultivated for the production of ganja in the Adamdighi and Nawabganj thanas of this district, and in the adjoining portions of the Rajshabi and Dinajpur districts. The plant is not cultivated in this district for the purpose specified in (c) and (d). (b) There is no regular cultivation of the plant in this district for use as bhang. The wild plant often grows spontaneously in the neighbourhood of houses, and such growth is sometimes protected and encouraged by householders for their own use, but there is no cultivation in the proper sense of the word. 8. The following figures show the area cultivated in this district only:— Year. Area in bighas. 1888-89 439 1889-90 384 1890-91 443 1891-92 127 1892-93 566 These figures have been obtained from Naogaon; the variations are attributed to the ordinary course of supply and demand. 12. I have never heard of the cultivation of wild hemp for the production of ganja. 13. The cultivation is confined to the tract mentioned in the reply to question No. 7. The selection of this tract appears to have been fortuitous. A light sandy loam is most suitable for the growth of ganja. A heavy clayey soil is unsuitable. I believe that abundance of soil suitable for ganja cultivation could be found in many districts where no ganja is at present grown. - Evidence of MR. A. E. HARWARD, Offg. Magistrate and Collector.
6. Generally the growth of the wild hemp is scattered and not dense, a few plants growing here and there about the homestead lands. 7. Not in Chota Nagpur, as far as I know. In Rajshahi ganja is cultivated. 8. Not known 12. No. 13. Restricted to the Rajshahi district, where the conditions of cultivation are eminently favourable. - Evidence of Mr. C. A. S. BEDFORD,* Deputy Commissioner of Manbhum
13. Yes; to Rajshahi, Bogra, and Dinajpur dis¬ tricts. Cannot say why. I have no knowledge as to conditions of climate, soil, etc., nor am I able to say if there are any parts of this (Bengal) province where its cultivation would be impossible. From cases which have come up before me for trial in both Chota Nagpur and Behar, I find that it is possible to grow the plant in these divisions, but I am unable to say whether or no this can be done on an extensive scale or not. In the cases referred to, only a plant or two were detected - Evidence of Mr. R. H. RENNY, Deputy Commissioner of Singhbhum
3. Throughout the Gurjat; but it is only where the plant has once grown, that the plant grows spontaneously in succeeding years. It does not grow wild anywhere. 6. Such as grow here, their growth is scattered; but they do not grow wild in the Gurjats. 7. As stated above, the plant is grown in wellmanured land, generally homestead. In all parts of the country, a few plants may be seen growing here and there; but there is no regular cultivation to any large extent, and I have nowhere seen more than twenty plants growing at one and the same place. Generally four or five plants are to be seen at a place. These are cultivated chiefly for bhang and to a small extent for ganja. Charas is not manufactured. 8. No. 12. I know nothing of wild hemp. 13. No. No restriction. It is common to all States. No special condition of climate, etc., necessary, except that the soil must be rich. It will not grow in gravelly, concrete, or sandy soil. I do not think that in any part of the Tributary Mahals its cultivation is impossible - Evidence of RAI NANDAKISORE DAS, BAHADUR,* District Officer of Angul, Cuttack
3. It is not grown here - Evidence of MR. W. MAXWELL, Sub-Divisional Officer, Jhenidah, District Jessor
3. I am not aware of the hemp plant being indigenous in Bengal, Behar, or Orissa, but the plant grows freely from seed everywhere on suitable soil 6. I have never seen wild hemp growing. 7. (a) Yes; in the Tributary States of Orissa and in Ganjam, and Gumsar in Madras. (b) No. (c) Yes. Ditto ditto. (d) No. I cannot give the extent of cultivation in the Tributary Mahals. The plant is usually grown in the gardens or near the homesteads of the raiyats, but in more or less small plots. No duty is charged on the plant or its products in the Tributary States and in Madras, which presidency adjoins Orissa, ganja is not an exciseable article. All the hill tribes, such as Khonds, Santias, etc., grow and consume ganja and bhang as a preven¬ tive of malarious fevers. 8. There has of late years been some decrease in the area under cultivation in the Orissa Tributary States owing to pressure put on the Chiefs to forbid cultivation near the boundaries of the regulation districts of Puri, Cuttack, and Balasore. A few years ago I recollect that the Madras authorities refused to check the cultivation of hemp in Gumsar on the grounds that the Khonds required ganja and bhang as a safeguard against malarial fevers. A considerable amount of what is called Gurjat ganja and patti are smuggled into Cuttack, Puri, and Balasore 12. I know nothing of the so-called wild hemp. In the hemp grown in Orissa and Ganjam the male plants are not, I believe, extirpated. 13. The cultivation of the hemp plant for ganja is not permitted in the regulation parts of Orissa. In the Non-regulation parts or Tributary States the cultivation is permitted by the Chiefs of those States, but in States which lapse to Government, or which come under Government management, cultivation of hemp is not, I believe, allowed. In the adjoining district of Ganjam in Madras, I believe that there are no restrictions on the cultivation of the plant or the preparation of its products, ganja not being, I believe, an exciseable article in Madras - Evidence of MR. W.C .T AYLOR, Special Deputy Collector, Land Acquisition, East Coast Railway, and Pensioned Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Khurda, Orissa
3. My knowledge does not extend to the cultivation of the hemp plant, I therefore leave this chapter blank. - Evidence of CHUNDER NARAIN SINGH, Kayasth, Deputy Collector, at present employed as Personal Assistant to the Commissioner of the Bhagalpur Division.
3. I have seen it growing in Mansha, in Bagir Hat Sub-division and Jessore. Recently an instance was brought to my notice of a large plant grown in the 24-Parganas. The subject of removal of the plant formed the ground of a criminal case 6. A few plants were observed at Mansha. 7. I have seen nowhere hemp cultivated and grown for the purposes indicated. - Evidence of BABU RAM CHARAN BOSE, Kayasth, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Alipur, 24-Parganas.
3. Rajshahi and Jessore. - Evidence of BABU NAVIN KRISHNA BANERJI, Brahman, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Purulia, District Manbhum
3. In almost every district of Bengal and Behar it grows spontaneously. I have seen jungles of it grown wild in Dacca, Mymensingh, Faridpur, Gaya, and Murshidabad. 6. I have seen very densely grown plants on river banks and round wells. It also grows scattered within houses. Seeds thrown or falling from plants lead to their growth. 7. (a) Yes. (b) No. (c) The North-Western Provinces and Monghyr bhang is the favourite. The hemp plant is cultivated in Rajshahi and Bogra. 13. Yes, to Rajshahi and Bogra districts. - Evidence of BABU PRAN KUMAR DAS, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector and Personal Assistant to the Commissioner of Burdwan.
3. In the Tippera district bhang grows sponta¬ neously. Also in the Tippera hills. It grows everywhere on moist land. Ganja grows in the Tippera hills, but to a limited extent. 6. The growth is scattered. 7. (a) None in Tippera district, but there is cultivation in the Tippera hills. (c) No, it grows wild. The bhang plants grow wild everywhere, scattered. 8. No cultivation. 12. None cultivated here. I understand it is so cultivated in the Tippera hills. The practice is very limited. I do not know whether the male plant is extirpated. - Evidence of BABU GOBIND CHANDRA BASAK, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Brahmanbaria, Tippera District
3. Nadia, Rangpur, and Bankura. It is abundant in Rajshahi. - Evidence of BABU DINA NATH DÉ, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Nadia.
3. Hemp plants grow spontaneously in Jessore, Backergunge, Dacca, Hughli, Howrah and Noakhali. I think they are abundant in Jessore. These plants have no narcotic in them and are not used as ganja. Some people collect them and use as siddhi by drinking it. Question 3 (oral evidence).—The wild hemp plant generally grows in uncultivated land, either in the homesteads or fields. It does not grow in the jungle or in sandy churs, but it does grow on alluvial churs. I do not think I have seen a plant in alluvial lands; but I have seen it near homesteads and in other places. The wild plant grows in the cold season, and the leaves are gathered in February and March. In Bengal the plant could not last till June or July; but I cannot say what may happen in other parts of India. If the wild plant were cut down it would spring up again from its seeds. There was an order for its extermination in force for one season, and in many districts the attempt was made. Orders were issued to the chowkidars and villagers to carry it out. The order was rescinded because it was seen that it would be oppressive. It would be impossible for the people to exterminate the plant in the waste strips by the roadsides and cattle-grazing grounds; but it might be done in the homesteads without difficulty. The plant cannot grow in the cultivated fields, because the people weed it out. The alluvial churs to which I refer are new land thrown up by the river. The seed is brought into these lands by the river and so springs up. In saying it would be impossible to eradicate the plant in the strips of waste land and sides of fields, I mean that there is no agency to do the work or anyone to hold responsible. The growth is not very large on these lands, and the amount of it would not cause difficulty, though the operation might take time. 6. The growth of the wild hemp plant is ordinarily dense. 7. (a) Yes. (b) No. (c) No. (d) No. The ganja is cultivated in a small tract of land about sixteen square miles in area, lying within the three districts of Rajshahi, Dinajpur and Bogra. 8. Of late there has not been any increase or decrease in area. In 1891-92 there was some increase in the area under cultivation. The increase was due to the fact that in the year previous the crop on account of flood failed, and in consequence the price of ganja rose very high, which induced cultivators to extend the cultivation. 12. Nowhere, so far as my experience goes, wild hemp is cultivated for the production of ganja. 13. So far as I am aware, the cultivation of ganja is restricted in Bengal Province alone. It is grown, as I have said above, to a limited area in the districts of Rajshahi, Dinajpur and Bogra. The cultivation of ganja was at the beginning confined to a few villages in the north of Rajshahi district. Gradually it extended to the tracts bordering the Rajshahi district, but locally situated in Bogra and Dinajpur. Subsequently, by Government order, the limit of the ganja tract was specified and cultivation restricted to that tract. Ganja could not be grown in low and marshy land. I think, for the proper growth of ganja plants, dry climate, mixed soil (sand and clay), high land and facilities for irrigation are necessary for producing ganja. I think it would be impossible to grow ganja in the districts bordering the sea and as well as in the high lands of the districts in the north and west of Bengal. - Evidence of BABU GANENDRA NATH PAL, Kayasth, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Naogaon.
3. The hemp plant grows spontaneously in the districts of Rangpur, Champaran, Saran, Shahabad, and Chittagong—in the first three districts abundantly. 6. Ordinarily rather dense. 7. Not cultivated in this district. 12. I have no reason to suppose so. 13. Yes, it is cultivated in a tract of country known as ganja-mahal, with its head-quarters station at Naogaon in the district of Rajshahi. I do not know why that tract was selected. - Evidence of BABU GANGANATH ROY, Kayasth, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Chittagong.
3. In Rajshahi, Bogra, Rangpur, and Dinajpur. It grows abundantly at Balighara in Bogra, Naogaon in Rajshahi and Mahadevpur in Dinajpur 6. It is ordinarily dense. 7. In Rajshahi, Bogra, and Dinajpur, special arrangement is made for the production of ganja. 12. In Orissa. 13. Yes; it is restricted to parts of Dinajpur, Bogra, and Rajshahi districts only. Those districts have been selected, as hemp plant for ganja grows in abundance in the particular parts of those districts. If not restricted, its cultivation may be common to all districts of this division except Darjeeling, where its cultivation is impos¬ sible for its rocky soil and dry climate. - Evidence of BABU JOGENDRO NATH BANDYOPADHYA, Brahmin, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Jalpaiguri.
3. In Dacca, Mymensingh, on the banks of rivers, and in Monghyr at the foot of the hills near Baha Chowki, a village about 14 miles from the town. ( Also in Chittagong, Chittagong Hill Tracts, Noakhali, Tippera and Hill Tippera. In the Darjeeling District it is abundant—W. O.) 6. Generally dense. 7. (a) In Rajshahi. 8 to 11. Not known. 12. Not known. (No. In Hill Tippera manufactured ganja is imported; also into the Hill Tracts where Hindustani workmen and artificers require it.—W. O.) 13. Yes, to Rajshahi. The rest not known to me. - Evidence of BABU JAGA MOHAN BHATTACHARJYA, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector and Personal Assistant to Commissioner, Chittagon
3. Hemp plant does not grow spontaneously in the regulation districts. I hear from traders and several Gurjat residents that hemp often grows spontaneously in the Tributary States of Mohurbhunj, Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, Boad and Athmalik. 7. The cultivation of hemp plant is prohibited in the regulation districts of Orissa. In the Gurjats many people grow this plant, both for bhang and ganja. 8. For several years the cultivation of Gurjat ganja was prohibited in the Tributary States of Orissa. This prohibition has been lately withdrawn, and I believe the area under cultivation has considerably increased. To what precise extent it has increased, I am unable to say - Evidence of BABU MANMOHAN CHAKRAVARTI, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Jajpur, Cuttack, Orissa.
3. Bhang grows spontaneously in Bhagalpur and Monghyr. It is also abundant in these two districts, which chiefly export to Calcutta. Bhang grows spontaneously in almost all the districts I have seen, but it is very limited in such places. 6. As dense as an excellent mustard crop. In places where the soil is less sandy, the density diminishes. 7. Bhang plants are not cultivated. Ganja is cultivated in Naogaon in Rajshahi. - Evidence of BABU NAVAKUMAR CHAKRAVARTI, Brahmin, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Jangipur, Murshidabad.
3. Bhang plant grows spontaneously in Rajshahi and Murshidabad, in which districts it is abundant. Ganja plant is spontaneous in Murshidabad, though not abundant. Question 3 (oral evidence).—The bhang plant and the ganja plant are not the same. I am not very sure of this. As I am now informed that the plants are the same, I am probably wrong. 6. Ordinarily dense in a small patch of land about homesteads. 7. (a) Yes, in Rajshahi. (c) Yes, in Rajshahi, I am told. (d) Yes. 8. Not known. 13. (a) Yes, only Rajshahi. (b) Alluvial tracts with a certain extent of moisture would favour the growth of hemp plant. (c) Impossible in high hilly parts of the country. - Evidence of MAULAVI ABDUS SAMAD, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Purulia, Manbhum
3. Murshidabad, Jessore, 24-Parganas. It is abundant in Jessore, 6. Ordinarily dense. 7. Yes; but not in this district. 8. I am not aware of any such increase. 13. The cultivation is restricted to the districts of Rajshahi, Bogra, and Dinajpur, known as "Naogaon Ganja Mahal." The districts were selected, I think, for their peculiar soil. I think a soft loamy soil with adaptability for irrigation is necessary for the cultivation of hemp for producing ganja. Its cultivation would be impossible I think in marshy land. - Evidence of BABU GUNGADHAR GHOSE, Excise Deputy Collector, 24-Pargana
3. In all the Behar districts, Patna, Gaya, Shahabad, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Saran, Champaran, and Monghyr bhang plants grow sponta¬ neously. In the last two, bhang grows spontataneonsly and in abundance. We used to get our supplies from Monghyr, which, produced good bhang. We now get our bhang from the Bahraich district in the North-Western Provinces. Ganja does not grow wild. 6. Ordinarily wild hemp grows very dense. 7. (a) Ganja is produced in parts of Dinajpur and Bogra, but principally in Naogaon, Rajshahi. (b) No charas is produced in this province. (c) Bhang used to be obtained from Monghyr. Latterly we have been obtaining our supplies from Bahraich, North-Western Provinces. (d) Not known. Majum made of bhang everywhere. The extent of production is not known. 12. There is no reason to suppose that wild bhang is specially cultivated for the production of ganja. 13. The cultivation of the ganja plant is restricted to Naogaon in Rajshahi and parts of Bogra and Dinajpur, because the soil is suited and produces the best kind of ganja in India. The cultivation of ganja plant is possible in almost every place in Bengal, but the produce will not be as good as that of Naogaon. We made experiments with ganja produced in the Howrah District, but the consumers did not like it. The intoxication was not as effective as Naogaon ganja. - Evidence of BABU PROKASH CHUNDER ROY, Excise Deputy Collector, Patna
3. (Answer refers to bhang only.) I have seen bhang grow wild in the following districts (1) Muzaffarpur, (2) Bhagalpur, (3) Monghyr. It is abundantly grown in the lastmentioned districts.
6. Scattered. Ditches, earthen boundaries and fallow lands being the ordinary places where it grows. Germinates generally in October and is ready for use in six months - Evidence of BABU SURENDRANATH MOZOOMDAR, Brahmin, Special Excise Deputy Collector, Monghyr.
3. Rajshahi, Hill Tippera, and Orissa Tributary States. Abundant in these three districts. To a limited extent in 24-Parganas, Nadia, and Jessore. 6. Ordinarily dense. 7. (a) and (c). Yes; in Rajshahi, Hill Tippera and the Tributary States of Orissa. - Evidence of BABU A. K. RAY, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Bangaon, Jessore District.
3. Hemp plants grow in some parts of Bengal spontaneously, from which siddhi or patti is obtained. I have seen them in the districts of Jessore and Faridpur. In the Tributary States of Orissa they, specially the female or ganjaproducing plants, grow more spontaneously than in Bengal. I have found them abundant in the Tributary State of Khandpara. 6. Generally scattered. 7. Ganja is cultivated in very large quantities in the Rajshahi district. But, as I have no personal knowledge of its cultivation in that district, I shall confine my further replies to Gurjat ganja and patti referred to above. (a) Yes; in the Tributary States of Orissa. (b) No. (c) Yes; in the Tributary States of Orissa. (d) No. As my enquiries relating to Gurjat ganja were confined to about three miles of the frontier in the Gurjats, I cannot say to what extent it is produced. But the quantity is sufficient to meet the local demand as well as the demand of the consumers in the British territory who live along the frontier. Besides this, a few maunds are imported into the district of Puri and elsewhere. 8. I think there has been some increase in the area under such cultivation in the Gurjats. In Government of Bengal Order No. 165-T., dated the 19th October 1878, the cultivation of Gurjat ganja in the Tributary States within three miles of the frontier was prohibited. But subsequently this prohibition was withdrawn in Government of Bengal Order No. E. 1.-G./2 4, dated the 6th September 1889; since which the cultivation in the Tributary States appears to have been on the increase, as is known by the falling off in the consumption of Rajshahi ganja from 141 maunds 7 seers 12 chittacks in 1889-90 to 112 maunds 21 seers 9 chittacks in 1892-93. The last year's incidence on account of duty and license fees per seer of Rajshahi ganja is about Rs. 15, while in the Tributary States no such license fee or duty is realized, and ganja is usually sold from Rs. 2-8 to Rs. 4-8 a seer. A portion of the falling-off is, no doubt, due to the high incidence of Rajshahi ganja. As there is no licit consumption of Gurjat ganja in the Cuttack district, a great quantity is being smuggled into the British territory along the frontier. Twenty-three cases of such smuggling have been detected during the half-year ending 30th September 1893. Question 8 (oral evidence).—There is no licit consumption of Gurjat ganja in the Cuttack district, because when I wrote my reply the license vendors were not allowed to import less than eight maunds at a time, and they could not conveniently collect that amount in the Tributary Mahals (vide 59). The rule permitting import on payment of duty was, therefore, a dead-letter. Recently the eight maunds minimum has been reduced to one maund; but there has not yet been time to note the effect of this change. Formerly, i.e., in the years 1878-79 and 1879-80, there was a little licit importation; but since then there has been none. I make this statement on careful examination of the figures. 12. Yes, in the Gurjats I have found them in the Tributary States of Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, Atgarh, Tigriah, Baramba, and Khandpara. As to the extent, vide latter portion of my reply to question No. 7. In the Gurjats the male plants are not extirpated. 13. I have no personal knowledge about the cultivation of ganja in the Rajshahi district. As regards Gurjat ganja, 1 beg to refer to my replies to questions Nos. 5 to 12. 1 think the cultivation of ganja in tracts of country along the sea side in Orissa, where the soil is very sandy, will not be successful, unless the soil is specially prepared for its cultivation. - Evidence of BABU KANTI BHUSHAN SEN, Baidya, Special Excise Deputy Collector of Cuttack
3. I have seen the hemp plant growing in the following districts:— Mymensingh, Dacca, Faridpur, Backergunge, in the Dacca Division. Noakhali, Tippera, Chittagong, in the Chittagong Division. Rangpur, Dinajpur, Bogra, Jalpaiguri, Rajshahi, Pubna, in the Rajshahi Division. Nadia, Jessore, Khulna, 24-Parganas, Murshidabad, in the Presidency Divsion. Cuttack, Puri, Balasore, in the Orissa Division. It grows abundant all over Bengal. 24-Parganas.—Specially in the Basirhat Sub¬division. Nadia.— Meherpur (Chuadanga) and Kushtia Sub-divisions. Khulna.—Sadar and Satkhira Sub-divisions. Jessore.—Magura, Narail, Jhenida, and Sadar Sub-divisions. It grows most abundant in the Jessore District. Rajshahi Division.—The wild bhang grows largely. No duty-paid bhang is consumed in any district in the Rajshahi Division. It grows most luxuriantly all over the division. Even on the sides of the railway line (Northern Bengal State Railway) passing through the districts of Rajshahi, Bogra, Dinajpur, Rangpur, and Jalpaiguri. Dacca District.—Hemp plant grows spontaneously all over the Dacca District, and specially in the Manikgunge Sub-division (at Lasragunge, Jhitka, Jaffergunge, Gheore, etc.), on the banks of rivers at Toke, and on low lands adjoining people's houses. Below is given the names of places in which it grows abundantly in the Mymensingh District:— (a) On the slopy banks of the rivers Brahma¬ putra and Kansa. (b) Sadar Sub-division.—Essurgunge Thana, Muktagatcha, Fulberia Thana, Fulpur Thana, Saltia (old Indigo Factory), Birunia (old Indigo Factory). It affords shelter to tigers. (c) Netrokona and Kissoregunge Sub-divisions.—East Mymensingh. Jariar Banda.—In the Durgapur Thana (about thirty miles from the town of Mymensingh) bhang plants grow wild over an area of twenty square miles. The land is covered over with long grass and bhang plants, and the tract is inhabited by wild buffaloes. From Hosseinpur to Kissoregunge Subdivisional Head-Quarters the hemp plant grows wild on both sides of the road. It grows wild on the sites of abandoned indigo factories in that Sub-division at Darinagar, Badia, Kotiadi, Matkhola, and Bazidpur. (d) Jamalpur Sub-division.—In the Jamalpur Sub-division at Baliajuri (several acres of land are covered with the wild hemp plant). It also grows on the banks of the river Brahmaputra and on lands adjoining abandoned indigo factories at Bagunbari, Nandina, etc. (e) In Tangail Sub-division it grows abundantly at Kagmari, Jamurki, Elunga, Sealkole, Soya, Tangail town, Subarnokali, Patal, Nagarpur, Bhadra, etc. 6. The plants grow spontaneously in November and December; they bear seed in March and April, and the seeds fall off in May. The leaves which become partially dry fall off as soon as the rains set in in June. The people collect the leaves on the last day of the Bengali year (Chaitra Sankranti), and in March and April before the rains set in. The dried bhang plants growing near people's houses are used as fuel by the poor. The seeds that fall to the ground germinate, and small plants again grow in the rainy season, but they die out as soon as the rain water collects at their roots. The wild hemp plant ordinarily grows dense, and it is not scattered. 7. Cultivation of the hemp plant— (a) The extent of the ganja cultivation in 1892-93 is shown below:— Districts. Thana. Number of villages. Number of cultivators.
Area in bigha cultivated. Rajshahi. Naogaon 95 1,922 2,278 Bogra Adamdighi, Nawabgunge 68 468 479 Dinajpur Mahadebpur 35 489 579 TOTAL 198 2,879 3,336 (b) No charas. (c) There is no cultivation of bhang, but the growth is fostered in some cases. The cultivation is resorted to primarily with the object of growing ganja; if it fails, the leaves are used as bhang. Bhang grows spontaneously all over Bengal, and its cultivation is rare. Illicit cultivation is generally decreasing through the vigilance of Excise and Police officers. (d) It is not cultivated solely for its fibre or seeds. The formation of seed cannot entirely be prevented by the destruction of the male plants, as there are seeds in the Rajshahi ganja exported, and the seeds of the Rajshahi ganja are used for the cultivation of ganja plants in the ganja mahal. The wild hemp grows wild from the seeds of the wild hemp. Ganja plants are illicitly reared from the seeds of the Rajshahi ganja. 8. The area of the ganja mahal is not decreasing, as the following figures will show:— (Figures from 1854 to 1876 will be found in Babu Hem Chandra Ker's report.) Year. No. of applications. Area for which licenses issued. Area actually cultivated. Total outturn. Average outturn per bigha. Quantity exported in maunds. REMARKS.
Bgs. Cottas. Bgs. Cottas. Mds. Srs. Mds. Srs. 1883-84 1,973 2,072 1 2,014 0 7,076 28 3 20 8,260 1884-85 1,525 1,394 6 1,361 0 3,887 32 2 34 7,014 1885-86 1,036 2,296 13 2,169 0 7,926 13 3 24 7,060 1886-87 1,618 1,918 12 1,780 0 7,821 8 4 15 7,881 1887-88 1,283 2,489 5 2,433 0 8,266 24 3 15 8,224 1888-89 1,531 2,434 5 2,408 0 8,021 37 3 13 7,982 1889-90 1,678 2,861 10 2,669 0 6,681 29 2 20 7,583 1890-91 1,623 2,464 2 1,315 0 6,040 6 4 231/2 7,490 1891-92 1,928 3,748 8 3,644 10 7,575 5 2 31/2 6,952 1892-93 1,579 3,336 16 I could not get figures for these columns. In 1856, 2,608 bighas and 10 cottas of land were under cultivation, but in 1891-92 the figure was no less than 3,644 bighas and 10 cottas (the maximum). In 1892-93 licenses were issued for the cultivation of 3,336 bighas and 16 cottas. The outturn in 1856 was 20,868 maunds and 19 seers, but the outturn in 1891-92 was 7,575 maunds and 5 seers, or nearly one-third of what it was in 1856. The plants for the manufacture of bhang and charas are not cultivated in Bengal. 12. The so-called wild hemp is specially cultivated for the production of ganja in the Gurjat States in Orissa and in Hill Tippera, but not in Bengal. Only one kind (flat) of ganja is manufactured. Ganja is grown in almost all the Gurjat States bordering on the districts of Cuttack, Puri, and Balasore, and in the tracts in Hill Tippera bordering on the Tippera District. In the Gurjat States as well as in Hill Tippera it is clearly cultivated in every case, and apparently the male plant is eradicated, but not so early or so completely as in North Bengal. Wild bhang is not cultivated for the production of ganja in Bengal, and the male plants are not extirpated, because the people are ignorant of the distinction between the male and the female plants. In the ganja-producing tracts this is done by experts. The quality of the ganja manufactured in the Gurjats and in Hill Tippera is decidedly inferior to that of the Rajshahi ganja, and smokers do not like it for smoking. In the manufacture drying is not so carefully attended to, and a fermentation process that occurs gives these ganjas usually a heavy, rancid, and disagreeable odour. The leaves, too, are less completely removed, and the ganja as a commercial article is so inferior that in Puri, where the two kinds of ganja are sold, Rajshahi ganja is sold at six annas a tola, whereas the Gurjat ganja sells at two annas for the same quantity. 13. (a) Cultivation of the hemp plant for ganja is restricted in Bengal to the districts of Bogra Dinajpur, and Rajshahi. The cultivation was flourishing in Jessore in 1843, and was continued down to 1875, when it was stopped under the orders of the Board. About 1722 A.D., ganja was for the first time cultivated in the village of Balubhora, in the district of Bogra, and in that of Muradpur in Rajshahi, which adjoins it, the seeds having been imported from Kushtea, where there were shops for the sale of the drug. The cultivation proving remunerative was gradually extended to several other villages. I cannot say why the districts of Rajshahi, Bogra, and Dinajpur were selected. Ganja can be cultivated in every district in my jurisdiction (where wild bhang grows) if not restricted; but the quality of the ganja will not be so good as that grown in the ganja mahal. Even the ganja cultivated and manufactured in the Sibpur Experimental Farm was not so good in quality as the Rajshahi ganja. (b) For special conditions necessary for the cultivation of the hemp plant for producing ganja, vide answer to question 5. Ganja can be cultivated in places where wild hemp plant grows. (c) There is no part of Bengal where its cultivation would be impossible. - Evidence of BABU ABHILAS CHANDRA MUKERJEE, Brahmin, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, on deputation as 2nd Inspector of Excise, Bengal
3. In Bengal bhang grows wild in every district. It is particularly abundant in the districts of the Rajshahi Division. In Kuch Behar also it is abundant. Here in Malda the village sites, spare spaces in people's homesteads, and roadside waste lands are often seen covered with a dense growth of bhang. 6. The growth of wild bhang is very dense. We often call it a bhang jungle. 7. (a) Ganja is grown in a compact tract of country with a radius of about sixteen miles lying in three districts, namely, Rajshahi, Dinajpur, and Bogra, but the largest portion of it is situated in the first named district. The following table shows the result of the cultivation of ganja for the last five years:— Year. Quantity of land cultivated. Quantity of ganja produced. Average produce per bigha. B. C. Mds. S. Mds. S. C. 1888-89 2,433 4 8,266 24 8 15 14 1889-90 2,408 1 8,021 37 3 13 5 1890-91 2,669 18 6,681 29 2 20 2 1891-92 1,315 15 6,040 6 4 23 10 1892-98 3,538 0 7,574 0 2 5 10 These figures are taken from the published reports of Government. Though they pretend to be accurate even up to chittacks and seers and cottas, the recent settlements of the Dubalhati estate by Munshi Nandji have disclosed that they do not at all represent the correct facts. In fact, an examination of the last three columns leads one to suspect whether the figures of columns 2 and 4 have not been fudged to maintain the remarkable uniformity of column 3. (b) Charas is not produced from hemp plant in Bengal. It is imported from Amritsar, Allahabad, and Nepal. (c) In Bengal bhang is grown wild in great abundance in many districts, and specially in the Rajshahi Division. The best is collected chiefly in Monghyr and Bhagalpur under supervision of excise officers. No statistics about the area over which bhang grows and about the total quantity of bhang that is annually produced in Bengal are available. (d) I am unable to say if Cannabis sativa is grown anywhere in Bengal for its fibre. The vernacular name for the hemp fibre is san. It is grown largely in East Bengal. The plants are not, however, similar in appearance to Cannabis sativa. 8. It will be seen from the annexed table given above that the area under ganja cultivation is abnormally large in 1892-93 compared with 1891-92. The cause usually assigned for these yearly fluctuations in area is that ganja is a precarious crop of which the profits may be very large or (in a bad season) next to nothing. After a good season cultivators are encouraged to rush in for licenses, and similarly a bad crop contracts the area of operations. Below are given figures showing the average area under cultivation for periods of five years from 1878-79 to 1892-93:— Bighas. From 1878-79 to 1882-83 1,980 " 1883-84 to 1887-88 1,968 " 1888-89 to 1892-93 2,473 The increase during the last quinquennial period is more than 25 per cent. This extension in cultivation does not, however, seem to have been caused by increased demand for the drug. For the average quantities exported from Rajshahi into Bengal, Assam, and other provinces are— Mds. For 1882-83 to 1886-87 7,504 and " 1887-88 to 1891-92 7,646 (Figures for 1892-93 are not available.) The increased demand in export is therefore less than 2 per cent. It seems therefore that the extension in the area of ganja cultivation is due to its being a profitable occupation, and therefore likely to attract more land and labour towards it. 12. In Bengal there is no reason to suppose that hemp is anywhere cultivated for the production of ganja, except under Government supervision at Rajshahi. 13. The cultivation of the hemp plant for ganja is restricted in Bengal to a compact tract of country with a radius of about sixteen miles lying in three districts, namely, Rajshahi, Diuajpur, and Bogra. Prior to 1853 the cultivation of the hemp plant seems to have been under little or no restriction. Wild hemp grew everywhere; but it was found that hemp, producing ganja, grew only in the Rajshahi Division. Hence in 1854 rules were framed for putting the cultivation of ganja under proper control. The fact that though there was no restriction in its cultivation, and that though its cultivation was a profitable undertaking, still the ganja-producing hemp grew only in Rajshahi, shows that soil and climate have an important effect on its growth. Sufficient observations and experiments do not appear to have been yet made to study the conditions of climate and soil best suited for the cultivation of the ganja-producing hemp plant. The only broad fact is that the narcotic properties of the plant are developed when it is grown in the plains, whilst in the hills the plant is deficient in narcotic properties, but is valued for its fibre. Wild hemp grows everywhere in Bengal, and 1 think, if the male plants are destroyed in time, the female plants could be made to yield ganja. But I do not think the quality of the ganja will be as good as that at Rajshahi. In fact, the experiment at Sibpur for the cultivation of ganja-producing hemp under the supervision of experts has not proved a success, only one collector undertaking to sell this ganja at R10 per maund only - Evidence of BABU GOBIND CHANDRA DAS, Baidya, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Malda.
3. Only bhang grows wildly in this district. In the beginning or middle of the cold weather, when water that collected over lands dries up, bhang plants begin to appear. In a couple of months time, when the plants attain a height of two to three feet, the bhang goladars of this district go out to the producing tracts with a hukumnama and cut the plants, and let them lie on the fields to dry up. If the sun is very bright, the leaves dry up in one day, and then they are beaten with a stick, by which process the leaves are separated from the twigs. They are then gathered and cleared of dust, and bhang is formed, Question 3 (oral evidence).—The wild hemp plant is generally found in alluvial lands (diyara) and other lands which are submerged in the rainy season. These lands comprise about one-fourth of the whole district. It comes up year after year in the same places, and I have frequently seen it. Such soil carries linseed, gram, mustard, and similar crops, and the hemp plant is found amongst the crop as well as on the boundaries of the fields. It comes up with the crops in almost the same quantity as the crop, and the people do not take the trouble to weed it out. I am not speaking of churs, but of land which is regularly cultivated after the water has subsided. It is in these lands that the plant is principally found. The crop is removed and the hemp plant is left standing and is allowed to ripen and shed its seed. By "chur" I mean a large sandy area in a river bed which is not ordinarily cultivated. I have never seen the hemp plant on a chur. I have seen seven or eight fields of two or three bighas each in which the bhang was as plentiful as the crop sown. It is exceptional to find it growing so plentifully as this. The growth is scattered through the crop. I have seen these fields in the course of my journeys to inspect excise shops. It was not an express object of my tours to look for hemp plants, but I consider it my duty to keep this work in view. I did not make any notes of the places where I found the hemp growing. I keep a diary, but I am not sure if I ever mentioned the prevalence of the hemp plant in any place. It is not found in every village which contains land of the above kinds, but I should expect to find it in at least a half. The plant grows in the cold season, not in the rains. I have never seen it in the rainy season, even on the higher grounds. Nor have I ever seen it on lands which are not covered with water in the rainy season. I have seen the hemp plant in the enclosures of houses, and these enclosures also are liable to submersion. I have never seen the plant growing in jungles, but I have seen it in fields where no crop has been grown, such fields being of the sort of land described. It is frequently found in the enclosures of houses. There are no orders in force for the extirpation of the plant. There might be occasional plants in enclosures which have not been flooded, but there never is abundant growth in such places. 6. Dense in places I have seen. 7. No cultivation of any kind of hemp plant. 8. No area under cultivation. 13. The cultivation is, no doubt, restricted to certain districts, but not to this district. - Evidence of BABU NOBIN CHANDRA KAR, Excise Deputy Collector, Bhagalpur.
3. Bhang grows wild in many parts of this district. It grows abundantly in the Kishorgunj, Jamalpur, and Netrokona sub-divisions. 6. It is ordinarily scattered, but the growth is dense on low and moist soil. 7 to 13. There is no cultivation of hemp in this district. Hence I am unable to supply any information on these heads - Evidence of BABU RAJANI PRASAD NEOGY, Excise Deputy Collector, Mymensingh
3. In Monghyr and Bhagalpur districts the hemp plant, of which bhang is made, grows spontaneously. In the latter it grows abundantly. In this district, Lohardaga, one or two plants are occasionally found scattered here and there. In the Political States it is said ganja and bhang grow spontaneously. But I have never been in those places, they being beyond my jurisdiction 6. In this district, scattered. 7. It is extensively cultivated in the district of Rajshahi, but I have no personal knowledge of the district. 12. No. 13. The cultivation of the plant for ganja is restricted to Rajshahi District. It is selected because the soil and climate is favourable to the growth of the plant. Rajshahi ganja is said to be less injurious than those grown in other localities. - Evidence of GHULAM LILLAHI, Excise Deputy Collector, Ranchi, District Lohardaga.
3. The hemp plant grows spontaneously in the districts of Howrah, Hughli, Burdwan, Cuttack, Dacca, and Jessore. I have been told that it grows spontaneously in almost all districts of Bengal. It grows abundantly in the Rajshahi District 6. It is usually scattered. 7. The hemp plant is cultivated in the Lower Provinces— (a) For the production of ganja in the districts of Rajshahi, Dinajpur and Bogra. (b) Charas is not produced in Bengal. It is obtained from Mirzapur in the North-Western Provinces and Amritsar in the Punjab. It is said that charas is imported from Central Asia. (c) For use as bhang in Monghyr and Bhagalpur. (d) No. The tract of land upon which ganja is cultivated is a circle with a radius of about sixteen miles. The extent of bhang cultivation is not fixed. 8. Neither considerable increase nor decrease. 13. (a) Yes; to Rajshahi, Dinajpur and Bogra, because the soil of this tract is especially favourable to the growth of good ganja. The cultivation of ganja is not common to all districts. (b) Damp lands not very low are especially suited for its cultivation. (c) I do not think there is any district in Bengal where the cultivation of ganja would be altogether impossible. - Evidence of BABU SURESH CHUNDRA BAL, Baidya, Special Excise Deputy Collector, Howrah.
3. I know by personal observation that the hemp plant grows wild in Saran, Champaran, Darbhanga and Muzaffarpur, in which last it does abundantly. 6. Yes, the growth of the wild hemp is ordinarily dense. 7. There is no licensed cultivation of the hemp plant in this division, nor does any illicit cultivation of it, as far as I know, now exist in any of its districts. 8. See the above. 12. I have no reason to suppose that the (socalled) wild hemp is anywhere cultivated specially for the production of ganja. I have already stated that there are no "Parkhias" or ganja doctors here; and as male and female plants both grow promiscuously wild in several districts of this division, ganja is not produced here—so much the better for the excise revenue derived from this head here. 13. I have already stated that ganja is not cultivated in any of the districts in this division. In the districts of Champaran, Saran, Darbhanga and Muzaffarpur, there are high sandy lands whereon hemp plant grows wild, and ganja can therefore be produced without difficulty in these districts; and in the south Gangetic districts in which the plant does not spontaneously grow, ganja can be produced, but with some difficulty and at an unusually large outlay of money. - Evidence of BABU ROY BRAHMA DUTT, * Kayasth, Excise Deputy Collector, Darbhanga.
The hemp plant is grown on the homestead lands. I have never seen more than two or three, or four, plants together. I do not find hemp in all villages, only in one-third perhaps; and there it is not in every house, but only in certain houses. I have never seen it wild in the jungles. I have often been in the jungles. I have never seen it cultivated in fields. - Evidence of BABU NARAYAN CHANDRA NAIK, Khas Tahsildar and Deputy Collector, Angul.
3. I am not aware where ganja plant grows spontaneously. It is cultivated in the Rajshahi District, but I have no knowledge of that district. It also grows in Orissa. Bhang grows spontaneously in the Bhagalpur, Monghyr and Purnea districts, but not in abundance. 6. In wet or damp soils the wild bhang is ordinarily dense. In sandy soils it is scattered. 7. No. Wild hemp (bhang) grows spontaneously. - Evidence of BABU WOOMA CHARAN BOSE, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector; Manager, Raj Banaili, District Bhagalpur.
3. The plants from which bhang is produced grow spontaneously, but very rarely in this part of the district. 6. The growth of wild hemp (or bhang) is generally dense. - Evidence of BABU RASIK LAL GHOSE, Court of Wards' Manager, Dinajpur.
The plant grows in abundance in this district at an elevation of 1,000 to 4,000 feet, but its use is almost unknown in the interior amongst the Bhuteas and Lepchas; but there is a sect amongst the Nepalese, called sadhus, who indulge in the use of ganja. - Evidence of RAJA TENDUK, Manager, Government Estate, Kalimpong, District Darjeeling.
3. The Rajshahi District is the only district in Bengal in which the hemp plant is cultivated and grown under Government protection. It also grows in other districts, such as Bhagalpur, Mirzapur, and Ghazipur, but to what extent it is impossible for me to say. Several police cases of illicit cultivation of hemp in certain districts came before me for trial. From this it may be presumed that the soil of Bengal throughout the country is adapted to its spontaneous growth. 6. In two or three districts, the names of which I forget just now, I was shewn some wild plants of hemp which were scattered about, but whether cultivated or spontaneously grown, I could not ascertain. 7. In Bogra and Dinajpur the hemp plant is also cultivated. - Evidence of BABU GOUR DAS BYSACK, Retired Deputy Collector, Calcutta.
3. As stated above, I have never been in districts in which ganja is grown; hence I cannot answer this and the following questions. 7. There is a wild species of hemp to be found in this district which the natives call bhang; it is self-sown. It does not grow extensively, the reason being, perhaps, that the Excise officers do not permit it to grow; always have it cut down; at least they did so in my time. 12. It has never come to my knowledge. 13. No ganja is cultivated in the districts of Backergunge, Mymensingh, Faridpur and Chittagong. - Evidence of MR. W. SARSON, retired Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, formerly Abkari Superintendent, Chittagong
3. I have only seen it growing in one place, a deserted indigo factory in the Rajmahal sub-division. - Evidence of MR. W. M. SMITH, Retired Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Sonthal Parganas.
3. The wild hemp plant may be seen in almost every district in Bengal, and it generally grows in such a state spontaneously. It is abundant in the districts of Bhagalpur, Monghyr, and North Behar. 7. (a) For the production of ganja, the hemp plant is cultivated in the Ganja Mahal of Naogaon, which comprises parts of the three adjoining districts of Rajshahi, Bogra and Dinajpur. In the Gurjat Mahals of Orissa also cultivation of the hemp plant for ganja is carried on on a small scale. (b) The hemp plant is not cultivated in Bengal for the production of charas (vide paragraph 27 of my report). (c) In Monghyr, Bhagalpur, Shahabad, Champaran, and Patna, and particularly in the first two districts, the hemp plant is cultivated for the use of its leaves as bhang. It is also cultivated for the same purpose in some parts of Dacca and the Tributary Mahals of Chota Nagpur. (d) I am not aware of the real hemp plant being cultivated for its fibres or seeds alone. But the fibres and seeds are utilised for various domestic purposes where the plant is cultivated for its leaves or for its flowers. 8. At present I am not in a position to definitely ascertain the increase or decrease in the area under cultivation. The information on this point which is available from the official reports is in fact based on mere guesses, and no actual measurement of the area is made annually. I am, however, disposed to think that, with the increase of duty and the influence of education and culture, the consumption of the preparations of the hemp plant is diminishing, and hence the cultivation is also declining to the same extent. 12. I am not aware of any such cultivation. 13. Yes, it is so cultivated only in a limited tract of country known as the Ganja Mahal of Naogaon, which extends over the borders of the three adjoining districts of Rajshahi, Bogra, and Dinajpur. This tract was, however, not at first specially selected for the restriction of the cultivation, but the outturn in this tract being superior to that of the other parts of Bengal, in course of time the cultivation came to be restricted to this part of the province alone. - Evidence of BABU HEM CHUNDER KERR, Kayasth, Retired Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Sub-Registrar of Sealdah.
3. Murshidabad, Pabna, Hughli, Khulna, Jessore, and Mymensingh. In Mymensingh and Jessore the wild hemp plant is comparatively abundant. 6. Often dense, rarely scattered. 7. There is cultivation of the hemp plant under Government supervision in Bengal. Ganja is cultivated at Naogaon, and bhang or siddhi in Monghyr and Bhagalpur. The quantity produced is sufficient to supply whole Bengal. 12. No, I know no such case, nor have I any reason to believe the existence of such cultivation or production. 13. The cultivation of hemp plant for ganja is restricted to Naogaon in the district of Rajshahi. - Evidence of BABU KALI DAS MUKERJI, Sub-Deputy Collector and Superintendent of Distillery, Serampore, Hughli.
3. In this matter I have a knowledge of this district only. The hemp plant grows spontaneously here in various localities specially on the beds of the hill streams. Question 3 (oral evidence).—I have found the wild plant in the Rangeet and Teesta Valleys on ground by the sides of streams which was overflowed at times. The ground would be submerged for two or three hours at a time. I have found the plants growing singly in the gardens of villagers. In those places it was not of spontaneous growth, but the seed of the wild plant must have been sown because the stuff produced is inferior, and the plant resembles the wild plant, though the flower heads are more full and thicker. It is impossible to say if the seed was actually sown. Prosecutions were instituted when such cultivation was discovered. The plants grew the height of a man. The wild plant is a little smaller. I have seen the plant in the jungles, though not very far from the streams. By the main streams it grows thick, but thinly by the smaller streams. I have never heard of the wild seed being collected to be sown. The growth is found in many places, but I cannot say that is very abundant. There have not been many prosecutions, only ten cases in the last ten years. Recently the prosecutions are becoming more numerous, and there were three or four in the last year. The hill people do not themselves consume the produce of the wild plants, but they give it to their cattle; so I am informed. If they used the wild plant themselves there would be no need to grow the plants in their gardens. The garden growth indicates a certain amount of illicit consumption. Excised ganja is used in the district; bhang is not. There is no shop for the sale of bhang, as there is no demand for it. The ganja is mostly consumed by the foreigners; of the hill people, only the sadhus and sanyasis use it. It is consumed by the coolies, who are not Nepalese, on the tea gardens in the Terai. I am Excise Deputy Collector for the whole district. I have seen four or five cases of administration of the drug to cattle in the whole course of my experience, and I have heard that it is so used. The flower and leaf are used in the dried state. I have never heard that cattle eat it of themselves. 6. Generally scattered in this district. 7. (a) Yes. (b) I do not know. (c) Yes. (d) I do not know. The hemp plant is cultivated in Bengal in a tract in the Rajshahi District, in the sub-division of Naogaon, which partly stretches into the Bogra and the Dinajpur districts. The produce of this tract supplies the whole of Bengal, besides exportation to Assam, Kuch Behar and the North-West. The area under cultivation is over 2,000 bighas. 8. No considerable change for good. The area of cultivation was reduced a year ago on account of the high floods. 12. In this district the plant is not cultivated, but when growing spontaneously is sometimes tended for the production of ganja. These plants are generally solitary and so no extirpation of the male plant necessary. 13. The cultivation is limited to the tract mentioned in reply 7, but I do not know why. There is no doubt, however, that there are some peculiarities in the soil of the tract which are not known to exist elsewhere in Bengal. The experiment of ganja cultivation was tried at Sibpur, but it failed in spite of all scientific precautions. - Evidence of BABU JOGENDRA NATH MOZUMDAR, Brahmin, Deputy Inspector of Excise, Darjeeling.
3. Jessore, Khulna, Nadia, Murshidabad, Backergunge, 24-Parganas. In Jessore it is abundant. 13. The cultivation is restricted to the districts of Rajshahi, Bogra, and Dinajpur, known as Naogaon ganja mahal. I think a soft loamy soil with adaptability for irrigation is best suited for producing ganja. Its cultivation, I think, would be impossible in marshy land and hilly country. - Evidence of BABU DIGENDRA NATH PAL, Kayasth, Deputy Inspector of Excise, 24-Parganas.
3. I know hemp plants grow spontaneously in the districts of Hughli, 24-Parganas, Rajshahi, Bogra, and Dinajpur. I think they are abundant in Rajshahi. They grow around the dwelling houses, in waste lands around the villages, and in and about the spot where ganja chatars (manufacturing yards) are held. They grow to the height of about six to eight feet. 6. The growth of the wild hemp plants is ordinarily dense. 7. (a) Yes. (b) No. (c) No. (d) No. The cultivation of ganja is carried on in a small tract of land called the ganja mahal. It comprises parts of the thanas Naogaon in Rajshahi, Mahadevpur in Dinajpur, and Adamdighee and Nawabganj in Bogra. It is included within a radius of about fourteen miles. The cultivation is carried on in some 200 villages scattered all over the tract. The area cultivated in each year is 2,500 big has on an average. 8. There was not any considerable increase or decrease in area under ganja cultivation in any of the years since 1879-80 to 1892-93, except in the years 1884-85 and 1891-92. In 1884-85 the cultivation decreased. The decrease was due to the fall in the selling price of ganja in the previous year, which discouraged many to grow ganja. In 1891-92 it increased. The increase was due to the rise of the price of ganja; the high flood of 1890-91 destroyed the crop, and the price rose very high, which induced old cultivators to cultivate more lands, and tempted many nonganja cultivators to betake to its cultivation. 12. I know of no place where the wild hemp is specially cultivated for the production of ganja. 13. Under certain rules the cultivation of the hemp plants for ganja is carried on in the tract of land called the "ganja mahal." It is restricted, I believe, in other parts of Bengal. This tract lies partly in the district of Rajshahi, partly in Bogra, and partly in Dinajpur. It is included now within a radius of about fourteen miles. In 1876, when the ganja inquiry was made by Babu Hem Chander Kerr, the extent of the tract was larger, the radius being about sixteen miles; and ten years before that, about twenty miles. The gradual reduction in the extent of the tract was due to the fact that by the removal of jungles in the villages not far off Naogaon, more lands became gradually available for cultivation, and more ganja was produced. Purchasers having ganja near Naogaon do not naturally like to go to distant villages for their supplies. So the cultivators of the villages in the remote north, south and east of the tract, failing to find purchasers to sell their drug, have ultimately given up the cultivation and betaken to the cultivation of onion, sugarcane, jute, etc., which are not less profitable. Why were they selected?—This tract was not at first selected deliberately for the cultivation of ganja. The cultivation commenced here accidentally, and certain combination of circumstances made it flourish here. I learn that, so far back as the middle of the 18th century, the cultivation began in the adjoining villages, Balubhara in the Bogra district, and Moradpur in Rajshahi. The cultivation proving remunerative was gradually extended to other villages of those districts, as well as to some of the Dinajpur District bordering on them. The cultivation attracted the notice of the Sarkar subsequently, and Abkari Division was opened at Naogaon in 1845, and the existing ganja supervisors' office in 1854, The cultivation went on unrestricted until the enactment of Act II (B. C.) of 1876. Climate.—Dry climate is necessary for the cultivation of ganja. Soil.—Lands are always selected for the cultivation of ganja after looking into the convenience of irrigation. High and dry lands are necessary for cultivation. Low and swampy lands are unfit for it. Poli soil or light sandy loam is the best. The plants on the poli land grow very big, become sufficiently bushy, and bear forth thick stout ganja yielding flowers. The cultivation of ganja is mostly carried on on this kind of land. Kheary or clayey soil is not so good for ganja cultivation as poli. Kheary land is hard and dry. It requires more frequent ploughing and constant irrigation. The plants on the kheary land become generally of stunted growth, slender, and bear forth short, thin and scattered flowers. The colour of the ganja manufactured from them lends a reddish shade, and is liked by purchasers. Very little kheary land is cultivated, because the cost of cultivation becomes greater. Rainfall.—Moderate rainfall at all stages of cultivation from the transplantation of seedlings in September or October, to the flowering of the plants in December, is highly beneficial. But rain on the day of transplantation or the day following and after full flowering of the plants in December is baneful. I do not know in what part of Bengal the cultivation of ganja is impossible. - Evidence of BABU SIR CHUNDER SOOR, Satgope, 1st Assistant Supervisor of Ganja Cultivation, Naogaon, Rajshahi.
3. Bhagalpur. It is very abundant in the Supaul and Madhipura Sub-Divisions. 6. Dense and scattered. I have seen it eight feet high. It is a difficult jungle to eradicate. 7. I never heard of any cultivation of the wild bhang. There is no occasion for any; it is so plentiful. 237 8, 9 and 10. No cultivation to my knowledge in Bhagalpur. - Evidence of MR. W. D. PRATT, District Superintendent of Police, Bhagalpur.
3. In the south of Dinajpur District ganja is cultivated (e.g., Mahadebpur Thana) and in the Nawabganj and Adamdighi thanas of Bogra district. The wild hemp grows generally in sandy soils in these districts. 6. I am informed that it is dense. 7. In this district it is cultivated for the production of ganja only. The wild hemp is used for bhang. 8. I have no information. 12. I have no such information, 13. In this district. It is restricted to the thanas of Adamdighi and Nawabganj. Other parts of the district would be suitable, but are more distant from Naogaon - Evidence of MR. W. C. FASSON, District Superintendent of Police, Bogra.
3. Male hemp plants grow spontaneously in the district of Purnea, as well as in this and many other districts in Bengal. 6. Dense. 7. Yes, to a small extent (a) for the production of ganja, in thana Mahadebpur bordering on the district of Rajshahi, where it is cultivated under Government supervision. 8. Normal. 13. Yes, it is cultivated under Government supervision in the districts of Rajshahi, Bogra, and Dinajpur in limited localities, where soil is good and suitable. - Evidence of MR. F. H. TUCKER, District Superintendent of Police, Dinajpur.
3. I have found wild hemp in fairly large quantities in Hill Tippera and Chittagong at the foot of the hills, and in smaller quantities in Eastern, Northern, and Central Bengal, and usually on high lands. 6. The growth of the wild hemp was found to be dense. 7. There is cultivation of the hemp plant in the Naogaon subdivision in the district of Rajshahi and in the adjoining districts of Bogra and Dinajpur, within an area of about 20 square miles:— (a) For the production of ganja. (b) No cultivation for production of charas. (c) Rarely for use as bhang. (d) For use as fibre, the plant would have to be destroyed before the leaves could be of use as ganja, and seeds only by local cultivators. The seed is not parched, neither is oil extracted in this part of the country. 8. I am not in a position to say if there is at present any increase and decrease in the area under cultivation of ganja. It depends upon seasons and ruling prices. 12. I have no knowledge or reason to suppose that wild hemp is anywhere cultivated for the production of ganja, but I have often found a single plant which might be used for ganja-growing in the gardens of well-to-do men. 13. The cultivation of ganja is restricted to the Naogaon subdivision and some villages of Bogra and Dinajpur, under the control of the Superintendent of Ganja Cultivation, Rajshahi. I am not in a position to say why the Naogaon subdivision has been selected. I should say that any part of the Bogra district would do as well; in fact, any well-drained area where a sufficient (but without an excessive) rainfall can be secured. I should have thought a cooler climate under above conditions would have been better. Naogaon is about the only dry place in this district. - Evidence of MR. R. L. WARD, District Superintendent of Police, Rajshahi.
3. Ganja grows luxuriantly in almost all the eastern districts of Bengal, and in other parts also it grows, but not of superior quality. Part of Pabna and Rajshahi are the two districts where it is abundant. 6. Wild bhang almost grows densely where it finds sufficient moisture. 7. I know of no place in my province where any kind of these narcotics is cultivated, but wild bhang is in use by men where it is not found in nearest bazaars. 12. I do not suppose that wild hemp can be cultivated for the ganja production, and I never saw it cultivated - Evidence of BABU MATHURA MOHAN SIRKAR, Inspector of Police, Jhenida, District Jessore.
3. Is grown in all the Orissa Gurjat Mahals. To what extent, careful local enquiry only could denote; but its cultivation in these Mahals is fairly extensive. 6. Scattered. 7. (a) Yes. (b) No. (c) Yes. (d) No, except to re-sow. Can't say accurately to what extent. 8. Can give no reasonable opinion about this. 12. The plant cultivated in the Gurjat Mahals is usually from the previous year's garden or home-grown seeds. The seed of the wild hemp plant is utilised if the home seed fails. 13. No restrictions placed on the cultivation and sale of ganja in any Gurjat State in Orissa. Its cultivation is, I think, common to all the seventeen States. I know of no State where its cultivation would be impossible. - Evidence of MR. H. P. WYLLY,* Government Agent at Keonjhar, Orissa.
3. In north of Balasore and in the Native States of Maurbhanj and Keonjhar, the hemp plant grows spontaneously, but not in very large quantities. In Nilgiri very few cultivate the plant in their kitchen gardens, but only use it as patti. No ganja is cultivated. 6. Where it grows, it is dense. 7. In North Balasore, Maurbhanj and Keonjhar it is cultivated only for bhang The little ganja is of a very poor quality. Proportionately speaking, it is grown in a small quantity. The fibre is not used, nor does any exist. Some few keep seeds for cultivation. 8. There has been a decided decrease in the area under cultivation, mainly due to the article which can be purchased being much superior and consequently preferred by consumers. 2. I don't know of any such district. 13. Ganja cultivation is restricted in Orissa in all districts, but not in the Tributary States. In the latter, a very small quantity is cultivated, but, as I have said before, of a very inferior quality. The cultivation of ganja requires very heavy dew, which does not fall here. It would be impossible to cultivate good ganja in Orissa. - Evidence of Mr. W. R. RICKETTS,* Manager, Nilgiri State, Tributary Mahals, Orissa.
3. The hemp plant grows spontaneously in Kuch Behar and in the neighbouring districts of Rangpur, Dinajpur, Jalpaiguri, Dhubri, Goalpara, and in Pabna, Bogra, Rajshahi, and Mymensingh, etc. 6. Dense. 7. No cultivation. They grow wild in abundance. 8, 9 and 10. No cultivation. 11 and 12. No. 13. The cultivation of the plant is prohibited in the Kuch Behar State. - Evidence of BABU JADUBCHANDRA CHUCKERBUTTY, Brahmin, Civil and Sessions Judge, Kuch Behar.
3. I thought it so; grows in Rajshahi, Bhagalpur, and Monghyr. 7. (a) Ganja. Naogaon sub-division, Rajshahi district. (c) Bhang. Bhagalpur and Monghyr. 13. Naogaon (Rajshahi). - Evidence of BABU GIRINDRA MOHAN CHUCKERBUTTY, Brahmin, Munsiff, Comilla (Tippera).
3. District Darjeeling in the lower portions of the Rungit and the Teesta Valleys. They are wild hemp. 6. Somewhere dense and somewhere scattered. 7. No; I mean in this district. - Evidence of BABU SREENATH CHATTERJEE, Brahmin, Cashier, Public Works Department, Darjeeling Division.
3. Bhang grows spontaneously in Mymensingh district. It grows in abundance here. 6. Scattered. 7. (a) At Rajshahi, but to what extent I am not aware. (b), (c) and (d) Nil. 8. I am not aware of any increase or decrease. 13. The cultivation of hemp plant for ganja is restricted to the Rajshahi district. The district was selected as its soil was specially adapted for the growth of ganja. Dry and elevated soil is necessary for the growth of the plant. I am not aware what climatic conditions are required. Ganja loses much of its intoxicating properties if there be any shower in Pous and Magh, i.e., just before reaping the crop. I am not aware if the cultivation of ganja would be impossible in any district. - Evidence of BABU HARA GOPAL DUTTA, Kayasth, Retired Excise Daroga, Mymensingh.
3. Cannabis indica, lately reduced to Cannabis sativa, is a variety of the sativa. The former I have seen to grow spontaneously almost everywhere I have visited. It grows spontaneously in Jessore, Nadia, 24-Parganas, Hughli, Midnapur, Birbhum, Bankura, Manbhum, Chota Nagpur, Rangpur, Dinajpur, Malda, Mymensing, Jalpaiguri, Tippera, Noakhali, Chittagong, Bhutan Doars, Patna, Gaya, Benares, Mirzapur, Rawal Pindi, Peshawar, Murree, and Kashmir. Abundantly in Jessore, Nadia, 24-Parganas, Jalpaiguri, and Kashmir. 6. I have noticed it dense in wild growths. Isolated plants are rare. - Evidence of BABU PRATAPCHANDRA GHOSHA, Registrar of Calcutta.
3. In both the districts of Backergunge and 24-Parganas of which I have knowledge, the hemp plant grows spontaneously to a very small extent. In neither of these districts it is abundant. 7. There is no cultivation of the hemp plant in either of the two districts of Backergunge and 24-Parganas of which I have knowledge. - Evidence of RAI KAMALAPATI GHOSAL BAHADUR, Brahmin, Pensioner, SubRegistrar and Zamindar, 24-Parganas.
3. Rajshahi, Bogra, Dinajpur, Rangpur, Pabna, Dacca and Mymensingh. It is abundant in Rangpur. - Evidence of ASSISTANT SURGEON NORENDRA NATH GUPTA, Baidya, in Civil Medical charge, Rangpur.
3. In Rajshahi. It is abundant in Rajshahi if allowed to grow after being sown. 6. It grows densely, and seems self-propagating and rapid in its growth. 7. Yes. (a) For ganja chiefly. I cannot answer for the others. In the extreme north-east of the district the cultivation is under the Government Excise Department. 8. I cannot say. 12. I have no special knowledge of this. 13. It is. To a plot, as I said, in the north-east of the district. Cannot answer the others. - Evidence of REV. D. MORISON, M.B., C.M., M.D., Medical Missionary, Rampur Boalia.
3. I have seen in Jessore and Bogra the plant growing spontaneously. It is abundant in the eastern part of Bogra. 6. It grows densely. 7. It is cultivated in Rajshahi, Bogra and Dinajpur districts. (a) For ganja. (b) Charas comes out during the process of preparation; but it is not the object of the cultivation. (c) Bhang is not cultivated. (d) No. 8. The area has been increased for the increased demand, as I am told. - Evidence of PYARI SANKAR DASS GUPTA, Baidya, Medical Practitioner, Secretary, Bogra Medical Society, Bogra.
3. It grows spontaneously in the districts of Shahabad and Champaran, and is abundant in Monghyr, Khulna, and Bhagalpur. 6. It is ordinarily scattered. 7. Yes. In some parts of Dacca, in Patna, in the Tributary States of Chota Nagpur and Orissa, in Muzaffarpur and other places. The exact extent of such cultivation cannot be stated. In Dacca, Patna and Chota Nagpur, the plant is cultivated for use as bhang; in Orissa or Muzaffarpur for production of ganja and charas. It is cultivated on the Himalayas for its fibre. 8. I cannot say whether there has been any considerable increase or decrease in the area under such cultivation. 13. No special conditions of climate, soil, rainfall, elevation above sea-level, are necessary. There is none where its cultivation would be impossible. - Evidence of PRASAD DAS MALLIK, Subarnabanik, Medical Practitioner, Hughli.
3. Jessore, 24-Parganas, Nadia, and Murshidabad. In Jessore and 24-Parganas the plants are abundant. 6. Scattered. 7. (a) The cultivation of hemp plant for the production of ganja exists in Naogaon Sub-division of the Rajshahi District. 8. There has neither been increase nor decrease in the area under such cultivation, because it is a Government monopoly. Private persons are prohibited from cultivating hemp plant. 13. The cultivation of the hemp plant for ganja is restricted in this province to all the districts of Bengal. - Evidence of BIJOYA RATNA SEN*, Kaviranjan, Kabiraj, Calcutta.
3. Hemp plant grows spontaneously in certain places of Dinajpur District and in the tract lying on the banks of the Bhoirab river in the district of Khulna. Ganja is a certain form of bhang, i.e., jata bhang (bhang flowers coated with resin) is called ganja. Charas is the resin which exudes from ganja. Also preparation of ganja mixed with certain scented substances for the purpose of smoking is termed charas. Charas is produced from ganja. Consequently the cultivation of both ganja and charas is the same. 13. There is no cultivation of hemp plant in our district. I do not know what sort of land is fit for the growth of hemp. - Evidence* of RAM CHANDER GOOPTA, Kabiraj, Barisal, Backergunge District.
3. The hemp plant grows abundantly in Rajshahi, Dinajpur, Bogra, Tippera, Bharatpur, Mirzapur, Ghazipur, and other districts. Although quite uncared for, the plant grows wild in all places in Lower Bengal, wherever the seeds have been thrown by those who do not care to eat them with the leaves. 6. The plant grows well both densely and scattered. 7. In the district of Rajshahi hemp is cultivated for all the purposes mentioned in this question. Nowhere else in Bengal is it so largely cultivated. - Evidence of RAJA PEARY MOHUN MUKERJI, C.S.I., Zamindar, Uttarpara, Hughli.
3. Bhang plants grow spontaneously in Rajshahi, Bogra, Dinajpur, Rangpur, and Malda. They are more or less abundant there. 6. Dense. 7. Yes. The cultivation of the plant is carried on in the south-eastern portion of Thana Mahadebpur under Government supervision. The plant is grown for ganja and charas, but not for fibre. Oil of the ganja seeds possesses some medicinal property, and is sometimes pressed out of the seeds. 13. Yes. Hemp plant is cultivated in a portion of land, about 400 square miles in area, lying at a point where Dinajpur, Bogra, and Rajshahi Districts meet. It cannot be grown on pure sand and land utterly devoid of sandy admixture. Please see my answer to question 5. - Evidence of MAHARAJA GIRIJANATH ROY BAHADUR, Kayasth, Zamindar, Dinajpur.
3. Hemp plants are cultivated in the districts of Rajshahi and Bogra. In Naogaon Sub-division it is abundant. 6, The growth of the wild hemp is ordinarily dense. 7. There is no cultivation of hemp, but wild hemp (bhang) grows abundantly in the jungles. - Evidence of RAJA MAHIMA RANJAN ROY CHOWDHRY, Zamindar, Kakina, Rangpur.
3. Hemp plant grows spontaneously in Dinajpur, Rajshahi, and Bogra. It is abundant in Bogra and Rajshahi.6. The growth of wild hemp is ordinarily dense. 7. (a) and (b) Hemp plant is grown in Rajshahi and Bogra for production of ganja and charas. (c) Plants are not cultivated for production of bhang, and it is prepared from wild plants. (d) The plant is not grown for fibre and seeds. 8. Not aware of - Evidence of RAI RADHA GOVINDA RAI, SAHIB BAHADUR, Kayasth, Zamindar, Dinajpur.
3. In the districts of Western Behar (i.e., the districts under the Commissioner of Patna Division) only the male hemp plant, which is simply used as bhang, and can in no circumstance be used as ganja, grows spontaneously. 6. Of the wild male hemp plant (used as bhang and not as ganja) dense. 7. No. The cultivation of the hemp plant in this province for production of either ganja or charas, or for its fibre or seeds, is never done, and is also a criminal offence. No cultivation of even male hemp plant is done, but it grows abundantly wild in an uncultivated place, which some people gather and use as bhang. 8. There has been total decrease in the area wherein male hemp plant used to grow wild, because the village police, under instruction from the superior Police officers, has this year uprooted the wild hemp plant grown anywhere. 13. Yes; restricted to all the districts. In the Patna Division its cultivation on a large scale would be impossible, hence restricted. - Evidence of BABU RAGHUNANDAN PRASAD SINHA, Brahman, Zamindar, District Muzaffarpur.
3. Hemp plants (siddhi) grow self-sown in neglected parts of the garden, on the slopes of a tank, and on damp soils not much exposed to sun. My knowledge on the matter is confined within limited areas in our district. 6. Wild hemp grows dense. - Evidence of BABU RADHIKA CHURN SEN, Kayasth, Zamindar, Berhampur.
3. The hemp plant grows wild in the districts of Shahabad and Champaran and also Monghyr and Bhagalpur, and rather abundantly in Malda. 6. The plant in its wild state generally grows in dense patches. 8. The plant is cultivated to some extent in the districts of Patna and Muzaffarpur, and to the best of my information there has been no marked increase or decrease in the area under cultivation. - Evidence of BABU RUGHU NANDAN PRASADHA, Zamindar, Patna.
3. The hemp plant grows spontaneously in all places in Lower Bengal. It is grown abundantly
in the districts of Rajshahi, Bhagalpur, and next to it in Jessore. 7. In the province of Bengal the hemp plant is cultivated in the district of Rajshahi and in some parts of Jessore. There is large cultivation of hemp plant which produces ganja in the two aforesaid districts. In Behar the species of hemp which produce siddhi are cultivated largely. 13. Hemp plant is grown in the districts of Rajshahi and Jessore. Damp soil favours the growth of hemp from which ganja is produced. - Evidence of BABU NUNDO LAL GOSSAIN, Brahmin, Zamindar, Serampore
3. Jessore. I am not aware of the particular locality where it is abundant. 6. The growth of the wild hemp in this district is not ordinarily dense, but scattered. 7. There is no cultivation of hemp plant in this district now, but I am informed that formerly in Kotchandpur in the sudder sub-division of Jessore there was cultivation of hemp plant. 8. Nil. 12. No. 13. As far as I know, in the lower province of Bengal hemp plant for ganja is only cultivated in the Naogaon sub-division of the Rajshahi District and in some parts of the Bogra District. I am not aware why these two districts are selected. No, the cultivation is not common to all districts. I am not aware if there are any special conditions of climate and soil, etc., necessary for the cultivation of hemp. I am not also aware if there is any part in this province where its cultivation would be impossible. - Evidence of BABU KALIKISTO SARKAR, Kayasth, Talukdar, Kasundi, Jessore
3. Hemp plant (wild) male generally and mostly, and female in extremely rare cases grow spontaneously in Dacca and Mymensingh Districts. I do not recollect seeing the plant in Backergunge. In the Dacca District it is abundant specially in the sub-division of Manikgunge where my home is. I can reasonably venture to say that it is also abundant in other parts of Dacca and in some parts of Mymensingh, where the land is not very low. 6. Its growth is dense ordinarily. 7. There is no cultivation of the hemp plant in the districts of which I have experience, viz., Dacca, Mymensingh, and Backergunge. I know also that there is no such cultivation in Tippera, Noakhali, and Faridpur. In rare cases one or two female plants spontaneously grow in the premises of the ganja-smokers, but the smokers take care to conceal the fact from the authorities for fear of punishment. 8. No answer necessary. 12. I have no reason to suppose that the wild hemp is anywhere specially cultivated for producing ganja. 13. The cultivation is restricted to only Rajshahi District in Lower Bengal. Can give no information required by this question, as to why it is restricted to only one district and not common to all the districts. I think the cultivation is not impossible, but never tried in any other districts. - Evidence of BABU KRISHNA CHANDRA RAI, Baidya, Government Pensioner and Zamindar, District Dacca.
3. Jessore and Backergunge are the places in which bhang grows in abundance spontaneously. Ganja grows in Rajshahi I have heard, but not spontaneously; they are cultivated. 6. Very dense. 7. No cultivation in Jessore, but there are, so I have heard, in Rajshahi. 8. There being no cultivation in Jessore, I am unable to reply to this question. - Evidence of BABU BEPIN BEHARI BOSE, Kayasth, Zamindar, Sridhanpur in Jessore
3. In the Tippera district bhang grows spontaneously. It grows everywhere on moist land; but I do not know whether ganja grows in the district. - Evidence of M. KAZI RAYAZ-UD-DIN MAHAMED, Zamindar, Commilla, Tippera.
3. Our knowledge is mostly confined to this district only. Ganja is not grown here, but we hear it is largely cultivated in Rajshahi District. We further know that bhang is spontaneously and abundantly grown in the North Gangetic part of the district. 6. Bhang is densely grown in the North Gangetic part of this district. 7. In the North Gangetic part of this district. Bhang only grows spontaneously and is not cultivated for any purpose. 12. Ganja is not produced here - Evidence of BABU KALI PRASAD SINGH, Rajput, Zamindar, District Bhagalpur.
3. There is no district of Bengal and Behar in which the wild hemp or bhang does not grow; but I can say with some exactness of the districts of Faridpur and Rajshahi, and I know that in all these districts hemp grows spontaneously and in abundance. I have got sufficient experience of these two districts. 6. Dense. 7. In the district of Rajshahi, which is by far the most important ganja district of North Bengal, there is no cultivation of hemp plant for any purpose other than that of production of ganja. The area under ganja cultivation in the Rajshahi district is about 2,000 bighas. 8. I believe, on the average, there has been no such variation. 12. I am aware of no place where wild hemp or bhang is cultivated for the production of ganja. 13. Yes. The cultivation is restricted to the districts of Rajshahi, Bogra and Dinajpur in the province of Bengal. In my opinion there is no special reason for this selection. But the cultivators of their own accord commenced the cultivation in the way of experiment, and afterwards, finding its return remunerative and the soil congenial to the growth of the drug, extended their operation. I cannot answer this part of the question, as I have not got sufficient scientific knowledge of the matter. Its cultivation would be impossible in those parts which remain submerged under water throughout the greater portion of the year. - Evidence of BABU SASI BHUSAN ROY, Manager, Dubalhati Raj Estate, Rajshahi District.
3. The hemp plant grows spontaneously everywhere, abundantly in Eastern Bengal. It is part of the duty of the police officers to destroy the plant wherever seen, and to prosecute offenders who grow the plant for use as a drug. - Evidence of Mr. H. M. WEATHERALL, Manager, Nawab's Estate, Tippera.
13. I am informed the female plant is extensively cultivated in Nepal, Terai, Gorakhpur, and many other districts of the North-Western Provinces for ganja and charas. The best charas comes from Kasghar in the north-eastern border of China. It is highly priced, and is a luxury to rich people. - Evidence of BABU MAHENDRA CHANDRA MITRA, Kayasth, Pleader, Honorary Magistrate, and Municipal Chairman, Naihati, 24-Parganas.
3. In the districts of Bogra and Dinajpur. I consider the spontaneous growth of the hemp plant in the district of Dinajpur to be abundant, but I cannot say if it grows more abundantly in any other district. 6. If not obstructed, the wild plant generally grows very densely. 7. The hemp plant is cultivated within my knowledge in a part of the district of Rajshahi and in some villages, which, I believe, belong to the district of Bogra, the extent of the cultivation being greater in the former than in the latter place. I do not know if the hemp plants cultivated in these places are utilized for the production of charas, but, as far as I know, they are not utilized for fibre or seeds. The principal use to which the cultivated plants are turned in these places is the production of ganja, though I have reason to believe that some use is made of the leaves unfit for this purpose for the production of what is used as siddhi or bhang. 8. I do not know. 12. No. 13. No; as far as I know, the cultivation is not restricted to any particular district or districts, yet it is a fact that the cultivation is not common to all districts. I think there are some special conditions under which alone the cultivation is possible. As far as my knowledge goes, lands somewhat moist, though sufficiently raised above ordinary level to prevent accumulation of rain water, are specially suited for the cultivation. Another condition seems to me to be that the soil be not very hard like the rar lands in the districts of Burdwan and Birbhum, or hilly and dry like those of some parts of the Sonthal Parganas. Lands of a soft and alluvial character are, I think, specially fitted for the cultivation; better still if silted up riverbeds of sufficiently long standing are available. I think further that the plant requires for its growth lands over which the average rainfall is from 30 to 50 inches in a year; but of this I am not very sure. As to what special conditions of climate and elevation above sea-level are necessary for the cultivation of the hemp plant for producing ganja, I have no knowledge. I think the cultivation of the plant will be impossible generally in districts like Burdwan, Birbhum, and Sonthal Parganas. - Evidence of BABU MADHAVA CHANDRA CHATTERJEE, Brahmin, Pleader, District Court, Dinajpur.
3. In Rajshahi and Bogra. It is abundant in alluvial soil. 6. Scattered. 7. Yes. (a) and (b) In tracts where the boundary lines of Bogra, Rajshahi and Dinajpur meet. I am not in a position to say the exact extent. 8. There has been a gradual and considerable increase in the ganja cultivation. This is owing to the enormous profit this cultivation brings. The money-lenders advance large sums of money to the cultivators on condition that the cultivators should return the money and half the produce as interest; hence the increase. 13. The cultivation of ganja is restricted in the districts of Bogra, Dinajpur and Rajshahi. The cultivation is impossible in khiar (as opposed to alluvial) land. - Evidence of SYED RIYAZ UDDIN QUAZI, Pleader, Bogra.
3. Hemp plants grow spontaneously in Boalia, Bogra and Dinajpur. They are abundant in all these three districts. 6. The growth is ordinarily dense. 7. Hemp plants are grown for production of ganja and charas in Boalia, Bogra and Dinajpur. They are not grown for production of bhang only, or for fibres or seeds. They are grown in Bogra, Boalia, and in a small tract of Dinajpur in Thana Mahadebpur. 8. Not known. 13. It is not restricted to this province alone; it is grown in other provinces. But its cultivation is not common to all districts, as these plants do not grow in hard soil. - Evidence of BABU PARAMESHWAR DAN, Kshetrya, Pleader, Judge's Court, Vice- Chairman, District Board, Dinajpur.
3. Ganja chiefly grows in Rajshahi. But since the duty has been enormously raised, ganja is clandestinely cultivated. Large jars (jalas) are filled with earth and planted. Ordinarily one plant is in one jar. One plant generally produces about three seers of ganja. The jars are kept on roofs, or on places where they cannot ordinarily be seen. These plants seldom give out charas or first class siddhi. Gorakhpur produces the best charas. But the use of charas has very much diminished in Bengal during the last thirty years. 6. Scattered, so far as I am aware. 7. I know Rajshahi charas is not produced in Bengal proper. 8. Ganja cultivation is decreasing. As an industry it is not so profitable now. The cause is the enormous increase in the duty. Another cause is the dislike of the higher classes to use ganja. Fifty years ago they used to smoke it in large numbers. Now "ganja smoker" is a term of abuse. The same is the case with charas and siddhi. Majum is a preparation of bhang. It is an oblong-shaped sweetmeat. At present its use is confined solely to up-country men. 13. The Government have better information than I can give. The Collector of Rajshahi must be an authority in this matter. I have seen ganja plants in Jonoargunge in the district of Chittagong. - Evidence of BABU BEPRODAS BANERJEE,* Brahman, Pleader, Newspaper Editor, and Chairman, Baraset Municipality.
3. In Nepal and Gwalior districts hemp plants are grown spontaneously in jungles. This I have learned from several Khettri gentlemen of this place who had gone to Nepal. 6. The growth of the wild hemp is dense and also scattered. This I have heard from sanyasis or up-country mendicants. 7. Hemp is cultivated in the Nepal district, and in Pargana Dubalhati, in the Rajshahi district, for ganja. Hemp is cultivated for siddhi, bhang, in Patna. I know nothing about charas. The production of Rajshahi makes supply to whole Bengal. 8. I don't know. 12. Nowhere in Bengal is wild hemp produced. If ganja be grown in anybody's lands, it is destroyed for fear of police. In Dubalhati, the female plants are extirpated, which are injurious to the male plants. In Raniganj sub-division a Mahant was fined Rs. 10, as there was a wild hemp plant in his garden about three years ago. 13. In Bengal, in Pargana Dubalhati, in the Rajshahi district, is ganja produced. I have already said about climate. I don't know why the district was selected. I think very good fertile lands are necessary for such cultivation. - Evidence of BABU NOBO GOPAL BOSE RAI CHOWDHOORY, Kayasth, Talukdar and Judge's Court Pleader (late Munsiff of Nator), Memari, Burdwan District.
3. I have no knowledge of any district in which the hemp plant grows spontaneously; but I am told that it is both spontaneous and abundant in the districts of Jessore and Rajshahi. I am also told that hemp grows wild in parts of the district of Singhbhum. 7. Yes. There is cultivation of the hemp plant in Jessore and Rajshahi. 13. The cultivation of the hemp plant is not common to all districts. It is not cultivated in ours; and if people addicted to hemp secretly cultivate this plant, it does not flower at all, so ganja cannot be manufatured in our district. I am told that the leaves only are used as siddhi. I think there are special conditions of climate, soil, rainfall, etc., which are necessary for the cultivation of hemp for producing ganja. - Evidence of BABU ABINASCHANDRADASS, M. A., B. L., Pleader, Judge's Court, Bankura.
3. It has been found on enquiry that the hemp plant grows spontaneously in the Dacca and the Rajshahi Divisions, as well as in some parts of the Presidency Division. I have seen it growing in the Backergunge and Faridpur districts. My information is that it grows abundantly in Rajshahi. 6. The growth of wild hemp is in some places dense, but is ordinarily scattered. 7. I am not aware of hemp being cultivated anywhere in Bengal for use as siddhi; though it is sometimes seen to grow in the compounds of a man who uses it, and where the refuse are generally thrown. At Naogan sub-division, in the district of Rajshahi, hemp is cultivated under the management of Government for the production of ganja, but neither for charas nor for siddhi as I understand from the local ganja gola. Charas, I understand, is imported from the North-West Provinces, and from Nepal. I am not aware of any place where hemp is cultivated for its fibre or seeds. Seeds are however, I know, preserved by some people, and particularly by native physicians, who generally obtain them from licensed shopkeepers of ganja for medicinal purposes. 8. I am unable to say - Evidence of BABU AMVIKA CHARAN MAZUMDAR,* Vaidya, Pleader and Zamindar, Faridpur.
3. The plant grows spontaneously in several districts of Bengal. I have seen it to grow in the districts of Jessore, Nadia and Purnea. In Purnea it is abundant. 6. Its growth is rather dense than scattered. 7. There is no cultivation of the plant in this district for any of the purposes mentioned or for any purposes whatever. The plant is cultivated in the district of Rajshahi and Bogra under Government supervision. 12. My answer to the first question is "no." I am unable to answer the last question. 13. Yes, it is restricted to the districts of Rajshahi and Bogra, I believe. I do not think there is any part of Bengal which I know, where the cultivation of the plant would be impossible, - Evidence of BABU BHUVAN MOHUN SANYAL, Brahmin, Government Pleader, Purnea.
3. My information is that bhang grows spontaneously in all the districts of Lower Bengal. I am told that in some districts ganja grows spontaneously. 6. The growth of wild hemp is generally dense and sometimes scattered. 7. As far as I know, there is no cultivation of hemp plant in this part of the province. 13. (a) No. The cultivation is not common to all districts. (b) I do not think so. (c) I do not think so, as I have seen wild ganja plants grow in some places in my district. - Evidence of BABU AMRITALAL RAHA, Kayasth, Pleader, Judge's Court and Talukdar, Khulna.
3. Hemp grows in all the districts of Behar, Patna, Gaya, Shahabad, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Saran, Champaran, Monghyr and Bhagalpur. In the last six it grows with more or less abundance. - Evidence of BABU JADUBANS SSHAI, Pleader and Vice-Chairman, Arrah Municipality.
3. The hemp plant grows abundantly in Rajshahi, Bhagalpur, Mirzapur, Ghazipur and other Districts. Although quite uncared for the plant. grows wild in all places in Lower Bengal whereever the seeds have been thrown by those who do not care to eat them with the leaves. 6. The plant grows well both densely and scattered. 7. In the District of Rajshahi hemp is cultivated for all the purposes mentioned in this question. Nowhere else in Bengal is it so largely cultivated, but in Bogra and Dinajpur there is a considerable area devoted to the cultivation of hemp. - Evidence of RAI BAHADUR RAJ KUMAR SARVADHIKARI, Secretary, British Indian Association, Calcutta.
3. Hemp plant, known as bhang, grows spontaneously in almost all the districts of the province, and is abundant in Rangpur. 6. The nature of growth is different in different districts. I have seen its growth ordinarily dense in the Rangpur district. 7. (a) Yes. Naogaon in the Rajshahi, Baluchara in the Bogra, and Mahadebpur in the Dinajpur districts. The cultivation in Naogaon is extensive. 13. Yes. As far as I know the cultivation is restricted to the places in the districts mentioned in answer to question 7. - Evidence of UMAGATI RAT, Brahmin, Pleader, and Secretary to the Jalpaiguri Branch, Indian Association.
3. The hemp plant grows spontaneously all over Bengal. I have noticed it in Nadia, Pabna, and parts of Rajshahi; but I have been told that the high dry lands of Barind in the north of Rajshahi do not grow this plant. I have always noticed it as a fact that this plant is seen growing spontaneously in and around the villages and not in the fields outside. This leads me to suppose that their growth, now wild and spontaneous, might have once been induced by the use of imported bhang by the people, who after using the leaves, never cared for the seeds they threw away near about their houses. 6. Its growth is ordinarily dense. This is, perhaps, due to the fact that after they grow to maturity some quantity is preserved by. the people; while the rest are allowed to scatter their seeds about the place of growth and to die a natural death. * Was invited to attend at a sitting of the Commission for oral examination but failed to appear. These seeds, once thickly scattered over the soil, give rise to a dense growth of the plant in the next year. 7. There is an extensive cultivation of the female hemp plant for the production of ganja in a special tract of land about 16 square miles in area comprising parts of thanna Naogaon in Rajshahi, of Adamdighi and Nawabgunge in Bogra, and of Mahadebpore in Dinajpur. So far as I know, there is no cultivation of the plant for the production of charas or bhang in Lower Bengal. Charas is, however, obtained in a very small quantity from the manufacture of ganja in Rajshahi. The plant, so far as I know, is nowhere cultivated in Bengal for its fibre or seeds. But the seeds obtained from the ganja cultivation are utilised by the people. A variety of hemp, locally called sone-pát, is cultivated to some extent for fibre; but this variety is not known to contain cannabine or any active narcotic principle. 8. There has been some slight increase in the area under ganja cultivation. But the area under actual cultivation varies from year to year, partly on account of the fact that ganja cannot be successfully grown in the same field year after year, and partly on account of the fact that the cultivators take to the ganja cultivation according to their experience of the next preceding year. 12. No. 13. The cultivation of the hemp plant for ganja is restricted in Bengal to parts of the Rajshahi, Bogra, and Dinajpur districts, the whole tract being locally known as the ganja mahal. I am not in a position to say why these tracts were specially selected. I believe ganja, like the mulberry plants, requires a raised ground with fine
sandy soil, rich with leaf manure and unshaded by trees, and it is perhaps this character of the present tract which first drew the attention of the pioneers of ganja cultivation in Rajsbahi. - Evidence of BABU AKSHAY KUMAR MAITRA,* Secretary, Rajshahi Association, Pleader, Judge's Court, Member, Rajshahi District Board, Commissioner, Rampur Boalia Municipality.
3. I am told in the Province of Behar and Districts of Rajshahi and Rangpur hemp grows spontaneously. This drug is imported article in this district. 6. I have no idea of it. 7. No. Only for speciality in some gardens scarcely a tree or two are grown under permission of the Excise officer. 8. Never cultivated in the district. 13. I believe it is not restricted, but the people in this part of the country do not cultivate it, as ganja is mostly imported from Upper Provinces. There are many parts of Lower Bengal that would not produce ganja on account of the soil being merged under water for a good portion of the year. - Evidence of BABU NITYA NANDA ROY, Teli, Merchant and Zamindar, Chittagong.
3. Ganja is cultivated at Rajshahi. Bhang is brought from Calcutta. The source of supply is not known to me, most probably from Monghyr and Bhagalpur. 7. Yes; (a) at Rajshahi for ganja. (b) Charas not known to me. (c) Bhang probably in Behar. (d) Not known to me. Extent not known to me. 8. Not known to me. 12. Not known to me, but the male plant, i.e., of bhang, is extirpated to ensure the prolific growth of the female plant, i.e., of ganja. 13. Yes; at Rajshahi and some neighbouring portions of Bogra and Dinajpur. Possibly under Government orders. Not common to all districts. Not known to me - Evidence of BABU NOBIN CAHNDRA SARKAR, Kayasth, Wholesale and retail vendor of ganja and bhang, Barisal
3. Bhang plant grows wild in Mymensingh, Burdwan, and Nadia. It grows in abundance in Mymensingh. - Evidence of BABU RAM NIDHI SHAHA, Excise Vendor, Mymensing
3. The hemp plant grows all over India spontaneously. Confining our remarks to this province, ganja has been grown under license in a compact tract of country within a radius of 16 miles lying in three districts, viz, Rajshahi, Dinajpur, and Bogra. In the Bengal districts of Shahabad, Champaran, Monghyr, Bhagalpur, Dacca, Rangpore, Darbhanga, Chota Ngapur, and Orissa the hemp plant grows.6. Ordinarily dense. 7. Yes, see answers to question 3. Charas is produced in the North-Western Provinces and not in this province. This has already been answered in questions 3 and 4. 8. The cultivation of ganja in the area lying in Dinajpur, Bogra, and Rajshahi for the last five years has been fluctuating, as the figures below go to show:— Bighas. Cottahs. 1887-88 1,780 3 1888-89 2,433 4 1889-90 2,408 1 1890-91 2,669 18 1891-92 1,315 15 Paragraph 48 of Babu Hem Chandra Kar's report is in point. 12. None. 13. With the exception of the places mentioned above, the cultivation is prohibited in this province. Hemp is said not to grow in such districts as Bankura and Birbhoom, where the soil is stiff and the climate dry - Evidence of the DISTRICT BOARD, 24-Parganas (Sub-Committee)
3. The spontaneous growth is said to be abundant in Tirhut and North Monghyr. In the district of Patna the growth is not such. It may, however, be found here and there; but it is doubtful whether they are spontaneous. Where it is spontaneous, the dry leaves are used as bhang. - Evidence of the DISTRICT BOARD, Patna.
3. Ths districts in which the hemp plant grows spontaneously are (1) Dinajpur, (2) Jessore, (3) Rajshahi. It is abundant in the Naogaon Subdivision. 6. As a rule, the growth of the wild hemp is ordinarily dense. 7. There is no cultivation of the hemp plant in our province. 8. No cultivation, hence no increase or decrease in the area. 10. There is no regular cultivation of the plants; but some people rear those that grow spontaneously. 12. No special cultivation of the wild hemp for the production of ganja has been brought to light. Spontaneous growth in the Darjeeling Terai has led some cultivators (Mumis by caste) to use the stems of the plant as drugs in curing bad legs and foot-sores. 13. Yes; for other particulars, vide answer to question No. 5. - Evidence of the DISTRICT BOARD, Mymensingh (Sub-Committee).
3. In all the districts of the Assam Valley. It is not specially abundant in any district as far as I know; it seems to thrive in places where there are homesteads or where there have been homesteads. 6. In dense patches. 7. It is surreptitiously cultivated for production of ganja, chiefly, I think, by tea garden coolies, all over the Assam Valley; but this sort of cultivation is of course kept in check by the district officers, and people who are found so cultivating are prosecuted under the Excise Act; so there is no considerable area under this sort of cultivation. owing in the jungles where there has never been any human habitation. I have always regarded the plant as an escape from cultivation or the result of accidental sowing rather than as an indigenous growth. My answer refers to the Valley districts. I did not observe it in the Khasi Hills, though I hear it grows there, and I believe it to be the fact. Cases frequently occur of the hill ganja being brought down into the Gauhati district. This, I believe, comes from the Khasi Hills, and I am not aware of any import from the Naga or Garo Hills. I was in charge of the Golaghat sub-division, which borders on the Naga Hills, for two years, and no instance of import of ganja occurred during that time. I had similar experience regarding the Garo Hills while I was in the Goalpara district. Question 7—.I have no reason to suppose that the Assamese consume ganja at all, except those who go by that name in the Goalpara district. By Assamese I mean the indigenous inhabitants of the six districts of the Assam Valley. The people of Sylhet and Cachar consume ganja, and so do a few in the Khasi Hills. I cannot speak about consumption in the Naga and Garo Hills. The whole of the Khasi Hills, except Shillong and the Jaintia Hills sub-division, is practically foreign territory, and the cultivation of hemp plant is not prohibited in that region. I am not prepared to say whether the Naga and Garo Hills are to be regarded as British territory, but the British Government has police and civil jurisdiction in them. In these hill tracts the police are not to interfere with the hill people themselves in the matter of cultivation, possession, and sale of ganja, but at the same time not to allow the advantage of these privileges to British subjects.OE - Evidence of MR. G. GODFREY, Commissioner, Assam Valley District
3. The hemp plant grows with equal abundance in all the districts of the province and in the semi-independent hills beyond the frontier. It is never seen in forests or other lands remote from villages, but always near villages or on abandoned village sites. 6. Dense. 12. It is cultivated surreptitiously in every district and in the adjoining hills, and more largely by the Nagas on the Sibsagar frontier and Miris on the Lakhimpur frontier. I cannot say if the male plant is extirpated: 13. Cultivation is prohibited altogether, but would be quite practicable in every district. Question 7.—The so-called wild plant is found in every district of the province. I think there is no such thing as wild ganja. It does not grow of itself like any other weed. As a rule, the plant is found in lands occupied by the owner's homestead. It is not found in his sugarcane field, for example, which may be far off from the homestead, but generally in the homestead enclosure, with vegetables, etc. I infer from this that the growth is very ordinarily surreptitious. I always encourage Magistrates to form a conclusion against a man in whose enclosure it is found; for the very fact that it is there is proof of control over it. He could have rooted it out; but the law requires evidence of cultivation, either of having tended the plant or of having concealed it. The practice of Deputy Commissioners differs considerably, more especially in regard to punishments. In regard to cattle, I do not believe it is required to any extent for cattle. But it is curious that among the Assamese it is not found. It is a mere excuse by those who really want to use it that it is for cattle. I have no feeling that the Circular No. 28 of 1882 was necessary. I think it was is ued on insufficient information. I never push it forward. I have never seen the stuff used for cattle; nor have I heard of its being used, except when the use is thus pleaded in excuse. As to other grounds, I think there would be no hardship in ordering that a man should be held responsible for the existence of the plant in his homestead. I should not be prepared to go so far as to say "all occupied land," because fields are sometimes a mile off, and the growth there is very rare. The stuff requires manure apparently. I think what one sees on fields is from seed. The stuff springs from seed and then reproduces itself, being self-sown thereafter. The stuff is found in the homesteads of foreigners and in the homesteads of Assamese near places where there are foreigners. In the interior, remote from tea gardens and the settlements of foreigners, it is not found. So in regard to fields it is found chiefly where there are foreigners. My objection to prohibiting the stuff in fields is merely that, as the fields are far away, and are sometimes not visited for months when there is nothing doing, a man might not see the stuff growing, and might be prosecuted without having any guilty intention. But I do not think that it would be impossible to carry out the prohibition The above is the only objection I have. It is a mistake to think that tea garden coolies have no land attached to their quarters. As a rule, inspecting officers insist on garden land being allotted for the production of vegetables. The following are the orders on the subject. Rule 126 of the Rules made under Act I of 1882—"Where it is possible, sufficient garden ground shall be provided for each house or row of houses." I may add that coolies, whose time has expired, often settle down, as land is so cheap in Assam, The hemp is found on the fields of these and other foreign settlers and also on fields near where there are foreigners. It is not found in the fields of remote villages with purely Assamese population. I believe that this so-called wild hemp affects our revenue very considerably. It is used by certain consumers, and it is also mixed by vendors with excise ganja and sold. Prosecutions, as shown by the Statement* I now put in, are most active in Sibsagar and Lakhimpur. These districts have the largest foreign or imported population. There is an account of a seizure of fifty-nine seers in one case in paragraph 72 of the Excise Report for 1887-88. It was in the Lakhimpur district. I was then Deputy Commissioner. At times, in certain districts, considerable energy has been shown. I do not believe it has resulted in oppression or false charges. But it has resulted in great increase of revenue. The nature of the offence is such that you cannot easily fix it on any one who has not the plant on his land. The circumstances, of course, show whether a plant has been accidentally or intentionally sown. My position would be to throw the onus on the accused of proving that the plant was accidentally there if it was his homestead OE- Evidence of MR. J. J. S. DRIBERG, Commissioner of Excise and Inspector General of Police and Jails.
3. The wild hemp plant grows abundantly all over Assam as a weed, but, like many other weeds, it is not a jungle plant. It follows in the tracks of cultivation. It is commonly found in deserted clearings and in the vicinity of growing crops. It is especially abundant in the hill districts, where the plant seems to be richer in the resinous matter which makes it intoxicating. Ganja is smuggled into the plains by hill people both from the Khasi, Naga, and North Cachar Hills in our own territory, and also from the Bhutan Hills and from Hill Tippera outside the area of British rule. It is also grown by the Miris in Lakhimpur and Darrang. It is largely consumed to the prejudice of excise ganja by the many immigrants, tea garden coolies, syces, etc., who live in the province. 6. Where it grows, it grows densely, and I am told that it is a weed which it is extremely difficult to eradicate. I know of a garden in Shillong the owner of which has endeavoured for years to choke out the weed, but in vain. 7. The plant is not cultivated in the proper sense of the word, but it is occasionally fenced in and cared for when it springs up spontaneously. 12. The Miris, a hill tribe in Lakhimpur, undoubtedly fence in the wild plant on a large scale for consumption and vend. In 1887-88 some Miris were punished for selling no less than 59 seers of bhang. The informant was one of our licensed vendors of excise ganja. Such cases are very difficult of detection, as Miris, Kacharis, and other semi-savage people live in the midst of dense grass jungle, and have obvious facilities for concealing cultivation. I am not aware that the male plant is ever extirpated. 13. Cultivation is forbidden all over the province, but there is no part of Assam where cultivation would be impossible. Question 3 (oral evidence).—The wild hemp is commonly found in deserted homesteads and growing as a weed in gardens. I think it grows thus in all parts of the province. The existence of the wild plant in occupied land does not constitute a breach of the excise regulations. I think it might be allowed to grow provided there was no intention of using it as an intoxicant. The wild hill ganja is contraband under the Circular 28 of 1882, because it is supposed to be stronger than the wild hemp of the plains, and it is presumed that it would not be imported and bought except for use as an intoxicant. The latter is the only reason indicated in the circular. It is my personal opinion that the hill ganja is stronger than the wild ganja of the plains, because it is commonly brought to the bazaars and finds purchasers. I have also been told by natives that it is stronger. The special name I have given in answer to question 4 seems to indicate this. It is possible that its superior strength arises from the fact that it is cultivated. On the other hand, a good deal of it comes from the Khasi Hills, where I have never heard that it is cultivated, and I think I should have heard of it if it had been the fact. I have no reason to suppose that the two plants differ botanically. I have not served for any long period in the Khasi Hills since 1882. I am not certain that I should know the wild or cultivated plant by sight even now, though I have often had the wild plant pointed out to me. It was first pointed out to me at a place at the foot of the Khasi Hills in 1881. I produce a specimen of bhang which was given to me on my way to this office. I enquired for it in a garden and the man produced it. It was growing as a weed. The man is an Assamese Hindu, one of my own chaprassis and an opium-eater. I merely asked for a specimen of wild bhang. It is difficult to say if such growth as I have described interferes with the excise revenue. Coolies in tea-gardens might grow it, but they live as a rule in lines without any ground under their control on which they could grow it. Still, as I have said in my written answer to question 3, I think it must be consumed to the prejudice of excise ganja. I have found my own syces drying the herb, and I think they must have been doing it for their own consumption. I should not prosecute a man for having such plants in his compound unless it was clear he was cultivating it. Ordinarily, if I found weeding, watering, and digging about, I should prosecute; if not, not. If it were found in the garden of a Hindustani, there would be stronger ground for supposing it was being cultivated than if it were in the garden of an Assamese. The present rule permitting the growth of ganja for cattle medicine may be one reason for the consumption decreasing in spite of the fact that the immigrant population is largely increasing. I think it unsatisfactory, from the excise point of view, that this permission exists, and I cannot say whether the plant is required for cattle to such an extent as to render it undesirable to stop the permission. I know as a matter of common hearsay that it is used for cattle, but I cannot say how much. The idea is that the immigrant does not use it for his cattle but for smoking, and that the Assamese do not use the drug for smoking but do use it for their cattle. By Assamese I mean the inhabitants of the Assam Valley. The inhabitants of the other valley do smoke ganja; those of the Assamese districts of the Assam Valley rarely do so. The above remark does not apply to the Miris, who, as I said in answer to question 12, fence in the wild plant on a large scale for consumption and vend. Question 6.—The garden I refer to in this answer was one owned by a Bengali, who, I do not think, was a consumer of bhang or ganja. He gave me the information in casual conversation, and I did not verify it by personal inspection. I dare say the owner did not endeavour very hard to eradicate the plant OE- Evidence of MR. J. D. ANDERSON, Deputy Commissioner; Officiating Commissioner of Excise.
3. All the districts of the Assam Valley. 6. Grows thickly in places, e.g., in the Mangaldai town. 7. No recognized cultivation. There is a certain amount of illicit cultivation chiefly for use as bhang. 12. My impression is that the wild plant is cultivated in the Assam Valley solely for use as bhang Question 3 (oral evidence).—I have never found the spontaneous growth of hemp in the jungle, only in places formerly cultivated or still under cultivation. The jungle grass appears to choke it even when it grows. Question 12.—What illicit cultivation there is is generally found in small patches in homesteads, and the excuse is generally made that the plant is self-sown, but sometimes it is admitted that the plant was cultivated as medicine for cattle. I can only remember one case in which cultivation was admitted, but I have a general impression that the admission has been made in other cases. The punishment that would be inflicted in a case in which the man admitted that he had cultivated the plant for his cattle would probably be a fine of about R15. The plea would not be held to justify the cultivation, because cultivation is forbidden by law. The mere fact of the existence of the wild plant in cultivated or occupied land would raise no presumption of a breach of the law unless there were signs of cultivation or of attempt at concealment. I have seen the wild plant in Kamrup, Darrang, Nowgong, and Sibsagar. I only saw it yesterday, for the first time in Sibsagar, where I have never been stationed. In the other districts I have frequently seen it. The plant, I should say, was common in these three districts. It is not found every day or every week, but can be found at once if it is sought for. When I was one day riding in the Mangaldai sub-division with Mr. Lyall he noticed the plants and asked me why I did not prosecute. I explained my reasons for thinking that the growth was not intentional. But nevertheless I did institute some 20 prosecutions in the course of the next few weeks and then desisted, finding there were so many cases. In prosecuting I acted under Mr. Lyall's orders, which appeared to be based on the principle that allowing the plants to grow on private land constituted an infraction of the excise law by the occupant. I cannot say whether my views at the time coincided with Mr. Lyall's but, as I have said above, I do not hold that opinion now. I do not know what amount of truth there is in the statement that hemp is useful as a cattle medicine. I cannot therefore say whether in the interests of the cattle a law rendering the existence of wild hemp in occupied land punishable would be oppressive. The excise revenue is probably affected to some small extent by the existence of wild hemp in occupied lands, but I have never heard of ganja being prepared from wild hemp in the three districts of which I am speaking. - Evidence of MR. E. A. GAIT, Director of Land Records and Agriculture, Assam.
Question 3.—Kamrup is in the Gauhati district. I have known cases of prosecution there. I do not know the plant myself. I have never looked for it. I have no knowledge of any cultivation apart from what I know of prosecutions. I have not (so far as I know) seen any cultivation. The prosecution in one case was for gathering it on a river chur. It therefore grows there. But I cannot say to what extent. Question 7.—There is no cultivation permitted. I believe there is not much cultivation. I have known men prosecuted for having one plant or two plants in their gardens. What was believed was that these plants were from seed of the imported ganja. I know nothing of cultivation apart from these prosecutions. I have heard (vide answer 40) the defence set up that the plant is used for cattle. This is not held to be a valid defence. I have heard elsewhere that it is so used. So far as I remember, I have never had my attention called to paragraph 4 of Circular No. 28 of 26th October 1882. It has never been adduced in defence. I have never allowed this defence about cattle as a valid defence. I think that this circular, which issued before I came to India, must surely have been cancelled. The prohibition of cultivation
and possession is strictly enforced by prosecutions. - Evidence of MR. G. GORDON, Deputy Commissioner, Goalpara.
3. I have no knowledge of any other districts of this province than Sylhet in regard to the spontaneous growth of hemp plants. In Sylhet, ganja plants are not known to grow spontaneously; but, as I have stated above, a plant called bhang, perhaps of the same species with the hemp plants, grows spontaneously in some parts, but nowhere abundantly. In the Khasi Hills, however, I understand ganja plants grow wild; but their quality, I am told, is inferior to that of those imported from Rajshahi. - Evidence of ISHAN CHANDRA PATRANAVISH, Bengali, Brahmin, Extra Assistant Commissioner, Sylhet.
3. It grows spontaneously in the districts of Sylhet, Kamrup, and Darrang (the three districts of Assam of which I have personal knowledge). I know for certain that it grows profusely in the Khasia Hills. 6. Where wild hemp is found it is generally very dense, but I have never seen it in forests or far removed from villages. 7. None. 12. No such reason. 13. No restriction that I know of. Question 3 (oral evidence).—I have never been stationed in the Khasia Hills; but I had to visit a jail at Cherrapunji, and have seen the stuff there. I have myself seen it in the three districts I have named in this answer. I have no reason for supposing that the plant does not grow in the Naga Hills; but I have been told so. I doubt the statement. I have been in the Naga Hills, and never saw the plant there, and not told it did not grow there. I was not specially looking out for it. The "Naga Hills" is a big word. I have never seen ganja growing in the forests. It is always about houses and bastis. It does not seem to be cultivated. But it was possibly once cultivated, and now comes up, degenerated from something once sown there. I go much among the villages, for vaccination principally. I remember having seen the plant in Assamese villages. I think you would find it probably in any Assamese village. I find it all over the place here, even by the roadside. It is too easily got to suppose that it is cultivated. I have seen it in Assamese villages far away from places where there are foreigners. But it would be difficult to get a place in Assam very far from tea gardens. They are dotted all over the place. Where there is not a tea garden, you have either a howling wilderness of grass jungle or an Assamese village; and in such an Assamese village you would be almost sure to find it. I cannot say, of course, that there was any general sowing of the plant, except perhaps by the wind. The. Assamese are certainly not now a bhang-consuming people whatever they were. I doubt if they ever were. - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR J. W. U. MACNAMARA, Civil Surgeon and Superintendent, Lunatic Asylum, Tezpur.
Question3 .—The growth of the wild plant is prohibited. If there are signs that it is cared for,
prosecution is instituted by the police. People are in the habit of rooting up the plant for fear of prosecution. The police will step in if the plant is allowed to grow big enough to be used for smoking. Even if the plant is not cared for, the people will pluck it up fearing that the police will interfere when it is found growing near the houses. This is the action the police take in Dibrugarh and Lakhimpur, I cannot speak about other districts. The wild plant used to grow in Assam before the ganja shops were established. - Evidence of JADU RAM BOROOAH, Assamese Kayasth, Local Board Member; Pensioned Overseer, Public Works Department, Dibru
7. In this province the hemp plant is now cultivated in the Nimar district only. The cultivation elsewhere has been prohibited. In Nimar it is cultivated for the production of both ganja and bhang. I have never heard of charas being produced there - Evidence of COLONEL M. M. BOWIE, Commissioner, Nerbudda Division.
7. The plant is cultivated for the production of ganja in the Nimar district. Its cultivation elsewhere is prohibited. So far as I know, its cultivation has been for the most part suppressed in all feudatory States except Bustar. 8. The cultivation (under license) in Nimar varies with the demand for ganja at the Khandwa Government Storehouse. 13. When the present Central Provinces system was introduced, cultivation was restricted to the Nimar district and the Katol tahsil of the Nagpur district, because it was only in these two localities that cultivation was other than scattered. Cultivation in Katol was stepped three years ago, the area under cultivation in that tahsil being small, and operations for controlling cultivationand the issue of the drug were concentrated in Nimar and the Khandwa Storehouse. - Evidence of MR. F. C. ANDERSON, Officiating Commissioner, Nagpur.
3 I know of none. I have no personal experience of this district, but I am told by the Settlement Officer, whose knowledge of this district is extensive and peculiar, that the hemp plant does not grow spontaneously here. 7. For ganja, yes. Charas is entirely an imported product, and as far as my experience goes, bhang also. The hemp plant is cultivated far ganja in the Khandwa tahsil of the Nimar district only. 8. The area under cultivation fluctuates, according to the character of the season and the prices ruling in the preceding year. - Evidence of MR. A. C. DUFF, Deputy Commissioner, Jubbulpore.
3. I do not know of my own knowledge of hemp growing wild in the Central Provinces. It is not found in this state in Nimar. At least I have met nobody who has ever seen or heard of the wild plant in this district. 7, 8, and 9. See memorandum* on the cultivation of the hemp plant in Nimar. 13. The cultivation of the hemp plant is now confined to the Khandwa tahsil of the Nimar district. It seems to have been established here before we took over the country. In Burhampur the cultivators are said to be ignorant of the cul-tivation of ganja. For conditions of soil, etc., see reply to questions 7, 8 and 9. - Evidence of MR. B. ROBERTSON, Deputy Commissioner, Nimar.
Question 13.—Formerly, when the matter was not looked after so carefully, it was the practice to cultivate the hemp plant in yards of houses. I do not find such cultivation now, and I am in the habit of visiting houses, and in a position to see such cultivation if it exists. I consider that the restriction is effectual. The cases of evasion are extremely rare - Evidence of KHAN BAHADUR AULAD HUSSEIN, C.I.E., Assistant Commissioner and Settlement Officer, Jabalpur.
3. Enquiry on these points has recently been made by all Deputy Commissioners, and I believe from their reports that the hemp plant does not grow spontaneously in any part of these provinces. 7. Hemp is cultivated for the production of ganja and ganja seed only, and cultivation has been restricted to the Khandwa tahsil of the Nimar district since the close of the year 1889-90. The average area under cultivation during the past three years is 705 acres, and the average amount of outturn of the manufactured article, 6,865 maunds. The raising of ganja for seed is confined to a few villages. 8. Statistics of area cultivated and quantity stored for each of the past five years are as under for the Nimar district:— Acres. t1aunds. 1888-89 . . .858 9,450; 1889-90 . . . 954 10,854; 1890-91 . . .521 7,224; 1891-92 . . .653 6,685; 1892-93 . . .940 6,686. The fall in 1890-91 was due to the market being overstocked with the large outturn of the previous year, and to the raiyats having unsuccessfully combined to resist dealers' low prices: in 1891-92 the losses which had been sustained in this way and excess rainfall prevented any considerable extension of operations, besides damaging the crop raised on the area worked. In the latter year, however, cultivators realized high prices, averaging Rs. 8 per maund, and were encouraged to sow more ganja in 1892-93; but the crop raised was again damaged by excessive rain, and the quality was generally inferior. It may be men -tioned here that consumption in the Central Provinces themselves has little, if any, effect on the area cultivated, for the reason that only about one-fifth of the crop is consumed locally: during the past five years local consumption has increased from 1,123 to 1,468 maunds, the annual average being 1,282 maunds. In 1888-89 and 1889-90 there was a little cultivation in the Katol tahsil of the Nagpur district; in the former year 79 acres produced 377 maunds, the corresponding figures for the latter year being 39 acres and 312 maunds. 11. No. In Nimar the best ganja is raised from seed obtained at Dhakalgaon in Indore, and the rest from seed furnished by a few villages within the districts which cultivate ganja specially for this purpose. 12. No. 13. Cultivation of the hemp plant for ganja is restricted to the Khandwa tahsil of the Nimar * Published in Vol. III, Appendices.district. Going back as far as 1871-72, the first year for which a separate Report on Excise Revenue was issued, I find that ganja was then grown in all districts in small patches, but that even then the Nimar district and the Katol tahsil of the Nagpur district were the chief seats of cultivation. By Central Provinces Gazette Notification No. 610, dated the 16th February 1882, cultivation was definitely restricted to the Katol and Khandwa tahsils. Since the year 1889-90 there has been no cultivation in the Katol tahsil. The reasons for selecting Nimar as the sole source of supply were chiefly these:— (1) the Katol ganja was inferior, and consequently little in demand; (2 the amount raised in Khandwa was far in excess of provincial requirements, and would certainly suffice to meet them even in a year of bad harvest. The only special condition which I can mention as necessary for the production of ganja is moderate rainfall. For a good crop manuring and irrigation should be resorted to: in Nimar the first is never, and the second very seldom omitted. The kind of natural soil required is one which does not retain water close to the surface, and so clog the plant with mud. So much I have been able to ascertain by local enquiry; and if my information is trustworthy, there is no difficulty in understanding why the Khandwa tahsil has always been a favourite field for cultivation. The peculiar physical advantages enjoyed by that tahsil are as follows:— (1) the average rainfall is only 33 inches per annum,i.e. , less than that of any other district in the provinces; (2) the water-bearing stratum is in most parts within 20 feet of the surface; (3) at the same time the surface soil rapidly loses the monsoon fall by self-drainage. Great advantages of another kind are that ganja has been cultivated for generations, and that the value of manure has always been thoroughly appreciated.
Ganja has at one time or another been raised in every district of the provinces, and so far as I am aware, its cultivation cannot be said to be impossible in any part. - Evidence of MR. H. V. DRAKE-BROCKMAN, Officiating Commissioner of Excise, Central Provinces.
3. As far as I am aware, hemp plant does not grow spontaneously in any of the districts I have seen. 7. Hemp plant is grown in the district of Nimar for the purpose of ganja and for seed. The area under cultivation in 1892-93 was 940 acres. 8. The figures for the past five years are given below :— Outturn Acres. deposited in store. 1888-89 940 9,826; 1889-90 992 11,1,66; 1890-91 520 7,224; 1891-92 653 6,684;1892-93 940 6,685. The variations are according to the demand and crop of the year. 13. Ganja cultivation is now restricted to Nimar. Question 11.—I stated the fact that ganja was grown from local seed. The wild plant was unknown, and its seed not used. I cannot say whether the seed of the wild plant would produce the cultivated kind.- Evidence of BHARGOW LAXMON GADGIT, Brahmin, Extra Assistant Commissioner, Nagpur.
7. There was uncontrolled cultivation of the plant in the Sonepur State almost in every village before 1889 for the production of round ganja. It has been stopped since 1889 under Government orders, and ganja supplied by Government is used by the people. It is still cultivated in the adjoining Boad State. 8. There is considerable increase in the area under the cultivation of the plant in villages of the Boad State bordering the Sonepur State since 1889, because (1) it has not been allowed in the latter State, (2) it can be had cheaper than that supplied from the Government godowns, (3) people say that ganja manufactured from plants cultivated in the Boad State, which are similar to those cultivated before in Sonepur, is liked by them better than the flat ganja, which they think is more injurious to their health. They say that the use of the latter causes headache. This opinion of theirs about the quality of locally cultivated ganja, and the several instances of seizure of ganja smuggled from that State, shew that the demand for the Boad ganja must have increased. Formerly the Sonepur people did not care to get ganja from Boad as they cultivated similar ganja in their own house-yards. All excessive ganja smokers whom I questioned about this matter earnestly asked me to try to obtain permission to cultivate and supply the local ganja. This circumstance strengthens my belief that there is some increase in the area under ganja cultivation in the Boad Sate. - Evidence of TRIMBAK RAO SATHE, Extra Assistant Commissioner, and Diwan of the Sonepur State.
3. So far as my knowledge goes, hemp plant does not grow spontaneously in this province. 7. It is only in the Nimar district that hemp plant is cultivated for production of ganja only. 8. The area under cultivation has enormously decreased owing to the restrictions placed on the cultivation of the hemp plant in these provinces. 12. I know nothing about wild ganja, or its cultivation. 13. Yes. It has been restricted only to the Nimar district. I do not exactly know why this district was specially selected : but it seems that ganja used to be grown very largely in this district and the hemp plant grown there is much better than that grown in the other districts of this province. So far as I know there is no district in this province where hemp plant cannot be grown. I do not know whether any special conditions regarding climate, soil, etc., are necessary for cultivation of the hemp plant. - Evidence of RAGHUNATH RAO, Extra Assistant Commissioner, Damoh.
3. Khandwa, in Nimar district, Bastar Feudatory State, in Rajpur district, Central Provinces. 6. Dense. 7. It is cultivated in Nimar district and Feudatory State of Bastar for production of (a) ganja. 8. There has been considerable decrease in the area under such cultivation in Bastar Feudatory State, as the State does not permit cultivation without obtaining a license which is granted on condition of handing over the produce to the State. 13. It is only allowed to be grown in Nimar district. It is not common to all district. Among Feudatory States Bastar is the only State where ganja is cultivated. It was under contemplation to stop it when 1 left the State in April last. - Evidence of RAM KRISHNA RAO, Brahmin, Extra Assistant Commissioner, Bhandara.
3. Here I have never seen hemp growing spontaneously. 7. None of these products is now being manufactured, nor hemp is cultivated in Bastar. 8. Formerly, i.e., two years ago, people used to cultivate hemp, but as its cultivation has now been stopped by the Government, there is now no area under hemp cultivation. 12.I have never seen ganja having been manufactured from wild hemp. 13. Its cultivation has now been entirely stopped in this State. Bastar is well suited to the growth of ganja on account of being tableland and excessive rain. In the hilly parts or soil saturated by water, I think its cultivation would not be possible. - Evidence of ALAM CHAND, Superintendent, Bastar State
3. So far as I know, in no districts of the Central Provinces wild hemp is grown. 7. Yes. For only (a) and (d) (seeds), and in the Nimar district confined only to about 100 villages more or less, in the Khandwa tahsil, covering an area nearly 1,000 acres. A statement of the past five years is given below Year. Number of licenses, Area under cultivation. 1888-89 574 833; 1839-90 699 1,466; 1890-91 408 833; 1891-92 474 653; 1892-93 697 940. 8. There was a great increase in the year 188586 in area, number of licenses, and number of villages, owing to the high rate per maund obtained by the cultivators in the preceding year from foreign traders; but the influx of the commodity in the market in that year and the limited demand for the article disappointed the cultivators when they found that their labours were scarcely paid by the return their field produce brought. The following year showed a great falling off and continued stationary up to the current year, when there is a little increase on account of the preceding year's high prices obtained by them. Its increase or decrease depends upon the demand. 12, No answer, as wild hemp is out of question for these provinces, 13. Yes, to Nimar district, Khandwa tahsil. There is no particular reason why it is permitted in Khandwa, except that the cultivators there have been sowing it for years past, and when asked to name the period, they say their grandfathers used to say that they learnt it from their grandfathers. It is certain that ganja crop requires moderate rain and good water soaking soil. Ganja was also grown in the Katol tahsil of the Nagpur district, of which the land is said to be suitable, but since 3 years cultivation is prohibited there as the drug produced in Nimar is much more in excess of the provincial demand, the surplus being annually exported to some districts in the North-Western Provinces and Native States in Central India. I don't think the cultivation would be impossible except for the careful examination of the ganja growing plant. - Evidence of VINAYAK BALKRISHNA. KHARE, Brahmin, Excise Daroga, Nagpur.
3. In the capacity of Excise Daroga I had been in Jabalpur, Saugor, Damoh, Narsinghpur, and Hoshangabad districts, In none of the aforesaid five districts hemp plant grows spontaneously. It no doubt grows so in Punjab, therefore its full information can be had from the inhabitants of Punjab. 6. As wild hemp does not grow in these provinces, so I cannot say about it. 7. (a) Hemp, in these provinces, is cultivated in tahsil Khandwa, of the Nimar district. (b) Charas is not produced in these provinces. (c) Bhang is imported from Rajputana. Its amount of production will be known from Khandwa. 8. Statement of hemp cultivation will reach your office from Khandwa. It shall clear everything. 12. As the wild hemp does not grow in these provinces so I know nothing about it. 13. Hemp cultivation in these provinces is restricted to tahsil Khandwa of the Nimar district only. Hemp of superior quality is produced there. It so abundantly grows there that it is not only sufficient to meet the requirements of these provinces, but it is exported to North-Western Provinces, Oudh and Bundelkhand Feudatory States also. Therefore special arrangements are made for godown there and its cultivation is prohibited in the other districts, Other information regarding the soil, rainfall, etc., will be known from Khandwa. - Evidence of ANANDI PERSHAD, Excise Daroga, Hoshangabad.
3. I have seen it growing wild in the Dehra Dun district, and. in the hills beyond Mussoorie, Chakrata, Simla, and Dalhousie. 6. As far as I have seen it, it is dense. 7. Only in one place in the north of the Nimar district have I seen it cultivated, where it was grown for the 'production of ganja, and also for the use of its fibre. It was grown in one small patch a little over an acre in extent. 13. It could be largely cultivated in this district. Question 3 (oral evidence).—I saw the plant growing near a village on the Narbada, Panasa, north of Khandwa. It was growing in patches among the manure heaps, and appeared to be uncared for. Question 7.—In this answer I referred to the growth I saw at Panasa. The people told me they used its fibre. The crop was in patches and practically wild. There was " cassia " and other weeds growing with the hemp - Evidence of MR. A. E. LOWRIE, Officiating Deputy Conservator of Forests, Chanda.
3. I know no district in which the hemp, plant grows spontaneously ; but I am aware that its seed germinates very freely, and the self-sown seed had on some occasions formed a spontaneous growth, which gradually disappeared for want of protection. 7. I know no district in which it is cultivated for any of the purposes referred to in this paragraph. 13. The cultivation of hemp is restricted, I hear, only to some particular districts. There seems no reason why it should not grow in other districts. As far as I know, it grows luxuriantly in friable, clayey, or alluvial soil, and requires no special climatic conditions.- Evidence of MUNSHI MAHOMED GHOUSE, Extra Assistant Conservator of Forests, Raipur.
3. During the Maharaja's time ganja used to be cultivated in this State; but since it has come under Government management, the cultivation has been stopped. I have not observed it growing spontaneously. 7. None. 13. Yes, restricted in this State now. - Evidence of HONY. SURGEON-MAJOR J. E. HARRISON, Retired List, and Civil Surgeon, Kalahundi.
3. I know personally no district where the hemp plant grows spontaneously, but this I know that if ganja smokers throw any of the seeds about, they take root and grow almost in any ground, though owing to prohibition of cultivation such accidental plants are at once cut down. 6. I have heard some residents of Sind and Kashmir say that the growth of wild hemp is dense ordinarily. 7. In Nimar much is cultivated,viz .:— (a) chiefly for ganja (flat), (b) not for charas, (c) not for bhang, (d) not for fibre or seeds, though it is possible (b), (c), (d), may be utilized to a minor extent.8. I cannot speak with personal knowledge on this subject. 12. I can't say. 13. Yes ; except in Nimar ganja cultivation is strictly prohibited. Nimar was probably selected because there ganja grows well and its cultivation is well understood by the people, who learnt it from their neighbours in Indore, and for reason that the land of that district is well suited for its cultivation on account of its being of light character. - Evidence of MUHAMMAD HABIBULLA, 1st grade Hospital Assistant, Seoni.
3. In this province the ganja hemp plant grows spontaneously in the jungles of the Khandwa district. The reason is that when any labourer happens to smoke ganja in a jungle, its seeds often fall there, and plants grow out of it which gradually increase in number. Question 3 (oral evidence).—I have visited the Khandwadistrict twice and heard that the hemp plant grew spontaneously there. 7. In the Khandwa district the hemp plant is cultivated for the production of ganja, bhang, and seeds. - Evidence of MIR ZAMIN ALI, Pensioned Hospital Assistant, Jabalpur.
3.I know of no particular district where it grows spontaneously. It grows by cultivation. It was cultivated some time ago by people in the Katol Tahsil, but its cultivation there is now forbidden by Government. It is now cultivated only in the Khandwa district. 7. The hemp plant is cultivated in the district its use as bhang. The bhang made from Khandwa ganja is not so generally used as the Marwar bhang. The plant was cultivated very largely in the Katol tahsil, but it is now forbidden. 8.I have reasons to believe that there is a decrease, and the decrease is due, they say, to the very strict scrutiny and restriction under which it has been placed by Government. The cultivators are required to sell the ganja to one wholesale vendor, and the prices are not regulated by the usual laws of supply and demand. This is one principal reason why there has been, they say, such decrease in its cultivation. 13.The cultivation of the hemp plant has been restricted in my province to the Khandwa district only. - Evidence of GANGADHARRAO MADHO CHITNAVIS , Honorary Magistrate, Nagpur
3.It grows spontaneously near Hardwar and Badrinath and in Nepal. 6.It ordinarily grows densely. 7.Formerly hemp was grown in the Nagpur and Wardha districts ; but the practice was stopped about fifteen years ago. It was grown for the production of ganja only. Hemp is also grown for fibre. It is then called san. It is in appearance the same as the ganja plant; but it has no intoxicating properties, and could not be made to produce ganja or bhang. Ganja is at present grown in Nimar ; but I don't know about its cultivation. 12.There is no wild hemp in this district. 13.It is restricted to Nimar in these provinces. - Evidence of SETH BACHRAJ, Honorary Magistrate, Wardha.
3. In these days ganja chur, pitar, is grown at Khandwa, Nagpur and Raipur. Bhang, charas, and baluchar ganja is grown in east and west provinces. 6. No ganja is cultivated in my district. 7. Ganja is cultivated in smaller quantities in these provinces than in former days. The reason is that in these days no place was specially fixed for the purpose, and every cultivator used to cultivate it wherever he liked. It is specially cultivated in the districts mentioned in answer 3. 13. Ganja can grow on every kind of soil, and the climate which is beneficial for rabi crops is suitable for it. Ganja can grow on each and every part of the district, except rocky and hilly tracts. - Evidence of MODAN MOHAN SET H, Honorary Magistrate, Jubbulpore.
3. It grows in Bastar. I have been told by my agents that they have seen as much as 50 or 100 plants growing in jungle, where no sowings can have been done. 6. Sometimes one and sometimes the other. 7. Yes, in the Bastar State. The tenants sow what they want for their own use, and sell a little occasionally, but there is no regular trade in it. It is inferior ganja, the seeds being taken from the wild plant. 8. It is on the decrease, because of its inferiority compared with Government ganja, which is now easily procured. Question 11.—Ganja can be grown from the wild seed. I have ascertained this from my contractor in Kanker. In this country ganja and bhang plants are the same ; in my country they are regarded as quite distinct. The wild seed would have to be cultivated for two or three years before it would produce ganja of a superior kind. The only instance of the kind that I know existed in Baster, where the cultivation had not been prohibited. Since the general prohibition the wild seed is not cultivated. 12. No - Evidence of KAPUR CHAND, Honorary Magistrate and Gumasta, Raipur.
3. When ganja was cultivated here, there was occasionally a wild growth from seeds dropped accidentally ; but I never saw it in any quantity, and I do not know of any spontaneous wild growth. The above was known as " lamera ganja." 13. It requires good drainage and a light rainfall. - Evidence of RAGHOBA MAHADIK, Malguzar and Honorary Magistrate, Rajim.
3.It grows in Orissa and Ranchi districts, and chiefly in Ranchi district. 6. It is scattered at some places, and also dense at some places. 7. (a) No. (b) No. (c) No . (d) No. 12. So far as I know, no one cultivates wild hemp. I cannot say anything about the male or female plants of such hemp. 13. It is restricted in our district. Formerly every one used to grow ganja here and there. The leasing out of monopoly was then not in force. Formerly the ganja monopoly was not leased out in our district. The people of all classes then used to grow it anywhere they pleased, without reference to the conditions of climate and soil, and consume it ; but since the introduction of the system of leasing out of monopoly by Government no one cultivates it. Only water is to some extent necessary ; but of this no limit is fixed in our district. Formerly the public used to grow ganja in many places in our district, for which only water was necessary without reference to the soil and air. The monopoly of ganja having been leased out, all the plants were cleared off by Government. The ganja cultivation has since then ceased in this district; nor does any one grow it. It can be grown everywhere. I do not think that there is any part where its cultivation would be impossible. - Evidence of HARI HAR SINGH, Zamindar and Honorary Magistrate, Sambalpur District.
13. The cultivation of ganja has been prohibited by Government since the year 1878 in this district. - Evidence of RAI BAHADUR SETH TIKA RAM, Brahmin, Money-lender and Malguzar, Narsinghpur.
3. In the district of Ranchi, in Sarguja, it grows wild very abundantly. It grows freely in grows wild very abundantly. It grows freely in the Khandwa and Rajshahi, in Bengal, also Patiala and Bahraich, in Oudh. 6. It grows densely. 7. In Nagpur and Khandwa. It is not grown in the feudatories, as it is forbidden by law. Its fibre or seeds are not used for any purpose. 8. The area under cultivation has greatly decreased owing to the restrictions placed upon it by the Government. 13. In Nagpur and Khandwa. - Evidence of DIWAN PREM SINGH, Zamindar, Bilaspur District
3. I know it grows spontaneously in the Sargooja estate, which borders on my zamindari. There is no prohibition against ganja growing there. It grows freely in all foreign States. In Sargooja every house has a plantation of ten or twenty trees in the compound, and besides this there are fields of it, but it is mostly grown in small patches round the houses. 7. Ganja, charas and bhang are regularly grown and prepared in foreign States of the Central Provinces. They are grown and prepared in Nagpur and Khandwa. I never heard of rope being made from its fibre. Its seeds are useless. Question 7 (oral evidence).—The production I refer to is in States foreign to the Central Provinces, not in the Chhattisgarh Feudatory States. 13. It is restricted to Nagpur and Khandwa. I know of no special conditions for its growth. It is a hardy plant, and grows everywhere. - Evidence of LALL UMED SINGH, Zamindar, Bilaspur District.
3. Spontaneous growth unknown. 6. Scattered. 7. There is no cultivation of ganja in my State. 8. As there is no cultivation of ganja in my State, no area increased or decreased. 12. There is no difference between the wild and the cultivated ganja. I know nothing more about it. 13. There is no restriction of district, for the raising is common to all districts. No special physical conditions needed for production. - Evidence of LALL NROOPRAJ SINGH, Chatriya, Zamindar of Barpali, District Sambalpur
7. There is no cultivation of the hemp plant in the Hoshangabad district, but it is carried on in the Nimar district— (a) for production of ganja; (b) for use as bhang; and (c) for its seeds. 13. The cultivation of hemp plant for ganja is forbidden in the Hoshangabad district, but why it has been restricted is not known to me. Ganja can be produced in this district. The fact as to where its cultivation would be impossible can only be ascertained when the cultivation is given a trial and results in failure. - Evidence * of PANDIT NARAYAN RAO GOBIND, Brahmin, Zamindar, Hurda.
3. It grows spontaneously in the neighbourhood of Dehra Dun, not in these provinces.6. Sometimes dense and sometimes scattered. 7. In the Nimar district only. 12. This may happen occasionally, but not to any large extent. Ganja was formerly cultivated in this district, though not very largely, but its cultivation has been forbidden for the last twenty to twenty-five years. - Evidence of CHANDI PERSHAD, Brahmin, Malguzar, and President, Municipal Committee, Chanda
3. Do not know any cases of spontaneous growth in the Central Provinces. 6. Wild hemp is unknown. 7. Yes; ganja and bhang in the Khandwa dis -trict of the Central Provinces. Fibre is not used, nor is charas produced. 8. The area under cultivation has decreased because special licenses are now granted for cultivation of the hemp plant in one district only in the province. 12. I have no knowledge of this. 13. Yes, to Nimar only. - Evidence of THAKUR MAHARAJ SINGH, RAI BAHADUR,* Malguzar, Saugor.
3. The hemp plant does not grow spontaneously anywhere in this province and hence I am unable to answer questions Nos. 4, 5 and 6. 7. The hemp plant is not now cultivated in these provinces. I cannot therefore give any reply to questions Nos. 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12. 13. As far as I know the cultivation of the hemp plant for ganja is prohibited in all the districts of this province - Evidence of RAO VENKAT RAO, Brahmin, Malguzar, and Political Pensioner, Saugor.
3. I am not aware of any district in which the hemp plant, i.e., Cannabis sativa, or ganja, grows spontaneously. 6. The growth of " fareed butti " or wild hemp is very scattered. Whether this is used for smoking by the jungle tribes could not be ascertained. 7. Yes : there is for (a) the production of ganja Cannabis saliva ; but the ganja-yielding plant is not cultivated in the Central Provinces either for (b) (c) charas or bhang, nor for its fibre. (d) The cultivation of Crotalaria juncea is practised for the sake of its fibre for cordage, as also Hibiscus cannabinus for the same purpose. (a) The hemp plant is cultivated for the production of ganja in the Khandwa Tahsil of the Nimar District of the Central Provinces, and also very widely in the Feudatory State of Bastar. 8. There has been considerable fluctuation in the area for the cultivation of ganja in the Nimar District of the Central Provinces, where only it is permitted to be cultivated. The area under cultivation for the last four years is as under—See Excise Report for 1892-93, page 25.1888-89. 1889-90. 1890-91. 1891-92. Acres. 940 Acres. 993 Acres. 520 Acres. 653
1888-89. 1889-90. 1890-91. 1891-92. 1892-93. Maunds. Maunds. Maunds. Maunds. Maunds. 9,827 11,116 7,237 6,684 6,685 12. I have no reason to suppose so. Can give none. It cannot be, as wild hemp is not cultivated for the production of ganja. 13. (a) Yes, it is. To the district fo Nimar only. It is not common to all districts of the Central Provinces. (b) I have not been able to study this question. (c) The cultivation of ganja in any part of the Central Provinces would not be impossible. As a matter of fact it used to be cultivated in the Nagpur District, where a certain field to this day goes by the name of "ganja ka khet." Before the British rule, it could be sown with impunity in any individual's house. No restriction whatsoever was laid in the Raja's time on the cultivation of ganja. The same practice obtains now in some of the protected Native States of India. - Evidence of the REV. I. JACOB, Church of England Missionary, Chairman, District Council, etc., Chanda
3. Not in any that I know. Each house in the country has its rubbish heap next to it, whereon all the sweepings from the house are piled. The ganja plant grows sometimes from the bird rejected seed on these, not only spontaneously, but luxuriantly. I believe it is quite wild on the Western Himalaya and Kashmir, and also in certain parts of Bengal. The wild plant, however, yields no ganja. Question 3 (oral evidence).—The plant is quite common on rubbish heaps in some places in these Provinces. I have not been out in the country for 9 or 10 years, but before that I used to see it frequently. If the plant is on an exposed site, it is pulled up. I did not pass the matter by when I saw the plant growing, but had it pulled up. I believe such growth is still common. 6. It is said to be as dense as that of wild indigo. 7. Yes, in Khandwa and Katol, for ganja, which is supplied to the whole of the Central Provinces and to North-Western Provinces. 8. I do not know. 12. I do not think it is. 13. Yes; to Khandwa and Katol Tahsils of the Nimar and Nagpur districts. No, hemp will grow anywhere in the province, not because it accommodates itself to all climes and situations generally, but from my knowledge of the province I should say that there is not a district which would not favour its growth. - Evidence of ADHAR SINGH GOUR, Kshattri, Barrister-at-law, Hoshangabad.
3. In my boyhood I have seen it grow on the dry beds of tanks in the Nadia district in Bengal. People called it " siddhi." I do not know if the seed was thrown there by any one purposely. But judging from the exposed locality of the tank, I should think it grew spontaneously. It grew in thick clusters and looked luxuriant. 6. I found it, quite dense. 7. I have never seen it cultivated to any extent. - Evidence of MR. TARA DASS BANERJI, President, District Council, Raipur.
3. I do not know of any district in these provinces. It is cultivated in the Nimar district.7. There is cultivation of the hemp plant in the Nimar district only, but for the production of ganja only. The extent is given by the official reports as under—1888-89 . . . 940 acres. 1889-90 . . . 993 „ 1890-91. .. 520 „ 1891-92 . . . 653 „ 1892-93. .. 940 „8. The excess rainfall of 1891-92, which prevented the cultivation operations to a considerable extent, and the high prices which the small outturn fetched, encouraged the cultivators to sow more ganja in 1892-93. 12. I have no information on this point. 13. Before 1889-90 cultivation of ganja was permitted only in Nimar and in the Katol tahsil of the Nagpur district. Since 1889-00, the cultivation of ganja in Katol has been stopped. It is allowed in the Nimar district alone, because, I believe, its soil is favourable to its growth. It vol. vi, requires moderate rainfall and high ground, which are the characteristics of the Nimar district, the staple produce of which is jowar. I do not think it is impossible to grow ganja in any other part of this province. - Evidence of BABU KALIDAS CHOWDHRY, Brahmin, Pleader, Hoshangabad.
3. It grows in Gwalior, Indore and ilatlam territories, and in. the Khandwa district of this province. It is also known to grow in Marwar and North-Western Provinces, as well as in the Feudatory States of the Chhattisgarh Division. 6. The growth of the wild hemp is ordinarily dense. 7. Yes. In Khandwa District for production of ganja and bhang only. 12. The wild hemp is especially cultivated for the production of ganja in districts mentioned in answer to Question 3. 13. The cultivation of the hemp plant for ganja is restricted in all the districts of this province except Khandwa, where its growth is both spontaneous and cultivated. Special conditions are stated in answer to Question 5. In my opinion its cultivation is nowhere impossible in this province, more or less according to the nature of soil. - Evidence of LALA NIINDKESFIORE, * Agartcal, Merchant, Banker, Contractor, Malgoozar, Honorary Magistrate, Secretary, Municipal Committee, and .Me.mber, District Council, Saugor
3. I know of no district where the hemp plant grows spontaneously. It occasionally grows from seed that people throw away out of purchased ganja. 7. The ganja we sell is procured from Khandwa, where ganja is grown under Government rules and restrictions,—vide Abkari Manual, Chapter V. It is only grown for ganja. - Evidence* of HUSEN KHAN,† Pathan, Abkari Contractor, Seoni-Chapara.
3. In the principal town of Gonda, Bahraich in North-Western Provinces, bhang and ganja plants grow spontaneously. 6. Scattered, like weeds, such as "chakutra," etc. 7. Yes, (a) for production of ganja in Nimar district only, where the area of 940 acres 1 rood were under cultivation during the year 1892-93; (b) foreign importation; (c) also foreign import -ation. In this province the leaves, which are collected from the male, or fallen off leaves of the female plants, and sold by the vendors as bhang, is not genuine bhang, and is not used as such by the well-to-do or even middle class, excepting the very poor people who occasionally use it as a spurious article. 13. The cultivation of hemp plant for ganja is now restricted in Nimar district only, Formerly it was cultivated in other districts, the last culti -vation was prohibited by the authority in Nagpur district during the year 1889-90, Regarding its growth, please see Answer No. 5 - Evidence of COWASJEE MEHERWANJEE HATTY-DAROO, Parsi, Merchant and Abkari Contractor, Seoni-Chapara.
3. It does not grow spontaneously in this district. 7. The ganja plant is cultivated on a few of the garden lands and in backyards of a few of the houses. The cultivation is not extensive, and it is rare to find more than four or five plants in the places where they are grown. Ganja, bhang, and another preparation called majum are made from the leaves, and no other use is made of the plant. 8. There has been neither increase nor decrease. 12. No. 13, Not restricted. It is grown here and there in the district. It is reported to grow in brackish soil and in moderately hot climate. The ground must be kept always moist. It cannot be grown on dry land. It is grown on garden lands which contain wells. - Evidence of MR. J. STURROCK, Collector, Coimbatore
3. Spontaneous growth of ganja in this district is not known, nor do I know of its spontaneous growth in other districts. 6. Growth ordinarily dense. 7. There is cultivation here for the purposes ( a ), (c), and (d) in Tirupuvanam, Kodaikanal, Kalligudi, Tirumangalam and Manalur and in some villages of Pulni and Dindigul taluks. It is generally grown in garden and backyards to a very small extent. 8. There has been a decrease and it is stated that it is due to the issue of licenses. 12. It is stated that there is no cultivation of wild hemp. 13. Vide answers against questions 5 and 7. - Evidence of MR. E. TURNER, Collector of Madura.
3. The plant grows spontaneously in the Jawaudy Hills between Salem and South Arcot districts ; the drug used in this district is called Jawaudy - Evidence of MR. C. B. MACLEANE, Collector of Nellore
3. All Tahsildars, except one, say that it does not grow spontaneously in the Bellary district. The other asserts that it does. It is said to grow spontaneously in the Kurnool district. 7. If so, it is mostly in the back-yards of houses, but I cannot gather any definite information on the subject. - Evidence of MR. R. SEWELL, Collector of Bellary.
3. The hemp plant is not cultivated in Tanjore. Stray plants may be found here and there in gardens. The wild hemp plant is not found to the best of my information. - Evidence of MR. H. M. WINTERBOTHAM, Collector of Tanjore
3. I do not know any place where it grows spontaneously. 6. If it grows at all, it is scarce and scattered. I do not know it personally. 7. A plant or two is often sown in back-yards for the production of ganja and bhang. It is not cultivated for fibre, though other fibres are sometimes called hemp. It is not cultivated as a crop. 8. I see no reason to suppose that the number of plants grown has varied materially of late. 13. Hemp grows throughout the district. It appears to grow equally well at the sea level and at an elevation of 3,000 feet, provided it has a good soil and abundant rainfall. There seems to be an impression that the produce of the plants grown in the hills is superior to that grown in the plains, but I am unable to say whether the elevation or the greater rainfall is the cause. Provided the monsoon does not fail, it can be grown anywhere in the district. - Evidence of MR. W. A. WILLOCK, Collector, Vizagapatam.
3. It is not known here that hemp grows spontaneously in this district. But it is said to he abundant on the Javadi hills in the North Arcot district. 6. Scattered. 7. (a) Yes. (b) Nil. vol. vi.
(c) Yes. (d) Seeds are taken occasionally for further plantation. Hemp plant is grown to a small extent in gardens and backyards. 8. The cultivation is carried on to a very small extent, and consequently the change is not perceptible. If anything, the cultivation would appear to be on the increase. 12. Ditto. It is said to be cultivated on the Javadi hills in the North Arcot district. 13. No ; not restricted. As for soils, etc., see answers to question 5. The cultivation is not impossible in any soil except the saline soil. - Evidence of MR. G. STOKES, Collector of Salem,.
3. The plant grows from scattered seed throughout Malabar ; but specially in Wynaad taluk. It springs up almost spontaneously. Question 3 (oral evidence).—The plant will grow anywhere where the seed is scattered and the ground is damp. But I do not believe it is wild anywhere. Mr. Eber Hardie, Forest Officer, told me he had only seen it in places where there had been habitations. There is no field cultivation in Malabar at all ; but the plant is grown in back-yards. I think in the Wynaad it will be found in every village, a plant or two in the back-yard of every consumer. There is more grown than they consume. There is no taxation, for no one will take a license to sell. There have been licenses, but there are none now. I have had an application from the Administrator of Mahé to purchase the drug from a person in Sultan's Battery. I had to refuse, as there was no license to sell. Then I believe, he obtained it from Madras. This year I wrote to the Administrator as to the consumption in Mahé, and he told me the drugs were not consumed. There is Crotolaria juncea grown in Malabar as a fibre-producing plant. It is used for nets, &c. I believe this is sometimes confounded with the narcotic hemp plant owing to both being spoken of as hemp. I do not believe that the narcotic hemp plant is grown at all for fibre in Malabar. - Evidence of MR. HERBERT BRADLEY, Acting Collector of Malabar.
7. (a) and (c) Yes. As back-yard cultivation; some 10 or 20 plants at a time, or in odd corners of garden cultivation with ragi and chillies throughout the district. Its cultivation by the area (to the extent of three to five acres) is only in Vemula and Velupulla of Puluiendla taluk, Zella Slapalli, Mittaomidipalli, Ledapalli, Chennampalli, and Kaunavaripalli of Cuddapah taluk, in Gadikota and Mudumpadu of Rayachoti taluk, and Garwikota and Dhannavada of Jammulamadugu taluk. It is said only four or five acres are cultivated in Cuddapah taluk. 8. The cultivation is said to be on the decrease owing to the enhancement of prices arising from the right of sale being limited and being put up to auction having decreased the demand. This would apply only to those who cultivate for the market, and might make in this district the difference of one or two acres. I do not see how the back-yard and petty garden cultivation which are for home consumption and private sale to friends could be affected by this. On the other hand, the taxation would increase such cultivation. - Evidence of MR. C. H. MOUNSEY, Acting Collector of Cuddapah.
3. In this district, abundantly in the SouthEast Wynaad portion. 6. Dense as a rule in congenial soil. 7. Yes; in South-East Wynaad, in back-yards of houses for (a), (b), (c). Also on the northern slopes of the hills, Sholagars grow a small quantity for smoking. 8. A decrease, as the cultivation is generally thought to be prohibited. 12. Yes; but to a small extent only, and this on the northern slopes of the plateau. It is. - Evidence of MR. F. D'A. O. WOLFE-MURRAY, Acting Collector of the Nilgiris.
3. Does not, so far as I am informed, grow in this district spontaneously. 6. Not known. 7. Ganja plants are sparsely cultivated for (a). (d) Ganja is not cultivated for its fibre or seeds. The plant known by the name of Pulichei (Hibiscus cannabinus) is cultivated for its fibre to a small extent. 8. No fluctuations are reported, and the area is very small. 12. Not known. 13. The cultivation is nowhere restricted - Evidence of MR. L. C. MILLER, .Acting Collector of Trichinopoly.
3. It rarely grows spontaneously extensively, but it is found in old fort ditches and in some back-yards and vegetable gardens in this district. One of my Deputy Collectors, who belongs to the Northern Circars, states that the plant grows spontaneously in the hill tracts of Ganjam and Vizagapatam and to some extent in the Reamp side in the Godavari district. 6. Scattered. 7. (a) It is cultivated to a very small extent for private consumption for narcotic purposes included in the general term ganja. For (a) in Anantapur, Yadiki, and Madaksira, and to a lesser extent for ( d ). 8. The increase or decrease in cultivation is practically inappreciable. 12. As stated, the cultivation is little and scat -tered about in this district. 13. The cultivation is not restricted to this district. It is grown more or less everywhere where there is good fertile soil and water facilities, - Evidence of MR. K. C. MANAVEDAN RAJA, Collector, Anantapur.
3 to 6. I understand that the wild hemp plant is not found in this district. The District Forest Officer has, however, been specially asked for a report on the subject. 7. It is cultivated throughout the district for all purposes, except the production of charas. Its production for fibre is very limited. A special report as to the area under cultivation is being compiled. 8. I am unable as yet to say; but there is a general impression that there has been an increase in the consumption of drugs prepared from the plant, and a consequent increase in the area cultivated therewith. 13. It is not restricted. On elevated situations. Moderate rainfall and red soils well manured are deemed the most favourable conditions. I am unable to say that it would not grow anywhere. - Evidence of MR. C. J. WEIR,* Acting Collector, District Magistrate, and Agent to Govr., Ganjam
3. In no district I am aware of does this plant grow abundantly. 6. No definite information. 7. 7. (a) , (c) , (d) Yes. In this district it is cultivated in backyards of houses and in fields, also in some villages. To a slight extent; but definite information will follow on the receipt of reports from Taluk officers. 8. There may have been some decrease after the introduction of the Madras Abkari Act, I of 1886; but I have no definite information on the point. 13. There is no difference in the mode of cultivating hemp required for producing ganja or for other purposes, according to my information. - Evidence of MR. J. G. D. PARTRIDGE, Assistant collector, Ganjam.
3. I am not aware of any spontaneous growth of the hemp plant. 7. Cultivation of the hemp plant is carried on in parts of this division, chiefly in Duggupadu and Pusapadoo, Bapatla taluk— (a) for production of ganja; (b) for use as bhang ; (c) for its seeds, and perhaps for fibre. The seeds are said to be occasionally used for feeding milk cows. Information as to the extent of cultivation in the taluks of the division is not available, except for Bapatla taluk, where it is reported to be as follows :— F. 1298 . . . . Ac. 346— 5— 2 F. 1299 . . . . Ac. 170—21— 0 F. 1300 . . . . Ac. 176—6:3 F. 1301 (famine year). No cultivation. F. 1302 . . . . Ac. 101—37 8. As far as Bapatla taluk is concerned, the figures given above seem to indicate that the area under hemp cultivation is gradually decreasing. But I am inclined to think that these figures are not reliable. Prior to 1889, the cultivation of the hemp plant and preparation of drugs from ganja had not been regulated by any system of rules laid down by the Government. In 1889, the provi -sions of the Abkari Act relating to the retail vend of hemp drugs were brought into force, no restrictions being, however, imposed upon the cultivation of the plant or the possession of preparation made from the same. In the first year of the enforcement of these provisions, ganja, shops were licensed on payment or an annual fee of Rs. 15. In the next year (1890), the license fee was enhanced to Rs. In 1890, the fixed licensed fee system was replaced by the auction system, which still continues. Though the revenue is comparatively small, yet it has been rapidly increasing year after year. One fact has become patent from the results of the last three years' auction sales, and that is, that there is very keen competition for the privilege of vend, and that people are prepared to offer large sums for the monopoly of it. This shows that there is a possibility of large future developments in the trade in hemp drugs, and the hypothesis that the cultivated area is gradually decreasing must necessarily be wrong. 12. No information is available. 13. No restrictions have been placed in this presidency upon the growth of the hemp plant. The enquiries instituted by the Board through the Collectors in 1887 have elicited the information that the plant is cultivated in most districts of the presidency only in the back-yards of houses for domestic use, and that it is grown extensively only in the districts of Godavari, Cuddapah, Kurnool, North Arcot, South Arcot, Tinnevelly and Kistna - Evidence of MR. H. CAMPBELL, Acting Sub-Collector, Guntoor.
3. Hemp does not grow spontaneously in Ramnad division. 7. Six years ago before the introduction of the ganja license system, the plant was very generally grown here. It it now grown nowhere but in a few flower gardens for medicinal purposes. Only flat ganja was ever manufactured from it. 8. Vide answer to No. 7. 13. A license is required for its cultivation in this district. Apparently not. When cultivated here it was successfully grown on wet red and black soils, and on dry sand and hilly ground. - Evidence of MR. W. FRANCIS, Acting Head Assistant Collector, Ramnad.
3. It is said that it is grown on Javadi hills. It is not grown spontaneously in any part of the division. 7. It is said that in Maderpank division it was cultivated in fasli 1,301 on about 174 acres of dry land for use as manure, but not with the inten -tion of obtaining drugs. It is also reported that the plant was to a small extent cultivated there for its fibre. - Evidence of MR. R. E. GRIMLEY, Acting Head Assistant Collector, North Arcot.
3. The hemp plant grows spontaneously in this (the Nilgiri) district. It is fairly abundant in the South-East Wynad division. 7. (a) Yes. (b) Yes. (c) Yes. (d) No. In the South-East Wynad division above referred to in the backs-yard of houses. 8. There has been no great increase, so far as I can ascertain. 13.I do not think there is any restriction of cultivation to districts. I cannot say if the cultivation is common to all districts. The cultivation of hemp for ganja is possible in all parts of my division. - Evidence of Mr. H. F. W. GILLMAN, Acting Head Assistant Collector, Nilgiris.
3. Does not, as far as I have gathered, grow spontaneously in my division. 4. The different names given to the cultivated plant are :— By the poorer classes. Bangaku chettu, Ganja chettu. By the better classes. Alwariah pathri, Ganja pathri, Basuva pathri, Siva pathri. These refer to the same plant, 5 and 6. I believe all the hemp plants in my division are of the cultivated species. 7. ( a), c), and (d). The hemp plant is cultivated in abundance on the Javadi hills in the Salem district, Vellore and Polur taluks of the North Arcot district, and Tiruhnamalai of the South Arcot district. It is also a good deal cultivated in the Nellore district, and specially in Duggipad, a village in Bapatla taluk of the Kistna district. For the rest a few trees are grown in backyards in many parts of the division, Question 7 (oral evidence).— I have not seen any of the cultivation referred to in my answer No. 7. What I have said is based on the statements of subordinates. I have never seen field cultivation in my life. I have only seen a few plants in back-yards. 8. Uncertain. 13. No restriction in the Madras presidency Cold climate, red soil, moderate rainfall, and high elevation are said to suit the plant best, but it appears to thrive also in the plains. - Evidence of MR. J. H. MERRIMAN, Deputy Commissioner of Salt and Abkari, Central Division.
Question 7.—The ganja which is used in these districts comes partly from Daggupadu in the Kistna district, where the cultivation is about 100 acres, and partly from the Agency villages and the backyards in various places. In Daggupadu there is regular cultivation and manufacture. As well as I know, the manufacture in other places is of a rough kind. There is no regular cultivation in any other of the four districts. There is a good deal of the sporadic cultivation both in yards and fields and gardens. Ganjam gets ganja from Cuttack also, I think. The hemp plant does not grow wild except when a seed may have fallen by accident. I do not think I should recognize the wild plant if I saw it, if it is unlike the cultivated plant. I have not heard of the drugs having been made from the wild plant. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR R. DHARMARAO, Deputy Commissioner, Salt and Abkari, Northern Division. Oral evidence.
3. Seldom grows spontaneously. Said to do so in some parts of the Calicut and Kurumbranad taluks of Malabar district, and in the Satyamangalam taluk of Coimbatore. 6. Said to be scattered. 7. Stated to be cultivated in the Wynad for sale to licensed vendors, and at the foot of the Western Ghats for private consumption. The Assistant Commissioners say that in the Negapatam, Erode, and Tinnevelly subdivisions the cultivation is confined to back-yards and gardens, and is very limited. 8. Nil. 13. Not restricted. Cultivation as above (vide answers to questions 5 and 7). The Erode Assistant Commissioner suggests that its cultivation would be impossible in the higher regions of the Nilgiris - Evidence of MR. F. LEVY, Acting Deputy Commissioner, Salt and Abkari, Southern Division.
3. The hemp plant does not grow here spontaneously. It is abundantly cultivated in Daggupad in the Bapatla taluk. None in this division. 6. Not known. 7. There is no cultivation. A few hemp plants are grown very rarely at Narasaraopeta, and this is only in a back-yard for production of only ganja for domestic consumption. 8. None. 12. No. 13. No. - Evidence of P. PUNDARIKAKSHUDU, Brahmin, Deputy Collector, Venukunda, Kistna District.
3. This plant does not grow spontaneously anywhere in this district. The plant grows spontaneously in the hill tracts of Ganjam and Vizagapatam, and to some extent on the Rumpa side in the Godavari district. 6. Dense. 7. Yes; it is cultivated to a very limited extent for production of ganja for smoking only here, and for smoking and drinking to a very limited extent in the northern districts of the presidency. 8. Neither increase nor decrease. 12. I have no kowledge of this. Generally the male plant is extirpated at the flowering season. 13. Not restricted. Cultivation common to all districts. Not known. - Evidence of D. JAGANNADHARAO PANTALU, Brahmin,Deputy Collector, Anantapur.
7. In this district the cultivation is made for (a) and (c) only. 9. In the month of July seed beds are first grown, and after 15 days or so when the plant grows four inches high, it is transplanted at two in each bed. As soon as the hemp plant grows big, its large leaves are removed. Ass dung and red-earth are put in the beds of plants. The ends of the plant are also removed. During its growth, its trunk will be split three or four inches above its bed and a piece of tile invariably and some opium also sometimes will be stuffed into it. This portion of the trunk will be bandaged. It will also be twisted before the kali or the flower top begins to ripen. 12. No. 13. There is no restriction for the cultivation of the hemp plant. It is grown everywhere. If the land on which the plant is cultivated is of gravel and dry soil, the plant will grow luxuriantly. The plant flourishes well in the hills under morning dew. Too much rain injures the plant. The trees are grown apart from one another so that the boughs of one may not touch those of the other. Vide also answer to question 2. - Evidence of W . VENKATAPPIAH PAN TULU GARU, Brahmin, Deputy Collector, Chatrapur, Ganjam.
3. The hemp plant does not grow here spontaneously. It is not cultivated here for purposes of trade, but a solitary plant or two may be found in the back-yards of a few persons; but, as it is believed that the stuff grown here possesses narcotic properties only in a small degree, consumers generally prefer the stuff sold in the bazar, which is imported from Daggupadu, a village in the Kistna district, where it is grown extensively - Evidence of M. R. R. DEWAN BAHADUR S. VENKATA RAMADAS NAIDU, Deputy Collector, Godavari.
3. There is no spontaneous growth in this division. 7. (a) Yes. (b) Nil. (c) Nil.(d) Nil. About 200 acres annually on the Javadi hills in the Polur taluk. 8. There has been a considerable decrease in the area under cultivation subsequent to the introduction of the excise system. Malayalies, who are the hemp cultivators, are illiterate people confined to the Javadi hills. Prior to the introduction of the excise system, the cultivators were selling freely and making good profits. Now that the sale is restricted to licensed vendors, who are few and far between, the vendors offer the cultivators their own prices, with the result that the price of the commodity has considerably fallen, and consequently there is decrease in cultivation. 12. Not in this division. 13. It is not restricted ; but it is not common to all parts of the division. It is only cultivated on the Javadi hills. Extreme cold or hot weather said, to be injurious to the growth, as well also high winds. The plant finds a luxuriant growth on the hills, where the soil is generally red loam, richly impregnated with vegetable manure. it also requires a loose soil retaining some moisture. The cultivation of the plant appears to have been tried with success at the foot of the hills too. - Evidence of DEWAN BAHADUR K. V. LAKSHAMANA Row GARU, .Brahmin, Deputy Collector, North Arcot.
3. Hemp plant is grown, it is said, spontaneously on the Javadi hills in North Arcot district. 4 to 6. Information is not available. 7. Hemp is cultivated in this division in Avalapalli and Sadam, situated within the limits of Pungazur zamindari only. The extent is very limited, and it is planted only in backyards. 8. No increase in the extent cultivated. 12. No. 13. No such restriction is known in this division. The climate must be cold and snowy. There are no parts in this division where the cultivation of hemp would be possible. - Evidence of M. AZIZUDDEEN, SAHIB BAHADUR, Deputy Collector, North Arcot.
3 As far as I know, hemp plant does not grow spontaneously in the Vizagapatam and Ganjam districts. 6. Not known. 7. Hemp plant is cultivated to a small extent in back-yards of houses for the production of ganja and for the use of bhang, the trees being few and scattered. 8. The cultivation of hemp plant is rather on the increase, but not to any considerable extent. The increase is due to the rising of the price of ganja, consequent on the exclusive right of its sale being leased out under the rules in force. 12. No wild hemp plant could be found here. Male hemp plants are, as a rule, removed from the female plants and destroyed. 13. No restriction is placed on cultivation of the hemp plant in the two districts already mentioned, and the cultivation is common in these two districts. It grows both along the sea coast and in the interior ; in the plains and in the hill tracts as well. Red earth is said to be more favourable to its growth and effects than any other soil, and so in cold climate. The ganja produced in elevated tracts, such as Malayas,is considered superior to that cultivated in the plains. - Evidence of B. NARAYANAMURTY, Brahmin, Deputy Collector, Ganjam.
3. I do not know. 6. I do not know. 7. The plant is cultivated to a very limited extent, its cultivation being confined to back-yards or vegetable gardens. It is used for (a), (c) and (d). 8. No increase. 12. I do not know. 13. It is not restricted. No special conditions seem to be required. - Evidence of K. NARAYANA IYER, Brahmin, Deputy Collector, Gooty.
3. The hemp plant is said to grow spontaneously in the hills and forests in the south-eastern parts of the Wynaad taluk. 6. The growth is scattered. 7. The hemp plant is cultivated in parts of South Wynaad, especially in Sultan's Battery and its neighbourhood, for the production of ganja only. Roughly speaking, not more than 12 acres altogether are under this cultivation. Usually a few plants, varying from two or three to a dozen at most, may be found in the compounds attached to dwelling houses. 8. There has been no appreciable increase or decrease in the area under cultivation recently. 13. The cultivation is not restricted; but agriculturists here, as a rule, do not give their attention to it. A cold climate and black gummy soil arc very favourable. Heavy dew is more suited than rain. The elevation above sea level need not be great. - Evidence of MR. J. H. GWYNNE , Deputy Collector, Wynaad, Malabar District.
3. I have no knowledge of its spontaneous growth anywhere. 7. (a) Yes. (b) No. (c) Yes. (d) Yes ; for fibre and seeds. This is called janumu here. Janumu is a kind of hemp which is cultivated abundantly in this district. The seeds are sown broadcast in paddy-fields just 15 days before harvest. It is also cultivated in dry fields. Janumu flowers within two months, and will then be cut and used as fodder for cattle. Cattle like this fodder well ; but their health is impaired if no other fodder, such as straw, is not used. Janumu seeds after three months and the seeds are useful for sowing ; but its stalks are not fit for fodder. The stalks are dried for several days, and then tied into bundles, and steeped for a fortnight in water, where they are kept under pressure, then taken out and beaten with mallets ; the fibre is thus stripped off from the stalks and then sold for the manufacture of bags, ropes, etc. Ganja is grown extensively in Daggupad village, Bapatla taluk. It is said to grow also in the Kistna accretions near Challapally, Pidugullanka at a distance from Chitgudar, Pamarru, Bommulur near Gudivada, and in the compounds of certain people at Masulipatam. The cultivation of hemp (Janumu) is carried on in both wet and dry lands. 13. No restriction in this district. It is cultivated in all places and everywhere. If the soil is manured, it grows well and ensures a good crop. In black-cotton soil it grows luxuriantly, and is the best that can be had here. - Evidence of M. R. RY. P. VEERASWAMI NAIDU, Deputy Collector, Masulipatam.
3. In the district of Tinnevelly, of which I have most knowledge, no hemp or ganja plant grows spontaneously. 7. In the Tinnevelly district, it is not very extensively cultivated. It is grown here and there amidst other garden or kitchen cultivation. It is cultivated for production of (a) ganja, (c) bhang, and (d) seed. 8. The cultivation of this plant has of late almost entirely ceased, since the imposition of duty upon it. 13. It can be raised everywhere in the province. Its cultivation is not affected by climate, soil, rainfall, elevation, etc. - Evidence of M R. W. E. GANAPATHY, Retired Deputy Collector, Palamcottah, Tinnevelly.
7. It is grown in the villages of Dagapad and Pusapad, Bapatla Taluk, Kistna, District— (1) For production of ganja. (2) For use as bhang. Fibre is not extracted from the plant here. The seeds are carefully preserved for sowing, and they are said to be also used occasionally for feeding milch cows, etc. 8. The sale of this drug has been licensed since July 1889. Before that, the cultivation was more extensive, but now it is brought down to about 125 acres. A statement of its cultivation for the last five years is attached. 12. It is not known to the growers or dealers of this plant here if wild hemp is anywhere growing spontaneously or specially cultivated for the production of ganja. 13. There has been no restriction for the cultivation of this plant but that of usage or custom. It is not known to be grown anywhere in the Godavery District or Vizagapatam District, and even in the Nellore District its cultivation seems to be restricted to only one village of Kuditipalam in the Nellore Taluk. The special conditions as regards climate, rainfall, etc., are noticed in the answer to Question 9. The soil best suited is the black cotton soil, without any admixture of sandy or saline soil. - Evidence of A. KRISHNAMACHARULU, Tahsildar, Bapatla, Kistna District.
3. I am not aware of its spontaneous growth anywhere. 6. Scattered. 7. (a) and (c) Yes. A plant here and a plant there is grown in gardens. There is nothing like systematic cultivation. 8. No. 12. I know that the male plants are extirpated. 13. (a) No. (b) N o. (c) Perhaps on the Nilgiri and Shevaroy Hills. - Evidence of P. S. SINGARAVELU PILLAI, Tahsildar of Erode.
7. The cultivation of hemp-plant, which is extremely limited, is intended for production of ganja only. The cultivation is confined to compounds and back-yards of houses. A few plants are also found grown amidst chilly crops. 8. The cultivation continues to be limited. No variations. 13. Cultivation of hemp plant is not restricted. - Evidence of S. VASUDEVA. RAO, Tahsildar, Tadpatri.
3. I have not seen the hemp plant growing spontaneously : but raiyats grow it purposely for private consumption or sale. 7. Hemp plant is cultivated by raiyats on portions of their fields (a) for production of ganja ; (b) for use as bhang; (c) for its fibre. 8. The growth of hemp plant is not prohibited by abkari laws. There has, therefore, been neither increase nor decrease in the area under such cultivation in back-yards and fields and gardens attached to mutts of lingayats. 13. The cultivation of the hemp plant for ganja is not restricted in the Madras Presidency. But the sale of ganja without a license is an offence under the Madras Abkari Act, 1886. - Evidence of ADAKI JAGANNADHA RAO, Brahmin, Acting Tahsildar, Hindupur, Anantapur District.
3. I am not aware of any. 7. (a) Yes. (b) No. (c) No ; except as already stated above. (d) No ; but the seeds that fall off in the process of exposure are collected and kept for future cultivation. It is cultivated in the following places so far as I know :— (a) Cuddapah Taluk—(1) Kammavaripalli, (2) Gollapalli, (3) Mittamidipalli, (4) Letapalli, (5) Chennampalli (6) Cuddapah town (b) Jammalamadugu Taluk—(1) Gandicota. • (c) Pulivendala Taluk—(1) Vempalli. The cultivation in Cuddapah town is for home consumption only : in other places it is cultivated for sale : between four and five acres in Cuddapah Taluk form the area of the present cultivation. I hear that in Jammalamadugu and Pulivendala it is between seven and eight acres. 8. There has been considerable decrease in the extent of cultivation owing to (a) personal annoyance, (b) pecuniary loss since the introduction of taxation. (a) Personal annoyance. Prior to the introduction of tax for ganja there was a cultivation of larger area ranging from 20 to 25 acres in the different places. The raiyat was then at liberty to sell the drug to whomsoever he liked and had not the worry and annoyance of the contractors and the subordidate police as well. The raiyat is now at the mercy of the contractor to whom alone he is bound to sell at whatever price he may fix, which is generally low. If the raiyat does not agree to the terms, the contractor has recourse to other places, leaving the local commodity to rot, which results in loss to the raiyat. The contractor gains the good-will of the police and begins to harass the raiyat on the pretext of smuggling, which sometimes may not altogether be without foundation. There would appear to have been a very close check by the contractor upon the outturn of the product. The raiyat heaps up the bales pending sale sometimes in open place and other times in his house. If from natural or other cause, such as damage by rain and dampness and destruction by insects and rats the raiyat removes the damaged portion and throws it away, advantage is taken of the circumstance by the contractor who at once harasses the raiyat by dragging him to court for smuggling. Now, the police rush in. if the raiyat comes to terms, the matter is dropped ; otherwise a case is made out and the unfortunate raiyat has to undergo the ordeal of a trial and to take his lot. (b) Pecuniary loss. The average outturn of a fair crop is said to be 40 bales per acre. Formerly each bale fetched Rs. 3 to 4 owing to competition and freedom of trade, but now it has fallen to from 14 annas to Rs. 3 for reasons stated above. Further, the crop has to be raised on a bhagayati or garden land which is far superior to ordinary dry land. It is an eight-month crop, which may profitably be substituted by two dry crops and all annoyance may thus be saved. 13. The cultivation is not restricted, but still it is not carried on in all the villages. Only garden lands of ordinary fertility are selected. - Evidence of A. KATCHAPESWARA. IYER, Brahmin, Stationary Sub-Magistrate, Cuddapah Taluk.
3, 4, 5 and 6. I have travelled over many districts and States in this presidency, viz., from Travancore to Bellary ; was a Tahsildar in Coimbatore, Bellary, and Anantapur districts, but I have not seen or heard that hemp plant grows wild in any of these places. 7. I hear hemp plant is cultivated in the Javadi Hills, Polur and Vellore taluks, in this district. I have seen Pandarums cultivate small plots of ground attached to their matams in Quilon, Travancore State, and Mattoopolliam, Coimbatore district, for use as bhang. 8. I don't know. 13. A moist climate, rich soil, excessive rainfall, are necessary for the luxuriant growth of cultivated hemp. Elevation is not very necessary, as it can be cultivated in plains also. - Evidence of M. SESHACHALA NAIDU, Baliya, Pensioned Tahsildar, Vellore.
3. My knowledge is confined only to the Ootacamund division where, in some parts, the plant grows spontaneously to a very small extent. The whole area put together will hardly come to an acre. 6. There is no regular cultivation of hemp plant in this division. Only scattered bushes of a wild nature are to be found here and there ; in some places solitary plants and in others a cluster of ten or fifteen plants. 7. There is no cultivation of hemp for any of these purposes ; but I hear that the scattered plants found in Musnigudi near the houses of cattle graziers, sholagers, are used by them for smoking purposes. 8. As the raiyats are under the impression that its cultivation is prohibited, there is no regular cultivation. There is no restriction as to cultivation of this plant in this district. It can grow all over the place freely ; but some say that ganja made out of the leaves of the plant found on these hills is not good. - Evidence of N. SOONDRAMIAH , Brahmin, Deputy Tahsildar, Ootacamund.
3. Coonoor. It is not abundant anywhere in the division. It is scattered spontaneously. Grows in certain places. 6. The wild plants in this division are scattered. No systematic plantation is going on. It is prohibited. 7. No. - Evidence of R. SAMINATHA IYER, Brahmin, Acting Deputy Tahsildar, Coonoor.
7. This plant is grown to a very limited extent in these parts, and is generally used for the purpose of smoking. It is grown in chilly gardens. It is not separately raised. 13. Red soil is supposed to be quite suited for its growth. It should be well manured. - Evidence of R. C. RAMA IYENGOR, Brahmin, Village Magistrate, Berangy, Mudanapulee Taluk, Cuddapah District.
3. In the three districts I know, viz., Cuddapah, Kurnool, and Kistna, hemp plant does not grow spontaneously. But I have seen some stray plants growing on dung heaps in villages from seeds thrown out by the consumers. 7. There is cultivation to a small extent for production of ganja or bhang. There is no cultivation for production of charas or fibre or seed. In Bapatla taluk, in the village of Daggupadu about 100 acres, and in Pahiad and the zamindaris of Gudur and Challapelli small areas are cultivated, besides a few plants in the compounds of houses and mosques by the consumers. 8. No perceptible increase or decrease. 11. Not in this district. 13. It is not restricted to any particular district. It is commonly cultivated in the districts known to me. It requires no special conditions of climate, but requires rich soil, such as black-cotton or permanently improved land. 1 do not know if it requires any particular elevation above the sea. But it requires a good and seasonable rainfall, and in its absence irrigation. I do not think it will be successfully grown with less than 25 or 30 inches of rain properly distributed over the whole culti-vated season. In no part of this district its cultivation is considered to be impossible.- Evidence of K. NARAINASWAMY NAIDU, Velama, Huzoor Sheristadar, Masulipatam.
Question 3.—I have never heard of the hemp plant growing wild in this part of India. It is cultivated chiefly in the hills; the ganja supplied to the contractors comes from the hilly parts (the Agency tracts). The hill people cultivate for ex-port to the plains. I have seen fields growing, small open fields behind houses on the hills, open yards behind the houses, patches of cultivation. The cultivation is not found in all the villages of the Agency ; in only one-fourth of the villages, and that too not very extensively, only in three or four yards, say, out of ten. In the plains I have noticed a few plants growing behind houses; but cultivation is much less on the plains. It is not in fields, except that occasionally a few seeds are sown along with tobacco. In the Vizianagram taluk of over 270 villages cultivation is only in one or two villages. My attention had been drawn to cultivation two or three years ago. I had not noticed it before except perhaps casually. Of course I have not made any special inquiry before. I have seen the hemp plant growing in twenty villages out of about seventy villages seen by me in the Agencies. I did not look for the hemp plant in the other villages I visited. There are about seventy that I have not seen in the Gulgunda Agency. I should think that Gulgunda is about one-fourth of the total Agencies. What I am giving is only a general impression left as the result of visits. - Evidence of RAI BAHADUR K. NARAINASWAMY, Telaga, Inspector of Police, Vizianagram.
3. The hemp plants are spontaneously growing in Javvadu hills and some parts of Darmapuri Taluk, Salem District, to my knowledge. it is abundant, I hear, in Javvadu hills above named. - Evidence of T. S. KRISTNASAMY C HETTY, Vishnuvite, Pensioned Police Inspector, Trinamalay, South Arcot District.
3. I have seen hemp growing spontaneously in Kurnool, Malahar, Coimbatore, Nilgiris, Trichinopoly, and Coorg. It used to be at one time abundant on the Nilgiris, but does not appear to be so common now. 6. I have seen the wild hemp growing in dense patches of from 30 to 100 square yards and also as solitary bushes. It generally commences to grow in a scattered manner ; but after a. few years, when the soil has been filled with seeds, it spreads rapidly and forms a dense growth. 7. There is now no cultivation of hemp in the Nilgiris as raiyats and others are under the impression that it is forbidden by Government; but a few plants are surreptitiously grown by aboriginal tribes (principally Sholagurs) in old cattle kraals in the jungle. I have never seen hemp cultivated for its fibre, as most natives are ignorant of the fact that the fibre is valuable. There is considerable cultivation of hemp in many of the districts of the presidency. 8. There has been a decrease in the cultivation for the reasons given under 7 in the Nilgiri district and Wynaad. 12. Yes. Coimbatore, Mysore, Malabar. The extent is very small and the cultivation carefully concealed and never attempted near villages, but usually in isolated spots in the forest. The male plant is usually extirpated. The Sholagurs are afraid of police action, hence their care in concealing the cultivation. They believe it to be illegal. 13. I am not aware of any part of the Presidency where the hemp plant cannot be cultivated as it will grow from the sea level to 7,000 feet above it. I have known ganja manufactured in Ootacamund. - Evidence of MR. R. W. MORGAN, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Ootacamund, Nilgiris.
3. I know of no districts where it grows spontancously. 6. I have only seen wild hemp cultivated in the backyards by these addicted to it, where it grows densely. 7. Vide my answer to question 6. It is intended for production of ganja chiefly and for charas also which is called locally majum. 12. Yes. Wynaad, Malabar, Tinnevelly, Madura, Tanjore, Trichinopoly, Coimbatore, Kurnool, Godavary and Cuddapah. Yes the male plant is extirpated. - Evidence of Mr. G. HADFIELD, Deputy Conservator of Forests, South Malabar.
3. None that I am aware of. I am credibly i n-formed that it does not grow spontaneously on the Nilgiris; the little that grows is cultivated. 7. The little that is grown is for private consumption by the growers for the sake of the stimulant and narcotic drug. Ganja cultivation is very limited in this district; the total area would not exceed 5 acres in the aggregate. It is cultivated to this limited extent by a small colony of liberated Chinese prisoners at Neddivattam in this district, and by certain Wynaad Chetties who settled there from Mysore. Both these classes grow a few plants around their houses for their own consum-ption. 8. The total area under cultivation has always been very small in this district, not exceeding 5 acres in the aggregate; it does not appear to have increased lately. 13. I am not aware that there is any restriction or selection, but I am confident that the plant is grown to a very limited extent in this province. - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR G. L. WALKER, Civil Surgeon, Ootacamund.
3. It grows, as far as can be ascertained, in the following localities in the district :— (1) Mandasa taluk, (2) Peddakunidi taluk, (3) Peddakunidi maliahs, (4) Tikkaballi in the Gumsar taluk. It is abundant in all these places. 6. Not known. 7. There is cultivation of hemp plant in the district. (a) Yes. (b) No. (c) Yes. (d) No. 8. I hear that throughout the district for the past two years there has been an increase by private individuals growing the plant for their own use in their back-yards and mutts for the purpose of evading license and to supply their fellow-people with the drug. 13. It appears to me that the cultivation of the hemp plant for ganja is not restricted. The cultivation is common. I do not think that the hemp grows in a special condition of soil, as its growth will be noticed everywhere. It will grow in hot climates and in dry lands. It will be easily cul -tivated, excluding the lands of a clayey and wet nature. - Evidence of SURGEON-CAPTAIN C. F. FEARNSIDE, Acting District Surgeon, Ganjam.
3. Not abundant here. A few plants are reared in back-yards of madams and in some private compounds for medicinal use. Grows wild over hilly tracts about Salem. 6. It is reported to grow wild and dense. 7. A few plants in back-yards are cultivated for smoking ganja, but the bulk of the drug for public use is imported. - Evidence of Apothecary G. A. W. VELLONES, Chetambaram, South Arcot.
3. Ganjam district–abundant in Parla Kimidi ; Vizagapatam district–abundant in Devarapulli and Madugole. 6. Scattered. 12. Specially cultivators to a fair extent in Dugapa (Godavery) for the production of ganja and bhang. - Evidence of Apothecary N. H. DANIEL, In charge Police Hospital, Koraput, Vizagapatam District.
3. It is never known to grow spontaneously. It is extensively cultivated in a village called Daggupadu, a place 32 miles from Guntur, and in a place called Shamshabad in Hyderabad, and in Javadi near Madras. 6. Unknown. 7. Yes. (a) Yes. (b) No. (c) Yes. (d) For seeds and not for fibre. In some of the villages of the Godavari and Kistua districts. 8. It is on the increase, and on account of a great demand for it the cultivation is also extensive. 13. (a) More or less common to all districts. Cultivation is restricted by taxation. (b) Red and clay soil appears to be favourable to its growth. (c) Not known. - Evidence of Apothecary MUHAMMAD ASADULLA, Ellore, Godavary District.
3. Am not aware of any district where it grows spontaneously. 7. (a) Yes. (b) No. (c) and (d) Yes. Cultivated in back-yards of houses and in fields in some towns and villages that I have visited. 8. Am not aware. 12. Have no knowledge. 13. Am not aware. - Evidence of DR. ARTHUR WELLS, Medical Officer, Chicacole, Ganjam District.
3. The district of Ganjam. But it is not abundant here . 6. The growth is ordinarily scattered. 7. The hemp-plant is cultivated in this town for production of ganja and for use as bhang. There is a village named Hansa, within 10 miles from Parlakimedi, which was once noted for the production of the best ganja. The decrease or increase in the area under cultivation greatly varies with the decrease or in-crease in the number of cultivators and the freedom of cultivation. Hitherto people all over the taluka used freely to cultivate the hemp plant, but now cultivation has been confined to certain licensed vendors and consumers. Hence there has been a considerable decrease in the area under cultivation. 12 and 13. I do not know - Evidence of K. JAGANNADHAM NAIDU,* Medical Officer, Parlakimedi, Ganjam District.
3. It is denied that hemp ever grows spontaneously in this district. 7. Yes; and especially for the production of ganja. Charas is hardly the object of cultivation, nor the fibre. Said to be cultivated to a considerable extent on the hilly tracts of the district, especially the Javadi hills and Patchai Malai by the Malayalis. Also raised to a small extent, chiefly for private use, down the plains, in gardens. Plant is said to thrive better on elevated tracts. 8. If anything, the cultivation would appear to be increasing. No particular reason is given. 13. Cultivation not restricted in this district. No special condition of climate, etc., seems necessary for the cultivation ; but elevation above sea level is said to be very favourable for the growth. - Evidence of Assistant Surgeon SALDANHA, Salem.
3. The wild hemp plant grows spontaneously in the Nellore District, and grows abundantly in the village of Kudithipallam of that district. In this district the wild hemp is not grown. 3 (oral evidence). I learnt in my enquiries that the plant grew spontaneously at Kudithipallam. Nellore is not my district. My informants were military pensioners. Some of them were inhabitants of the Nellore district. I made enquiries of bairagis also and the licensed vendor of the hemp drugs, and a sweetmeat-maker. I did not ascertain that the hemp plant grew spontaneously elsewhere than at Kudithipallam. 6. Scattered. 7. Almost in every district, but mostly in the Thaggupadu in the Kistna district, which is superior in quality to this district. In Godavery district — Vadapally, 1 acre of land cultivated. Thaneeku taluka, 2 acres of land cultivated. Rajahmundry, 1½ acres of land cultivated. Hill Tracts, about 2 acres of scattered pieces of land. For ganja and bhang. 8. It is on the increase, because it is fetching high price on account of the excise system. 13. Thaggupadu in the Kistna district, because it is a fertile soil for the cultivation of ganja. In this district the cultivation is moderate on account of the bad soil. - Evidence of Hospital Assistant T. RANGANAYA KULU NAID00, Rajahmundry, Godavari District.
3. I have not known any place where the hemp plant grows spontaneously, and it would never grow unless the seeds are planted. 6. They are sown densely at the commencement, and then transplanted here and there. 7. None. 8. Not known. - Evidence of Hospital Assistant M. IYASWAMY PILLAY, Saint Thomas' Mount, Madras.
3. I have seen ganja not anywhere grown spontaneously, and it is, as a rule, reared in gardens, specially of Muhammadan community. It is reared in the districts of Madura, Kurnool, and Cuddapah, where there are Muhammadans to a great extent; and I have heard of its being grown in the presidency of Bengal. 6. Scattered. 7. A cultivation to some extent for (a) and (d). 12. I have seen nowhere hemp cultivation spe -cially for ganja in places I have had occasion to go. People used to rear them generally in small quantity in their gardens. - Evidence of Hospital Assistant M . V. RAMANUGULU NAIDU, Peddapur, Godavari District.
7. Yes. (a) Yes. (b) No. (c) To some extent. (d) N o. A class of men called Kurakula, people who cultivate vegetable curries, cultivate the plant to some extent in their farms. It is also cultivated by some of the Muhammadans and habitual consumers to a small extent, i.e., 1 to 40 plants. 8. No separate land is set aside for cultivating ganja. 13. It is cultivated in some of the villages of the taluka. Dry soil is said to be good for its cultivation. It can be cultivated in almost all parts of the taluka. - Evidence of Hospital Assistant CHINNY SREENIVASA RAU, Prapanna Komity, L. F. Hospital, Bobbili Vizagapatam District.
7. (a) Yes; a few of those who are in the habit of using the drug grow it in small quantities on available portions of their compounds. (b) Vide (a) supra. - Evidence of Hospital Assistant P. NARRAINSWAMY TELEGA, Parvatipur Vizagapatam District.
3. Ganja plant spontaneously grows in this district, as also in the Central Provinces, Khond Mahals, and in Orissa. It is abundant in some places of the Agency tracts of Ganjam and Khond. Mahals, but it is not so much useful as that cultivated. 6.Not known. 7.(a) and (c) Most of the Uriya people cultivate the hemp plant in their yards. It is greatly cultivated in the Agency tracts and in some zamindari villages. In my opinion more than Rs. 5,000 of ganja is cultivated in a year in the district together with the Agency tracts. 8.There is increase in the area under cultivation in the Agency tracts and decrease in the plains. The reason for the former is that, there being no license, the inhabitants cultivate, import, and. sell freely in the public markets; and for the latter, that they cultivate to such an extent as is sufficient for their own use, and some cultivate very secretly. 12.I know nothing of wild hemp. 13.It is not restricted to this province only. The cultivation is common to almost all the districts in the presidency. Places of cold climate, black soil, having rainfall above 60 inches, elevation above 500 feet above sea level, are favourable to the growth of hemp. Its cultivation is, I think, impossible in sea shores, sandy and rocky places. - Evidence of Hospital Assistant JAGANNATII PANDIT, Uriya, Russellkonda, Ganjam District.
3. Nellore and some parts of Anantapur, mostly at Penukonda. 6. Scattered. 7. Yes, for private consumption— (a) for production of ganja; and also (c) for Chang. The plants are grown to a limited extent within the private yards of Muhammadans and also of Hindus. They can be also found in the gardens attached to the muttams of Hindus and makkams of Muhammadans. 8. Recently there appears to be a decrease in the cultivation of the plants, for the people in general are now under the impression that the cultivation of the plant even for private consumption is not allowed by the State, and it is, if discovered, visited with penal restrictions. 12. I do not know. As understood here, the male plant, on the contrary, is the kind used for narcotic purposes, and it is the female plant that is extirpated as useless—vide my answers under query 2. 13. The cultivation of the plant for private con -sumption is common to all districts as far as I know. No special condition of soil is required. Rainy season is said to be the proper season for the sowing of its seeds. Fall of dew over these plants is considered very favourable for their growth and the growth of resinous principle in them. - Evidence of Hospital Assistant I. PARTHASARATHY CHETTY, P enukonda, Anantapur District.
3. It grows in Jawadi's hills, Salem district, spontaneously. 6. The ordinary growth of wild hemp is gener-ally scattered.7. There is no cultivation of hemp plant in this district. 8. There has been no increase or decrease of area for its cultivation in this part.12. Wild hemp is not cultivated anywhere this side for the production of ganja.13. The cultivation of the hemp plant is not restricted at all in this district ; even the people do not like to cultivate it without license, and think I hilly tracts will be preferable for such, as Putchav Malay. - Evidence of MIRZA DAVOOD BEG, Pensioned Hospital Assistant, Trichinopoly.
7. Hemp is not cultivated in the Tanjore district. The ganja shopkeeper here says that he obtains his ware from Kalangambady hills (North Arcot district) and from Dharampuri (Salem district). 12. Yes. In Dharampuri (in Salem district), Kalangambady (in North Arcot district), both hilly or mountainous places. The raising of the hemp plant except for medicinal purposes is restricted by the Government after the introduction of the license system. In plains its cultivation in any numbers cannot prove successful, the owners of single plants finding it very difficult to keep them alive.- Evidence of P. S. MOOTOOSAMY MODELLIAR, Retired Native Surgeon, Tanjore.
3. Cuddapah district grows the hemp plant comparatively to a large extent. 7. The hemp plant is cultivated in this district chiefly for the production of ganja. It is cultivated in the following parts of the district, viz. :— Sub-division :—Cuddapah, Royachoty taluk, in villages Veerabally, Vangimalla, Gadikota, Hasanpur, Guvalchervu, Sundopally. Main Division:—Jammalamadugu, Pulivendala and Proddatur talukas. Cuddapah taluka :—Comarunipally, Mithamidipally. - Evidence of H. S. A. M. MUNJUMIAH, Native Medical Practitioner, Cuddapah.
3. Ganja is extensively cultivated in different parts of Cuddapah and Kurnul districts. 3. I have seen the hemp plant cultivated in the Cuddapah district. It was in the kasba of Kamavarpalli, The fields probably amounted to 10 acres. There were three or four fields. This is 10 miles from Cuddapah, and I specially went to inspect the fields after getting the Commission's questions. A month or two before getting the Commission's questions, I saw two or three fields of hemp on the way from Cuddapah to Vehempalli. They were in the lands of Vehempalli. I cannot say what the area was. There appeared not to be more there than in Kamavarpelli. I have not seen the crop in Kurnool, but I have heard that it exists, and feel sure that the information was correct. 7. Ganja is cultivated in Cuddapah. Ganja is cultivated. Bhang is grown. It has seeds. Ganja has been cultivated in gasba of Kumarpalli to an extent of about 200 checks, a check being equivalent to two maunds. 8. Formerly 1,200 checks of ganja were cultivated in the gasba of Kumarpalli of the Cuddapah taluka, which is situated at a distance of 10 miles from the town, but this year the outturn of the plant will approach to nearly 200 checks, a check being equivalent to two maunds. In these days ganja is much less cultivated than formerly, for the reason that Government has prohibited the purchase and sale of ganja by any person excepting the contractor, and consequently no person could purchase the hemp openly from the cultivator, nor could any cultivator sell it. Last year the contractor at this place purchased ganja at the rate of Rs. 5 per check from the cultivators, and sold it at his own price to its consumers. During this week I have been to the contractor's shop with a view to examine his dealings personally, when I found that flat ganja mixed with stalks which is known as javaji ganja or almori ganja was being sold at the rate of 24 tolas, i.e., a seer for rupee, and flat ganja without stalks was being sold at one anna for every half anna weight, which is a little more than a rupee's weight. The consumers of bhang bitterly complain about flat ganja for the reason that it causes dysentery and cough, etc., and does injury in different ways. The circular country ganja is better liked than the other kind of ganjas by the ganja consumers in Cuddapah and other places. They assert that the country ganja of Kumarpalli, etc., does not produce much heat and does less injury. It should now be noticed that the contractor purchases the plant at a very low rate and sells it at an exorbitant price. If the cultivators do not sell the ganja to the contractor at the price offered by him and take every precaution to preserve it carefully, a change takes place after a year in its colour and intoxicating effect, which decreases its value. A rupee's worth of ganja will have to be given to the contractor only for 4 or 5 annas. Therefore it is my conviction that gradually raiyats will give up the cultivation of ganja which is attended with much trouble and loss of money and honour, and will have recourse to other cultivation which is more useful and beneficial to them. 13. The cultivators may, if they desire, plant gardens of ganja anywhere (but not as wet and dry cultivation). - Evidence* of SAIYID MAHMUD alias H AKEEM NHANNAY MIAN, Medical Practitioner, Cuddapah.
3. I do not know of any district in which ganja grows spontaneously. It is grown abundantly in Daggupadu in the Kistna district. I do not know in what other districts it is grown abundantly. -Evidence* of SINGITAPU VENKATA RAO, Brahmin, Madahwa, Native Physician and Inamdar, Coconada, Godavari District.
3. The hemp plants are abundantly cultivated and grow itself in Jewatho hills, Cunjumalai hills, Shevaroy hills, and Kollimalay mountains in the district of Salem. - Evidence of I. PONNUSAWMI PILLAI, Private Practitioner, Pothawar, Salem, District.
3. In parts of Namakkal taluka the plant is seldom cultivated in one or two fields. In Kalargari, Meedalapatty, and Sehamppapatty villages the plants are so cultivated.- Evidence of ABDUL KARIM SAHIB, Native Physician, Namakkal, Salem District.
3. The hemp plant is cultivated throughout the Kistna district generally, but it grows luxuriously in the part of the district lying south of Bezwada. 6. Dense in some parts. 7. (a) to (c) No. (d) Yes. Hemp is cultivated extensively in parts of the district, more especially south of Bezwada. 8. The area of hemp cultivation is on the increase owing to demands for the fibre. 13. See my answer to Question 2. - Evidence of M. ETHERAGULU PILLAY, Land-owner, Bezwada, Kistna District .
3. None. It is raised as a crop in Vankazalapad, Noothelapad, Duggupad, Goosapad, and Banpatta Taluka, Kishna District. - Evidence of P. SESHACHALLAM NAIDOO, Balija, Landlord, Merchant, and Chairman, Vetapollem, Kistna District.
3. Punjab, Hindustan, and other parts of the Bengal Presidency.6. The growth of the wild hemp is scattered. 7. Hemp plant is cultivated among other vegetable plants only for the production of ganja to a small extent. It is not separately cultivated. It is planted in the yards of the houses and gardens. 8. There has been a decrease in the cultivation of the hemp plant owing to the fact that license should be obtained for sale of the same. 12 No. The male plant with white flowers is extirpated. 13. (a) No. (b) The conditions are same as those mentioned in answer to question 5. The hemp plant does not thrive when the land is miry. - Evidence of AZIZ-UD-DIN ALI KHAN, SAHIB BAHADUR, Jagirdar, Cherlopalle, Gurramkanda, District Cuddapah.
3. I have not heard that hemp plant grows spontaneously in this district. It appears that it is imported from northern countries. I have seen a few ganja plants grown and reared up in Muhammadan mosques, and in flower gardens. - Evidence of LANKA KRISTNIENGAR, Vaishnava Brahmin, Chairman, Municipal Council, Srirangam, Trichinopoly District.
3. I have not seen any part where the plant grows spontaneously. 7. Those accustomed to its use grow a few plants either in their fields or in back-yards for use as ganja or bhang. This kind of limited growth takes place wherever there are persons accustomed to its use, such as sanyasis, bairagis, and fakirs. I however. saw once a field in a village (I remember Ayyavarikodur) of the Nandyal taluka of the Kurnool district actually cultivated with the ganja plant. 8. I have not noticed any considerable decrease or increase. 13. The growth of the plant for use is not restricted. - Evidence of K. SUBBARAYADU PUNTALU, Brahmin, Chairman of the Adoni Municipal Council, Bellary District.
3. Nowhere. 7. Yes, as above described. Particulars can be obtained from Government office. 8. Some increase probably due to the action of Government in licensing the sale of it. Taxing the article puts a higher price on it, and makes it more worth while to grow it. - Evidence of the REV. H. J. GOFFIN,*Missionary, Kadiri, Cuddapah District.
3. Hemp plant is generally grown in the Kurnool District and in Hyderabad and the Mysore Dominion. 6. It is dense in the Kurnool District and scattered in the Cuddapah District. 7. Yes. (a) and (d) Yes. In Cumbum Taluka chiefl y, and in Chagalmurry and Jammala Maduga falukas. 8. There would have been more increase, had it not been for the restriction of the abkari rules. 12. Yes. Under the pasture of black hills in the Kurnool and a part of the Cuddapah District. No, the male plant is not extirpated. 13. Yes, in all districts. The cultivation is common where the majority of the people are Muhammadans. Yes ; black cotton soil. fall is extreme in Ceded Districts. Here hemp plant is spontaneously grown - Evidence of the REV. J, DESIGACHART, Missionary , Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, Badvel, Cuddapah District.
3. In Salem, on the Yelagiri hills, and the Javadis. These hills are in the Tripatore Taluka, and this ganja is considered the best. I have seen the plant growing wild in many parts of the district. It is abundant. 3. (oral evidence) I have seen the plant growing wild on the boundaries of fields. I have seen it growing in such places in the hedges, and on manure heaps near houses. I don't know that it grows in the jungles. On the boundaries of fields and manure heaps it may have been planted. In the only cases with which I am acquainted, except one to be hereafter mentioned, it was planted by horse-keepers, servants of Europeans. I have heard it is grown behind native houses, but I have not seen it. I was once walking with an old Tamil man in Sankaridrug, and he plucked the plant from waste land along the side of the road. It is of the growth in the hedgerows that I speak principally in my answer to question 3. At Sankaridrug there may have been a sparsely scattered growth over several acres. I saw the plant on the Shevaroy hills also ; once in a garden when it was growing very abundantly, having spread from a plant experimentally cultivated by Dr. Short, who had botanical tastes ; once on manure heaps on the estate of a planter ; and I heard of it also, as being cultivated in the cooly lines of another planter. I cannot say to what extent it was growing in the last place, but I was told there was a good deal of it. It was growing thickly in Dr. Short's garden on an area about as big as this room, but I heard it was growing abundantly on other parts of the garden which forms part of an estate of 140 acres. It is two or three years since I was first able to identify the plant. I am singularly deficient in the power of differentiating plants, but the smell of the hemp plant is well known to me. - Evidence of the REV. W. ROBINSON, Missionary, London Missionary Sobriety, Salem.
3. I can only speak of the Cuddapah District. I have never met with the wild plant here, nor, though I have made special inquiries, have I ever heard of its occurrence. 7. The hemp plant is cultivated in almost every part of this district for the production of ganja. Charas is not produced in the district, and, although bhang is sometimes used, the plant cannot be said to be grown for its production. The plant is never grown here for the sake of the fibre or seeds. The cultivation for the production of ganja is pretty extensive. In addition to the growth for sale, the plant is grown for private use in almost every village. Consumers rear a few plants in a garden or back yard, and gather and preserve the ganja for themselves. 7. (oral evidence) The hemp plant is cultivated in three or four places in fields, but I
have not seen such cultivation. I have seen the plants mixed with other
cultivation, such as chillies. I have never seen more than 200 plants
together. I have seen it growing in backyards and gardens in many
places. The plant cannot be mistaken when once recognised. This kind of
cultivation prevails in the whole district ; but I have observed it to a
less extent in the sub-division in the south-west of the district,
where I have not travelled so much as in other parts. The plant grows
about 5 feet high. 8. I cannot give a direct answer, but refer to question 25 where I shall deal with the consumption of ganja. 13. In this district the cultivation of hemp is unrestricted. I have found the plant in almost every part of the district, but it grows best in the higher ground. It can be cultivated anywhere in the district. - Evidence of the REV. W. H. CAMPBELL, Missionary, London Missionary Society, Cuddapah.
3. It will grow anywhere in this district appar ently. I have seen it growing in eight places. I was generally told that it grew spontaneously. There are usually some half dozen shrubs together. In one place I saw about 30. In this place it appeared to be cultivated. 7. I am told that some seven miles north of Pollachi the plant is cultivated for production of ganja for smoking and for preparation of electuaries. 13. There is no restriction on cultivation, transport or manufacture. 7. Pollachi is 25 miles south of Coimbatore town in that district. I have not seen the cultivation. The information I got was from a bazaar seller and an Abkari Inspector. I understood. it to be regular field cultivation. - Evidence of the REV. S. J. LONG, Missionary, Coimbatore.
7. (a) to (c) Yes. (d) No. In nearly every village where there is a population of 1,000 or more. 8. The cultivation is constantly increasing on account of the increasing demand of the article. Now cultivators are constantly taking up the business. 13. It can be cultivated anywhere, and is cultivated everywhere in these parts. - Evidence of the REV. W. V. HIGGINS,* Missionary, Parlakimedi, Ganjam District.
6. Not dense in Tinnevelly, but it grows sparsely. 7. Yes. Native vydians grow it for use in their treatment of patients. 8. Not that I am aware of. There is not much demand for it. 1 0. No special caste, but native doctors chiefly grow the plant. 12. Yes. To a very slight extent, a few plants are sometimes cultivated in a garden amongst other plants. - Evidence of the REV. A. MARGÖSCHIS, Medical Missionary, S. P. G., Nazareth, Tinnevelly District.
3. The Pulney mountains. 6. Scattered. 7. There is some cultivation of the plant, especially where Muhammadans live ; but not to a great extent, because the abkari peons threaten those who raise it. 8. Decrease seems to have resulted from the action of abkari peons. 13.I presume it can be raised anywhere. - Evidence of the REV. JOHN S. CHANDLER, Missionay Madura.
3. I have not authentic information, but several informants have stated that in the Agency tracts and the jungle parts of these districts, excepting the Kistna, of which I have no information, the hemp plant grows spontaneously. 7. Yes. (a) Yes. (b) Not as known. (c)Yes. (d)Not as known. In the Godavari delta in the taluk of Yenaqudam, in Cocanada, Samalkota, Narsapatnam, Yellamanchili, Vizagapatam, Vizianagram, Chicacole, Bobbili, and some surrounding villages, Berhampur, and Cuttack, in all of which places the plant has been seen by informants. The cultivation is not extensive, and no land is set apart for that special purpose. But a few plants grow in the backyards and garden plots of those addicted to its use for personal consumption and by a few daring men who eke out a profit by selling it. The mats, or peculiar home of the religious mendicants, sanyasis, or, as they are termed in these parts, bairagalu, have usually quite a garden plot attached in which the hemp plant is cultivated, but only to supply the need of the monks and. their disciples. Such monasteries exist, I am informed, at large places like Samalkota, Chicacole, Berhampur, etc. 8. The answer seems to be that the cultivation of the plant is gradually extending in Ganjam, Vizagapatam, and is being introduced into Cocanada and such places. As for Yellamanchili, some four years ago, when the writer first came to the place, very little was grown owing to a recent proclamation against it. But since then it has been resumed, and one may see some plants even in the police lines. If this is the case here, the increase is due to lax police supervision. From Cocanada the informant says that the people formerly purchased it at the shops; but finding the seeds of the flower grow when dropped, they now grow all they need in the backyards. - Evidence of the REV. H. F. LAFLAMME, Canadian Baptist Mission, Yellamanchili, Vizagapatam.
3. None known to me. 7. (a) Yes. (b) Yes. (c) Yes. (d) No. Here and there a few plants for private consumption in certain sections, more extensively as a crop. 8. There is said to have been an increase owing to the profits derived from the culture. 12. No. 13. (a) Somewhat. It is most extensively grown in Dugubandu and surrounding country in the Bapatta Taluq and in the western part of the Narsaravupet Taluq. (b) None apparently, but fairly good soil. (c) No. - Evidence of the REV. J. F. BURDITT, Missionary, Narsaravupet, Kistna District.
3, 4, 5, and 6. These questions pertain to the wild hemp plant, which is not grown in this district. 7. Yes to a limited extent in back yards and chilly gardens throughout the district. This consumption, however, is restricted to home consumption. To a larger extent the plant is cultivated in Daggupad, Pasupad, Vunkalupad, and some other villages in the Bapatla taluq. As far as this district is concerned, the cultivation is intended for the production of (1) ganja and (2) seeds. The extent of land cultivated with the plant cannot be ascertained. 8. I do not know. 12. No wild hemp here, as far as I know. 13. The ganja plant is customarily cultivated in the abovenamed villages of the Bapatla taluq of this district. No special soil is, I think, necessary for the cultivation of the crop. Regada or clay or mixed regada will do for its growth. It can therefore be grown in all the dry taluqs of this district. - Evidence of the REV. J. HEINRICHS, Missionary, Vinukunda, Kistna District.
3, 7, 14. It does not grow wild here and it is grown only to a very limited extent. As much as has come to my knowledge, some four or five people in every village will grow from 25 to 500 plants. From these plants they prepare the above mentioned four different sorts, viz., subji, majun and charas. The plant is never grown to the sole end for obtaining fibre and seed. (See, however, No. 40). - Evidence of the REV. S. C. SCHAIBLE, Missionary, Moolky, South Canara.
7. There is no regular cultivation of the plant in the district as far as I know; but it is grown sparingly in some gardens for distribution to bairagis, etc., as charity for use as bhang. 8. No. 12. Not known. 13. The cultivation is restricted, Not known. - Evidence of S. P. NARASIMMALU NAYUDU, Editor of the " Crescent," Coimbatore .
7. (a) Vadapalli, Koovur, and their adjoining villages, and some villages in our district. 13. There is no restriction. - Evidence of N. KOTHUNDARAMAYYA, Brahmin, Editor of "Suneeti" Rajahmundry, Godavari District.
7. (a) Yes. (c) Yes. In villages of Jummalamadugu and Cuddapah taluks ; but not to a very great extent. 8. There has been some decrease in the area under cultivation, the sole reason being that the produce, which is not very considerable, to be exported does not sell at a profitable rate locally. 13. The cultivation does not seem to have been restricted. The plant cannot be cultivated in saltish (chowdu) soils. - Evidence of K. VEMATASOOBIAH, Veishya, Trader and Pleader, District Munsiff's Court, Cuddapah.
3. I don't know of any district in which it is grown spontaneously. But the plant is grown to a very limited extent for purposes of consumption in the Kistna and Godavery districts, as far as my information goes. 7. There is nothing like cultivation of the hemp plant in this district to which my remarks apply. It is however grown here and there for purposes of consumption, generally by Musalmans, in their back yards. - Evidence of GANJAM VENCATARATNAM, Brahmin, 1st Grade Pleader, Coconada, Godavery District.
3. Hemp plant does not grow spontaneously in abundance in this district. It grows spontaneously on the Nullamalah hills in the Kurnool district, but not in abundance. It grows also on Bhana Buddin hills in Mysore territory. 6. Only scattered in the places mentioned above. 7. Hemp plant is cultivated to a very small extent in the Bellary district. It grows in black soil. It is a nine months' crop (Moongari crop). The flower top becomes ripe in the sixth month. It is grown in sugarcane and brinjal gardens in some parts of this district. 8. No considerable or appreciable increase or decrease. 13. Ordinary rainfall is sufficient. It is cultivated in black soil. - Evidence of P. C. ANUNTHACHARLU, Brahmin, Chairman, Municipal Council, and Government Pleader, Bellary.
3. I am not aware of any district in which it grows spontaneously ; but it is cultivated at the foot of the hills called the Malayalam hills in Vellore taluk, as also in the Chittaldroog, Mysore province, and on the Nilgiris. 6. The growth is ordinarily scattered, but when dense the plants are transplanted. 7. (a) Yes ; in the Malayalam hills of the Vellore taluk to a great extent. 8. Cannot say. 12. In the Malayalam tract of. Vellore taluk the people generally cultivate the wild hemp for the production of ganja to a large extent. The male plant is not generally extirpated, but a small number of the female is. 13. The cultivation is not restricted. It has been for a very long time cultivated in the Malayalam tract; and I am not in a position to state why it has been cultivated in that tract alone. Probably because it is indigenous. - Evidence of V. SIVA YOGI, Brahmin, 1st Grade Pleader and .Municipal Chairman, Vellore.
7. It is limited to a few backyards and compounds and sometimes in vegetable gardens. 8. The cultivation does not increase. 13. It is cultivated here and there in small patches. It is not restricted to any portions in the district - Evidence of P. KESAVA PILLAI, Karnam, Pleater, and Honorary Secretary of the Gooty People's Association.
3. I have heard that hemp plants grow spontaneously in Punjab and the adjacent parts. There it grows abundantly. 6. It is generally dense, the seeds falling down in a lot from the plants on hills. New plants grow thereon very close to each other, and the hand of man never interferes with the growth of the wild hemp. 7. Yes. (a) Hemp plant is cultivated in Madras Presidency for the production of ganja. In almost every district it is cultivated; much is grown in the Kistna district; Nandyal taluq in Kurnool district comes next in order. It is also cultivated in Anantapur, Cuddapah, and Bellary districts. (b), (c) , (d) No. 8. I must say there has been increase in the area under cultivation. The reason for such an increase is apparently more profit with less trouble and anxiety on the part of the cultivators, on whom there appears to be pressing indents from the Government contractors, which only shows the number of people using is steadily on the increase, and there is a good demand for the stuff in the market. 12. Wild hemp is not cultivated for the production of ganja. 13. It is not restricted. I do not know of any special conditions of climate, etc. But so far as I have known, the hemp for ganja grows luxuriantly in warm climates, requires only moderate rain, and it is not necessary the level of the ground should be far above that of the sea. I don't think it would be impossible to cultivate it in any part of the Madras Presidency. - Evidence of the HON'BLE A. SABAPATHY MOODELLIAR, RAI BAHADUR,* Merchant, Bellary.
3. Spontaneous growth of these hemp plants is generally to be seen in the hilly tracts of Northern Circars. It is abundant, especially in the district of Ganjam. 6. The growth of the wild hemp is ordinarily scattered. If the growth is dense, it is scarce that the plant bears the flowering-tops coated with resin, which is the essential part of this plant. 7. The districts of Kristna and Ganjam have cultivation of this plant to a certain extent. The seeds are not used in preparing bhang. These seeds are used for medicine. 8. As far as the knowledge of my information goes, I see neither increase nor decrease in the area under such cultivation. 12. The hilly tracts of Northern Circars have this practice in general. In all cases where the cultivation of this plant is made, the male plant is extirpated with no exceptions. 13. The cultivation of this hemp plant is restricted to the districts of Kristna, Ganjam, and Vizag. It is restricted to these districts, because there are people acquainted with this cultivation in those parts. The cultivation of this plant would be impossible to the parts where the soil is fruitless. - Evidence of CHODISETTY VENKATARATNUM, Merchant, Coconada, Godavari District.
3. The hemp plant is grown in the private compounds and fields to a small extent in the districts of Kristna, Vizag and Ganjam, but it is not abundant anywhere. - Evidence of KOMMIREDDI NARASINGA Row NAYUDU GARU, Merchant, Coconada.
3. In the North Arcot district, Vellore taluk. A large quantity is imported from there to Madras. It is abundant in the Salem district on the Jawadu hills. 6. The growth is generally scattered. 10. No, they are of the same class of ordinary people as other cultivators. 12. The wild hemp is sometimes cultivated for producing ganja in Cuddapah and Salem districts. The male plant is generally extirpated. 13. The cultivation is not restricted and is common to all the districts, but it would not thrive well in the low lands along the Carnatic Coast. - Evidence of MIRZA MEHDY ISPAHANI, Merchant, Madras.
3. Bavudu, Somlapur, and Ghumsoor taluks. In Tikkapally it is abundant. - Evidence of NALUM BHIMARAUZ VYSYIA, Merchant, Berhampore, Ganjam District.
7. No. It is not used in this district for the manufacture of intoxicating drugs. For the fibre it is cultivated in this district and Godavari, and the seeds are put down again to produce new plants. 8. Not that I am aware of. - Evidence of APPALA NARASSIAH CHETTY, Vaisya, Merchant, Berhampore.
3. It is abundant in the following places, viz.:—Duggupad in the Cuddapah district; Alamnur, Nandyala taluk, Kurnul district; Shumshahbad, and Umnabad. - Evidence of KAMALAPURAM NAGAYYA, Komati, Ganja Contractor, Adoni.
3. In Nellore, Kistna and Vizagapatam districts this is grown, and spontaneously in regar clay lands, hill tracts. At Daggupadu, about 100 can-dies are raised. In the Vizagapatam district, Vaddadi and Madugob are the chief places. In the Nellore district, Kudithipalem. 6. I cannot say. 8. There is no cultivation of this hemp in the Godavari district as in the other three districts. After the system of selling the right of sale has been introduced, the cultivation has decreased. 13. The cultivation does not seem restricted. It can be raised anywhere. Black regar clay produces the best sort. In the latter part of the rainy season seedlings are sown, and early in winter it is transplanted. Saltish land does not at all suit this hemp - Evidence of ABDUL KHADER, Agent of the Ganja Shopkeeper,—Rajahmundry.
3. It is not cultivated much in this part of the I country. It is only grown here and there in compounds. 6. Growth of wild hemp would not be ordi -narily dense. It would be scattered. Only in places frequented by gosains this is found. 7. No ; except in compounds, only ganja is grown - Evidence of MULAGULA KONDIAH, Goldsmith, Rajahmundry.
3. About forty years ago wild ganja plants were abundant on the Shevaroys. I saw them there; but I do not know whether they are to be found there now. Since then I have not seen abundant spontaneous growth anywhere else. 6. The growth of the wild hemp was observed by me to be both dense and scattered. It was for the major part scattered. 7. There is a little of the ganja plant cultivation in my district of Salem. They are all for the production of ganja alone. One-fourth of the houses of Salem have on an average half a dozen ganja plants in each back-yard. The same number of plants can be found in at least 2 per cent. of the fields in the villages of Salem, Ather and Namakal taluks. 8. Hitherto cultivation of the ganja plant was very rare. But it has now considerably increased, since inure people resort to its uses now than before. 12. We don't distinguish between wild ganja and domesticated ganja. What you call hemp are called ganja. I have heard of immense cultivation of ganja on the Javadi hills in North Arcot district. Everywhere the male plant is done away with. 13. None here restricts the cultivation of ganja. I do not know of any district where it is restricted. No special conditions are necessary for the cultivation of ganja. Of course a high level helps the growth. It can be grown anywhere if one knows the methods. - Evidence of ANGAPPA GONUDEN, Blacksmith, Salem.
3. It is extensively cultivated in the village of Daggupadu, Kistna district. Neither of the other two (charas and bhang) are to be found there. I saw this growing in the forests of Parlakimedy. 6. Even the wild hemp does not grow spontaneously unless the seed is sown. 7. In this country people cultivate the hemp plant for the preparation of ganjayi. Charas and bhang are not prepared in these parts. In Northern Hindustan it is extensively cultivated, and charas and bhang are prepared to a large extent by the people of those parts. 8. Formerly ganjayi was used by sanyasis and hairagis alone, but now each and everybody who has a liking for it is in the habit of using it. Hence its cultivation also is comparatively enhanced. 11. I have never seen the seeds of the wild hemp sown in the plain parts. Those which generally bear the flowered tops, i.e., more appropriately the male plants, are taken off or extirpated. The wild hemp is extensively cultivated in Daggupadu, Kistna district, and also in Cuttack and Juggernauth. - Evidence of BALDEVDAS, Brahmin, Priest of Hanuman Math, Rajahmundry.
3. It grows spontaneously on Javadi Mountains (Salem district), and in Huminbad, Kalyani (Nizam's dominions); they cultivate the plants annually. - Evidence of SYED SHAH ABDAL HUSAINI, Manager of Pencundah's Dargah, Pencundah, Anantapur District.
3. I know of none. A stray plant or two, evi -dently self-sown, of the cultivated variety is locally found here and there. 7. (a) Yes. (b) No. (c) Insignificant. (d) For seed. Bhang is made of the plants grown for seed, and is a bye-product during manufacture of ganja. Details of area have been already supplied through the Commissioner of Abkari. 8. None worth notice. 13. Not restricted. In Ahmednagar it is sparsely grown in all talukas, except Akola and Jamkhed. I am led to suppose that these talukas have too mild a climate and too heavy average rainfall to make the cultivation certainly profitable. The cultivation is most common in the Nagar taluka at an elevation of about 2,500 feet, with an average rainfall of 26 inches, and in the Rahuri and Newasa talukas. A rich soil, with means of irrigation, appears to be necessary, and clear skies are wanted towards and during harvest. - Evidence of MR. E. J. EBDEN, Collector, Ahmednagar.
3. None. 7. Dr, Kirtikar's references to Cannabis indica as under cultivation in the Konkan are to plants cultivated in gardens in small numbers for private use, or in some cases for his own study, as besides his own garden he has more or less use of several others, including mine, for such purposes. The plant is not cultivated in the Korikan as a field. crop, nor even as a market crop in gardens, but it occurs in small numbers in many .private gardens, and I have ,seen specimens that seemed to :me to be self-sown, and afterwards taken care of by the gardeners. This cultivation is something like that of tobacco in English gardens and not .much more important. - Evidence of MR. W. F. SINCLAIR, Collector, Thana.
3.The ganja plant grows wild, to a very small extent in this district. It is not cultivated in Bel vol. vii. gaum at all. It is said to grow freely in Satara and Ahmednagar, but I have not been there. 6. There are so few plants in this district, I cannot say. I have only seen one plant, about 8½ feet long, with branches proceeding from a central stalk. The flowers were embedded amongst densely packed small leaves. 7. See answer 4. Only ambadi and tag are cultivated for fibres. No drug is made from them in Belgaum. No ganja is cultivated, nor are drugs made here from wild ganja. 8. There has been none. 11. and 12. Not in Belgaum. 13, There is no restriction on cultivating the ganja plant in Belgaum. The talukas near the Ghâts are said to be unsuitable. Those inland from the Ghâts can grow ganja and fibre hemps. - Evidence of MR. F. L. CHARLES, Collector, Belgaum.
3. I know no district in which the hemp plant grows spontaneously. 7. The hemp plant has been cultivated in the town of Bijapur for some years past, and is at present being grown there and in Utnal in the Bagewadi taluka for the production of ganja and bhang. The areas sown have been— Acres. Gunthas. 1888 0 33; 1889 1 1; 1890 0 20; 1891 3 0; 1892 13 0; 1893 8 6. 8. I infer from the larger sums paid for the right to sell the drug that consumption is increasing, but I can assign no special reason for this increase, except perhaps the increase of spare cash. 13 There is no restriction of area. It is stated in the Bombay Gazetteer (volume XXV, page 234) that the plant flourishes best at an elevation of 4,000 to 7,000 feet above the level of the sea. Rich friable moist loam is needed, and there must be no shade. - Evidence of MR. J. MONTEATH, Collector and District Magistrate, _Bijapur.
3. None. 7. None ; the fibrous hemp plant (san), so -called, is altogether different from ganja, and has no intoxicating qualities. - Evidence of MR. H. WOODWARD, Collector, Kaira, Gujarat.
3. In the tracts inhabited by wild tribes the hemp plant does not, so far as I know, grow spontaneously at all. 7. In the tracts inhabited by the wild tribes there is no cultivation of the hemp plant at all. 13. No. - Evidence of MR. A. CUMINE, Acting Collector, Dhulia, Khandesh.
3. A few, but very few, hemp plants grow spontaneously in the Dangs, which are under the Khandesh Political Agency. I know of no dis tricts in which they are abundant. 6. In the Dangs the growth is scattered, there being hardly any plants at all. 7. Hemp plants are cultivated in the Jalgaon taluka of Khandesh, for the production of ganja and for use as bhang; they are not cultivated for the production of charas or for the sake of the fibre or seed. The cultivation is only carried on to a small extent. 12. No ; this is not the case here. 13.The cultivation of the hemp plant for ganja is not restricted to any particular part of Khandesh, although it so happens that cultivation only takes place in one taluka, viz., Jalgaon. - Evidence of MR. C. G. DODGSON, Assistant Magistrate and Collector, Khandesh.
3, 4, 5 and 6. 1 am not aware that in any part of the Deccan the hemp plant grows spontaneously; at any rate in no tract in this part of the Deccan, as far as I can learn, is wild hemp growth known. From enquiries made 1 do not find that wild hemp is at all known, at any rate in this district. I have thus no data on which I can base replies to questions 3 to 6. The mamlatdar of Newasa in the Ahmednagar Collectorate, how -ever, reports that the plant seldom grows spontaneously in his taluka. 7. In parts of the Poona, Thana, Dharwar and Nasik districts the hemp plant is cultivated more or less. In parts of the Ahmednagar, Khandesh and Sholapur districts it is stated the plant is grown largely, especially in Ahmednagar. The purposes for which it is cultivated are as under— For the production of ganja. For the production of bhang. For charas, cultivation of hemp is not found to be resorted to, although while cutting the flowered tops and leaves a resinous exudation attaches to the hands, which is scraped off and collected in pills. This is called the charas. There is no cultivation for the purposes of extracting charas in any part of this country. As far as I can ascertain, charas, is imported into Bombay from Upper India and Afghanistan. Hemp is cultivated from seeds only. In one village (Kamargaon) of the Ahmednagar taluka, it is said the plant is cultivated for seed only. It is not, as far as can be ascertained, a fibre-yielding plant. There is no separate cultivation of the plant for each of the products ganja and bhang. One single cultivation yields both ganja and bhang and charas also to a very small extent. Strictly speaking, there is no cultivation, so to say, of the plant for the purpose of bhang. Bhang proper is not produced in this country. The plant which yields, it is said, is not the female plant as cultivated in this part of the country, but the male plant called bhangara, which is largely cultivated in Northern India and which yields the genuine bhang. The bhang which is sold is the "patti" and "chur" detached from ganja flowers and leaves. The female plant yields ganja, which consists of dried flowering tops, and also bhang, which consists of dried " patti" and other detached portions from the flowering tops and leaves. Bhang proper is rarely imported into this part of India, as its place is supplied by the dried leaves of the female plant. The hemp plant as cultivated yields at one and the same time both ganja and the so-called bhang. In this district hemp is cultivated in a few villages of the Sirur, Indapur, and Bhimthari talukas, in all nine villages. The area under cultivation is about ten acres only. From 1873-74 to 1882-83 statistics are not available; in 1883-84 the area under cultivation was 24 acres, 10 and 19 acres in two succeeding years, 35 and 30 acres in 1886-87 and 1887-. 88, and 16 to 17 acres for the three succeeding years respectively. The area under cultivation was highest in 1886-87 and lowest in 1889-90. On the whole, the cultivation would appear to be on the decline. 8. In the Poona district the area under culti vation has been decreasing from 1887-88. The reason assigned being that cultivators do not find it more profitable than ordinary agriculture. The area under cultivation is so small that the variations do not call for comment. The cultivation of hemp appears not to be popular with the agriculturists in this district. The demands of the district being easily met by importations from the neighbouring district of Ahmednagar may also account for the decrease of local production. 11. No. Ganja plants are not raised from the seed of the wild hemp. Wild hemp is not known in this district. Seed for ganja cultivation is obtained from Ahmednagar, where seed is purchased. 12. The ganja plant is raised from seeds ob tained as above stated. The plant so raised in no way partakes of the nature of wild hemp. The seed plant is not grown for the purpose of ganja, but for seed only. In this district the seed plant is not grown, but in Ahmednagar it is, and I understand in this case the male plant is not ex tirpated, as otherwise it would not be possible to impregnate the female plant for the purpose of seed. 13. The cultivation of the hemp plant for ganja is not restricted in this district, although only in three of eight talukas the cultivation occurs. The Mawal taluka and the western parts of the Haveli, Junner and Khed talukas are unsuited for the cultivation of the plant owing to the heavy rainfall and the hard muram soil in those areas; lands situated in or adjoining the ghats where the rainfall is heavy do not appear to be suitable for hemp cultivation; the plant is said to thrive in a whitish brown soil in Newasa, Ahmednagar Collectorate, as stated by the mam latdar. I am unable to say if the cultivation of the plant is impossible in any part of the district, but it would appear that heavy rainfall, a damp climate, and hilly tracts are not favourable to the growth of the plant. - Evidence of MR. A. H. PLUNKETT, City Magistrate, Poona.
3. Bhang is cultivated to a very small extent in Surat and Broach (about thirty-five acres in all). The plant does not grow spontaneously; it is cultivated like cereals, i.e., jawari and bajri, and harvested in November and February, as is the case with kharif and rabi crops. Alluvial land is preferable; no special care or attention is needed. Plants are also found here and there in the compounds of temples. The Surat cultivators collect only bhang, i.e., leaves and seeds from the plant. Some of the Broach cultivators understand the process of collecting bhang and ganja from the plant. The plants, when ready, are uprooted, made into bundles, and left to dry for three or four days. The tops of ganja kalis are picked up with hand, the plants are thrashed, and the leaves and fine little branches are collected. The mixture of leaves, fine little branches, and seeds from the ganja tops is known by the name of bhang. The plants are known as nar (male) and mada (female) ; wild hemp grows in Palanpur. 8. Bhang cultivation is decreasing; profits small compared with trouble of obtaining licenses and finding purchaser. 12. As far as I know, wild hemp is not cul -tivated. 13. The cultivator has to obtain a license to cultivate hemp plant ; no duty is levied for the grant of permit. The cultivator is bound to sell his produce to licensed farmers only. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR BHIMBHAI KIRPA RAM, Brahmin, Huzur Deputy Collector of Surat.
3. I have no knowledge of the districts where it spontaneously grows. 7. Yes. The cultivation of the hemp plant for production of ganja, bhang and its seeds is made at the following places in this district, in my charge in the quantity given against them —QUANTITY OF TALUKA. VILLAGE. Ganja. Bhang. Newasa . 1 Kukane. About 800 maunds of ganja.. . .2 Tardi. 3 Mangrul . 4 Bhenda. Shewgaum.
5 Chendule. 6 Dewgari. 7 H ivre. Only seed. . . .8 Miri Maka .1 Tisgaum. 300 maunds of ganja. 30 maunds of bhang. 2 Nundanga. 3 Gevrai .Kopergaum taluka produces 300 maunds of ganja only. 8. Since the introduction of the Abkari Act, there has been decrease in the area under cultiva -tion, owing to the restrictions imposed on the sale of ganja and the necessity of obtaining permission to prepare ganja though not to grow it. 13. No. Its cultivation is common to all districts. It is grown in almost all the talukas of this district more or less except Jamkhed and Akola, the soil of which is not adapted to the cultivation of the hemp plant, which requires black rich soil, which is rare in these talukas owing to there being hills in them. The conditions favour -able to the cultivation of this plant are hot climate, black or red soil, and the rainfall should be moderate. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR VYANKATESH BAPUJI WADEKAR, Deputy Collector, Ahmednagar.
7. For its fibre the hemp plant is cultivated in several talukas of the Kaira district. The following are the particulars concerning it :IN THE REVENUE IN The REVENUE YEAR 1891-92. YEAR 1892-93, TALUKA. Area under cultivation Area under cultivation. A. G. A. G. Matar2.1 2 19 Kapadwanj .38 29 61 Nariad . . , 11 8 1 Borsad , 1 25 2 21 Anaud 9 25
Total . . 52 G I 79 31. 8. Before the introduction of the Bombay Abkari Act (Act V of 1878) hemp plant was cultivated in a small area in two of the villages of the Kapadwanj taluka of this district for the production of ganja and bhang. The seed required to be sown in one bigha for bhang was about 10 pounds. The largest yield of bhang per bigha in good soil was about 25 local maunds, and the average yield in middle-class soil was from 5 to 10 local maunds. In about 3½ acres of land hemp plant for the production of bhang was cultivated in the village of Antroli. In about 26 guntas of land hemp plant for the production of ganja was cultivated in the village of Badarpur. In consequence of the restrictions imposed by the Abkari Act for the transport and export of ganja and bhang and for their sale and possession, the cultivation was given up as troublesome and unremunerative. From a very reliable source I have been informed that hemp plant for the production of bhang was cultivated in a small area in the Paldi village of the Daskrohi taluka of the Ahmedabad Collectorate; but the mamlatdar of Daskrohi, to whom a reference was made by me, has not been able to confirm my information. My informant, however, most emphatically assures me that it was cultivated. Its cultivation there was given up also since the introduction of the Bombay Abkari Act. - Evidence of KHAN BAHADUR DADABHAI DEENSHAH, Parsi, Huzur Deputy Collector and Magistrate,1st Class, Kaira.
3. In no district of which I have acquaintance does the hemp plant grow spontaneously. 7. The hemp plant is grown for production of ganja and bhang only. It is cultivated in Surdi and Manegaum in Barsi taluka, in Kowta in Sholapur taluka, and in Kasegaum in Pandharpur taluka. The cultivation extends to 45 acres and 25 gunthas in the Sholapur district, on an average struck from figures of thirteen years. The minimum extent of cultivation was 11 acres in Barsi in the Year 1883, and the maximum was 100 acres and 27 gunthas in Barsi and Pandharpur in 1875-76. 8. There has been no considerable increase or decrease recently. 13. I cannot say that the cultivation is restricted. I think it can be grown in any black soil as a garden crop in a hot climate where the rainfall is not excessive, as it is in the Concan. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR BHASKAR RAO RAMCHANDRA HEBLIKAR, Brahmin, Depu ty Collector, Sholapur.
5 and 6. Require no reply. 7. Hemp plant is cultivated in Khandesh to a very small extent. The object of the cultivation is to produce ganja, and with it the bhang, and for neither the fibre seed nor for to produce charas. The cultivation of this plant is confined to the Jalgaon taluka, in which an area of about 30 acres was cultivated last year. 8. There has been a decrease in the area cultivated with these plants. The reason for the decrease, as given by the cultivators and owners of fields, is that the profit from the cultivation is uncertain and less remunerative than other crops. Also it is found that the cultivation of this plant in Khandesh requires great trouble and more expense than in Nimar and the Central Provinces, the climate of which agrees more favourably for the production of these drugs than the climate of this district. Vol. vii. 12. Not in Khandesh. 13. No restriction is placed on the cultivation of this plant ; but it being less remunerative, as explained in paragraph 8, cultivators in other parts do not care to take to this cultivation. It could be cultivated in any part of Khandesh in ordinary good soil, and the elevation of land from sealevel, climate, etc., are not against the cultivation - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR SITARAM DAMODAR, H uzur Deputy Collector, Khandesh.
3. In none of the districts of which I have knowledge the hemp plant grows spontaneously. 4, 5 and 6. Cannot say. 7. There is no cultivation of the hemp plant in the Dharwar district. 13. The cultivation of the hemp plant for ganja is not restricted in my district; but it is not cultivated, as the cultivators in these parts are ignorant as to the mode of its cultivation. I am unable to furnish information about special conditions, etc. - Evidence of KHAN BHADUR RATANJI ERDALJI KANGA, Parsi, Deputy Collector and Magistrate, Dharwar.
3. I do not know of any. 4, 5 and 6. I do not know. 7. The hemp plant is cultivated in the Satara Vol. vii. district for the production of ganja alone. About 300 acres of land are under cultivation in the Khanapur taluka, and not more than 15 acres in the Khatav and Satara talukas. 8. There is no appreciable increase or decrease in the area under cultivation. 13. The cultivation is not restricted to any particular area. The growth of the ganja plant requires black soil, hot climate, and moderate rainfall. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR BAPUJI MAHIPAT KHARKAR, Kayasth, Huzur Deputy Collector and Magistrate, 1st Class, Satara.
3. The hemp plant does not grow spontaneously in any of the districts of which I have knowledge. 4, 5 and 6. Vide answer to the preceding question. 7. Yes; for production of only ganja and bhang. The cultivation of the plant for that purpose is carried on only in the Bijapur district, and to a very small extent. The area under such cultivation in that district was 13 acres in 1892-93, 3 acres in 1891-92, and only 1 acre in each of the preced ing three years In the Dharwar district the plant is not at all cultivated, and in the Belgaum district only 2 acres were under its cultivation in the year 1889-90. Since that year there has been no cultivation of the plant in that district for any purpose. 8. The figures given in the answer to the preceding question will show that the area under such cultivation is itself inconsiderable. 13. The cultivation of the hemp plant for ganja is, as already remarked in my answer to question No. 7, carried on now to a very small extent only in the Bijapur district. I am told that only garden or irrigated land is fit for the cultivation of the hemp plant for producing ganja, and that localities where rainfall is heavy are unsuited to it. I am unable to state what other special conditions are necessary for the cultivation of the plant. The only part of the Southern Mahratta country where the cultivation of the plant would be impossible seems to me to be the western portion of the Belgaum district and the western and the southern portions of the Dharwar district. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR RANGO RAMCHANDRA BHARDI, Deputy Collector and Native Assistant to the Commissioner, Poona, Central Division.
3. In none of the districts in the Southern Mahratta country the hemp plant grows spontaneously. 4. The plants do not grow wild here. 5 and 6. As the plant does not grow wild here, I am unable to answer these questions. 7. The hemp plant has been cultivated only at Bijapur on a very small scale for the production of ganja and bhang only for the last two years. Charas is not prepared here. The plant is grown in this part of the country as a narcotic and not as a fibre plant. The area sown in 1892 at Bijapur was about 13 acres. 8. The area under hemp plant in 1893 is only about 4½ acres. The reason for the decrease in the area under cultivation is due to the fact that there is a considerable stock in hand of the yield of the last year. 12. As the plants do not grow wild in this part of the country, I am unable to answer this question. 13. The cultivation of the hemp plant is not restricted in this part of the country ; but the cultivator cannot manufacture the drug without a license to be granted by the Collector on this behalf in the Form B, sanctioned by Government, and the drug can only be sold to persons duly licensed to sell the same by wholesale. I am not aware of any special conditions of climate, rainfall and elevation above sea level, but I think it can be grown in red or loamy soil as an irrigated crop. Except in parts of the Badami taluka where the soil is sandy and rocky, I am of opinion the plant can be cultivated as an irrigated crop with success in any other part of this district. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR RUDRAGOWDA CHANVIRGOWDA ARTAL, Lengayet, Deputy Collector, Bijapur.
3, 4, 5 and 6. The wild hemp plant is not found in this part of the country, and therefore these questions need no answer. 7. The hemp plant is cultivated in this part for the production of ganja only. No cultivation is made for (b), (c) and (d), The hemp plant is cultivated in the Jath State at Kumbhari, Bagewadi, Báj, Belunki, Yeldari, Jath, Jangalgi, Boblad, Aukla, and at Kharsundi* (Aundh State), Mhaswad* and Lengre* of the Satara district, and Morale* of Miraj Junior. The total extent of hemp cultivation in this State is about 30 acres. I have no means of ascertaining the acreage under hemp cultivation in the villages marked * in the above list. But I can say from a reference to statements of crops given in the Annual Report of the Director of Land Records and Agriculture, 1889-90, that in the surrounding British districts of Satara, Bijapur and Belgaum 368, 1, and 2 acres are, respectively, under the hemp cultivation. 8. From the statistics to hand I find that there has been an increase in the area under hemp cultivation; because the soil and the climate of the western portion of Jath are favourable for its cultivation, and the produce pays very well. The increase has been since the past seven or eight years. There has been greater demand for ganja, and hence the increase. 13. In this province the cultivation of the hemp plant for ganja appears to have been restricted to the districts in the plain country, that is, districts of the Deccan, the Southern Mahratta country, and Khandesh. The climate and situation of these parts appear favourable to the growth of hemp plant for ganja. As in the coast districts the hemp plant is not at all cultivated, the cultivation does not seem common to all districts. Hot climate, friable loamy soil, rain periods, viz., Pushia and Punarwasu, etc., are the special conditions for the cultivation of hemp plant for ganja. In this portion of this State and generally where there is deep black soil as in the Dón valley its cultivation for ganja seems impossible. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR RAMCHANDRA RAJARAM MULÉ, Deshastha Brahmin, Administrator of Jath, in Southern Mahratta Country.
3. Not known. It does not grow spontaneously in the Kolaba district. 4, 5 and 6. Not known here. 7. None in the Kolaba district. 8. Requires no answer. 13. Cultivation is not restricted in the presidency of Bombay. But restrictions are placed on its import, export, and sale—vide Bombay Act V of 1878. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR V. H. SHIKHRE, Brahmin, Huzur Deputy Collector, Alibagh, Kolaba District.
3 to 6. I have not come to know of the growth spontaneously of the hemp plant in any of the districts of which I had immediate charge. It is not produced in the district of Satara, of which I am the principal witness; consequently answers to queries from Nos. 3 to 6 are blank. 7. Hemp plant is cultivated in the Satara Collectorate and in the Aundh State ( a) for production of ganja, (b) charas, and (c) bhang, but ( d ) not for its fibre or seeds. The extent of cultivation in the Satara Collectorate, together with the total produce, can be learnt from the statement prepared by the Collector of Satara. 8. Owing to the restriction placed by the Abkari Act on the manufacture, sale, and export of ganja, the cultivation of the hemp plant is not on the increase. 12. Wild hemp is nowhere especially cultivated in the Satara district. 13. The cultivation of the hemp plant is not restricted in the Satara Collectorate and in the Aundh State. There was a doubt on this point, but it was cleared by the High Court ruling, dated 15th November 1888, to the effect that the mere cultivation of hemp plant is not punishable under section 43 of the Abkari Act, V of 1878. The manufacture of the plant into ganja, bhang and charas alone requires a license. The sale and export are also covered with passes. The cultivation is not common to all districts, nor are all the cultivators in the habit of cultivating hemp. Such of the cultivators only as find it profitable cultivate it. I do not think that the cultivation of the hemp plant is impossible anywhere, it can be produced in all garden lands. - Evidence of NARAYAN RAO BHIKHAJ1 JOGALEKAR, Brahmin, Pensioned Deputy Collector ; now Karbhari of the Aundh Stale.
3. I know no district in which hemp plant grows spontaneously. 4 to 6. I know nothing about this. 7. In many districts of this presidency hemp plant is cultivated for the production of ganja. In the four districts mentioned above there is no separate cultivation exclusively for the purposes (b), (c), and (d). As stated in answer to question, charas is not manufactured at all. I do not know of fibres ever being taken out from the hemp plant. In one village, Kamargaon, in the Ahmednagar district, hemp plants are cultivated, I am told, for seed alone. As already stated, ganja and bhang are taken from the same plant . Ahmednagar is the only district in which a large area is under hemp cultivation. In others hemp cultivation is carried on to a very small extent. The ganja crop being of no other use, except as a narcotic, such quantities are only raised as are sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the district and the surrounding non-producing places. 8. I did not get statistics about such areas. I am, however, of opinion that in some districts there is a gradual decrease in the area under hemp cultivation, owing probably to the fact that ganja is now being grown in many places where it was formerly not cultivated and consequently where it was required to be taken for local consumption from other localities. Cultivators of the hemp plant are not, under the present system of the abkari administration, at liberty freely to take the ganja produced by them to the market, and sell it there openly like other commodities. For its sale they entirely depend on the ganja farmer. If, therefore, the ganja is not purchased by the farmer, the cultivator must keep it in his house and allow it to decay, thus losing the profit from his field for one whole year. This state of things is quite likely to induce the cultivator to give up the cultivation of the hemp plant, and this tendency may partly act in reducing the area under hemp cultivation. 12. No, I don't think wild hemp is cultivated anywhere in the four districts for the production of ganja. 13. In the Konkan district, lying at the foot of the Sahyadri range of hills, there is no cultivation, I am informed, of the hemp plant for ganja. In all districts above the Ghâts, however, hemp plant is cultivated more or less for the pro duction of ganja. Dry climate, moderate rain fall, and rich black or red soil, are the necessary conditions for the successful growth of hemp plant for ganja. No ganja can, I think, he produced in places where there is excessive rainfall, as in the Konkan. Whether the elevation above sea level has much to do with the success of a ganja crop, I am not in a position to say definitely. Among the Deccan districts, Ahmednagar and, after that, Satara are the only districts in which there are extensive hemp plantations as compared with other Collectorates. Why these two alone are selected for such extensive hemp plantations in preference to others, which possess the same advantages of climate, etc., is a question which is somewhat difficult to answer. It seems to me that the ganja produced in these two districts is considered to be of a superior quality, and has consequently a greater demand in the foreign market. Large quantities of this ganja are exported to many of the European countries, and this, I think, is the reason why these two districts have such an extensive hemp plantation all along. - Evidence of RAO SAHEB GANESH PANDURANG THAKAR, Deshastha Brahmin, Mamlatdar, Pandharpur, Sholapur District, at present auditing the jamabandi accounts of the Poona District, Poona.
3. As far as I know from my experience in the Belgaum, Dharwar and Bijapur districts, hemp plant does not grow spontaneously in any of these districts. 7. In Bijapur town 6 acres and 13 gunthas were cultivated for bhang and ganja. 8. The cultivation is so infinitesimally small that it seems unnecessary to answer the question. 12. Wild hemp is not sown. 13. The cultivation of ganja is not restricted to any part of the country. Moisture and a supply of water are essential conditions, but rocky soil is unsuitable. - Evidence of RAO SAHEB SHESHO KRISNA MUDKAVI, Mamlatdar of Taluka Bijapur, Bijapur.
7. Cultivation.—In this district hemp plant is cultivated for ganja and bhang. Wild plant is not known. The extent of cultivation at present is about 10 acres only, and the figures for the last ten years have varied every year and ranged between 30 and 10 acres. The outturn has been on an average only 180 maunds, which is very trifling. - Evidence of RAO SAHIB L. M. DESHPANDE, Brahmin, Mamlatdar and Magistrate, 1st Class, Poona City.
13. Mere cultivation of the hemp plant is not restricted by law. The High Court of Bombay have also held so. ( Vide Criminal Rulings No. 82 of 15th November of 1888, Imperatrix vs. Dada bin Apaji.) Though not restricted, the plant is not grown by the people in the five districts in which I have served. - Evidence of RAO SAHIB KRISHNAJI BALLAL DEVAL, Chitpavan, Brahmin, Mamlatdar and Magistrate, 1st Class, Chiplon.
3. I have no knowledge of the district in which the hemp plant grows spontaneously. 4 to 6. Not known. 7. The cultivation of the hemp plant is carried on in the following six villages in the Sangli State to the following extent for production of ganja: 8. Twelve years ago there was no land in the State under hemp cultivation. There has been a gradual increase in the cultivation of hemp, and it is due to the little cost and labour required in rearing the crops as well as to the good price they fetch in the market. 12. Not known. 13. The cultivation of the hemp plant is carried on only in two talukas of the State, as mentioned in answer No. 7. The above villages have taken to hemp cultivation on seeing the villagers of Lengre, a village in the Khanapur taluka of the. Satara Collectorate, known for extensive cultivation of this plant, derive large profits therefrom. The hemp plant is grown chiefly on high lands. The plant seems to flourish best in warm climate and black soil. Rainfall must be moderate. In the Shahapur taluka of this State the cultivation of hemp would be in my opinion an impossibility on account of excessive rain, red soil, and humidity in climate. - Evidence of BALKRISHNA NARAYAN VAIDYA, Parbhu, State Karbhari of Sangli.
3. From the information collected by me, I learn of no instance of the spontaneous growth of the hemp plant anywhere in the Ahmednagar district. 6. As the wild hemp plant is hardly scattered in almost the whole of this district, I am unable to give any definite answer as to whether its growth is either dense or scattered. 7. There is cultivation of the hemp plant in the district of Ahmednagar— (a ) For production of ganja, yes. (b) For production of charas, no (please see answer to questions Nos. 20 and 37). (c) For use as bhang, yes. (d) For its fibre or seed—Simply for seeds, and not for fibres. As the figures of the cultivation of the hemp plant for the current year, viz., 1893-94, are not at present ready, those for the previous one are given here. The cultivation of the hemp plant in this province is given for each taluka in the following table for the year 1892-93 :—No. Name of taluka. AREA, 1892-93. Acres. Gunthas.
1 Nagar • • • • 177 34 2 Parner • • • • ...... 3 Shrigonda • • • ...... 4 Karjat • •
••20 24 5 Jamkhed • • ••... ...6 Sheogaon • • •• 17 7 7 Newasa • • • • 62 4 8 Rahuri • • •• 89 25½ 9 Kopargaon • •• 10 ... 10 Sangamner • •• 5 ... 11 Akola • • • • ... ...
TOTAL . 382 14½ 8. As compared with the area formerly under cultivation of the hemp plant for the last five years in this district, it would be seen that there is an increase in the area under cultivation of the hemp plant, with the exception of the last year, which is mainly attributable to excessive rainfall. 12. The wild hemp is nowhere specially cultivated for the production of ganja in this district. As there is no such cultivation perceptible, I am unable to give the names of the districts or tracts in which this occurs, as well as the extent to which the practice exists. I am unable to say anything as to whether the male plant is extirpated in such cases or not. 13. The cultivation of the hemp plant for ganja is not restricted in the district of Ahmed-nagar. Although it is not restricted in this district, yet the cultivation of it is not common to the whole of this district, because it requires soil of the black and best quality, and moderate rainfall is needed. The conditions of climate, soil, rainfall, elevation above sea level, etc., are essentially necessary for its production. In the talukas of Jamkhed and Akola of this district the cultivation of the hemp plant is impossible owing to the hilly nature of these talukas, because the hemp plant being a deep-rocted plant, its roots cannot sufficiently find their way underneath the ground. Owing to this defect in the soil, its cultivation becomes impossible. In the Akola taluka, where the rainfall is generally heavy, the cultivation of the hemp plant does not at all take place. - Evidence of DADABHAI BURJORJEE GUZDER, Parsi, District Abkari Inspector, Ahmednagar.
3. I do not know of any districts in Guzerat or Deccan where the hemp plant grows spontaneously. It does not grow spontaneously in Kaira and Satara. 6. As wild hemp does not grow here, I cannot say if the growth is dense or scattered. 7. Hemp plant is cultivated for production of ganja in the Satara district. About 300 acres of land were under cultivation during 1892-93. It is not cultivated for production of charas or for use as bhang or for its fibre or seeds. vol. vii.8. I do not find any considerable increase or de crease in the area under cultivation. The amount of cultivation is almost in the same state in which it has been for some time. 12. I am not aware of any districts in which the wild hemp is specially cultivated for the pro duction of ganja. 13. The cultivation of the hemp plant for ganja is not restricted in this province. It is not, however. common to all districts, the conditions being necessary for the cultivation. Ganja plants would not grow in places where the rainfall was heavy or the temperature low. The cultivation of hemp plant for ganja in Mahableshwar and other similar places would be impossible. - Evidence of KHAN SAHIB NASARVANJI EDALJI SETHNA, Parsi, Abkari Inspector , Satara.
3 to 6. Though stray plants are occasionally to to be met with growing in house yards, manure heaps, waste grounds, etc., from seeds accidentally dropped, spontaneous growth of the hemp plant to any extent is unknown in the Deccan dis tricts. 7. Though hemp drugs are indulged in to a certain extent, their use in this presidency cannot be described as being general, except in Sind, where bhang is consumed as a beverage made up in the manner to be described. The hemp plant is therefore cultivated on a very limited scale, as shown in statement A hereto appended. In Gujarat, Surat alone has an appreciable area under hemp, mostly in the head-quarters taluka of Chorasi. The cultivation appears to be chiefly for bhang, Surat being one of the sources of bhang supply to the Bombay market. In the Karnatak hemp is found under cultivation in the neighbourhood of the town of Bijapur. But this cultivation is of recent date, having been introduced in 1887-88. The principal locality of hemp cultivation in the presidency proper is the Deccan, chiefly the districts of Ahmednagar and Satara, where the plant is grown primarily for ganja for local consumption and for export to Bombay. In the Deccan the use of bhang is much more limited than that of ganja, and the drug is not separately produced. What is sold as bhang consists of broken leaves with the refuse left in the curing of ganja. Charas, the resin obtained from the hemp plant, is rarely used and little manufactured. Charas is not gathered from the plant as in Bengal. Sometimes, but rarely, in the Ahmednagar district the glutinous substance adhering to the hands and feet of men employed in treading and pressing ganja is scraped off and stored for private consumption, but not for sale. The few persons who, like the Hindu and Muhammadan ascetics and others hailing from Northern India, smoke charas, obtain it from Bombay, which receives its supply of the drug from Northern India, Afghanistan and Yarkand. Hemp is not grown for its fibre. 8. The area under hemp (vide appended statement) has been decreasing, tendency being attributed to the restriction imposed upon the disposal of the crop. The area under the crop is recorded, and the crop is watched by the village officers, and it cannot be disposed of without the necessary permit. Again, as the crop cannot be sold except to the licensed farmer, and as all hemp drugs will not keep good longer than a year, the result is that in some places the crop is not raised unless the purchase is guaranteed previously by a licensed vendor. Lengre in the Khanapur taluka of Satara, and Javulke in the Khed, and Jategaon, Mukhai, and Shikrapur in the Sirur talukas of Poona are famous for their ganja. 13. All the Deccan districts grow ganja for local consumption, but Ahmednagar, Satara, and Nasik also for export ; but its area is especially large in the Khanapur taluka of Satara, and the Nagar, Rahuri and Newasa talukas of Ahmednagar. The cultivation once established seems to be maintained by the skill acquired and handed down from father to son. It may also be due to the suitability of soil, dry climate and light rainfall, which are essential for the proper growth of the plant. The extension of the cultivation of the plant in equally favourable parts of other districts is discouraged for reasons stated in reply No. 8. The plant is not likely to produce a large flowering top in the hilly tracts of the Western Ghauts and the Konkan, where the rainfall is excessive. - Evidence of YASHVANT NILKANTH, Patana P rabhu, Superintendent, Office of Survey Commissioner, and Director of Land Records and Agriculture, Bombay.
3. It grows to a certain extent in the Deccan spontaneously. 5. Requires good soil and moderate rain. 6. Dense. 7. Considerably cultivated in the Ahmednagar district, (a) for ganja, (c) for bhang, (d) for seeds, not for (b) charas, or (d) fibre. No. 13. (a) Yes. (b) Excessive rainfall would prevent its cultivation in the Konkan. - Evidence of MR. G. P. MILLET, Divisional Forest Officer, West Thana, Thana.
3. In the Nagar district only. Talukas Nagar, Karjat, Newasa, Rahuri, Kopergaon, Sheogaon, Parner, Shrigonda. Abundant in the first three. 6. There is a kind of ganja which is known as ran ganja, but this term is only applied to ganja that depends upon the rainfall, as distinct from well water or irrigation, for its cultivation. 7. (a) Yes. (b) Charas is also produced in the picking and preparation of the plant for ganja ; but it is not produced specially for consumption ; or, if so, it is surreptitiously so used. At Maka, taluka Newasa, and at Kamargaon, taluka Nagar, it is cultivated for seed purposes. (c) and (d) Yes. 8. The plants grown exclusively for seed purposes are known as bhang plants, because the best bhang comes from them. 12. No, so far as this district is concerned. 13. A permit has to be obtained for the preparation of ganja but not for the cultivation of the hemp plant—vide answer to question 9. The Akola and Sangamner talukas being in parts rocky would not be suitable for the cultivation of the hemp plant to any great extent. - Evidence of MR. H. KENNEDY, District Superintendent of Police, Ahmednagar.
7. Yes, 336 acres, 13 gunthas. From the plant, ganja, charas and bhang and seeds are made and extracted, but this plant is not cultivated for these purposes separately. Cultivation of the hemp plant is chiefly carried on in the Khanapur taluka and at the village of Lengri. The area under cultivation in that taluka is 286 acres, 26 gunthas ; and in the other talukas as follows :— Walwa . . 13 acres . 10gunthas. Khatao . . 25 „ . ... „ Tasgam . . 1„ . 17 „ Khoregam . 10 „ . 26 „ 8. There has been no recent considerable increase or decrease in area under cultivation. 12. The so-called wild hemp is nowhere cultivat -ed for the production of ganja in this district. 13. It is only restricted to the extent that the cultivator has to obtain a permit to enable him to dispose of his crop. - Evidence of MR. J. E. DOWN, Districts Superintendent of Police, Satara.
7. Hemp is cultivated in a few places in the Indapur, Shirur, and Khed talukas of this district. Charas is not used here. The other pro-ducts are collected. 13. The cultivation is not restricted to any particular part of this district. - Evidence of MAJOR T. R. M. MACPHERSON, District Superintendent of Police, Poona.
3. The hemp plant, so far as I know, does not grow spontaneously in any of the Gujarat districts. It it said, however, to grow wild in the Palanpur. Superintendency. 7. Hemp is cultivated to a small extent in this district for use as bhang, from 20 to 25 acres being under cultivation in the Chorasi and Olpad talukas. 8. There has been a decrease during recent years in the acreage under hemp cultivation in this district. In 1889 some 30 to 35 acres were so cultivated in the Chorasi taluka alone; but the cultivators not being able to sell it to the licensee it had to be destroyed, as they cannot otherwise dispose of it. 13. Hemp is not cultivated for ganja in this district, or in any part of Gujarat, so far as I know. - Evidence of MR. F. T. V. AUSTIN, District Superintendent of Police, Surat.
3. I have never seen the hemp plant growing spontaneously in any district of which I have experience ; occasionally an odd tree or so may be found near the haunts of fakirs or sadhus, but they are very rare. The presence of these trees is accounted for by fakirs and sadhus, who say that seeds discarded when preparing ganja for smoking germinate. 7. There is no cultivation of the hemp plant in this State, and, as far as I have been able to ascertain, I believe it is not cultivated through-out the province of Guzerat. 8. The plant is not cultivated in this province.12. I have no personal knowledge of the cultivation of wild hemp, and no information can be obtained on the subject here. 13. The cultivation of the hemp plant is not prohibited in this State. - Evidence of MR. T. G. FOARD, Superintendent of Police, Cambay.
7. Hemp is cultivated to a small extent in two talukas of this district, Olpad and Chorasi vol. vii.
and the land used for this purpose may be about 30 acres. 8. In consequence of the restrictions imposed by the Abkari Act, for transporting and exporting ganja and bhang, and for their sale and possession, the cultivation was given up owing to its being troublesome and unremunerative. - Evidence of KHAN BAH ADUR NANABHOY COWASJI, P arsi, City Police Inspector, Surat.
3. In many districts of this presidency the hemp plant is occasionally found growing spontaneously, but not abundantly. 6. Scattered in this province. 7. It is cultivated chiefly in Khandesh, Ahmednagar and Sholapur districts of this presidency, and to a very small extent in Poona, Satara, Surat, Broach and Nasik districts for the production of ganja only. 8. Recently there has, been a considerable decrease in the area under hemp cultivation on account of great restrictions placed on the cultivation, preparation, and sale of the drug by Government. 13. Almost restricted to Khandesh, Ahmednagar and Sholapur districts. These were selected on account of the rich black soil free from shade, dry sunny climate, and moderate rainfall. Ganja is cultivated in other districts to a small extent. Ganja can be only produced on the plains of tropical India with a moderate amount of rainfall, and a dry sunny climate from sea-level up to an elevation of about 4,000 feet, the soil being a light sandy loam, rich black or greyish white. - Evidence of GANESH KRISHNA GARDE, * Brahmin, Medical Practitioner, Poona City.
3. It grows spontaneously in the Deccan, such as Poona, Satara, Ahmednagar, Dhawad in Khandesh ; such as Nusseerabad in the Konkan; as Panwel; and in the Gujarat, such as Surat, Ahmedabad and Baroda. 7. The hemp plant is cultivated for the production of (a) ganja, and for the production of (b) bhang in Ahmednagar, Satara, Sholapur and Poona, and to a certain extent in Surat. - Evidence of BHALCHANDRA KRISHNA BHATAVADEKAR, Brahmin, Medical Practitioner, Bombay.
7. There is cultivation of the hemp plant in the Surat district, which is my home, (a) for ganja, (c) for bhang, (d) for seeds. At Bhatta, a village in the Surat district. I know also that the hemp plant is cultivated for bhang at Diva and Devi villages, near Ankleshwar in the Broach district. - Evidence of UTTAMRAM JEEWANRAM, ITCHAPOORIA, Audesh, Brahmin, Native Doctor (Vaidya), Bombay and Surat.
3. The hemp plant does not grow spontaneously. The plant is required to be cultivated. The hemp plant is generally known by the name of bhang tree. Some of the bhang trees get flowers; these trees are called bhangro. These trees are pulled out from the field, as the existence of these trees spoils other plants. This flowering plant is male plant. 6. The growth of the wild hemp plant is scattered. Ganja prepared from the wild plant is known by the name of gurakh ganja. 7. Formerly there was cultivation of hemp plant in Bhattu and Kawas villages of the Surat district. At present there is no cultivation of hemp plant in those villages. These plants were cultivated for production of bhang only. Ganja and charas were not prepared. 8. I do not know anything about this question. - Evidence of KESHOWRAM HARIDAT, Chcepooria, Audesh Brahmin, Native Doctor (Vaidya) , Render, Surat and Bombay.
7. The hemp plant is cultivated in many parts of the Bombay presidency. For use as bhang vol. vii. the plant is cultivated in Guzerat. Bhang is also imported from the Punjab. - Evidence of MR. PURBHURAM JEEWANRAM, Nagar Brahmin, Native Doctor (Vaidya), Bombay.
7. There is no cultivation of the hemp plant in the island of Bombay. I am aware there is cultivation of the hemp plant in the districts of Ahmednagar and Satara for (a) and (d) , and cultivation of the hemp plant in the districts of Surat and Broach for (c) . - Evidence Of VITHALDAS PRANJIWANDASS, Bhunksali Landlord and Trader, late Intoxicating Drugs Farmer, Bombay.
3. None in the district I have been living in. None to my knowledge. 6. The growth of the wild hemp is somewhat scattered. 7. Yes; there is cultivation of hemp plant for production of ganja only in the district I live in. Hemp plant is cultivated in abundance in about ten villages in Khanapur taluka and in three villages in Khatav taluka and in isolated villages of Satara and Valva talukas. Lengre, Devikhind, Valet, Sangola and Bhad in Khanapur taluka are much famous for ganja. 8. There has been no large increase in the area under cultivation. In 1890-91 the area under cultivation amounted to about 41 acres of land. 13. No; it is not restricted to any special locality or province. Anybody can cultivate, but all that he has to do is to obtain permission from the local authorities. No special condition of climate, soil, etc., is necessary for the cultivation of hemp plant - Evidence of RAMCHANDRA KRISHNA. KOTIIAVALE, Brahmin, Inamdur, Taluka Wai, in Satara District.
3. The hemp plant does not grow spontaneous¬ly in the district of which I have knowledge. 6. It does not grow wild in this district, so I can give no information. 7. Yes, in some villages, particularly in the Jalgaon Taluka. (a) For the production of ganja. (c) For the use of bhang. Reliable statistics of the area under cultivation can be obtained from the Collector of the district. 8. I hear there is no considerable increase or decrease in the area of cultivation. 12. No, so for as I know. 13.Yes, it is restricted. It cannot he cultivated without a license from the Collector of the district. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR GOVINDRAO RAMCHANDRA GARUD, Pleader Dhulia, Khandesh.
3 to 6. I have no information. 7. No ; but there is a species of hemp plant known as "ambada" in the Marathi language and " poondi" in Canarese, which is used for cordage or fibre ; but it is quite different from the hemp plant which is referred to in the questions. 13. It is not cultivated in this district, but in the Satara, Ahmednagar and other districts. Its cultivation is not common to all districts. They say it does not require a heavy and constant rainfall, so its cultivation in some parts of this district is not impossible. But I cannot exactly say why its cultivation is totally neglected in this district.- Evidence of RAO BAHADUR HUCHRAO ACHUT HARIHAR, Deshast Brahmin, Pleader, District Court, Belgaum.
3. I have the knowledge of the Khandesh district of the Bombay presidency, from which I can safely say that the hemp plant does not spontaneously grow in this district. 6. As wild hemp does not grow at all in this district, I am unable to supply any information regarding it. 7. Hemp is cultivated in Jalgaon and Sawada talukas of this district for the production of ganja and for the use as bhang to the extent of about 25 acres a year, and neither for the production of charas nor for its fibres, nor seeds. (The seed required for the production of ganja or bhang is imported from Khandwa.) 8. As the ganja vendors in this district import ganja from the Central Provinces and sell it here on account of its superior quality, a decrease has recently been caused in the area under such cultivation. About ten years ago the cultivation of ganja was prohibited in Central Provinces, when it was exported there from this district. The area then under such cultivation was about 200 acres. Now there is no such prohibition in those provinces. 12. As there is no wild hemp in this district, I am unable to answer this question. 13. The cultivation of the hemp plant for ganja is not restricted in this district. It is cultivated only in Jalgaon and Sawada talukas The ordinary rainfall in, and the climate of, this district are respectively sufficient for, and congenial to, the growth of these plants. The soil must be partly white and partly black. The cultivation of ganja is not impossible in any part of this district. - Evidence of NARO DHAKADEO, Brahmin, Pleader, Jalgaon, District Khandesh.
3. In none of the districts embraced in these replies does the hemp plant grow spontaneously, and the questions 4, 5 and 6 under this chapter require no answers. 7. Two varieties of hemp are more or less widely cultivated in the division for the sake of fibre. They are known as toga and ambada, the botanical equivalents respectively being " Crotalaria juncea," " Hibiscus cannabinus," and the approximate area of their cultivation from the latest published returns are as below:—
Name of the district. Area in acres of cultivation of taga, "Crotalaria juncea." Area in acres of cultivation of ambada, Hibiscus cannabinus." Kolaba . . . 564 178 Ratnagiri . 1,576 ...... Canara . , . 93 68 Bijapur . . 91 5,438 Belgaum . . 2,223 3,352 Dharwar . . 119 4,368. But the hemp plant which produces ganja bhang, etc., is only cultivated on a very small seale in the Collectorate of Bijapur and in the States of Jamkhindi and Jata. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR VISHWANATH KESHAWA JOGLEKAR, Brahmin, Sowkar, Karajgi in Dharwar District.
3. There is cultivation of the hemp plant in my province of Gujarat. (a) None for production of ganja. (b) None for production of charas, (c) There is some grown for use of bhang. (d) None for production of fibre or seeds especially. The hemp plant is cultivated in the districts of Surat, Broach, Kaira and Ahmedabad in the province of Gujarat for use as bhang only to a very limited extent. As regards the Broach district, the average area under bhang cultivation is about three-fourths of an acre during the last ten years, which is restricted only to the village of Bhore -Bhata in the Broach taluka. I have no access to the records of other collectorates to obtain similar information. 13. Ganja is not at all cultivated in Gujarat. - Evidence of JAMSEDJEE NASSERWANJEE GINWALLA,* Shenshai Parsi, Abkari and Opium Farmer, and proprietor of cotton-ginning factories, Ankleswar.
3. Hemp plant is not seen by me growing spontaneously without any seed. So far as I know, hemp growing in the alluvial deposits on the banks of the Indus or the Ganges and of the canals flowing from it, is the production of the seed washed away or brought by the muddy water of the rivers, but I have never seen it growing abundantly. I have seen hemp growing on the hills near Sehwan, and it at first appeared to me to be growing spontaneously, but I soon dicovered that parrots, while returning to their nests on the hills, brought a branch or tops of the hemp plant from the territories of His Highness Mir Ali Murad Khan, Jaipur, on the opposite side and dropped the seeds there. The name of the bhang grown from these seeds is bhang-i-kohi or Kohis-tani. I will speak about its properties at the proper place. 6. The growth of the wild hemp is scattered and not dense. Two plants can hardly be seen together. 7. In the Surat district, Charasi taluka, in the villages of Bhatpur, Itchapur, and Kanar, the cultivation of the hemp is carried on for the production of (c) bhang only. About 30 bighas of land is generally used in the cultivation. No attempt is being made here to produce ganja and charas, nor is fibre extracted from the stems of the plant. At Broach and Nadiad hemp is grown for use as bhang only, but not to such an extent as in Surat. 8. There has been a continual decrease in the area under cultivation every year owing to the worry and trouble the cultivator is put. In the first instance, before putting the seed into the ground he must apply to the mamlatdar for a pass; secondly, while the plant is growing he is generally watched by abkari officers and the contractor; and thirdly, when the crop is ready he must remove it under a pass and give it to the contractor for what he chooses to pay, i.e ., he is at the mercy of the contractor, who generally has the contract for the whole province as at present. 12. No. I have no reason to suppose that wild hemp is specially cultivated anywhere for the production of ganja. 13. No ; on the contrary in Gujarat, i.e., at Surat, Broach and Nariad, the cultivation of the hemp plant is restricted for bhang. It might be so restricted in Sind for aught I know. The cultivation of hemp for ganja alone is also possible in Gujarat. The conditions of climate, soil, rainfall, etc., are the same as for the cultivation of hemp ; for bhang, a little richer soil, mixed with rotten leaves manure, is perhaps necessary. - Evidence of NANNU MIAN B.SHAIKH, Municipal Secretary, Surat.
3. Hemp neither grows spontaneously nor is cultivated in the Dharwar district. The Jath State is the nearest tract to Dharwar where the plant is cultivated. I have, however, seen the male plant spontaneously grown singly in my garden once or twice. 7. No. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR VENKAT RANGO KATTI, Pensioner, Dharwar.
3. The hemp plant grows spontaneously in the districts of Dharwar, Belgaum, Bijapur, Satara, and Ahmednagar. The plants grow wherever the seeds happen to fall down on the ground in back yards or in other open places; but they do not yield ganja and die away as useless vegetables. 6. The growth of the wild hemp is ordinarily scattered like tobacco plants. 7. The hemp is cultivated in our province for the production of the ganja alone and and not for charas, which is the natural yield of the plants, and also not for bhang, which is obtained in course of the process of the preparation of the ganja and while packing it up for export. It is not cultivated for fibre or seeds. It is cultivated in (1) Lengre and Devikhindi, and in their surrounding villages in the Vithe taluka of the Satara district ; (2) in Savalgi of the Jamkhandi State ; (3) in Surdi in the Barsi taluka of the Sholapur district ; and (4) in some villages of the Ahmednagar district. It is cultivated in fields of which the soil is best fitted for the purpose. The produce in these places suffices for the requirements of the district comprised in the Central and Southern Divisions. 8. From the information obtainable, it is ascertained that the cultivation covers a larger area than before. The increase in the area has been gradual, because the number of consumers is gradually increasing and the price of the hemp drugs is rising. 12. The wild hemp is not generally cultivated for the production of ganja anywhere. The male plant should in either case be extirpated. 13. The cultivation of the hemp plant for ganja is restricted in our province. It is restricted to the districts of Satara, Ahmednagar, Sholapur, and to the State of Jamkhindi, because ganja grows only in these districts. The hemp plant is not grown in the other districts, therefore they are not restricted there. It is cultivated in the above Ghat districts only. The soil for its cultivation should be whitish-black (halyeri) or red soil (masari) with no stones in it. The rainfall required should be a little more than that required for the growth of wheat and a little less than that required for jowari. The climate should be cold. Its cultivation is impossible in Mallad tracts, where the rainfall is generally heavy and the soil is red and stony, and also in rich black soil, where the rainfall is untimely and generally insufficient. There are some places where the soil will be fit to cultivate the hemp plant; but the people there ; being quite ignorant to cultivate it, it is not undertaken, as it is restricted by Government, and is attended with inordinate agricultural labour. - Evidence of GURAPPA RACHAPPA, Lengayet, Office of Shetti (Revenue and Police), Dharwar.
3. Wild hemp is said to grow in the Sind hills, I have never seen it in the plains. 6. I do not know whether its growth is dense or scattered ; but in the Sind hills the latter may safely be inferred, as the hills are for the most part bare and barren. 7 . Hemp in Sind is cultivated for use as bhang only, never for ganja or charas ; and as those preparations of the drug are not prepared in Sind, and only imported into it to a very limited extent, to be used chiefly by foreigners, I have for the most part withheld any remarks regarding them, thinking that such would be far more reliably obtained in the provinces where they are prepared and in common use. Sometimes, but very rarely, the thick stalks of the plant are placed in water to rot, and with great. labour rope or twine is made from them by individual persons for special purposes; but the plant is never grown for the use of its fibre or of its seed only. 8. There has been no considerable fluctuation in the area under hemp in recent years. The landholder cultivates it with the sole object of getting a larger profit from it than from other crops; but he is in reality the slave of the licensed farmer who can buy his crop or not if he likes. Cultivation, therefore, never, increases beyond the farmer's requirements. - Evidence of MR. R. GILES, Collector, Shikarpur.
3. A plant resembling the hemp plant is said to be found growing wild in the hills along the Khirta range and on the western border of Sind ; it is called "Igoi." It operates quicker, and its effects are more pronounced than in the case of bhang. - Evidence of Mr. C. E. S. STAFFORD STEELE, Officiating Deputy Commissioner, Thar and Parkar District.
3. In no district of this province does the hemp plant grow spontaneously. 7. Hemp is cultivated in this province only for use as bhang and for its seed, but for no other purposes. 8. There is a gradual increase in the cultivation of bhang owing to the increase in population, but the increase is not very great. 12. I cannot answer this. 13. As ganja is not manufactured from hemp in this province, I cannot answer this question satisfactorily. I can only add this much, that as hemp is raised to its perfection in this province, there is no reason why ganja could not be made out of it locally, if the cultivators knew how to manufacture it. - Evidence of KHAN BAHADUR KADIRDAD KHAN GUL KHAN, C.I.E., Deputy Collector, Naushahro Sub-division.
3. It grows spontaneously in the Saharanpur district, North-Western Provinces. It is known to grow spontaneously, and I have myself seen it grow in my own village Ambahta, also near Rurki and Piran Kaliar in the Saharanpur district. 6. It is scattered, as I have seen it in the Saharanpur district. 7. (a) and (b) No. (c) and (d) Yes. I have got statistics only for the Thul and Kashor talukas, of which I hold charge. In the Thul taluka no hemp was cultivated during the past nineteen years ; only eight acres of land was cultivated in that taluka in 1873–74. In the Kashmor taluka the following areas were sown in the past twenty years :—A. G. 1873–74 Nil. 1874–75 Nil. 1875–76 0 30 1876–77 0 6 1877–78 0 0 1878–79 0 5 1879–80 0 0 1880–81 0 24 1881–82 0 0 1882–83 0 0 1883–84 0 0 1884–85 0 0 1885–86 1 34 1886–87 0 5 1887–88 0 8 1888–89 0 7 1889–90 0 0 1890–91 0 0 1891–92 0 22 1892–93 0 0 . Details of Cultivation of Hemp Drugs (Bhang) in the Jacobabad Taluka.YEAR. ABEA. UNDER CULTIVATION. A. G. 1873–74 2 22
1874–75 . . . . . 4 0 1875–76 . . . . . 1 4 1876–77 . . . . 2 24 1877–78 . . . . 0 1 1878–79 No details available. 1879–80 . . . . . 0 6 1880–81 0 0 Details not available from 1881-82 to 1883-84, and there was no cultivation in 1884-85 to 1892-93. Note.—For Shabadadpur taluka no details available, and no hemp was sown in 1883-84 to 1892-93. This taluka was amalgamated with this district in 1883-84 ; prior to it, it formed part of the Shikarpur district. 8. There being no considerable increase or decrease, no explanation is required. 13. The hemp plant is not cultivated in this district for the production of ganja, as ganja is rarely used in this district. Do not know. - Evidence of S. SADIK ALI SHERALI, Deputy Collector and First Class Magistrate, Frontier District of Upper Sind.
3. Bhang only is grown in Sind, but it is nowhere abundant. 6. I cannot answer this. 7. (a) No.
(b) (b) No. (c) Yes. (d) Yes, for seed only. In Upper and Middle Sind, and to a limited extent. 8. There has been no considerable increase or decrease in the cultivation of bhang. 12. No. 13. This does not refer to Sind, where ganja is not manufactured. - Evidence of WADHUMAL CHANDIRAM, Pensioner, late Huzur Deputy Collector. Karachi.
3. I do not know where the hemp plant grows spontaneously, but the hill plant called akoi is said to be grown in Tando Rahimkhan in the Karachi district. It is cultivated in abundance at Bubak near Sehwan. 7. The hemp plant is cultivated near Sehwan— (c) for use as bhang ; (d) for seeds to a great extent at Bubak. 12. No. 13. No restriction exists, but this practice prevails to a great extent in Hindustan and Punjab, but not in Sind. - Evidence of RAHMATALA KHAN, Police Inspector, Shikarpur.
3. I do not know. It does not grow in this province. 7. Yes. (a) and (b) No. (c)Yes. (d) Not for fibre, but for seeds. It can be cultivated anywhere in Sind, but it is cultivated in the following places:--Kbibar, Talu-ka Hala, Zillah Hyderabad, Bubak, Zillah Karachi, villages Ghari Mori and Machin and in its suburbs, in His Highness the Amir Alimurad's territory and Shikarpur District. I cannot say what quantity is produced. 8. I cannot say. 12. I do not know. The male plant is extirpated, otherwise all the plants would become male plants. 13. It is not restricted; people can cultivate it. It can be freely cultivated in all districts, provided the soil is selabi, is deeply ploughed, abundantly watered, exposed to free air, and taken care of every time. No. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR LAKSHMANSING MATTHRAJI , Police Inspector,
3. I hear the akoi bhang grows spontaneously in the hills. 7. Hemp plant is cultivated in Bubak taluka, Sehwan Khebor taluka, Halla, and in the Khair-pur State for the production of bhang seeds. - Evidence of MUHAMMAD MURID, Police Inspector, Naushahro.
3. The wild hemp (i.e., bhang) plant is said by the ganja contractor to grow at a place called Gondrani in Lus Beyla, bordering on the Karachi District. 7. The hemp plant is grown for use as bhang in the province, chiefly at Buback and Thatte (Karachi District), Khaiber in Hyderabad District and in the Shikarpur District. 8. These particulars supplied in statistical returns to Commissioner in Sind. 13. Ganja is not grown in Sind. - Evidence of MR. GEO. J. BARKER, Abkari Inspector, Karachi.
3. I am not aware of the spontaneous growth of the hemp plant in any part of the Karachi district. 7. (a) and (b) None. (c) and (d) Yes, at Bubak in the Sehwan taluka; and I believe it used to be cultivated in the Tatta taluka about the Calri canal and in the vicinity of the Fakirjo gate. 13. In the district with which I am conversant the hemp plant is not cultivated for ganja. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR ALUMAL TRIKAMDAS BHOJWANI, Deputy Educational Inspector, Karachi.
3. Bhang is cultivated in abundance in Bubak, taluka Sehwan, district Karachi, but does not grow spontaneously. 6. The wild plant does not grow here. Nor have I seen it. 7. Bhang is cultivated in Sind. (a) Ganja is not prepared in Sind. (b) Charas is not prepared in Sind. (c) The hemp plant is used for bhang in Sind. (d) It is not cultivated for its fibres, but for its seeds and for the drink which is made from it. It is abundant in Tapa Bubak. 8. The cultivated area is neither increasing nor decreasing. It is stationary. 12. I know nothing about this, and no one in this province knows where it is prepared. 13. There is none in this province. I do not know anything of it in the place where it is produced - Evidence of MAKHDUM DOST MOHAMMED MAKHDUM FAZUL MOHAMMED, Zamindar, Bubak, Karachi.
3. The hemp plant grows spontaneously only in the Kohistan part of Sind. It grows there because of the heavy rainfall. Kohistan is a mountainous tract on the western side of the districts of Karachi and Shikarpur. But in Kohistan the wild plant grows in certain tracts only and not everywhere. Moreover, in any damp place or on the edges of hollows, where rain water lodges, and in other places seeds of the he mp plant accidentally thrown or left there by bhang drinkers, who may have pounded the leaves and drunk it there, spring up when any rain falls on them; but these scattered plants are often eaten by cattle. 6. The wild plant grows scattered, and not as dense as the cultivated bhang, the reason being cultivated bhang is irrigated and gets all the water that it requires, whereas the wild bhang gets no certain supply of water. 7. In Sind the hemp plant is cultivated— (a) to produce ghundi ganja; (b) not for the production of charas; (c) for use as bhang; (d) for fibres and seeds. The fibres are called hemp sinee (fibres). The hemp plant is cultivated in all parts and districts of Sind. But charas is not made from the Sind hemp plant for sale as charas; but in cases in which fakirs cannot get charas, they prepare charas from it and use it themselves. 8. There has been an inrease in the area under hemp cultivation. The reasons are that population has increased. 12. Not in Sind, so I have learnt from inquiries. It appears that the wild plant is cultivated to produce ganja. The tops of the wild plant form ghundi ganja, which, however, is not used in trade. 13. The cultivation of the hemp plant for bhang or ganja is restricted in Sind to the following extent. The cultivator cannot plant it without the permission of the Revenue Officers. This restriction extends to the whole of Sind. No district is free. Even with restrictions the cultivation is common to all districts with the permission of Revenue Officers. But those cultivators who have no intention of cultivating it for sale purposes do so along with other cultivation and consume its produce (whether ganja, or bhang, or ghundi) for their own use. They prepare ropes out of the fibres of the hemp, and use those ropes for tying their cattle. The cultivation of the plant for such purposes is not restricted. There is no part of Sind in which hemp plant cannot be cultivated. All the lands used for agriculture can be used for cultivating hemp. Some lands might produce abundant bhang and others scanty bhang. I have had no opportunity of enquiring into the special conditions of climate, soil, rainfall, elevation above sea level, etc. - Evidence of SETH VISHINDAS NIHALCHAND, Zamindar, Merchant, and Contractor, Manjoo, Karachi.
3. I do not know in what districts the hemp plant grows spontaneously; but I hear that it grows in abundance spontaneously in the Punjab and Baluchistan, owing to the fall of snow and rain. 6. I cannot say anything, as the plant does not grow here. 7. The hemp plant is cultivated. ( a ) and ( b ) No . ( c )Yes. ( d ) For seeds. It is cultivated in taluka Halla, zilla Hyderabad, in taluka Selwan, zilla Karachi, and the produce must be above 3,000 maunds. It is cultivated in limited quantities in other parts of the country, but that is especially reserved by cultivators for their own use, and is not sold to farmers, and about 500 mounds of this kind are raised. Recently there has been a decrease in the area under cultivation in the Halla taluka, for the cultivators find it more convenient and easier and more profitable to cultivate other cereals. Formerly the cotton cultivation was less there than at present, because now, on account of the brisk cottons market, more land is brought under cotton cultivation and less under hemp cultivation. Formerly about 1,000 or 1,200 maunds of bhang were produced; now only 100 or 150 are produced. 12. No wild plant grows here, nor is ganja prepared in this province; therefore I cannot say where the wild plant is cultivated for the production of ganja. I cannot name the districts or the tracts in which this occurs. Nor can I say anything about the extirpation of the male plant in such cases; but in this province the male plant is found in the hemp cultivation, which is made for trade purposes: it is extirpated and reserved by the cultivators for drinking purposes. 13. There is no restriction in this province, and I cannot say in what other districts such a restriction is in force, and why those districts were selected, and why there is no restriction here, because no hemp is cultivated for the production of ganja. I hear that ganja is cultivated in Bombay, Panvel, and in Cutch. If it were cultivated here it can be done; but people do not know how to cultivate it. - Evidence of MAHOMED LAIK, Mukhtarkar of Hyderabad.
3. It grows on the hills west of Sind (Beluchistan) and in the Punjab. 4, 5 and 6. I cannot say. 7. (a) and (b) No. (c) and (d) Yes. Mostly in Bubak in the Sehwan taluka (Karachi district) near Manchar lake ; also in the village of Khabra and Mahra, (Hala taluka, Hyderabad district), and in the taluka of Nowshero Abro (Shikarpur district). 8. I am informed that in the Karachi and Shikarpur districts there was increase owing to favourable inundation last year. In the Hyderabad district there has been considerable decrease in the area under cultivation. 12. Not in Sind, as far as I am aware. 13. Hemp is not cultivated in Sind for the production of ganja. - Evidence of PRIBHDAS SHEWAKRAM ADVANI Secretary, Band of Hope, Hyderabad, Sind.
3. The wild hemp plant grows in the hills, and hemp seeds, lying here and there on the hills, spring up. 7. Yes. It is cultivated in Khandu Khibar and Mahar, taluka Halla, district Hyderabad. It used to be cultivated in Mori Mungar, taluka Hyderabad, and it can be cultivated in any kind of land. It is cultivated in large quantities in Bubak and Arazi, taluka Sehwan, district Karachi, and in talukas Naushahro Ahro and Sukkur, district Shikarpur. It is cultivated with the object of being used as bhang and for seeds. Ganja is not manufactured in Sind, and is imported from Panvel and Cutch. Charas is not prepared in Sind, but is imported from the Punjab. - Evidence of PESUMAL .NARUMAL,
6. Its growth is scattered. 7. Yes, bhang is cultivated in my province. It is pounded and drunk. Majum is also prepared from it. It is produced in Shikarpur, at Bubak, taluka Sehwan, Khebar, zillah Hyderabad, and in Fattu. 8. It grows in abundance in Bubak, taluka Sehwan. It grows to a limited extent in Shikarpur, and in small quantities in Khebar, zillah Hyderbad, and in Fattu. 13. No ganja is produced in Sind. - Evidence of AHRUMOL PRITAMDAS, Farmer of Bhang, Charas, Ganja and Opium, Karachi.
3. Bhang does not grow wild in Sind. 6. The wild hemp ordinarily grows scattered. 7. Bhang is cultivated in my province and is used for drinking; and majum is also made from it. In Shikarpur, Bubak, taluka Sehwan, Khebar, zilla Hyderabad, and in taluka Tatta bhang is cultivated. 13. Ganja is not made in Sind. - Evidence of MANGHANMAL ALUMAL, Bhang, Ganja and Charas, and Opium farmer, Karachi.
3. I hear that the wild hemp plant grows spontaneously in the Punjab and Quetta, where it springs up aided by snow. I cannot, however, give any positive information about it. 6. I cannot say, as the plant does not grow here. 7. It is cultivated-not for (a); not for (b); but for (c). Not for fibres, but for seeds ( d). It is only cultivated in the villages of Khebar and Mehar, taluka Halla, district Hyderabad ; about 500 maunds are produced. The farmer buys it there. It is also cultivated in Bubak, taluka Sehwan, zilla Karachi, and about 3,000 maunds are produced. The farmer buys that too. In the Hyderabad zilla about 500 maunds are produced, out of which 100 maunds are purchased by the farmer. 8. In Khebar and Mehar, taluka Halla, about 1,200 maunds of bhang used to be raised, but now about 100 maunds only are produced. Reasons. The cultivators are engaged in other cultivation. The produce in Bubak is stationary ; it has neither increased nor decreased. 12. No wild hemp is cultivated in the Hyderabad zilla, and I do not know whether ganja is produced from it or not. The male plants growing in the Hyderabad district are extirpated. It is said that they are bhangro,i.e., male plants, and are not used in drinking. 13. The cultivation of the hemp plant for the production of ganja is not restricted in Hyderabad. It is restricted, but the restriction is not in practice, nor are people acquainted with that kind of cultivation, but ganja is cultivated in Panvel, in Bombay, and in Cutch and Bhooj. It can be cultivated, but the people are not acquainted with the mode of cultivation, nor is it usual to cultivate it here, hence it is not cultivated. - Evidence of DAYARAM KISHUNCHAND, Bhang, Charas and Ganja, and Opium Farmer, .Hyderabad.
3. In the Shikarpur district. 6. The wild plant generally grows dense, but its growth is scattered if the soil is poor. 7. Bhang is cultivated in my province ; bhang is produced here, but ganja and charas are imported from foreign countries. 8. Particulars under this question can be obtained from Government records. 12. No hemp is cultivated for the production of ganja in my province, nor is such a practice prevalent here. Ganja is imported from foreign countries . 13. The cultivation of the hemp plant for ganja is not restricted. But no such practice exists in Sind - Evidence of DIN MAHOMED, Contractor, Shikarpur.
3. So far as I can ascertain, the hemp plant does not seem to grow in this part of the province except near Khamgaon in Akola district. It is cultivated there to a small extent. 6. There is no growth of wild hemp in this part of the province. 7 and 8. As it is not cultivated in this district, I am unable to answer to this question. 13. So far as I know, there is no restriction. It is only cultivated in Khamgaon. Ganja could be grown if cultivated here. No special condition of climate, soil, etc., is necessary. - Evidence of C. SHAM RAO, Attachè to the Resident at Hyderabad, now at Pusad, Basim District.
3. I am not aware of any taluk or district in which the hemp plant grows spontaneously or abundantly in Berar. 7. In the following villages of Mulkapur taluk of the Buldana district, the cultivation of hemp plant has hitherto been made for the production of ganja and bhang alone :—Ghamgaon, Sutale, Burti, Godhnapur, Mendhali, Warkhed. The hemp plant has never been cultivated for its fibre or seed. The extent of cultivation, as ascertained from the records in the Deputy Commissioner's Office, during the past several years, will be seen from the following figures :— Years. A. G. 1878-79 25 1; 1879-80 18 34; 1880-81 20 2; 1881-82 44 34; 1882-83 33 0; 1883-84 29 37; 1884-85 16 30; 1885-86 17 0; 1886-87 17 30; 1887-88 12 34; 1888-89 18 17; 1889-90 16 34; 1890-91 0; 1891-92 6 34; 1892-93 12 39. 8. From the above figures the average area under cultivation of the hemp plant during the last fifteen years comes to 19 A. 9 G., while the average cultivation during the past nine years is far below the average area above arrived at. The average during the past nine years is also larger than the area under cultivation during 1892-93. The cultivation is therefore evidently on its decrease. The decrease may be attributed to the fact that although the produce of the hemp plant is lucrative in itself, yet the compulsion to the cultivators to sell the produce to the license vendors alone, and the prohibition to export the produce out of Berar, do not fetch for them good prices expected by them, to cover the expenditure incurred in paying off the license fee as well as in the cultivation of the hemp plant. 12. No, I am not aware of any special cultivation of wild hemp. 13. The cultivation of the hemp plant is not restricted to any particular part of the district. It is freely permitted under certain restriction, viz., the cultivator of the plant is required to obtain a license from the Deputy Commissioner on payment of Rs. 10 for every acre or part of an acre of land intended to be cultivated with the same. Notwithstanding the cultivation is made only in Mulkapur taluk, and that too in very few villages. In the other two taluks, viz., Chikli and Mehkar, no cultivation of the hemp plant is made or ever attempted. The soil required for hemp plant cultivation should be rich black soil suitable for kharif or autumnal crops - Evidence of KRISHNARA0 HARI, Officiatiny Extra Assistant Commissioner, Buldana.
3. So far as I know, the hemp plant does not grow spontaneously. 7. I know of Khamgaon and Sutala only where hemp plant is cultivated for production of ganja and bhang only. Charas is not prepared, nor is fibre or seed obtained from the plant. 8. There has been a decrease within these seven or eight years owing to the rule requiring such cultivators to obtain a license for hemp cultivation. - Evidence of A BARAO JAUROO, Maratha, Karbhari Patel and Special Magistrate, Khamgaon, A kola District.
3.No district. 6.Don't know. 7.(a) Yes. (b)No. (c) No ; small leaves of the plant round the buds which fall while being prepared or in course of trade are known and used as bhang in this province, but said not to be so good as that specially cultivated and obtained from the male plant. (d)No. It is cultivated in the Akola and Amraoti districts. Extent not known personally. 8. and 9. Have no knowledge. 12.None. 13.Yes ; by fees having to be paid to Government and licenses taken out, but not to any district. At present it is grown only in the Akola and Amraoti districts, but they were not selected by Government. I do not know anything about the conditions of soil, etc., for cultivation of hemp. - Evidence of MR. A. ARDAGH, Deputy Superintendent of Excise, Ellichpur.
3 to 6. No knowledge. 7. (a) Yes. (b) No. (c) No, but the chur is used as bhang. (d) No. In Amraoti and Akola zillas of this Berar province; extent, cannot say. 8. No knowledge. 13. Yes. In whole of the Berar province. - Evidence of MR. J. C. WATCHA, Excise Inspector, Ellichpur.
3. Ganja does not grow in this country at all, nor can it be positively said in what districts it grows. But from the information received it can be said that ganja is always imported in this taluk from Khandwa, and from this it seems that ganja might be growing abundantly in the district of Khandwa, province Nemad. 6. Nothing can be said about the growth of jungli ganja being dense or scattered only, because it does not at all grow in this taluk. But some men who had been to Haridwar say that there is jungli ganja in that district, and it grows densely like tarota. 7. In this taluk ganja is neither cultivated for production of ganja nor bhang, nor chains, nor for its seeds. Though Government allows the cultivation of ganja on payment of Rs. 10 per acre, still nobody has cultivated. it till now. 8. Nobody has at any time cultivated ganja in this taluk in his fields, nor is it in practice to do so. Only those who smoke ganja were in the habit of cultivating some plants in their private compounds. But even that is now put a stop to, as it has been disallowed by Government. 12.There is no custom in this taluk of cultivating ganja from the jungli ganja seeds, because there is no growth of jungli ganja in this taluk. It may, perhaps, be used in the countries where there is growth of this. No one can give reliable information about this. My opinion is that where there is a growth of the jungli ganja, the people there perhaps might be planting it in their fields for the purpose of bhang, but not for ganja, because ganja is not prepared at all from it. If people find any plant of jungli ganja they uproot the same, because they have no use of it, and besides it spoils other plants. 13.The cultivator who wishes to cultivate ganja will be allowed to do so on payment of Rs. 10 per acre ; but as nobody has got experience of this, and as there is no cultivation in this taluk, the particulars as regards climate, soil, etc., cannot be supplied, but I think ganja is planted in the white soil and not in the sandy. - Evidence of WAMAN GANESH, Tahsildar, Wun.
3. The people of this taluk have no knowledge as to where the hemp plant grows spontaneously. Some say that these plants grow in the countries adjoining the Himalaya mountains ; but this information is not reliable. Ran ganja is sometimes found in the jungles, but nobody says as to whether this is the same plant of which the information is required. No one can say as to whether this plant brings on intoxication. This plant is scarcely found in the jungles. 6. This plant is never found in the jungles, and hence the information as to its growth cannot be supplied. 7. There is no cultivation of the hemp plant in this taluk for any of the drugs named. 8. As there is no plantation .of the hemp plant in this taluk, this question need not be solved. 10 to 13. Thelinformation on these heads cannot be supplied, as there is no cultivation of this plant. - Evidence of VINAYAK APPAJI KAUR, Brahmin, Officiating Tahsildar, Darwa, Wnn District.
6. The growth of the wild hemp is ordinarily scattered. 7. There is a cultivation of the hemp plant in my province— (a) for production of ganja, (c) for use of bhang, in Khamgaon and Pimpri in the Khamgaon taluk and Sutal in the Malkapur taluk to the slight extent. 8. There has not recently been any considerable increase or decrease in the area under such cultivation. 12. I have no reason to suppose that the (socalled) wild hemp is anywhere specially cultivated for the production of ganja. 13. The cultivation of the hemp plant for ganja is restricted throughout the whole province. The elevated pandhari soil close to villages is necessary for the cultivation of hemp for producing ganja. The soil from which opium crops were used to be taken suited best for ganja crop without any manure. There is no part of my province where its cultivation would be impossible. - Evidence of LAXMAN GOPAL DESHPANDE, Brahmin, Naib Tahsildar, Mangrul Taluk, District Basim.
3.Hemp is not grown here at present, but I am told that it is grown in the Khamgaon taluk about the village Sutala, and hemp grown there is almost sufficient for the wants of the province. 6, It is dense. S. Since the introduction of the license system, there has been great decrease in the area under the cultivation of hemp, and the reasons of this decrease are as follows :— 1st—The cultivators think it troublesome to obtain a license. 2nd—The cultivation of hemp is not always successful, and if the male plant called bhangra is not picked by experts, the whole cultivation ruins and the cultivator risks the tax of the license. 3rd—There is not much demand for ganja, as the cultivator cannot sell it by retail, and he is to sell it to licensed contractors, who know very well that no one besides them would purchase it and therefore buy it at a fallen price. - Evidence of KHAN BAHADUR NAWAB MUHAMMAD SALAMULLA KHA.N, Jagirdar, Deulghat, Buldana District.
3.It is said to grow spontaneously in some parts of MeIghat in Ellichpur district. 7. There is between 14 gunthas to 2 acres of land in Morsi taluk in the Amraoti district, in which hemp is cultivated. Some is also grown at Saloda in Amraoti taluk. It is cultivated for the production of bhang and ganja only. No charas can be produced from the ganja plants in Berar, because they are said to be of inferior quality. The proper plant yielding charas is Baluchar and grows in Upper India. Nothing is made and can be made of the fibre and seeds of the ganja plant. grown here. 8, Decreasing, because it admits of being easily imported from the neighbouring provinces, and also because a special assessment of Rs. 10 an acre is demanded, which is considered prohibitive. 13.There are no restrictions except that of the assessment of Rs. 10 an acre, and that the cultivator cannot sell it to anybody except to the ganja ,contractor. It is not restricted to any district. - Evidence of G. S. KHAPERDE, Brahmin, Pleader, Amraoli.
3. Grows spontaneously everywhere, but not abundantly. 6. Scattered. 7. (a) yes.( b ) No. ( c ) Yes.( d ) No. See Appendix D to the Excise Report for 188081. Cultivation limited to 29 villages at an enhanced assessment of Rs. 10 an acre, and area under cultivation is on the average, during the last nine years, 64 acres and 181/3 guntas. For the last official year (1892-93) the area was 85 acres and 39 guntas in Morsi, Akot, Khamgaon, Jalgoan and Malkapur taluks. 8. No accurate data to go upon; but before 1881 any quantity of land could be sown on payment of a fee of Rs. 8, but since that year the imposition of Rs. 10 on an acre grown must in all probability have produced a decrease. Only 125 acres and 39 guntas are shown as the area under the hemp plant prior to 1884, when the average for seven years is struck. 13. The only restriction is the payment of an enhanced assessment of Rs. 10 an acre. Cultivation is confined at present to only three districts viz., (1) Akola, (2) Amraoti, and (3) Buldana. No special conditions are necessary. But the soil called pandhri in Berar is more favourable than any other. The latter requires good manuring. Cultivation impossible on marshy and rocky land. A good rainfall is required, otherwise artificial irrigation has to be resorted to. It is also sown in well-manured black soil. - Evidence of YESHWANT VAMAN DIGHE, Pleader, Basim.
3.I don't know of any in the Berars. 7. Yes ; for the production of ganja and bhang only, and at the following places :— Salegam Mookind, Mancooliondi, Baroda, Parma, Salegam Bazar, Dahigam near Nandusa, Sootala Bujruk and Khurd, Ghatpuri, Mandka, all in Malkapur taluk. Khamgaon, Huvarkheir Akot, Sirla, Sasti, Alegaon, Manki Dihgam, in Balapur taluk. I can't give the extent. 8. There has been a slight, very slight, decrease within these two years owing to a fall in price. The cultivation, moreover, required much labour. 12. No ; not in Berar. 13. Not restricted. I know it is cultivated in Amraoti, Akola, and Buldana districts, but don't know anything about the other districts. The soil called pandhi close to village sites is the best. It requires ordinary rainfall of the province, but it is not damaged by excessive rainfall, though it would deteriorate a little in effect by more rain. Probably in Yeotmal district it would not grow. But I am not sure. I say it would not, because the people of that district buy ganja here. - Evidence of NIAMAT KHAN BILAN KHAN, Merchant, Balapur, Akola District.
7. Hemp is cultivated to a slight extent in the three taluks, Malkapur, Khamgaon and Akot for the production of ganja and bhang. 12. I have no reason to suppose that the (socalled) wild hemp is anywhere specially cultivated for the production of ganja. 13. The cultivation of hemp for ganja is restricted throughout my province. There are some special conditions of climate, soil, rainfall, etc., which are necessary for the cultivation of hemp for producing ganja. Black soil does not suit it. It is cultivated in the lands adjoining village sites. Rain water alone is not sufficient for hemp ; it requires well water also. The cultivation of hemp is possible throughout my province - Evidence of LAKSHMAN ATMARAM MAHAJAN, Merchant, Manjrul Pir.
3. Ganja is generally cultivated in the Akola district. 6. Cannot give any information regarding growth of wild hemp. As regards cultivated crop, the thinner it is the better. 7. Ganja and bhang are produced in Sutala tahsil, Khamgaon. Extent of cultivation cannot be told, as it depends on the pleasure of the cultivator. S. The area has decreased recently, because the cultivator has to undergo considerable responsibility regarding the crop. 12. The male plant, called bhangra, which grows in the new crop, is extirpated. 13. There is no special restriction. Government gives permission on payment of some fees. This is the practice in all districts. - Evidence of KHAJA ABDUL BAKI, Money-lender, Mehkar, Buldana District.
6. It grows very dense on the hills about Kussowli. 7. Very little. (c) For use as bhang only. (d) For its fibre. In the malis' gardens generated spontaneously. 8. There has been a decrease within the last eight years. The drug contractor offers such a low rate for the bhang grown within the district. 13. No restriction to cultivation, but that the produce must be sold to the Government Contractor. The seed germinates during the rainy season. - Evidence of MR. G. BENNETT, Abkari Inspector, Ajmere.
3. I hear it grows spontaneously in Malwa, parts of the Deccan, and along the North-Western frontier from Saharanpur westwards, under the Himalayas. 6. It is said to be dense. 7. I believe that in all about 40 maunds are cultivated in the Ajmere district by individuals for their own profit. 8. I am told that for the last few years, owing to the scanty rainfall, the amount cultivated has been reduced to the above 40 maunds. When the rainfall is plentiful, probably three times the amount is cultivated. 12. Unable to say. 13. No. - Evidence of MR. G. W. GAYER, District Superintendent of Police, Ajmere.
3. It grows in the districts of the Punjab and Central India. 6. Not known. 7 Yes. (a) and (b). No. (c) Yes. Very little in malis' gardens and sadhus’ (Hindu fakirs') hamlets. 8. Not known. - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR D. FF. MULLEN, Civil Surgeon, Ajmere.
3.Smokers throw the seeds around their huts, and there they grow wildly. 6.Ordinarily dense. 12.I hear some people cultivate wild hemp, and the male plant is extirpated in such cases. 13.I think it is restricted. People can cultivate after obtaining license in any part of the country if the soil is burnt. - Evidence of MR. A. BOPPANNA, Planter, Bepunaad, Green Hills, Coorg.
3.I know no place where it grows spontaneously. 7. (a) Yes. (b) No. (c) Yes. (d) No. To a very small extent—the coolies, such as Yeravas and Kurubs, near their huts. - Evidence of MUKKATI IYAPPA, Cultivator, Davanagiri, Coorg.
3. In the Quetta sub -division of the district only a small quantity is grown. 7. The cultivation of the hemp plant is carried in Ahmed Khanzai, in the Quetta sub-district, to a very inappreciable extent, for use as bhang. 8. There has been no appreciable increase or decrease in the cultivation. 10. Only one or two zamindars cultivate the plant. 12. None. 13. See answer to question 7. - Evidence of MAJOR G. GAISFORD, Deputy Commissioner, Quetta, Baluchistan.
3. Not of any kind in this sub-division. It grows spontaneously in Kangra and Kulu districts (Punjab province). 7. Not in this sub -division - Evidence of KAZI IMAMUDDIN, Extra Assistant Commissioner, Pishin.
3. It does not grow spontaneously in the Bolan Pass ; nor is it known to grow wild in Baluchistam. 7.None in the Bolan Pass, but a little in Kalat territory. - Evidence of BABU KEDAR NATH, Head Clerk of the Political Agent, Kalat.
3. It is said to grow spontaneously in parts of Upper Burma. 7. Its cultivation is forbidden by law. Question 3 (oral evidence)—I have never known the drug to be used as a narcotic by the Burmans. I am aware that the plant is said to be grown in Burma, and I have heard that the leaves are occasionally used in flavouring curries, but I have not heard that the plant is cultivated in Burma, so as to make the resin accumulate in the flower head. I have had no experience of the Shans in their own States, so I cannot confirm or contradict the statements made by the ex-Sawbwa of Nyangywe, who probably knew what went on in his own State. I have seen the plant growing spontaneously outside some three villages in Upper Burma among the rubbish heaps, but it was a mere weed not grown for any purpose. The plant was pointed out to me, or I should not have known it. This experience and what I have heard forms the foundation of my written answer that the plant grows spontaneously in Upper Burma. I heard about the existence of this spontaneous growth soon after the war. I have also heard of the cultivation for the leaves, but none for the fibre, the leaves being used both in flavouring dishes, as I have stated above, and also for medicinal purposes. It is used, I know, for treating elephants, and I believe this practice was brought from India. The Burmese name of the plant is bhin-bin. OE - Evidence of LIEUTENANT-COLONEL C. B. COOKE, Commissioner of Pegu.
3. I know of no districts in Burma where it grows spontaneously. 6. Scattered, I think. 7. I saw a little in Kyaukse district in 1888-89, I think. I think it was grown for production of ganja. 8. I cannot say. 12. I do not know. I think not. 13. Ganja is not allowed in Burma - Evidence of MAJOR B.A. N. PARROTT, Officiating Commissioner, Southern Division.
3. A species of wild hemp grows in the Division, but not abundantly. 6. It grows like a weed and is scattered. 12. I believe not. From enquiries it appears that the wild hemp is of very little good, and only used occasionally for medicine. - Evidence of MR. A. R. BIRKS, Officiating Commissioner, Arakan Division.
3. The hemp plant was found cultivated to a small extent in some parts of the Madaya and Pyniulwin townships of this district in 1891, but measures were at once taken, and there is at the present time no hemp grown at all. 7. None known here. - Evidence of MR. K. G. BURNE, Deputy Commissioner, Mandalay.
3. Prome and Shwebo. It is not abundant in either. 7. No. - Evidence of MAJOR W. F. H. GREY, Deputy Commissioner, Toungoo.
3. I understand that the hemp plant, from which drugs can be got, does not grow spontaneously here but must be cultivated. 7. It is cultivated secretly in gardens occasionally, and it is said that the soil of almost any garden in the country is suitable for its production. 13. It is altogether prohibited. - Evidence of MR. H. ADAMSON, Deputy Commissioner, Meiktila.
3. I have only noticed the indigenous wild plant in this district, Mergui, where it is abundant throughout. 6. Dense in open spaces or clearings. 7. Not now, except secretly for (a) , (b) , (c) , and to a very small extent. 13. Nil. Possible all over the district. - Evidence of MR. H. G. BATTEN,* Deputy Commissioner, Mergui.
3. None. 7. None. 13. The possession even of ganja has been prohibited by law for the past twenty years. - Evidence of MAJOR G. S. EYRE, Deputy Commissioner, Sagaing.
3.Does not grow spontaneously, but very luxuriantly, when planted, everywhere in Burma. 7. No. Medicine men sometimes cultivate a plant or two for medicinal purposes, but the fact is kept very secret. Nearly all the different forms of hemp are imported by natives of India for their own consumption. Very little is cultivated, and that only after precautions have been taken against detection. - Evidence of MR. W. N. PORTER, Deputy Commissioner, Upper Chindwin.
3.I have never seen it grown. I have served in nine districts in Lower Burma and five in Upper
Burma, and have never seen the plant or heard of it either as indigenous or cultivated. 6.Not indigenous. 7.No. - Evidence of MR. S. H. T. DE LA COURNEUVE, Deputy Commissioner, Pakokku, Upper Burma.
3. Before ganja was prohibited in Burma, the hemp plant is reported to have been abundantly cultivated in Bassein district at Chauk Chaunggyi and Chauk Chaungale, and. in small quantities in this district near the Yomas and Shwegyin district, as bawni. Mr. Fowle, Subdivisional Officer, Kyauktan, reports the hemp plant is grown in the back gardens in the Wuntho township, at the base of the spurs of hills radiating from the Maing -thong peak. 6. The cultivated hemp plants were planted about three feet apart. 7. I am not aware of any cultivation of the hemp plant in this district at present. 8. See answer to No. 7. 12. No. 13. Ganja has been absolutely prohibited in the province for the last twenty years. I should say it would be impossible to cultivate the hemp plant in the paddy kwins of this district - Evidence of MR. J. S. D. FRASER, Deputy Commissioner, Pegu.
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