Opening Quotes.
'The ruling classes, having no longer any reasonable justification for the advantageous position they hold, are obliged, in order to keep these positions, to repress their higher rational capacities and their love for their fellow-men, and to hypnotize themselves into the belief that their exceptional positions are necessary. And the lower classes, crushed by toil and intentionally stupefied, live in a continual condition of hypnotization, deliberately and incessantly induced by people of the upper classes.' - The Kingdom of God and Peace Essays, Leo Tolstoy.
Questions on the subject by the Indian Hemp Drugs Commission 1895
10. Do the persons who cultivate hemp for its narcotic properties form a special class? Or are they of the same classes as other agricultural cultivators?
17. By what classes of the people are the preparations of the hemp drug respectively made?
20. What classes and what proportion of the people smoke ganja and charas respectively? and in what localities?
24. What classes and what proportions of the people respectively (a) eat or (b)drink bhang, and in what localities?
27. What classes of the people are each of these mainly taken from, and what in each case are the habits of life or circumstances which mainly lead to the practice?
My thoughts on the subject
The story of global cannabis prohibition is the story of the tyranny, oppression and discrimination by the ruling and upper classes of the world towards the classes of humans that together constitute the majority of the world - the lower classes, the working classes, the middle classes and the indigenous communities. Cannabis prohibition in the US, in the 1930s, was aimed at the Hispanics, Blacks and Native Indians. The earliest known prohibition was in 12th century Turkey by the Muslim orthodoxy against the liberal minded Muslims but this was largely an aberration in the global scheme of things at that time.
Cannabis prohibition on a truly large scale started in India, the land that can be considered the home of cannabis, due to the extent to which ganja was at the heart of the nation's spiritualism, medicine and intoxication for thousands of years. Yes, it is true that the British tested cannabis prohibition in Burma (today's Myanmar) before unleashing it on India. But Burma had hardly any cannabis culture to speak of. It was predominantly an opium consuming region, due to its proximity to China and its location as a transit point for opium between China and Britain. The small numbers of cannabis consumers in Burma were largely Tamil soldiers who brought ganja with them when they were posted in Burma. In India, on the other hand, ganja was truly pervasive. It is estimated that possibly 30% of the country, or even higher, consumed ganja. 75 years before the forces that cleaved the nation into two on the basis of religion - the British ruling classes working in tandem with the Indian upper classes, these forces took the heart out of India. While India, as a nation, gained its true identity as a result of the common goal of throwing the British out, having been a collection of independent fiefdoms until 1947, ganja was one of the things that ran across the fabric of a country of diverse languages and cultures. How did it then come to be that something so intrinsic to India, much more so than beer is to Britain considering that the spiritual and medical use of beer is hardly the case, get prohibited?
The gradual removal of India's heart, through ganja and charas prohibition, started in British ruled Bengal and then slowly tightened its grip across the country. The country's ruling and upper classes are solely responsible for this crime, driven by their hatred of those whom they perceived as the other, those whom they regarded merely as slaves whose role was to serve them and not as equal human beings with dignity and freedom. The Hindu upper classes and orthodoxy supported ganja prohibition since large numbers of Muslims, as well as the Hindu lower classes and the indigenous communities consumed it. The Muslim upper classes and orthodoxy supported ganja prohibition since it was largely used by liberal minded Muslim fakirs, besides the large numbers of Hindu sadhus, working and lower classes. The British always wanted to impose ganja prohibition since Hindus and Muslims used it, since it was a hurdle to imposing the British way of life on Indians, and since it stood in the way of Britain's attempt to impose its own preferred products - opium, alcohol and tobacco - on Indians. The British Christian orthodoxy, who believed that the natives must be
saved from their pagan ways, even as British businessmen and armies
robbed the shirts off their backs, would have found resonance with the
Indian orthodoxy on the subject of ganja and charas prohibition, even
though ideally they would probably have preferred that even bhang was
prohibited. While for the Indian orthodox upper classes and castes,
the prohibition of ganja and charas meant that the lower classes and
castes were more likely to be within their control working for them ,
instead of becoming troublesome spiritualists with concepts of the
divinity within, for the British orthodoxy it would have meant cutting off the
spiritual fuel of the sadhus who followed Siva or Allah steadfastly,
sadhus who even went as far as considering themselves one with the
divine eternal spirit. Besides these reasons, all three segments of the ruling and upper classes - Hindu, Muslim and British - regarded ganja users as troublesome and rebellious-minded persons who refused to bow down, serve them and acknowledge their superiority. It thus became a case of the British ruling class - administrators, medical men, missionaries, businessmen - and Indian upper class - zamindars, religious orthodoxy, magistrates and police - getting together to inflict large scale suffering on the rest of the nation.
The above five questions put forward by the Indian Hemp Drugs Commission of 1895 sought to find answers in terms of the classes and sections of society that cultivated and consumed cannabis in its various forms. The responses provide evidence that cannabis was the most popular recreational drug in India of the 19th century, and still is in both India and the world today. There were no social classes, no economic classes and no religious belief systems that did not have consumers of cannabis for spiritual, recreational or medical purposes. From an economic perspective, ganja was the preferred choice of the working classes while bhang and charas was the choice of the upper classes. Similarly, from a social perspective, ganja was the choice of the lower castes, the indigenous people and the religious mendicants, while bhang and charas were the cannabis drugs of choice of the upper castes. From a religious perspective, followers of all religions consumed cannabis, be it Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs or the indigenous communities of tribal nature worshippers. Cannabis was smoked as ganja by Hindus, Muslims and indigenous communities, while it was drunk as bhang by Hindus and Sikhs who avoided smoking ganja. In terms of cultivation, all classes of cultivators were said to cultivate ganja, including upper caste Brahmins. Ganja was one of the most important crops that Indian farmers cultivated.
Classes of cultivators.
As a crop, ganja was cultivated
by all classes of cultivators, who themselves would have consumed it to a large extent. The cultivating classes constituted a significant percent of the population then, as it does even now. Even though the report says that all classes of cultivators cultivated ganja, it does mention a few classes specifically who appear to have been known for their cultivation of ganja. They are - the Miris of Lakhimpur, the Nagas of the Sibsagar frontier, Kukis, Patnies, Khasias or Tabhilas, Domes, Banias, Muhammedans, Kaibartas, Malakars, Napits, Charals, Kochs, Jugis, Kunbis, Gujars, Rajputs, Gonds, Murias, Lodhies, Kurmis, Naiks, Pillais, Chettis, Kallars, Malayalies, Urali Kurumars, Mulla Kurumars, Pathians, Katunaikars, Tenkurumars, Sugalies, Reddis, Badagas, Koters, Konkanies, Nairs, Paniars, Kurichers, Kurumbers, Kaders, Telagas, Kurakulis, Capus, Chuklers, Lambadis, Punniers, Canadies, Marwaris, Purbhoyas, Kolis.
Classes of consumers.
Besides the cultivators, all classes of persons consumed ganja, especially the lower classes, the labouring and working classes, the large numbers of spiritual mendicants of all religions, the indigenous communities and the poor. Even members of the rich upper classes and ruling classes consumed ganja to a significant extent. Among the consumer classes, a number of classes are mentioned by witnesses as particularly associated with cannabis as ganja or bhang or charas, either as excessive users or moderate users. From the list of these classes we can guage the extent to which cannabis was consumed in those days. Classes are from all religions, all castes, and all economic status. However we see that the vast majority of classes constitute what makes up what is called the lower classes and castes. Mind you, this is just a list of those classes mentioned by witnesses, it is not exhaustive. Also, some may be the same classes spelt or pronounced differently by different witnesses. The classes mentioned are - Chaubes of Mathra, Chamars, Domes, Kayasths, Marwaris, Banias, Powars, Brahmans who worship Mahadeba, Kulin Brahmans, Bengali Brahmins, priests of Jagannath at Puri, Annas, Kamards, Tantis, Telis, Nabasaks, Lohars, Bagdis, Bauris, Kshetriyas, Ramads, Podhs, Beharas, Dhangars, Dulias, Sanyasis, Rajputs, Kol tribes locally known as Karwars on the Rhotas plateau, Babhans, Bhúinhars, Byragis, Bauls, Baishnabs, Brahmins who worship Kali, Sonthals - specially Kharwars, Baistavs, Garwans, Kabulis, Khatris, Vaidyas, Mehtars, Sahas, Pals, Dosads, Mallas, Kairis, Nunias of Behar, Bunwas, Bhumalis, Haris, Kahars, Pandas, Karans, Khandaits, North Gangetic Bhagalpur Goalas, Shiahs of the Nizamat, Kaibartas, Gawalas, Kurmis, Koeris, Agarwalas, Chandals, Namasudras, Basaks, Gours, Rowanis, Tatawas, Jolas, Mochars, Muchis, Gir Gosains, Raj Bangsis, Pans, Sylhet Muhammadans, Sakaldipi and Kánkúbjya Brahmins, Deoghur priests, Kayias, Shings, Karas, Bedias, Dandis, Nirmalas, Akalis, Udasis, Brijobasis of Mathura, Dobeys, Deswallis, Jelias, Tiors, Pavans, Gurkhas, Kayans, Cacharis, the Ahoms, Lodhis, Oswals, Agarwals, Mahesris, Jain sects, Pasis, Barias, Khangars, Kunjras, Pinjaras, Paiks, Katkis, Brahmins at Benares and Ujjain, Kurkus, Mahrattas, Mahuntis, "Konds Katchina," Ghassies, Koris, Purbiyas, Dhimars, Ahirs, Raihadees, Bhamtees, Garodees, Nais, Barhais, Gohars, Dakhani Brahmins, Rangdas, Lohars, Badhais, Rawats or Gwalas, Pankas, Purubias, Koshtees, Mahars, Gowaries, Pandarams, Sholagars, Mhians, Dasaries, Lingayats, Boyas, Sudra paradesis, Maravas, Pallars, Agambadians, Chetties, Koters, Kurumbers, Chucklers, Bondilis, Pariahs, Irulars, Madigas, Vudders, Yanadis, Chundus, Chenchus, Jengamas, Sugalies, Nawabs, Amirs, Mustans, Nairs, Paniars, Kurichers, Kaders, Telagas, Kurakulis, Goshas, Gushais, Lambadis, Waddes, Mala, Kurubhas, Telugu Brahmins, Benees, Sonis, Kadias, Kanbis, Wanias, Ghanchis, Dheds, Bhils, Tadvis, Konkanas, Paudharpeshas, Ghisaris, Tambolis, Bagwans, Attars, Maners, Mullahs, Bahurupis, Sarwans, Bhatias, Gugans, Shrawaks, Kolis, Pathans, Jangams, Nagdas, Dwarkawashis, Teets, Nanakshais, Katchis, Nangas, Suthrias, Kaheris, Bhagats, Machhis, Mirbahars, Kanjars, Palayars, Kapalas, Karaters, Sindhis, Thakurs.
The aversion of certain sections to ganja and charas, especially the orthodoxy and rich classes, while showing an open acceptance to bhang, is clearly evident in the responses from witnesses who were almost completely composed of the British ruling classes and the Indian upper classes. The reponses reveals an inherent lack of knowledge among these sections of society that ganja, bhang and charas are, in fact, the same cannabis plant. This is an ignorance that still continues to this day, with large sections of India consuming bhang with pride, while at the same time vehemently opposing ganja and charas users as criminals and anti-socials to be imprisoned. The lower classes, indigenous communities and minorities find themselves in prison while the upper classes consume hemp drugs with impunity and complete disregard for the suffering poor who form the country's majority. The witness responses also reveal the contempt that the ruling and upper classes had for ganja growers and consumers, often terming them as vagabonds, beggars, dregs of society, and lower castes and classes.
Over the course of time, we find that the ignorance that bhang, ganja and charas are the same plant has been deliberately sustained, and used when convenient by the upper classes, upper castes and religious bigots, as a means of discrimination on the basis of religion, social and economic status. India is a society that has been conditioned by its orthodox and upper classes to view ganja users, essentially, as either lower castes or lower classes, and charas users as persons of other religions, even though a significant proportion of the ganja users are sadhus and religious mendicants of all religions who consume it for spiritual purposes. This discrimination against ganja and charas users is an integral part of the Narcotics and Psychotropic Drugs Act of 1985, where bhang is considered legal while ganja and charas are punished severely, with charas being even more so. This is the equivalent of treating coconut water as legal, coconut kernel as imprisonable and coconut oil as inviting the death sentence. Why, for that matter, this class and caste system based discrimination is even at the core of the global drug laws, with the 1961 Single Convention Treaty on Narcotic drugs using the same template of considering bhang legal and ganja or charas as illegal. It is the same thinking that is used by every single nation in the world to discriminate against its working classes, indigenous peoples and minority religions. Ganja prohibition laws are particularly severe on the cultivating classes, invoking the most severe punishment since most cultivation will result in ganja that qualifies as commercial quantities. This move effectively nipped the ganja culture of India in the bud since a large proportion of consumers relied on the cultivators for access to ganja. It was relatively easy to bully the smaller numbers of individual home cultivators through informers and law enforcement intimidation once the cultivators had been shackled.
By speaking constantly about ganja, the impression I may create is that I always have a steady supply of the herb. But, to the contrary, it is precisely because I do not have access to it that I speak about it so much. It has been a number of years since I came across a decent quantity of the herb. About 25 years ago, I used to go directly to sources in the city and buy the herb. Then it was going to semi-rural sources around the city to procure decent ganja at relatively reasonable prices. Eventually all these sources ceased to exist for me as I decided to shun the paths leading to monetary wealth. Today, sources bring ganja to the city to sell at exorbitant prices, working in cohorts with law enforcement. Even rural sources quote exorbitant prices, and many of them live in fear of the law and city dwellers. There is a nexus of criminals, or persons with influence, and law enforcement that thrives on ganja prohibition, with ordinary cultivators, sellers and consumers facing intimidation and violence. Basically, this highlights the issue that with ganja prohibition, it is only the very same rich and upper classes, who were, and are still, instrumental in ganja prohibition who have access to the herb. For the poor, lower middle class, and those who wish to be law abiding citizens, access and affordability are pipe dreams. I decided at some point in the past that I would not be a part of the prostitution of the sacred herb, where one sneaks under cover of darkness to meet the seller, furtively avoiding observation, and then finding places to smoke it and hide it. Since the prices at which the herb is now sold is comparable to the rate of gold, the practice of sharing one's stash with others is nearly extinct. The dignity of the sacred herb, and that of the individual, especially the poorer persons in society, its users, cultivators, and sellers, deserve much better than this, considering that one can easily walk into a shop and buy dangerous pharmaceutical drugs, alcohol or tobacco...Ganja should be as easy to procure, and as accessible as rice, tea or coffee, especially to the poor...Imagine the desperation that the prohibition of these commodities would cause...We got a glimpse of it when alcohol was unavailable during the fake pandemic and its resulting lock down...In anger at the imbecility of the fake pandemic, I took out the seeds of ganja, collected over the years, and planted them...Most of the seeds, some probably older than 10 years, had lost their potency ...For my efforts, I was rewarded with four plants over the period of two years, which I smoked mostly as bhang...Home cultivation is a possibility when one has abundant supply of good seeds, as well as the time and dedication to nurture the plants...With prohibition, seeds are as difficult to procure as ganja itself for the poor...Once ganja was the herb of the poorest persons in society...
Today, all over the country, and the world, the rich, ruling classes and upper classes - the very same people who brought about this tyranny on the people - have free access to ganja and charas by paying exorbitant sums of money and buying through the black market, or from legalized sources. The country's, and the world's, majority - the poor, lower classes, middle classes and indigenous communities - can neither cultivate, afford nor access the herb, and if they are lucky to do so, they face harsh punishment if caught. Cannabis - the divine herb of the people, the herb cultivated and used by all classes, all castes and all religions - is unity in diversity. The discrimination against the various parts of the plant itself, its prohibition and control is the template for, and at the heart of, the discrimination against, and oppression of, humanity by the criminals who form the so-called upper classes, upper castes and religious orthodoxy and an attempt to maintain a nation, and a world, of inequality and subjugation.
Summary findings by the Commission on classes of cannabis consumers
Following are the summary findings of the Indian Hemp Drugs Commission 1895 on the different social, economic and religious classes that cultivated and consumed cannabis in its various forms.
171. There is no regular cultivation in Assam, and the evidence gives no information about the processes employed in the illicit and hill cultivation. Mr. Anderson states that the Miris of Lakhimpur hedge in the wild growth; Mr. Godfrey that the plant is weeded. The cultivators named are, besides the Miris of Lakhimpur, the Nagas of the Sibsagar frontier. Mr. Spicer mentions Kukis, Patnies, and a few coolies, and his evidence relates to the Cachar Valley. The hill tribes of the province and its frontiers may be included in the list, and the coolies generally. The drugs produced are bhang and very inferior ganja. The two things are practically the same.
174. Duthie and Fuller write that hemp growing is restricted to the lowest classes of cultivators, being considered beneath the dignity of the higher castes. So much is this the case that the phrase "May hemp be sown in thy house" is one of the commonest of abusive imprecations. Mr. Dharma Nand and other witnesses corroborate this account. The principal cultivators appear to be the Khasias or Tabhilas, a class of people above the Domes and below Rajputs in the social scale, who do not wear the sacred thread. If a Brahman or Rajput wishes to cultivate hemp, he engages a Khasia or Dome to work for him; but, after the crop is taken off, he has no prejudice against making charas or separating the fibres from the stalks. Dr. Prain (page 48) has traced the contempt in which the hemp cultivator is held to the original motive of the cultivation, viz., the production of fibre, and points out that the cultivators of other fibres, such as sann (Crotalaria), are similarly regarded. Mr. Cockburn (34) confirms this explanation, suggesting that the offensiveness of the operation of rotting the stalks is the origin of the dislike. Unfortunately Mr. Dharma Nand from direct knowledge contradicts this, which might have been a reasonable solution of the question; for he says that the higher classes have no objection to this operation. The origin of the prejudice is probably to be sought in very early social institutions.
205. Hindus appear to be the chief growers of bhang, while the majority of ordinary cultivators are Muhammadans. Mr. Giles writes that "the actual sowing of the seed, the ploughing, weeding, and bird scaring, etc., is always carried out by Bania or Hindu cultivators, the Muhammadan cultivator supplying the bullocks which work the well and the zamindar giving the land. The Bania supplies the seed, but the manure is given in the same proportion as the produce is divided, i.e., one-fifth to the Bania and two-fifths each to the raiyat and the landholder. The landholder also gives takavi or advance in cash to the raiyat." This seems to describe a partnership of a kind which probably exists in the cultivation of other produce in the same country; but there is other evidence to show that the Hindus preponderate in growing this particular crop. The habit or custom is not, however, sufficiently well marked to be regarded as a special feature of the industry.
Classes engaged in preparation of the drugs.
233. The preparation of ganja and bhang is carried out by the cultivators and the servants of the bhang contractors respectively. The preponderance of Musalmans in the cultivation of ganja in the Ganja Mahal has been noticed. Beyond this it cannot be said that the preparation of the raw drugs is the business of any special class, unless it be that the Hindus from Behar and the North-Western Provinces, being in large proportion confirmed bhang drinkers, are those who also most commonly collect that drug for home consumption.
237. Bhang is prepared by cutting and drying the plants, cultivated or wild, and shaking or beating out the leaves. This is done either by the contractors themselves, or by "residents of jungly tracts for sale to licensed vendors" (38). The districts where the cultivated bhang is produced have been named. The supply of wild bhang is drawn from various places in the belt of wild growth below the Himalayas. The gathering goes on from March to June. The zamindars on whose lands the plant grows appear to make some money by selling it to the contractors (247). Bhang is sometimes dried under straw or other covering, when it turns yellow, instead of retaining the green colour, which it does if dried in the sun (21, 248, 203). The object of this is not clear.
Calcutta
337. The circumstances of Calcutta are of course altogether abnormal. It contains a vast number of coolies and day labourers, and workers in boats and on the river-side, besides a large foreign population, many of whom, such as domestic servants, porters, and watchmen attached to Government offices, to houses of business, and to private persons, and the followers of wealthy people, are notoriously addicted to the hemp drugs in one form or other. There are also present in the city all the conditions which tend to luxury and excess. The evidence shows that the use of ganja by some of the well-to-do classes is by no means rare, and the probability is that with people who have acquired the taste and can afford to gratify it freely the indulgence is not stinted either to themselves or their friends. Calcutta, therefore, not only contains amongst its population an unusually high proportion of consumers, but the consumers also take considerably more than the average individual allowance.
470. The use of these drugs to give staying-power under severe exertion or exposure or to alleviate fatigue is very largely in evidence. Here it is ganja especially which is credited with these beneficial effects. For ganja is far more extensively used than bhang by the labouring classes. The latter is mainly used by persons like the Chaubes of Mathra, who are very frequently referred to, and professional wrestlers. Gymnasts, wrestlers and musicians, palki-bearers and porters, divers and postal runners, are examples of the classes who use the hemp drugs on occasions of especially severe exertion. Fishermen and boatmen, singhara cultivators working in tanks, dhobis and night watchmen, mendicants and pilgrims, are named as among those who use them under severe exposure. All classes of labourers, especially such as blacksmiths, miners, and coolies, are said more or less generally to use the drugs as a rule in moderation to alleviate fatigue. In this connection a reference to Dr. Cunningham's experiment described in Vol. III Appendices is interesting.
Classes who use the drugs as stimulants.
488. There are few, if any, classes of the community some members of which do not use hemp drugs in some form. There are religious objections to the use of intoxicants by Muhammadans, and these deter such of this class as are orthodox from indulging in these drugs. Many of the Hindus who are both orthodox and respectable consider it contrary to their religion to indulge in these or any other intoxicants, though many of the same class also believe that they may, at least occasionally at feasts, take bhang. Orthodox Sikhs do not smoke, and therefore regard ganja and charas as prohibited, though they do not see the same religious objection to drinking bhang. These are illustrations of classes which generally abstain. Members even of these classes are, however, found among the consumers of these drugs. It may be said probably with safety that there is no class of the community that does not to some extent partake of these drugs. At the same time consumption is in the main confined to particular classes. Ganja or charas is chiefly used by (I) "religious" persons, such as fakirs and wandering mendicants, sadhus and pandahs, the followers of Trinath, and other sects; (2) the lower classes of both Hindus and Muhammadans, such as artizans and cultivators, fishermen and boatmen, palki-bearers and day labourers, sepoys and night watchmen, wrestlers and athletes, Chamars and Domes, and others of the lower orders; (3) domestic servants of all kinds, especially those who, as syces, durwans, or dhobis, have especially trying work to do; (4) aborigines of different races, such as Sonthals, Gonds, and many more; (5) tradesmen, Kayasths, and others of the lower middle classes. These are among the classes specially mentioned by witnesses as smoking hemp drugs. Among the upper classes this habit is generally regarded as exceptional and indicating a special tendency to dissipation, but not so among these lower classes. Bhang is also used to some extent by these classes, but is more generally used by the more respectable middle and upper classes. Among those who are specially mentioned as habitually using it are Marwaris, Banias, and jewellers, sharp, intelligent, and successful tradesmen. Bhang is also occasionally used more or less generally by practically all classes on certain feast days and at times of social rejoicing. Like all intoxicants everywhere, the drugs are used in moderation, but more frequently to excess, by licentious and dissipated persons of all classes. Except, however, in the case of religious mendicants, the use by all the classes named above is generally moderate. Excess is exceptional.
489. From what has been said above it will be expected that there would be many witnesses whose opinion regarding the use of these drugs as stimulants would not be favourable. The very great majority of witnesses in all provinces declare that this use of the drugs is regarded with disapproval by the people generally. This disapproval rests on several grounds. It depends partly on the classes using the drugs. Many witnesses point out that ganja is the cheapest intoxicant, and that it is principally used by the lower classes, while bhang is more used by the upper classes. They state that it is on this account that ganja smoking is regarded with much more general disfavour than bhang drinking. As one witness points out, the feeling is somewhat akin to that which some Englishmen who do not generally disapprove of stimulants have regarding a "vulgar taste for gin." On the other hand, the use of ganja by religious persons is not thus generally disapproved. Many witnesses share the view which one witness tersely expresses thus: "Sanyasis are respected by the people; low caste people are not respected." There is no doubt that by far the greater part of the community abstain from any disapproval, and in fact are even strongly in favour, of the use of these drugs by religious persons, although that use is so often excessive. Mr. Monro (Bengal witness No. 206), however, records an instance of his having persuaded the people among whom he was working to dissociate ganja and holiness, so that "a sanyasi was laughed out of the town when I convicted him of habitually consuming ganja." The disapproval of the use of hemp drugs by classes other than these religious classes is, as has been already indicated, based also on a religious objection to intoxicants still held by many, both Hindus and Muhammadans. There can be no doubt that this orthodox objection influences the public expression of opinion by many who have ceased themselves to share this religious sentiment. It is a respectable thing to denounce intoxicants; and it sometimes requires an effort for a witness to speak favourably or apologetically of intoxicants, especially of those which are used by the lower orders. Another ground for this expression of disapproval by so large a majority of the witnesses is the fact that so many of them have seen nothing but the excessive use. It cannot be too carefully remembered that the moderate use does not obtrude itself, and that much of the evidence given before the Commission deals in truth only with excess. Thus we find a large number of witnesses illustrating the popular disapproval of the drug by pointing out that "ganjeri" or "bhangi" (the names given to the consumers of ganja or bhang) is a term of great reproach. They point out that it means "one who acts as if he had lost all sense," an unreliable and despicable character. Other witnesses explain that these terms correspond to the English word "drunkard," and that the moderate use is not, so far as their experience goes, regarded with contempt at all. Akin to this is the natural desire expressed by several witnesses to assist the young in resisting the temptations of bad companions by establishing in their minds a wholesome antipathy to intoxicants of all kinds, excessive indulgence in which is followed by disastrous results, especially to the young.
Note on cannabis consumption among the Powars
REPORT BY MR. H. M. LAWRIE, C.S., OFFICIATING DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, BHANDARA, CENTRAL PROVINCES, ON THE CONSUMPTION OF GANJA AMONG THE POWARS.
In accordance with the instructions contained in your office letter No. 4259, dated the 10th September last, I have the honour to report that a careful inquiry has been made by Mr. Gokhle, Extra-Assistant Commissioner, as to the alleged increasing use of ganja among the Powars. The conclusions arrived at by Mr. Gokhle are as follows: 2. It is true that there has been an increase of ganja consumption among Powars in this district, but not more so than among other classes. The increase of consumption among Powars may have attracted greater notice than that among others on account of the higher position of this caste in the social scale. It is perhaps erroneous to say that Powars had a prejudice against the use of the drug: what prejudice they may have had was merely that entertained by people generally, and might be more correctly described as want of familiarity with its use than any objection to it. 3. Purchases by Powars do not always represent consumption by them. There are a number of Powars who are large rice cultivators, and who in the transplanting season have to supply their labourers with some stimulant. Finding ganja to be cheaper than country liquor and quite as acceptable to their workmen, some Powars appear to have in this way made large purchases of ganja-not for their own use. The character and habits of Powars have not varied at all, so far as can be ascertained, in consequence of the more extended use by them of ganja. It has been mentioned that there is now a saying among Powars that a man who does not take ganja is nothing but a girl, but it does not appear that the taking of ganja has made these people more manly. It does not mean much more than that to take ganja is looked on as the sort of thing a grown man does, just as in England among boys smoking is sometimes looked on as a sign of emancipation from the school-room. It may to a certain extent refer to the supposed aphrodisiac qualities of the drug. 4. From the accompanying statements which Mr. Gokhle has had prepared, it will be seen that while the increase of ganja sales in shops where there are many Powars from 1891-92 to 1893-94 is only 31 per cent., that in shops where there are comparatively few Powar customers is, for the same period, 42 per cent. In the case of shops where there are no Powar purchasers the increase is only 12 per cent.; but this does not appear to be connected with the fact of the absence of people of this caste, but to be dependent on other circumstances. Among Powars, as among people of other castes, there has been an extension of the use of this drug in the last ten years; but the figures given in Mr. Gokhle's Statement II must not be taken to show a real increase in consumption to the extent of the increase in sales, since there is no doubt that a considerable amount of the increase is to be accounted for by the better arrangements now in force for the prevention of illegal ganja consumption. It is said that in the zemindaries on the south-eastern border of the district there used to be a good deal of ganja cultivation which has now been stopped, and that this ganja used formerly to be introduced into this district. But Mr. Gokhle's enquiries lead him to believe that, during the last four or five years in particular, the use of ganja has become more familiar to Powars, as well as to members of subordinate castes. 5. The reason why the report was not submitted by the date mentioned in the concluding portion of your letter was partly the fact that Mr. Gokhle was temporarily transferred from the district for two months in the close of 1893, and the enquiries on this subject consequently interrupted. Recently Mr. Gokhle has been on tour in the Tirrora tahsil, which is under his charge, and where the Powars are in great number, and he has thus had a good opportunity of ascertaining by personal enquiries how the matter stands.
Individual witness responses.
Following is the evidence provided by individual witnesses in response to the five questions posed by the Indian Hemp Drugs Commission of 1895 with regard to the classes of people who cultivated and consumed cannabis, in its various forms, in India in the 19th century
Bhang is sometimes used by poor people and by those who cannot at once smoke ganja. It is used as a substitute for ganja when the latter drug is not easily procurable. The consumers are mainly taken from the following classes:— (a) Agriculturists, shopkeepers, artisans, daylabourers, palki-bearers, up-country darwans, athletes, and some people of the richer classes. (b) Bairagis, jogis, sanyasis, Brahmans who worship Mahadeba, palki-bearers, porters. (c) Young people of dissolute and depraved habits. People who worship Siva and Rama are addicted to the use of ganja and bhang, asserting that they are enabled thereby to divert their mind from worldly affairs to the meditation on the gods whom they worship. The religious mendicants who use it do so not only as a devotional exercise, but also to render themselves fit to undergo the hardships of their ascetic life, and the inclemency of climate incidental to their prolonged pilgrimages to distant places. It may be here remarked that while the classes above noted are allowed by the Hindu religion to use ganja, the "Shaktahs," or followers of the goddess "Shakti," are only permitted to use liquor for devotional purposes, while the Voistabs, or worshippers of Vishnu, are not allowed liquor or ganja. There is a passage in one religious work to the effect that liquor, so far from being used, may not even be smelt. The use of liquor ought to lead to a Brahman being excommunicated, but no degradation necessarily attaches to the use of ganja, and the effects of intoxication are not so openly displayed and offensive to the public as those of ganja. Majum and charas are beyond the means of the poorer classes. They use ganja and bhang as a tonic or exhilarant. The moderate use of these drugs is considered beneficial, enabling the consumer to bear fatigue, withstand cold, and shake off mental anxieties. Those who worship the god Shib rarely begin to smoke without calling upon his name "Bam Mahadeo" or chanting couplets in praise of ganja, some of which are of the Bacchanalian type:—"How can I recite the virtues of ganja with an alphabet of only thirty two letters. The consumer of ganja is sanctified, and even the messenger of death flees from him." "Salvation comes from partaking of ganja" "One pipe leaves you as you were: be persuaded, take two; with a third you are a vazir, the fourth a king." The Kulin Brahmans in Eastern Bengal for specific purposes or to serve their private ends, are said to be great consumers of bhang. The ingredients mixed with the drugs are— (a) Ordinarily, tobacco leaves with ganja; and black-pepper, sugar, milk, and cucumber seeds with bhang, in order to reduce the strength and render the mixture more agreeable. (b) Exceptionally, dhatura is used with bhang to strengthen the mixture. Aniseed is some times used with bhang to cool the mixture. The admixture of sugar with bhang has the effect of increasing its intoxicating powers. Ganja is used in company; bhang to a certain extent in solitude. Both these drugs are mainly confined to the male sex. The exception is public women, who take some preparation of the drugs both as a stimulant and a solace for the troubles and cares of their unhappy life. It is not usual for children to consume either of these drugs. The habit of consuming both is, I think, easily formed. It is difficult to break off in the case of ganja. In the case of both the tendency of the habit is to develop into the excessive. - Evidence* of MR. W. H. GRIMLEY, Commissioner of Chota Nagpur
10. Same class as other cultivators. 17. Not confined to one class. 20. Charas is little used. Ganja is chiefly used by the lower classes, and Bairagies, and such like. 24. There was not in 1891-92 a single bhang license in the Rajshahi Division. Only 3 in Chittagong, 6 in Dacca, 8 in Orissa, and 9 in Bhagalpur. In the Burdwan Division there were 72, in the Presidency Division 67, in Patna 73, and in Chota Nagpur 33. It is chiefly drunk. I do not think there are classes who eat and do not drink. 27. The lower classes in East Bengal, boatmen and such like, nearly all consume ganja moderately. Hindu religious devotees are those who habitually consume in excess, and also Muhammadan debauchees - Evidence of the HON'BLE MR. D. R. LYALL, C.S.I., Member, Board of Revenue, Calcutta
10. Same classes, I think. Ask Collector of Rajshahi. 17. No particular class that I know of. 20. I can only say that I do not think ganja is much smoked by the educated classes, except in isolated instances. Charas seems most used where there is a ShiyaMuhammadan population (Murshidabad), but there are also a number of Jains there. I don't know who the consumers are. I should say ganja is most used by the laborious classes on the mud soil. 24. All Hindus drink bhang at the Durga Puja. It is also taken (1) medicinally, (2) as a mild, slightly intoxicating, stimulant by all classes in Bengal, but more on the mud than on drier formations. 27. Consumers of class (a), I should say, belonged mainly to the laborious classes, agricultural and aquatic, on the mud soils. Classes (c) and (d) I should look for among professional harlots and town badmashes. As to (b), I am doubtful. I should think an occasional isolated case might occur in any class, even the highest - Evidence of MR. E. V. WESTMACOTT, Commissioner, Presidency Division; late Commissioner of Excise, Bengal
10. Ordinary cultivators. 20. In Bengal a very small proportion of the population take ganja, and charas is even less in use. It is not confined to any class or locality. 24. The priests of the temple of Jagannath at Puri, and the worshippers, when they visit the shrine, are addicted to the use of bhang. 27. All classes. I find it impossible to say what leads to such a practice: religion is undoubtedly a factor. - Evidence of MR. H. G. COOKE, Officiating Commissioner, Orissa Division
10. They are of the same class as the other agricultural cultivators. There are amongst them both Hindus and Muhammadans in the proportion of 8 to 92 approximately, the proportion for the whole district being 21 Hindus to 71 Muhammadans. But there is no doubt that, as a rule, the cultivation in the ganja tract in and adjacent to Naogaon descends from father to son, because ganja cultivation to succeed requires experience and dexterity. These qualities are to be acquired only by families who have made a speciality of the cultivation. A new cultivator of ganja would in all probability make a mess of the business for the first year or two. 20. As a rule only the poorer classes smoke ganja: they are sanyasis, bairagis, fakirs, mendicants, the poorer agriculturists who work in the fields exposed to the sun or in damp and wet, daylabourers, palki-bearers, and a few prostitutes. The proportion of those who smoke ganja in this district is very small; I do not believe more than 6,000 for the whole district containing a population at the last Census of 1,313,336 souls. The way I make the calculation is as follows:— The total consumption in Rajshahi District for the year 1891-92 was 87 maunds 36 seers, or 3,516 seers, equal to 281,280 tolas. Taking all classes of consumers into consideration, the average quantity consumed per head per mensem I estimate to be 4 tolas = 1 3/5 ounces. Therefore, the total of average for the year is 4 x 12 = 48 tolas. Therefore, the total number of consumers in the district= 2 81,280/48= 5 ,860, or in round numbers 6,000 persons. The consumers of ganja are to be found in all parts of the district indiscriminately. About charas I can say nothing. 24. I cannot say. I have no good information; but a very small proportion, 1 in 500, will be a habitual drinker or eater of bhang: he will be found principally amongst bairagies, sanyasis, fakirs, who wander about the country. 27. Nearly all, if not all, ganja consumers come from the lower orders: agricultural labourers, day-labourers, palki-bearers, domestic servants, such as syces, mahauts, and people accustomed to hard work. They take a smoke of ganja as a sort of pick-me-up, to be relieved of the discomfort they are called upon to endure in the performance of their duties. These are mostly all habitual or occasional moderate consumers. Jogis, sanyasis, and others who smoke ganja in excess are slaves to a vice, in the same way as drunkards. - Evidence of MR. J. C. PRICE, Magistrate and Collector, Rajshahi
20. The ganja smokers of this district may be classified as follows:— Annas, Brahmin and other high castes 6 Kamar, Tanti, Teli, and other Nabasaks 7 Lohar, Bagdi, Bauri, and other lower orders 3 TOTAL 16 Ganja is consumed more or less throughout the district. Charas is seldom used in this district.24. The bhang drinkers may be classified as follow:— Annas. Up-countrymen passing through the district or residing in it 12 Bhadralok class of the district 4 They drink and not eat bhang. As a rule the sale of bhang is confined to the towns and large villages, such as Bankura, Vishnupur, Sonamukhi, Gangajalghati, Kotulpur, and Indas.27. Each of the above kinds of ganja smokers is found more or less in all classes of people. The smokers are generally people of moderate circumstances. The first step towards ganja smoking is to be attributed to association with people of loose character who are in the habit. - Evidence of MR. F. H. BARROW, Magistrate and Collector of Bankura.
17. Bhang is usually made by persons who have excise licenses. Question 17.—In this answer I am referring to the manufacture of the dry leaf from the plants in the Bhagalpur district. As a rule, in other parts of Bengal the people are in the habit of gathering the plants for themselves and drying the leaves for home use. This is not to my knowledge illegal, subject to the limit of possession. Regarding Bhagalpur my information is derived from the Excise Deputy Collector, but I am doubtful if it is correct for non-urban areas. In those tracts I believe the practice is much the same as in other districts. 20. The labouring classes are the largest consumers of ganja; but debauchees of all ranks and public women also use it. Hindu fakirs are often greatly addicted to it. 24. Kayasthas, Brahmins, Kshetriyas and Marwaris consume bhang as a sweetmeat or infusion, generally the latter. 27. From the labouring classes who have to undergo hard manual labour and others who are given to nomad habits. - Evidence of MR. F. H. B. SKRINE, Magistrate and Collector of Bhagalpur.
10. No; they are agricultural cultivators. 17. Generally the cultivating classes. 20. Lower classes generally smoke ganja. Charas is rarely used. Most of the Sanyasis and mendicants, day-labourers, and up-country palki bearers generally use ganja. 24. In Behar respectable people drink bhang daily as a luxury; in Bengal, it is used by all classes, specially the middle class. In Bengal people drink bhang at the time of some religious festival. Regular bhang eaters are few and far between. Bhang is eaten very rarely, but cooked. 27. (a) This class consists of very low class of people, viz., fishermen, Hanoi domes. (b) Consists of Sanysais, Ramads, etc. (c) Consists of middle, sometimes of wealthy, class. (d) Beggars and very poor men. The medicants travel from place to place, and the reason of their using ganja is that they can endure different climates. The menials use them with a view to do hard work - Evidence of MR. A. C. TUTE, Magistrate and Collector of Dinajpur.
10. No; the ganja cultivators are of the same class as other agricultural cultivators. 17. Ganja is prepared by the ordinary cultivators, both Hindus and Muhammadans. Siddhi is illicitly prepared by all classes of people who drink it. I do not know what classes of people prepare charas. 20. Charas used to be smoked by both the upper and lower classes of people, but now its use is almost confined to a limited number of the latter. The consumption of charas in this district is not more than 30 seers per annum, and the number of smokers of this drug is not more than 300. Ganja is smoked generally by people of the lower castes, who have much outdoor work, such as boatmen, fishermen, and coolies, and by a limited number of the upper class in the Barasat subdivision. I think about 75 per cent. of the adult population of the labouring lower class of people smoke ganja. 24. Bhang drinking is prevalent among all classes of people. It is specially used by the inhabitants of Behar residing in this district. I think about 40 per cent. of the people drink siddhi or bhang. 27. These are mainly taken from the lower castes who have a good deal of rough outdoor work, such as Bagdi, Podh, Behara, Chamar, Mallah, Dhangar, Dulia, Dome, Mether, Boistab, Sanyasi, Koibarta, etc. They are generally moderate consumers. - Evidence of the HON'BLE F. R. S. COLLIER, Magistrate and Collector, 24-Parganas.
10. The vendors of narcotic drugs are sunris. 20. All classes of Hindus, especially the villagers, nearly one-third of the population, smoke ganja. Charas is not used in this district. 24. All classes of Hindus, about one-fourth of the population, eat bhang in winter, and drink in summer, as a cooling beverage. It is the nectar of the Hindus, who give it the name of Mahadeo's buti, or the drug of Mahadeo of the Hindu Trinity. Question 20 [oral evidence]. — The ganja in Arrah is chiefly consumed by Brahmans and Rajputs. It is also taken by other classes of Hindus, specially labourers. The Musalmans are not large consumers. The figure given in my written answer would require verification. In any case one-third of the total population would be more than I meant. The use is probably not as common among the villagers as among the town population. Ganja is very generally consumed by the Kol tribes locally known as Karwars on the Rhotas plateau. 27. (a) and (c) from all classes of Hindus, and (b) and (d) from the orders of mendicants (sadhus and jogis). No particular habit of life or circumstances leads to the practice. - Evidence of MR, C. R. MARINDIN, Magistrate and Collector of Shahabad.
10. (a) No, they do not form a separate class. 17. Ganja, by cultivators of ganja. Bhang, by wholesale dealers, and by villagers generally. Majum Siddhi kachauri by confectioners. 20. The consumption of charas is confined to the residents of towns in Central and Western Bengal. It is difficult to give the exact proportion of consumers. Some idea may be formed from the fact that in 1892-93 11 maunds 26 seers 12 chittacks, or, say, 12 maunds of charas, were consumed against 4,711 maunds of ganja (excluding the quantities sent to the North-Western Provinces and Oudh); and assuming that charas is twice as effective as ganja, the proportion of charas consumers to ganja-smokers would be 24 to 4,711 or 1 to 196. Ganja is used by all classes, though in varying proportions, throughout the province. Hindu mendicants (sadhus, sanyasis, etc.) use it to a man, as do the priests and attendants of Hindu temples, especially of those that are dedicated to Siva. In Lower Bengal boatmen, fishermen and others who are constantly exposed to wet and inclement weather, palki and dooly-bearers and coolies who have to perform great physical exertion, freely use ganja; also cooks and artizans. Its use is considerable among cultivators, but limited among the bhadro log or respectable castes. Its use is equally common among Hindus and Musalmans. In Behar, however, Musalmans do not much indulge in ganja, Of the Hindus its use is rare among the poorer classes (who seem to be more addicted to tari and cheap country liquor), but is general among the middle classes, comprising Brahmins, Rajputs, and Babhans. Artizans of all classes freely consume it. Mds. S. C. Total consumption in 1892-93 5,451 14 0 Deduct quantities sent to North-Western Provinces and Nepal 740 19 0 Consumption in Bengal 4,710 35 0 Population 71,271,080. Smallest consumption of a moderate smoker, 1 anna or1 /1280o fa seer per diem. The quantity shown as consumed is thus sufficient for 660,813 or 9 in 1,000 of the total population, which is less than 1 per cent.; but the average quantity consumed by a smoker is probably higher, and the proportion then becomes still less. On the above assumption (1 anna per diem per smoker) the proportion of smokers to total population is as follows in the undermentioned districts where the consumption of ganja is large:— Dacca 15 in 1,000 Mymensing 15 in 1,000. 24. Bhang is eaten in the shape of majum or siddhi kachauri. In these forms it is used by the well-to-do classes in town areas, but the consumption is very small. Out of a total of Rs. 1,984 realized from majum licenses in 1892-93, Patna contributed Rs. 683, Calcutta Rs. 559, and Cuttack Rs. 245. The use of bhang as a drink was at one time general in Lower Bengal, but is now very much restricted owing to progress of education and breaking up of old habits, and also to the spread of a taste for imported spirits. In Behar, among the higher and middle classes, it is still a favourite drink, though the poorer classes prefer tari and country spirit. 27. Fishermen, labourers, coolies, boatmen and others who smoke ganja as a matter of necessity are habitual moderate consumers; while mendicants, including sanyasis and sadhus, who lead idle lives, are, as a rule, habitual excessive consumers, the idea being that ganja-smoking helps their meditations. Occasional moderate smokers are beginners, and those who join in any rites in which ganja forms a votive offering, as in the worship of Trinath in Eastern Bengal. - Evidence of MR. K. G. GUPTA, Commissioner of Excise, Bengal
20. The low class men, such as labourers, cultivators and fakirs, generally use ganja. They are occasionally consumed by the middle class. A small portion of Muhammadans also use these drugs. Women do not use these drugs. The consumption of charas is very small in this district. We have opened only one charas shop this year experimentally. As regards ganja it may be said that about1 /8tho f the population use the drug. 24. (a) The fakirs eat powdered bhang. (b) Middle and higher class men drink bhang mixed with cardamon, aniseed, and other spices. 27. Among the low class, the cultivators and labourers generally use these drugs as stimulants. Fakirs use them to help them in meditation and to preserve their health against the evil effects of damp, open-air living, and exposure. High class people use it as preventive against the evil effects of cold, damp, etc. - Evidence of MR. L. HARE, Magistrate and Collector of Muzaffarpur.
17. The above preparations of bhang are generally made by the people, who form the consumers and the peasantry, consisting of almost all classes of Hindus. 20. The Hindu mendicants known as Jogis and Sadhus invariably, and almost all the different classes of Hindus more or less smoke ganja. The proportion of Hindus who smoke ganja to those who do not is 1 to 20. Ganja smoking is not confined to any particular locality. No Muhammadans, except some low class of them, specially professional singers and other low characters, are given to it. 24. Hindus of all classes eat or drink bhang. No proportion can be given. One and the same man eats as well as drinks bhang, but the season for each is different. In hot and rainy seasons the drug is drunk, and in the winter it is eaten. It is not confined to any particular locality.(d) 15 " 27. Hindus of all classes, Brahmins, Rajputs, and Bhúinhars and mendicants, as a rule, form the consumers of ganja and bhang. Of these the rich and well-to-do class use these drugs for pleasures' sake; the labouring class to alleviate fatigue; and the mendicants to concentrate their thoughts. - Evidence of MR. G. E. MANISTY, Magistrate and Collector of Saran
20. The lower labouring classes, especially fishermen and boatmen, use ganja. When a man of a better class uses ganja, it is generally because he can't afford spirits. Occasionally well-to-do people smoke charas mixed with tobacco. 27. Poverty seems the main reason for people using ganja. - Evidence of MR. J. KENNEDY, Magistrate and Collector of Murshidabad
10. No; the persons who thus cultivate the wild bhang do not form a special class 17. By all classes of people the preparation of bhang is made. The lower classes specially use it for medicinal purposes. The higher classes use it for intoxication and benefit of health. There is an adage that siddhi increases budhi (intelligence). 20. About 60,000 of the total district population (2,420,394) smoke ganja. With but a very few exceptions, they are males, and belong to all classes of people. The majority of the consumers are tradesmen, labourers, fishermen, Baishnabs, Baul, sanyasis, or recluses. The Muhammadans form a minor portion, say one-fourth of the total number of consumers. About 10,000 people use bhang. They belong to all classes. Many take it as a medicine in bowel complaints and some as a prophylactic in cholera epidemic. The use of charas is confined to a very limited section of the people in the town. The number of consumers is estimated to be only 100 persons. 27. The habitual moderate consumers of ganja are the tradesmen, labourers, cultivators, fishermen, and the higher classes (bhadra lokes). Byragis, Bauls, sanyasis are usually habitual excessive consumers. Occasional moderate and excessive consumers are taken from those classes. At festive gatherings, such as those at Trinath mêla, persons take ganja in moderate quantity. The habitual excessive consumers of bhang are generally up-countrymen. On the occasion of festivals, such as Daserah, Goraknath Puja, Madan Chaturdasi, bhang is consumed in moderate and excessive quantities among the Hindu communities. The labouring classes generally resort to the smoking of ganja as a sedative after hard work— the hard labour they have to perform in the sun or water. The habit is also contracted by associating with the ganja smokers. - Evidence of MR. T. L. JENKINS, Magistrate and Collector of Dacca
20. I cannot give the proportions; all classes seem to smoke ganja except precise Muhammadans. 24. All classes except rigid Muhammadans drink bhang without restriction of locality. 27. Bhang is drunk as a sherbet by all classes. Ganja is consumed a good deal by the agricultural classes after their day's work, but is also consumed by the richer men. The former use it to do away with fatigue, the latter for their own pleasure, and also for the satisfaction of their carnal desires, as it increases or is said to increase retentive power. - Evidence of MR. W. R. BRIGHT, Deputy Commissioner of Palámau
20. Charas is seldom, if ever, used in this district, but ganja is smoked by the following classes of people:—(1) jalias (fishermen), (2) dhobis (washermen), (3) religious mendicants (such as sanyasis or fakirs, bairagis), (4) palki-bearers, (5) idlers and bad characters. The proportion of the people using it is very small, not even one per cent. 24. Bhang is drunk by up-countrymen whose number is very small in this district. The natives of the district do not use bhang in any form. 27. The Bairagis as a class are all excessive smokers. They are professional beggars, and form the bulk of ganja-smoking population. Next comes the class of day-labourers. In this class the number is almost equally divided among Hindus and Muhammadans. Among the Baishnabs, they say, the practice is sanctioned by their religion. The day-labourers take up this practice under the impression that it enables them to undergo fatigue and exposure without their health being impaired - Evidence of MR. N. K. BOSE, Officiating Magistrate and Collector of Noakhali.
17. The consumers of bhang are chiefly men from up-country. It is also mixed with milk, spices, etc., and used as a medicine for dyspepsia. Charas is mixed with tobacco and smoked by a few of the well-to-do people. Ganja is used by the fishermen and the lower classes generally, partly, no doubt, because it is a less expensive habit than liquor or opium. 20. See above. There is hardly any charas consumed in this district. The consumption of ganja is 71 maunds a year, which, if all be taken by moderate habitual consumers, would supply about one in two thousand of the population. 24 Bhang is largely used by up-country men, and a few of the Bengalis also use it. 27. An habitual moderate consumer would take half a tola of ganja or siddhi and about six grains of charas. Excessive consumers would take more than twice as much. - Evidence of MR. L. P. SHIRRES, Magistrate and Collector of Midnapur
10. There is no restriction of class or caste. 17. By no class in particular. Any cultivator who has grown the plant. 20. The lower classes chiefly, and fakirs almost universally - Evidence of MR. E. H. C. WALSH,* Officiating Magistrate and Collector of Cuttack
20. Generally speaking the labouring class smoke ganja and charas. Some gentlemen also smoke them but they are few. I cannot give the proportion of smokers. 24. No classes of people eat bhang. There are several who drink bhang. They are scattered all over the district and it is difficult to say the pro¬ portion. 27. Generally from the lower class who work in thef ieldo r as coolies, bearers, and cart-drivers. - Evidence of MR. J. H. BERNARD, Offg. Magistrate and Collector
10. They do not form a special class; they are Muhammadan cultivators in no way different to the bulk of the population of the district. 17. There is no special class of men devoted to the preparation of these drugs here. Ganja is usually prepared either by the cultivators them¬ selves with or without the assistance of hired labourers or by hired labourers employed by dealers who purchase the standing crop. 20. The use of ganja is not confined to any particular class, but it is more common among the lower classes than among the upper. It is also more used by labourers, artisans, and menial servants than by the cultivating classes. Bairagies, sanyasis, and religious mendicants generally are specially addicted to the use of ganja. The up-country coolies who are continually passing through this district also use the drug. I have written these remarks with special reference to this district, but they would also apply to most districts in Bengal. Charas is not used here. 24. (a) Bhang itself is not eaten. Majum, a preparation made from bhang, is eaten in some parts of the province,b uti t is not apparently used in this district, and I have no accurate information as to the classes who use it. 27. In the case of ganja, the habitual moderate consumers, and those who only occasionally exceed moderation, are mostly to be found among the labouring classes. They naturally feel a desire for some intoxicant after a day of hard work and exposure. Want of means, family ties, and regular occupation restrain them from habitual excess. Habitual excessive consumers are mostly to be found among religious mendicants and among the scum of the populace in towns and bazars who have no regular occupation or social ties to restrain them. The habitual consumption of ganja by religious mendicants is to be accounted for partly by custom and partly by the life of constant exposure which many of them lead. In the case of bhang, occasional and habitual consumers are drawn from all classes - Evidence of MR. A. E. HARWARD, Offg. Magistrate and Collector
20. Ganja is not used by the Muhammadans, of the district, except those of them who form the fakir (beggar) class. Of the Hindus the lower classes do not use it, while it is very commonly used by the middle and well-to-do classes. This remark applies to the whole of the district. Ganja is not extensively used in this district. The proportion of ganja-smokers to the entire population does not probably exceed one in a thousand. 24. The eating of bhang is not resorted to by any particular class. It is eaten only on particular occasions with particular preparations. The common use of the drug is in the shape of drink. The drug is used by the middle and the upper classes of the people, and the proportion of bhang consumers to the whole population is estimated to be about one in two thousand. 27. Ganja consumers consist of the well-to-do petty land holders or cultivators, all of whom have extensive cultivations. Exposure in the rainy months to the inclemencies of the weather is generally the cause which make them resort to the practice. As regards sidhhi, the consumers become addicted to it for the sake of its narcotice ffect, and it is preferred by the upper classes because its moderate use is not looked down upon by society - Evidence of COLONEL C. H. GARBETT, Deputy Commissioner of Hazaribagh
10. There is no cultivation in this district, but in Rajshahi some classes of Hindus and Muhammadans cultivateg anjat ogether with other crops, but under supervision of Government officials; but cultivation is not confined to any special class. 20. Charas is used by rich folks only; ganja by the lower classes of the community. Any one who can afford to pay half a pice can use it, as about 4 grains are procurable for such sum. 24. Bhang is generally used as a drink, occasionally chewed; largely used by up-country men. 27. Ganja and bhang— (a) Fakirs, Sanyasis, up-country men or darwans, athletes, etc. (b) Brahmins who worship Kali, palki-bearers, porters, labourers, etc. (c) Young people prone to gaiety. (d) Those among the latter class who have no control over themselves - Evidence of Mr. C. A. S. BEDFORD, Deputy Commissioner of Manbhum
20. Fakirs and sadhus, Bengalis, Uriyas, Beharis, Muhammadans, Tamarias, Uraons, and Bhuians smoke ganja. About 5 per cent. of the population of these classes smoke ganja. In this district ganja is used at Chaibassa, Baharagorah, Ghatsilla, Chakradharpur, and Manaharpur, and all over the district. Charas is not in use in this district. 24. Bhang is both eaten and drunk by Ben¬ galis and Beharis in summer season only. At least 10 per cent. of these two classes use it. There is no particular locality, but this is done in places where these people live. 27. About classes of people, I have already answered in questions Nos.2 0a nd 24. As far as this district is concerned, the use of ganja and charas is not due to any particular habits of life or circumstances. - Evidence of Mr. R. H. RENNY, Deputy Commissioner of Singbhum
10. No; they are all of the agricultural class. 17. There is no special class. 20. The use of ganja is not confined to any particular class or locality. Bairagis almost invariably use ganja. No one uses charas. The proportion of people who smoke ganja is not more than 2 per cent., and is perhaps less. 24. Not confined to any class or locality. 27. Mendicant Bairagis, to be occasionally seen here and there, are excessive consumers. Labouring classes are occasional moderate consumers. They use it after exposure or hard labour - Evidence of RAI NANDAKISORE DAS, BAHADUR,* District Officer of Angul, Cuttack
20. Syces, coolies, boatmen, ticcag ariwalas,a nd sanyasis are the classes who use ganja most. There are a few cases of persons of a better class using ganja. Charas is used very little here. 24. Sanyasis habitually drink bhang. Well-todo classes drink bhang with milk in time of pujas. 27. Persons who work hard physically or lead a life of exposure are the principal consumers. It is supposed to protect from exposure - Evidence of MR. W. MAXWELL, Sub-Divisional Officer, Jhenidah, District Jessore
10. All classes and castes will cultivate the hemp plant. The cultivation, where permitted, is not confined to any particular class. In the course of my service I have often found a few plants of hemp growing in the gardens of Brahmins and other high caste natives. Unless these plants are found and pulled up by the police, they are invariably used for preparation of ganja and bhang. Question 10.—When I was in charge of sub¬ divisions, the police occasionally sent up men on the charge of growing hemp. I have never heard of any particular annoyance to the villagers on this account, though the offenders complained of the hardship of being harassed on account of their having allowed one or two plants of hemp to grow in their compounds. There are men who make part of their living out of the rewards to be got in excise prosecution, and they go about enquiring and sometimes make up false cases. The liability to have their houses searched gives people far greater annoyance than the prohibition to cultivate does. As far as I know, the putting up of plants is a trifling matter. 20. All classes smoke ganja all over Orissa. Charas is not used in Orissa. 24. All classes. Can't give proportion, probably as high as 20 per cent. of the males and 5 per cent. of the females. About 100 per cent. of priests and attendants of temples and of Vishnuvite ascetics take bhang. 27. All classes. I can't say what in each case are the habits of life or other circumstances which lead to the habit of smoking ganja or taking bhang. - Evidence of MR. W.C. TAYLOR, Special Deputy Collector, Land Acquisition, East Coast Railway, and Pensioned Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Khurda, Orissa
20. I am not familiar with the use of charas. Its use was almost known in the districts to which my experience extended when I was in charge of the Excise Department. But from my general ex¬ perience, I am inclined to think charas is looked upon as a more refined smoke, which is indulged in by the well-to-do people, who look down upon ganja as the smoke of the lower order. Ganja is smoked principally by the lower classes and by a limited section of the middle class, whose religious prejudice is a bar to their indulging in alcohol. It is also freely smoked by religious mendicants and fakirs in almost every part of Bengal. 24. Bhang is generally drunk, seldom eaten except as an ingredient in medicine. It is drunk freely by up-country men and also by pilgrims who resort to Baidyanath. A good deal of bhang used to be sold by a licensed shopkeeper at Sultanganj when I was Excise Deputy Collector of Bhagalpur, in which district that place is situated. The reason was that pilgrims to Baidyanath used to store their supply of Ganges water at that place previous to starting on pilgrimage, and, when there, used to get themselves supplied with bhang. Its use is almost confined to Hindus. I do not remember to have ever seen its use by Muhammadans. When I visited Muttra and Brindaban, I found it very freely used there by all classes, especially the priests or pandas - Evidence of CHUNDER NARAIN SINGH, Kayasth, Deputy Collector, at present employed as Personal Assistant to the Commissioner of the Bhagalpur Division
17. There is no special class of people by whom such preparations are made. Bhang is mostly consumed by up-country people, and ganja by manjis, boatmen and fishermen, cartmen, syces, grass-cutters, whose avocations of life lead to constant exposure to sun and water. The up-country sanyasis, mendicants, and fakirs are mostly addicted to ganjasmoking, and bhang is taken by them as a drink too. 20. This answer has been given in question 17. Charas is seldom smoked. It is used by some people used to night-keeping—Jatrawalas, dancers, and other musicians, the object being to ward off sleep. People used to haunts of immorality and places of public women have often been observed using charas. The number of such who are addicted to ganja and charas smoking is very small compared with the general body of the people. 24. The answer to this has been furnished in question 17. It is not possible in the absence of statistics to give the proportion of people by whom bhang is drunk. The up-country people who are living in Lower Bengal are mostly addicted to this drug. Amongst those who work, common coolies and labourers betake partially to ganja. The localities are not restricted. - Evidence of BABU RAM CHARAN BOSE, Kayasth, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Alipur, 24-Parganas.
20. Ganja smokers belong to all classes. Even Sonthals, specially Kharwars (Hinduised Sonthals) are addicted to the habit. The aboriginal tribes are getting a taste for it, but of those who smoke, the majority belong to the middle class. Proportion not ascertainable. Not in any particular locality. 24. Natives of Behar who have come here for work or trade drink or eat bhang, but seldom do so here. Local people never eat or drink this drug. As regards charas and bhang—Nil. 27. Labourers do not use it much. A large proportion comes from what is known as the bhadralok or middle class, who are comparatively well-to-do. Bad company mainly leads to the habit. - Evidence of MR. E. MCL. SMITH, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Sonthal Parganas.
20. Low classes, labouring classes, coolies, palkibearers, boatmen, mendicants; without restriction of localities. 24. Bhang is used by all classes more or less. It is generally used more widely by up-country people who drink it in large quantities. 27. Generally as a relaxation after hard work and in the case of the labouring classes as a stimulant to hard work. - Evidence of BABU GOPAL CHUNDER MOOKERJEE, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Diamond Harbour
20. The Bagdis, Dulias, Baistavs, garwans, sanyasis, fakirs and hard-working menial class smoke ganja. About one-twentieth of the people at least of almost all localities smoke ganja; charas is seldom smoked. It is generally smoked by the uneducated gentry, specially on the occasion of a public fair and entertainment, etc. 24. Bhang is generally drunk. It is chewed with betel in rare cases of diarrhœa. Majum, a preparation of siddhi with sweet, is also eaten. It is sold in tablets It is very seldom sold or used. 27. Hard-working people smoke ganja to give them relief in their work and to protect them from the effects of the climate. People with sufficient means and no work become excessive consumers of the drug. Sanyasis and fakirs who have little or no work and often travel unprotect ed in different climates cannot do without ganja. - Evidence of BABU NAVIN KRISHNA BANERJI, Brahman, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Purulia, District Manbhum
20. Ganja is taken generally by the lower classes—cultivators, domestic servants, boatmen, fishermen, and other labourers. Charas is taken by a very few people, generally of better classes. It is of higher value. Kabulis also take it. Ganja is largely smoked by sanyasis (religious ascetics) and fakirs, i.e., religious mendicants, both Hindus and Muhammadans take it largely. 24. The Hindus drink bhang all over Bengal and Behar, specially on festive occasions. Bhang is eaten with sweets called majum. It is taken only by the richer classes and in towns. Muham¬ madans take majum. Bhang is very little con¬ sumed by them. It is largely taken by up. country men. 27. (a) Domestic servants, such as cooks, bearers, waiters, darwans, syces and coachmen, boatmen, fishermen, cultivators, ordinary daylabourers, coal-miners, etc.; (b) sanyasis and fakirs (religious mendicants); (c) some domestic servants and men of better means; (d) men of depraved habits of the lower classes who indulge in excess whenever they have the means to do so. I know of Brahmins, Khatris, Kayasths, and Vaidyas, and also better class Muhammadans smoking it, but their number is indeed very few. Generally speaking, those whose pursuits cause much physical strain on them take ganja. To my knowlege I know of only a very few—in fact not more than two or three—leading an intellec¬ tual life, taking ganja. - Evidence of BABU PRAN KUMAR DAS, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector and Personal Assistant to the Commissioner of Burdwan
20. The lower classes of Hindus and Muhammadans smoke ganja and very little is smoked by the middle classes and trading classes. I think the ganja smokers may be 3 per cent. in all local¬ ities. 24. The up-country men eat or drink bhang, but not the coolies. Kshetryas and Brahmins use it. About 20 per cent. so use it. This is to be found in all places. Natives drink bhang; about 5 per cent. so use it. All classes of the people use bhang for medicinal purposes. In all localities. 27. The ganja consumers are the working and labouring classes of Muhammadans and Hindus. The Chamars and mehtars among the Hindus. The occasional consumers of ganja are the Sahas, Pals, and low-class Kayasth, who smoke on religious and social festivities, such as Trinath Mela and marriages and pujas. The habitual consumers of ganja are those who do hard bodily labour and pursue detestable and noxious callings, such as Chamars and mehtars. The habitual consumers of bhang are the upcountry men and very few natives of this place. The occasional consumers are the up-country men and natives. - Evidence of BABU GOBIND CHANDRA BASAK, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Brahmanbaria, Tippera District.
20. Generally the lower and working class use ganja. Charas is used by some gentlemen also The smoking is not confined to particular localities. 24. I do not know of any who eats bhang, but a large number of people drink bhang. The people of the North-Western Provinces drink it copiously. 27. From the lower or working class. Boatmen and coolies or day-labourers as well as some of the cultivators who till the soil under the hot sun take to ganja. Mendicant class and gentlemen on religious grounds take to siddhi. Worshippers of Siva take both ganja and siddhi. - Evidence of BABU DINA NATH DÉ, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Nadia.
10. No. The ganja cultivators are of the same class as other agricultural cultivators. 17. Ganja is prepared by the ordinary cultivators, Hindus and Musalmans. 20. Ganja is smoked generally by people of the lowest class, such as Bagdi, Dulia, Behara, domes. tic servants, groom, Behari darwan, Dosad, Chamar, Malla, Kairi, Domes, Nunia of Behar, fakir, sanyasis, jogi, Boistab, songster. Among these classes, 75 per cent. smoke ganja. Ganja is consumed in larger quantities in East Bengal and Behar. Patna, Mymensingh. Dacca, Champaran and Saran may be specially mentioned. Very little ganja is consumed in the tract where it is grown. 24. As far as I am aware bhang is drunk or eaten by the people of Behar. The consumption is not confined to any particular class. The lower class consume more than the upper class. 75 per cent. of the lower class and 50 per cent. of the upper class either drink or eat bhang. 27. Fakirs, jogis, sanyasis, cooks and palkibearers form the class of habitual moderate con¬ sumers; and among these the mendicant class are habitual excessive consumers. The occasional moderate consumers are taken from the lowest classes of both Hindu and Musalman, such as Dosad, Nunia, Chamar, Malla, Dhangar, Bunwa, Dulia, Dome, Bagdi, Keora, Mether, Bhumali. The occasional excessive consumers among these classes are those who otherwise turned vagabond. It is said that, as a matter of course, people taken to ascetic life must take to smoking ganja, because these people think that it is not possible to stand the hardship of ascetic life unless some sort of stimulant is used, and they take to ganja smoking as it is cheapest of all intoxicants. Those of the new recruits who had not the inclination to smoke led to the practice by their keeping com¬ pany with those who smoke. With regard to the other classes of consumers, the circumstances of their living in society which indulge in smoking ganja and their doing very hard labour without proper food and rest lead to the practice. To this may be added the general hankering of men for some refreshment to kill the fatigue of hard labour. Examples are not wanting of people acquiring the habit of ganja smoking by first using it as medicine. For instance, a man suffering from chronic fever, dysentery, diarrhœa, gout, etc., is advised the smoking of ganja as a remedy - Evidence of BABU GANENDRA NATH PAL, Kayasth, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Naogaon.
20. Charas is not used in this district. Ganja is smoked by fishermen, Haris, Kahars, bearers, coolies, mehtars, religious medicants, and also other Hindus and Muhammadans as well as Christians and Buddhists, the proportion being, in the case of fishermen, etc., about 2/15, and that in respect of other Hindus and Muhammadans, etc., 1/200. As regards bhang, it is chiefly con¬ sumed by Hindustani sojourners and a few highcaste Hindus. 24. Bhang is not much used in this district. In the town of Chittagong sojourners from Behar and from other places higher up are the chief consumers. It is mostly drunk, and by highcaste people. 27. Habitual moderate consumers are mainly taken from fishermen, mehtars, Haris, coolies and palki-bearers; habitual excessive consumers from fakirs and sanyasis, and occasional moderate consumers from high-caste people. These remarks apply to ganja. As regards bhang, its use in this district is rather limited and is almost restricted to high-caste people. Fishermen, Haris following the profession of fishermen, coolies and palkibearers smoke ganja in order to bear up the fatigue and to protect themselves from the consequences of exposure to weather—mehtars and Haris following the profession of mehtars, to enable them to carry on the work of cleansing latrines and similar work without a feeling of repulsion. Religious mendicants, i.e., fakirs, sanyasis, etc., smoke ganja partly to be able to bear up the fatigue and exposure to weather, and partly to concentrate their minds on the contemplation of the subject of their devotion when they address themselves to it. - Evidence of BABU GANGANATH ROY, Kayasth, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Chittagong.
20. Generally five per cent. of lower and agricultural classes smoke ganja in almost every part of this district. The consumption of charas is very little, and needs no remarks. 24. Bhang is chiefly used by up-country trading classes residing at Rampur Hat, Murarai, Nalhati, Sainthia, and Bolpur and Suri. The proportion of consumers does not come up to more than 1 per cent. 27. The consumers of ganja are chiefly daylabourers and agriculturists and religious mendicants, the latter being also drinkers of bhang. - Evidence of BABU BHAIRAB NATH PALIT, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Birbhum
10. No. The agricultural cultivators generally cultivate hemp. 17. There are no particular classes of the people who make the preparations of the hemp drug. Charas is neither made nor consumed in this district. 24. Bhang is not generally used in this district. 27. The agricultural people are the general consumers of ganja. They smoke the drug to shake off mental and physical depression caused by excess in labour and climatic influences. - Evidence of BABU JOGENDRO NATH BANDYOPADHYA, Brahmin, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Jalpaiguri
20. In the districts where I served the use of charas was almost unknown. The majority smoked ganja. (In the Sonthal Parganas the reformed or Hinduized Sonthals, who call themselves Kharwars and who eschew alcohol, have taken to ganja. In Tippera, where the Muhammadans are strict fakirs, and so obliged to refrain from all intoxi¬ cants, ganja is largely consumed.—W. O.) 24. Up-country men living in Bengal use bhang as a drink largely. 27. The working classes, the cultivating classes, boatmen, and fishermen. Hard work and aquatic habits lead to the practice. In Dacca the weaver class, which is a wealthy one, generally smoke ganja. The sanyasis all over the country are addicted to the excessive use of ganja. It is said to protect them from the effects of exposure. (It is taken as a prophylactic to fever by people who have to work in the wet.—W. O.) - Evidence of BABU JAGA MOHAN BHATTACHARJYA, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector and Personal Assistant to Commissioner, Chittagong
20. Ganja is smoked habitually by sanyasis and vaishnavas; and occasionally by goalas (cowkeepers) and bearers, manjhis (boatmen and fishermen), and chasas (agricultural class). It is difficult to state the proportion. It probably does not exceed one-half per cent. of the population of Orissa including the Tributary States. The ascetic classes chiefly congregate at the town of Puri. The other classes spread over the whole province. 24. The Brahmin sebaks of the temples in Puri, Jajpur and Bhuvaneswar, commonly called Pandas, and their agents known as pilgrim hunters, habitually drink bhang. Their number would be within two thousand. The higher castes, such as the other sub-classes of Brahmins, the Karans and the Khandaits, drink bhang occasionally, chiefly in summer as a cooling draught. Such occasional consumers do not exceed probably ten thousand. - Evidence of BABU MANMOHAN CHAKRAVARTI, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Jajpur, Cuttack, Orissa.
10. Ordinary agricultural cultivators collect the bhang leaves. 20. In answering the question, I speak of ganja alone. In North Gangetic Bhagalpur the Goalas abound, and they are hard, constant, and chief consumers of ganja. Next to them stand, I believe, the Rajputs. In South Gangetic Bhagalpur the Goalas are hard drinkers of country-spirit and not of ganja at all. The Rajputs are the same all over the district. Ganja-smoking is prevalent, more or less, in all classes of the people in Bhagalpur as in Lower Bengal. In Bhagalpur, Goal para, and Cooch Behar I have observed a peculiar similarity in the observance of a ceremony, viz., the uncultivating portion of Goalas, who tend cattle, are the hardest smokers of ganja, and it is essential that ganja should be smoked to a very considerable extent at Bathan at the time of Kalipuja, i.e., Deuli. 24. Bhang is not confined particularly to any class, except those generally known in Bengal and Behar by the term " Marwaris." It is used by all classes, and more, I believe, by the higher than the lower classes of the people. It is generally drunk. The use is not particularly confined to any locality or district. In Central Bengal I hear it is customary, even among the higher classes of the people, to drink bhang on the Dasahara day. 27. (Vide my reply to question 24.) I do not believe that it is any particular habit or circumstances of life that has caused the spread of the use of these two drugs. - Evidence of BABU NAVAKUMAR CHAKRAVARTI, Brahmin, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Jangipur, Murshidabad
20. Ganja is smoked generally by the daylabourers, cartmen, porters, masons, palki-bearers, sanyasis and jogis, fakirs, up-country darwans or porters, Rajputs acting as athletes, and Brahmins who worship Kali. Bhang is taken by up-country men living in this country generally during the months of March, April, May and June in the evening in the form of sherbet. Also by others having bowel complaints, looseness, etc., etc. Charas is smoked generally by well-to-do people among Muhammadans and Hindus (rarely the latter class) in the district of Murshidabad. I have known numerous Shiahs of the Nizamat family and their akrobas given to charas smok¬ ing. In this district members of certain Raj families are known to be charas smokers. 24. Bhang is drunk ordinarily, also eaten with pan leaves. 27. Ganja and bhang— (a) Fakirs, sanyasis, up-country men, darwans. (b) Brahmins who worship Kali, palkibearers, porters, labourers, etc., etc. (c) Young people prone to gaiety. (d) Those among the latter class who have no control over themselves. I have learnt by enquiry from numerous con¬ sumers of ganja that they contracted the habit by keeping company with people given to ganja smoking; such people might be members of their family either a grandfather, a maternal uncle and sometimes an elder brother, who would probably ask the novice to prepare the chillum or put the chillum in its place after ganja has been smoked, and on the latter opportunity the man in charge of the chillum would take a pull. - Evidence of MAULAVI ABDUS SAMAD, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Purulia, Manbhum.
10. No, the ganja cultivators are of the same class as other agricultural cultivators. 17. Ganja is prepared by the ordinary culti¬ vators, both Hindus and Muhammadans. Siddhi is illicitly prepared by all classes of people who drink it. I do not know what classes of people prepare charas. 20. Charas used to be smoked by both the upper and lower classes of people, but now its use is almost confined to a limited number of the latter. The consumption of charas in this district is not more than thirty seers per annum and the number of smokers of this drug is not more than three hundred. Ganja is smoked generally by people of the lower castes who have much outdoor work, such as boatmen, fishermen,a nd coolies, and a limited number of the upper class in the Barasat subdivision. 1 think about 75 per cent. of the adult population of the labouring lower class of people smoke ganja. 24. Bhang drinking is prevalent among all classes of people. It is specially used by the inhabitants of Behar residing in this district. I think about 50 per cent. of the people drink siddhi or bhang. 27. These are mainly taken from the lower castes who have a good deal of rough out-door work, such as Bagdi, Podh, Behara, Chamar, Malla, Dhangar, Dulia, Dome, Mehtar, Boistab Sanyasi, songster, Kaibarta, etc. They are generally moderate consumers. - Evidence of BABU GUNGADHAR GHOSE, Excise Deputy Collector, 24-Parganas
20. All classes of the people smoke ganja. Charas is not used here, Hindus consisting of Gawalas, Kahars, Kurmis, Kayasths, Rajputs, and Koeris smoke ganja to a very large extent. Next come in low-class Musalmans. In a hundred consumers, 11 are Gawalas, 10 Kahars, 9 Kurmis, 7 Brahmans, 7 Musalmans (vide table appended). In towns the consumption is largest. Ganja is greatly in demand where the climate is damp. 24. Bhang is used by all clases of Hindus, especially Babhans and Marwaris. In a hundred consumers there are fifty Babhans and ten Mar¬ waris. It is generally and mostly used in towns, because bhang very rarely sells in the mufassal. 27. In reply to No. 20 I have given the castes which use ganja. They are mostly poor men and day-labourers, who either from religious prejudices or on account of want of sufficient means cannot use liquor. This and also reply No. 20 are made from statistics recorded by the vendors and from enquiries made by me. - Evidence of BABU PROKASH CHUNDER ROY, Excise Deputy Collector, Patna.
20. Classes—Rajputa Bahbans, Agarwla, banias, fakirs or sadhus, and labouring classes, e.g., Kahars, Nuniyas, Dhanuk, etc. 24. No statistics can be obtained on this subject. About 100 maunds are consumed annually in this district, part of which ( about 80 maunds) goes taxed. The classes of people that use bhang are— (1) Rajputs and Brahmans; (2) Khatris; (3) Bania and Agarwala. Bhang is not used much by the lower classes as the preparation is rather costly. In my opinion about one per cent, of the population drink or eat bhang, but this estimate is based on conjecture, as bhang is consumed by people in their houses which they procure from fields. 27. The classes of peopel are:— (1) Rajput Bahbans and Brahmin agricultural class who cultivate fields by manual labour. (2) Banias, Agarwalas and Khatris, trading classes. - Evidence of BABU SURENDRANATH MOZOOMDAR, Brahmin, Special Excise Deputy Collector, Monghyr.
20. Labouring classes—fishermen, palki-bearers, mendicants (sanyasis); not less than 33 per cent. of these throughout Bengal. I estimate that less than 1 per cent. of the gentry in Lower Bengal are addicted to ganja-smoking, and .05 per cent. to charas-smoking. 24. An infinitesimal proportion of old class pandits in East Bengal eat bhang. It is believed that this increases appetite, and cures chronic liability to dysentery and diarrhœa. It is eaten in very small quantities. Up-country men who reside in Lower Bengal and all employed as darwans or bearers drink bhang. My own view is that fully 80 per cent. of these are addicted to this habit. I cannot find out from the census papers what their total number is in Bengal Proper. 27. Ganja. (a) Fishermen, palki-bearers, coolies and sanyasis. (b) Sanyasis (mendicants) and beggars. (c) Bhadralok (high caste people of respectability). (d) Fishermen and bairagies. Class (a).—Fishermen have to pass the greater portion of their life in water and they want a stimulant. Ganja is the cheapest stimulant going. Coolies and palki-bearers seek a relief from fatigue in the ganja smoke. It gives them greater power of endurance. Sanyasis and bairagies take it to prevent catching cold from exposure, and also to secure greater power of en¬ durance. Amongst the bairagies it is also largely used as an aphrodisiac, the morality of this class of people who are mostly found in pairs (man and woman) being exceedingly loose. Nearly every chowkidar in the district of Tippera is a ganjasmoker. They say they cannot keep watch at night without it. - Evidence of BABU A. K. RAY, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Bangaon, Jessore District.
10. In the Gurjats, i.e., the Tributary States of Orissa, almost all the consumers grow ganja plants, and as men belonging to the different castes from the Brahmin to the Pan (a very low aboriginal class) are found amongst the consumers, the cultivation is not restricted to any special class. 20. The smoking of ganja is not restricted to any particular class. As a rule, the lower classes smoke more ganja than the higher all over the Cuttack district and the Gurjats. The classes of fishermen and boatmen are mostly ganja-smokers. Roughly speaking, percentage of ganja-smokers in the district of Cuttack is one as deduced from the annual consumption of licit and illicit ganja to the extent of 120 maunds by a population of about nineteen lakhs, the average quantity consumed by each person being taken to be 24 tolas per year. 24. Bhang or patti is generally drunk by a few of the Marwaris and Bengalis who have settled at Cuttack, and by Brahmins and certain other higher classes of Uriyas. Its use is ordinarily restricted to the towns of Cuttack, Jajpur, and Kendrapara. The proportion cannot be given - Evidence of BABU KANTI BHUSHAN SEN, Baidya, Special Excise Deputy Collector of Cuttack
10. The persons who cultivate the ganja plants (hemp) do not form a separate class. They cultivate paddy, ganja, pulses, sugarcane, etc. They are of the same class as the other agricultural cultivators. Trained men are, however, required for the cultivation of ganja, as the ganja doctor who eradicates the male plants. 17. Ganja.—The ganja manufacturers in the ganja mahal are ordinary cultivators. They are generally Muhammadans. Bhang.—Wild bhang is manufactured by all classes of the people where they grow, especially for medicinal and intoxicating purposes. 20. I give below the classes and the proportion of consumers in the Dacca and Mymensingh Districts. The consumption of ganja in Mymensingh is next to that of Calcutta. Ganja. Charas. (1) Cultivators 20 per cent. Nil. (2) Boatmen 40 " Nil. (3) Fishermen 60 " Nil. (4) Bairagi, sanyasi, and fakir 80 " Nil. (5) Washermen, Chandal, Namasudra, mali (sweepers and mehters), goalas, banias, dome and cooks 40 " Nil. (6) Tradesmen (Basaks and Sahus) 30 " 10 per cent. (7) Coolies and day-labourers 60 " Nil. (8) Bhadralok (idle persons), Brahmins, and Kayasths in Bikrampur, Sherpur side, and Muktagacha 20 " 5 per cent. (9) Prostitutes who cannot afford to pay for the high price of country spirit, and old women of lower classes, such as fishwomen, bagdi, etc. 70 " Nil. (10) Ganja is used by bhadralok in Dacca and Mymensingh as a preventive against rheumatism 10 " Nil. (11) Mantra—data Gossain, spiritual preceptors or gurus 10 " 5 per cent. (12) Carpenters, artizans, etc., palki-bearers, blacksmiths, etc. 40 " Nil. (13) Low class up-country people, such as kurmi, kairi, bearer, goal, gour, rowani, tatawa, jola, dome, mochar, nunia, dosad, muchi, who cannot pay for the high price of distillery liquor, have taken to ganja smoking 25 " Nil. Thirty per cent. of the total population smoke ganja. Less than 1/10 per cent. smoke charas. Ten per cent. drink bhang (taxed and untaxed). Ganja is smoked by all classes, both Hindus and Muhammadans. Forty per cent. of the Muhammadans and 30 per cent. of the Hindus smoke ganja. 24. Bhang is in general use amongst all classes, especially in the North-Western Provinces and Behar. In Bengal, brandy has superseded the old bhang at present, but I well remember having seen in the days of my boyhood the free use of bhang among the better classes of people who would have shunned any one of their number as a pariah who was found to be addicted to the use of the forbidden spirituous liquor. At the gate of many rich people, zamindars, etc., Hindustani darwans can still be seen rubbing the bhang in a stone mortar with a long wooden pestle, and the paste so prepared is not solely intended for the use of the servants. I do not mean to say that all classes of Hindus without exception are or were ever addicted to the use of bhang. Many up-country men and many Bengalis are as a rule very temperate in their habits, and do not use any narcotic at all; but the ordinary run of orthodox Hindus, accustomed to have their little excitements, use bhang for the purpose without incurring any opprobrium attached to the use of spirituous liquors. Bhang is the up-country people's favourite drink. Classes— Proportion of people who eat. Proportion of people who drink. (1) Bhadralok and high caste upcountry people, Brahmins, and Chhatri, who do not drink wine and smoke ganja, generally use bhang 5 per cent. 30 per cent. (2) Pandas and Mahantas at Tarakeswar and Baidyanath who have a prejudice against liquor 10 " 70 " (3) Traders (Sahus of Dacca) 5 " 15 " (4) Bengali high caste people 2 " 10 " (5) Muhammadans 10 " 5 " Bhang is drunk in all localities. It is eaten by some of the higher class people in Calcutta in the form of pastry, such as bhang kachuri (bhang is mixed with the pastry made of flour, spices, boiled pulses, etc., and then fried in ghi—(clarified butter), bhang kulpi (bhang ice cream, bhang smashed and mixed with condensed milk, sugar, rosewater, aniseed, etc., and then frozen), and in the form of majum. (Boiled with ghi over water, the leaves part with a portion of their peculiar resin to the ghi, which floats on the water in the form of a green jelly. A portion of this jelly mixed with dried milk and syrup over a fire produces a paste, which readily hardens when cooled. and it is then cut into small tablets. This is called majun or majum, which is a favourite form of taking the drug.) Dr. O'Shaughnessy has given a detailed account of the preparation of majum in his Bengal Dispensatory, Vol. I, page 583. Bhang used for drinking.—Dr. O'Shaughnessy in his Bengal Dispensatory, pages 582 and 583, gives a description of how bhang is drunk and its effect on the system. The dried leaves are repeatedly washed to remove the green colouring matter; then pounded into a fine paste with a few grains of aniseed diluted with water, and drunk as a refreshing draught. The quantity taken at a time varies from quarter to one tola of the dried leaves. Dried rose leaves pounded, black pepper, rosewater, and sugar are added to the draught according to taste. To the uninitiated a draught of a tola is enough to produce strong intoxication with a tendency to laughter, great thirst, and constriction of the throat, followed by a peculiar sensation of everything tumbling upside down and protacted sleep; but those who are accustomed to the drink feel nothing beyond a pleasant sensation of intoxication, with a more or less obliviousness of all mundane cares. The effect, however, varies greatly according to constitution and temperament. 27. Ganja.—Classes.— (a) Habitual moderate.—Fishermen, cultivators, coolies|and day-labourers, singers (jatrawalas), boatmen, mehters, domes, prostitutes, artizans, blacksmiths cooks, etc. Habits of life, etc.—These are all poor people, and cannot pay for country spirit. It is used as a narcotic to relieve fatigue and exposure to damp climate, sun, rain and fire, as a preventive against rheumatism, fever, etc., on account of religious prejudice against country spirit (as Muhammadans). (b) Habitual excessive.—Sanyasi, bairagi, fakir, ramait, etc. These people give up worldly pleasures and enjoyments and temporal concerns. For concentration of thought and for forgetting all worldly cares and anxieties, for control over the passions and as a preventive against diseases consequent on exposure, climatic influence, on account of religious prejudice against country spirit, on account of its cheap price, and on account of the holy sentiment attached to the smoking of the drug (a favourite intoxicant of the god of gods—Siva) ganja is used. (c) Occasional moderate—Bhadralok young people in Trinath mela, newly initiated (beginners). Ganja is smoked for the purpose of intoxication and for aphrodisiac purposes. It is used by young men of loose morals, who cannot pay for the high price of country spirit. Young people who are afraid of being detected of drinking liquor and being looked down upon by society, or being admonished by their elders, sometimes smoke ganja as a safe narcotic. Young people suffering from venereal diseases learn to consume ganja in order to allay the pain, suffering, and uneasiness attending on the disease. (d) Occasional excessive.—Sanyasis, bairagis, fakirs, and baishnavas on the occasion of Mohotsob, Baulmela, etc. Rheumatic patients, lepers, and ashmatic patients smoke to alleviate pain and deaden the sensation. People suffering from colic, asthma, and other painful diseases, venereal diseases, etc. Habits, etc.—For intoxicating purpose. In honour of god Siva for religious purposes. Moderate habitual cosumers sometimes become excessive consumers for drowning sorrow, etc., to allay pain as from leprosy, venereal diseases, etc. Bhang.—(a) Habitual moderate.—High caste up-country people and bhadralok who do not drink liquor, and who are suffering from bowel-complaints, and for aphrodisiac purposes. Bhadralok for intoxicating purposes drink bhang paste (prepared from bhang, aniseed, black pepper, cucumber, and melon seeds, milk, sweets, attar, rosewater, and cocoanut water) diluted in water. (b) Pandas and Mahantas at Baidyanath and Tarakeswar. (c) By all classes on festive occasions and pujas. On the last day of the Durga Puja it is religiously offered to every guest and members of the family, and those who do not like to take it put a drop of it on their tongue (by way of acceptance). For increasing the digestive power and appetite bhang is drunk. Sometimes eaten by young people for aphrodisiac purposes in the form of pastry (kachuri), ice cream, and sometimes drunk. (d) Habitual moderate drinkers sometimes drink excessively on festive occasions. Charas.—(a) Habitual moderate.—Well-to-do classes, both Hindus and Muhammadans, specially in the towns, smoke for intoxication. Traders, bhadralok, respectable Muhammadans, singers, dancing girls, and rich people, who meet in the evening at a baitak, and theatre people in the mufassal. (b) Habitual excessive.—Rich people who meet in the evening at a baitak for singing and conversation. (c) Young men of loose habits for intoxcating and approdisiac purposes, who do not like to be exposed, or who are afraid of being detected of using an intoxicant. (d) Habitual moderate consumers consume in excess occasionally. Zamindars and rich people, when a large number of friends and companions meet, occasionally smoke as tobacco in excess. - Evidence of BABU ABHILAS CHANDRA MUKERJEE, Brahmin, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, on deputation as 2nd Inspector of Excise, Bengal
10. I understand from my enquiries that there are no special classes who cultivate the ganja plant at Rajshahi, but the Muhammadan cultivators preponderate over the Hindus. 20. Speaking only about ganja, I do not know of any special caste or tribe specially addicted to this drug in Bengal. The sanyasis, the bairagies (mendicant Baisnavs), and the Gir Gosains are, as a rule, addicted to ganja smoking. The sanyasis or religious ascetics are spread all over India, and are too well known to be described here. The bairagies are also well known. With regard to them, it is to be noted that their females also freely smoke ganja. The Gir Gosains are a peculiar class of people to be found in this district, and also, I believe, in Muzaffarpur and Darbhanga. They observe lifelong celibacy, but are in all other respects undistinguishable from ordinary house-holders. Alcohol is strictly forbidden amongst them. Almost all of them, however, are in the habit of consuming large quantities of ganja. Their number is very small in this district, not exceeding, I think, about 100 souls. The broad distriction, however, to be made as regards those who consume ganja and those who do not, is that, as a rule, ganja smoking is confined to the lower classes of the people, and is extremely rare amongst the higher classes. It is the daylabourers, artisans, cultivators, boatmen and such like that consume the greatest amount of ganja. The boatman of East Bengal are conspicuous for ganja smoking and have been referred to elsewhere. In this district the cultivators of the Barindra (see Mr. O'Donnel's Census Report Volume III, page 2) are very much addicted to ganja. They seem to think that ganja is capable of averting malarial fever. The notion, however, seems to be erroneous, as the females of this tract are remarkably healthier and robuster than the males. It is the males who consume ganja. The females are not addicted to ganja smoking. The question as to what proportion of the people consume ganja is, I think, almost impossible to answer, even for a limited tract of country. In Malda we have at present 60 ganja shops dotted over the whole district. There is nothing to show that the localities of these shops have been selected with reference to the number of consumers to be supplied from each shop. The consumption of ganja no doubt varies from shop to shop; but beyond that we have got no other data to show the number of persons who take their supply from any of these shops. Again, in making an estimate of the number of consumers, we must bear in mind that ganja is always consumed in company, and that for each person purchasing ganja from the licensed shop, we have generally two or three others who do not come to the shop at all, and who often do not have to pay anything, but are able to satisfy their taste for ganja by the liberality of their wealthier companions. The only way that suggests itself to me for determining the number of persons who consume ganja in any locality is, first, to ascertain the average daily consumption of ganja of a ganja smoker and the average consumption of ganja from the licensed shops of that locality. Thus, taking the district of Malda, I have tried to shew in my answer to question 26 that it would be as near the truth as possible to take the daily average consumption of a man to be two pice worth of ganja. In a month, therefore, he consumes a rupee worth of ganja, and in a year he has to spend R12 for the drug. Now the retail price of ganja in this district is about R20, and the average annual consumption of this drug in this district for the five years ending 1891 was 81 maunds. Consequently the number of ganja consumers in the district is 81 x 40 x 20/12 = 5,400 or, say, 5,000 in round numbers. Now, the population of this district, according to the last census, was 814,919, of whom 399,917 were males and 415,002 were females, and 188,368 were boys whose age did not exceed fourteen years. Accordingly, we find that in this district for every 1,630 persons one is a ganja smoker, and for every 423 adult males older than fourteen years one smokes ganja. 24. I am unable to answer this question. As far as I am aware, bhang is either drunk or smoked. Eating of bhang is not prevalent in any place known to me. 27. I have already mentioned that the upper classes of the people very rarely take ganja (my answer has reference only to ganja). It is only the lower classes that are mainly addicted to it. In general two broad divisions may be made amongst the ganja smokers—(1) labourers, cultivators, boatmen, and, in fact, such as have to earn their bread by constant manual labour; (2) the village badmashes who follow no occupation, but generally form a band amongst themselves, and are a constant source of nuisance and trouble to their peaceful neighbours, and who follow no occupation in particular, but manage to subsist by the earnings of others, or by hereditary properties, or by petty thefts, etc. The first class are moderate consumers. They smoke ganja after doing their legitimate work, say, once in the morning, once in the evening, and sometimes once at midday. Amongst these may be mentioned the boatmen of East Bengal and the Raj Bangsis and Koches of the Barindra. The boatmen of East Bengal believe that ganja enables them to withstand the inclemencies of the weather. But this seems to be an erroneous assumption. New boatmen learn ganja smoking from the old ones, who, having acquired the habit, extol it to the new comers. The new comers begin to take the drug at first gratis in the company of the inveterates, who, whenever any new boatman takes up the calling, are generally fond of telling him their own adventures and difficulties, and generally end with a recommendation for ganja as an elixir. The Raj Bangsis and Koehes do not take much of liquor, and, being well off, generally indulge in this drug as a luxury. These men are very indolent, and prefer to stay at home and smoke ganja whilst their women do all the work for them. Amongst the excessive consumers are to be found, as I have said, the village vagabonds. To this class also belong the sanyasis and the bairagis, and also the Gir Gosains. The sanyasis and bairagis are generally those who, in early life, were of the same class as village vagabonds, and who became sanyasis and bairagis after committing some crime, or having been detected carrying on an intrigue with some females. - Evidence of BABU GOBIND CHANDRA DAS, Baidya, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Malda.
20. Up-country men are first-rate ganja smokers. Bengali Brahmins, who are cooks, will rank next. The former are, I believe, wholesale ganja smokers. 24. All classes and about 15 per centum of the people drink bhang. The practice of eating and drinking bhang extends all over Bengal. The practice is most prevalent among up-country people. 27. (a) These are middle class up-country men who take to ganja as a luxurious stimulant and a successful time-killer. (b) These are the tariwallas, carriage and cart drivers, coolies and durwans, and Bengali cooks. They want apparently to make their temper rough and rude. But they take to the drugs mostly whimsically. They begin in the company of veteran old smokers, and they keep it up as an incentive and support to their habits which are as a rule immoral. - Evidence of BABU BRAJA DURLABH HAZARA, Kayasth, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Howrah.
20. The labouring class generally consume ganja. Men of the gentlemen class also have been met with to smoke ganja. Women who have cut off all connections with worldly affairs and have taken to lives of austerity are to be classed among these. 24. Kayasths, Brahmins, Khatriyas, and Marwaris have been known both to eat and drink bhang. It is taken with food. But bhang is generally taken as a drink. Ice cream is also made of it. 27. From the poor labouring classes who have to undergo hard manual labour and who are given up to habits of wandering. - Evidence of BABU NOBIN CHANDRA KAR, Excise Deputy Collector, Bhagalpur.
20. The following classes of the people smoke ganja. The proportion of each class is also noted against it. Per cent. Boatmen and fishermen 25 Chandals 12 Malis 50 Dhobis 12 Bhadralok 6 Sudras or serving classes 25 Muchies 50 Banias 12 Bagdis 50 Sanyasis 95 24. The following classes (a) eat bhang— Per cent. Up-country men 30 Bhadrolok* 25 Artizans 50 Sudras 50 Cultivators 30 Banias 30 Bagdis 30 Fishermen and boatmen 30 Chandals 30 The following classes (b) drink bhang— Per cent. Up-country men 40 Bhadralok* 20 Sudras 30 Artizans 40 Cultivators 30 Banias 30 Bagdis 30 Fishermen and boatmen 40 Chandals 30 * Middle classes. The drug is taken all over the district. No particular locality can be mentioned. I agree as far as this district is concerned. In Jessore, where I was last year, I found the sale of ganja on the increase owing to the price of spirituous liquor (country) having increased. Apparently ganja was cheaper than the liquor, and as those who required stimulants resorted to the cheaper article. A. E. 27. For ganja— (a) Malis, mehtars, chandals, boatmen, fishermen, carpenters, bagdis, banias, dhobies. (b) Ramants, sanyasis (religious devotees), bairagies, rowanis (or palanquinbearers). (c) Zamindars and talukdars who have not the benefit of education and good society, and also young men who are just beginning to consume the drug. (d) Persons suffering from leprosy or acute rheumatism. For bhang— (a) Up-country men of the higher classes. (b) Nil. (c) Bhadralok classes. (d) Lower classes of Hindus, such as chandals, boatmen, malis, fishermen, banias, bagdis, etc. The habits of life peculiar to the several classes of ganja consumers are— (a) All the classes enumerated under this head live by manual labour; moderate consumption of ganja enables them to sustain labour without fatigue. (b) The classes enumerated under this head are always exposed to the heat of the sun and the other inclemencies of the weather. An excessive consumption of the drug hardens them against these exposures. The religious devotees also use the drug for helping them in concentrating their minds. (c) The classes enumerated under this head try to beguile the tediousness of their * Middle classes. time by occasional moderate indulgence in the drug. (d) The sufferers enumerated under this class try to drown their pains in the intoxication produced by occasional excessive indulgence in the drug. Bhang— (a) The up-country men use bhang as a substitute for alcoholic stimulants, which they abhor. (b) Nil. (c) and (d) The occasional consumers mentioned under these two heads generally indulge in the drug, and on occasions of certain religious festivals, such as Sripanchami, Dashahara, Navami, etc. They also use the drug as medicine for all sorts of bowel complaints. - Evidence of BABU RAJANI PRASAD NEOGY, Excise Deputy Collector, Mymensingh.
17. No preparation in the district. One or two cases of illicit preparation of bhang, in which the offenders were Koeris by caste, were brought to light. In one case the offender was by caste a Teli. 20. Ganja is smoked by Brahmins, Chhatries, Agarwalas, and Sadhus. Other classes, both Hindus and Muhammadans, also ndulge in this, either alone or along with country spirits or other intoxicants. Kols (aborigines) are seldom found to smoke ganja. No female has ever been found to smoke ganja. Charas not used here. The proportion of the consumers of the people is not ascertainable. 24. People of the same classes as smoke ganja (vide answer 20), and also Marwaris, drink bhang. Those who do not like to smoke ganja drink bhang only. Many persons use both ganja and bhang, the latter drug specially in hot season. Females also use bhang in the form of sherbet or majum. The proportion of the people is not known. 26 and 27. (a) All classes mentioned in answer 20 who use the drugs, except the sadhus, are habitual moderate consumers. (b) The sadhus only, who are very few in number, are generally habitual excessive consumers. 27. (c) and (d) Not ascertainable. The proportion is not known. - Evidence of GHULAM LILLAHI, Excise Deputy Collector, Ranchi, District Lohardaga.
10. No; they are of the same class as other agricultural cultivators. 17. By the common class of cultivators who are taught the process of the manufacture. 20. Ganja is extensively used by religious mendicants, especially by the up-country sanyasis who frequent Bengal on occasions of religious festivals. It is also used by labourers, such as palki-bearers, boatmen, carters, coolies, etc. Low class musicians sometimes use ganja, as ganja is said to improve their voice. Men of debauched character in towns, sometimes members of respectable families, use ganja. The use of charas is almost unknown in this district. There are only two or three shops with a very small consumption. The consumers generally are not low-class people, but often well-to-do. 24. (a) Bhang is very rarely eaten. The people of Behar sometimes eat it as majum, which is a sort of sweetmeat. But I have heard that the Hindu confectioners of Calcutta prepare sweetmeats slightly mixed with bhang on the immersion day of the Durga Puja festival. These are eaten by the native gentry. I am told it produces slight intoxication. (b) Bhang is a favourite drink of the Uriyas and the up-country men, especially of the religious mendicants. A long stick and a wooden vessel for the preparation of the drink is the precious luggage of these people when they set out on a long journey. The lower class Bengalis are often habitually addicted to it. The upper classes sometimes resort to it as a digestive. 27. (a) The habitual moderate consumers are chiefly the manual labourers and the agriculturists. These find the use of these drugs as refreshing, and capable of removing the bodily pains. The use of the drugs with such people is generally hereditary. (b) This class of consumers are generally the sanyasis and mendicants,as also the spoiled children of the labouring classes. Excessive indulgence is chiefly due to bad companionship. (c) These are chiefly poor people who sometimes enjoy the drugs as a luxury, such as coolies on their journey who get a good supply at times by the coolie recruiters. (d) Some of the consumers belonging to class (a) and class (c) when they can afford to pay, indulge in the drug excessively to forget their miseries and troubles and to pardon them for excessive bodily labour. - Evidence of BABU SURESH CHUNDRA BAL, Baidya, Special Excise Deputy Collector, Howrah
10. Ganja is not cultivated in Behar. In Rajshahi the ganja cultivators, I am informed, are of the same classes as other cultivators. 17. Ganja and charas are, as far as I know, prepared by the cultivators in the place where the plant is cultivated; but the preparation of bhang is not confined to any particular class or classes of the people. Wherever it grows wild, any one, who likes, prepares it for his use. 20. Charas is not consumed in this district. The difference in Assam is most marked. In the Surma Valley of that province ganja is very largely consumed especially by the Sylhet Muhammadans; there no opium is used. In the Assam Valley on the contrary, where opium is largely used, ganja is hardly consumed. But in the latter valley there is a great deal of bhang growing wild. H. C. W. The use of ganja is not confined to any particular class or classes of the people, nor to any particular locality or localities. It is chiefly consumed by Bairagis (religious ascetics), sanyasis (religious mendicants) and various other Hindu fakirs; and by such people or class or classes of the people who totally or of whom most abstain from drinking tari and spirit (as forbidden drinks); and also by lower orders of the people. I do not at all agree with this answer. I have had some experience (having been Excise Commissioner for Assam ) and find that as a rule certain localities prefer different kinds of ganja. Of course the amount of profit made on each by the vendor to a certain extent regulates the kind consumed. H. C. W. 24. Bhang is consumed in various forms which will be described further on. The consumption of the drug as an intoxicant is very limited in this district and is not confined to any particular class or classes of the people, nor to any particular locality or localities. It is chiefly consumed by Hindu mendicants, ascetics and high classes, who abstain from using tari and spirit, except Soti Brahmins who, without exception, do not use any kind of intoxicating drug. Of this limited consumption of the drug, a large portion is shared by the Samastipur Sub-Division in which the population of Rajputs, Bhuin-hárs, Sakaldipi and Kánkúbjya Brahmins is considerably large; a little portion by the Darbhanga Rosera and Madhobuni Municipalities and an insignificant portion by the rest of the district. 27. (a) Rajputs, Brahmins, mendicants, men afflicted with diseases, and also men of the lower order. The first two because they require some sort of stimulant, but cannot drink spirit or tari which they consider from their religious notion as forbidden drinks. The third for the above reason as also because the drugs possess a peculiar kind of intoxication which helps in concentrating their mind to devotion. The fourth using the drug as medicine. The fifth, labouring classes, for alleviating their fatigue. (b) Mostly mendicants and men associating with them and Rajputs. (c) Men who use it now and then for medicinal purposes. (d) Not confined to any particular class. - Evidence of BABU ROY BRAHMA DUTT, * Kayasth, Excise Deputy Collector, Darbhanga.
20. Ganja is smoked generally by boatmen and labourers in this district, sometimes also by gentlemen class. 27. Ganja.—They are generally taken from the class of labourers who after their hard and irregular labour and exposure find some laxity in administering this drug (ganja), and gradually it becomes a part and parcel of their existence. - Evidence of BABU BANKU BEHARI DUTT, Excise Deputy Collector, Backergunge
20. Almost all classes, especially ascetics, fakirs, mahants, and bairagies and religious mendicants. I am sorry I cannot give the proportion, but very few smoke charas. 24. Brahmins, Babhans, Rajputs, ascetics, fakirs, mahants, bairagies, and the agricultural class of Hindus and some Musalmans drink bhang. Other classes and well-to-do people sometimes eat majum or bhang sweetmeats. I cannot give the proportion, but the number of consumers who eat bhang is not much. 27. Ascetics, fakirs, mahants, bairagies are generally habitual excessive consumers of ganja and bhang from their wandering habits. It also enables them to devote much of their time in undisturbed contemplation of their gods. Brahmins, Rajputs, Babhans, agricultural classes, who abstain from drinking alcohol or to whom alcohol is prohibited by religious and social rules, are moderate consumers. - Evidence of BABU WOOMA CHARAN BOSE, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector; Manager, Raj Banaili, District Bhagalpur.
17. Bhang is prepared and taken up by the upcountry people for luxury; by common country people as medicine, both for men and cattle. 20. Ganja is smoked by the low classes of people such as fishermen, mehtars, haris, up-country coolies, and by men of debasing immoral character, but very rarely by the cultivators or other classes of people. 24. It is drunk (vide answer 17). 27. They are generally low class people. Evil company, evil custom, debauchery and immorality lead them to the practice. - Evidence of BABU RASIK LAL GHOSE, Court of Wards' Manager, Dinajpur.
20. In Calcutta ganja and charas are used mostly by the Hindustanis, who mostly live in and about Bara Bazar. It is very difficult to ascertain the exact proportion, but, as far as I can gather, ganja is smoked by about 50 or 60 per cent. of low classes of Hindustanis, Marwaris, specially Marwari Brahmins, Kahars, Kurmis, and other low classes. The exception among the ascetic fakirs and sanyasis is one to 100 souls. As a general rule they all smoke ganja, but not charas, which is not so strong, nor so very cheap. As regards the Bengalis, the people of Bag Bazar were at one time notorious for ganja-smoking, but their number in other parts of the town was much smaller. Compared to other castes, the proportion of the Bengali smokers of ganja and charas was and is considerably low; but the use of ganja is gradually increasing, because it is less expensive than alcohol. Charas is consumed by about 10 per cent.: it is mostly confined to wellto-do people of the above classes. Percentage is about one. 24. Bhang is invariably taken in a liquid form and is never eaten; but it is sometimes swallowed by habitual consumers when travelling by rail. It might be said that it is eaten with the food, when it is used as a condiment in the preparation of dishes. A capital native cuisine de chef, without our knowledge, prepared some dishes with bhang that were more than ordinarily toothsome, and were highly relished by me and my friends; but the effect after the lapse of an hour or so was painful; we felt giddy and restless till the next morning. The proportion among Bengalis is about one per cent. 27. The first part of this question has already been answered above. There is nothing in the habits of life which leads to the practice; occasional indulgence is not without the reactionary effect which bring on repetition. Constant use of each of the three kinds of drugs gradually grows into a habit. In respect to bhang it should be remembered that it is sometimes a religious observance. - Evidence of BABU GOUR DAS BYSACK, Retired Deputy Collector, Calcutta.
20. All classes of the people smoke ganja, especially the lower order of them, such as coolies, chamars and fishermen. - Evidence of MR. W. SARSON, retired Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, formerly Abkari Superintendent, Chittagong.
20. Poor people are said to smoke ganja. 24. The Deoghur priests are the principal consumers of bhang known to me. - Evidence of MR. W. M. SMITH, Retired Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Sonthal Parganas.
20. As a rule, the hemp is not smoked by the agricultural classes; the artisan class and the syces, sweepers, and palki-bearers, and a few persons of the middle class, as well as mendicants, make use of the drug. To my estimation the actual total of smokers in the Lower Provinces and the NorthWest may be reckoned at about two lakhs of persons. Habitual charas-smokers are very few in Bengal. Charas is taken by ganja-smokers to whip up the effect of ganja. It is difficult to ascertain the number of charas-smokers. 24. Up-country people, such as darwans, etc., generally drink bhang. In Bengal the habit was at one time very prevalent, but it is now fast disappearing. 27. The people who take the hemp drugs generally belong to the classes who have to earn their bread after a considerable manual labour. The drugs are used by such people as food accessory, refreshing, stimulant, or occasionally for intoxication - Evidence of BABU HEM CHUNDER KERR, Kayasth, Retired Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Sub-Registrar of Sealdah.
17. Bhang is prepared generally by the lower and middle classes of the people from the wild hemp plant. 20. One-half per cent. of the total population of the districts mentioned in paragraph 3 and one per cent. of the male population of the same districts may be roughly taken as consumers of ganja. But charas is consumed by a very limited number in those places. The proportion of charassmoking persons may be roughly taken as one to every lakh of the male population. Ganja is consumed by all classes of the natives of the soil, though the greater number may be found in the labouring classes, Muhammadan fakirs, and Hindu friars. Charas is, on the other hand, generally consumed by the middle and higher classes, and rarely, if ever, by the lower stratum of the Indian society. I know no case in which a woman was found to consume ganja or charas. 24. Bhang is usually consumed by the higher and middle classes, and occasionally by the labourers It is, however, often consumed by Hindu friars (not Muhammadan fakirs), and is a special favourite drug of the up-countrymen living in Bengal. By these men I mean the Hindus and Jains, such as Marwaris, Kayias, and Shings, but not Muhammadans. 27. Ganja is used by labourers as a refreshing stimulant, by the middle class as a less expensive relaxation, by the idle sons of the millionaires as a positive intoxicating drug auxiliary to drinking pleasures. It is used by the travellers, as well as by the fakirs and friars, as a safeguard against disease in malarious tracts. Charas closely follows ganja in this respect. Siddhi is usually used by the higher and middle classes as a digestive, pleasure-giving, invigorating drug and purifier of blood. It is successfully used by some persons as a precaution against costiveness and commencing acidity. The Hindu friars and jogis are said to use it to help them in their religious contemplation by increasing the powers of concentration. Specially from this point of view siddhi is preferable to liquor. - Evidence of BABU KALI DAS MUKERJI, Sub-Deputy Collector and Superintendent of Distillery, Serampore, Hughli
17. Muhammadans are said to be mostly engaged in ganja cultivation, but the business is not confined to them. 20. A very small fraction of the people only smoke ganja and charas, and charas is still less used than ganja. In some of the districts, for instance in Darjeeling, charas is entirely unknown. But ganja is used in every district in Bengal; ganja is pre-eminently the thing of the poor and is mostly in use amongst sadhus, jogis, fakirs, bhakats, lower class labourers, mehtars, dhobis. Up-country people are more addicted to it than people of Lower Bengal. 24. Bhang is used throughout the province, more or less amongst all classes of the people. The eating of bhang in pills or sweetmeats is a matter of fancy and convenience, but the drinking of bhang is the ordinary method of its consumption. 27. Vide question 20. The excessive use of ganja is resorted to by those who have very little else to do. Companionship with ganja smokers is another cause of its inducement. It is said that the smoking of ganja produces a state of mind, when persons, who have by steady effort tried to do so, are enabled to concentrate their minds in divine contemplation. Hence Hindu ascetics are hard ganja smokers, but I think most of them fail to turn its use to that purpose. - Evidence of BABU JOGENDRA NATH MOZUMDAR, Brahmin, Deputy Inspector of Excise, Darjeeling.
10. No. The ganja cultivators are of the same class as other agricultural people. 17. Ganja is prepared by the ordinary cultivators, both Hindus and Muhammadans. Siddhi is illicitly prepared by all classes of people who drink it. I do not know what classes of people prepare charas. 20. Charas used to be smoked before by both upper and lower classes of people; now its use is confined to a limited number. The consumption of charas in the district of 24-Parganas is not more than 30 seers per annum, and the number of smokers is not more than 300. Ganja is smoked generally by all labouring class and a limited number of upper class. I think about 75 per cent. of the labouring class use ganja. But the percentage of upper class of people who use ganja is not even 5 per cent. 24. Bhang drinking is prevalent among all classes of people. It is specially used by the inhabitants of Behar. I think about 40 per cent. of the people drink siddhi or bhang. 27. These are mainly taken from lower class of Hindus and Muhammadans, such as Bagdi, Podh, Behara or Kahar, or Chamar or Muchi, Mallah, Dome, Dhangar, Dulia, Mehtar, Boistab, sanyasi, musician, Koiborta. They are generally moderate consumers. Hardship and a life of asceticism are the principal causes which lead to practice. - Evidence of BABU DIGENDRA NATH PAL, Kayasth, Deputy Inspector of Excise, 24-Parganas.
10. They are of the same classes as the other agricultural cultivators. 17. The preparations of the hemp drug (ganja) is made by the low class Hindus, such as Kaibartas, Malakars, Napits, Charal, Koch, Jugi, etc., and by the Muhammadans. The proportion of Hindus is 15 per cent., Muhammadans 85 per cent. 20. The lowest classes of Hindus and Muhammadans, such as fishermen, Kaoras, Methers, Domes, Muchis, Chamars, Mallas, palki-bearers, etc., smoke ganja. It is also smoked by udasins, sanaysis, bairagis, songsters, and by some high and middle class men. About 75 per cent. people of the above classes smoke ganja. It is consumed in all the districts of Bengal and Behar. 24. I believe bhang is drunk by Beharis of all classes. I cannot say the proportion. 27. (a) The habitual moderate consumers are generally of the class of people called udasins, sanyasis, jogis, bairagis, tapasis, syces, fishermen, artizans, chamars, etc. Their number is the largest. (b) The habitual excessive smokers are seen among the above classes as well as among the middle and lower classes of people. But their number is very few. (c) The occasional moderate smokers are taken from the lowest classes of people, such as Dome, Bagdi, Kaora, Dhangar, Nunia, etc., as well as from the middle class people. Their number is not very large. (d) The occasional excessive smokers are bairagis, mendicants, vagabonds, etc. Their number is very small. The keeping of company with ganja smokers, a desire to increase lust in youth, an attempt to kill the hard labour of the day, and to ward off exposure, or the use of it as medicine, leads one to the practice of ganja-smoking. - Evidence of BABU SIR CHUNDER SOOR, Satgope, 1st Assistant Supervisor of Ganja Cultivation, Naogaon, Rajshahi.
10. They are not a separate class. 17. The use of ganja is characteristic of individuals rather than classes, but it is extensively used by cultivators, and almost invariably by bairagis, fakirs, sanyasis, and other religious mendicants. 20. The proportion of people who smoke ganja in Bogra is large, but impossible to estimate. It is said the consumption is greatest in the neighbourhood of ganja tracts, but I do not know that this is a safe assertion. 24. It is said that is not eaten. It is drunk in most parts of the district, but not, it is said, habitually. The fact is that people do not care to admit its use, but I am told that nearly all prostitutes and their clients drink it. - Evidence of MR. W. C. FASSON, District Superintendent of Police, Bogra.
10. Of the same classes as other agricultural cultivators. 17. No particular class. The ordinary cultivating (ghirist) people do it. 20. In Lower Bengal, especially in flooded districts, the lower classes of people, such as fishermen and boatmen, and who are constantly exposed to rain and water, take to ganja. Not more than one per cent. of the people smoke ganja. In Behar ganja is smoked by the Brahmins and Rajputs, who object to taking liquor. Charas is used by a very small number of the people, who are obstinately intemperate, taking pleasure in all sorts of drugs and drinks. 24. Bhang is drunk everywhere I know of. 27. Ganja is indulged by the lower classes of the people and bhang by the middle classes of the gentry, especially during the time of festivals, such as Bijaya and Sivaratri. Fishermen and boatmen, etc., who are generally exposed to the inclemency of the weather, take to ganja. Charas and majun are taken by those shamelessly intemperate persons of the middle class, whose pleasure it is to amuse themselves with all sorts of drugs and drinks. - Evidence of MR. F. H. TUCKER, District Superintendent of Police, Dinajpur.
10. Those who cultivate hemp for its narcotic properties are not a special class. They are the ordinary agriculturists of the locality. 17. There is no particular class of people by whom the preparations of the hemp drugs are respectively prepared. 20. Ganja is generally smoked by the lower classes of people of Eastern Bengal—that is, that part of Bengal which is for the greater part of the year under water and damp. It is, I think, a mistake to suppose that the Behar and the Rajput landlords do not also use ganja. (a) Bairagis, sanyasis, and all religious mendicants. (b) Fishermen. (c) Boatmen. (d) The labouring classes, earth-cutters. (e) Muhammadan. (f) Chandal, cultivators. (g) Even men of the middle and higher classes smoke ganja in Eastern Bengal, the proportion being quite 20 or 25 per cent. of the whole population. 24. The sanyasis and other religious mendicants generally make pills of bhang and eat them. Other people drink bhang. Fifty per cent. or more of the up-country people drink bhang, and about 20 per cent. of other places use it. 27. From all classes of people are these taken. The fishermen and the cultivators are led to the practice for preventing rheumatism from cold and damp, and so also those who lead the life of ascetics, who sleep in the street, under trees, and on banks of rivers, etc. The labouring class is habituated to ganja for the purpose of avoiding exhaustion from fatigue. Higher classes are usually first led to the habit by association with prostitutes, who nearly all use the drug in moderation. - Evidence of MR. R. L. WARD, District Superintendent of Police, Rajshahi.
10. Sometimes it is found that ganja plants grow spontaneously near the resort of ganja smokers from the seeds thrown about, but care then tends its luxuriant growth and makes it bear flower, but not of that superior quality as sold by vendors. These smokers do not regularly cultivate it, but simply take care of the plant or plants to allow them to take its natural growth. 17. Majum and khatta, both preparations of hemp, are both made and used generally by the Khottas, Agarwalas, and Banias. A few Bengali lads use them occasionally also. 20. Men of all classes smoke ganja and charas. The sadhus, holy mendicants and their followers, some of the lower class of people who commit offences at nights, and those who follow the profession of singing in all localities, are found to smoke them. 24. Ditto. Men of all class drink bhang. The imposition of high duty on liquor, which made rise of its price, has made several men of middle class, who cannot afford to buy liquor, to drink bhang in consequence. 27. Men of all classes of the people are in the habit of smoking ganja, drinking bhang, etc. The fakirs, baisnabs, sanyasis, and other classes of men, who are almost homeless and have no friends, generally smoke ganja or drink bhang. Several middle-class people, who could afford to pay for drinking before, owing to backward circumstances or for want of means, when they become poor, generally become ganja smokers or bhang drinkers at last, and lead a life of misery. School-boys who have a tendency for music take first to moderate ganja smoking and then go to the excess and fall in life - Evidence of BABU MATHURA MOHAN SIRKAR, Inspector of Police, Jhenida, District Jessore
10. They belong to all classes in this province. 17. In Orissa and the Tributary States bhang and inferior ganja to a small extent are prepared by all classes. 20. Both the high and low classes of people in Orissa smoke ganja, but I should say a small number in proportion to the population. 24. All classes in all localities in Orissa and the Native States drink and eat bhang, but by far the larger number of consumers drink it, as I have already described. 27. (a) All classes who can afford it, and have much spare time. An indolent and inactive life generally leads to the habitual use of ganja. (b) Mostly religious mendicants and ascetics, such as Babajis and Boisnabs. From the nature of their lives they generally take it to excess. (c) The middle class of people whenever they have the time and opportunity. (d) Labourers, such as stone-cutters, masons, etc., after an unusually hard day's work. - Evidence of Mr. W. R. RICKETTS,* Manager, Nilgiri State, Tributary Mahals, Orissa.
20. Ganja is almost invariably smoked by sanyasis. Hackney carriage and cart drivers, mechanics, day labourers, and Brahmin cooks engaged by the day are often found to have contracted the habit of smoking ganja. Some Uriyas smoke ganja with tobacco and other leaves. 24. Up-country darwans generally drink or swallow pastes of bhang prepared with other ingredients according to taste. 27. It is company and association that lead to the practice of taking ganja and charas. Another cause of these two drugs being in use among the poorer classes and amongst ascetics (sanyasis) is the cheapness of the drugs. Their effect in producing intoxication being almost instantaneous, may be another reason for their use. The sanyasis regard the use of ganja as essential to preserve health. It may be that it temporarily wards off the effects of exposure to wind, rain and sun. Habitual drinkers of siddhi take it as a mild and inexpensive intoxicating drug. 24. In Behar, the North-Western Provinces and Oudh, bhang is largely in use amongst members of the upper castes, Brahmans, Khatriyas and Vaishas; and amongst the priestly class, in particular in places of pilgrimage, such as Baidyanath, Gaya, Benares, Prayag, Mathura, Brindaban and Haridwar. Of up-country people residing in Calcutta and other places in Bengal, many take bhang. 27. Some take to siddhi or bhang as a medicine for bowel and nervous complaints; some take it as a brain tonic. There is a common saying Siddhi khele buddhi bare, ganja khele lakhi chare, which means "taking siddhi adds to the intellectual power, smoking ganja brings on poverty." - Evidence of MAHAMAHOPADHYA MAHESA CHANDRA NYAYARATNA, C. I. E., Brahmin, Principal, Government Sanskrit College, Calcutta.
17. Ganja and charas are not prepared in the State. The preparation of bhang from the wild plant is generally confined to the up-country people residing in the State. Other people also occasionally do it. 20. About 6.5 per cent. of the male adult population in the State smoke ganja. It is generally used by the agricultural and labouring classes. It is not confined to any particular locality. 24. Bhang is used by the up-country men here. The proportion is about one in a thousand. 27. The ganja is used by people of active habits and of poor circumstances. - Evidence of BABU JADUB CHANDRA CHUCKERBUTTY, Brahmin, Civil and Sessions Judge, Kuch Behar.
20. Poor labouring classes, especially the Banias (aborigines settled in the Lower Provinces). 27. Those who are accustomed to hard manual labour - Evidence of BABU GIRINDRA MOHAN CHUCKERBUTTY, Brahmin, Munsiff, Comilla (Tippera).
20. Specially in the Tarai the agricultural class, such as Rajbangshis, smoke ganja, but charas is rarely used in the district. - Evidence of BABU SREENATH CHATTERJEE, Brahmin, Cashier, Public Works Department, Darjeeling Division.
20. Ganja.—All mendicants, ascetics, fakirs, etc., bearers, coolies, peshrajes, boatmen, and such other persons as have arduous labour to go through, or as are exposed to the inclemencies of the weather; cultivators in Bengal are not free from this drug-smoking. Illiterate up-countrymen, darwans, shop-keepers, and gomashtas are not free from this narcotic. In Bengal, especially in the mufassal, I have noticed in all classes of society. As to proportion I have no idea. Charas.—All those mentioned above have been seen to enjoy this luxury also. In Calcutta, however, within the last few years, the use of this resin is losing ground amongst the Babus who are seen to take to spirituous liquors. 24. Bhang is drunk universally. It is occasionally chewed when a pestle and a mortar are not available for grinding. But this latter practice is observed only in the muscular people of the North-West Provinces. A prepared form, the leaves or rather a thick decoction of the leaves, is confected with sugar and milk, to which khoa, i.e., desiccated milk, is added, the whole thing cast in shallow dishes and cut lozenge-shaped. This is majum. It is also eaten in kachuri, a kind of patty filled with ground bhang leaves and several other condiments. It is made into an electuary, and the preparation is called shakrasana, a carminative and slightly intoxicating electuary. 27. Bhang. Occasional. 800 Moderate.775. Excessive. 25
Habitual. 200 Moderate. 175 I. Hindustanis and Marwaris (150) Almost all Hindus. Pleasure-seekers. 1. Shopkeepers. 2. Traders. 3. Brokers. 4. Darwans. 5. Sepahis. 6. Palwans (athletes). 7. Priests. 8. Bankers. II. Uriyas (15). III. Bengalis (10). Excessive. 25 I. Mendicants (20). II. Pleasure-seekers (5). Ganja. Habitual. Occasional. Moderate. Excessive. Moderate. Excessive. I. Labourers. I. Mendicants. I. Labourers. I. Mendicants. 1. Cart and hackney carriage II. Perverted bhadralok. II. Pleasure-seekers. II. Perverted persons. drivers and syces. 2. Boatmen and fishermen. 3. Coolies, carriers, and bearers. 4. Hindustani, etc., traders, shopkeepers, and brokers. 5. Darwans. 6. Factory workmen. 7. Carpenters and smiths. 8. Masons. 9. Stone-workers. II. Mendicants. III. Perverted bhadralok (i.e., people of the gentleman class). Charas. Habitual. Occasional. Moderate. Excessive. Moderate. Excessive. I. Mendicants. Pleasure-seekers. Labourers. Pleasure-seekers. II. Pleasure-seekers. - Evidence of BABU PRATAPCHANDRA GHOSHA, Registrar of Calcutta.
17. Bhang is prepared to a very small extent by almost all the classes of people for the purpose of drinking when needed, if available. 20. About one-fourth of the lower class of labouring men consisting chiefly of Bagdis, Karas, Chandals, coolies, &c., smoke ganja. Other castes such as Pods, Musalmans, Kaibartas, as well as Brahmans, Baidyas and Kayasths do not, as a rule, smoke the ganja to a larger extent; but about one-sixteenth, and in some places less than that, the people smoke ganja in both the above districts. Charas is seldom used in these parts and it is used only by the upper classes chiefly. 24. In both the districts mentioned above only a small portion of the people drink bhang occasionally. 27. As stated above, most of the ganja smokers are of the lower labouring class of men. They labour on land as well as in water and find relief after such work. - Evidence of RAI KAMALAPATI GHOSAL BAHADUR, Brahmin, Pensioner, SubRegistrar and Zamindar, 24-Parganas.
20. Ganja is smoked to a large extent by the boatmen, but also by the agricultural classes generally. 24. Very few in Eastern Bengal do either. 27. The boatmen have very long hours. They work in the sun and rain from 6 A.M. to 8 P.M., snatching one meal at 11 A.M. They believe that ganja-smoking gives them the necessary endurance. - Evidence of SURGEON-LIEUTENANT-COLONEL A. CROMBIE, M.D., SurgeonSuperintendent, General Hospital, Calcutta.
20. Bhagats and sadhus, and those who consort with them, all smoke ganja. I cannot state what proportion or what classes use charas. It is known, but appears to be very uncommon. It has been stated to me that Muhammadans use charas more than Hindus, the latter objecting to it because it is collected on hides. 24. The same people who smoke ganja drink bhang; but, being cheaper, bhang is more used by the poor. The quantity of bhang consumed is said to increase in the hot weather, and that of ganja to diminish. This is on account of the cooling properties of bhang as a drink. (a) I cannot ascertain that bhang is eaten habitually here. (b) A large proportion of the lower classes drink it. I hear that all worshippers of Siva take bhang and ganja. 27. An infusion of bhang is hardly looked on as an intoxicant, and is often taken, especially in the hot weather, by religious mendicants and their pupils, by sepoys, constables, jail warders, etc., and also by the general public. The use of these drugs by persons who are not devotees is probably more common among those exposed to the vicissitudes of the weather or who have to keep guard at night. - Evidence* of SURGEON-LIEUTENANT-COLONEL E. BOVILL, Officiating Civil Surgeon of Patna and Superintendent, Lunatic Asylum.
20. The lower classes usually smoke ganja. The Dacca shop-keepers inform me that about 60 per cent. of their customers are low class Muhammadans, and 40 per cent. Chamars and other low caste Hindus. 27. Muhammadans of the lower classes, Chamars and other low caste Hindus. - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR R. COBB, Civil Surgeon and Superintendent, Lunatic Asylum, Dacca.
20. A small proportion of the lower classes smoke ganja and charas. Respectable people who have contracted the habit smoke them in private, but their number is very small. 24. Bhang-eating in the shape of majum is chiefly confined to the inhabitants of the NorthWestern Provinces. Bhang-drinking is common in the North-West, and is prevalent to some extent also in Lower Bengal. 27. The consumption of these drugs is chiefly confined to the lower classes of people. - Evidence of Assistant Surgeon RAI TARAPROSANNA RAI BAHADUR, Baidya, Chemical Examiner to the Government of Bengal, Calcutta
20. Ganja is a favourite with the up-country people, quite as much as tobacco is with a Bengali. I do not intend to say that its use is confined to the higher provinces alone; it is also in demand in Lower Bengal, but here it is not so universally adopted as a stimulating drug. Labourers, nightwatchmen, ascetics and other people following occupations involving hard manual labour or exposure to the influences of the weather are given to ganja-smoking because it enables its votaries to undergo exposure or great manual labour at a minimum cost of tissue. Charas is expensive, so it is seldom used by low class men. 24. Bhang is a favourite with the up-country people. In Lower Bengal darwans, ascetics and up-country rich men use it. - Evidence of RAI BAHADUR KANNY LOLL DEY, C.I.E., late Chemical Examiner to the Government of Bengal, Calcutta.
20. Ganja is used for smoking, chiefly by the lower class of people, although the higher classes of people are not altogether free from it; the bairagis and sanyasis are more addicted to it. I cannot say the exact proportion. There are no particular localities of which I am aware. I do not know much about charas. - Evidence of ASSISTANT SURGEON BOSONTO KUMAR SEN, in Civil Medical Charge, Bogra.
20. Generally low classes of people smoke ganja here, such as palki-bearers, coolies, dhobies, Bedias, fishermen, up country cooks and servants, etc. 24. Bhang is occasionally used as drink by the people here, specially by the up-country men, and it is rarely eaten by some prepared with luchis and kachuris. 27. Ganja is generally used by the low classes of people who are subject to excessive labour and exposure. - Evidence of ASSISTANT SURGEON NORENDRA NATH GUPTA, Baidya, in Civil Medical charge, Rangpur.
20. Sanyasis, mendicants, bairagis, fishermen, day-labourers, and other people whose occupations necessitate them to exposure to the influences of the weather and to hard manual labour are more addicted to the habit of ganja-smoking than people in other occupations of life. People of better classes sometimes acquire the habit of ganjasmoking, but their number is comparatively small. 24. Bhang is mostly used by up-country people, mendicants, and by some respectable and middle class Hindus and Muhammadans. A great majority of them drink, and about one per cent. eat, bhang. - Evidence of Assistant Surgeon CHOONEY LALL DASS, Teacher of Medical Jurisprudence and Therapeutics, Medical School, Dacca
20. Consumers are to be found in all classes of the people. 24. People from all classes drink bhang. 27. From all classes. Association with consumers in the case of all the three drugs, and use as a remedy for disease in the case of ganja and bhang, mainly lead to the practice. - Evidence of ASSISTANT SURGEON PREONATH BOSE, Teacher of Materia Medica and Practical Pharmacy, Dacca.
20. As far as my information goes, the lower classes of people of the North-Western Provinces, Behar, and the Eastern Districts of Bengal smoke ganja in large number. In those places charas is not so much smoked. About 20 per cent. of the population use those drugs. The number of the "bhadralok" class of people in East Bengal using those drugs is greater than in any other place that I know of. Question 20 (oral evidence). — Here I speak of the percentage only of the districts mentioned. I take 20 per cent. of the entire population. Consumers are 30 per cent. of adult males. About 10 per cent. of women take bhang also. Of children the percentage would be little over nil. 24. Those who are habitually accustomed to take bhang, always drink it. Only when they have no time or place to make it into a pulp, it is eaten, and not otherwise that I know of. 27. Subject to the above remarks, the kahars, dosads, kurmis, Muhammadans, and palki-bearers of Bengal, with exceptions here and there, are habitual moderate consumers. They contract the habit on account of the severe physical labour they have to undergo to earn their livelihood as coolies, syces, domestic servants, field labourers, etc. Hemp drugs, being cheaper than country wine, are preferred. Tradition may have something to do with some people. Religious mendicants, both Hindu (including the Baisnavas who beg and sing) and Muhammadan, are as a rule habitual excessive consumers. They have more leisure, no domestic cares, and they have to make long journeys, and have also to be exposed to the vicissitudes of temperature; hence they indulge in those drugs. Among the well-to-do class both habitual moderate and excessive consumers are found. - Evidence of ASSISTANT SURGEON DEVENDRANATH ROY, Brahmin, Teacher of Medical Jurisprudence, Campbell Medical School, Calcutta.
20. Ganja is used by many of the well-to-do idle Hindus in Behar, sparingly so by that class of people in Bengal. It is used largely by the low castes of Bengal and Behar, especially of the latter place. The worshippers of Mahadeva, as a rule, and fakirs and sanyasis, more or less, of all denominations use it. But the Vaishnavas of Bengal, the Dandis, the Nirmalas, the Akalis and Udasis of the Nanak Shahi sect, and many others never use it. Many mendicants and most of the dissipated and depraved use it. Charas is less used, as the generality of people can ill afford to buy it. It is a favourite intoxicant with many of the well-to-do Muhammadans leading a dissipated life. Hindus do not use charas so much, probably because it is collected on leather. 24. In Behar, the North-Western Provinces, the Punjab and Orissa bhang is a favourite drink of a certain class of Hindus, especially of the upper castes to whom spirituous liquor is prohibited. The Brijobasis of Mathura and the people of Rajputana are well-known bhang drinkers. In Bengal the use of bhang is very limited and is indulged in generally on particular ceremonial occasions; as for instance, on the Bijoya Dasami day of Durga Puja with the Bengalis. Many up-country men—Hindus—living in Bengal, especially most of the darwans employed in the mercantile houses, and wealthy native gentlemen of Calcutta and other large towns use bhang as a daily drink. By the dissipated of all classes— Hindu or Muhammadan—bhang is drunk or eaten as majum. 27. Consumers of bhang, habitual or occasional, are mostly Hindus. Of these the Brijobasis and other priests of pilgrimages, who are sumptuously fed by the pilgrims and who lead idle lives, use bhang principally to increase their appetite and to while away idle lives. Native soldiers, police constables, and darwans use it to enable them to endure hard work and excite in them a spirit of bravery and cheerfulness. Sanyasis and fakirs use it to allay thirst and hunger, endure privations, and fix the attention. The dissipated (Hindu or Muhammadan) use it as an aphrodisiac and to any quantity, habitually or occasionally. Ganja is indulged in also by the above-named classes of people for the same purposes as above, and they use it habitually in moderate or in excessive quantities. Besides these men, low caste people of Bengal and Behar (especially of the latter) and the beggars use it moderately as a necessity of life, such as to ward off effects of damp, allay thirst and hunger, endure fatigue, etc. The dissipated use ganja more than they use bhang. Charas.—This is used chiefly by the well-to-do and dissipated persons, either occasionally or habitually, in moderate or in excessive quantities, for its exhilarating and aphrodisiac effects. - Evidence of Assistant Surgeon SOORJEE NARAIN SINGH, Kayasth, Bankipur.
20. Sanyasis, boatmen, and fishermen. 24. Up-country men generally drink bhang. - Evidence of Assistant Surgeon BEHARI LAL PAL, Sadgop, Krishnagar, Nadia.
20. Ganja is smoked by people of all classes more or less; but it is the labouring classes who are most addicted to it. The people inhabiting the Eastern Districts of Bengal are given to its use more than those of other localities. 24. Bhang is drunk or eaten chiefly by the middle class of people and only in time of festivities. The Marwaris, the religious mendicants from the up-country, sanyasis and bairagis use ithabitually. 27. As regards the consumption of ganja I may divide the people under four heads:— (a) Well-to-do, well-fed, leisured classes. They take to the use of the drug for the fun of the thing to occupy their vacant hours, and for the aphrodisiac properties of the drug. (b) Ill-fed labouring classes. They take to the use of the drug for they forget their miseries while under its influence. (c) Criminal classes, robbers, dacoits, etc. They take it as an excitant and a concentrator of forces. (d) Religious mendicants take it for helping mental abstraction and deadening carnal sensibilities, as hunger, thirst, etc. Siddhi is consumed by the well-to-do people to "cool the system when it is very hot," for certain excitement and as medicines when the bowels are out of order. Religious mendicants take it for the same purpose as that for which they consume ganja. - Evidence of Assistant Surgeon HARI MOHAN SEN, Baidya, Chittagong.
20. Generally low classes of people smoke the ganja here, viz., palki-bearers, coolies, fishermen, etc. 24. Bhang is occasionally used as drink by the people here, especially by the up-country men. 27. Ganja is generally used by the low classes of people, who are subject to excessive toils and exposure. - Evidence of BABU DURGA DASS LAHIRI, Brahmin, Medical Practitioner, Rangpur.
10. I have been informed that there is a special class of men with hereditary experience handed down from father to son. Personally I cannot say whether this is true or not. 17. Can't say; but Hindus use it chiefly. 20. The ganja-smokers are chiefly from the labouring classes, day-labourers, cartmen, bricklayers, carpenters, blacksmiths, fishermen, milkmen, raiyats, and devotees. I took a rough census of a neighbouring village within municipal bounds, and found 60 per cent. given to the smoking of ganja. They are mostly day-labourers, cartmen, and raiyats. This percentage is high, and would not be found so high in any village outside municipal bounds. 24. I am of opinion that it is not much used here, except for smoking purposes; but on certain occasions Hindus use it. 27. From the labouring classes mainly. (1) Example. (2) Cheapness of drug. (3) Facility for obtaining it without inconvenience; shops near. (4) Its fascination when once indulged in. - Evidence of REV. D. MORISON, M.B., C.M., M.D., Medical Missionary, Rampur Boalia.
17. There is no special class, but the drugs are prepared by ordinary cultivators. 20. Lower-class Hindus and Muhammadans use ganja for smoking. But higher classes also smoke it. Ganja is used more than bhang and charas. Charas is a refined habit of the town debauchee. Sanyasis, bairagis, and fakirs smoke ganja. The number of them smoking ganja far surpasses any other class. 24. People who have not means to procure wine or ganja, or have some religious prejudices to the former, eat and drink bhang. Those who were formerly addicted to wine or ganja, but have left them owing to disease or poverty, use this. It is used in many villages, and among higher classes. Uriyas and up-country men use it more than the Bengalis. 27. (a) Lower-class Hindus, Muhammadans, up-country men, sanyasis, bairagis, and fakirs. These are indolent, of violent temperament, unsociable, and unfit for any higher function of life. (b) Many of the above classes, corrupt young men of higher classes, and badmashes of all religious sects. The ascetics are indolent and live on alms, and the other classes are wrong-doers and criminals. (c) and (d) Drunkards and opium eaters in company, and children of the classes mentioned above. They have no control over their actions, and so more dangerous. - Evidence of PYARI SANKAR DASS GUPTA, Baidya, Medical Practitioner, Secretary, Bogra Medical Society, Bogra.
10. No; they don't form a special class; they are of the same class as other agricultural cultivators. 17. Ganja is prepared by the middle-class Bengalis who are agriculturists and who live in the Rajshahi district. Bhang is commonly prepared by the middle-class Hindustanis and the Chowbes of Muttra. It is sometimes, though very rarely, prepared by malis. Charas is made by the Nepalese and the people of Amritsar. 20. Ganja is smoked by the Hindus and Muhammadans. Moreover, Chowbes, Bengali Babus, sadhus and fakirs smoke it; women of disreputable character are also ganja-smokers. Charas is used in very small quantity and by a limited number of men. Out of 100, 95 would be ganja-smokers and 5 would be charas-smokers. 24. Marwaris, Johuris or people who deal in precious stones, Chowbes, most of whom are employed as jamadars in mercantile firms, Sikhs, Bikanir men, jogis, and sanyasis drink bhang to excess. Bengalis and Muhammadans do not indulge in it. Cent. per cent. of the Johuris and Chowbes take it, and 30 per cent. of the Marwaris are known to take it. In Barabazar. 27. Apart from the poorer class of people who use ganja and bhang for their cheapness, there are thousands of respectable men who are addicted to these drugs only because they are not disallowed by the Shastras or religious scriptures. Johuris teach their children to practise bhang from their infancy. - Evidence of KAILAS CHUNDRA BOSE, Kayasth, Medical Practitioner, Calcutta.
10. They are of the same classes as other agricultural cultivators. 20. The lower classes and a very small number of the middle class are addicted to the smoking of ganja and charas. Fishermen, boatmen, artizans, syces, bearers (not Urayas) and religious mendicants and sanyasis are the people who are found generally to smoke ganja. 24. Bhang is drunk chiefly by up-country men, darwans, sepoys, constables, etc. 27. The habit is confined chiefly to the lower classes, who have to undergo hard work and toil and are exposed to all sorts of weather. - Evidence of PRASAD DAS MALLIK, Subarnabanik, Medical Practitioner, Hughli.
20. The labouring classes, such as fishermen, shoemakers, up-country servants, and most of the prostitutes smoke ganja in this district. Charas is not used in this district. 27. Ganja is generally taken by the labouring classes to bear up fatigue. - Evidence of NIMAI CHARAN DAS,* Vaidya, Medical Practitioner, Chittagong
20. The lowest classes generally and a small minority of higher class people use ganja. 24. People of all classes, majority of them being of the lowest class. - Evidence of BASSUNTO KUMAR ROY, Zamindar and Medical Practitioner, 24-Parganas.
20. Ganja is smoked by the labouring classes and by ascetics, especially Sivaites or worshippers of Siva. - Evidence of ANNADA PRASANNA GHATAK, M.B., Private Medical Practitioner, Arrah.
10. They belong to same class as the other agricultural cultivators. 17. By common agricultural classes. 20. Lower classes, such as fishermen, cultivators and day labourers (4 to 1). It is prevalent in dampy and marshy soils. 24. Bhang is drunk by all classes of people in every locality, 50 per cent. in Behar, and less than five per cent. in Bengal. 27. In Behar, i.e., Upper Bengal, 50 per cent. of both higher and lower classes are in the habit of taking bhang, but in Lower Bengal it is not used to such an extent, rather much less. Ganja and charas are generally taken by lower and labouring classes, but certain people of the higher and gentle classes, being mixed with bad company and following all immoral habits, are also found to use them. These are not, however, generally taken by the gentle class. - Evidence of BIJOYA RATNA SEN*, Kaviranjan, Kabiraj, Calcutta.
20. In this district the low class people, such as boatmen, itinerant singers, and labourers, generally smoke ganja. Even among high class people, some smoke ganja for mere intoxication's sake; but they are considered as men of low habits, owing to their bad tendencies. Charas is not used here. I do not know whether any one uses it. 24. In North-Western Provinces and in the district of Cuttack, most of the people, high or low, drink bhang, mixing it with milk and water. Very few chew or eat bhang. In our district bhang is generally used for medicinal purposes. 27. All the above four classes of consumers generally come from the low classes of the people - Evidence* of RAM CHANDER GOOPTA, Kabiraj, Barisal, Backergunge District.
10. My information is that cultivators of hemp do not form a special class. 20. Palki bearers, diggers of earth, night watchmen, fishermen, sanyasis, and other people following occupations involving hard manual labour or exposure to inclemencies of the weather, are more given to smoking ganja than people in other occupations of life. Better classes of people sometimes contract the habit of smoking ganja, but their number is less than one in a thousand of low class smokers. Among well-to-do men the habit is less prevalent in Lower Bengal than in Behar. Charas is rarely smoked by low class men. It is too expensive for them. Even among the better classes the use of charas is diminishing. 24. Bhang is mostly eaten and drunk by upcountry people. In Lower Bengal the largest proportion of consumers consist of sanyasis, upcountry traders, and darwans. Among the people themselves in Lower Bengal the proportion does not exceed one in five thousand. - Evidence of RAJA PEARY MOHUN MUKERJI, C.S.I., Zamindar, Uttarpara, Hughli.
10. No. They are of the same classes as other agricultural cultivators. 17. Cultivating class 20. Ganja is generally used by the lower and labouring classes as well as the religious mendicants and jogis, but seldom by men of higher classes, except Brahmin confectioners and professional musicians. Females, except a few among the prostitutes, do not take anything intoxicating. Charas is used by a very small number of people in Bengal. Inveterate smokers of ganja will never prefer charas, as the intoxication produced by it is not so intense. Young men learning to take intoxicating drugs, or men of nervous temperament, are often found to indulge in charas on account of, perhaps, the mildness of its effect. About 5 per cent. of the male population smoke ganja and 25 per cent. charas. In the NorthWestern Provinces charas is generally taken with ganja, but not so in these provinces. 24. Taking regular and occasional consumers together, about 15 per cent. of the male population take bhang. Majum is prepared from bhang. It is a sort of intoxicating sweetmeat. The ingredients are bhang, clarified butter, sugar, and milk. 27. Ganja is consumed mainly by the labouring classes to ward off the effects of exposure in inclement weather and to endure the hardships of toil in the cultivating season, by the jogis and religious mendicants for concentration of mind, and by the upper classes for the mere luxury of intoxication. The same remarks apply to the consumption of other drugs. - Evidence of MAHARAJA GIRIJANATH ROY BAHADUR, Kayasth, Zamindar, Dinajpur.
20. Generally sanyasis and people belonging to the singing classes smoke ganja and charas. 24. Up-country men are generally accustomed to drink bhang. - Evidence of RAJA MAHIMA RANJAN ROY CHOWDHRY, Zamindar, Kakina, Rangpur.
20. I know of no special classes which use ganja, charas, or bhang as a rule in excess. The drug is in moderate quantities used by sanyasis, up-country people, and the labouring classes, especially in the agricultural and swampy districts of Bengal - Evidence of RAJA RANAJIT SINGH, Vaisya, Zamindar, Nashipur, District Murshidabad.
10. The persons who cultivate hemp do not form a special class, but are ordinary agricultural cultivators. 20. Poorer classes generally smoke ganja; charas is rarely used. Most of the sanyasis and mendicants and low-class people, such as day labourers, menials, and up-country palki-bearers, generally use it. The proportion of the ganja smoking class is about 1/32 in this district. 24. Both rich and poor use bhang. Proportion is not known. 27. Sanyasis are habitual excessive consumers. Mendicants and menials are habitual moderate consumers. The mendicants travel from place to place, and the reason of their using ganja is that they can endure different climates. The reason which leads the menials, day labourers, etc., to use it is that they can do hard work. - Evidence of RAI RADHA GOVINDA RAI, SAHIB BAHADUR, Kayasth, Zamindar, Dinajpur.
17. Generally, the people of all classes keep bhang (hemp plant leaves dried) prepared in their houses. Some people keep it as a household medicine and some as a pleasure drug. Bhang is generally kept by the up-country men settled here. 20. Generally the working and labouring classes of the community smoke ganja. Generally 10 annas of the population use it. I think it is equally used both in towns and in villages. 24. The use of bhang is generally prevalent amongst all classes; the proportion is 4 annas to 16 annas. The use of bhang is much prevalent amongst the up-country men and Beharis settled here. 27. Generally the working and labouring classes. They use it generally as a recreation after finishing their day's work. - Evidence of RAI BAHADUR RADHA BALLAV CHOWDHURI, BAIDYA, Honorary Magistrate and Zamindar, Sherpur Town, Mymensingh District.
20. Fakirs and palki-bearers generally take ganja, some with moderation and some in excess. Bhang is used by some of the higher and also by the lower classes, and mostly by the Mathura Chowbay Brahmins. I can't give any opinion or information about charas. - Evidence of RAI TARA PERSAD MUKERJEE BAHADUR, Brahman, Zamindar, Pleader, Saran Bar, Chairman of Municipal Board, Revelganj, and of Local Board, Chapra, President, Bench of Magistrates, Chapra and Revelganj.
20. There are no special classes who smoke ganja and charas. But generally they are used by people of lower classes. The sanyasis in general use ganja. About 15 per cent. of lower class of people, 5 per cent. of gentlemen, and 99 per cent. of sanyasis smoke ganja. 24. In Bengal very few people drink bhang regularly. During Durga Pujas some people drink bhang. In Bihar, Orissa, and the NorthWestern Provinces most people drink bhang regularly. - Evidence of BABU HARI KRISHNA MAZUMDAR, Baidya, Zamindar, Islampur, District Murshidabad.
20. There are no classes which specially use ganja, charas or bhang in moderation or in excess except sanyasis. Ganja is to some extent used by the labouring classes of the people, such as boatmen, fishermen, bearers, etc., in moderation. 24. The up-country men residing in Bengal take bhang, though not in large quantities. The number of people who take charas, however, is limited. - Evidence of FAZL RUNBBEE, Dewan to His Highness the Nawab Bahadur of Murshidabad, Murshidabad.
20. In villages none smoke charas, which is smoked only in town by comparatively very few persons, specially old Muhammadans. Eighty per cent. of sadhus (ascetics) of all orders and places, smoke ganja, and also a little less than 5 per cent. of Hindu house-holders do smoke it, specially town people. Muhammadans do not smoke ganja on religious grounds. 24. Nearly 85 per cent. of sadhus (ascetics) of all orders and places eat or drink bhang, and also 20 per cent. of the Hindu house-holders; but many of them do not do it continually and regulary, and specially not all the year round. Bhang drinking is specially done in hot season, and eating in rainy and winter seasons. The practice is universal and not confined to any locality. Sixty per cent. of the higher Hindu castes of the NorthWestern Provinces do drink or eat bhang, which is specially universal in its character in Muttra among Chaubays. Bhang eating is resorted to by comparatively few persons. 27. Rich men seldom smoke ganja, and it is specially the middle class men who smoke it. Wrestlers, travellers, and others who have to do bodily labour specially betake themselves to bhang consumption. - Evidence of BABU RAGHUNANDAN PRASAD SINHA, Brahman, Zamindar, District Muzaffarpur.
10. No. They are of the same classes as the other cultivators. 20. The industrial classes (mostly up-country men) smoke ganja with very few exceptions, while the consumers of charas are mostly Muhammadans in up-country, not without a sprinkling of Hindus. Charas is generally used as an aphrodisiac. 24. The up-country men generally drink bhang, though occasionally eat it. Perhaps it will be no exaggeration to say that almost all of them indulge in it. Bengalis also, to some extent, eat or drink it, either for medicinal purposes or as an intoxicating drug, instead of alcohol. 26 and 27. (a) The number of "habitual moderate consumers" far exceeds that of "habitual excessive consumers." The labouring classes, such as boatmen, fishermen, coolies, etc., having to be exposed to the inclemencies of the weather, generally resort to the use of ganja, although moderately: up-country men with few exceptions habitually use bhang in moderate quantities. There are few men in this province who habitually consume any of these drugs, charas in special, and that too moderately. (b) I had no occasion to come across or hear of habitual excessive consumers of charas, though I cannot say that this class of consumers of ganja and bhang are not to be found. Certain religious sects, such as jogis, sanyasis and fakirs (both Hindus and Muhammadans) use these drugs (ganja and bhang) in excessive quantities to enable them to endure hardships, to deaden their passions, etc.; and their number is not small. (c) Amongst others, bhang is generally used for medicinal purposes, though occasionally drunk for the sake of pleasure by number of respectable Bengalis and up-country men. There is a very small number of occasional moderate consumers of ganja and charas, who use them for the sake of pleasure. They are generally found among the well-to-do class of men. On some religious occasions bhang is used by all Hindus in moderate quantities, and ganja by some, moderately too. (d) Bad characters take to excessive consumption occasionally when they have anything to do, as thereby their senses are stupefied. Licentious persons and profligates, though they also come under head (a), generally have recourse to excessive use of these drugs (charas in especial), the effect being sexual endurance. - Evidence of BABU SURENDRA NATH PAL CHOWDHURY, Zamindar, Ranaghat, District Nadia.
20. Fakirs and sadhus generally smoke ganja in all the localities. 24. Almost all the Brahmins and other caste also, but rarely. In all districts in Behar. 27. Brahmins generally take bhang, which they say helps in their devotions. - Evidence of BABU GIRJAPAT SAHAI, Kayasth, Zamindar, Patna.
20. Ganja was pretty extensively in use in our district in former times, but not so now. 24. In Muttra, Brindaban, people in general drink bhang. Some thrice, some twice, and others once a day. It is more prevalent in upcountry than in Bengal or Southern India, where people of all classes more or less drink it. It is said to keep the body cool in hot weather and a proof against exhaustion from too much perspiration. 27. Generally low classes of people smoke ganja. It is supposed to have the power to sustain labour. Sanyasis, with few exceptions, are addicted to this habit. To guard against the influence of climate as well as to enable them to concentrate their thoughts in the contemplation of the divinity, which is a condition dependent upon the suspension of mental activities, they take to ganja smoking. - Evidence of BABU RADHIKA CHURN SEN, Kayasth, Zamindar, Berhampur.
20. The use of charas in this province may be perhaps found to be more prevalent among low classes, especially in the larger towns, than among any other section of the population. The use of ganja is not confined to any particular class or to any particular locality, but there are sects of religious mendicants who are habitual and even excessive smokers. Among other classes which use ganja may be mentioned agricultural and daylabourers, palki-bearers, fishermen, boatmen, and dhobies; but votaries of the drug may also be found even among the respectable middle classes. 24. Bhang is generally used by the classes to whom the use of spirituous liquors is prohibited on religious grounds, such as Brahmins, Kshetriyas, and other higher castes. Ninety per cent. of the pandas or spiritual guides attached to the temples of Baidyanath, Deogurh, and Gaya in Behar are as a class addicted to the use of bhang. Bhang is also largely used by native Hindu sepoys. 26 and 27. Generally speaking, I may state that in this province the habitual excessive consumers of ganja are the sadhus or peripatetic religious mendicants; the habitual excessive consumers of bhang are the pandas or spiritual guides attached to the temples at Baidyanath and Gaya and other similar temples. It is impossible for me to ascertain their proportion to the total body of the consumers of these two drugs; but I believe upon enquiry it would be found that the proportion of all habitual excessive consumers to the total of consumers is not a very high one. As a rule all those who use these two drugs to overcome fatigue, to avoid the evil effects of exposure, and as a stimulant after a hard day's work are habitual moderate consumers. From the fact that sadhus and pandas, as above mentioned, are habitual excessive consumers, it may be inferred that idleness and immunity from worldly cares as to the provision of the necessaries of life, combined with the notion that the two drugs are helpful to the concentration of mind for religious purposes, are important factors which lead to habitual excessive use. Another factor in the cases of others, though not a numerous class, may be found in the desires for a stimulant for their purposes of sexual pleasure. - Evidence of BABU RUGHU NANDAN PRASADHA, Zamindar, Patna.
10. The persons who cultivate hemp for its narcotic properties do not form a special class. The cultivators of Rajshahi and Jessore are mostly Muhammadans. 20. Cultivators, fishermen, night watchmen, ascetics, musicians, and other people whose occupations involve hard bodily labour or exposure to inclemencies of the weather are generally addicted to smoking ganja, and in a very small percentage of cases charas. Some even of the better class of people smoke ganja and charas. Amongst the better class of people the habit is more prevalent in Behar than in Lower Bengal. The use of charas is declining amongst all classes of the people given to smoking hemp. 24. Bhang is eaten and drunk mostly by the up-country people. In Lower Bengal it is used by a very small percentage of the people of all classes. - Evidence of BABU NUNDO LAL GOSSAIN, Brahmin, Zamindar, Serampore.
10. No, they do not form a special class. 20. Mostly the lower classes of people smoke ganja. Members of the upper classes smoke it but rarely; sanyasis smoke it as a rule. Charas is not used in this district. 24. All classes of people drink bhang in cases where opportunity is not got for drinking. Recourse is had to eating also. The people inhabiting the Eastern portion of these provinces are less addicted to it than those who live in the West - Evidence of GOSSAIN MOHENDRA GIR, Sanyasi, Zamindar, English Bazar, Malda.
10. I am informed that people who cultivate hemp plant are of the same class as the other agricultural cultivators. 17. By people of the cultivating class. 20. In the district of Jessore generally, people of the lower class, such as palki-bearers, domes, bagdis and buna-coolies smoke ganja, and their number is small. Sanyasis, baisnabs and fakirs also smoke ganja, but charas is not generally used in this district. 24. Up-country people generally drink bhang. 27. From the lower class of the people, such as bagdi, dome, and palki-bearers, etc., hard labour and keeping company with habitual smokers mainly lead to the practices. 28 In my estimation(a) to habitual moderate consumers, one pice per diem; (b) to habitual excessive consumers, four pice per diem. - Evidence of BABU KALIKISTO SARKAR, Kayasth, Talukdar, Kasundi, Jessore
10. I have, not much knowledge about the matters in question. 17. There are no particular classes that make preparations of hemp drugs. 20. It is generally believed that more than half of the labouring section of the community and artizans mostly smoke ganja as a refreshment, either to stimulate them to the hard work they undergo in sun and rain or to drown their wearied limbs to repose. And now-a-days ganja-smoking has become almost general among those classes of people without any distinction of locality. 24. Especially the up-country people that reside in this district are addicted to the use of bhang as a drink, and there is no particular locality where bhang is drunk. 27. From the proportion stated above, it will be seen that the abouring classes and artizans mostly take up to consume ganja. - Evidence of BABU JAGAT KISHOR ACHARJEA CHAUDHURI, Brahmin, Zamindar, Muktagacha, District Mymensingh.
20. Ganja is smoked by religious mendicants and low class people, and charas mostly by Muhammadans in almost every locality. 24. All classes of people and in almost every locality, but specially in North-Western Provinces, where one-half of the population eat or drink bhang, and a few people only in Bengal. - Evidence of BABU KAMALESWARI PERSAD, Zamindar, Monghyr.
10. Regular cultivators of hemp plant are only to be found in Rajshahi, of which district I have no experience and can give no information. 20. Ganja-smokers are to be found amongst all classes of the people in these districts; the proportion, I suppose, may not exceed on an average 7 per cent. or even less than that; comparatively a very small number of men can only be traced amongst the urban population who are addicted to the use of charas. Ganja smokers are to be found both in towns as well as in villages. Men who use charas can hardly be found in villages. 24. Bhang consumers generally belong to the middle class of the population. Low people do not use it as narcotic or for intoxication. It is difficult to give population, which, by guess, I would assume to be not more than 2 per cent. - Evidence of BABU KRISHNA CHANDRA RAI, Baidya, Government Pensioner and Zamindar, District Dacca
17. In Jessore and Backergunge bhang leaves are prepared by people of all classes who use them. 20. The former is much used in smoking by the lower class of people and the latter by the middle class. I don't know the proportion of the people who use them. In towns more people use them than mufassal. 24. Bhang is used in drinking by middle classes in North-Western Provinces, Behar, and Bengal. About two-thirds of the people in the two former and about one-eighth of the people in Bengal. 27. Bhang is first used for medicinal purposes and then it is habituated. I have no experience as regards ganja and charas; so far I know that many people have ruined their health by the use of ganja and many contract dysentery and consumption and succumb to them. - Evidence of BABU BEPIN BEHARI BOSE, Kayasth, Zamindar, Sridhanpur in Jessore
17. By everywhere using hemp. 20. The lower classes of Hindus and Moslems who undergo hard labour with a view to take rest are smoking ganja, and very little by the middle classes and trading classes. I think the ganja-smokers may be 3 or 4 per cent. in all localities. 24. The up-country men are generally in the habit of eating or drinking bhang. About 20 per cent. so use it. This is to be found in all places. Natives drink bhang. About 5 per cent. so use it. All classes of the people use bhang for medicinal purpose. In all localities. 27. The ganja consumers are the working and labouring classes of Moslems and Hindus. The occasional consumers of ganja are the Sahas, Pals and low class Moslems. The Hindus smoke on social festivities such as Trinath mêla, marriages, and pujas. The habitual consumers are those who take hard bodily labour and pursue detestable and noxious callings, such as Chamars and Mehters, among Hindus. The habitual consumers of bhang are the up. country men, and very few of the natives. The occasional consumers are up-country men and natives also. - Evidence of M. KAZI RAYAZ-UD-DIN MAHAMED, Zamindar, Commilla, Tippera.
20. A large number of lower uneducated people use ganja. An enormous number of the low class Hindus consume ganja in pretence of their religious worship. The proportion is small of the consumers of ganja and bhang. But throughout the whole province a very large number of the lower illiterate people use ganja and bhang. The number of ganja consumers is larger than that of the bhang. There is no special locality known to me, but the people of the whole province—a great proportion of them— use ganja and bhang. 27. Persons of licentious character and of dissolute nature generally use ganja and bhang. The labourers of the lower class and menial servants give themselves up to the habit of ganja, charas, and bhang using. - Evidence of SYAD ABDUL JABBAR, Zamindar, Commilla, Tippera.
20 and 24. The lower class of people smoke ganja. I have no idea of the proportion. Charas is of rare use in this district. Many up-country men habitually use bhang. Respectable Bengalis used to take bhang almost invariably in the Dassara and Sripanchami days, but the practice is fast dying out. Sadhus and sanyasis, i.e., religious mendicants of the lower order, are often seen to smoke ganja with the object of effective meditation and concentration of the mind. 27. Bhang taken on the puja days (Dassara, etc.,) is for pleasure; all besides for medicinal purposes as a tonic. This drug helps digestion and increases appetite. As for ganja, I think it may be safely asserted that it is mainly used for the purpose of undergoing hard labour, toil, and fatigue. - Evidence of BABU JOGENDRA KISHORE RAI CHAUDHURI, Zamindar, Ramgopalpur, District Mymensingh.
20. All classes in the proportion of 15 per cent. smoke ganja. Charas is not smoked here as it is not procurable. 24. All classes in the proportion of 5 per cent. or even less drink bhang in all parts of the district. 27. All classes of people, generally the labouring class and the fakirs. - Evidence of BABU KALI PRASAD SINGH, Rajput, Zamindar, District Bhagalpur.
17. Bhang is prepared generally by all the castes. 20. Ganja is used by the lower class of people. 27. Bhang is taken by all the classes of people - Evidence of BABU GOPAL SINGH, Zamindar, Kumarsar, Bhagalpur.
20. Charas is not used in localities near us. Ganja is used more or less by all castes and classes. Sadhus and fakirs (religious mendicants) smoke most heavily. It is said these use it chiefly to deaden sexual appetite. 24. Bhang is not usually eaten. Mixed with pepper and sugar in water it is used as a sherbet or drink. 27. All castes and classes are addicted, from the poor or rich Brahmin and Rajput to the poor or rich Chamar and Dosadh. There are no particular habits of life or circumstances which lead to the habit or practice. Indulgence on a few occasions leads insidiously to the settled habit, which must be satisfied. - Evidence of MR. L. H. MYLNE, Zamindar and Indigo-planter, Justice of the Peace, President of Independent Bench of Honorary Magistrates, Chairman of Jugdispur Municipality, District Shahabad.
17. I have never known Nepalese to prepare the hemp drug; it is brought prepared by the plains men. 20. Mendicants use these drugs mostly. The proportion of the people who smoke ganja here is exceedingly small. 24. The Marwari class use bhang. I cannot state any proportions. - Evidence of MR. JOHN D. GWILT, Tea Planter, Longview Company, Limited, Darjeeling.
17. By Hindus and Muhammadans, mostly men from the west and north-west (called upcountry men in these parts) 20. All men, mostly Hindus, and of the poorer class, and over 40 per cent. It is less used to the east and north-east of this district. 24. By all castes, and mostly by the higher class all over the Purnea and Bhagalpur Districts. By few under two per cent. of men. 27. Ganja.—By hermits, travellers, and the poorer class of workmen, who say it is a relief after work and keeps hunger away. Bhang.— By the better class, mostly up-country men, Brahmins and Rajputs especially; they say it is a cooling drink. - Evidence of Mr. A. G. M. WODSCHOW, Assistant Manager, Indigo and Zamindari, Dumur Factory, Purnea.
20. Charas is almost unknown to this district. As akin, however, to ganja, and as a mixture in which ganja is the principal component its attributes, concomitants and effects might well be put down to be the same as those of the ganja. Ganja and bhang are both freely consumed in the district. They are not confined to any special class of the population. They find favour with a great many of the non-spirit consuming Hindus of all grades and denominations. They are used moderately. - Evidence of BABU GAURI SHANKAR, Manager, Bachour, Darbhanga.
10. The persons who cultivate hemp in the district of Rajshahi belong to the ordinary agricultural class. 20. Ganja is generally smoked by people of lower class. It is sometimes found to be indulged in by the middle class. But the instances are very rare, and by those only who get morally debased. The use of charas is, as a matter of fact, comparatively less. An attempt to give the exact proportion of the consumers of these drugs would be too risky, inasmuch as there are no Government statistics to warrant such figures, nor is there any possibility of other trustworthy source of information. 21. Of the three kinds of the ganja, flat, round and chur, round is the strongest and the flat and chur possess the same narcotic strength. The round ganja is in great request in Calcutta, 24Parganas and Hughli, the flat in the Eastern and Northern Districts. I do not think that there is any very great difference in the taste of these different varieties. I believe preference for smoking does not depend on the kind of the drug, but on the habit each man gets accustomed to. Accident alone, in my opinion, can explain the cause of one's getting used to any particular kind of ganja. The smoker of round would like to smoke only the round, and so forth. 24. Bhang is generally used as a drink. In Bengal, I think, there is no section of the community in which this drink has obtained anything like a regular idulgence. Dyspeptic patients of all classes sometimes take to this drink as a stomachic with some benefit. There is, no doubt, no want of instances in which such drink is resorted to for the sake of pleasure alone; but the instances are rather casual. In the North-Western Provinces and Oudh bhang drink is in much request, and it is perhaps very generally used by all sections of the people. The North-Western Provinces men eat bhang occasionally, but drink is their favourite. The different use of bhang, as set out in this question, is perhaps not confined to any particular class or classes. 27. I believe the habitual moderate consumers mostly belong to the labouring class, and the habitual excessive smokers come from the sanyasis, musicians and debauchees. I think those that are given to one kind of intoxication may sometimes be induced, either for pleasure or for curiosity, to indulge in hemp-smoking. So no definite idea can be formed of the source that supplies the units of the occasional moderate consumers. As for the occasional excessive consumers, the number is, I think, so small that nothing definitely can be said as to what particular class they come from. The habitual moderate smokers resort to this drug in order to remove their fatigue and to refresh themselves after the hard work of the day. The sanyasis, musicians and other habitual excessive consumers, with a view to concentrate their thoughts to one particular thing, get themselves addicted to this habit. Mere satisfaction of fancies, I believe, leads the smokers of the two other classes to indulge in hemp-smoking. - Evidence of BABU SASI BHUSAN ROY, Manager, Dubalhati Raj Estate, Rajshahi District.
20. Religious medicants, such as jogis, bairagis, and other low castes, chiefly Hindus, smoke both ganja and charas; the proportion is about two of ganja and one of charas. 24. All classes. It is not forbidden, but enjoined by the Shastras. Siva himself was a liberal patron of hemp drugs in all its varieties, and his followers keep up the dignity of their great master by calling it "Siva prasad." 27. Middle and lower classes of Hindus. Muhammadans are in the minority. - Evidence of Mr. H. M. WEATHERALL, Manager, Nawab's Estate, Tippera
20. Coolies and palki-bearers use ganja, some in moderation, and some in excess. Saivas also use ganja. Charas is not in use here. Bhang is used in moderation by some in higher classes. - Evidence of BABU SASHI BHUSHAN ROY, Chairman, Satkhira Municipality, District Khulna.
20. Lower class people above 30 years of age smoke ganja generally. Among females some prostitutes smoke ganja, and few middle class men and a very few rich men smoke ganja. Charas is smoked by very few young men of the middle class within teens. Proportion of ganja smokers among lower and middle class men, 1 per cent.; of charas very much less; localities cannot be particularized. 24. Up-country people of all classes, not excepting those even of Mewar, Marwar, etc., generally, with few exceptions, drink bhang. Sanyasis, i.e., ascetics, or in other words, religious mendicants generally use bhang; people of Bengal proper use it either in its liquid or powdered form as a cure against indigestion and bowel complaints. 27. Habits of life or circumstances which mainly lead to the practice of ganja, charas and bhang. Ganja.—(a) Daily working habits and espepecially working under the sun or cold make the up-country people and lower classes of natives of Bengal smoke ganja and charas habitually and moderately. (b) Sanyasis become habitual excessive smokers of ganja in order to concentrate their mind and fix their attention to devotional purposes, and drive away all cares and anxieties and to abstain from passions and appetities; and to guard against the inclemencies of the weather, as they are in the habit of living in exposed places. Few other people than the sanyasis become habitual excessive smokers merely for enjoyment's sake to drive away all worldly anxieties. (c) A few higher and middle class Bengalis become occasional moderate smokers for temporary pleasures and observance of certain religious performances. (d) The same may hold good in regard to lower class of people, but their number is considerably large. Charas.—(a) A few higher and middle classes of people of Lower Bengal and North-Western Provinces are habitual moderate consumers of charas for the mere sake of pleasure, as they technically term it. (b) I have heard that a very few lower classes of people become occasional excessive consumers of charas, but I have no experience of their number.
Classes of people. Ganja and Charas Bhang (a) Lower class people (a) Lower class people, and few middle i. e.—Hindustanis, class men. Mewars, Marwaris, (b) Lower class people sanyasis (c) Ditto (d) Ditto - Evidence of BABU AGHORE NATH BANERJI,* Vice-Chairman, Serampore Municipality, District Hughli.
20. Ganja is smoked by almost all classes of Hindus, very seldom by Muhammadans. The sadhus are much addicted to it as well as charas, which is not in much favour with the common people. It is not sold in Gaya, as there are no consumers to be found here. About 15 per cent. of the population in Gaya uses ganja. 24. Almost all classes of Hindus take bhang. I do not think I shall be very wide of the mark when I say that 60 per cent. of the population of Behar uses it. The percentage would be somewhat higher in Baidyanath and Gaya. 27. The consumers belong to almost all classes, chiefly amongst the Hindus. Young people learn it in company with confirmed consumers. Debauchery often leads to it. Question 24.—I do not think the figure I have given in my answer is excessive. I give it advisedly, including in the account both women and children—vide my answer 30. I should not be surprised if, out of every 100 persons, 30 men, 15 women, and 15 children were occasional consumers. I mix with all classes of Hindus, and have free access to their houses. Our women go to their houses, and theirs sometimes come to ours. On festival occasions they will sometimes send word that our women are not to go to them, because they do not like to be seen in an insensible state. Such intercourse is not exceptional, but is, of course, limited to friends. OE - Evidence of the REV. PREM CHAND, Missionary, B. M. S., Gaya.
24. Bhang largely drunk by many of lower classes in Bengal. 27. Fishermen, washermen, coolies, cultivators, carpenters, artificers generally, devotees, and some of the middle and higher classes. Among the better classes less common now than formerly, as alcoholic drinks have taken the place of these drugs to a large extent. Many are tempted to use ganja as an aphrodisiac. Others are drawn to its use by evil company. The criminal classes to a large extent use these drugs - Evidence of the REVD. W. B. PHILLIPS, Missionary, London Missionary Society, Calcutta.
20. Lower class people, such as agriculturists, coolies, bearers, banias, fishermen, etc., and religious mendicants, such as sanyasis and fakirs and followers of Trinath and Kartabhajas and a new Muhammadan sect called fakirs, smoke ganja. I cannot give the proportion. Professional singers are generally addicted to ganja. 24. Up-country people residing in this district drink bhang generally. People of Lower Bengal occasionally drink bhang for medicinal purposes, especially in cases of diarrhœa and dysentery, and at times of festivals. There are some who eat bhang occasionally. - Evidence of the REVD. G. C. DUTT, Missionary, Khulna.
20. Vaishnava Sadhus, Nanaksahi Sadhus, Udasi Sadhus—in fact, all classes of ascetics— who do not use alcohol, generally smoke ganja, excepting the follower of Guru Govind (the tenth Sikh Guru). The Sikhs as a class do not smoke. Vaishnava Grihasthas sometimes smoke ganja, but in a very small proportion, say 5 per cent., or even less. There is a much larger proportion of ganja smokers in towns than in villages. Ganja-smokers in towns also smoke charas. The ascetics do so occasionally. Charas is almost unknown in villages. Ganja and charas smoking is comparatively rare amongst Muhammadans, who are generally addicted to opium. 24. Vaishnava Hindus generally eat and drink bhang. The drug is particularly a favourite with the mahajan or trading class (consisting of Agarwalas, Banias, and Marwaris). It is also largely used by other classes of Vaishnava Hindus, though more in towns than in villages. The Vaishnava Sadhus, Nanaksahis, Udasis, and Sikhs also eat and drink bhang. As a rule people who like some sort of intoxication, but cannot on religious and other grounds touch alcohol, resort to bhang. 27. Ganja and charas.—The consumers are chiefly those classes of ascetics who are prohibited from drinking wine, and who are not prohibited, like the followers of Guru Govind, from smoking. As these people have to move about, and as they are exposed to the inclements of weather, they smoke ganja and charas as a preventive of diseases. Some of them are also of opinion that concentration of mind, which is necessary for meditation, is helped by smoking these drugs. Some use it for aphrodisiac effects, especially familymen. Bhang is chiefly used by Vaishnava Hindus, whether ascetics or family men, also generally by the mahajan classes. It is liked by those classes, as they are strictly prohibited from touching wine, and as its intoxicating effects are mild and exhilarating. - Evidence of BABU PURNENDU NARAYAN SINHA, Kayasth, Pleader and Zamindar, Bankipur, District Patna.
10. I am told that the cultivators of the hemp do not form a special class. 20. These people who are exposed to inclemencies of weather, such as boatmen, carriers of loads, palki-bearers, fishermen, night-watchmen, men who spend their lives in manual work, and sanyasis. Charas is not used by low class people. The men of the higher class rarely use it too. Hindu and Muhammadan mendicants, village cultivators, day-labourers in the fields, boatmen, up-country Hindus, and Muhammadans of the lower classes, cartmen and the women of the town are chiefly the classes which supply customers to the vendors of ganja, charas or bhang. It is difficult to determine what particular class is addicted to what particular form of the drug, or if all the classes are equally fond of all the forms of the drugs together. But from a careful observation of all the facts falling within my own experience, I venture to think that ganja claims greater number of votaries, drawn almost equally from all the sources enumerated above, than charas or bhang, which should take a second place in this connection. Charas is the favourite form of the drug indulged in chiefly by the women of the town and the men who resort to their places, particularly the younger men. Charas is also favoured by a class of young men of a higher status in life apart from the classes described above. Bhang is used almost exclusively by Hindus without distinction of classes. It is taken by them in the form of a drink, generally with the object of stimulating appetite which was weakened by indigestion or other causes. 24. Bhang is used by sanyasis (ascetics), both eaten and drunk. The up-country durwans and up-country traders are the largest consumers. In Bengal, I may guess, the proportion is one to four thousand. By far the greater number of the drinkers of bhang consists of the Hindu sanyasis, who make it a point to drink it in pursuance of the dictates of a religious sentiment. It serves the purpose of casting away the sad thoughts of a sanyasi's life who, while he is conscious of his being a unit of the busy world around him, yet feels himself abandoned and neutral and an intruder in society according to the practical experience of life. The drink enables the sanyasi to pass the time in pleasant and pleasurable mood, and he who is sincerely a seeker of truth is enabled to fix his attention to religious contemplation unmoved from the object to which he had directed his thoughts. The Commission wants to be informed if any special class uses the drug in moderation or in excess. The mendicants excepted, all other classes use it in moderation. Excess, in the sense the term is used in the question, signifies, I opine, a quantity used which brings on intoxication of a degree which would render the user incapacitated for a time. Among habitual users, there does not appear any visible symptom of physical failings under the influence of the drug taken in excess. Excessive indulgence is very frequently noticed among the lower order of people of all the classes. - Evidence of BABU MAHENDRA CHANDRA MITRA, Kayasth, Pleader, Honorary Magistrate, and Municipal Chairman, Naihati, 24-Parganas.
20. To my knowledge there are no special classes, but solitary instances of some fakirs using ganja and bhang - Evidence of BABU RAM DHARI LALL, Assistant Government Pleader, Darbhanga.
10. As far as I know, they are of the same class as other agricultural cultivators, at least in the places I have mentioned in my answer to question No. 3. 17. Ganja and charas are prepared, as far as I know, exclusively by the people who cultivate the plant, while siddhi is prepared by all classes of people indiscriminately. 20. A very small proportion of the people smoke ganja and charas. These people are generally of the lower order of society. Ganja-smoking obtains more or less in almost all districts of Bengal proper, while the people of Behar and Sonthal Parganas residing in Bengal are, comparatively speaking, greater smokers. Excepting Bengal proper, I have no knowledge of the extent to which, and the class of people among whom, ganja smoking prevails in other parts of the country. 24. I have never seen any people eat bhang, except with some other thing or a substitute for bhang; but, unlike gang-smoking, the drinking of bhang is not restricted to any particular class of people. Many respectable people drink bhang occasionally, and some respectable persons are even habitual drinkers of the drug. The worshipppers of Jagannath in Orissa and the Dobeys, Chowbeys, &c., of the North-Western Provinces who make tours in different parts of Bengal are, almost without exception, habitual drinkers of bhang. 27. Habitual excessive consumers of ganja belong to the lower classes of society, while occasional moderate consumers and occasional excessive consumers are to be met with (though the instances are rare) in the higher classes of society as well. This also applies to the consumption of charas. As regards bhang, my answer to question No. 24 states all that I know about it. I do not know the habits of life or circumstances which mainly lead to the practice. - Evidence of BABU MADHAVA CHANDRA CHATTERJEE, Brahmin, Pleader, District Court, Dinajpur.
10. No, the bond fide cultivators of the ganja belong to the agricultural class, but those who advance money and profit by it do not belong to that class. 20. In the ganja tracts 75 per cent. of the people are more or less addicted to ganja-smoking. The lower and poorer classes of people, the sanyasis and the bairagis, use the drug more frequently. 24. Not more than 5 per cent. - Evidence of SYED RIYAZ UDDIN QUAZI, Pleader, Bogra.
10. They do not form a special class, but are ordinary agricultural cultivators. 17. By ordinary cultivators these drugs are prepared. 20. Low class people smoke ganja and charas. Few people in the mufassal smoke, but the number is large in towns. In the town of Dinajpur there are many ganja-smokers. 24. All classes of people from the highest to the lowest drink bhang, and everywhere in the district. - Evidence of BABU PARAMESHWAR DAN, Kshetrya, Pleader, Judge's Court, Vice- Chairman, District Board, Dinajpur.
20. Sanyasis, baishnavas and low-caste people smoke ganja. 24. I have seen some Uriyas eating bhang - Evidence* of BABU UMA KANTA GHATAK, Brahmin, Government Pleader, Bogra.
10. No, they are of the same classes as of the other agricultural cultivators. 17. Lower classes of people. 20. Low, agricultural, labouring classes, boatmen, palankeen-bearers, jogis, fakirs, small numbers among gentries, and women among prostitutes and lower class. One-fifth of the total male population among low, agricultural, etc., classes; fifteen in one thousand among gentry; and ten in one thousand prostitutes and low classes of people. In almost all districts. 24. Siddhi or bhang is used by almost all classes of people, specially in Orissa and up-country. 27. Mainly from lower agricultural, etc., people and religious mendicants. - Evidence of PUNDIT RAKHAL CHUNDER TEWARY, Brahmin, Pleader and Honorary Magistrate, Diamond Harbour, 24-Parganas.
10. They are of the same classes as the other agricultural cultivators. 20. I omit charas from consideration. As regards "classes," I think ganja is smoked, more or less, by all classes of people. I should note that palkibearers, cooks, (up-country) and Uriya domestic servants, some low class prostitutes who cannot pay for wine, and sanyasis or religious mendicants, many bhadralok of limited income, and very rarely bhadralok also of wealth (these last as a substitute for wine), artisans or handicraftsmen are consumers, more or less, of ganja and bhang. As regards proportion, I believe, about 5 per cent. smoke ganja. The proportion for charas I cannot say, but believe to be exceedingly small. The smoking is principally done in residence houses, not in any public shops, where only a very small number of purchasers smoke. 24. As regards classes, I refer to my answer 20. As to proportion, bhang is not habitually eaten or drunk in Rajshahi or Pabna, and, I believe, in the other districts of Lower Bengal. So the proportion cannot be given for such. But I can only say that I believe occasional eaters or drinkers of bhang will be about 25 per cent. here. This includes in many cases the ganja-smokers as well. Bhang is also used in residence houses, for it is seldom purchased for luxury. 27. The principal circumstance is association with consumers. Hard workers of the classes mentioned in answer 20 take to ganja to relieve fatigue; bhadralok for pleasure, including sexual indulgence. Bhang is taken mostly on ceremonial occasions, sometimes for pleasure and in some cases for medicinal purposes. - Evidence of BABU SASADHAR ROY, Brahmin, Pleader and Honorary Magistrate, Rajshahi
10. No, they do not form a special class. They are of the same classes as other agricultural cultivators. 17. By the agricultural class of the people. 20. It is the lower class of the people who smoke ganja and charas; the higher class seldom do so. The fakirs, sanyasis, dandis, and other mendicants, and the idle class of the people largely smoke ganja and charas. Professional singers and musicians do also smoke ganja. These men are to be met with almost in every part of the country. Their number is no doubt small compared with the general population of the country. 24. I have already said, in answering question No. 15, that majum is prepared out of bhang. It is eaten. In other cases bhang is drunk. Majum is used, i.e., bhang is eaten by those who, like the ganja and charas smokers, are fond of intoxication. Men who would not like to be known as ganjasmokers would ordinarily drink bhang. The Saivas, i.e., the worshippers of Siva, generally drink bhang. At the time of the Bijaya ceremony, bhang or siddhi is used by almost all the Hindus, Those, who do not like to drink, touch it by their lips. Those who are ganja or charas smokers would feel no scruple in drinking bhang. 27. (a) Are generally boatmen, fishermen, and other low classes following particular calling. (b) Are generally fakirs, sanyasis, and other religious mendicants, as also those who incur the habit for the sake of intoxication. Also singers and musicians. - Evidence of BABU JADUNATH KANJILAL, Brahmin, Pleader, Judge's Court, Hughli.
10. Ordinary cultivators. 17. By cultivators. Majum is prepared by a class of confectioners who reside in large cities. Bara Bazar is the only place in this part of the country where majum is made. 20. As a rule the educated classes abstain from ganja and charas. The latter was formerly the intoxicant of the bhadrolok. At present few high class men use them; it is the lower classes who use them everywhere. Sadhus, both Hindus and Muhammadans, almost invariably use ganja and charas when they can afford to buy it (charas). Mehters, carriage drivers, khansamas, tailors, itinerant musicians, men connected with mosques and temples are ganja smokers. They are used in every part of India. 24. Bhang is seldom eaten. Punjab people eat it when they cannot powder it. It is drunk in every part of India. Sepoys are specially fond of it and daily use it. In all temples dedicated to Siva bhang must be used in drinking and pouring on the head of the idol. The Maharaja of Benares gives bhang for use in the temple of Bisheshwar. 27. Generally poor people undergoing hard labour. This is their only stimulant. Religious mendicants, who have often to live under trees, in jungles, on mountains, etc., exposed to all weathers, are of necessity ganja smokers. They say that a man can better contemplate God after a hearty smoke of ganja. Ganja smokers come from all classes of the people. - Evidence of BABU BEPRODAS BANERJEE,* Brahman, Pleader, Newspaper Editor, and Chairman, Baraset Municipality.
10. I don't see that the cultivators of ganja form any special class. 17. The agriculturists cultivate these plants. No particular class of people is meant for their cultivation, as Sunri caste was formerly intended to make country wine. 20. At present among the educated people ganja and charas are rarely used. In my own experience, and on consultation with medical men, I come to know that moderate use of ganja makes a man hale and hearty and cheerful. That the abuse of ganja produces insanity in special cases is a fact. Constant use of ganja without good food leads to fatal consequences. It has been seen with men who indulge in ganja to render themselves subject to the fatal diseases of consumption, dysentery and insanity as an essential consequence. Rogi, jogi, bhogi and dagi use ganja. The rogis use ganja to get rid of certain diseases, the jogi for devotion purposes, the bhogi for digesting purposes, and the dagi for encouragement in desperate acts Those persons who are in the habit of visiting prostitutes use charas. Those who act as actors in opera, etc., use charas. Those, that intend to prevent malarious fever, and try to keep health in bad climates and who are diseased, use ganja. The former is 10 per cent., and latter 50 per cent. Educated bhadralok hardly use it. A song is often spoken of by the smokers of ganja. It is translated thus:— Ganja is the king of all intoxicating drugs, it maketh a man easily merry, and it produceth pleasure in the mind. It removes all sorrows and pains of deaths of relatives, and makes an old man young, and it weakens the pain of whipping. On account of malaria many people use ganja excepting the respectable classes of people. There is a proverb current among the lower class of people, which means that by the use of ganja one becomes talkative like a parrot, while another becomes solemn like an owl, and a third sleepy like the notorious Kombhakarna, a character of Ramayan, who was fond of sleeping for entire year except two days. 24. The up-country men, the intermediate class of people who come to this country, and the jogis and sanyasis, and those who suffer from diarrhœa, eat and drink bhang. 27. These classes of people are taken from the up-country, low and intermediate classes of people, i.e., from those who come from Behar and the North-West for menial service here, such as, door-keeper, pankha-puller, water-bearer, etc. The notion of these men is that they cannot live here unless they use ganja to prevent malarious fever. - Evidence of BABU NOBO GOPAL BOSE RAI CHOWDHOORY, Kayasth, Talukdar and Judge's Court Pleader (late Munsiff of Nator), Memari, Burdwan District
20. There are no distinct classes of the people who smoke ganja and charas. Ganja and charas smokers are found in all classes of the people. Among householders and family men, it is only the debased that are addicted to these drugs. The sanyasis as a class smoke ganja. I think they do not smoke charas. If one per cent. of the people smoke ganja, 5 per cent. smoke charas. Question 20 [oral evidence].—It is only among the higher classes that it is the debased only who use the drug. I know of the use by the lower classes. In our district, however (vide answer 27), the lower classes usually take liquor: it is the higher classes, whose caste prevents their using liquor, who use the drugs chiefly. The sanyasis are a class by themselves. They are respected, but not householders. In answer 27 I am speaking of the general population. 24. Bhang is sometimes eaten with pân. All class of the people eat or drink bhang. The proportion of bhang eaters or drinkers is greater than that of ganja smokers. 27. Sanyasis are habitual moderate and excessive consumers of ganja and bhang. The lower classes of the people do not always smoke ganja or charas or drink bhang. It is only the respectable-looking classes that are largely addicted to these drugs, specially those who from their religious prejudices or social restrictions cannot drink wine. The ganja and charas smokers are always a degenerate and disrespectable lot. Question 27 [oral evidence].—In my last sentence here I had in mind the higher classes only. Among them, however, the occasional or moderate use does not make a man degenerate or disreputable. It is the excessive habitual use. There are some among these classes who smoke ganja moderately. These are not disreputable. The moderate consumers are more common than the excessive. The excessive use is exceptional even among the respectable classes. My sentence is quite wrongly expressed. I should have had the word excessive inserted. That was my meaning. The same remarks apply exactly to the third sentence of my answer 20. This was what I meant at the time I wrote. My mistake is due to the loose employment of language in employing the words "ganja or charassmoker" for the excessive consumer of these drugs. - Evidence of BABU ABINAS CHANDRADASS, M. A., B. L., Pleader, Judge's Court, Bankura.
20. In my district ganja is generally used by the lower classes of people, and that in places where there are bazars with a neighbourhood of low class men. Occasionally I have seen big zamindars addicted to ganja-smoking, but the middle class people are free from this habit. 24. In Comilla the up-contry Deswallis eat a small quantity of bhang. 27. Not the cultivators, but the low labouring classes of the people - Evidence of BABU ANANGO MOHAN NAHA, Kayasth, Judge's Court Pleader, Comilla, Tippera District.
20. A very small proportion of the people smoke ganja in this district. It is generally confined to the lower orders of the labouring class and sanyasis. Boatmen, fishermen, singers, namasudras, gipsies, and others use it. It is not specially confined to any particular locality. 24. A very small proportion use bhang; may be one in a thousand. 27. Boatmen, fishermen, men of the bearer class and hewers of wood use ganja as a stimulant for doing work. Sanyasis take for religious purposes. People frequenting a religious gathering called Trinath mela smoke ganja as a sort of pleasure under sanction of religion. Songsters use ganja to keep their voice clear and to prevent its being hoarse. - Evidence of BABU KAILAS CHANDRA DUTTA, Baidya, Vakil, Judge's Court, Comilla, Tippera District.
20. Generally the lower classes of people take to the habit of smoking ganja. Charas is very rarely used in these districts. It will not, in my opinion, be very wide of the truth to say that almost the major portion of the rural population of this district, forming especially the lower strata of society, is addicted more or less to the habit of smoking ganja. 24. The use of bhang is not restricted to any particular section of the community, but the practice of taking it in the shape of confections or sweetmeats prepared with a little admixture of sugar, milk, and other edibles as well as in the form of liquid sherbets, obtains even among the higher orders of society. During the national festivals of Sarasvati Puja, which takes place some time in the month of January, the people consider it to be their religious duty to take bhang in some shape or other. 27. As already adverted to above most of these men come from the lower orders of society forming the bulk of the artizan and the labouring classes who depend chiefly on manual labour for their subsistence; struggle for life being very hard with them they resort to ganja at first as occasional indulgences only to rid themselves of the fatigue to which they are constantly subject in earning their bread. But in course of time when the habit grows it becomes difficult to shake it off, and then they have to take it as sheer necessity. - Evidence of BABU MOHINI MOHAN BURDHAN, Kayasth, District Government Pleader of Tippera.
20. Generally low class people use ganja. Charas seldom used by the people of this district. 24. Bhang is very scarcely used for eating, but generally for drinking by a few of the upper class people. 27. Ganja is generally used by the labouring classes, and also by those who frequent houses of ill fame. Bhang is generally used by people having bowel complaints. Charas is not in use here. - Evidence of BABU TARA NATH CHUCKERBUTTY, Brahmin, Government Pleader, Faridpur.
20. Low caste people, such as Chandals, fishermen, washermen, Chamars, Dhangers, and barbers largely smoke ganja. Muhammadans scarcely use it. Among male adults of these lower classes of people, as mentioned above, about 4 to 5 per cent. smoke ganja. 24. Bhang is used both by the higher and the lower classes of people. The number of habitual drinkers of bhang is comparatively small in this district, and they generally belong to the higher classes. 27. From the classes of people as noticed above. Labouring people living in poverty and suffering from depression of spirits are generally led to the use of ganja, first as a stimulant and afterwards as an intoxicant. Persons suffering from rheumatic pains also sometimes take to it as a pain-curer. These people are generally of dirty habits of life. Frequent association with habitual ganja-smokers often leads young men, particularly of poorer classes, to the practice. - Evidence of BABU AMVIKA CHARAN MAZUMDAR,* Vaidya, Pleader and Zamindar, Faridpur.
17. The bhang is prepared in the district generally by the people who use them. They are principally Hindus of the middle and upper classes coming from up-country. 20. In this district ganja is largely used by the lower classes of the people, such as coolies, beldars, palki-bearers, guries (fishermen), and the like, as well as by sanyasis and fakirs. The number of Hindu consumers is much larger than that of the Muhammadan. It is used more extensively in villages than in towns, the people in towns preferring alcohol and opium. The use of the drug is nearly confined to males; very few females use it. The number of the female consumers would not be, in my opinion, more than one per cent. It is very difficult for me to give the proportion of the people who use the same. 24. Ordinarily up-country people, Hindus of superior castes, such as Brahmins, Chetris, etc., use it as a drink. Town people use it more than villagers. The number of consumers is very small. I am unable to give the proportion of the consumers. 27. Ganja.—(a) Habitual moderate consumers are principally taken from the labouring classes, such as coolies, beldars, etc. (b) Habitual excessive consumers—sanyasis, fakirs, &c. (c) Occasional moderate consumers. From all classes of (d) Occasional excessive people. consumers. The habits of life of— (a) Generally active and laborious. (b) Indolent, worthless. (c) and (d) Nothing particular can be said by me as to their habits of life. Association with habitual consumers generally leads to the practice. It is sometimes had recourse to under advice and recommendations of friends. I need not say anything in particular on the subject about bhang; it is very rarely drunk in excess, and consumers have very little peculiarities about them. - Evidence of BABU BHUVAN MOHUN SANYAL, Brahmin, Government Pleader, Purnea.
10. No, they do not. They are of the same classes as other agricultural cultivators. 17. By low class people. 20. Low class people smoke ganja. It is rarely used by high class people. The proportion is in my estimation two per cent. Charas is smoked by people of both the classes. The proportion, according to my information, is very small, say one to a thousand. There is no particular locality, but, on careful observation, I have found that the low class people of the up-country are more addicted to ganja-smoking than that of the lower province of Bengal. 24. Some females of up-country eat bhang. Both high and low class people drink bhang. It is not confined to any particular locality. The proportion may be two per cent. 27. Labouring classes are habitual moderate consumers of ganja. Vagabonds and low-lived people are habitual excessive consumers. People of high class are occasional excessive consumers. - Evidence of BABU AMRITALAL RAHA, Kayasth, Pleader, Judge's Court and Talukdar, Khulna.
20. Fishermen (Jelias, Tiors, Bagdis, etc.), Kahars, Mehtars, Domes, Bunas (coolies), sanyasis and fakirs (Hindu and Muhammadan friars) are ganja-smokers. Nearly 60 per cent. of the above smoke ganja, but those who live near a zilla or sub-division,i .e.,i n a place where ganja is easily available, are proportionately greater smokers than those who live in the interior. 24. Nearly 90 per cent. people of the North-estern Provinces drink bhang, but in Bengal only two per cent. drink it. - Evidence of BABU PARES NATH CHATTERJEE, Brahmin, Pleader, Satkhira, Khulna District.
20. Charas is used by a few people in these provinces in the larger towns by disreputable classes. Ganja by almost all the classes; rich people among the high class being not free from its use. It is mostly used by Rajputs, Brahmins, palki-bearers, and labourers, but the jogis and nagas are specially votaries of this drug. 24. Bhang is generally used in this country by all classes, to whom the use of spirituous liquors is prohibited by religion or family superstition and prejudice, such as Brahmins, Rajputs, and Bhunihars. Pandas of temples are habitual and excessive consumers of bhang. But its use is by no means restricted to any particular class, and Muhammadans, though not in the same proportion as Hindus, also use bhang, although strictly prohibited by their religion. More than a half of the adult male population in each locality use bhang. - Evidence of BABU JADUBANS SSHAI, Pleader and Vice-Chairman, Arrah Municipality.
24. Lower classes of people drink bhang as medicine for dysentery. 27. The lower classes of people who are cultivators scarcely get accustomed to it. But those who serve under others and have time to spare, generally join the worshippers of Tinnath, which lead to the practice - Evidence of BABU GURUDAYAL SINHA,* Kayasth, Honorary Magistrate, Municipal Commissioner and Secretary, Total Abstinence Society, Comilla, Tippera.
10. The information of the Commtitee is that cultivators of hemp do not form a special class. 20. Palki-bearers, diggers of earth, night watchmen, fishermen, ascetics and other people following occupation involving hard manual labour or exposure to inclemencies of the weather are more given to smoking ganja than people in other occupations of life. Some, even of the better classes, sometimes contract the habit of smoking ganja, but their number is less than one in, a thousand of low class smokers. Among well-to-do men the habit is less prevalent in Lower Bengal than in Bihar. Charas is rarely smoked by low-class men. It is too expensive for them. Even among the better classes the use of charas, though at one time was more extensive, is diminishing now. 24. Bhang is mostly eaten and drunk by up; country people. In Lower Bengal the largest proportion of consumers consists of ascetics, upcountry traders and merchants and other well-to- do people and also men of the darwan class. Among the people themselves in Lower Bengal the proportion does not exceed one in thousands. - Evidence of RAI BAHADUR RAJ KUMAR SARVADHIKARI, Secretary, British Indian Association, Calcutta.
20. Ganja, though used by almost all classes of people, is largely and ordinarily used by the lower labouring class of people and by the sanyasis. Charas is only used by few, as it costs more than ganja. 24. The middle and the lower classes of people and a very small number of them drink bhang. - Evidence of UMAGATI RAT, Brahmin, Pleader, and Secretary to the Jalpaiguri Branch, Indian Association.
10. The cultivators of ganja do not form a special class. Hindus and Muhammadans of the ordinary cultivating classes cultivate ganja with the assistance of special experts, who again do not belong to any special class. 17. I don't know anything about charas, but ganja and bhang are said to lose their intoxicating properties by keeping them exposed. Smokers of ganja would not touch ganja over a year old; but old bhang has some demand, and is said to possess more medicinal properties than the fresh leaves. I have no special means of answering the rest of this question; but it seems probable that the action of air, heat and moisture induces a slow chemical change, which in course of time deteriorates ganja till it completely loses its effects as an intoxicating substance. 20. Ganja and charas are disreputable drugs and are seldom used by the higher classes of society. The bearers and boatmen of Behar and North-West Provinces, the chamars, domes, muchis, mehters, dosads, bagdis, sanyasis and bairagis are the chief votaries of ganja. The consumers of this drug do not form a large proportion of people in Rajshahi. There are four ganja shops in the town of Rampur Boalia, with a population of above 20,000 souls, and the quantity daily sold by all these shops jointly appears, on inquiry, not to exceed two seers or 120 tolas a day. Assuming that each smoker consumes about onesixth tola a day, which is about the quantity daily purchased by the habitual consumers here, there are, on an average, 720 ganja-smokers in this town or 3.4 per cent. of the population are habitual smokers of ganja. The habit of smoking ganja prevails more in towns and large centres of trade than in rural villages; and as Rampur Boalia is the only town in Rajshahi with a population above 20,000 souls, the sale returns of the ganja shops there lead me to suppose that, although Rajshahi is noted for the production of ganja, it is not equally noted for its consumption. Charas is not sold here, nor is it commonly used by the ganja-smokers. 24. Although the people of Bengal are not habitual consumers of bhang, yet its use as a drink is not uncommon. It is difficult to say what proportion of the people use it. It is used more by the low-bred people as a drink, and such use is not confined to any particular locality. All that can be said about the use of bhang with any degree of certainty is that it is not usual for the people of Bengal to practise it as a regular habit. It is sometimes eaten; for this purpose the green leaves, or rather the green tops, are fried in ghi and taken as a vegetable, or the dried leaves are boiled in ghi, which is then used in preparing a sweetmeat called majun. 27. Ganja-smokers, as already stated, are mainly taken from the lower classes of the people, mostly non-agricultural. Those who have to undergo fatigues and hard labour are induced by others to get into the habit of smoking ganja as a preventive or relaxation; while in the case of confirmed smokers, evil pursuits and evil company greatly contribute towards the formation of this habit. An honest, hard-working cultivator is seldom found addicted to ganja. - Evidence of BABU AKSHAY KUMAR MAITRA,* Secretary, Rajshahi Association, Pleader, Judge's Court, Member, Rajshahi District Board, Commissioner, Rampur Boalia Municipality.
17. Toomeahs of the hill tracts. 20. Ganja is smoked by Dome (fisherman), Hari (sweeper), and Hindu and Muhammadan fakirs (ascetics). 24. Orthodox Hindus drink bhang on the Dasami, Sripanchami and Sivaratri days. Hindustanis and Marwaries drink habitually. Bhang is eaten only as medicine in pills. 27. Fishermen to protect themselves from exposure from cold, and sweepers to protect themselves from bad smells, etc., and ascetics to concentrate their attention to devotion, etc. - Evidence of BABU KAMALA KANTA SEN, Kayasth, Zamindar and Pleader, President of the Chittagong Association.
17. There is no special class of people for preparing the drugs mentioned. 20. Mostly fishermen and low classes of people smoke ganja. About 3 per cent. among the said class use ganja as intoxicating drug. I cannot tell in which localities it is more prevalent. 24. People of North-Western Provinces generally use the bhang as refreshment, just as beer, claret, and cider are used in Europe. In the district this is used by the natives that have bowel complaints. It is efficacious in bringing the bowel in tone. 27. For excitement and intoxicating purpose low classes of people, particularly those that are living on piscatory profession and the coolies going in the hills, are addicted to smoke ganja under a notion that the use of it gives energy to work and also alleviates pain of hard work. - Evidence of BABU NITYA NANDA ROY, Teli, Merchant and Zamindar, Chittagong.
10. No, They are ordinary agriculturists. 17. Generally by Hindus. Rarely by Muhammadans. 20. Low class Hindus and jogis and sanyasis and prostitutes smoke ganja. A few gentlemen use it secretly. In this town about 50 per cent. of the aggregate population use ganja. 24. Bhang is drunk to a great extent by upcountry men (Deswalis) and gentlemen and middle class men who cannot afford to pay for expensive alcoholic drinks. 27. Ganja.—(a) middle class men who cannot afford to pay for expensive drinks (alcoholic) or those whose tastes and propensities have been vitiated by bad company. (b) Up-country men as a rule are hard smokers. Sanyasis and jogis use it freely for religious principles, and Chandals generally belong to the criminal classes. (c) Gentlemen who use it to bad habits contracted in early life. Bhang.—(a) gentlemen who cannot pay for alcoholic drinks. (b) Up-country men are hard drinkers of bhang. (c) Owing to religious principles. - Evidence of BABU NOBIN CAHNDRA SARKAR, Kayasth, Wholesale and retail vendor of ganja and bhang, Barisal.
17. By haluadars and Muhammadans. 20. Ganja is smoked generally by the lower classes of people. About half of their number smoke ganja. About six annas of the middle classes and about two annas of the upper classes smoke the drug. 24. Bhang is generally taken by up-country men. Very few of the men of this district eat bhang for intoxication, but some take it for its medicinal purposes - Evidence of BABU DHANI RAM SAHA, Excise Vendor, Mymensingh.
20. Ganja is generally smoked by the lower classes of people, and occasionally by people of the middle classes. I cannot say what proportion of these people smoke ganja. I have no experience about charas. - Evidence of BABU RAM NIDHI SHAHA, Excise Vendor, Mymensin
20. The mendicants of Upper India, which include jogis, sanyasis, and sadhus as a special class, generally use ganja in excess when in a large party and can afford to pay for the same. The other class, which includes the mendicants of Lower Bengal, and generally the lower class of people of India who have to undergo hard and arduous work and expose themselves to the weather, use it in moderation. Of course there are exceptions to this general rule. 24. The people of Northern India generally consume bhang habitually more or less. The people of Lower Bengal generally do not use it habitually like the people of Upper India. 20. Charas is not a favourite to any class; it is used by a small section, and is not largely used. - Evidence of BABU PROSAD DASS DUTT, Zamindar, Calcutta.
20. It is generally the lower classes of the community that use ganja and charas. 24. All classes of the community drink bhang, not generally in Bengal, but in the North-Western Provinces, where its general use is prevalent. It is also mixed with sweetmeats, and is called majun, and is used by the people of the NorthWestern Provinces. 27. It is the lowest class who generally begets the habit of smoking, such as the palki-bearers, carpenters, and common labourers who, after the day's labour, take it for refreshment. - Evidence of BABU MAHENDRA NATH ROY, of Santa, Jessore
10. Anybody, whether Hindu or Muhammadan, can cultivate hemp. It is grown by the ordinary agricultural cultivators. 17. By all classes. Charas, however, is not prepared in this country. 20. Ganja is chiefly smoked by those classes whose vocations expose them to the inclemencies of the weather, e.g., fishermen, sea-faring men along the coast, artizans, syces, coachmen, darwans, palki-bearers as well as mendicants, generally with good effect. As a rule, it is not smoked by the agricultural and the well-to-do classes in Bengal. In the Behar districts more bhang than ganja is in use. The consumers of ganja are chiefly recruited from among the Hindustanis of all classes. Charas, on the other hand, finds favour among the well-to-do classes of Bengal. 24. Men from Hindustan proper living in Bengal are, as a rule, addicted to the use of bhang in various forms. During the hot months 8 per cent. of the inhabitants of the North-estern Provinces consume bhang. In Bengal, people suffering from dyspepsia take it to obtain relief and as an appetiser. It is occasionally used by Bengali gentlemen. It is sometimes used as a substitute for intoxicants. - Evidence of the DISTRICT BOARD, 24-Parganas (Sub-Committee).
20. All classes of people smoke ganja and charas and we could scarcely select out any who do not. Its use is mainly restricted to the lower order of Hindus and Muhammadans. From this it is not to be inferred that the higher class of people reject it altogether. But, as far as our information goes, amongst the higher class it is used to a very limited extent. The other class with whom the ganja is a favourite smoke is the Hindu sanyasis (mendicants). All ganja-smokers may take charas, with the exception of sanyasis. People who live in damp climate and who are exposed to inclement weather use ganja moderately. 24. Bhang is drunk by all classes of Hindus. It is a favourite drink with the Chowbeys, amongst Brahmins, Rajputs, Pavans, and Marwaris. Amongst this class we estimate no less than 50 per cent. who are habitual drinkers. The use of bhang is very great amongst these classes in cities and towns. In mufassal villages it is, however, not so; but it is said that wild growth of hemp in such localities is utilized by the villagers. 27. The percentage under head (a) includes all grades of people, from the richest to the poorest, including sanyasis. Under head (b), the spoilt scions of a rich family and the dregs of society. Under head (c) as in (a). Under head (d) as in (b). We can give no special reason which mainly leads to the practice. We may, however, ascribe the following causes:— (a) Rich men leading a sedentary life and having nothing to attend to imbibe the practice for pleasure only, and it is they who take unusual pains in making the drug pleasant to drink or smoke. (b) Middle class use it not so much for pleasure as to shake off worry, it having a stimulant effect. (c) The day labourer and lower orders of people find a relief after a whole day's manual labour. (d) People living in damp places, or where cold is excessive, take it for health. (e) Sanyasis who lead an itinerant life and subject themselves to different climates and exposure, find it a very pleasant drug to alleviate the effects of such a nomadic life. - Evidence of the DISTRICT BOARD, Patna.
10. There is no regular cultivation of the plants; but some people rear those that grow spontaneously. 17. By the lower class of Hindus and Muhammadans. 20. The up-country men who have migrated to our district mostly use the drugs. The lower class of Hindus and Muhammadans have also largely taken to use them. The sanyasis, vaishnavas and brahmacharis do also use these drugs. 24. Bhang is mostly drunk by the up-country men. Sometimes small balls of bhang are prepared and distributed amongst people as a mark of respect to the goddess of cow when a new calf is born. 27. Seventy per cent. of the consumers come from among the low class of Hindus and Muhammadans. - Evidence of the DISTRICT BOARD, Mymensingh (Sub-Committee).
17. No particular class make them—generally Babhans and Rajputs and some low class people also. Also by wholesale dealers in the drug as well as by the consumers. 20. Almost all classes smoke ganja. Use of charas is very rare in Monghyr District. Proportion of population cannot be given definitely Fakirs prefer ganja-smoking to the use of bhang. 24. Rajputs, Babhans, Chhattris, Banias, etc., use bhang, but most drink it. The proportion between (a) and (b) cannot be specified, as the drug is used privately, much as Europeans use tea, only not so widely of course. 27. For ganja— (1) Rajputs, Brahmins, Babhans, i.e., agricultural classes. (2) Banias, Agarwalls, and Chhattris, i.e., trading classes. (3) Kahars, Dhanuks, and other labouring classes. (4) Fakirs and religious mendicants. Note.—Sadhus and sanyasis smoke habitually to excess. (1), (2), and (3) represent habitual moderate consumers. - Evidence of the DISTRICT BOARD, Monghyr (Sub-Committee).
10. The vendors of narcotic drugs are Sunris. 20. All classes of Hindus, specially the villagers; nearly one-third of the population smoke ganja. Charas not used in this district. 24. All classes of Hindus; about one-fourth of the population consume bhang. 27. (a) and (c) from all classes of Hindus, and (b) and (d) from orders of mendicants (sadhus, jogis). No particular habit of life or circumstance leads to the practice. - Evidence of the DISTRICT BOARD, Arrah
10. Chiefly imported coolies from Bengal or immigrants from that province. 20. The immigrant Musalmans from lower Bengal are addicted to ganja-smoking; they form a very small proportion of the population. I cannot give exact proportion. - Evidence of MR. G. GODFREY, Commissioner, Assam Valley District
20. In the Assam Valley districts consumption of ganja is confined almost entirely to foreigners, garden coolies, carters, traders, sepoys, etc. In the Surma Valley it is used by the population more generally. Question 20 [oral evidence].—The Assamese rarely use ganja. They are all opium-eaters. If I found the plant growing in an Assamese homestead, I should not conclude that the man was a consumer, but that he was raising it for sale. In Goalpara the consumption of ganja is larger than any other district of the Assam Valley. The indigenous population consume the drug more. The people of the Dhubri sub-division, excluding the Eastern Duars, are Bengalis. The rest of the district is Assamese. The hill people do not use the drug to any extent. Very few of them take it. They are more opium-eaters. These people grow hemp to sell on the plains. There are political reasons, set forth in the answer I have given to question 70, against strong measures of repression in the hills. But the thing can, I believe, be done gradually. That is what we are doing in getting the Deputy Commissioner to use his influence to prevent sales to the people of the plains. The impossibility of making any great and rapid advance in the hills is no reason for not perfecting the system on the plains. In fact, the more perfect the system on the plains the less chance of smuggling from the hills. 24. Bhang is rarely used. It is eaten, drunk, and smoked by no special classes or in special localities. Question 24 [oral evidence].—All wild ganja is known by the name of bhang to distinguish it from excise ganja. Bhang proper is not brought in from Bengal, merely because no license is ever applied for. That is no doubt, I suppose, because the wild hemp is used for the beverage, and the Bengal bhang is not required. 27. Coolies in gardens, carters, and foreigners are the consumers. - Evidence of MR. J. J. S. DRIBERG, Commissioner of Excise and Inspector General of Police and Jails.
20. The Sylhet Musalmans and bairagis are the only portion of our indigenous population who consume ganja. They are, in fact, a portion of the ganja-smoking population of Eastern Bengal. Any facts which the Commission may gather as to the use of ganja in East Bengal will apply equally to the districts of Sylhet, Cachar, and Goalpara. In the remaining districts the use of ganja is almost entirely confined to immigrant coolies, to the Gurkha sepoys in the Assam regiments, and the up-country constables, in the police. Charas is not much used in Assam. 24. All ganja-smokers consume bhang when they cannot get the true ganja. But this rarely happens. 27. Coolies from Behar and the North-Western Provinces and servants from those districts, Nepalese in the Assam Regiment, traders, cowherds, etc., the indigenous (Bengali) population of the districts of Sylhet, Cachar, and Goalpara all consume ganja. The use of the drug is chiefly restricted to the lower and labouring classes, and when gentlemen do, as they occasionally do, use ganja, they do so secretly, there being some stigma of disrepute attached to the practice. - Evidence of MR. J. D. ANDERSON, Deputy Commissioner; Officiating Commissioner of Excise.
20. Almost all classes of Hindus contain instances of ganja consumers, but it is generally used to a large extent by lower castes and semiaboriginal castes - Evidence of MR. J. L. HERALD, Deputy Commissioner, Silchar, Cachar
20. I don't think much charas is consumed. Ganja is smoked mainly by foreigners, immigrants from Bengal and the North-Western Provinces. The indigenous inhabitants of the Assam Valley (including Goalpara) do not smoke ganja. 24. Bhang is frequently drunk, mixed with milk and pepper, by youths of the Dom caste. I cannot say what proportion take it. Question 20 [oral evidence].—The Doms are in the habit of using the leaves of the wild hemp to make a beverage on occasions. I know of no other class of Assamese which uses the wild hemp. So far as my experience goes, it is very rare indeed to find the Assamese taking hemp at all. The consumption of a district depends on the number of foreigners in it. The Assamese of these districts take opium principally and the hill tribes take spirits. In respect of these people, therefore, there would be no hardship in prohibiting the drug. I know of no other class using bhang on the Sivratri except the Doms. It was in 1886 or 1887 that I was informed of this use by a man who is now a Tahsildar. Apart from this, I have no information, except that I probably verified the information given to me by some enquiry. As far as I know, ganja itself is used by no class of the Assamese. As regards foreigners, I have occasionally had to deal as a Magistrate with cases of violence alleged to have arisen from the use of ganja. Besides these cases and that of a syce who went melancholy from the drug I have no knowledge of the use of the drug by foreigners. I of course know that the ganja shops are principally maintained by the foreigners, because I have had occasion to make enquiries in connection with locating and inspecting shops, and they are generally placed near tea gardens. I do not think I have ever heard that ganja is chiefly consumed by the labouring classes. I have never made any study of the subject. I know of no shop located in the midst of the purely indigenous population of Assamese or hill people in the districts of which I am speaking - Evidence of MR. E. A. GAIT, Director of Land Records and Agriculture, Assam.
20. Mostly foreigners, such as what are known as Bengali coolies. Question 20 [oral evidence].—I here refer to the coolies brought in for tea gardens and other labour. It is said that they are great consumers of the drug. About fifteen thousand come in a year, I think. I have heard so often from different sources that they take ganja that I believe this. I cannot say for certain that Assamese labourers do not take ganja. But I believe that they take opium much more than ganja. I speak of the true Assamese. The people in this (Goalpara) district are not pure Assamese. We have a very mixed population. - Evidence of MR. G. GORDON, Deputy Commissioner, Goalpara.
20. The poorest classes both in towns and in the interior - Evidence of MR. C. W. E. PITTAR, Officiating Deputy Commissioner of Kamrup
20. The people of lower classes, generally such as charal, zugi, patni, tea-garden coolies, sweepers, malis, dhobas, dhulis, etc., and fakirs and sanyasis or mendicants smoke ganja. Some people of other classes also sometimes smoke this drug; but their number is very limited. Ganja-smoking is not confined to any particular locality of the district. I am unable to say what proportion of the people smoke ganja. 24. The residents of the district, as I have already said in my answer to question No. 16, only drink this drug for medicinal purposes, and sometimes eat it also, making a preparation of it with gur (called "laru") on Sripanchami Puja days. But the use of neither of these can be said to be universal. When the residents of the district use bhang, they use the stuff grown here. But the up-country men, such as Deswalis and Kayans, generally use the bhang, which they get from Calcutta. This is a better stuff, and is grown in upper provinces. The up-country men questioned by me say that the bhang which grows here is stronger than the stuff which they get from Calcutta, and its leaves also are bigger than those of the bhang which grow in upper provinces. 27. The classes from which the consumers of ganja come have already been stated in answer No. 20. The other part of the question I cannot quite answer. The mendicants almost as a class use ganja. - Evidence of ISHAN CHANDRA PATRANAVISH, Bengali, Brahmin, Extra Assistant Commissioner, Sylhet
20. Women don't take either. Children don't take either. The use of ganja, with few exceptions, is confined to the lower (not necessarily the poorer) classes. I should say about 5 per cent. of the population of the Assam Valley use ganja. The greatest consumption is on tea gardens and among foreigners. 24. Bhang is generally eaten or drunk. It is occasionally smoked, and mostly by those who can't afford ganja. Unable to give proportions or to fix local peculiarities. Question 20.—Here I take the whole population, including garden coolies. I arrived at this average by getting up all my subordinates and asking them what they thought; and I struck an average, checking it by what I thought likely myself. I may have overstated the percentage of habitual consumers. What I meant was five out of every hundred of the population. That would be nearly 20 per cent. of men. That would be high. The Assamese do take it, but in small quantities, and, as a rule, only occasionally. It is not an Assamese vice at all. I do not know of any class of Assamese that takes it. I do not think the hill people take it even to the same extent as the Assamese. I mean the hill people beyond the frontier. Neither do our Nagas take it to my knowledge. The Khasias do not take it much. Of the Garos I know nothing. These three are our only hill tribes. Of course my knowledge of the hill people beyond the frontier is based entirely on what has been told me. I have no personal knowledge. - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR J. W. U. MACNAMARA, Civil Surgeon and Superintendent, Lunatic Asylum, Tezpur.
20. Generally by the working classes of the people in Bengal, North-Western Provinces, and Assam, and more or less by the same classes of the people all over the country. 24. Amongst the higher classes of Marwaris. 27. Mostly labouring classes and religious mendicants are the regular consumers of these drugs. - Evidence of LATCHMAN PERSHAD, Kayasth, Hospital Assistant, Manipur State.
20. Ganja is used by the lower classes, middle classes, rarely higher classes. Charas is unknown here. At Rajshahi middle classes use charas; but a greater proportion of the middle and lower classes use ganja. 24. In Bengal the middle and upper classes generally drink bhang. In the North-Western Provinces eating of bhang pills in sweetmeat prevails. Drinking of bhang is the ordinary form of use. 27. (a) Working men, fishermen, bearers, mendicants are moderate habitual consumers of ganja and siddhi. They take to them on account of the damp and cold they are subject to. Each of the drugs, specially ganja smoking, has staying power. (b) Sweepers, some mendicants, Doms, licentious youths, etc., take to habitual excessive ganja smoking. (c) Upper and middle class men consume ganja and siddhi in company of friends in festivities. (d) Higher, middle, and lower classes on bereavement, in festivities, and as an anodyne to kill pains. Ganja and siddhi are taken too. - Evidence of KRISHNA CHANDRA SANYAL,* Brahmin, Medical Practitioner, Sylhet
20. They are generally used by low classes of people. 24. The people of this district do not eat or drink bhang, but men of the North-Western Provinces are known to use it generally. 26 and 27. I do not know. - Evidence of MOULVI ABDUL KADIR, Honorary Magistrate and Zamindar, Sylhet.
20. Ganja is smoked by fishermen, boatmen, cultivators, palanquin bearers, day-labourers, certain fakirs and sanyasis. 27. (a) Fishermen, boatmen, palanquin bearers, cultivators, and day-labourers. (b) Fakirs, sanyasis and people suffering from incurable maladies. (c) People observing Sivaratri or Janmasthami or other Ekadasis or fastings, or desirous of pleasures. (d) Any of the above under exceptional circumstances— (a) Hard work, exposures, etc (b) Vagrancy, idleness, disease, etc. (c) Orthodoxy or pleasure. (d) Various - Evidence of MASDAR ALI, Pleader, Sylhet.
20. The lower classes of people smoke ganja more largely than the upper classes. Those who get into this habit are invariably low class men. Among higher classes this habit is to be found among those whose education has been neglected. The use of ganja is also noticed among another class of men who are addicted to hard drinking. It is a very common vice among the singing party. The ascetics as a class indulge in ganja-smoking. It is difficult to make an estimate of the number of ganja-smoking people, but regard being had to the large population, one could say that ganja is smoked by very few persons. Ganja-smokers will be found all over the districts. 27. The excessive consumption of ganja is the largest among the ascetics and those consumers who are in the habit of hard drinking. The rural classes and hard-working people are generally moderate in its indulgence. The number of occasional moderate consumers is very few. These belong to those classes of people who would not smoke ganja without putting in offering to Mahadeb, a deity of the Hindus. The cases of occasional excessive consumption are few and far between. Some got into the habit of ganja-smoking for pleasure, which its intoxication brings on. Some began it under a belief that it gave them strength and enabled them to go through hard work; but the majority started the habit from the contagion of bad examples. - Evidence ofB ABUA BANTINATHD ATTA, Kayastha, Pleader, Judge's Court, Cachar
20. Ganja is chiefly confined to low classes of the people, while charas finds its way even among the higher classes in towns and sadar stations. 24. Bhang-drinking is very rare in Assam. 27. The habitual ganja-smokers are those who are exposed to the inclemencies of the weather, and more especially who have to work in water, such as fishermen and boatmen. Then there is another class of excessive ganja-smokers. These are religious mendicants and ascetics, who expose themselves most - Evidence of BISHUN CHANDRA CHATTOPADHAY, Pleader, Dhubri.
20. Ganja is used generally by the lower order of Hindus; it is not used by the Muhammadans, excepting some rare cases. A large number (it is difficult to get correct figures, but may be roughly estimated to be over 60 per cent.) of the working classes use it, and sanyasis, ramayats and garden coolies, and also Hindu sepoys. 24. Generally people of the North-Western Provinces and also lower classes of Hindus drink bhang and also eat it. 27. (1) Labouring classes, especially fishermen and boatmen; (2) up-country coolies; (3) hard drinkers; (4) ramayats and sanyasis; (5) prostitutes are the chief consumers. Among these a large proportion of (1) and (2) are moderate consumers (both habitual and occasional). Hard drinkers and prostitutes are excessive consumers (both habitual and occasional). Ramayats and sanyasis are excessive consumers (habitual). In the case of moderate consumers, no perceptible changes in life takes place. In the case of excessive consumers, they become less thrifty, they care more for the drug than anything else; lose power of self-control, and become more and more enslaved to the drug, and would not attend to anything when they have their craving for the drug unless they get it, and vice versâ. By giving them some ganja, one can make them do any work which they would not do for love or for money. They become indolent and also excitable. - Evidence of KAMINI KUMAR CHANDRA, Kayastha, Bengali, Pleader, Silchar.
20. Lower classes of people smoke ganja generally. These may be estimated at about ten per cent. of the male population. Higher class people may also be seen to indulge in this drug, but the proportion is very small. The use of charas is very rare, and the exceptional cases are almost confined to the up-country people. These remarks are applicable to the whole of the province. 24. (a) A small proportion of the upper and lower classes of the people are found to eat bhang at the time of Sivratri throughout the whole of Assam. (b) A small proportion of the upper and lower classes of the people drink throughout the whole province. 27. (a) Habitual moderate consumers are mainly taken from the lower classes of the people who work hard and who have to undergo the inclemencies of the weather. (b) Habitual excessive consumers are mainly confined to the fakirs, vagabonds, and spoiled students of the upper and middle classes of the people. (c) and (d) Both classes of occasional consumers are to be seen in all the classes of the people. The circumstances in each of these cases which mainly lead to these practices are the association with other consumers. - Evidence of GANGADHAR SORMAH, Brahmin, Pleader, Jorhat.
20. Nearly 25 per cent. use ganja. Chiefly among the lower classes. 24. Bhang is only used occasionally at feasts, etc., and then it is chiefly in drink that they take it. 27. Tea-garden coolies are either habitual or occasional moderate consumers. Where men work in large numbers together, they all become more or less consumers of ganja. Prostitutes generally take ganja. The habit of taking ganja is formed by associating with others that take it. On a large bungalow that we are building almost all the workmen take ganja, and they form the habit because one or two bring ganja with them and others join in smoking. - Evidence of REVD. J. P. JONES,* Missionary, Sylhet.
17. Generally all classes make the above preparations with the exception of that called modak. 20. Lower classes, specially doms (fishermen), tea-garden coolies and cultivators. No particular localities. 24. Not more than five per cent. of the lower class people smoke, and drinking is very rare. 27. It is used mainly by the lower class people for facilitating protection from cold; not used for luxury. - Evidence of HARIBILASH AGARWALA, Merchant, Tezpur
20. Doms (Assamese fishermen) and Haries, garden coolies and up-country men specially are addicted to ganja. Doms and Haries might be 40 per cent., up-country men 60 per cent., and garden coolies 25 per cent. The percentages are calculated on the males, as the females never use ganja. In almost every village ganja is used. Question 20 [oral evidence].—Except among the Doms and Haries, the Assamese use the drug very little. These classes do not form a large proportion of the population. Ganja is used in most villages by a few people 24. Natives of this district do not eat but sometimes drink bhang. 27. The percentages given in answer to question 26 have been calculated from all the classes mentioned in answer to question No. 20, the proportion being nearly equal in all these classes. In my opinion ganja is smoked only for pleasure, but when once addicted to it, becomes a habit. - Evidence of LAKSMIKANTA BARKAGATI, Brahma, Secretary to the Tezpur Raiyats' Association, Tezpur, Darrang.
20. The up-country men. 24. Hindus of Upper India are greatly addicted to drinking bhang. 27. From lower classes and religious mendicants. Their habits of life are indolence and quarrelling propensity, and the consumers say that the use of bhang helps the engagement of the mind upon any subject, and in some instances the bhang is used for immoral purposes. - Evidence of RADHAN ATHC HANGKAKOTI,B rahmin, Proprietor, "Radha Nath" Printing Press; Municipal Commissioner; Member of Local Board; Secretary to the Upper Assam Association; and Secretary to the Government Girls' School, Dibrugarh
20. Smoking ganja among Assamese is scarce in present days. Two per cent. would be number. It is most common among the up-country people and coolies, and all fakirs and monks consume it considerably as one of the necessaries to stick to their holy devotions, more especially as because god Siva was using it. 24. Among Assamese in religious days, especially by Brahmins, and few of all other classes. 27. Labourers, songsters and fakirs. The labourer and songster classes to stimulate them to work, and fakirs to stick their minds to devotions. Question 20.—By ganja we understand the imported drug, by bhang the plant that grows in Assam. The Assamese did not smoke ganja in former days. In my youth the practice was very uncommon. Now the Assamese are learning to smoke to the number of about two per cent. of the population. The classes who are thus learning to smoke are the Cacharis, the Ahoms, and the Brahmins and Kayasths. There are Doms and Haris in the country, but I do not see them smoking. The latter class are prohibited by the religion, as they are followers of their Dehing Gosain. The youths mentioned in my answer to question 45 are, one a Kayasth and one a Brahmin. The people who are taking to the drug live mostly in the towns and the neighbourhood of the shops. In Dibrugarh and Chabua and Rajabheta, about three miles from Dibrugarh, smokers are to be found. The fakirs and monks used to take the drugs from the wild plants before ganja was introduced. For the most part the foreigners now use it. I don't know of the hemp plant being produced in the hills. As a wood contractor I deal with Miris and Abors, and from that I know they do not grow ganja. - Evidence of JADU RAM BOROOAH, Assamese Kayasth, Local Board Member; Pensioned Overseer, Public Works Department, Dibrugarh
20. Ganja-smokers will, I believe, be found among all classes of the people, but it is the labouring classes that chiefly consume it. As to the proportion of the people who consume ganja, vol. vi.I fear I cannot give reliable information. In the village in which I am now encamped, Lokurtalai, in the Hoshungabad district, there are 909 inhabitants, and the contractor tells me he has eight regular customers. 20. The people say they use the ganja supplied by the contractor, and the contractor informs me that this is the flat ganja. 24. Here bhang is chiefly drunk by the bunnia class and most of all by the Marwaris who take it during the hot weather as a cooling drink (thandai). In Sumbalpur the brahmins, I know, use it in the same way, and I believe its use is common among brahmins in other parts of the province also. A preparation of bhang called majun is eaten by all classes in small quantities ou the occasion of some festivals. 27. The habitual moderate consumers of ganja are, I believe, mostly men who have hard bodily labour, such as palki-bearers, hamals, etc. The ordinary cultivating classes are also often habi -tual consumers, but among all these classes there are often men who only smoke ganja occasionally, i.e., when they have had a hard day's work. The habitual excessive consumers are chiefly religious mendicants, who use it, I believe, because they have nothing else to do. - Evidence of COLONEL M. M. BOWIE, Commissioner, Nerbudda Division.
10. I have never heard of their forming a special class, either formerly when the cultivation was not closely restricted and controlled, or at the present time. 20. It cannot be said that ganja smoking is limited to certain classes, though its use is most common among the labouring classes and bairagis, fakirs, and gosains. 24. The drink made from foreign bhang is generally used by Marwaris, but is not confined to this class; it is used by the better classes. The similar drink made from local bhang is used by the lower classes. Majum is chiefly consumed at the Holi. Its consumption is not limited to any particular classes. It is eaten, being a sweetmeat. The total consumption of foreign and local bhang in the Central Provinces is small. Local bhang is given in a ball to cattle after hard work. 27. The habitual moderate ganja smokers be -long chiefly to the labouring classes. A man of this class generally confines himself to one pipe after his evening meal as a solace. The habitual excessive ganja smokers are chiefly bairagis, gosains, and fakirs. - Evidence of MR. F. C. ANDERSON, Officiating Commissioner, Nagpur.
10. They are of the ordinary agricultural class 20. The consumption of charas here is insignificant. Ganja is smoked by a large percentage of the labouring class and by fakirs and sadhus almost universally. 24. Bhang is drunk by nearly all Marwaris of the better sort, specially in the hot weather and in the larger towns. 27. I should say that the great bulk of the labouring class are habitual moderate consumers, and the great bulk of the fakir and sadhu classes habitual excessive consumers. - Evidence of MR. A. C. DUFF, Deputy Commissioner, Jubbulpore.
17. The cultivators of the hemp plant prepare ganja. It leaves their hands substantially as it is smoked, except that the " kali" (the dried flower) still adheres to the stalk. The former is picked in the storehouse at Khandwa, and then despatched to different places for consumption. 20. Ganja is used by all consumers of the drug, except those who use bhang (see question 24). In other words, ganja is the form in which the drug is used by the lower and labouring classes, while the better classes take bhang. I am unable to say what proportion of the people use ganja. 24. Bhang is used by the better classes, more especially by Marwaris, Gujaratis, and people from Northern India. It is commonly drunk. In the hot weather particularly it is used in liquid form. In the cold season it is frequently eaten with " massala" of various kinds. Condiments also enter into the composition of the emulsion which is made with bhang. It is mainly the season of the year which determines whether bhang is taken in liquid or in solid form. The use of the drug in one or other of these modes is not confined to any particular class. - Evidence of MR. B. ROBERTSON, Deputy Commissioner, Nimar.
Question 20.—The drugs are principally used by Hindus, cultivators, a d others of the lower classes; by Lodhis among the higher classes, because their habits are similar to those of the people of Bundelkhand; and by Bairagis and other religious devotees. Among Lodhis the propor -tion of consumers would be about 10 per cent. I cannot give the proportion of consumers among the labouring classes; but the habit is not general. I can't say in what district the habit is most prevalent; but it will probably be found to be more prevalent in the districts bordering on Bundelkhand, where the plant is freely cultivated and used - Evidence of KHAN BAHADUR AULAD HUSSEIN, C.I.E., Assistant Commissioner and Settlement Officer, Jabalpur
10 There is no special class of hemp cultivators in Nimar, nor was there in Nagpur when culti -vation was permitted there. 17. The classes who cultivate and the ordinary agricultural labourers do all the work required. The chief castes who are employed in cultivation generally are Kunbis and Gujars; next to them come Rajputs. 20. There are no classes to whom the use of ganja is absolutely forbidden: smokers may be divided into the following main classes:— (1) Mendicants and devotees, both Hindu and Muhammadan; (2) Non-agricultural day-labourers of all classes; Agrenltural day-labourers who do not belong to the regular cultivating classes; (4) A certain proportion of the well-to-do. Cultivators as a rule eschew ganja. It may be said that all males of class (1) smoke, while for classes (2) and (3) one-half of the males over 19 years of age is not an extravagant estimate. Smoking of ganja by women is very uncommon. 24. No shops are ever licensed to sell charas, and it is believed that none is consumed. Bhang, locally known as pardesi bhang (see 27. answer to question 2), is never smoked. The chief consumers of bhang are Marwaris, some of whom drink it daily. In the hot weather the well-to-do of all except the cultivating classes take it, because it is cooling and refreshing. Bhang is never eaten. The Marwaris are banias of the Oswal, Agarwal, Mahesri, and Jain sects. 27. This question has in effect been answered already. Bhang is a luxury for the well-to do, and very little used. Ganja is smoked by two main classes (a) those who have to support themselves by daily labour involving great physical exertion; those who have adopted a wandering or isolated mode of life on religious or semireligious grounds. - Evidence of MR. H. V. DRAKE-BROCKMAN, Officiating Commissioner of Excise, Central Provinces.
10. Hemp-growers do not form a separate class; ordinary cultivators grow it. 17. Ganja for sale is prepared by the cultivators themselves. 20. Ganja smoking is not restricted to any particular caste. The following classes generally smoke ganja:— I.—Labourers, including dâk-runners, fishermen, palki-bearers, and agriculturists. II. Bairagis gosains, fakirs, and other mendicants. III. A few of the better classes who have imbibed the habit as a luxury. I am unable to give any percentage of the ganja smokers. Ganja smoking is not confined to any particular locality. 24. Bhang is used for drinking purposes by Marwaris, better classes of Hindus from NorthWestern Provinces. The men of the province, well-to-do persons, also occasionally indulge in drinking bhang, and the lower classes of the people sometimes drink bhang. This is drunk on Hindu festivals (such as Holi and Shivaratri) and sometimes on marriage occasions. It is often when young friends meet in any garden they prepare and indulge in this drink. It is very difficult to give the proportion of the people drink-ing bhang, but from the quantity of bhang consumed as shown in the excise returns (l3½ maunds last year), the number cannot be large. This quantity would suffice for one day's drink for about 175,000 persons . 27 Habitual consumers of ganja are the labouring classes. There is an impression that smoke of a chilam will take away the fatigue, and they generally smoke ganja to take away the fatigue. The habitual excessive smokers are the class of mendicants and fakirs whose wandering life makes them indifferent to the worldly affairs. They are often beggars, and as their wants are satisfied by the charitable public, they do not care what amount they spend. The life they lead is peculiar; they are idlers, and they associate with them such reckless characters that when they assemble and begin to smoke they go to excess; they thus form this habit of excessive smoking. Their justification for their conduct, as they say, is that by excessive smoking they do not feel the effect of cold and rain; and bairagis say that it assists them in concentrating their thoughts in one direction, and they can practise "yoga" better under the influence of ganja. The third class of occasional moderate consumers is formed of members of all classes. They indulge in smoking ganja. As a rule, such members are addicted to other vices, and ganja smoking is resorted to as an addition. The classes who use bhang as a drink are generally well-to-do people. It is indulged in as a luxury ; poorer people drink it as removing fatigue. Question 24.—In this answer I am speaking of the foreign bhang. I have not heard of the local ganja being used for drinking, but I expect that it is. It would be in excess of the quantity I have given. According to my experience bhang is not habitually consumed, but occasionally. Bhang consumption is a luxury, and indulged in by foreigners for the most part. - Evidence of BHARGOW LAXMON GADGIT, Brahmin, Extra Assistant Commissioner, Nagpur
10. Persons who cultivate hemp do not belong to any special class but are of the same classes as agricultural cultivators, and in no case have I found the cultivation of hemp to be the chief source of a cultivator's living, like his grain fields or sugarcane plantation. 17. There is no religious nor social restriction as to the class of people. Anyone can prepare the drugs. 24. All classes of people here, who are not allowed by their religion to take liquor, drink bhang ("kúsúmba") on the occasions of some social gatherings or religious festivals. In the course of my enquiry I found very few persons who said they did not taste this drink in their life. 27. In some religious institutions and social gatherings these drugs, ganja and bhang, are occasionally kept with the object of inducing people to attend them. And whoever attends such meetings is inclined to taste ganja or bhang by seeing others using the drug. In this part of the country I saw in several large villages religious places called "gudis" where occasionally in the year some Hindu mythological books, mostly "the Bhagwat," are read by priests and villagers who go there to hear them read in the evening. The priest is paid for his labour on the completion of the reading, which continues for several days, and the payment made by each person is generally in accordance with his regularity in attending the lectures. Those attending regularly pay larger sums than occasional visitors. So the promoters keep ganja, fire, etc., at the place to secure regular attendance of hearers. Such institutions initiate the habit of ganja smoking. Among Brahmans and mahantis and such other higher classes, at the time of caste or religious festivals and feasts, bhang (kúsúmba) is prepared and given to the assembled guests before taking their food. It is usual for the host to ask or even to press every guest, if he were very familar, to take it more and more, just as he does after-wards in the case of any delicious dish. Question 24 [oral evidence].—Most people of the higher classes in Sonepur take bhang, and most have at least tasted it. - Evidence of TRIMBAK RAO SATHE, Extra Assistant Commissioner, and Diwan of the Sonepur State.
10. They are of the same class as other agricultural cultivators. 20. I know nothing about charas: ganja smoking is not confined to any class or classes of people. It is, however, greatly used by those classes of people more or less who cannot use liquor, but, generally speaking, the bairagis, fakirs, and lower classes of labourers greatly use ganja all over India. I think the proportion of ganja smokers is 10 per cent, of the entire population. 24. This is not confined to any particular class or classes of the people. In the hot weather and in the Holi festivals bhang is generally used by all classes of people who cannot use liquor. It is eaten as well as drunk. The entire population does not, however, use it. The proportion of the people so using the bhang may be set down at 5 per cent. of the entire population in this province. 27. The ganja smokers are mostly the poorer and lower classes of the population, such as (1) Ganja for— (a) Day-labourers and agriculturists. (b) Bairagis, fakirs, and such people. (c) Middle and lower classes of people, who use ganja for purposes of entertainments and enjoyment of companies, such as singing parties, etc. (d) Middle and lower classes of people, of various castes and creeds. (2) Bhang. (a) Middle classes of people. (b) Rich and higher classes of people. (c) Middle and higher classes of people of all castes. (d) Rich people generally. Question 27.—Ganja is used at entertainments, such as bhajans, ,jowara ceremonies, mostly of a semi-religious character, and also at the Holi. I do not know of any purely convivial ganja entertainment being given, apart from some religious connection. The ganja is smoked. Of course smokers treat one another, apart from all religious considerations. In the entertainments to which I refer, non-smokers are offered and accept the ganja chilam.Bhang is more frequently used. The middle classes rarely use ganja. Bhang drinking is more respectable than ganja smoking, just as opium eating than opium smoking. - Evidence of RAGHUNATH RAO, Extra Assistant Commissioner, Damoh.
20. Generally ganja is smoked by the low class people in the Central Provinces, such as Hindu mendicants, bairagis, gosains, etc. It is used by the criminal tribes, Pasi, Baria, Khangar and Kunjar. It is also prevalent to a little extent among the Chhattris and low class Muhammadans, such as Kunjras and Pinjaras, etc., but the latter use it very rarely. Charas is not at all in use here. Only some immigrants from the NorthWestern Provinces use it. One man in every 300 smokes gajna. 24. Bhang is not so prevalent in the Central Provinces as in the North-Western Provinces. Its use is for the most part confined to cities and towns. Bhang is generally used by the middle classes such as the Brahmins, Chhattris, etc. The moderate use of bhang is not looked upon as a mean thing, and the Hindu religion does not forbid its use. In the hot weather people take it as a cooling drink. The upper classes use it more than any other preparation of hemp. - Evidence of SYED MOHAMED HUSAIN, Extra Assistant Commissioner ; Diwan, Khairagarh State.
10. No special class. Ordinary cultivators. 20. (a) Ganja— (1) Gosains, sadhus, fakirs, bairagis, 90 per cent. (2) Gonds, 50 per cent, (3) Brahmins, Muhammadans, other Hindus, 15 per cent. (b) Charas — (1) Muhammadans, Mahars, and other low castes, 10 per cent. (2) It is also used by rich people, 5 per cent. These proportions are for the province generally. 24. In Central Provinces about 30 per cent, of adult male population, particularly in the hot weather— (a) eat bhang 5 per cent, (b) drink bhang 25 per cent. 27. Ganja— (a) Religious men, such as gosains, bairagis and fakirs. They consider ganja the gift of Mahadeo. It is supposed to concentrate the mind of the worshipper, (b) Lowest classes, who are exposed to weather and undergo works of hard labour. Bhang — Well-to-do middle classes, generally Hindus. - Evidence of RAM KRISHNA RAO, Brahmin, Extra Assistant Commissioner, Bhandara
20. All classes smoke ganja, specially Paiks and Katkis. Ganja in this State is smoked in towns and large villages generally. The hilly (Kondhs) and t he low caste people who drink liquor seldom or very rarely indulge in smoking ganja. 24. Bhang is not eaten in this State, but it is drunk. The Brahmins and other high castes drink it. But I know by experience, both in Central Provinces and North-Western Provinces, that in the cold season many prefer to eat bhang by making small balls, and they then swallow it. 27. These are mainly from the labouring classes, Nalia Paiks, who were a sort of militia in the time of the late Raja, and the Katki people. The labourers, after the day's work, find some relief in smoking ganja. The Nalia Paiks are of lazy habits, which lead them to smoke ganja. The Katki people, who carry on trade and go from place to place, smoke ganja to avoid the effects of the climate. - Evidence of BATUK BHARTHY, Superintendent of Kalahandi State.
10. The cultivators did not form a special class, but they belong to the class of agricultural cultivators (i.e., Murias, Gonds, etc.). 17. Here agricultural cultivators or Murias (aborigines). They used to cultivate it. 20. The ganja smokers are very few; because the aborigines of this State satisfy the desire of intoxication by having recourse to the use of tari, sulphi, sindhi and landha (fermented mixture of kosrá seeds). Day-labourers and sadhus use ganja by filling it in leaf-pipes or chilam. More is used in the head-quarters of tahsil. Rural population use it very seldom. The proportion of the consumers is •06. - Evidence of ALAM CHAND, Superintendent, Bastar State.
20. Generally, labouring classes smoke ganja. It is also smoked by artisans and bairagis and gosains (religious mendicants). It is smoked throughout the province. It is not limited to any special locality. Two per cent. of the population may be smoking ganja. 24. Bhang is generally drunk by Marwari and Hindustani Brahmins in this country in summer season. People seldom drink in other seasons. There are people who are addicted to bhang, and such men drink it as beverage throughout the year. The number of bhang¬drinking men is so small that no percentage can be noted. - Evidence of T. GOONDIAH, Tahsildar, Janjgir, Bilaspur District.
20 Charas is unknown. Ganja is chiefly used by the lower classes and castes. It is used by all who have to do hard manual labour. Very few such could be found who don't use it. Question 20 [oral evidence].—It is true that no labourers abstain from ganja, and that they work well upon it. This is true of the tahsils in Saugor, Damoh and Jabalpur in which I have served. 24. Knows of no such practice as bhang eating. It is drunk by all castes and by respectable persons in all places. Its use is confined to the hot weather as a cooling and refreshing beverage and as an inducer of sleep. 27. See answer to 20. It gives a man an interest in his work, and enables him to work harder and longer. The effect of a chilam lasts for four or six hours. Hard manual labour chiefly leads to the practice. - Evidence* of MUNSHI THAKHT SINGH, pensioned Tahsildar, Bata, District Damoh
10. There is no special class of cultivators for the cultivation of ganja. The ordinary agriculturists do it. 17. By the ordinary cultivators. 20. The following classes of people generally make use of ganja in smoking, viz: (1) Hindu mendicants of all grades; (2) the Muhammadan fakirs; (3) labouring classes on the railways and agriculture and others; (4) a few agriculturists; (5) a respectable number in the middle class, educated and uneducated. There are. many others who are too numerous to enumerate. But the above form the principal communities of smokers. They can smoke charas if they get it. 24. The consumption of bhang is by no means restricted to the poor. On the other hand, it is drunk by Marwaris and banias on this side, and during the hot season by respectable high caste and educated Brahmins of the orthodox class who are restricted from taking liquors. Such a preparation is generally called " panga," meaning light drink. There are such drinkers of this preparation in Malwa and in the NorthWestern Provinces, notably Benares, that they can drink off at one sitting 1 or 2 seers so thick that it is called " sikia dub," i.e., if a straw is thrown into the pot filled with this kind of preparation, it stands straight. This preparation cannot be drunk by an ordinary drinker without subjecting himself to serious consequences. Moreover, some people are so fond among that Brahminical class that they take pride in preparing and consuming the strongest dose in other ways, namely, that the bhang patti is boiled in water in a copper pot and a couple of copper pice put into it while undergoing that process. It is then roasted in ghee and. then powdered along with almond, aniseed, pepper, dry rose flowers, seed of cucumber, and all these mixed in water, or, to make it still stronger, to prepare it in milk which they call "dudhiya," and then to drink it. I drank such a preparation myself once through not knowing the way in which it was prepared. I cannot describe in what state of mind I was thrown for about 36 hours, when the intoxication subsided. On the Ghats of the Nerbudda at Onkar, Mandlesar and Mahesar, and on the Ganges at Benares, and on the Kshippra at Ujjain, this bhang preparation is so common and so often resorted to that the stones there bear deep marks. The learned Brahmins at Benares and Ujjain are noted for indulging in this drink, and through the instrumentality of the intoxication produced by it, they can repeat the Vedas without a mistake and without being fatigued. Bombay, the drug is sold much cheaper than in the Central Provinces, and the facilities afforded by the railways are great for smuggling. I expect still more increase in sales if the system of taxing the drug becomes uniform and the same system is adopted by the adjoining Native States. It is impossible to detect every smuggler without subjecting him to search, and thereby cause vexation, molestation and risk (vide section 45 of the Excise Act). I can speak from my own experience that there are people in good position, whose names I do not like to disclose, and whose avocations take them in the daily course of their business to such Native States and other districts, wherefrom they import the drugs for their friends in respectable positions. Their actions pass undetected. If all these sources are stopped by making the tax uniform throughout, there will no doubt be still more increase in sales to the disgust of the advocates of the abolition of the hemp drugs. The number of smokers is not, however, increasing. 27. (a) From labouring class. (b) From religious mendicant class. (c) From superior middle class. (d)Nil. For (a), after taking a small quantity of drug, a labourer can work indefatigably or carry load without requiring much food. So the drug like alcohol becomes a highly concentrated food. Their small earnings necessitate them to resort to this practice, which enables them to observe economy and to possess sufficient energy to work. For (b) indifference to the worldly affairs and conduct of life, without caring for the morrow. For (c) luxury. - Evidence of VINAYAK BALKRISHNA. KHARE, Brahmin, Excise Daroga, Nagpur.
10. Hemp cultivation is not restricted to a particular class. Cultivators of all classes do it. 17. In Khandwa, every class of tenant cultivates hemp, and generally the grocers and confectioners make majum. 20. They do not smoke charas in these provinces. Ganja is generally much consumed by the fakirs, gosains, sailors, water-carriers, shoemakers, palanquin bearers and other menial classes. Persons of high caste very seldom smoke it. The number of hemp consumers is about 5 per cent. 24. They use bhang to a very limited extent in large towns, such as Hoshangabad, Harda, Seoni and Sohagpur. They use it especially in the summer season. Mostly bhang is used by the Rajputana grocers, Brahmins, Marwaris, and the inhabitants of North-Western Provinces. The persons who have settled in these provinces long ago neither drink nor eat it. During the Holi festivals they generally eat majum made from bhang by mixing ghee and sugar with it. They also drink it, when powdered, with water. In villages they neither eat nor drink bhang. Five per cent. of the population eat and drink bhang. 27. The persons of the Hindu community who belong to Shivai sect, such as gosains, etc., have introduced the consumption of the drug. On the festival day of Shivaratri ganja, bhaug and the fruits of dhatura are offered to Shiva in worship, and generally the people in token of the remnant of offer drink bhang. The persons who smoke ganja, smoke it. - Evidence of ANANDI PERSHAD, Excise Daroga, Hoshangabad.
20. Religious mendicants and low classes generally are specially addicted to ganja smoking. Bhang is generally used by the higher classes, but to a very moderate extent. There are no special localities. About six men in every thousand would use ganja and four men bhang. I think on further consideration that 10 per cent. of the population is more nearly the real proportion of users of the drugs. That would make about 1,400 altogether in Sambalpur. 24. About four men in the thousand. Out of four consumers, I think one would drink it, three would eat it. There are no special localities. 27. No particular class of users is more given to excess than others. (a) Some take to it for the sensation and some because it calms the mind, makes appetite and removes belly-ache. (b) From habitual moderates people become habitual excessives, because the taste grows on them. These cases are not, however, common. (c) The same reasons as (a) . (d) Mostly the pleasure of getting intoxica ted These remarks apply to both bhang and ganja. - Evidence of BRIJMOHUN PATNAIK, Mahanti, Treasurer, Sambalpur.
20. In the districts of Betul, Hoshangabad, Chhindwara, and Nimar, between 1864-1869, only one case of the use of hemp drugs by jungle tribes (Gonds and Kurkus) came under my observation. The individual was the head man of a village, and did not use any of the preparations in excess. Recently, referring to a body of about 30 of the men working for Government, the officer in charge observed that " there were 5 who smoked ganja." - Evidence of COLONEL J. C. DOVETON, Conservator of Forests, Southern Circle, Central Provinces.
10. Where seen cultivated by me, it was cultivated by the ordinary agricultural cultivator. 20. For regular smoking ganja is not largely used by the Marias and other tribes in the isolated portions of the district, and only about 2 per cent. 6 of the men smoke ganja. Coming farther north, and taking a line from Chanda to Mul and then on to Chamursi in the south, and from Moharli to Brahmapuri in the north, the percentage of ganja smokers increases to about 8 per cent., while north and west of the Moharli-Brahmapuri line it increases to about 10 per cent. of the male population. 24. The lower class of Muhammadans, the Gonds, and some of the well-to-do Hindus in the district who are prevented from taking liquor are given to drinking bhang ; it is eaten to a less extent. All round only about 2 per cent. drink and eat bhang. 27. From the Gonds and lower Muhammadans. The habits of life of these men are more or less active. There is nothing very particular that leads to the smoking of ganja. - Evidence of MR. A. E. LOWRIE, Officiating Deputy Conservator of Forests, Chanda.
10. The cultivation of hemp, as far as I have ascertained, is not restricted to any particular class of men. 17. Bhang is made and used chiefly by the following classes of men :—Marwaris, Mahrattas, Brahmins, Rajputs, Muhammadans. There are also other low classes who prepare bhang, but their proportion is comparatively very small, and need no special mention. All athletes are generally addicted to the use of bhang, which is said to be very benefical to those undergoing manual exercise. 20. The smoking of ganja is not restricted to any particular class of men. There are men in almost all classes who smoke it more or less ; but their proportion is difficult to be ascertained. I can, however, confidently say that 90 per cent. of religious mendicants, such as gosains, bairagis, and fakirs are accustomed to it. Ganja is the only drug used in these provinces for smoking. 24. The people of this district eat bhang in exceptional cases, but drink it generally, as explained under 17. 27. Bhang and ganja are the only drugs to be had in these provinces. The former is used mainly by people well-to-do, while the latter is generally taken by poor classes. In both cases the beginning is made under impression of the uses of drugs being conducive to health, and it is this that mainly leads to habitual or occasional practice. - Evidence of MUNSHI MAHOMED GHOUSE, Extra Assistant Conservator of Forests, Raipur.
20. I cannot give the proportion of people who smoke ganja, but mostly all classes smoke the ganja, Brahmins, especially those coming from Puri and Cuttack, Rajputs. Paiks, Mahuntis, Gonds, "Konds Katchina," but not the Kutia Konds inhabiting the hills, and most of the lower castes, the Doms and Ghassies (sweepers). 24. Many of the Hindus and lower classes chew ganja with tobacco, and a large number of Brahmins and Mahuntis use it in drink, ground up with black pepper and sugar or jaggery, and some mix spices and milk, when it is called "kúsúmba," and is offered in the temples. - Evidence of HONY. SURGEON-MAJOR J. E. HARRISON, Retired List, and Civil Surgeon, Kalahundi.
10. No special class ; ordinary agricultural cultivators. 20. Ganja widespread over Northern India Bengal, and Central Provinces, used by all classes. Perhaps 25 per cent. of adult male population Charas by rich men, particularly Marwaris. 24. All bairagis, fakirs and religious mendicants throughout India. In the Central Provinces 50 per cent. or more of adult male population occasionally, particularly in the hot weather. (a) eating 5 per cent. (b) drinking 45 per cent. 27. Ganja—Religious mendicants, labourers, and the lowest classes, who are exposed to weather and undergo great hardships and prolonged toil at certain seasons. Bhang—Upper and well-to-do middle classes, Government officials, shop-keepers, the largest proportion of whom are Hindus. The beverage compounded is regarded much as Europeans look on light wines, claret or table beer—is taken for similar reasons and has like effects. - Evidence of APOTHECARY J. PRENTIE, Civil Surgeon, Bhandara.
20. As a rule, the low caste people smoke ganja ; about 15 per cent., I understand, of the workers of this colliery are used to it. Charas is not used at this place. 24. Bhang is largely used chiefly by the upper classes of the Hindu people and generally they drink it in the hot weather, mixed with some massalas or with milk and sugar, with an impression that it has a cooling and refreshing effect on the body and the mind. Some, however, especially of the poorer classes, would either habitually or occasionally eat this drug. They mix up the broken leaves of bhang with treacle into a pulpy mass and divide it into balls which they call " gur bhang," and eat them daily as often as they would. 27. As stated above, bhang is chiefly used by the upper classes of the Hindu labourers, viz., Brahmins, Kshatria, etc., etc.; ganja by the low caste people, such as Chamars, Koris, Passees, etc., and some among the Muhammadans. People take to the habit of smoking ganja and drinking bhang with an idea that the said drugs have a peculiar effect in giving tone to their muscles and nerves, making them more active and energetic and better fitted for hard and risky labour. It is an established fact that persons addicted to such habits easily convert others, among whom they live and work, to the same habit; explaining to them the desired effects, real or imaginary, of the drugs ; and thus we see that the practice of ganja smoking and bhang drinking is prevalent to so large an extent among the labourers of this, as, I believe of other colleries in India. - _Evidence of DOORGA DAS SEN, Baidya, Assistant Surgeon, Warora.
10. No. They are the ordinary agricultural cultivator class. 17. No special class of people can be said to be preparers of hemp drug. 20. No hard-and-fast rule can be laid down as to any special class smoking ganja and charas, but the lower castes probably smoke more than the higher castes; especially do the sadhus and bairagis (Hindu beggars) and labouring classes indulge in ganja smoking. Some 3 to 5 per cent. of the whole population of this district smoke ganja. 24. Marwaris and Purbiyas use bhang (a) in the form of sherbet to drink, and (b) in the form " majum " confection to eat. Some 2 to 4 per cent. of the whole population of this district do this. 27. Labourers, such as Dhimars and Gonds, etc., doing hard work, chiefly form class (a). Sadhus and bairagis (Hindu beggars) mainly form class (b). All classes form class (c). Class (d) is formed chiefly by recruits from class (a), who occasionally exceed their habitual moderate allowance. - Evidence of MUHAMMAD HABIBULLA, 1st grade Hospital Assistant, Seoni.
10. In this province the persons who cultivate hemp for its ganja are of the same class as other agricultural cultivators. 20. In this province ganja is used to a great extent. Few persons use charas here. Almost all the sadhus and fakirs and a greater part of labourers smoke ganja. 24. In this province people generally drink bhang. They eat it in the form of majum. 27. The excessive consumers of ganja in this province are mainly taken from the low classes of the people, who are labourers, sadhus and fakirs (a sort of beggars and devotees). The labourers are led to the practice of consuming ganja, because in its intoxication they find some relief from fatigue, and under its influence they can withstand hard labour. The sadhus and fakirs use ganja, because, firstly, influenced by its intoxication they are better able to meditate deeply on their deity, and, secondly, by the use of ganja they can destroy their appetites for sexual indulgence, which is the great control required in a sadhu. Moderate consumers of bhang are mostly from the upper classes of the Hindus. They use it for luxurious indulgences, because they are prohibited from using liquors by their religious restrictions. And the occasional and excessive consumers of bhang are the same moderate consumers and others also, who on some festivals consume it excessively. Most of the rich persons use it moderately in any syrup as a cold drink. - Evidence of MIR ZAMIN ALI, Pensioned Hospital Assistant, Jabalpur.
20. Ganja is the drug of the very poor and of fakirs. - Evidence of FAKIRCHAND, Brahmin, Baid and Pandit, Jabalpur
10. When there was cultivation in Katol it was not carried on by any special class. 17. There are no special classes of manufacturers of these preparations here 20. All castes smoke ganja, especially gosains, fakirs Muhammadan), bairagis, Ahirs, Gonds, of whom the whole castes are addicted to this practice. Members of all the lower castes smoke ganja and some of the higher castes, but among the latter is considered as a disgrace. It is smoked all through the district by the labouring classes. Charas is not smoked. 24. The higher castes eat 'majum' and 'talli hui' (as described above) and specially so at Holi time. Marwaris eat 'talli hui bhang.' The lower castes drink bhang. The practice of frying bhang is most common in Bhopal, Indore, etc., and among those who have come from there. - Evidence of KHUSHALI RAM, Honorary Magistrate, Chhindwara.
10.They do not belong to any particular class. It is the common cultivator who grows it. .The preparation of ganja is made by the common cultivator. Bhang is made by persons in their houses irrespective of class or creed. The preparation of hemp into majum is made by halwaies or sweetmeat sellers under a license. 20. Some very few cultivators do smoke ganja, but the generality of persons who mostly smoke it are artizans, labourers, sweepers, Bhoees or palkibearers, gosains, bairagis, fakirs, Gonds, Raiha-dees, Bhamtees, Garodees, syces, and others. Travellers and pilgrims who walk on foot or who alway expose themselves are addicted to it. The mendicants also smoke this drug. The localities where it is generally used are sarais or inns, and places where the pilgrims, fakirs or gosains, generally stop. There are no localities particularly appropriated for such purposes such as are for madak smoking, etc. 24.The middle class population of Northern India, and almost all Marwaris and fasting Brahmins drink bhang. It is, as a rule, to be got at any of these houses. They use it as tea, and offer it in that light to visitors of their own class. Generally one-fourth of the population use it in these districts. 27. Gonds, labourers, and artizans belong to class (a). Gosains, fakirs and bairagis belong to class ( b). Middle class people belong to class (c). Gosains and other wandering tribes belong to class (d) - Evidence of GANGADHARRAO MADHO CHITNAVIS , Honorary Magistrate, Nagpur.
20. Bairagis, more than any other class, use ganja and those who associate with them even to excess. It is used more moderately by labourers and low castes to ward off fatigue and cold. Twenty per cent. of the populace use ganja. 24. Bhang is drunk as a sherbet in the hot weather only, by respectable classes. The only persons who eat it (so far as he knows) are the Chaubes of the Agra and Muttra country, who practise as pahlwans. Bhang is also eaten in the form of majum. 27. Habituals (ganja) mainly from the bairagi class. Occasionals from the poor labouring classes and cultivators. - Evidence* of MIR IMDAD ALI, Honorary Magistrate, Damoh
10.There is no special class of persons who cultivate hemp for ganja. Any of the people used to do so. 17. There are no special classes of people who prepare these drugs. 20. Charas is very little consumed here, as it is not procurable, and I speak therefore only of ganja. Among the higher castes I should think that only 1 or 2 per cent. smoke ganja. Among the lower castes, such as Kunbis, Bhamptis, Mahars, gosains, etc., and among Muhammadans I should think that 25 per cent. smoke it. 24. Majum is only eaten to a very small extent in Wardha. Bhang is eaten by all castes; but among the higher castes very few eat it. I should think about 1 per cent., and among the lower castes 25 per cent. Marwaris eat gulkand more ; but it is not obtainable here, and is rarely imported. Of the local people of Wardha only about 5 per cent. drink bhang. They are mostly high caste men. The Marwaris of Bikanir drink it to a very large extent, and of the other Marwaris only about 10 per cent. drink it. All the five castes of Marwaris drink it to the same extent. 27. The habitual consumers of ganja are most sadhus, fakirs, and gosains, and low caste people. Gosains, sadhus and fakirs chiefly use to suppress all sensual passions. The lower castes use it because they are obliged to labour, and it prevents them tiring. Some young men use it to increase sensual passions. Bhang is chiefly drunk by Benares people and Marwaris, and chiefly in the hot weather. It is used as a cooling drink, and to increase the appetite. Some people who use it to excess have no appetite without it. - Evidence of SETH BACHRAJ, Honorary Magistrate, Wardha.
10. No particular class of cultivators cultivate ganja, but every one can do this without exception 20. Ganja and charas are smoked by fakirs and other persons. Amongst the former nearly 75 per cent. and the latter nearly 40 per cent. consume the drugs. Nearly 10 out of 100 are Brahmans and Chatris, and 30 out of 100 are persons of other classes. 24. Nearly every class of people drink bhang to an extent of 90 per cent., out of which 10 per cent. are habitual drinkers. - Evidence of MODAN MOHAN SETH, Honorary Magistrate, Jubbulpore.
10. There is no special caste. 17. No particular class 20. Generally low castes and sadhus, fakirs, gosains, etc. No special locality. 24. No difference between (a) and (b). Hindustanis (from north of the Ganges, and especially from Muttra) and Marwaris are the principal consumers. Among Marwaris all castes drink it. 27. (a) Are chiefly Marwaris, (b) are Purbeahs and other Hindustanis, (c) and (d) are of all castes. - Evidence of KAPUR CHAND, Honorary Magistrate and Gumasta, Raipur.
10. There was no special class of cultivators. Marars (a gardening caste) used to sow it more than other people. It was not prohibited to any caste. Even Brahmins used to sow a little in their angans. 17. There is no special caste. 20. There is little distinction of castes or loca -lities as regards ganja smoking. But bairagis, gosains, and musicians, etc., use it more than others. Respectable people smoke it less than the lower classes. The Marwaris drink bhang a good deal in the hot weather. 24. No one eats bhang except in the form of majum. That is generally eaten at the Holi festival yearly, by a proportion of the people either then or at other times. 50 per cent. of Marwaris and 3 or 4 per cent, of other castes drink bhang. - Evidence of RAGHOBA MAHADIK, Malguzar and Honorary Magistrate, Rajim.
10. No, all classes of persons can cultivate hemp. 17. All classes of people prepare ganja and pati, but no one prepares charas in this country. There is not even any particular class of people who prepare it 20. Ganja is used by almost all classes of people for smoking. It is used mostly by jogis and Vaishnavas. As charas is not obtainable in this country, it appears to be used very seldom. The ganja is used by the people of every class in almost all districts in India. 24.All classes of people in India sometimes (a) eat, and sometimes (b) drink. 27. From jogis, Vaishnavas, and lower classes. Some say that the intoxication from ganja has the effect of concentrating the mind, i.e., the mind takes the same direction as the persons using it wishes. I therefore think that, as the jogis and Vaishnavas always wish to devote themselves towards God, with a fixed mind, they use it with that object: that some idlers among the lower class people use it with the object of diverting their mind from the household business; and that the men of business use it with the object of performing a large amount of their ordinary duties. - Evidence of HARI HAR SINGH, Zamindar and Honorary Magistrate, Sambalpur District.
24. I came from Dehli and found that every- body, high or low, drinks bhang at the Shivaratri and Dewali festivals without the slightest cen- sure or disapprobation. Bhang is also much drunk in the hot weather to neutralize the heat. Here—where there is little heat—there is little bhang consumed. - Evidence of BEHARI LAL, Banker and Honorary Magistrate, Jubbulpore.
20. I estimate roughly that 75 per cent. of the people take ganja in some form or another. - Evidence of RAJA SETH GOKAL DAS, Banker and Landowner, Jubbulpore.
20. Twenty per cent. of the lower classes of people, and 5 per cent. of the middling classes of people may be said to smoke ganja in this district. Charas is neither imported nor used in this district. 24. Bhang is very rarely used in this district. The number of habitual eaters and drinkers among the middling classes of people may ordinarily be 2 per cent., and of the latter in the hot weather 5 per cent.vol. vi. 27. Consumers of ganja among the lower classes of people are 20 per cent. Consumers of ganja among the middling classes of people are 5 per cent. Habitual drinkers of bhang among the middling classes of people are 2 per cent. Habitual drinkers of bhang among the middling classes of people in the hot weather are 5 per cent. - Evidence of RAI BAHADUR SETH TIKA RAM, Brahmin, Money-lender and Malguzar, Narsinghpur.
10. No special caste. Those who smoked ganja used to cultivate it for themselves. 17. Every one makes their own. 20. No one smokes charas in Bilaspur. It is only used in cold places. Sadhus and the common people are the ordinary users of ganja, both Muhammadans and Hindus. 24.The wealthier classes use bhang. Bhang is not much affected in this district. Sadhus use both bhang and ganja. Wrestlers use bhang. They consider it useful to enable them to stand the excessive exertion. It, is much used by the people of Muttra and Brindabun. 27. Sadhus, for purposes of devotion, and labourers who have to undergo severe labour ; but the use of ganja in moderation is very common among all classes. - Evidence of DIWAN PREM SINGH, Zamindar, Bilaspur District.
10. They are ordinary cultivators, but belong especially to the caste of Kachis. Every one prepares his own according to his own tastes. Charas is hardly used at all in this district. 20. No one uses charas in this district. There are two classes of Chhattisgarhi Chamars—one who do not smoke ganja, the other who do. Ganja is freely smoked by all classes, but especially by sadhus, bairagis, and labourers. It is supposed to conduce to religious abstraction in the case of the former. Cartmen are especially addicted to its use. Bhang is only used by the wealthier classes, and is supposed to have been introduced into. these provinces from the North-Western Provinces. 24. Eating bhang in pills is cheaper than drinking it, as it does not require so many ingredients. Habitual consumers generally eat it. Muhammadans never touch it. Muhammadans use ganja also to a small extent. Madak is what they mostly use. It is taken in the early morning, at midday, and in the evening, irrespectively of meals. 27. Occasional excess is much more frequent in the case of bhang than of ganja. Bhang is frequently used at festivals by persons who otherwise never touch it. Out of 1,000 typical persons in this district, 700 would never touch any kind of drug. Bhang is very seldom habitually consumed in this district. I should not think there are more than 50 or 60 habitual consumers, and they are foreigners. Ganja is never consumed occasionally. The craving must be satisfied every day. The use of bhang is generally stopped in the cold weather and rains. In my opinion, there is very little excess in these drugs in this district. There is not the same violent intoxication that results from liquor. I have not seen a man insensible from bhang or ganja more than six or eight times in my life. Sadhus and bairagis are habitual smokers of ganja. They frequently mix intoxicating ingredients. Labouring classes use ganja moderately habitually. Only one or two per cent. of Gaontias and Malguzars would use ganja habitually. There is practically no harm done by bhang. - Evidence of LALL UMED SINGH, Zamindar, Bilaspur District.
10. The consumers were the producers, and hence there could be no restriction of the classes which produced. 20. The lower class people alone smoke ganja. The proportion may be 8 or 10 per cent. everywhere in the State. 24. Bhang not used here. 27. The ganja consumers are generally Bhooyas, Gandas and Kols, etc. I could not specify any habits in them that would lead to the use - Evidence of LALL NROOPRAJ SINGH, Chatriya, Zamindar of Barpali, District Sambalpur
10. The agricultural cultivators and the malies can undertake this cultivation 20. The use of ganja is not prohibited among any classes of people excepting the Bohras and Parsis. The people who use ganja are not regarded with respectability, and therefore its use is generally made in secrecy. The correct proportion of the ganja-smokers cannot be drawn. In these provinces they average about 5 per cent. of the population. 24. Generally the Brahmans residing in places of pilgrimage, viz., Benares, Ujjain, Mathra, Allahabad, Kanhpur, etc., and in Malwa and Bengal are addicted to use bhang. In the hot season the mahajans drink bhang and some people eat the drug as churan. 27. It does not depend upon any particular class of the people, but low-paid labourers, and the gosains and bairagis who always keep travel -ling are, owing to the effect of society, taken to this intoxication. - Evidence * of PANDIT NARAYAN RAO GOBIND, Brahmin, Zamindar, Hurda.
20. Charas is not used in these parts. 24. The bhang of this district is eaten to some extent by Brahmins, Chattris, Marwaris, and Jats (from the North-Western Provinces). Low-caste people do not much use it. 27. Musalmans, fakirs, gosains, bairagis, Nais, Barhais, and Gohars, a few Dakhani Brahmins and Chattris, and Banias, all these are habitual consumers. Excessive consumers are generally bairagis and gosains. The company of smokers is a great cause of the habit being adopted thoug h there are also other causes, which will be noted below. - Evidence of CHANDI PERSHAD, Brahmin, Malguzar, and President, Municipal Committee, Chanda
10. They are of the same classes as other cultivators, i.e. , the agricultural classes only cultivate the hemp. 17. Agricultural classes, like Kunbis and Kurmis and Lodhies. 20. Bairagis, sepoys, and. day-labourers smoke ganja: 50 per cent. of bairagis and day-labourers of the lower classes smoke ganja, All over the Central Provinces people smoke ganja. 24. All classes more or less drink bhang, except Muhammadans: 55 per cent. of the people drink bhang. Travellers from up-country eat bhang. About 20 per cent. of them eat bhang. 27. The more respectable classes use bhang; the labouring classes use ganja. These classes live from hand to mouth. They smoke ganja, when tired and to enable them to undergo fatigue. If a man is smoking a pipe, he hands it round to any person who may be sitting near him at the time, each having a pull at the pipe till the stuff is burnt to ashes. - Evidence of THAKUR MAHARAJ SINGH, RAI BAHADUR,* Malguzar, Saugor
20. Ganja is universally smoked by the bairagis throughout India, and by all classes of labourers of the lower castes. About 95 per cent. of the bairagis and about 50 per cent. of the labouring classes smoke ganja. 24. Some people of all classes in this province eat bhang during the cold weather, and drink it during the hot season. I cannot say what is the proportion of the people who do so. 27. Labourers and persons of low position in life are addicted to ganja, smoking. Bairagis take ganja to prevent evil effects of drinking water of different places. Labourers smoke it as a relief from the fatigue of labour. - Evidence of RAO VENKAT RAO, Brahmin, Malguzar, and Political Pensioner, Saugor.
10. The cultivators do not form any particular class. They are ordinary agriculturists. 20. Ganja and charas smoking is not confined to any particular class or community. It is more freely used by the lower order of society, agricul ¬tural classes excepted. The class of bairagis (religious mendicants) are notorious as ganja smokers. Artists, whose trade is of a sedentary nature and requires application, are more or less addicted to ganja smoking, so are also persons whose duties subject them to the inclemencies of weather and require them to move about in bad and unhealthy places. It should, however, be borne in mind that members of higher orders of society are not usually addicted to ganja smoking although they are placed in circumstances indicated above. 24. I know of no persons eating bhang. Persons used to drink bhang sometimes eat it, when they do not care to take the trouble of preparing it in liquid form. 27. These are taken from all classes of people. The habits of life or circumstances, which lead to the practice cannot be particularised. I know of persons of active as well sedentary habits given to the use of ganja. So also ganja smokers can be found among people under any set of circumstances - Evidence of RAO SAHIB BALWANTRAO GOVINDRAO BHUSKUTE, Brahmin, Jagirdar of Timborni, Barhanpar, Nimar District.
20. Except Brahmins and Kurans (Mahantis), all classes smoke ganja. No particular class is specially addicted to it. Perhaps 5 per cent. of the people generally smoke ganja. 24. Brahmins and Kurans chiefly; also other classes. I think about 5 per cent. use it. Brahmins and Kurans do not use ganja. The use is not confined to any particular locality. Of five consumers, three would drink bhang and two would smoke ganja. No one eats bhang except in the form of "modak." (See answer 49.) I think 5 per cent. of the people generally would use either bhang or ganja, bhang being generally confined to the higher classes, and ganja to the lower. 27. I cannot say that any particular class, which uses either ganja or bhang, is more moderate or more excessive than others. (a) People use both bhang and ganja to im -prove their appetite, and to make them feel strong. (b) Habitual excess comes from the habitual use, but is not common. (c) No particular reason can be given for occa -sional moderate use, but perhaps people take it for the sensation. (d) Only those accustomed to the drugs can consume them occasionally excessively. They probably do so from vicious tastes and from liking to get intoxicated. - Evidence * of DAMODHAR DASS, Brahmin, Mafidar, Bargarh, Sambalpur District.
10. The persons who cultivate hemp for its narcotic properties do not form a special class. They are the same as other agricultural cultivators so far as I have been able to ascertain. . If permitted to grow the hemp plant freely without any Government restriction, I am sure almost all classes of people who desire to use the hemp plant drug would prepare it. 20. Ganja is smoked by— (1) 75 per cent. of bariagis, gosains and jogis. (2) 50 per cent. of fakirs and Pasis. The latter are known in these parts as "Rangdas." (3) 10 per cent. of Pardesis from the NorthWestern Provinces; 10 per cent. of Gonds and other classes. This is the case all over British India, and the proportion may be decreased for the population of Chanda. 24. A beverage called bhang is prepared from "bhang" properly so called, and is in special favour with many classes of Hindus. This drink is resorted to especially in the hot season. Brahmins, Marwaris, Pardesis and others use it, particularly in the four months of the hot season. 50 per cent. of Marwaris and Pardesis, and 5 per cent. of other classes. I have heard of bhang being also eaten with other articles. 27. (a) The habitual moderate consumers are the labouring classes, whose earnings are small, such as Gonds, sweepers, Lohars, Badhais and Chamars. (b) Habitual excessive consumers are the gosains, bairagis and jogis. (c) Occasional moderate consumers are the Dhakani Brahmins and other Hindus. (d) Occasional excessive consumers are the gosains and bairagis. The habits of life and circumstances which lead to the practice of ganja in its various forms are in the case of— (a) hard and unwholesome labour; (b) devotion and forgetfulness of pains endured and austerities practised by them; (c) mere pleasure and excitement for the time being; (d) as No. (b) above. - Evidence of the REV. I. JACOB, Church of England Missionary, Chairman, District Council, etc., Chanda.
10. By Gonds formerly, None is made now. 20. Foremost are the Gonds and bairagis, Rawats or Gwalas, and Pankas; in a smaller degree, Telis and Kurmis; and in a still less degree, all other classes, even Muhammadans. The only exception are the Chamars, amongst whom only one per cent. (about) indulge in the drug. All over the districts. 24. Bhang is, I believe, used by the up-country Brahmins and Banias chiefly as an aid to digestion; but only to a small extent. 27. The persons indulging in the drug (ganja) are mostly such as lead an idle life, like bairagis, Gonds, beggars, and Rawats, who follow cattle and dance a great deal. - Evidence of the REV. O. LOHR,* Medical Missionary, Bisrampur, Raipur District
10. No; not a special class. They are ordinary cultivators. The cultivation of the plant is not looked down upon as of the Indian madder, Hedyotis umbellata. 17. The only preparation that is really made in these provinces of the hemp drug is majum (majun), which is made thus: Take one seer of leaves of ganja and one seer of ghi, mix the two together, and boil the same in two seers of water over a slow fire until the water assumes a greenish or brownish colour. Take down the de -coction and pass it through a piece of tat (gunny bag), throwing away the coloured water and the leaves boiled. Press the ghi then from the tat and mix it with chasni (syrup), adding, if you can afford it, cardamoms, pistachio-nut, cocoanut, saffron and like spices, and making it into small cakes, It is believed that the ghi extracts the narcotic principle. The Moors call it el mo-qui and the Arabs dowa mese. 20. Labouring classes that work out in sun and rain, particularly in jungly and swampy places. Bairagis, sanyasis and other ascetics use it freely wherever they may be. 24. Bhang is consumed generally by well-to-do people. Chaubes of Mathura and Marwaris seem to patronize it particularly. It is more largely consumed during the hot months, as it is believed to be cooling and digestive. Poor men and men of business do not, for one thing, patronize this bhang, as it requires quite one hour's time before it can be made; whereas ganja ball can be prepared for the chillum (pipe) in about one-fourth the time; indeed it can be made while the maker is attending to his usual work. 27. Mendicants, domestic servants, black magicians and all orders of ascetics. These classes of people are as a rule ill clad. They think that the use of the drug fortifies them against the extremes of weather. Bairagis and sanyasis use it because it enables them to meditate properly. Debauchees use the drug as they it is an increaser of pleasure. Poor people, because it is an assuager of cares. - Evidence of ADHAR SINGH GOUR, Kshattri, Barrister-at-law, Hoshangabad.
20. Ganja smoking is confined to the lower classes as a rule. When a man belonging to the better sort does indulge in it, he tries to keep it unknown to his neighbours, as it is considered disgraceful for a respectable man to do so. In Bengal the classes who indulge in it are generally boatmen, fishermen, mat-makers (domes), professional lathials (clubmen), factory hands, postal runners, petty shopkeepers, professional musicians, syces and mahauts, Hindu and Muhammadan fakirs, and in a less extent masons and carpenters. I believe the custom varies directly with the swampiness of the locality. The drier the climate the less the amount of the indulgence. It is not so easy to estimate the proportion of people of each class who smoke ganja. Of the fakirs and musicians it may be said that at least 50 per cent. of them indulge in it; of the other classes taken as a body 10 to 15 per cent. may be a fair estimate. In Bengal almost every man amongst the lower classes would not let the chillum go untouched if he can get it ready and free of cost, especially when he is about to do anything fatiguing or has caught a cold. Such men smoke more for the company than for pleasure, and a good many gradually get into the habit. It is as yet but a tendency, but I have no doubt that with increased heterodoxy ganja and bhang will lose still more ground to distilled liquor. There will, however, always be a class who from poverty or economy or religion will patronize the old drugs. Taking 100 as the total number of ganja consumers, 1 should think that 75 per cent. are habitual moderate consumers, 5 per cent. excessive consumers, 20 per cent, occasional moderate consu• mers, (0) per cent. occasional excessive consumers ; for bhang-10 per cent. habitual moderate consumers, 10 per cent. excessive consumers, 75 per cent. occasional moderate consumers, 5 per cent. occasional excessive consumers. I cannot say anything about the percentage of charas smokers. Bhang is drunk occasionally, i.e., during the hot weather moderately by more than 50 per cent. of the respectable classes of Marwaris, and during festive occasions by about 75 per cent. of them, of whom a good third take it in large quantities and get more or less drunk. The lower classes prefer smoking it, as thereby they avoid the elaborate and somewhat expensive items of spices, sugar, and milk. The habitual bhangeri has his pills all round the year, taking an additional one perhaps on festive or mourning occasions. 1 have seldom come across a man of this sort, except amongst Purubia sepoys or Marwari Brahmins, without trade or profession. As for charas, in the Central Provinces I have. The moderate and occasional drinkers are never seen it used. In Bengal also its use is not generally well-to-do tradesmen and bankers, who very extensive, except perhaps in the swampy and after finishing their day's work, bathe in the malarial districts of Murshidabad, Purnea and evening and enjoy their glass or cup of thandai. Question 20 [oral evidence].—A tobacco smoker— and nearly all men of the lower classes in Bengal are such— would not hesitate to accept a pull at a chillum containing ganja which was being' smoked by his companions. 24. Almost every Marwari in Raipur and elsewhere drinks bhang in his " thandai " every evening during the hot weather. Habitual bangeris prefer to take it in pills which they sometimes dry up for use during travel or where they do not wish to take the trouble of preparing it every day. A good many people belonging to the other classes drink bhang during summer evenings " to cool themselves "----" thandai." Bhang is often used in the preparation of majum, a sort of sweetmeat, which is largely consumed during festive occasions like the Holi and Diwali, and which is sold all round the year in large towns, the principal consumers being prostitutes and their visitors. Bhang is also used by native physicians—baids—as a drug in the preparation of " modaks," emulsions for bowel and nervous debility. I should think they are on the decrease, and the reason is not far to find. Wines and spirits were forbidden by the Hindu Shastras, and their use involved loss of caste. Pressure from within and without have alike contributed to the weakening of this sentiment. A good many of the castemen, as formerly would have taken to bhang and ganja, now drink wines and spirits. The lower classes, who imitate their betters, are gradually taking to arrack, gin, and cheap brandy. Of ganja smokers it may be said that as a rule they belong to the lower classes and are looked upon as disreputable men even by the members of their own class. Men who from the nature of their work are exposed to the inclemencies of the weather, like the boatmen, the fishermen and the postal runners, take to it to mitigate the effects of exposure and of fatigue. Syces, mahants and clubmen and paiks take to it as they have very little to do and much time in their hands which they do not know how to dispose of. Petty shopkeepers in villages take to it as they have to wait in their shops the whole day and part of the night for custom which is not always very brisk. The intervening gap is well filled by a smoke which makes the time pass less heavily. I believe that irregular work, a life of exposure to wet and cold, fatiguing work and habits of idleness, and violent and lawless pursuits lead to a man's becoming a ganja smoker. Question 24 [oral evidence].—The preparations called modaks are soft solids. Question 27 [oral evidence].—The very poor classes rarely have anything to do with bhang. If they get it, they would smoke it, or pound it up into a bolus. It would be a sort of makeshift for ganja. - Evidence of MR.TARA DASS BANERJI, President, District Council, Raipur
10. They are of the same classes as other agricultural cultivators. As a rule, however, those only cultivate who have had the cultivation of ganja in their family for years. 20. Ganja is used by all classes of men, but principally by the fakirs, sanyasis, and the lower classes who depend on physical labour for their livelihood everywhere. I have no experience about charas. It is not smoked at all here. 24. I do not know if bhang is eaten. The Marwaris drink bhang largely. On occasions of the Holi, Dewali, and the Dasera festivals amongst the Hindus, it is used for drinking all over India, especially in Holi and Dewali in Northern India, and in Dasera in Bengal on the Dashami day. I cannot give the proportion, but now it is decreasing with the increase of education and civilisation. 27. These are taken principally from the lower classes, and the mendicants (fakirs and sanyasis) who use principally ganja. The former resort to the use of ganja because they can go through the physical labour, on which they depend for their livelihood, with more cheerfulness, and the latter are said to be able to perform their devotions with greater concentration of mind. Bhang is used principally in the hot season to allay thirst and increase appetite. - Evidence of BABU KALIDAS CHOWDHRY, Brahmin, Pleader, Hoshangabad.
20. (1) Gossains, Bairagis, and fakirs, generally (with very few exceptions), 95 per cent. (2) Gonds and Gowaries, 50 per cent. (3)Powars and Lodhis, 75 per cent. (4)Brahmins, Musalmans, Marwaris, Koshtees and Mahars, 25 per cent. The largest consumption is in Tarora tahsil adjoining the Balaghat district. Flat ganja is preferred for smoking to that of chur or broken ganja. Round ganja is never imported in this district. 27. (a) Gossains, Bairagis use this as it is con¬sidered the gift of Mabadeo, and it is supposed to be enjoined by him for concentrating the mind of his worshippers. (b) Goads, Gowaries, Telees, Mahars and other labouring classes, as cheap intoxicating smoke, as a staying power for severe exertion or exposure, or to alleviate fatigue. (c) Powars and Lodhis partly for the above reason and partly because it is not considered disgraceful as opium or liquor. (d) Brahmins, Marwaris, Musalmans, Kosh ¬tees, for pleasure. 20. Powars and Lodhis smoke a great deal. The Kunbis, who are also cultivators, hardly smoke at all. So do several other classes. 27. (c) It is among Powars and Lodhis that ganja is not considered so disgraceful as opium or liquor. This is not the general opinion. - Evidence of RAO SAHIB RANGRAO HARRY KHISTY, Pleader, Bhandara.
20. Fifty per cent. of lower classes smoke ganja and charas. Here (in Umaria) nearly 21 per cent. smoke ganja, but charas is not sold here. Ganja- smoking is not confined to any class, though the majority of smokers are among the lower classes. 24. Drinking bhang is not confined to any particular class, but the higher classes use bhang. It is not common here. 27. The lower classes mostly, as it is supposed to make a person insensible to hard labour and fatigue. The higher classes are not allowed to smoke ganja, but eat or drink bhang as a luxury. - Evidence of Mr. J. A. MAUGHAN, Manager, Central Provinces Collieries, Umaria, Jubbulpore District
20. From enquiries that I have made, since receipt of the printed questions, I have not been able to discover more than nine male adults out of a number of 1,900 who acknowledge being habitual consumers of ganja. There is no doubt of there being a larger number, which is estimated at from 5 to 15 per cent. I am inclined to believe the smaller percentage. However, I have been unable to elicit the fact from the men themselves, Besides the nine men, two acknowledged having contracted the habit once, and given it up afterwards. - Evidence of BAZONJI DADABHOY, Parsi, Manager o f the Empress Mills, Nagpur.
10. No special class, but like other agricultural cultivators. 20. About 30 per cent. of the population in these provinces and in all localities. 24. All classes, and in about 40 per cent. - Evidence of RAI BAHADUR KUSTOORCHAND DAGA, Bania, Banker, Kamptee, Nagpur District.
10. It is cultivated particularly by Lodhis, Kurmis, and Kuubis, and ordinarily by all agriculturists 17. By people of the agricultural classes, but especially by those mentioned in answer to Question 10. 20. Fakirs and Bairagis, performing penances, invariably smoke, also some house-holders, without any distinction of caste. Day-labourers doing hard work generally use it everywhere, 24. Marwaris and Mathra Chaubes in general, and Pandits in particular, eat and drink bhang according to their convenience. 27. I have answered this question to some extent in my reply to Question No. 24, but I cannot say about the extent of habit of each - Evidence of LALA NANDKESHORE, * Agartcal, Merchant, Banker, Contractor, Malgoozar, Honorary Magistrate, Secretary, Municipal Committee, and Member, District Council, Saugor
20. I consider that about half the male adult population smoke ganja. 24. About 10 per cent. of the adult males and 5 per cent. of the adult females drink bhang. They cannot get good bhang under present excise arrangements; so, in default of better, prepare their decoction of bhang from the leaves included among the stuff issued as ganja from the Khandwa Government store. 27. The labouring and artisan classes are habitual smokers of ganja, especially Goads, Pardhans, Nais (barbers), and masons. The hard work and the exposure lead them to refresh themselves with three or four whiffs of ganja a day. Under its influence they do not feel either the sun or fatigue. After a smoke of ganja, the smoker ceases to be thirsty or tired. Oral evidence. Question 20.—In stating this proportion of consumers, I speak from my observation in the district in which I live. - Evidence* of GIRDHARI LAL, Oswal Bania, Merchant and Banker, Seoni-Chapara
20. This town of Seoni contains about 12,000 inhabitants. Women and children do not use ganja. Excluding them, I reckon that there are 5,000 men in Seoni, of whom 500 or 10 per cent. are more or less addicted to ganja. Possibly 1 in 100 women may indulge in ganja. All the labouring and artisan classes are addicted to ganja. 24. Bhang is not eaten in this place, only a decoction is prepared from bhang for drinking. 27. Class (a) includes chiefly hard-worked labourers, who take an occasional whiff of ganja, three or four times a day, to relieve their weariness, or just as they lie down at nights to set them asleep and assist digestion. - Evidence* of ONKAR DAS, Agarwalla Bania, Mahajan, Seoni-Chapara.
20. In this town (Seoni) of about 12,000 inhabitants, there are about 500 who smoke ganja daily. Women, as a rule, do not touch ganja. Of the 500 consumers, about 100 are youths of 12 years and upwards, about 100 old men, and about 300 men in their prime. 24. There are no habitual smokers of bhang in the Seoni district. There is none available for purchase. I know nothing of any import of foreign bhang. People separate the leaves from the flower of the ganja supplied for sale from the Nimar store, and make a cooling drink from this bhang in the hot weather, especially at the season of Holi. The ganja smokers will not take this bhang ; I keep what the ganja smokers refuse all the year round, and sell it to those who want bhang in the Holi season. 27. The labouring classes and the artizans and the working agriculturists are the chief consumers of ganja. Those who have to work hard in the open air are the people who require and take ganja ; it removes their fatigue and fortifies them to resist wet and cold, and even heat. - Evidence* of HUSEN KHAN,† Pathan, Abkari Contractor, Seoni-Chapara.
10, No, they are the same as the other agricultural cultivators. 17. Bhang (subji) and majum when sold in bazars is prepared by Brahmins only. There is no restriction to ganja; the chillum of ganja can be prepared by any smoking class of people. 20. More than 50 per cent. of male members of almost all (excepting Christians, Parsis and high caste Muhammadans and Brahmins) in the villages resort to ganja, but not so extensively used in the towns. Generally they commence at the age of 12 to 15; and, as a rule, females do not use it. 24 (a) Bhang leaves are also eaten along with jaggery by habitual drinkers while travelling and when it is inconvenient to make subji on the road. (6) Most of the wealthy and middle class of the Hindu community (Brahmins included) drink bhang. 27. Ganja inhaled by almost all Bairagis, Gossains, jogis, pardesis, and some of the badmashes, as habitual excessive consumers, and habitual moderate consumers are mostly labouring class of people of Hindu, Gond, and Muhammadan community. - Evidence of COWASJEE MEHERWANJEE HATTY-DAROO, Parsi, Merchant and Abkari Contractor, Seoni-Chapara.
10. No; they are of same class as other agri culturists. 17. The only preparation in these provinces is ganja, as before stated. It is prepared by ordinary agriculturists. 20. Labouring classes generally ; Hindu men dicants of all sorts; Muhammadan fakirs ; a small proportion of the agricultural class ; also a few of the middle and upper classes. Charas is not used. No particular locality. 24. It is seldom eaten except in travelling. Marwaris, Brahmins, Khatris, Pardesis of all classes, drink bhang. Of these castes about 75 per cent. drink it. 27. The classes are explained above in 26. The practice is induced by the fact of its being a stimulant to exertion, and counteracting fatigue like alcohol. - Evidence of BIJRAJ, Marwari, Wholesale ganja vendor, Kamptee, Nagpur District.
20. Charas is used much in Northern India, while ganja only is used in Central Provinces and nearly ¼th of the population is addicted to it. Sages, people of low caste, and labourers generally use it (ganja) in the Central Provinces. 24. Bhang is generally used in the whole of India, but it is used much in Marwar and Northern India. Nearly half of the population must have been using it in drinking only. In eating it is rarely used. All classes of people drink it, but Marwaris and Hindustani Brahmins use it much in drinking. 27. People of low castes and labourers are inclined to use ganja, under the impression that its intoxication relieves them from the exhaustion. Sages use it under the impression that their mind is direct ed steadily for a long time towards God. And some debauchees use it for the sake of luxury. - Evidence of LALA RAMSAHI AND LALA SITARAM, Abkari Contractors, Nagpur.
20. I estimate that 50 per cent. of my coolies use ganja. Amongst respectable persons perhaps 2 per cent. smoke the drug. Coolies use it because they work better on it, and fakirs use it extensively because they can stave off hunger by its use. 24. Bhang is little drunk in these parts, because it is cold in comparison with Delhi, Lucknow and Meerut. In 1879 I sent for 25 maunds of bhang, and I did not sell it off for three years. - Evidence of BABU MUNA LALL, Ex-Contractor of Ganja, Jabalpur.
10. The cultivators are the same as the agricultural classes. 17. Among the people that use the preparation of this drug all classes may be included; but few use it except Rajputs and Maharattas, Musalmans and bairagis. 20. No charas here. It is chiefly used by bairagis, fakirs, and other religious mendicants, and a few Musalmans, and the lower orders of the Hindus. Throughout the district the consumption is very small, and the proportion can-not be even guessed at with reasonable accuracy. 24. Maharattas, Rajputs, and Guzaratis drink bhang and call it ramarasam. The other classes eat it. - Evidence of MR. J. STURROCK, Collector, Coimbatore.
10. The hemp cultivators do not form any special class. It is mixed in the few cases where it is sown with other seed 17. No special class. 20. A. small proportion. Low classes consist -ing of fakirs and mendicants smoke ganja wherever they are. Also some Maruvars, Pallars, Agambadiars and Muhammadans. 24. As stated in the answer to question 20, bhang is generally used by low classes, but some of the higher classes, such as Brahmins, also use it. The bhang is drunk in special cases only. 27. Rude classes. Indolent habits lead to the practice. - Evidence of MR. E. TURNER, Collector of Madura.
20. Charas not used in these parts as reported in answer to question 14. Ganja smoked by the lower orders, Hindus, and Muhammadans, and by ascetics, bairagis and fakirs,unde theimpression that it prolongs life. Bairagis and fakirs hold that it affords them religious visions. No particular locality can be fixed. 24. For classes vide answer to question 20 above. Proportion to population, say 1 per cent., at outside. - Evidence of MR. C. B. MACLEANE, Collector of Nellore.
24. The classes that eat or drink bhang are mostly of people belonging to Northern India and Muhammadan, such as the Gujarati and Rajput settlers. - Evidence of MR. R. SEWELL, Collector of Bellary.
17. Our licensed vendors (of whom there are 16) are Hindu Sudras (Naiks, Pillais, Chettis, Kallars) and Muhammadans. A few people of all castes make preparations of ganja for their own use. 20. Charas unknown. Ganja is smoked chiefly by bairagis and Musalmans. 24. When flat ganja is mixed with milk and sugar, and drunk as a stimulating beverage, this is said to be locally called " bhang." Mahratta Brahmans, and a few of all castes, are said to be occasional consumers in this form. 27.some bairagis consume to excess habitually. A good many Muhammadans are habitual moderate consumers. I cannot answer more definitely. - Evidence of MR. H. M. WINTERBOTHAM, Collector of Tanjore.
10. No. Any one who has a rich back-yard may grow it, but only grows two or three plants. 17. Religious mendicants and pensioned sepoys are the chief consumers. A good many of the Maharaja of Vizianagram's people, who have lived with the family in Benares, have adopted Bengal customs with regard to its use. 20. The use of ganja is too rare to allow of my giving any guess at the proportion of consumers. The chief place of consumption is Vizianagram, and the chief consumers are religious mendicants and Brahmins, who have picked up the habit in Benares. 24. The use of bhang is not confined to any class. The proportion of consumers is too small to estimate. 27. Religious mendicants form the chief part of the excessive consumers. They find that it increases their power of becoming absorbed in their devotions, and that it in time destroys their sexual instincts. - Evidence of MR. W. A. WILLOCK, Collector, Vizagapatam.
20. Religious fanatics of all classes, known as bairagis, fakirs, sanyasis and mendicants and habitual beggars, such as pandarams, etc., smoke ganja. Charas not used in this district. Ganja smoking is said to be prevalent among the sepoys of the Native Army, both retired and in active service, to a slight extent. No specific locality can be given. 24. Bhang is used as a drink by some of the Rajputs and Mahrattas as well as those enumerated under question 20. 27. Habitual moderate consumers are the re ligous fanatics and mendicants and men of the poorer classes who cannot afford to indulge in the more costly drink of toddy or arrack. The religious fanatics, such as bairagis, sanyasis, etc., resort to the drug (1) for the concentration of their thoughts necessary in the practice of yoga effected by stupefying the senses, (2) as a means of rendering their constitutions proof against diseases. In these will be found a few of the class (b) also. Class (c) are persons who resort to the preparations from the drug as medicine. - Evidence of MR. J. THOMSON, Collector of Chingleput.
10. No ; they are agriculturists 17. By fakirs and sanyasis, and to a certain extent by the Muhammadans and the poorer classes of Hindus. 20. Fakirs, sanyasis, Muhammadans, and the poorer class of Hindus. The proportion is comparatively small. 24. Vide answers to question 20. The proportion of people using it is very small ; but no figures can be given. 27. The consumers are the Muhammadans and the poorer classes of Hindus. People who have not got much to do indulge in these drugs. No particular habit of life seems to lead to the use of them. - Evidence of MR. G. STOKES, Collector of Salem.
20. Ganja is smoked by bairagis and other North India mendicants. The local wandering mendicants, known as Pandarams, and other ascetics also use it. A small number of Muhammadans and Hindus, as Brahmins and Vellalas, also smoke it ; but its use is exceedingly limited. - Evidence of MR. G. S. FORBES, Collector of Tinnevelly.
17. By no particular class. As already explained, the preparation is only on a very small scale for private consumption. 20. All classes and in every part of the district. The proportion of consumers is, however, probably not greater than 1 per cent. - Evidence of MR. S. H. WYNNE, Collector, Godavari District.
10. No, I believe not. 17. Native doctors chiefly, I believe. 20. The lower classes, chiefly Muhammadans, smoke ganja. 24. Bhang is, I believe, more costly than ganja, and not much used. 27. Chiefly wanderers from other parts of India and the lowest class of Muhammadans. The better classes use the drug, I believe, as an aphrodisiac. - Evidence of MR. M. HAMMICK, Acting Collector of South Arcot.
10. Ganja is prepared by both cultivators and consumers. Bhang by consumers. Charas is not prepared in this district ( vide answer to question 20 re consumers). 20. Musalman fakirs. Smoking ganja, seems universal among them. They meet together in the early morning at makkams and smoke in company. Ganja smoking is further said to be not unknown among any other class of Musalmans or any caste of Hindus; but the higher the caste the less the probability of the people thereof smoking; and, expect the low castes, the smoking is indulged in their own houses. I can make no guess at the proportion of smokers and non-smokers. 24. In the hot weather a small proportion of ganja-consuming fakirs eat or drink bhang, chiefly in Cuddapah and Jammulamadugu taluks. A few Hindus may like it now and then. 27. Chiefly fakirs smoke. They say they do so because their ancestors did so. Because it is good for digestion. These men live by begging. It seems that it is the poorer classes that smoke more than the rich; but no information can be obtained as to how far the agricultural classes who cultivate hemp smoke. People whe have much work in water and those who work in feverish places are said to take it to relieve pain. Others who take to the practice may be considered men of not much stability of purpose, who take to it from seeing others do it. - Evidence of MR. C. H. MOUNSEY, Acting Collector of Cuddapah.
10. No special class cultivates it. Yes; as a rule 17. By all consumers. 20. All through the district, Sholagars, bairagis, rajputs Mhians, and Muhammadans smoke ganja. The first three, 30 per cent. of the number, perhaps use it ; of the others, a very small proportion. 24. The townsmen of Ootacamund drink bhang to a small extent. 27. I should say the same circumstances which lead all or most people able to afford it to give their guests champagne at dinner parties, viz. the general desire of humanity for some stimulant. - Evidence of MR. F. D'A. O. WOLFE-MURRAY, Acting Collector of the Nilgiris.
10. They are of the same classes as other culti-vators. 17. There is no restriction as to the class of people. The preparation of ganja is usually carried out by the cultivators. 20. Smoking of ganja is confined to the lower classes. Generally Muhammadan and Hindu ascetics and mendicants and some of the worn out pensioned sepoys and few others who cannot afford to purchase liquor smoke ganja. 21. Flat ganja only is known. 22. No charas is used here. 23. Bhang is not used for smoking here. 24. The comparatively well-to-do classes among the smokers eat or drink bhang ; but this is what is known here as bhang, apparently a preparation of ganja and not a different part of the hemp plant. 25. N o accurate information. 26. I am not able to give details. 27. The people are of the lower classes. They are mainly beggars and fakirs. Among occasion-al consumers it is said to be consumed by day labourers and toddy drawers to relieve them of pain after their labour and induce sleep. It is first commenced as a medicine, and its use gradually becomes habitual. - Evidence of MR. L. C. MILLER, .Acting Collector of Trichinopoly
10. No special classes cultivate the plant, nor is its use confined to such. 17. Generally by consumers : these are fakirs, dasaries, lingayats, boyas, and weavers. Majum prepared by sweetmeat sellers. 20. The confirmed habit of smoking ganja would appear to have been introduced by fakirs, bairagis, and others from Upper India as they pass through this district, so that only a small percentage of the population are addicted to the practice of smoking ganja, The localities where the habit of smoking ganja are for the most part along the main arteries of communication by road and rail. 24. Fakirs, dasaries, lingayats, boyas, weavers, and marvadies are said to both eat and drink bhang, but it is drunk more often in assemblies of fakirs and by Rajputs. 27. Habitual and occasional smokers are found in the same classes; habits of life generally sedentary. - Evidence of MR. K. C. MANAVEDAN RAJA, Collector, Anantapur.
10. The ordinary cultivators raise it. 17. The preparation is not restricted to any particular class. 20. Ganja is smoked almost universally by bairagis and religious mendicants in all localities. Amongst other classes the practice prevails ; but I have had the most varying estimates given of the percentage of the population who smoke. It is probably not very large, i.e., not over 5 per cent. 13. Flat ganja. 24. Vide answer to question No. 20. As far as I can learn, drinking of bhang is most generally practised, and the custom is more general than that of smoking ganja. It is not confined to any class or locality, but more prevalent in the malarious parts of the district. 27. Religious medicants. It is generally said other consumers belong mainly to the lower classes, but some of all classes unquestionably indulge. Drugs are taken as prophylactics to malaria, and in a feverish district like this the belief may bring many to indulge in the habit - Evidence of MR. C. J. WEIR,* Acting Collector, District Magistrate, and Agent to Govr., Ganjam.
17.By the licensed vendors and habitual consumers, who are not restricted to any particular class. 20. Bairagis and fakirs for the most part. The proportion of ganja smokers to the total population would be very small in these parts. - Evidence of MR. J. G. D. PARTRIDGE, Assistant collector, Ganjam.
10. The raiyats who cultivate hemp do not constitute a special class. The ordinary agricultural cultivators grow the plants partly for domestic use and partly for sale to retail dealers. 17. Ganja and bhang are generally prepared by the consumers themselves. Majum and alwa used to be prepared by the sweetmeat makers ; but since the introduction of the license fee and auction systems in regard to the retail vend of hemp preparations, they are prepared and sold by licensed persons. The preparation of hemp drugs is not restricted to any special classes of the people. 20. The chief consumers of ganja seem to be wandering fakirs, bairagis, and bavajis, and people from the north of India. People belonging to the lower classes, who are addicted to the use of intoxicants generally, also smoke ganja. Among Muhammadans are often ganja smokers. 24.Vide reply to question 20. 27. The consumers are not dangerous to society. The wandering fakirs and bairagis are said to smoke ganja to secure concentration of mind in their devotional practices, and to serve as a temporary antidote against hunger. Athletes are said to use bhang to serve as a stimulant while they are engaged in wrestling and other exercises. - Evidence of MR. H. CAMPBELL, Acting Sub-Collector, Guntoor.
10. No. Agriculturists raise the varieties for their fibre. 20. Religious mendicants as well as day-labour-ers smoke ganja. 27. The lower orders form the main class, although consumers may be found among all classes; they want something strong after their daily labours; and as the prices of alcoholic drinks are becoming prohibitive, the poorer classes take lahiam. The latter is very cheap, being sold at four pies a tola. - Evidence of MR. E. L. VAUGHAN, Acting Sub-Collector, Dindigul.
10. No; they were the ordinary agricultural class. 17. The cultivators themselves used to prepare the drug when hemp was formerly grown here. 20. A very small proportion of the people here use ganja. Charas is never used except by pilgrims from the north. Sudra paradesis consume the most, but Maravas, Pallars, and Agambadians do use it, as do some Muhammadans. 24. It is said that formerly when the plant was cultivated here, bhang was both eaten and drunk by the classes mentioned in answer to No. 20 along with ganja. This is no longer so. - Evidence of MR. W. FRANCIS, Acting Head Assistant Collector, Ramnad.
17. Fakirs, the lower sort of Muhammadans and Hindus, bairagis, sanyasis (ascetics). 20. The lowest classes of the people. The use of charas here is very rare. 24. It is only drunk as bhang massala. Only a small proportion of those classes of people who have been named against question 17 use it. 27. Some contract the habit in order to help digestion, others to excite sexual appetite, others to intoxicate themselves. - Evidence of MR. R. E. GRIMLEY, Acting Head Assistant Collector, North Arcot.
10. No. The classes who smoke the drug in this division are Chetties and Muhammadans, and the aboriginial tribes, Koters, Kurumbers, etc. 17. By no particular classes. Every consumer as a rule, makes his own preparation - Evidence of Mr. H. F. W. GILLMAN, Acting Head Assistant Collector, Nilgiris.
10. No special class. On the Javadi hills the persons who grow it are called Malayalies, but they cultivate other things besides the hemp plant. 17. Chiefly by Muhammadans, but by other classes also to some extent. 20. All the poorer classes, but chiefly Muhammadans and religious mendicants. 24. The poorer classes, but chiefly Muhammadans and religious mendicants. 27. Chiefly Muhammadans and the poorest of other classes who can't afford more expensive stimulant, such as arrack and opium. - Evidence of MR. J. H. MERRIMAN, Deputy Commissioner of Salt and Abkari, Central Division.
Question 20.—I think the consumers of the hemp drugs number as many as 3 per cent. of the whole population in the towns, and 1 to 2 per cent. in the rural tracts. This estimate is the result of consideration of the matter, and not a mere guess. These figures represent the present state of things since the railway works have been opened. The foreign labourers are scattered along the line as well as resident in the towns, and have raised the proportion of consumers in both rural tracts and towns. I do not think the habits of the people of the country have changed. On the contrary, the number of native consumers tends to decrease because the people of this part of the country do not enter military service as much as they used to do. Soldiers acquire the habit on service in other parts of India. In Vizianagram where there are soldiers and foreigners employed, the number of consumers is much greater than in Vizagapatam. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR R. DHARMARAO, Deputy Commissioner, Salt and Abkari, Northern Division.
10. Ordinary raiyats. 17. By those that consume them who are usually Muhammadans and the lower Sudra castes, bairagis, saniyasis, etc. 20. The Erode Assistant Commissioner fixes the proportion at about 1 to 1,000. As to classes and localities, vide answers to questions 14 and 17 supra. 24. The consumers are very few. 27. The labouring classes generally. The practice is resorted to, to mitigate the feeling of exhaustion. - Evidence of MR. F. LEVY, Acting Deputy Commissioner, Salt and Abkari, Southern Division.
17. By bairagis, fakirs, the lower orders of Sudras, Muhammadans, pariahs and chucklers. 20. As to classes, see answer to question No. 17. The proportion is very nominal. Here and there. 24. None. 27. Vide answer to question No. 20. Ganja is used as medicine for belly-ache, cough, and such like diseases. Wandering people take to it, as also people of immoral character. Bairagis take to it for purposes of devotion. - Evidence of P. PUNDARIKAKSHUDU, Brahmin, Deputy Collector, Venukunda, Kistna District.
10. No special class and no special attention paid to the matter. Ordinary agricultural cultivators cultivate it. 17. All classes prepare and use the drug. 20. Generally bairagis or religious mendicants that come from Northern Hindustan smoke ganja, but very rarely others use ganja in this country. The proportion is but a trifle. - Evidence of D. JAGANNADHARAO PANTALU, Brahmin,Deputy Collector, Anantapur
10. There is no special class of persons who cultivate the plant for its narcotic products. All classes of people do it. Cultivators grow the plant in sugarcane, tobacco and brinjal gardens. The cultivators of this plant are of the same classes as other agricultural cultivators. 17. By all if they are accustomed. 20. Cannot be said approximately; probably 5 per cent. of the population use the drug in its various forms. There is no special locality for its use. 24. People for the most part drink bhang. Very few eat it in balls before being mixed in water or milk. Classes and localities are not restricted. Proportion cannot be ascertained. - Evidence of W . VENKATAPPIAH PAN TULU GARU, Brahmin, Deputy Collector, Chatrapur, Ganjam.
17. All classes of natives from Brahmins down to Pariahs, Muhammadans, especially fakirs and. the bairagis of Northern India that come here, smoke ganjayi for its narcotic properties; but as it is held in disrepute, respectable people seldom do it. All natives who use native medicines have no objection to eat halvas into which ganjayi enters. Bhang is drunk here very sparingly. Bondilis use both milk-bhang and water-bhang at the ceremonial called Kamadahanam and at other times for pleasure. The other classes drink it only for pleasure. 20. All classes of natives and Muhammadans, fakirs, Bondilis and Bairagis especially smoke ganjayi. The proportion of the people using it is not less than 1 per cent. of the population. 24. Vide my answer to questions 17 and 20. 27. Bairagis contribute most to class (b) under ganja. They believe that its use makes them wise by extinguishing in them all passion for sexual pleasures. All classes of natives residing in these parts represent class (c) and the remainder under class (b) in ganja. Class (a) under ganja is represented by Muhammadans, pariahs and lower classes of Hindus. These people contract the habit on the advice of native doctors and by association with bairagis and other ascetics. Bondilis, pensioned sepoys, Dommaras and other wandering tribes contribute to class (c) under bhang. These people acquire the habit by bad society and on account of occasional indulgence, as in the case of Bondilis, as a religious drink. People that have a sickly constitution and that can ill afford to get proper medical advice and that have bad society, get into these practices. - Evidence of M. R. R. DEWAN BAHADUR S. VENKATA RAMADAS NAIDU, Deputy Collector, Godavari.
10. They don't form a special class. All Malayalies cultivate it. 17. By the cultivators themselves. 20. Muhammadan bairagis, irulars, and some low caste people. The proportion or the special locality could not be ascertained. - Evidence of DEWAN BAHADUR K. V. LAKSHAMANA Row GARU, Brahmin, Deputy Collector, North Arcot.
10. The persons who cultivate hemp plant are of the same class as other agricultural classes. 17. By all classes who consume the preparations of hemp. 20. Some of the Rajputs, Mahrattas, Muhammadans and Sudras smoke ganja. Charas is not prepared and used in this division. 24. Bhang is generally drunk by Mahrattas and Rajputs. It is not eaten. 27. Bairagis, fakirs, Rajputs, Muhammadan mendicants and some Sudras smoke ganja and drink bhang and eat other preparations made from the hemp plant to keep themselves in a state of intoxication, to prevent the evil effects of water, to keep the body warm, and to endure hunger. They say by smoking ganja they don't feel the effects of appetite, and that it increases manhood. - Evidence of M. AZIZUDDEEN, SAHIB BAHADUR, Deputy Collector, North Arcot.
10 The cultivation is not confined to any particular class of persons. All classes accustomed to it will cultivate this plant. 17. These preparations were used to be made formerly by any class of people who wanted them for private use or sale ; but they are now made by the ganja licensees alone for sale. 20. Much of the Uriya population and some Telugus and Khonds (hill people) and almost all the fakirs and every bairagi and ascetic smoke ganja. 24. Bhang is used as drink by a very small and insignificant proportion of people who are fond of getting intoxicated, but who are averse to or prohibited from, by caste or position, the use of alcohol ; but its use is not restricted to any particular locality. 27. Those that resort to ganja smoking are mainly taken from the lower castes having no social position ; but instances are not wanting where high caste men of dissipated habits indulge in this smoking. Majum and bhang are used by all classes given up to luxurious and vicious habits. The society in which men constantly move, and lazy and sensual habits lead to the practice. - Evidence of B. NARAYANAMURTY, Brahmin, Deputy Collector, Ganjam.
10. It is generally fakirs and ascetics who cultivate the plant. Agricultural cultivators also cultivate it ; but to a very small extent in vegetable gardens for medicinal purposes or for fibre. 17. It is not restricted to any class. 20. Ascetics, fakirs and people addicted to drinking use ganja. The percentage of the population who use the drug is not accurately known. 24. Generally Raj puts and Marwaris living in these parts use bhang. 27. Vide answer to question 20. Wandering fakirs and hard-working cooly classes take it to alleviate the fatigue they feel. Idleness also begets the practice. - Evidence of K. NARAYANA IYER, Brahmin, Deputy Collector, Gooty.
10. Cultivators of the hemp plant do not belong to any special class. They are of the same classes as other agricultural cultivators. 17. Usually by those who cultivated it, viz., Chetties, Urali Kurumars, Mulla Kurumars, Pathi-ans, Katunaikars, Tenkurumars, etc. 20. Ascetics of all castes smoke ganja and bhang, also Chetties, Paniers, Kurumars, and a few Muhammadans. Their use is more extensive in the villages surrounding Sultan's Battery, and also in Muppeinad and Kottapadiamshoms. About 40 per cent. of the population use them. 27. From the cultivating classes and hill tribes. The circumstances which mainly lead to the practice are idleness, mendicancy, and an inclination for intoxicants. - Evidence of MR. J. H. GWYNNE , Deputy Collector, Wynaad, Malabar District.
10. No ; they are of the same class as other agricultural cultivators. 17. Ganja chillum, i.e., a pipe prepared by people who smoke ganja through it. Ganja bhang by those who drink it, and majun by the licensed vendor. 20. Chiefly used by byragis, sanyasis, and fakirs, and generally working classes. I hear that those who delight in intoxication smoke ganja as it serves their purpose at a comparatively very small cost, equally with liquor, arrack, and toddy. One pie worth ganja or 1/2 anna worth bhang has the same intoxicating effect as 2 drams of arrack of 30° U. P., costing 2 annas 6 pie. 24. Bhang is drunk generally by all classes of people, except higher classes, and by monks and fakirs particularly. In almost all countries onefortieth of the population drinks bhang as a beverage. Three pie worth bhang is sufficient to intoxicate 10 people if administered equally. 27. Generally from all classes. People that suffer from spleen or dropsy use it as a remedy and get themselves accustomed to it. Fakirs, monks and ascetics consume it in order that their minds may be concentrated with more or less forgetfulness of worldly cares in offering their prayers to the Almighty. - Evidence of M. R. RY. P. VEERASWAMI NAIDU, Deputy Collector, Masulipatam.
20. All the bairagis and fakirs, a portion of the lower classes including a small portion of the upper classes smoke ganja in almost all the localities. About 25 per cent. may be said to use it. 24. Bhang is used by people comparatively in easy circumstances in a less proportion, and it is not confined to any particular locality. - Evidence of TADEPALLI SIVARAMAYYA, Brahmin, Pensioned Deputy Collector, Chatrapur
10. There is no special class of people who cultivate this plant. It is cultivated by garden cultivators in general. 17. All who use hemp drugs buy ganja from shops and make their own preparations, unless they have the produce of their own cultivation. 20. Fakirs among Muhammadans and ascetics among Hindus including pilgrims from Northern India are in the habit of smoking ganja ; very few others are addicted to it. 24. vide answer 20. It is further to be added that all classes of people use the drug as medicine. - Evidence of M R. W. E. GANAPATHY, Retired Deputy Collector, Palamcottah, Tinnevelly
20. Ganja. Muhammadans on a large scale. Sudras specially addicted to this habit to some extent. Religious devotees, such as bairagis and bavajees. The proportion is too small, say about 10 per cent. amongst Muhammadans, and about 1 to 2 per cent. amongst Hindus, excluding bairagis and bavajees, all of whom, without exception, smoke ganja. The localities are those mentioned against question No. 14. - Evidence of C. VENKATA CHALAM, Tahsildar, Guntur.
10. There is no special class of cultivators of this plant. The raiyats of the village generally grow this crop in the best portion of their holdings. 17. Only majum and halva are said to be prepared and sold in town licensed ganja shops. The other preparations, ganja balls for smoking and bhang juice for drinking, are not sold in shops, but they have to be prepared by the consumers at the time required. There are no special classes of people for this business. 20. Smoking of ganja is practised to a very limited extent. It is generally prevalent among bairagis, and. among the settled population it is used very secretly irrespective of class or caste. Agricultural people and merchant class and Brahmins, who abstain generally from intoxicating drinks, are very sparing in its use also, and it may be considered as being more common with the still lower classes of people. 27. The consumers are not known to be dangerous to society. They are not known to abuse or beat others. Bairagis use this as incentive for their devotional habits, and they seem to be very earnest in their Bhagana and. other services, after they partake of this in company. The heads of native athletic schools called vastads are said to use bhang are then eaten under the different names of majum and halva. No other process of eating is known in these parts. - Evidence of A. KRISHNAMACHARULU, Tahsildar, Bapatla, Kistna District.
10. No separate class. The ordinary raiyat raises it in his gardens. 17. As a special class. 24. (a) Bairagis, Muhammadan sepoys and footpads eat bhang. (b) Guzeratis, Maharattas and Rajputs drink bhang. 25. No. 26. (a) 80, (b) 15. (c) 4. (d) 1. 27. (a) Bairagis, sepoys and people who have lived in Northern India. (b) Bairagis and a few mean men. (c) People subject to attacks of colic, fever, etc. (4) Dyspeptics fond of gormandising. (a) and (b) These have to bear fatigue and go without food for a day or two at times. (c) To allay the pain. (d) Luxury. - Evidence of P. S. SINGARAVELU PILLAI, Tahsildar of Erode.
10. The cultivators are of the same classes as other agricultural cultivators. 20. Fakirs, Madigas, mains and weavers generally use ganja. Fifty per cent. of the population smoke ganja. - Evidence of S. VASUDEVA. RAO, Tahsildar, Tadpatri.
20. All classes use ganja from the Brahmin down to the Madiga. Two per cent. of the population may be said to be addicted to its use. - Evidence of T. KODANDARAM NAIDU, Tahsildar, Hospett.
20. Generally Rajputs, Muhammadans, fakirs, bairagis, and persons who are supposed to have renounced worldly cares and desires and military people. It is impossible to form the proportion by figures and facts. In this taluk I have found persons smoking in Rayadrug and Kanekal. 24. Bhang is not used in this part of the country. - Evidence of M. BIMACHARI, Tahsildar, Rayadrug.
20. Bairagis, sanyasis, and religious mendicants of the Hindu community and fakirs or beggars of the Muhammadan community smoke ganja, and also the retired peons and pensioned sepoys of the native army, and also some low classes, such as Vudders (tank diggers), Yanadis, and Chundus (village watchers), and Chenchus (hill tribes). The proportion of the people that smoke ganja is approximately one per cent., and even less. Smoking is not confined to any particular locality or localities, but generally throughout the country. Charas is not in use at all in this country. 24. No persons in this taluk either eat or drink bhang. - Evidence of MUNSHI S. MOHAMED UNWUR SAHIB, Tahsildar, Suthanapully Taluk, Kistna District
20. Bairagis, fakirs, and mendicant classes generally smoke ganja and charas freely. No particular localities or proportion can be specified. 24. Muhammadans, Gujeratis, and others that have come down from Northern Hindustan eat and drink bhang mostly - Evidence of M. SAMBA SIVA RAU NAIDU, Tahsildar, Bellary.
20. Ganja is used in smoking by bairagis or sanyasis, fakirs, linuayets, jengamas. Charas is used by Muhammadans. 24. Especially the bhang is used by Raj puts, Maravadis, Boyas, and Musalmans. Some of them eat it in a form of majuni. - Evidence of P. RAM RAO, Tahsildar of Hadgalli.
10. Linga Balijas are much addicted to ganja smoking. Muhammadans use bhang. Other agricultural cultivators rear the plant for speculative purposes. 17. Muhammadans, Linga balijas, bairagis and boyas. 20. Muhammadans, lingayats, bairagis and boyas smoke ganja in this taluk. 24. Muhammadans, bairagis, lingayats eat or drink bhang. 27. Men of sedentary habits contract the habit of smoking ganja. Persons of voluptuous habits smoke ganja or bhang, for it is highly aphrodisiac - Evidence of ADAKI JAGANNADHA RAO, Brahmin, Acting Tahsildar, Hindupur, Anantapur District.
10. Sanyasis, fakirs, and jogis generally cultivate the plant. They are quite different from the agricultural class. 17. Mostly Musalmans. 20. Sanyasis, jogis, and fakirs use ganja for smoking wherever they are, and in all parts. Twenty per cent, of the population may be considered to be using ganja. 24. Sanyasis, bairagis, jogis, and fakirs eat and drink bhang wherever they are found in this taluk. 27. It is only among fakirs mostly that the above classes are taken from, who go a-begging. - Evidence of G. JAGANNAYAKULU, Acting Tahsildar, Gooty
20. All Hindu ascetics known as bairagis and sanyasis, [some Muhammadans, and some lower classes of Hindus smoke ganja. Retired sepoys also are in the habit of smoking this. A large number of smokers will be found in Vizianagram, Vizagapatam, Ellamanchelli, and Anakapalli. Their proportion may be estimated at about 2 per cent. of the population. 24. So far as I know, it is only in Vizianagram that bhang is used mostly by those who belong to the Bengal Presidency, and who have visited Benares and other places. Hindustanis and some Brahmin students and pandits consume it to a large extent. The number of such men may be estimated at about 3,000. - Evidence of CHAGANTI SOMAYAJULU, Brahmin, Acting Tahsildar, Palakonda.
17. (1) The respectable class of the consumers who belong to almost all sections of the community have generally recourse to majum and halwa above referred to. (2) The hermit class, consisting of fakirs and sanyasis, smoke. (3) The others • take to all the preparations according to their means and convenience. 20. What class of people smoke ganja is detailed in the answer to question 17. From what I have been able to gather, it may be said that about 5 per cent. of the population smoke ganja. There is no particular place allotted for it, although in ' towns the lower order and fakirs or sanyasis collect in makam or mutts and smoke. 24. Vide answer to Question 17. 27. Habitual moderate consumers are generally of the lower order of the population, while the habitual excessive consumers form the fakirs and dervishes and their followers. The occasional moderate consumers come from the class of men above the lower order, while the occasional excessive consumers generally belong to the lower orders of the Muhammadan, Rajput and Mahratta communities. - Evidence of A. KATCHAPESWARA. IYER, Brahmin, Stationary Sub-Magistrate, Cuddapah Taluk.
20. Chiefly Boyas ; Lingayets and religious mendicants of whatsoever class also use it. Threefourths of the males amongst Boyas are believed to have been addicted to it. Amongst Lingayets it can be said that one-fourth of the males have been so addicted. 24. Eating and drinking of bhang are used equally. They take place only on festival days - Evidence of K. RAMA KRISTNA BRAMHAM, Brahmin, Stationary Sub-Magistrate, Kudlighi, Bellary District
17. By the confectioners generally. Mahrattas, Bondilas (originally people of Bundelkund in Northern India.), Rajputs, Pandarums and Musalmans also prepare. 24. The above-said classes eat or drink bhang all over Southern India. 27. The classes mentioned in 17 and 23. A wandering life appears to have led to the use of bhang. The impression is, the use of bhang neutralizes the bad effects of water of different places visited by the wandering people. Except the wandering pandarums, bairagis, and gossains. The forefathers of the other races, both Hindu and Muhammadan, mentioned in Answer 17, who formed the great bulk of the armies of the old dynasties, appear to have contracted the habit of using bhang, while marching from place to place in search of plunder or conquest, or while on garrison duty. Their descendants appear to have inherited the practice from them. - Evidence of M. SESHACHALA NAIDU, Baliya, Pensioned Tahsildar, Vellore.
20. All classes of people use ganja for smoking, but chiefly Bairagis, fakirs, and sholagers. It is said that those who are not given up to alcoholic liquors use ganja. There are not, however, many persons resident in this place who smoke ganja. Peons, etc., attached to Government offices, menial servants following European visitors, and different classes of persons coming to weekly mar -ket from low countries are the principal consumers besides the above three classes of persons. 24. Vide No. 16. Very small number of the population of this division prepares these beverages. The consumers are some of the people living in the town. - Evidence of N. SOONDRAMIAH , Brahmin, Deputy Tahsildar, Ootacamund.
20. Ganja is used by some Muhammadans, many of the Bairagi pilgrims from Hindustan, some of the other classes of people who have come from Bangalore and Mysore in Coonoor, and Wellington and other isolated places. 27. Fakirs and travellers and labourers generally resort to intoxication from ganja. - Evidence of R. SAMINATHA IYER, Brahmin, Acting Deputy Tahsildar, Coonoor.
10. Agricultural cultivators also raise this plant. 17. Muhammadans, Mahrattas, Sugalies, as far as I am aware. 20. The said kali is used for smoking by poor class of people and by those who lead a wandering life, and also by Bairagis and Sanyasis—a class of persons who profess to lead an ascetic life—and also by persons known by the name of Sugaly. In places where there is much cold. - Evidence of R. C. RAMA IYENGOR, Brahmin, Village Magistrate, Berangy, Mudanapulee Taluk, Cuddapah District.
10. They are of the same class as other agriculturists. 17. No particular class. Preparation of hemp drug is made by Musalmans and Sudras among the Hindus. 20. All Gossains, fakirs, wandering tribes of professional beggars among the Hindus, all idle men of whatever caste or creed who pretend to be religious devotees and their disciples. The con-sumers are very small, and the proportion may be 5 per mille of population. Even this may be considered as a liberal estimate. 24. Among the consumers of this article, twothirds are smokers and one-third are eaters. 27. Answer to Question 20 answers this. Wandering tribes take it with the hope that it checks malarious poison. Others, viz , mendicants, etc., practise it with the expectation that it concentrates the mind - Evidence of K. NARAINASWAMY NAIDU, Velama, Huzoor Sheristadar, Masulipatam
20. Ganja is used for smoking by the rich and the poor but charas by the rich alone, it being a very valuable article. All the Bairagis use ganja invariably in the way of smoking. Charas is used for smoking by very rich people, such as Nawabs, Amirs, etc., amongst Musalmans alone. Ganja is used almost everywhere, while charas in places like Hyderabad, Kabul, etc. 24. Bhang is used by many people like ganja, but in a less number. One who takes ganja may or may not be accustomed to use bhang. Bhang is not eaten but drunk. This is used amongst Musalmans and Sudras. This is done in this part of the country. - Evidence of P. LAKSIIMINARAYANA, Brahmin, Manager of Court of Wards' Estate, Nuzvid.
Question 20.—The use of ganja in the Northern Sircars is not extensive. I have made enquiries, and find that 1 in 1,000 of the total population in towns and 1 in 10,000 in the rural tracts consume the drug. These figures represent an average for the whole of the Northern Sircars. The drug is more used in the Kistna district and the Agency tracts than in other parts. Opium is very largely consumed in the Agency tracts, and the same people are not likely to consume opium as well as hemp. In these tracts the respectable people take opium and the disreputable classes ganja. As a rule those who live by labour do not use ganja. In the Northern Sircars generally ganja is consumed by poor people who are also respectable, as well as by some rajas and respectable Muhammadans, and sepoys and military pensioners. - Evidence of Mr. H. G. PRENDERGAST, District Superintendent of Police, Kistna
20. There are ganja smokers among all classes of people, except banians. Bairagis (mendicants), as a rule, are all ganja smokers. Of others, some of those that frequent the hilly parts of the district are also ganja, smokers, About 10 per cent, of the population of Vizianagram are either ganja smokers or bhang eaters or drinkers. These uses are more prevalent in towns than in villages. 24. Brahmins and Musalmans eat or drink bhang. The drinkers outnumber the eaters. In towns. Question 20.—By ten per cent. of the popula-tion I mean ten per cent. of the adult males. But I am inclined on reconsideration to say that one in fifty, not one in ten, of the adult males would be nearer the trutb. I have ascertained the following figures. The population of the town is 30,881; and there would be about 500 or 600 consumers. I took a census of the people coming to the one ganja shop ; one day there were over 200, the second day about 300, and third day between 200 and 300. On Sunday between 300 and 400 - Evidence of RAI BAHADUR K. NARAINASWAMY, Telaga, Inspector of Police, Vizianagram.
20. Fakirs, ascetics, bairagis, Muhammadans generally smoke ganja all over India where they happen to go and reside, and it is difficult to state what proportion of the people use this. 24. Fakirs and Muhammadans generally eat and smoke, and the bairagis of Northern country drink bhang. - Evidence of T. S. KRISTNASAMY C HETTY, Vishnuvite, Pensioned Police Inspector, Trinamalay, South Arcot District.
24. So far as this district is concerned about a, fifth part of the entire population eat and smoke ganja. - Evidence of MR. E. H. GADSDEN, Superintendent, Central Jail, Coimbatore.
24. Fakirs, mustans, and those that have entirely given themselves up to religious purposes eat ganja. Bhang is consumed in native gymkhanas. - Evidence of MR. H. E. G. MILLS, Superintendent, Central Jail, Triehinopoly.
20. Charas, it is said, is not obtainable in these southern parts. A little is sometimes procured from pilgrims, fakirs, Kabulis, etc. Those who have used it, speak of its being a more powerful intoxicant than ganja. The reason is not far to seek, ¼to½ a grain producing about the same effect as 20 to 30 grains of ganja. 24. The classes that eat bhang also drink it. The use of bhang is prevalent to a certain extent even in the most out of the way villages, but in towns it is largely used by Muhammadans, fakirs, pilgrims and idlers. 27. From my knowledge and experience I should say that habitual excessive ganja smokers belong to that class, summarised under the definitions bad and doubtful livelihood, vagrants, fakirs and the criminal classes generally. In a few cases as in those of the well-to-do Muhammadans and Hindus who lead listless and sedentary lives, ganja has powerful attractions. It excites their appetite and removes the insufferable ennui of their existence. In this instance the aimless life may be said to beget the ganja habit, but, generally, as in the case of the ordinary individual, the ganja habit (to excess) begets demoralization. The price of the drug as compared with that of the cheapest of spirituous or fermented liquors is one of the chief reasons that leads those desirous of intoxication to resort to the practice. - Evidence of MR. G. CLONEY, Superintendent of Jail, Tanjore.
10. No, they do not form special class. Many ganja smokers cultivate the plant themselves and others purchase what they require. 1 have known all classes cultivate hemp ; I have seen much hemp cultivated in Tanjore district. 17. By all classes. 20. All classes smoke ganja, but not many individuals in a class. Sholagurs are much addicted to it, and more than half the tribe smoke it. Bairagis are much given to the habit. Shians smoke ganja to the extent of about 10 per cent. of the population. Rajputs are great ganja smokers. Muhammadans use it to a small extent, though it is forbidden by the Koran. - Evidence of MR. R. W. MORGAN, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Ootacamund, Nilgiris
10. There is no special class that takes to the cultivation of ganja. I have seen all nationalities cultivating it more or less. 17. By the consumers generally and sweet meat-makers. 20. The poorer classes and bairagis, sanyasis and other religious mendicants. - Evidence of Mr. G. HADFIELD, Deputy Conservator of Forests, South Malabar.
10. All castes of raiyats grow the plant as described. 17. By all castes who cultivate the plant. 20. All classes in the Wynaad who live in the jungles smoke ganja; probably 50 per cent. of the population. 24. Very few eat or drink bhang in the Wynaad. It is chiefly smoked, being less expensive and easily prepared for the purpose. 27. Raiyats of all classes living in the jungles, criminals and beggars. - Evidence of MR. C. E. HARDIE, District Forest Officer, Manantoddy, North Malabar
10. No. Same classes as other agricultural cultivators. 17. All classes - - Evidence of COLONEL II. S. ELTON, Commandant, 16th _Regiment, Madras Infantry, Bellary
10. The Reddi caste are the usual hemp cultivators. 20. Sanyasis (hermits) and travellers smoke ganja, also low caste people and Bengalis. - Evidence of CAPTAIN F. L. JONES, Commandant, 3rd Madras Lancers, Bellary.
20. Chiefly by fakirs and Bairagis. 24. It is a common beverage among Marvadies and some of the people in Hindustan in hot weather. 27. Muhammadan fakirs and Hindu jogies take it for the purpose of forgetting worldly !natters. - Evidence of SUBADAR MAJOR MAHAMMAD MURTUZA, 1st Madras Pioneers, Trichinopoly.
20. Ganja only is used for smoking by all castes alike. 24. Used only occasionally, not in any particular locality. - Evidence of SURGEON-LIEUTENANT-COLONEL II. HYDE, District Surgeon, Trichinopoly.
Question 27.—I have made an inquiry into the use of hemp by the prisoners in the jail here. I asked the Hospital Assistant and Jailor to find out what men admitted the use of the drugs. I thought the prisoners would be more ready to tell the native officials in the first instance about their habits. I then questioned each apart. I was surprised to find how willingly the prisoners admitted the use. There was no difficulty whatever. I found 18 cases in a male population of 191. Of these, 4 had the habit of using other intoxicants as well, and 14 admitted the ganja habit only. Yesterday there were 11, 3 with the confessed double habit, in a male population of 151. All the men admitted before me quite readily. I have never been asked for ganja by a prisoner ; but I have been repeatedly asked for opium by those who use that drug. I do not think that the failure to ask for ganja is due to any shame, for these 18 evinced no such feeling. I know of no reason why they should not ask for it. Some opium eaters have been discovered who have never asked for the drug ; but some confirmed opium eaters give great trouble. 1 conclude that the ganja habit can be much more easily broken. I have had charge of jails for the last eleven years almost continuously. Of the 11 cases seen yesterday all but one are cases of offences against property. That one is a case of causing grievous hurt ; but the Judge states in his judgment that the offence was commited while the men were drunk, The record shows that they had drunk toddy at a feast. I see nothing whatever to connect the crimes in any of these eases with flue ganja habit. Several are old offenders, and all these told me that their first offences were committed before they took to ganja. I asked all these criminals as to how much they used. They all denied becoming silly or senseless from ganja. None of them admitted taking ganja to excess. I used to think I could pick out an opium smoker by his appearance ; but recent inquiries have shown me that there are men of perfectly healthy appearance who confess to the habit. As to ganja, it was never brought to my notice at all. So far as I am aware, there is nothing special about the gauja smoker's physical appearance. Before I received the questions issued by the Commission I paid no attention to ganja. I did not know it was a general habit to use ganja. I had heard it was used in the hills, but did not know it was used here. I had, of course, no idea as to what would be moderate or excessive use. - Evidence of SURGEON-LIEUTENANT-COLONEL A.H. LEAPING-WELL, District Surgeon, Vizagapatam.
17. All these and especially ganja are smoked in Bengal by the very lowest of the low. Bhang is sometimes used by the better class people. Majum by a great many well-to-do people for its aphrodisiac properties. 20. I have said before that only low class people smoke them, but I don't know what is their proportion. 24. The darwan classes in Bengal drink bhang almost exclusively. - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR CHATTERJIE, Medical Officer in charge 13th Madras Infantry, Cannanore.
10. They are of the same classes as other agricultural cultivators. - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR K. C. SANJANA, Parsi, District Surgeon, Tinnevelly.
10. The Badagas and Koters, the chief cultivating tribes of the Nilgiris, do not cultivate nor use hemp; they (especially their women) indulge freely in opium, but not ganja. Those who grow the plant at all are referred to in paragraph 7.
17. All the preparations are made by the Muha m-madan lower classes - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR G. L. WALKER, Civil Surgeon, Ootacamund
10. No; they are of the same classes as other agricultural cultivators. 17. By all classes. 20. All classes. 24. No special class can be noted. Majority drink bhang. 27. With the exception of (b), which are bairagis, the remaning consumers are of ail classes, and the habits of life generally are of labouring poor class. - Evidence of SURGEON-CAPTAIN C. F. FEARNSIDE, Acting District Surgeon, Ganjam.
17. In this district by the Konkanies, banias, fakirs, and especially amongst the lowest of these classes. 20. In British and Native Cochin, Konkanies, fakirs, banias and the lowest classes of these different sects use the drug. 24. Already referred to in paragraph 20. 27. Principally from the poorer classes, and those who are unwilling to do an honest day's work. Mendicants use bhang a good deal. - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR R. PEMBERTON, Civil Surgeon, Cochin.
10. (a) Yes. (b) and (c ) No. It is generally used in Wynaad by many classes of people, such as Nairs, Rajputs, and the jungle tribes, Paniars, Kurichers, Kurumbers, Kaders, etc., and they grow the plant each one for his own use. It also grows wild to a great extent in certain parts of Wynaad, such as Sultan's Battery, etc. 17. Preparations of the hemp drug are only made by those using it, viz., those enumerated above in answer to question 14. 20. By many classes, Nairs, Rajputs, Kurichers, Kurumbers, Paniars, Kaders, etc., ganja is used. No charas is used here at all and none made. The ganja is mostly used for smoking. 24. No bhang eaten or drunk here. 27. In some cases of diseases it is used, and thus the practice is acquired. In others it is taken merely for its intoxicating effect. - Evidence of Civil Apothecary T. M. CHERIYAN, Manantoddy.
20. As far as I am aware, ganja or any other preparation is seldom used in the southern districts of the Madras presidency. I have seen many pilgrims from the north smoke it. A small pro -portion of the lower classes uses it in Bellary district - Evidence of Apothecary K. VASUDEVA RAU, Brahmin, Adirampatnam, Tanjore District.
17. Native doctors for medicine, and ascetics for smoking. 20. The lower classes, and apparently Muhammadans, smoke ganja. 24. Of the general public, a very small proportion drink it. Pandarams, bairagis, etc., for the most part use ganja freely, as bhang is costly. 27. Working classes, wandering classes, and those in low condition. Other well-to-do classes resort to it for its aphrodisiac properties. - Evidence of Apothecary G. A. W. VELLONES, Chetambaram, South Arcot.
10. Agricultural cultivators, more particularly the vegetable-sellers (kurakkabi). 17. Ganja by the lower classes generally ; bhang by the Uriya people on religious occassions. 20. All bairagis smoke ganja throughout India. A few Muhammadans and fakirs in Kurnool and Cuddapah. 24. The majority of the Uriyas and the Rajputs on religions days. In the Ganjam district, Jeypore and Rajputana. 27. Vagabonds from idleness and want of any definite occupation - Evidence of Apothecary N. H. DANIEL, In charge Police Hospital, Koraput, Vizagapatam District.
10. They don't form a special class. The majority of the cultivators of this drug are Muhammadans, although Hindus or Cummas also follow this example to some extent. 17. Chiefly Muhammadan. 20. Musalmans chiefly, and bairagis or hermits, and native soldiers for keeping off malaria. 24. This is done indiscriminately according to taste by Hindus and Muhammadans. 27. This habit is met with equally among vegeterians and flesh-eaters, and among people of itinerant habits such as hermits and soldiers (native) who undergo hardships incidental to frequent changes of climate of the worst type possible - Evidence of Apothecary MUHAMMAD ASADULLA, Ellore, Godavary District.
10. It is the licensed vendors and habitual consumers that cultivate hemp. They are generally men of every denomination. 17. By the licensed vendors and habitual consumers. These are generally men of every denomination. 20. There is no charas here, Generally lower classes of people and bairagis smoke ganja. Proportion not known. 24. Men of every denomination eat and drink bhang. About 20 per cent. of the population of Parlakimedi town, including those that consume it on special occasions. 27. Smoking ganja is prevalent only in the lower classes. Bhang is consumed more by well to-do people. - Evidence of K. JAGANNADHAM NAIDU,* Medical Officer, Parlakimedi, Ganjam District.
10. The hill people that cultivate hemp on a large scale are almost exclusively the Malayalis ; but this does not form their only occupation ; in fact, there is no special class of hemp cultivators. 17. By lower classes of Hindus and Muhammadans, about equal proportion in this district. 20. Mostly used by low classes of Hindus and Muhammadans; of the latter, notably the fakirs. Charas is not at all used in this district. It is difficult to ascertain what proportion of people smoke ganja in the district ; but I am informed there may be about two or three thousand in the town of Salem. Smoking is carried on in private houses, and also in so called ganja dens, of which there are two in Gogai, two in Salem, one in Sevapett, and one in Ammapett. 24. Bhang is said to be used by an insignificant number—say 1 in 200 at most. 27. So far as I could gather, no particular habit of life or circumstance seems to lead to the practice. Some seem to learn from others, just as in the case of the vice of tobacco smoking or drinking; some seem to have recourse to it as a cheap way of intoxicating themselves, as men-tioned in paragraph 25 ; and a few contract the habit from having first used the ganja as a medicinal agent for asthma, for instance. - Evidence of Assistant Surgeon SALDANHA, Salem.
10. Same as other agricultural cultivators. There is no special class for this cultivation. 17. There is no particular classes of people who make the preparation of the hemp drug. 20. Bairagis, ascetics, and the poor of labouring; classes smoking ganja largely in mattams and choultries. Hindus, Muhammadans, and Rajputs smoke moderately and privately. Ganja is used in almost every town, and it is not confined to one particular locality. About 5 per cent. 24. There is no particular class who eat bhang. Even those that eat are very rare. Rajputs, Marvadis, and poor of all classes drink bhang moderately : about 5 per cent. ; Muhammadans drink bhang largely at Ellore : 25 per cent. ; Hindus moderately : 10 per cent. 27. Ascetics from all classes of wandering habits. Muhammadans, Rajputs, and Hindus of military life. A few of lower labouring classes. - Evidence of Hospital Assistant T. RANGANAYA KULU NAID00, Rajahmundry, Godavari District.
10. The persons who cultivate hemp plant are of the agricultural classes and nobody else. 17. Agricultural classes. 20. To a population of nearly 3,500 in the station I am serving, there are about 25 persons who are actually habituated to the use of ganja. The proportion then comes at the rate of 5/7 to 100, which is a very small figure indeed. In the province of Bengal I believe the proportion will be higher, in consequence of the drug being extensively used by all classes, irrespective of places they resort to. 27. People of lower classes often resort to this practice more than the higher and middle classes in this part of the district; but in Bengal and Bombay presidencies there are no restrictions of classes, as every class more or less practise it, —especially the bhang variety; and as regards the lower classes who cannot afford to purchase in -toxicating drugs at a cheaper rate, it becomes a practice to them to smoke ganja. - Evidence of Hospital Assistant M. IYASWAMY PILLAY, Saint Thomas' Mount, Madras.
10. No; they are as other cultivators. 17. The Rajputs, the Muhammadans, and the Bengalis, and some other lower orders of people in the south. 20. Generally by lower orders, and specially by those who profess to practise Yogam. 23 and 24. By Muhammadans. 27. It is not used by men in high society, except in rare cases. It is practised more by labouring classes. - Evidence of Hospital Assistant M . V. RAMANUGULU NAIDU, Peddapur, Godavari District.
10. It is not cultivated by agricultural culti -vators but by the following : (1) Hill people, (2) Musalmans, (3) Brahmins, (4) Telagas, (5) Kurakuli people, The cultivation is common in almost all the villages. 17. By Muhammadans, Kurakuli people, Telagas, and hill people. 20. About 1/8th of the Brahmins, Telagas, and Kurakuli people,9/10th of Muhammadans, and about 1/20th of Pariahs smoke the ganja in these parts, On the whole, there would be 10 per cent. of the total population. 24. Mostly Brahmins, Telagas, and Muham-madans. It is generally practised in private, and therefore it is very difficult to make out the proportion. It seems to be prevalent to 1/4 in the above classes. 27. Brahmins, Telagas, and Muhammadans. In some it is inherited; and in others it is acquired for various purposes—as an aphrodisiac for e n-during fatigue and for enjoying pleasures of intoxication. - Evidence of Hospital Assistant CHINNY SREENIVASA RAU, Prapanna Komity, L. F. Hospital, Bobbili Vizagapatam District.
17. In my experience people of all classes use it. 20. As far as my knowledge goes, people of all classes smoke it, The proportion is very small. - Evidence of Hospital Assistant P. NARRAINSWAMY TELEGA, Parvatipur Vizagapatam District.
10.The persons who cultivate hemp do not form a special class. A person of any class could cultivate. 17. The preparations of hemp are generally made by sweetmeat-makers as majinum ; by native doctors as modaka, madanakameswara, and meenaketanam; by the richest classes of people as ghee ; by ordinary people as water or milk bhang. 20. Almost all clases of people, except Europeans, Eurasians, Khonds, and Sarvaras, smoke ganja, specially classes that are prohibited from drinking liquor. Generally throughout the dis -trict, I believe 10 per cent. of the population smoke ganja. 24. Of the population of this district, Eur o-peans, Eurasians, Khonds, and Savaras excepted, more than 15 per cent. eat and drink bhang in its different preparations, as stated above in answer No. 15 (C). 27. Almost all the classes of people, except the classes mentioned in answers Nos. 20 and 24, indulge in ganja and bhang under the following circumstances : The primary object of smoking ganja is to concentrate the mind (on religious points), and the secondary objects are in order— aphrodisiac, invigoration of digestive powers, prevention of malaria, and society. The chief objects of taking bhang are to cool and strengthen the system (as used by bairagis, gymnasts), to invigorate the digestive powers, to strengthen the nervine powers, and to follow the track of society. - Evidence of Hospital Assistant JAGANNATH PANDIT, Uriya, Russellkonda, Ganjam District
20. Goshas and beggars, especially town people, also use, from the lowest to the highest. In choultris and lonely places. 24. Drunkards (especially lowest caste people), do eat and drink bhang Madras, Nellore, Ganjam, Masula, Trichinopoli, and Anantapur. - Evidence of Hospital Assistant MADURANAYAGUM PILLAI, Vellala, Uravakonda, Ananlpur District.
20. Muhammadans and Boyas. 24. A few of the above-named classes eat bhang. 27. Mainly Boyas and Muhammadans take this only for intoxication. - Evidence of Hospital Assistant C. M. APPATHORAI MUDALIAR, Vellala, Chairman, Union Panchayat, Hindupur, Anantapur District.
10. Yes, they form a special class. Very seldom are found instances where raiyats or agricultural cultivators are engaged in the growth of the plants for private consumption. But it occurs that rai -yats grow a few of these plants in their fields to answer the occasional demands of fakirs or gosains.10. Yes, they form a special class. Very seldom are found instances where raiyats or agricultural cultivators are engaged in the growth of the plants for private consumption. But it occurs that rai -yats grow a few of these plants in their fields to answer the occasional demands of fakirs or gosains. 17. Bhang, better known by the name of rama-rasam in the Telugu-speaking country, is used but rarely almost by every class of people, from the highest Brahman to the lowest Pariah. Muhammadans, especially fakirs, use this. Generally this preparation is made use of by people clustering themselves into pleasure parties, in which will be found also refined Hindus who loathe the name of intoxicating liquors. I came across such parties in Uriya country, Ganjam district. Rajputs and Mahrattas use the drug in this form very largely, and, it is said, specially during the Kama feast. Ganja is prepared by fakirs and gosains. 20. As above said, fakirs, ascetics, gosains generally smoke ganja. The proportion of smoking people in Muhammadans is 5 per cent., while it is 25 in Hindus. The class of people that smoke ganja, of Hindus, forms mostly those that abandon the cares of the world in favour of philosophical discussions of divine existence; the same case is with many of the Muhammadans. Ganja is generally smoked in muttams, makkams, and also in houses. 24. Bhang is used by Muhammadans, especially fakirs, and also by Hindus. The proportion of bhang-drinking people, both Hindus and Muhammadans, is much less than that of ganja-smoking section. Bhang is not daily used, but occasionally. 27. (a) The first class of people —habitual moderate consumers—is formed chiefly of ascetics and such spiritual thinkers (save a few instances) both in Hinduism and Muhammadanism. (b) The second class of habitual excessive consumers comprises those that use the drug for the very sake of intoxication. (c) This class forms those that are initiated recently into the practice. (d) Occasional excessive consumers are only those that are to qualify in future for habitual excessive consumers. An occasional moderate consumer would be soon a habitual moderate consumer, who will, if imprudent without self-control, turn an occasional excessive consumer to eventually grow a habitual excessive consumer. - Evidence of Hospital Assistant I. PARTHASARATHY CHETTY, Penukonda, Anantapur District
10. The persons who cultivate hemp are of the same classes as other agricultural cultivators. 17. Any class of hilly tribe who are accustomed to prepare it. 20. Ganja is smoked by the debauched natives of this part, and charas by Chinese and Sikhs, being rather valuable. 24. The above-mentioned class of people, only to a certain extent, eat the bhang reduced into a soft pulp, or drink it in a liquid state like syrup. 27. Only the above debauched class of natives are addicted to these by the effect of bad society. - Evidence of MIRZA DAVOOD BEG, Pensioned Hospital Assistant, Trichinopoly.
20. In this town Muhammadans and Hindus of the lower classes smoke ganja. But the number is small compared with the population of the town, below 2 per cent. 27. Muhammadans of the poorer classes, religious mendicants (Sudras), and the lazy and the indolent among the non-Brahmin Hindus of the poorer classes. - Evidence of P. S. MOOTOOSAMY MODELLIAR, Retired Native Surgeon, Tanjore.
10. The cultivators of hemp are of the same class as other agricultural cultivators. 17. Preparation of ganja from the hemp drug is made by Capus, Hindus, Muhammadans, Pariahs, Chuklers and others. 20. Ganja is smoked by sanyasis or bairagis and fakirs or dervishes (almost without exception). A very few non-fakirs among Muhammadans and some Hindus, Rajputs, Mahrattas, Malas, etc., also smoke ganja; sanyasis smoke in matts and fakirs in makans and wherever they happen to be. Others smoke in their own houses. 24.Only a very small proportion of the people eat or drink, bhang. 27.Habitual moderate consumers and habitual excessive consumers are mainly sanyasis and fakirs. The other classes of consumers are taken from the common people who occasionally associating with habitual consumers are induced to smoke or voluntarily smoke ganja. - Evidence of H. S. A. M. MUNJUMIAH, Native Medical Practitioner, Cuddapah.
10. The cultivators of hemp carry on other cultivations also, and they do not form a special class of raiyats. 17. It is prepared by peasants, of whatever caste they may be. 20. Persons of various classes indulge in the use of ganja (in all its forms, i.e., by drinking, eating and smoking) in various places. Persons use it publicly in bhangar khanas (i.e., bhang houses) and privately in their own places. There are about 1,500 persons in the town of Cuddapah who use ganja. 27. Gamblers, thieves, licentious persons, beggars, independent men and servants, whose income is Rs. 10 or below, make use of hemp drugs. - Evidence* of SAIYID MAHMUD alias HAKEEM NHANNAY MIAN, Medical Practitioner, Cuddapah.
20. All classes of people smoke ganja. The proportion of the ganja-smoking population is 16 to 1. Charas is unknown here. It is extensively used in cold climates. 24. All classes of people drink bhang rarely for the purpose of exciting pleasure ; but is not extensively used. It appears that three or four in every thousand people drink it. The people of the northern countries use it. - Evidence* of SINGITAPU VENKATA RAO, Brahmin, Madahwa, Native Physician and Inamdar, Coconada, Godavari District
20. Sanyasis, bairagis, and other inhabitants who are accustomed to it throughout the whole district, especicially in northern parts of India, and, I submit, 1/32 of the portion of people are in the habit of using the above drugs throughout India. 24. Especially Musalmans, sanyasis, pilgrims, hairagis, and others who live with their families in different castes eat and drink bhang, etc. - Evidence of I. PONNUSAWMI PILLAI, Private Practitioner, Pothawar, Salem, District.
20. Hill tribes and bairagis. Two per cent. of the population of Kusba Namakkal would smoke ganja.- Evidence of ABDUL KARIM SAHIB, Native Physician, Namakkal, Salem District.
20. I know of no classes of people, except travellers from Northern India, who smoke this drug. 24. Some among the labouring classes eat it in the form I have mentioned in my answer to Question 19 ; it is also employed as medicine, and when so employed forms one of a number of ingredients of which the medicine is made. In either case, the number of persons by whom and the extent to which it is used is very limited. - Evidence of the RAJA OF RAMNAD,* Madura District.
20. It is used by all sorts of people, including Brahmans; but almost half the population in the Puri district and one-fourth of Ganjum, Cuttack, Balasore, and Sambalpur districts smoke ganja. 24. In the Puri district half of the Brahmans, etc., drink bhang ; but I cannot say what portion of people in different castes eat or drink bhang - Evidence of SRI VASUDEVA RAJAMANI RAJAH DEO, Kshatria, Zamindar of Mandasa, Ganjam District.
20. A small proportion of all classes of people (about 10 per cent.) smoke ganja in this taluka. 24. A very small proportion, say one per cent., drink a preparation of bhang. - Evidence of SRI SRI SRI GOURA CHANDRA. GAJAPATY NARAYAN DEO GARU, Kshatria, Zamindar of Parlakimedi, Ganjam District.
20. I do not see that smoking of ganja is confined to particular class or classes of people, as I understand that all clases of people generally smoke it. On rough calculation I can say that not less than five per cent. smoke ganja. 24. As regards classes of people, vide my answer to Question 20.- Evidence of TIMMARAZU VENKATA SIVA RAO., Brahmin, Landed Proprietor and Chairman, Municipal Council, Chicacole, Ganjam District.
20. This is not a commonly used drug here. The few that use here belong to the flesh-eating lower classes. The medicants, who impose on the superstitious public with the garb of an ascetic, take to this habit of smoking. This habit of smoking is invariably found among the Hindustani bairagis or pilgrims from the north. Since the use of ganja is not prevalent to any very appreciable extent in any particular locality or with any particular class, and the use itself is rare with the standing population here, it is not possible to connect the use of it to any special locality or class. - Evidence of C. MUTHU KUMARASWAMI MUDELLIAR, Zamindar, Chunampet, Chingleput District.
10. The hemp is not cultivated for narcotic properties. The agricultural cultivators grow hemp also. 20. The lower classes, especially Muhammadans, smoke ganja. The percentage, as compared with the population of a given place, is very small. - Evidence of M. ETHERAGULU PILLAY, Land-owner, Bezwada, Kistna District .
20. Gushais (bairagis) and a very small portion of low caste smoke ganja throughout the district. 24. Bhang is not used in this district to any appreciable extent. - Evidence of P. SESHACHALLAM NAIDOO, Balija, Landlord, Merchant, and Chairman, Vetapollem, Kistna District.
10. They are of the same class as other agricultural cultivators in this district. 17. Gosains, lambadis and other wandering tribes to a great extent, and. generally other people to a little degree prepare ganja and bhang. 20. Fakirs and others, gosains, lambadis, and others to a small extent. Those that use these may come up to 4 per cent. throughout the district. 24. The above classes (a) 2 per cent., (b) 1 per cent. 27. Classes of people mentioned in Query 23. This practice is got into for putting down anger and suppressing manly power. - Evidence of AZIZ-UD-DIN ALI KHAN, SAHIB BAHADUR, Jagirdar, Cherlopalle, Gurramkanda, District Cuddapah
20. I know only that gosains and bairagis smoke the drug, and not respectable men. 24. Men of all castes drink bhang. The proportion is 25 per cent. - Evidence of SAGI RAMA SASTRY, Brahmin, Inamdar and Native Doctor, Rajahmundry, Godavari District.
10. There are no special classes. Shanars generally cultivate garden crops and ganja, but they do not use the drug but sell to others. 20. The lower order of Mahrattas and Panda–ram-Parathasus smoke ganja of either sort (above given). The proportion of people using ganja is very insignificant and may not exceed 1 in 5,000 - Evidence of M.R. RY. V. VENKATARO YER, Brahman, Managar, Ettayapuram Estate, Tinnevelly District.
20. Charas is not known here. All classes of people smoke ganja ; and they form 1/16th of the population. This is prevalent in all localities. 24. Bhang is drunk by all classes of people to a very limited extent and in all localities. - Evidence of BONDILI MOTIRAM, Cultivator, Cocanada, Godavari District.
20. I have seen chiefly the bairagis who travel about the countries on pilgrimages from the north, and the religious mendicants, and also Muhammadans as a class smoke ganja freely and frequently, but not the charas. 24. I know and have personally seen a Smartha Brahmin (Sivite) eat ganja and a bairagi drink ganja prepared as follows :— The Brahmin used to bring a pollum or 3 rupees weight of ganja, keep with it half the weight of pepper, and grind both well like wax and making it in two or three small balls eat it. The bairagi used to boil 2 pollums weight of ganja in water, and, after washing it well, grind the boiled hemp of the ganja, and then dilute it in two seers of boiled cow-milk, and after straining it two or three times in a piece of thin cloth, mix some white sugar in it and then drink. The Brahmin and the bairagi both were doing so every day once. - Evidence of LANKA KRISTNIENGAR, Vaishnava Brahmin, Chairman, Municipal Council, Srirangam, Trichinopoly District.
20. Ganja is used moderately by about 10 per cent. of all classes of the people. But more generally by bairagis, mendicants, and the poorer classes. 24. Bhang is more generally smoked than eaten or drunk. I believe that all consumers of ganja resort occasionally to bhang. - Evidence of MR. W. TAYLOR, Chairman, Municipal Council, Parlakimedi, Ganjam District.
10. There is no special class of persons cultivat ing it. 17. Generally by Muhammadan fakirs, bairagis, sanyasis, and other Hindus that use it. 20. All classes smoke ganja but not charas, which is not in use here. Perhaps one per cent. of the population use ganja in these parts. 24. Rajputs, Mahrattas, bairagis, fakirs and Marwaris generally drink bhang here. 27. Mainly Muhammadans. Saley or weaver class people and Mahratta people. In the midst of their labour, the working people now and then use it to find relief and get over fatigue. - Evidence of K. SUBBARAYADU PUNTALU, Brahmin, Chairman of the Adoni Municipal Council, Bellary District.
20. The use of ganja is not restricted to any particular class here. They smoke both of them indiscriminately here to the extent of five per mille all over the town. 24. It is both eaten. and drunk by the few people that make use of the drug here. 27. The use is not restricted to an y class. People make use of it more on account of its deadening effects on bodily ailments. It deprives them of the feelings of pain, keeps their spirits up while they are in a languid state. - Evidence of E. SUBRAMANA IYER, Brahmin, Chairman, Municipal Council, Con jevaram, Chingleput District.
20. Fakirs and Boyas, etc., lower class. In places where no other intoxicating drugs are available. - Evidence of RUNGO SRINIVASA RAO, Brahmin, Chairman, Union Panchayat, Madakasira, Anantpur District.
10. No special class. The ordinary raiyat puts a few seeds into his garden, and so makes a few rupees extra. 17. The ganja of the district is not prepared by any special class, though perhaps Muhammadans chiefly do it. Any one may set up the shop by taking out the license. 20. No particular class of ganja smokers can be designated, except that they are mostly of the poor and lower classes. Fakirs or religious mendicants also are much addicted to its use. - Evidence of the REV. H. J. GOFFIN, Missionary, Kadiri, Cuddapah District.
10. No, they do not form a special class. Yes. 17. Generally by Muhammadans. 20. Muhammadans chiefly and Sudras, of lower order s, i.e., lazy men. 24. Majority of Muhammadans of Southern India and some class of Bairagis in the NorthWestern Provinces and Calcutta eat bhang. 27. Hard-working class of people, labourers, boatmen, and jutka-drivers Those who cannot afford to spend money on liquors are compelled to go in for these. Smoking these drugs induces more intoxication than valuable liquors. - Evidence of the REV. J, DESIGACHARI, Missionary , Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, Badvel, Cuddapah District.
20. Religious mendicants, fakirs, Muhammadans. The proportion. is not known; but I should think all fakirs use it. - Evidence of the REV. W. ROBINSON, Missionary, London Missionary Sobriety, Salem.
10. In this district hemp is cultivated by all classes. 17. There is no particular class concerned in the preparation of the drug. It is prepared either by cultivators or by consumers. 20. Ganja is used not in one locality, but generally throughout the district. It is, I think, more freely used in the black-cotton soil talukas than in any other part. It is very largely used by Muhammadans. All classes of Sudras, agricultural and artisan, use it ; so do the low classes, such as Waddes, Mala and Madigas. Its use is almost universal among the wandering classes, such as fakirs and beggars. 24. If bhang is eaten or drunk, it is only in very rare and exceptional cases. 27. All classes are occasional moderate consumers and habitual moderate consumers. Excessive consumers I have found in almost all classes, but they are most numerous among the fakirs and beggars. - Evidence of the REV. W. H. CAMPBELL, Missionary, London Missionary Society, Cuddapah.
10. They do not form a special class in this district. 17. No special class. 20. Any one of any class who falls into the habit. I have known a Brahman and a Muham madan smoke ganja. Fakirs and sanyasis invari ably use ganja for smoking, but their wives do not. It is exceptional to find a female using ganja. I only came across two who did so. 27. Ganja smokers appear to be mainly fakirs and sanyasis and to have derived the habit of smoking from their fathers. Of the smokers I saw, seven told me their fathers had smoked, but only one that his mother did so. As a rule these men beg and do no work whatever, some say they have never done a day's work. They wander from place to place. They say they have smoked from the age of 10 or 12. I saw two boys said to be 8 and 12 (and who looked not more) smoking. One man said he smoked when he was 5. Smokers invariably told me their mothers and wives did not smoke. The mother of one somker was with him and he said she smoked. She declined the pipe in my presence, though he and others took it including her two boys of 8 and 12. Sellers of ganja also told me they sell very little to women. Smokers are mostly married and having one or two children. - Evidence of the REV. S. J. LONG, Missionary, Coimbatore.
10. There is no special class. But any farmer is likely to cultivate the plant. Besides this, many who are not farmers will have small garden plots of this plant for their own use. 17. By all classes. 20. All classes use both the ganja and charas. But bhang is expensive, and the former classes do not use it so much. 24. The rich or well-to-do use the bhang for drinking purposes. The Uriya people, especially Brahmins, use the bhang. 27. Those engaged in study of religious books and mendicants. - Evidence of the REV. W. V. HIGGINS,* Missionary, Parlakimedi, Ganjam District.
10. No special caste, but native doctors chiefly grow the plant. 17. By native doctors. 27. Nearly all native doctors are moderate habitual consumers, and they prescribe it to their patients, who are therefore occasional moderate consumers - Evidence of the REV. A. MARGÖSCHIS, Medical Missionary, S. P. G., Nazareth, Tinnevelly District.
10. Same as other cultivators, but especially Muhammadans near their mosques. 17. The Muhammadans, ascetics, and some of the lower classes of the people prepare it. 20. Muhammadans aid ascetics and the low castes use it, chiefly by smoking. 27. The ascetics take it to sustain them in long journeys without food. The Muhammadans take it for the intoxication. Others take it because of their poverty and exposure. But all take it more or less for intoxication. - Evidence of the REV. JOHN S. CHANDLER, Missionay Madura.
10. About Bobbili the gardener caste grow it. In every monastery belonging to the religious mendicants it is grown, but, being illicit, there is no class who cultivate it specially. 20. (1) The classes who smoke ganja.—Religious mendicants, Muhammadans, B rahmins, goldsmiths and carpenters, weavers, and men of the Vedantist sect, and soldiers and policemen who do service in feverish districts. (2) The proportion.—A very intelligent native gentleman, a graduate of the Madras College and a District Munsif, tells me that in his native district the following are about the number addicted to ganja in the large towns mentioned Berhampore, 1,000 out of perhaps 25,000; Puri, 800 out of '20,000; Cuttack, 1,000 out of 30,000; and Chicacole, 700 out of 15,000, Mr. Stillwell furnishes information gleaned from his 100 and more students to the effect that for ganjai of male population (adult) one in ten, and for charas one in five. This latter estim-ate is certainly excessive. Mr. Garside says that in Tuni. and Paikaraopetta, the adjacent town, with a combined population of 10, 000, about 150 use ganjai. The Mirasidar of Yellamanchili and a leading Vakil state that in the population of 6,000 some 300 use ganja. The use of ganja is more excessive near the jungle districts and in the foot hills of the Eastern Ghâts. As far as I can gather, my opinion is that as for ganja, (1) the religious mendicants, commonly called bairagis or sanyasis, all use it. (2) The people attached to the monasteries (matamalu), where these men congre-gate in large numbers, and which is the only home they have, also use it. Amongst these are women and children. (3) The disciples of these men in the villages which they habitually frequent use it, and their numbers differ in different places. They usually visit only larger villages of 1,000 inhabitants and more, and in such places there may be 30 or more men who smoke ganja with them, (4) Many Muhammadans are reported as using it, so that it has passed into a proverb. When a man desires something another does not wish to give, he is reproved by the proverb, "Why, you are like a Muhammadan after ganja. " (5) Of the remainder of the people, perhaps the general division may be between the well-to-do and the poorer classes. The latter use ganja, the former, bhang. Of the poorer classes, the goldsmiths, carpenters, vendors of sweetmeats, and such people as are of a rather unsettled habit of life, constantly moving from place to place, e.g., soldiers, police, salt and other peons, etc., use it; although, from any information gleaned about these, I am not convinced that the habit is at all general or even noticeably prominent as are the habits of liquordrinking and opium-using. (3) The localities.—Those mentioned jn Chapter I, Question 1. 24. Mr. Still well, who speaks with the voice of 80 men, is the only one who volunteers very much information under this head. He says it is used by about one in ten (I presume of the adult male population), and in both ways, but as a drink especially in the hot season. Two very scholarly Brahmin gentlemen, one a teacher and the other in the Judicial Department, tell me that Vizianagram is a notorious place for bhang-drinking, and they know whereof they affirm. It seems the habit has been introduced from Benares by the pundits attached to the train of the Maharaja as well as by the Muhammadan quota, and has been gradually extending amongst their intimate friends and acquaintances until the custom has become quite prevalent. One of them was of opinion that it was generally used in the form of a drink mixed with milk, spices, ani-seed, pepper-water, dried ginger, etc. The other declared that a great many used it in the form of a sweetmeat. As their testimony, which is very emphatic, is corroborated by general rumour, I am disposed to conclude that in Vizianagram more of bhang is used than ganja. One of them affirms that even coolies earning only two annas a day take it. Information about bhang seems difficult to secure, even though the habit may be widespread. It may be owing to the fact that it is usually taken privately and as a rule by office men and Government clerks and employés, whereas ganja is smoked openly in the village temple and by poorer men whose lives are more open to observation. However, from my general information, I should suppose that where one uses bhang two use ganja. 27. (1) The religious ascetics use it (ganja), because they are enabled by it to overcome desire and thus attain that holy state in which the soul is filled with all reverence to the Deity. Shrewd observers say that they certainly lose all desire, for many of them smoke to the sacrifice of food, sense, reverence, health, strength, and everything that goes to make up manhood. (2) The disciples of these men smoke because their masters smoke, drawn to it by the seductiveness of the drug, in some cases to drown care. (3) The Muhammadans I surmise to be more familiar with it than other classes of the people, because the drug as used seems to have been introduced from north India, possibly being carried down in the Muhammadan invasion. There is historical evidence that the drug was used commonly in the Muhammadan armies. (4) That the water of strange wells conduces to fever and sickness in the user is a widespread belief amongst the people. To counteract the supposed ill effects of this water, travellers or newly arrived residents in a place who may suffer from ill health resort to all sorts of reputed cures. Amongst these stands ganja. Soldiers, police, and men whose habits are more or less nomadic use ganja to a more marked extent than other classes of the people, and for the reason stated above. (5) Then ganja has a reputation amongst its de -votees of curing coughs, asthma, etc. A few are induced to adopt the habit by this consideration. (6) Card-playing parties and gambling dens are places at which the habit is practised and fostered. As for bhang: (1) amongst those whose habit of life is sedentary, and whose work requires long continued mental application, some are said to be addicted to the habit. (2) The pundits, who ape the fashions of Benares, the great religious centre of all India, are said to use it to a limited extent. - Evidence of the REV. H. F. LAFLAMME, Canadian Baptist Mission, Yellamanchili, Vizagapatam
17. Muhammadans, sanyasis, etc. 20. Muhammadans and Telugus of all the classes, more or less, but sanyasis, etc., and itinerant priests, chiefly also the aboriginal tribes. - Evidence of the REV. J. F. BURDITT, Missionary, Narsaravupet, Kistna District.
10. No. They are the same as other agricultural cultivators. 17. The preparations of the drug are not restricted to any particular class or classes of people. 20. The use of ganja is not restricted to a particular class of people. The waddis or well-diggers use it perhaps more freely than any other class. Men of comparatively low moral status indulge in its use. Charas is not known here. 24. Bhang drinkers are very few in this district. - Evidence of the REV. J. HEINRICHS, Missionary, Vinukunda, Kistna District.
20. It appears that a small proportion of every class and caste, from the Brahmin down to the Pariah, is using ganja for smoking. 24. Bhangi is everywhere smoked, eaten and drunk, but only in the houses of the users. - Evidence of the REV. S. C. SCHAIBLE, Missionary, Moolky, South Canara.
Question 20.—The consumption of the hemp drugs in Vizagapatam town is limited to very few people. Opium and country liquor are indulged in to a much larger extent. The hemp drugs are taken by Musalmans and bairagis and a few people from Orissa. The Musalmans who consume the hemp drugs are tailors, peons, chowkidars, pailwans, and men in service, as watchmen at private houses and public buildings. Perhaps two or three per cent. of the adult male population take the drugs. The commonest and easiest form of consumption is the smoking of the dried leaves like tobacco in pipes. Some make a cooling drink only of the leaves ; but this requires a good deal of trouble to prepare, and three or four people join to make it up. Majum is also consumed, and women and children sometimes have the drug given to them in this form. I have also heard of charas being used, but very rarely. Charas is, however, dearer than the other forms of the drug. - Evidence of the VERY REV. A. CHELVUM, Roman Catholic Diocese, Vizagapatam.
17. Only by the people using the drug. 20. Rajputs and Musalmans are the principal classes who use gauja. Twenty per cent. of these classes are likely to use the drug. Other classes very rarely use it. - Evidence of S. P. NARASIMMALU NAYUDU, Editor of the " Crescent," Coimbatore .
10. They are of the same classes as other agricultural cultivators. 20. Brahmins, goldsmiths, Musalmans, Sudras. They form very little proportion. Smokers are found both in our town and villages of our district. 24. Very few drink bhang. 27. Bairagis, sanyasis, fakir, vagabonds; retired people. Indolence, or devotion to God, or resignation of worldly pleasure leads to such practice. - Evidence of N. KOTHUNDARAMAYYA, Brahmin, Editor of "Suneeti" Rajahmundry, Godavari District
10. The same classes as other agricultural cultivators. 17. By Musalmans in this district, but some vagabonds, called bairagis, seem to make the preparations and use them. 20. In this district Musalmans smoke ganja. 24. In this district only Musalmans mostly eat or drink ganja or bhang. 27. Their habits are dilatory - Evidence of K. VEMATASOOBIAH, Veishya, Trader and Pleader, District Munsiff's Court, Cuddapah.
17. By fakirs and ascetics known as bairagis, by certain Musalmans, and by some lower classes of Hindus, especially by the class of people known as Bondhilis. 20 Almost all the bairagis, a few Musalmans, Bondhilis, and Sudras smoke ganjai or use its mixture in this district. The better classes of Hindus or Musalmans are free from this practice, and the people who resort to it form a miscroscopic minority, not even 1 per cent, of the population. 24. Vide my answer to question 20. 27. Bairagis are the only class of people that use the drug, and they believe in its efficacy to lessen sexual desire. Others get into the habit, in the majority of cases, by their association with bairagis, and some of them believe also in its medicinal properties. Their habits of life are not active, and society looks upon them as unsteady characters. - Evidence of GANJAM VENCATARATNAM, Brahmin, 1st Grade Pleader, Coconada, Godavery District
20. Ganja is smoked by Uriya bairagis and other constant travellers. Charas is used in smoking by Muhammadans in all places. 24. Bhang is drunk by all classes in all places, to a great extent. Eating less prevalent. - Evidence of VISWANADHAM GURAVAIAH SASTRI, Brahmin, Pleader and District and Taluk Board Member, Chicacole.
20. Almost all classes, and notoriously religious mendicants (bairagis) and professional singers, smoke ganja. Ganja is smoked all over India, but I have not seen any use of charas in the Madras Presidency. Ganja and charas are used extensively in the North-Western Provinces and the Punjab. 24. Within my experience, eating and drinking bhang are common in the North-Western Provinces and the Punjab. In the Puri district in Orissa drinking bhang is a confirmed habit with many people. In Ganjam the habit is rare. - Evidence of B. CHATTERJEA, Brahmin, Pleader, District Court, Ganjam, and Chairman, Berhampore Municipality.
10. No. They are of the same classes as other agricultural cultivators in this district. In Daggupadu and other villages in the Kistna district, there are, I understand, special classes who cultivate this. 17. No particular classes. Generally by the lower classes of Hindus and Musalmans. 20. Charas not known here. Bairagis smoke very largely. Boyas, Kurubhas, Musalmans, and some other lower orders make ganja. Brahmins and other higher classes rarely smoke ganja in this district. 27. Lower orders of Hindus generally and all classes of Musalmans. Higher orders of Hindus also sometimes use it. It is sometimes used in the beginning as medicine to facilitate digestion, to check diarrhœa, dysentery, etc. - Evidence of P. C. ANUNTHACHARLU, Brahmin, Chairman, Municipal Council, and Government Pleader, Bellary.
10. A special class known as the Malyalees cultivate it. They live apart from others on the hills. 17. By the Rajputs and the Muhammadans. 20. The Rajputs and the Muhammadans, specially of the Indian classes. Thirty per cent. in almost all localities where these are to be had. 24. The Rajputs, the Muhammadans, and a few Hindus eat bhang. Twenty per cent, in almost all localities where manufactured. - Evidence of V. SIVA YOGI, Brahmin, 1st Grade Pleader and .Municipal Chairman, Vellore.
10. A few physicians were growing a few plants formerly. They appear to have discontinued since a few years. 20. Among Hindus a set of wandering mendicants, called pardesis, and bairagis, smoke ganja. Some Hindus of the higher class secretly use, and certain people of the Sudra class also smoke. The Rajput class also use it. Among Muhammadans, the fakirs smoke ganja. In the southern districts of the Presidency of Madras it is less used than the northern districts and upper India. - Evidence of V. SRINIVASA RAO, Brahmin, Pleader, District Munsiff's Court, Tirukoilur, South Arcot.
20. Wandering bairagis smoke ganja as a rule. Beyond this, it cannot be laid clown as a general rule that any particular class of people smoke ganja. - Evidence of MANCHALLER JAGANNADHAM, Brahmin, Pleader, Bapathla, Ristna District.
10. Muhammadan fakirs as a rule. 20. Muhammadans, Chetty balijas, fishermen, males, madigas and linga balijas. In Gooty, Pamidi Urnakondah and Guntakul, the majority of the ganja users live. In almost every village one or two may be found. 27. Vide remarks against question 20. Lazy habits of people who resort to places where fakirs and such people lounge - Evidence of P. KESAVA PILLAI, Karnam, Pleater, and Honorary Secretary of the Gooty People's Association.
20. Andis, bairagis, jogis, and fakirs smoke in particular; also vagabonds in places where such characters generally meet. - Evidence of the TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION, Trichinopoly.
10. There is no special class of people. 20. Ganja is generally smoked by workmen, poor people who require intoxication, by fakirs, and the sadhus of Northern India; in this province the ganja smokers are generally low class people. 27. Moderate consumers are generally well-to do people and are of some respectability; secondly, they are workmen, doing coolie work; thirdly, they are vagabonds and stray fellows with no other work except killing time in idle talk; these last are generally mean folks. (1) Class in the above use ganja as a luxury with a view to be able to eat and drink well and sumptuously. (2) Class use it as a recreation and to enjoy sound sleep during nights. (3) Class use it as a fashion of the day among idlers, of the excessive consumers, the fakirs, etc., use ganja to enable them to concentrate steadily their mind on God and to secure onepointedness of the mind. - Evidence of the HON'BLE A. SABAPATHY MOODELLIAR, RAI BAHADUR,* Merchant, Bellary.
10. They do not form a special class. They are of the same classes as other agricultural cultivators. 17. It is not restricted to any particular class of people. 20. Ganja is used by all classes of people indiscriminately in Northern Circars. The proportion of the people using it is a little less than 1/16 part of the people. 24. There is no restriction of class or caste. The proportion is a little less than 1/16 part. 27. Some people take it for medicine, others use it for pleasure. Hindu ascetics generally use it because it keeps the mind of a man steady. Furthermore, they use it with the object of keeping good health, as they lead a wandering life. The main object of these Hindu ascetics in smoking ganja or in drinking bhang excessively is to subside their passions. - Evidence of CHODISETTY VENKATARATNUM, Merchant, Coconada, Godavari District
20. Some low class people and beggars smoke ganja commonly. 24. No people of this country drink bhang or use charas. - Evidence of KOMMIREDDI NARASINGA Row NAYUDU GARU, Merchant, Coconada.
10. No, they are of the same class of ordinary people as other cultivators. 17. It can be prepared by any one and mostly by Hindus. It is a custom in all important Hindu temples to allow a certain quantity of ganja and tobacco to travellers, mendicants, and gosains. The Hindus of Gujarat give it as charity, as the ganja plant is sacred amongst them. 24. I cannot give any proportion, but what I know is that the use is amongst every class of people more or less. 27. It is mostly used by hard-working people and fakirs to relieve them from the fatigue. - Evidence of MIRZA MEHDY ISPAHANI, Merchant, Madras.
20. Ganja is practised by Telugu Brahmins and banians in proportion of 1/8 of the whole popula -tion, and almost all the lower class people and gosains are in the habit of smoking it in places surrounding the Malias, such as Suradu, Bodagada, Ghumsoor, and the hills also. Generally poor people have recourse to it. 24. More than one-third of the higher classes and the weaver classes and poor people in general drink bhang in towns situated in plains. - Evidence of NALUM BHIMARAUZ VYSYIA, Merchant, Berhampore, Ganjam District.
20. Bairagis and other low classes, about 1 per cent. 24. It is not eaten, as it is always used in the form of liquor. - Evidence of APPALA NARASSIAH CHETTY, Vaisya, Merchant, Berhampore.
17. In Wynaad the growers are the punniers and some canadies, and they prepare the drugs. 20. Very few, and that also of the poor class of Malabar Hindus, smoke it, and all the bairagis who resort to this coast are using it. - Evidence of MR. D . MANECKJI, Parsi, Merchant and Contractor, Calicut.
20. All classes of people smoke ganja. The proportion of the ganja-smoking population is one-fourth. 24. Bhang is drunk by Bondilis and the Benees. Its use is very rare - Evidence of MOKHALINGAM APPANNA, Ganja Vendor, Coconada.
20. Ganja is smoked by the following classes of people :—Gosains, Mahrattas, Muhammadans, Rajputs, and a few other Hindus. Ganja is used by a very small percentage of the people. It is used in Salem, Chittur, Coimbatore, Madura, Trichinopoly and Tanjore districts. Charas is not known to be in use in Salem. 24. (a) Bhang is used for eating by fakirs, Muhammadans, Gosains, Mahrattas, and a few other Hindus in Chittur, Salem, Coimbatore, Trichinopoly, and Tanjore districts, and the proportion of the people that resort to the drug is inconsiderable. (b)Bhang is drunk by the above classes of people in the localities mentioned above on a small scale. - Evidence of PERIANNA CHETTY, Potter, Ganja Shop-keeper, Kitchipolayam, Salem.
20. Bairagis, fakirs, sanyasis, and some other low caste men. About 76 per cent. of the popula -tion of Adoni town use this, and people in some villages of this taluk as well. - Evidence of KAMALAPURAM NAGAYYA, Komati, Ganja Contractor, Adoni.
10. There is no distinct class of persons who cultivate hemp plant. Classes as other agricultural cultivators generally cultivate this. 17. All classes that are in need of it without distinction of caste. 20. Fakirs, gosains, bairagis and jogis use much. Military people use a little. Weavers use much. No particular class uses this. Coolies also some -times use it. Ten percent. of the populace in towns use this. Daggupadu stuff is used for smoking. 24. Marwaris, Rajputs (Bondilis), Bengalees, and also Hindustani Muhammadans drink bhang. During the festival, in honour of Khama ( Manmatha or Cupid) they all drink. These people are generally to be found in Tars, where there is much commerce. - Evidence of ABDUL KHADER, Agent of the Ganja Shopkeeper,—Rajahmundry.
20. In southern districts, about 5 per cent. of the population are addicted to the use of ganja, chiefly wandering mendicants and bairagis. 27. This practice seems to be chiefly addicted to wandering mendicants owing to the fatigue and other hardships to which their wandering life ex -poses them. The practice seems to be more common in these parts among the Muhammadans than among Tamilians. - Evidence of T. RATNASAMI NADA.R, Arrack Supply Contractor, Malabar.
10. Except the Brahmins, Komutties, and Pieresinites, almost all other people cultivate it. The cultivation is not restricted to a particular class. 27. These consumers are mostly taken from the artizan, weaving and other labouring. classes. It is the muscular exhaustion and pain caused by hard and incessant labour that leads people to this sort of intoxication. - Evidence of ANGAPPA GONUDEN, Blacksmith, Salem.
20. All classes smoke ganja. About 10 per cent, use this. - Evidence of MALLAPPA, Reddy, Guntakal.
20. Gosains, jogis, bairagis, fakirs, labourers, weavers and even family men without distinction of caste use it. It is smoked. 24. All classes use it. Very few of the people use it. 27. Gosains, fakirs and sadhus smoke ganja. Family men are prohibited from using it now. Several bad characters are also using. Some family men also are using it. - Evidence of SAMDASU BAVAJI, Brahmin, Priest in the Matt of Sri Jagannadha Swamy, Rajahmundry.
10. No. Every one who wants it, to whichever caste he may belong, cultivates it. 20. Bairagis, sanyasis, fakirs, labourers and men of loose character use this. Nearly a fourth part of the population are in the habit of consuming it. People of colder climes use it more freely and to a greater extent. 24. Marwadis, Guzaratis, people of Malwa. Kathiawar, etc., use bhang to a large extent. They mix it with milk, sugar, and spices, etc., and consume it for intoxicating purposes. 27. Everyone who has a liking for it, irrespective of either class or caste, use it. Question 20.—"A fourth of the population" is far too high an estimate over all as smokers. I think that one-tenth of adult males would be quite high enough. This seems to be a fair estimate for Rajahmundry. There would be about a hundred or two hundred consumers in Rajahmundry. - Evidence of BALDEVDAS, Brahmin, Priest of Hanuman Math, Rajahmundry.
20. Fakirs, sadhus, sanyasis, jogis, and bairagis smoke ganja and charas. Those of Northern India smoke charas, and those of Deccan ganja, because charas is not obtained in Deccan. Ganja is smok -ed to a great extent in Pencundah, Nagore, Srirungam, Rameswaram, Cuddapah, and Shimoga district, etc. 24. The same as abovementioned eat and drink bhang. First of all, they rub ganja with pepper and mix it with water, and this solution is called bhang in Deccan ; but charas is called bhang in Northern India. Those who have much heat in their bodies drink bhang, and those who are of cold nature smoke it. - Evidence of SYED SHAH ABDAL HUSAINI, Manager of Pencundah's Dargah, Pencundah, Anantapur District.
17. No particular class. The preparation of ganja and bhang is ordinary coolie work. 20. The use of charas is too insignificant to enable comparison to be instituted. What is obtained is smoked by such ordinary smokers as can lay hands on it. 24. According to officially collected information, out of a population of 888,755, there are only 127 bhang drinkers and 168 majum eaters, of which latter 151 live at Ahmednagar, where the only majum shop is situated. The principal drinkers are said to be Marwaris. Majum is eaten by the wealthier classes, and is said to be the special dainty of wrestlers. 27. In the chapter on "Population, " in volume XVII (Ahmednagar) of the Bombay Gazetteer, it will be found that the habitual use of the drug is predicated of a large proportion of the races and classes described there. I have had some of the ganja shops watched for a week, and find represented among the purchasers not only most of the people to whom the habit is ascribed in the Gazetteer, but also a number of classes in the description of which the Gazetteer makes no mention of hemp. The following is a combined list of classes of consumers, as extracted from the book, and noticed during the week's observation of the shops. The former are entered in Roman, the latter in italics; and where the observation of the shop has confirmed the assertions of the Gazetteer, an asterisk has been added to the name : Brahmans. Deshasth.* Marwaris.* Paradeshi.* Host. Traders. Gujrathi Wani.* Komtis. Lad Wanis.* Marwaris. Jangams. Craftsmen. Beldars.* Gaondis.* Ghisadis. Jain Shimpis. * Kattais. Khatris. Koshtis.* Buruds. Lohars.* M°chis.* Otaris. Halvais. Saltangars. Sonars.* Sutars.* Tambats. Vadars.* Kaikadis. Kasars. Kumbhars. Niralis. Telis. Padamsalis. Rangaris. Servants. Parits.* Nhavis. Shepherds. Gavlis. Dhangars. Labourers. Kabars. Bhois. Lamans. Vanjaris. Depressed classes. Bhaugis.* Mangs.* Mhars.* Chambhars Beggars. Manbhaos.* Gondhalis. Gosavis. Kolhatis. Bairagis. Fakirs. Bharadis. Musalmams, Kasabs. Takars. Pinjaras. Servants. Landowners. Low Deccanis. Ghair Mahadis. ( My information from the shops does not give subdivisions, but the largest number of purchasers in any one caste were in Musalmans.) Husbandmen. Kunabis. Malis. Marathas. Musicians. Ghadshis. Guravs. It is impossible without an exhaustive enquiry; of which time and opportunity have not allowed, to give a satisfactory answer to the latter part of this question. The purchasers at the shops gave many reasons for their use of the drug. Some, the most habitual user, said they sought intoxication ; others wanted it for the relief of pain in joint, stomach, head, etc. ; others sought relief from fatigue or strength to labour. The majority of the purchasers appear to have been men of the labouring classes, i.e., husbandmen and coolies, and poor Musalmans ; and craftsmen, such as weavers, goldsmiths, blacksmiths, etc., And in the majority (80 per cent.) of cases the purchase did not exceed one pice worth, which is a clear indication that the drug is a poor man's luxury. There appears to be no doubt at all that the principal consumers as a class are the begging ascetics, such as fakirs, bairagis, etc., who use from quarter pound to one pound of the drug daily. After reading the Gazetteer, I was somewhat astonished at the result of the rough census of smokers and drinkers throughout the district, which gave a total of only 6,429, or about .7 per cent. of the population. On comparing this result, however, with the retail consumption, which last year reached an average of only 1,760 toles per day, I am not inclined to think that my census is very far from correct. - Evidence of MR. E. J. EBDEN, Collector, Ahmednagar.
17. There is no particular class. The licensees are Musalmans, Marathas, Jains and others. 20. Ganja is smoked chiefly by bairagis, fakirs and gosains, and to a limited extent by all classes. It is sparingly used by a few in all classes. 27. (a) (c) and (d) are of all classes. (b) Habitual excessive consumers are bairagis, fakirs and gosains only. The reason for this is the life of hard privation and exposure they lead in their wanderings. - Evidence of MR. F. L. CHARLES, Collector, Belgaum.
20. Fakirs, sadhus and such like religious ascetics lead the way. In Surat city about 200 Borahs and 1,000 other Muhammadans smoke. Next come about 500 goldsmiths (Sonis), and 200 masons (Kadias). Then about 500 Jains. Then about 100 weavers (Khatris). The rest, about 400, are Kanbis, Wanias, Ghanchis, Brahmins, Dheds. The above are for Surat city. Elsewhere we note Wanjaras from the Ghâts, and Brahmins occupy a higher place. The monthly licit sale of ganja in all the shops of the Surat district is 623½ local seers (37½ tolas) for 650,000 people. 24. Bhang is chiefly drunk by goldsmiths (Sonis), Jains, Brahmins. Also by a few Muham madans, and men of other Hindu castes. Bhang water is generally preferred, but it is also eaten in the form of bhang bukni by some Hindus. Bhang bukni is made by frying bhang with ghi and then adding sugar. Majum pak is sold in shops. To prepare it, bhang is soaked in water for a whole day and then boiled for about a couple of hours. Ghi is then added, and the mixture again boiled for several hours. Spices and sugar are also boiled in, and the preparation allowed to cool, when it congeals and is cut up into small cakes. The monthly licit sale of bhang in the shops of Surat district is 226½ local seers (37½ tolas) for 650,000 people, and of majum pak 34¼ seers. 27. Fakirs and other ascetics are the chief habitual excessives in ganja. They take it because it enables them to bear abstinence from food and water and even clothes in the coldest weather. It is said to enable them to resist the most malarious climate and the worst water. Muhammadans and many castes of Hindus are led to ganja or bhang by having to abstain from alcohol from religious scruples. Artizans and others believe that their usual drink of bhang water sharpens their faculties and enables them to work better. Lastly, many resort to ganja smoking as a cure for rheumatism, indigestion, and certain other chronic diseases, and also to allay mental depression. More than one-half of the consumers belong to the poorer classes. - Evidence of MR. F. S. P. LELY, Collector of Surat.
10. The plant is cultivated on behalf of the contractor, a Marwari, under the supervision of experts who come from the Satara district. The operations common to the production of this and other plants are performed by cultivators belonging to the district. 17. Ganja is prepared only by the contractor. The only other preparation, so far as I can learn, used in the district is gheta, and it is made and drunk at festivals, particularly the Hob, by Marathas and the other Hindu lower castes; occasion -ally by some of the higher castes (not by Lenga-yets) and by Musalmans. 20. So far as I can learn, the smoking of ganja is almost confined in this district to Muhammadans of the lower class, fakirs, Hindu ascetics and mendicants, weavers, and some domestic servants. The proportion of ganja smokers to the total population is exceedingly small. I imagine not so much as 1 per cent. 24. So far as I can learn, bhang is hardly ever eaten here, and is drunk only in the form of ghota by the classes mentioned in the answer to question 17. I do not think the proportion of those who so use it exceeds 5 per cent. 27. I can give no information on this point in addition to what is stated above. - Evidence of MR. J. MONTEATH, Collector and District Magistrate, _Bijapur.
20. The practice of smoking ganja is general among all the lower and poorer classes, fakirs, bairagis, sadhus, and other ascetics being spe-cially addicted to it. 24. Bhang is drunk by all classes of the popu lation in a less or greater degree, specially in the hot season. It has refreshing and stimulating properties, and is imbibed at convivial meetings, as Europeans use tea, by the well-to-do classes. 27. From all classes. From the Brahmin and well-fed bania to the Dharala and emaciated ascetic, as well as Muhammadans. The people of a country like India must have stimulants. The form of the stimulant chosen will depend on a variety of circumstances, not the least important being the means of the consumer. Physical aches and pains, mental depression, general joylessness of life among the more indigent classes, the force of bad example, are all incentives to get temporary rest and oblivion. - Evidence of MR. H. WOODWARD, Collector, Kaira, Gujarat
20. There cannot be said to be different classes amongst these people. Charas is not smoked at all. The proportion of ganja smokers is perhaps as follows: — Amongst Bhils, about 4 per cent.: amongst Tadvis, about 2 or 3 per cent.: amongst Maochis, 1/10th per cent.: amongst Pawras, 0 per cent.: amongst Konkanas, about 2 per cent. 24. None. 27. There cannot be said to be different classes or different habits of life or circumstances amongst these wild tribes, I think. - Evidence of MR. A. CUMINE, Acting Collector, Dhulia, Khandesh.
20. My subordinates report a total of about 8,000 out of 1,106,000, or 0.72 per cent. Besides bairagis and such like, the remaining consumers are drawn from all classes. 27. Bad company and bowel complaints are said universally to be the two causes which lead per sons to acquire the habit. - Evidence of MR. W. W. DREW, Acting Collector, Ratnagiri.
20. Individuals of all classes, except the depressed classes (Kolis, Mahars, &c.), and wild tribes (Thakurs, Katkaris, etc.) use ganja. Regu lar consumers, principally Paudharpeshas and Muhammadans in this district, amount to about 500 only, and in Janjira State about 375. These are scattered through the district. The popula tions are—Kolaba, 594,872 ; Janjira, 81,780. 27. The well or fairly well-to-do supply the majority of (a). Many of them, especially Mar wadis, like ganja as a drink in hot weather; many I have no doubt take it as an aphrodisiac. A habitual moderate consumer told me he was much given to going to pilgrimages, and acquired the habit among the devotees at Nasík. Musalman fakirs and Hindu devotees (mendicant religious) constitute a large proportion of the consumers - Evidence of MR. R. A. LAMB, Acting Collector, Kolaba
10. They do not form a special class. They are of the same classes as other agricultural cultivators. 20. Ganja smoking is not confined to any parti cular class, although fakirs and gosains smoke more than any other class. Bhils smoke a little, but not much. There appears to be no difference between Hindus and Musalmans as regards the extent to which ganja is smoked. Ganja smok ing is not confined to any particular part of the district. 24. Bhang is seldom eaten ; it is generally drunk. Fakirs, bairagis, and gosains both eat and drink it more than other classes do. Other Mussal mans occasionally, but rarely, eat it, fried with meat. The practice is not confined to any particular locality. 27. The broad distinction between the use of ganja and bhang is that the former is chiefly con fined to the poorer and lower classes of society. Fakirs, bairagis, and gosains may be classed as habitual consumers; the majority of them are habitual excessive consumers. Want of regular employment, want of settled homes, want of regular food are the principal causes which lead to the use of the drugs. - Evidence of MR. C. G. DODGSON, Assistant Magistrate and Collector, Khandesh.
10. My enquiries do not show that persons who cultivate hemp for its narcotic properties form a special class. They are ordinary agricultural cultivators. 17. The preparation of hemp drugs is not confined to any special classes. The ordinary agriculturists who cultivate the plant, manufacture ganja and bhang, and the several preparations from these drugs are made by the vendors, who have to take out licenses from the Collector of the district to manufacture and sell the drugs. 20. All classes of people resort to ganja smoking. But bairagis, sadhus, gosains, hakims and men of the mendicant class and ascetics use ganja for smoking throughout the district. Smoking is not confined to any locality. 24. In answering this question I must state that, unlike Upper India, where real bhang is available, ganja is used for making confections, such as majum, yakuti, etc., and the so-called bhang is used here for drinking. The proportion of the people using the eatables to those who drink bhang is about the same. 27.I am unable to give the proportions of classes of persons using the drugs. All classes use them, but gosains, fakirs, bairagis and other people of the mendicant classes use the drugs as habitual moderate or excessive consumers. Their habits of life and their pilgrimages lead to the habitual use of the drugs, especially that of ganja smoking and gota-drinking, in order to enable them to bear climatic changes and to endure fatigue. - Evidence of MR. A. H. PLUNKETT, City Magistrate, Poona
17. I believe no particular classes of people are employed on this business. 20. Ganja is smoked invariably by bairagis and those who revere and associate with them. It is used by a comparatively small proportion of the lower classes of the population, a smoker of ganja being looked upon as a disreputable person. The use of bhang is almost unknown in the Deccan. The preparations of bhang, such as pak, yakuti, majum and gulkand are used by a few persons of the middle classes. Question 20 [oral evidence]. —The use of bhang in the Deccan is much less than in Gujarat. There is no bhang in this presidency. It is only broken bits of ganja. It is the unsmokable ganja that is bhang. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR LALLUBHAI GORDHANDAS, Vania, Huzur Deputy Collector, Nasik.
20. In this district fakirs, bairagis, gosavis, and other mendicants use ganja, as also dowries and other itinerant classes. In higher classes the use of this drug is very rare. 27. Habitually excessive smokers are from the mendicant classes, such as fakirs, bairagis and gosavis. Habitual moderate consumers come from all classes, particularly from the lower strata. Occasional moderate consumers can be traced to all castes, not excluding Brahmins and Lingayets. I believe there are no occasional excessive consumers. Fakirs, bairagis, gosavis, dowries, and similar mendicant classes are initiated as soon as they enter mendicant orders, or when they attain the age of puberty. Bairagi boys are initiated at even the early age of 12 and 14. In other classes this habit is contracted on account of bad company, and is seldom acquired for medicinal purposes. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR NARAYAN GANESII DESHPANDE, Brahmin, Deputy Collector, Belgaum
10. Belong to the ordinary cultivating classes. 17. Please see answer No. 2. Bhang and ganja are prepared by the consumers themselves. Yakuti is prepared by experts. 20. Ganja is smoked by mendicants and low class Brahmins; a few artizans also smoke. Ganja smoking is confined chiefly to towns and cities. Village people seldom smoke ganja. Hardly one per cent. of the male adult population smokes ganja. This figure is arrived at after due consideration of the material and economic conditions of the several classes of people. 24. Bhang is generally drunk. To save time habitual consumers sometimes eat bhang. Bhang is drunk by well-to-do Hindus, a few Musalmans and Parsis. The habitual consumers are chiefly goldsmiths, jewellers and Brahmin mendicants. Some village people drink bhang. Bhang drinkers may be put at two per cent. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR BHIMBHAI KIRPA RAM, Brahmin, Huzur Deputy Collector of Surat.
10. No. They are of the same class as other agricultural cultivators. 17. Ganja and charas are prepared from the plant by cultivators. As to ganja which has to undergo some more process before it is consumed, the consumer makes it ready for use, washes it some five or six times and clearing it of its dirt and other impurities uses it. In the same manner bhang, otherwise called ghota, is made ready by the consumer himself. It is only majum which is sold ready-made by native perfumers. 20. None except the ganja cultivators can get charas for smoking, being produced in very small quantity. It is therefore never brought to market for sale. Ganja smoking is not restricted to any particular class of people ; but it is used by a majority of fakirs, bairagis, gosavis and other mendicants. There is hardly a village in this district where it is not smoked more or less by the above-named people or cultivators and other labouring class. 24. Eating of majum, a kind of preparation of hemp drug, is indulged in generally by debauchees. Their proportion is one per cent. of the population of this district. The preparation of hemp drug used for drinking called ghota is used by Marwa -dis, bairagis and a few brahmins. The propor -tion of Marwaids is 20 per cent., bairagis 90 per cent., Brahmins .04 per cent. Eating pre-vails in large places where native perfumes are sold. Drinking is prevalent at places where there is a Marwadi and bairagi population. 27. These people are mainly taken from the following classes— (a) Labourers, (b) fakirs, (c) beggars, (d) sadhus (ascetics), (e) traders and servants. Beggars, fakirs and sadhus (ascetics) use it to allay hunger. The others use it for pleasure's sake. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR VYANKATESH BAPUJI WADEKAR, Deputy Collector, Ahmednagar
10. They were of the same classes as other agricultural cultivators. 20. In all localities, and generally all classes of people smoke ganja. Those belonging to the higher classes of Hindus as well as Musalmans do not smoke openly, and do not admit that they are addicted to it. In the districts of Gujarat from four to five per cent. of the population are habitual ganja smokers; but as they almost, as a rule, belong to the class of male adults, the percentage of ganja smokers to the male adult population may be said to amount to something like 14 per cent. The population of the town of Kaira, according to the last census, is 10,101, and of males of the age of 20 years and upwards, 2,881. The total number of persons who indulge in ganja smoking are roughly estimated at 400. 24. All classes of people more or less drink bhang during the hot season as a cool beverage ; but in the districts of Ahmedabad and Kaira its use is not so general as in the districts of Broach and Surat. Well-to-do people use it in larger numbers than the poorer classes, because bhang drink is a little expensive when compared with ganja smoking. 27. It is estimated that in the town of Kaira there are about 400 ganja smokers, of whom– about 200 are Brahmins, Banias, Shrawaks, Bhawsars, Sonis, Kunbis, etc.; about 70 Musalmans; about 70 Dharalas ; about 60 Rajputs and travelling bairagis and mendicants. The same remark applies to this answer as to answer No. 26. - Evidence of KHAN BAHADUR DADABHAI DEENSHAH, Parsi, Huzur Deputy Collector and Magistrate,1st Class, Kaira.
10. They are of the same classes as other culti -vators. 17. Ganja is used by weavers, fakirs and bairagis more than others. Bhang is in the same way used by Marwaris. Boja is used by Mahars and other low castes. Majum is also used by Marwaris to a greater extent than others. These drugs are also used by all other castes, except boja to a very small extent. 20. The people who smoke ganja generally are weavers, Pardesis, Fakirs, Gosavis, Bairagis and some Muhammadans. The smoking of charas is not prevalent. The proportion of those smoking ganja in villages is insignificant. The use is much prevalent in cities and large towns, where the above classes of people are found in large numbers. Amongst these also the proportion of ganja smokers is one per cent. 24. Bhang is used for drinking by people in cities and large towns only. It is only the Marwaris who use it as ghota in the hot season as a cooling draught. Some of the other classes use the drink on the day of Maha Shivaratra in the night time. The number of these is insignificantly small. The proportion of habitual drinkers in cities and towns is one in a thousand of the whole population. The low classes in cities use boja for drinking. Their proportion is one per cent. of the whole population. Bhang is eaten in the shape of a preparation called majum. Its use is not confined to any particular class, nor can the proportion be clearly as-certained. 27. They are taken from salis (i.e.), weavers, bairagis, gosavis, and fakirs, who are generally of sedentary habits. Those who work generally use the drug on account of its cheapness and as a stimulant after fatigue. They are generally poor. Gosavis, bairagis and fakirs are generally men of idle habits, and desire to while away their time in a state of intoxication. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR BHASKAR RAO RAMCHANDRA HEBLIKAR, Brahmin, Depu ty Collector, Sholapur.
10. The ordinary cultivators cultivate this plant in addition to other crops. There is not a special class of cultivators for this cultivation in Khandesh. 17. It is general with all Hindus and Muhammadans, specially mendicants, such as gosavis, bairagis and fakirs ; with others sparingly. It is therefore difficult to say which particular class use it and which not. 20. I would refer to my answer to question 17, and add that, amongst gosavis 90, bairagis and fakirs 70, pardeshis 50, and from other classes 5 per cent. of the Hindu and Muhammadan population smoke ganja. It is common through-out the district, and not confined to a particular portion or locality. 24. The same proportion as in question 20. Those who are for the drug use it in either way. No special class can be shown. 27. For (a) from pardeshis, (b) gosavis and fakirs, (c) and (d) pardeshis and others collectively. Under (a) and (b) the men who have resigned all worldly care and are scantily clad and fed and sheltered have, in order to forget their sufferings, contracted the practice. In the case of others, it is regarded as a stimulant. The practice of drinking bhang amongst the pardeshis is chiefly due to the fact that they are originally the natives of Northern India, and as ganja or bhang is the ordinary staple narcotic plant in that province, they get into the habit of using this drug as a drink. The preparation made for drinking is termed thandai (cooling draught), and the general belief is that it keeps them cool from the excessive heat of the country, because the effect of this drink is cooling. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR SITARAM DAMODAR, Huzur Deputy Collector, Khandesh.
10. Persons who cultivate hemp do not form a special class; but they are of the same class as other agricultural cultivators. 17. None of the preparations are made here. 20. Almost all classes of people, except Brah -mans and Lingayets, generally smoke ganja, though it cannot be denied that some exceptional cases may be met with in the latter two communities. About one per cent. of the population smoke ganja. Ganja smoking is widely practised in hot localities. 24. Bhang is not used in this district. 27. Manual labourers make use of ganja to alleviate their fatigue, and this resort to ganja for the sake of rest grows upon them into a regular habit. The classes to which ganja consuming persons belong cannot be decidedly determined. Persons using ganja for the sake of pleasure may be found in almost all classes of the people. Bairagis and gosains consume the drug for concentrating their attention on a single object. - Evidence of KHAN BHADUR RATANJI ERDALJI KANGA, Parsi, Deputy Collector and Magistrate, Dharwar.
10 Hemp cultivators are of the class of agricultural cultivators. 17. The preparations are made by the persons who use them. The preparations are not sold, except the preparation of bhang called majum or yákuti. The preparation is sold by license-holders alone. 20. Charas is not used here. Ganja is smoked by all classes of the native community in this district. The proportion is about 5 per cent. in the whole district. 24. Higher classes of the Hindu community drink bhang, especially on certain fast days in the district—about 1 per 1,000. 27. These people come from all classes of the native community, and the habit is induced by association. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR BAPUJI MAHIPAT KHARKAR, Kayasth, Huzur Deputy Collector and Magistrate, 1st Class, Satara.
10. No; they are of the same classes as other agricultural cultivators. 17. The preparations of the hemp drug are not restricted to any particular classes of the people. The people of any class can prepare them. The persons who grow the plant prepare ganja and bhang. The persons having licenses to sell the drug or their servants make the preparations of the drug for eating. Generally the preparations for smoking and drinking are made by the persons using them in their own houses. 20. As stated in my answer to question No. 19, charas is rarely used. Good many people smoke ganja in all the districts in the Southern Mahratta country. The classes of the people who smoke it are generally bairagis, gosávis, fakirs, sants, weavers, labourers, and menial servants, mendicants who travel about the country, and musical performers of lower classes. It is difficult, to estimate even approximately the proportion of the people smoking ganja, inasmuch as ganja and bhang are sold under one license, and information relating to the quantity consumed of each of these drugs separately is not available. The latest year for which information relating to the quantity of ganja and bhang consumed available for all the three districts is 1891-92. During this year the quantity consumed in the Dharwar district was 1,110 maunds and 17 seers, i.e., 1,11,034 tolas. This gives 3,042 tolas per diem. Taking three-fourths of a tola as the average quantity consumed per diem by a habitual moderate consumer, the total quantity consumed per diem, i.e., 3,042 tolas, gives 4,056 as the approximate number of habitual moderate consumers in the Dharwar district, i.e., .82 per cent. of male adult population(497,100). As the number of habitual excessive consumers is small and cannot be ascertained, it is left out of consideration. Estimated in the same way, the proportion in the Bijapur and Belgaum districts is .10 and .14 per cent., respectively. 24. People of all classes in all the districts use bhang for eating or drinking. It is difficult to say, for the reasons given in my answer to question No. 20, what proportion of the people use it for those purposes, it is used more extensively for eating in the shape of a kind of sweetmeat called majum than for drinking. But the number of people using the drug either for eating or for drink-ing is not, I believe, so large as that of people using ganja for smoking. 27. Habitual excessive consumers are mainly taken from bairagis, gosávis, and fakirs, and habitual moderate consumers belong to these and other classes of the people mentioned in my answer to question No. 20. Occasional moderate consumers and occasional excessive consumers will be found in any class of the people; but, as already remarked, such consumers are, I believe, considerably few in number in the Southern Mahratta country. The habits of bairagis, gosávis and fakirs, who are generally habitual exces sive consumers, are well known. They are the most indolent and useless persons in the world. They wander about the country begging, and indulge in the use of the drugs. Many illiterate persons acquire the habit of using the drugs with the as sociation of these beggars. Some acquire the habit by using the drugs on account of their medicinal qualities. Some acquire it by using the drugs under the belief that they produce con centration of thoughts. People of the working class and musical performers acquire the habit by using the drugs as stimulants alleviating their fatigue. Such people are generally habitual mode rate consumers. Occasional moderate or occasional excessive consumers are generally persons who use the drugs on Maha Shivratra, or such other days on which they are prevented by their religion from resorting to alcoholic stimulants. Some of this class of consumers happen to use the drugs when offered by their friends or acquaintances, who are either habitual moderate or habitual excessive consumers. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR RANGO RAMCHANDRA BHARDI, Deputy Collector and Native Assistant to the Commissioner, Poona, Central Division.
10. The person who has been cultivating hemp plant for the last two years at Bijapur, is a mar vadi, but not an expert. He has, however, secured the services of two experts from Lengria in the Satara district. Generally the agricultural culti vators do not know how to cultivate the plant ; but the agricultural operations common to the production of this and other plants are carried on by the ordinary cultivators. . 17. By any class of people ; but generally the Muhammadans prepare the majum or majun. The ghota is prepared occasionally by higher castes of Hindus. 20. As regards classes, vide the concluding portion of paragraph 5 of my report. The proportion of the ganja-smoking people is estimated to be 30 per cent. in the Sholapur, Satara, Ahmednagar and Poona districts, and 10 per cent. in the Southern Mahratta country. Question 20 [oral evidence].—The percentages here are on adult males. The proportions for other districts are based on contractors' information. But for the Southern Mahratta country it is my own estimate; it may be a little high. It contains, however, the occasional consumers; and consumption is growing. The total ten per cent. under ganja in answer 26 is the ten per cent. of the population shown in answer 20. I have omitted there the percentages for other districts given in answer 20; for I know nothing personally of these percentages. 24. Generally the Muhammadans eat and drink bhang in the shape of fakki and ghot a. The pro portion of bhang-eaters (a) is estimated to be 1 per cent., and that of bhang-drinkers about 3 per cent. I have actually come across a Gondhali or a Joshiger at Dharwar who used to eat in my presence mere bhang powder mixed with cold water, then ground on a stone and made into small balls. If I remember right, I think he used to eat at one time from 20 to 40 tolas. 27. Weavers, fakirs, gosavis and day-labourers mainly use these drugs. People who are total abstainers pay constant visits to the ascetics and thus come in contact with persons who are already addicted to the vice and thereby follow the example of their brethren. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR RUDRAGOWDA CHANVIRGOWDA ARTAL, Lengayet, Deputy Collector, Bijapur.
10. There is not a separate class of persons who cultivate hemp. But those among the agri culturists who have means of cultivating the hemp plant do so. 17. Ganja is prepared for smoking purposes by those who use it. There are not professional classes for preparing it. Majum is prepared by sweetmeat sellers. Ghota for drinking purposes is prepared by persons in their houses. In large towns and cities it is prepared by sweetmeat makers for sale. 20. Gossains, bairagis, fakirs, kaikadis, ramo -sis, bhamtias or uchalias (professional pickpockets), weavers, dyers, and many of the lower strata of the population use ganja. Even in higher classes there are many Brahmins and many others who are addicted to the smoking of ganja. in my opinion not less than 8 per cent. of the population (in this part of the country) is addicted to ganja-smoking. In towns the proportion of ganja-smokers is greater than in villages. Where there are criminal classes, the consumption of ganja is on a larger scale. 27. (a) Habitual moderate consumers are from the working classes who use ganja as a stimulant. (b) Habitual excessive consumers are taken from lower orders who lead idle life and are almost vagabonds. (c) Occasional moderate consumers are from better classes who use ganja on holidays and in religious ceremonies. (d) Occasional excessive consumers are from occasional moderate consumers mentioned in (c). - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR RAMCHANDRA RAJARAM MULÉ, Deshastha Brahmin, Administrator of Jath, in Southern Mahratta Country
20. Ganja-smoking is not confined to any parti cular locality or particular class of people. But generally well-to-do people and those of the better classes do not smoke it. It is generally used for smoking by a majority of the people belonging to what are called wandering tribes, such as gosains, bairagis, fakirs and also by a few of the working classes. The proportion of the consumers appears to be 1 to every 500 of the population of the district, which is, according to the census of 1891, 594, 872. 24 The people generally do not eat bhang. The same answer applies here as is given against que s-tion No. 20, except that there are very few persons who regularly drink bhang, and that few only occasionally do so on fast days and in the hot weather. Their number, viz., of both the classes may be taken to be about from 200 to 300 men out of the whole population of the district. 27. Fakirs, gosains and bairagis are generally habitual excessive consumers, while habitual moderate and occasional moderate consumers belong to all classes of the people, especially the working and low classes. Occasional moderate consumers are those who are advised to use ganja as medicine. As regards contracting the habit of smoking ganja, much depends upon the nature of the society or company one moves into. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR V. H. SHIKHRE, Brahmin, Huzur Deputy Collector, Alibagh, Kolaba District.
20. Ganja is chiefly used for smoking in the Ahmedabad district, and this to a very limited extent indeed, its use being confined to wandering gosains, natives of Upper India sojourning in the district in consequence of employment, and some of the lower classes of the local population. Charas, as stated before, is not used at all in that district. Foregoing reply answers the query as regards the classes of people. It is utterly impossible to give proportion even at a guess. It
is principally in the city of Ahmedabad and some of the larger towns in the district that ganja is smoked. 24. It is the Hindus who generally use bhang as a drink on certain occasions, during hot weather especially. They do not form a large number, and what they do use is used in moderation, As regards eating, the use of the extract from bhang drawn in ghi and mixed up with poppy seed, etc. (vide paragraph VI, appendix A), is confined to an infinitesimally small section of the population, and that among the rich and well-to-do people. - Evidence of MR. J. F. FERNANDEZ, Retired Deputy Collector and City Magistrate, Ahmedabad
10. The agricultural cultivators are the very persons who cultivate hemp. 17. I have already stated in answer to the query No. 14 that charas and ganja are prepared by the cultivators themselves. Ghota from bhang for drinking is prepared by the Gosavis, and in some cases by other people, on Shivaratra day. Ghota from bhang is more used by all classes at Indore and in the North-Western Provinces. 20. The smoking of ganja is very rare among Brahmins and females of all classes, save prostitutes of the worst type, With these exceptions three or four per cent. of the other classes smoke ganja to a smaller or larger extent throughout the Collectorate. Charas is rarely in use, 24. The classes who drink bhang ghota are bairagis, gosavis, and on Shivaratra day a few more Hindus, mostly cooks, water-carriers, song sters, and other licentious characters. This kind of drinking prevails in the country lying north of the Narbada river. The proportion of the people who drink bhang ghota is very small, i.e., one in a thousand, in the Satara Collectorate. Majum or yakuti, the preparation of bhang, as per reply to query No. 15, is not permitted in the Satara Collectorate, and therefore it is seldom eaten. Question 24 [oral evidence]. —The statement that the preparation of yakuti and bhang is not permitted in Satara is based on information a contractor gave me. I do not know myself. 27. Men devoid of any status in life, who do not care for other people's opinions, and who frequent houses of prostitutes, generally contract the habit of smoking ganja. Some also contract it by having for their associates smokers of the drug. - Evidence of NARAYAN RAO BHIKHAJ1 JOGALEKAR, Brahmin, Pensioned Deputy Collector ; now Karbhari of the Aundh Stale
20. Ganja is smoked principally by Hindu sadhus and labourers, and by Muhammadans of the working classes, and by fakirs. A few of the better classes of both communities, chiefly among the Hindus, also smoke ganja. In Bombay but little charas is used. It is smoked by Pathans, fakirs, sadhus, and people from northern India. I estimate that there are of all classes about 2,000 to 2,500 ganja smokers, and from 100 to 150 charas smokers in Bombay. 24. Bhang is chiefly drunk in Bombay by Hindus from Guzerat, Kathiawar, and places north of Bombay. The Deccani and Konkani Hindus use it occasionally. I believe that bhang drinkers will be found chiefly among those classes of the people to whom the use of alcohol is prohibited. There are fewer bhang drinkers among the Muhammadans than among the Hindus here. But little bhang is eaten in Bombay. It is used in this way by the Hindus who drink bhang. I estimate that there are about 400 bhang drinkers altogether in Bombay. Garda is chiefly consumed as a drink in Bombay, and 1 estimate the consumers of garda in this way are from 400 to 450. 27. Hemp drug consumers are confined to no particular class. These drugs are mainly consumed by labourers and religious mendicants. The better classes are chiefly habitual moderate or occasional moderate consumers of hemp drugs. I would say (1) that the desire for an intoxicant of some kind, which is a pretty general feeling among all races ; (2) religious prohibition to the use of alcoholic drinks ; (3) association with hemp drug consumers ; (4) want of money to purchase liquors in the case of very poor people ; and (5) the use of a hemp drug as a medicinal agent,—are the chief circumstances which lead to the practice of consuming hemp drugs. Question 20.—I base my figures here on the amount of the drugs actually supplied to the shops. From the figures given in answer 25 the wastage has to be deducted. These figures represent what was actually brought in. The amount actually supplied to the shops for use was less. The average for five years of ganja has been given me by the contractor as 258 Indian maunds, hang 46 Indian maunds, charas 6 maunds 33 seers, garda 49 maunds. I believe this to be correct. In making my calculations I have used the estimates indicated in answer No. 28. I hold to these estimates. I think that the number of, ganja smokers in Bombay is, as I show, far more than bhang drinkers. The bhang drinkers who occasionally drink would raise the total in answer 24 considerably. My estimate is on the amount required for habitual moderate use. I do not think that the occasional use of bhang is at all prevalent in Bombay. People from Gujarat do take it in this occasional way, but not Deccanis or Konkanis. Not even all Gujaratis. - Evidence of MR. W. ALMON, Assistant Collector, Abkari Department, Bombay.
10. No, they are of the same classes as other agricultural cultivators. 17. Not by any particular class of people. The cultivators who cultivate hemp plants prepare ganja. Charas and bhang are not separately prepared. The persons who are licensed to sell ganja and its preparations generally prepare the varieties used for eating. Ghota is prepared by the person who wants to drink it. 20. Charas smoking is nowhere practised, except perhaps to a very small extent in the town of Bombay. In the mufassal ganja alone is used. No statistics are available as to the classes and the proportion of people smoking ganja. Different estimates might be given about this proportion; but none, I think, could be accepted as correct. The best mode of finding out this proportion would, I think, be the following:—Take the quantity of ganja consumed during the year 189.2-93 for the whole presidency; find out the daily consumption by dividing this quantity by 365; divide this quantity by the average rate of consumption of one person using the narcotic per diem, which I take to be about three-fourths of a tola. The quotient will represent the number of persons using ganja. This, divided by the population of the presidency according to the census of 189-92, will give the proportion of ganja smokers to the whole population. It is true that the rate of consumption is not uniform either with reference to the several classes of consumers or in respect to the different varieties or preparations made from ganja. But, for the purpose of finding out the proportion, the above-mentioned quantity may safely be taken, I think, as a fair average. Ganja-smoking is not restricted to any particular localities; it is practised more or less in all parts of the country. The people most addicted to the vice of ganja-smoking are mendicants, a scetics, fakirs, gosains, bairagis, and such other irresponsible classes who pass an easy, idle life, maintaining themselves chiefly on begging. Ganja is also smoked by artizans and men of handicraft, such as smiths, weavers and drummers, who are required to work hard and continuously for a long time during day and night. In a few instances prostitutes and persons of loose character smoke ganja. 24. The use of bhang for drinking is not limited to any particular localities or classes of people. The drink prepared from bhang called ghota, being however somewhat costly, is usually used by well-to-do people, and only occasionally by ascetics, mendicants, etc. 27. As already stated in reply to question No. 26, occasional consumption is very rare. Habitual moderate or excessive consumption is not confined to any particular class of people. The habit of excessive consumption is purely individual. An excessive consumer may be found in any class of people. Well-to-do people who can afford to pay for any quantity of ganja are generally excessive consumers. - Evidence of RAO SAHEB GANESH PANDURANG THAKAR, Deshastha Brahmin, Mamlatdar, Pandharpur, Sholapur District, at present auditing the jamabandi accounts of the Poona District, Poona.
10. Here there is no separate class of ganja cul -tivators. They belong to the agricultural class. But, in order that the female plants may not be injured from the growth of male plants, experts are imported from other districts, and the cul-tivation is managed under their supervision. , and Musalmans. 17. There is no limitation as to the class or caste of the persons making the preparations of the hemp drug. The ganja cultivators therefore belong to the agricultural class, and they make the preparations themselves with the aid of experienced persons. 20. Ascetics, bairagis, salis, koshtis, Musal-mans, and occasionally singers chiefly smoke ganja. Their proportion to the general population cannot be stated in exact percentage, but approximately it may be estimated at 1 to 2 per cent. 24. People of the ordinary class drink bhang. Detailed information on this point is given in the answer to the 17th question. On the whole the proportion of this class of people is not greater than 5 per cent. 27. It has already been stated in the answer to the 17th question what people use this drug. The (a) class mentioned above generally comprises weavers and momins; the (b), ascetics, bairagis and fakirs; and the (c) and (d) the ordinary classes who are occasional consumers. It is the idle classes of people that take to this vice contracted by association with bad company, and generally poorer classes are addicted to this. The (a) class uses this drug to alleviate fatigue in such moderate quantity as to cause no obstacle to their daily avocations. - Evidence of RAO SAHEB SHESHO KRISNA MUDKAVI, Mamlatdar of Taluka Bijapur, Bijapur.
20. Charas is seldom used in the districts in which I have served. Only ganja is used for smoking purposes here. Bairagis, fakirs (travelling mendicants), nightmongers, dramatie company, and tamasha dancers as a class do smoke ganja. In Chiplon taluka, and especially in the town of Guhagar, a considerable number of Brahmins do smoke as a rule ; but in the districts of Belgaum, Bijapur, Dharwar, and Canara Brahmins do not smoke. Gene-rally speaking, idle folks of all classes do smoke and drink ganja and bhang in special places where they assemble to chit-chat. The population of this taluka is 185,000; out of this about 80,000 are women and about 25,000 are children, and the number of adult males amounts to 80,000 nearly. It is also to be noted here that though the proportion of the persons consuming these stuffs with the whole population is 2 per cent., yet it must be borne in mind that the proportion is 5 per cent. with the male population; and as each of these consumers is an adult male member or a headman of his family, if he goes astray, the prospects of the whole family are sure to be marred. 24. In the districts in which I have served, people do not eat or drink bhang. This practice prevails in the districts of Northern India, such as Malwa, Benares, etc. 27. Please for the first part of this question see answer to question 20. Bairagis, fakirs, and other travelling mendicants have no established houses. They travel from village to village, and district to district, with their families and children. The elders consume these stuffs, and the youngers follow their example. When the elders die, the youngers become elders, and their sons in their turn follow their example, and so on. In other classes, the practice is obtained thus :—In a village there is generally a common place, such as temples, etc. Bad characters generally assemble there to chit-chat in the morning and in the evening. 'When idle talks on some topics begin, some one of these men gently introduces a smoking pipe called chillum. Strangers who are not accustomed are gently pressed to partake of this stuff. This stuff being an intoxicating drug naturally induces the beginners to smoke, and in this way the habit is contracted. - Evidence of RAO SAHIB KRISHNAJI BALLAL DEVAL, Chitpavan, Brahmin, Mamlatdar and Magistrate, 1st Class, Chiplon.
10. Those who cultivate hemp for its narcotic properties are of the same class as other agricul tural cultivators. They do not form a special class. 17. Ganja is prepared in this State by any agricultural cultivator. The preparation is not restricted to any particular class of people. 20. Ganja-smoking is not confined to any particular class of persons. However, people of the lower classes, especially the class of mendicants called gosains and bairagis and fakirs, are generally known to indulge freely in this kind of drug, which serves them as a stimulant. The total population of the State is 238,945 souls. Of these about 5,000 or nearly 3 per cent. smoke ganja. Ganja smokers are distributed in the six different talukas of the State as given below:— Miraj-Prant. . . 700 Kuchi. . . 200 Mangalwedh . . . 400 300 Terdal . . . Shahapur . . . 3,000 Sherhatti . . . 400 5,000 27. Habitual as well as occasional excessive consumers are generally found from among the classes of mendicants called gosains, bairagis, and fakirs. Moderate consumers, habitual as well as occasional, are taken from all the classes of population, especially the lower classes. Men of small means, who have to work hard for their maintenance, generally take to the habit of ganja smoking. - Evidence of BALKRISHNA NARAYAN VAIDYA, Parbhu, State Karbhari of Sangli.
10. The persons who cultivate hemp for its narcotic properties do not form a special class. They are of the same classes as other agriculturists. 17. Ganja, charas, and bhang are prepared by cultivators; majum, yakuti, shrikhand, fakki, and gulkand by gandhis—that is, by those dealing in native perfumes. 20. As charas is produced in a comparatively small proportion, very few people can procure it for smoking. Among persons who get opportu nities to be present at the time of ganja being harvested, those who are given to ganja-smoking generally try to secure it, and owing to its small production it is never brought to market for sale. Ganja-smoking is not generally restricted to any particular class of people, but it is used by a great number of fakirs, bairagis, gosains, and other beggars. 24. Use of majum is generally made by people who are debauched. If comparison be made as regards the users of it in the city of Nagar, it will be found in the proportion of one or two persons to every one hundred of its population. Yakuti, gulkand, and shrikhand are used by rich persons on account of their sweet scent, and because of their partial intoxicating quality. Fakki is used by mendicants and bairagis, etc., who cannot afford to spend money. These persons indulge in this, because they are prohibited from using alcohol on account of religious restrictions. 27. The Parsis and Christians do not use any of the above drugs at all; the principal class is that of marwadis, labourers, fakirs and bairagis, who particularly indulge in them. The habit of drinking or smoking is generally obtained by keeping company with the persons who indulge in any of these drugs. The reason why the labourers use any of these drugs is that they forget for a while their fatigues, and others use it for the sake of pleasure. - Evidence of DADABHAI BURJORJEE GUZDER, Parsi, District Abkari In spector, Ahmednagar.
10. Hemp cultivators, for its narcotic properties, do not form a special class. They belong to the original agricultural class. 17. No preparations, if any, of the three drugs are sold here. The classes of people who prepare the preparations are the classes who use them. The preparations are ghota and dudhia, and these are prepared by persons from amongst
the agricultural and labouring classes, fakirs; bai ragis, sadhus, etc. 20. Charas is not a recognised drug of the dis trict. There is very little use of it. A stray bairagi or fakir happening to be on the spot where ganja is manufactured might require it for smoking. So charas cannot be recognised as one of the established drugs used in this district. Persons from amongst the agriculturists, labourers. cartmen, bairagis, fakirs, ghisaris (blacksmiths), tambolis (pan-sellers), bagwans (fruiterers), attar (colour sellers), maner (bangadi preparers), mullahs (Muhammadan priests), dervishes (who make a show of tigers and bears), bahurupi (actors in theatres), sarwans (camel drivers), and persons from amongst the class of peons, whether in Goverment service or private service, smoke ganja. The proportion of the people who smoke ganja is at the rate of about three to one hundred. They smoke in their houses or places of residence. 24. Bhang is not eaten but is drunk. There are very few people who drink bhang, and they are from amongst the class of bairagis, sadhus, or fakirs. 27. Habitual excessive consumers are mostly from amongst the class of bairagis, sadhus and fakirs; whilst the habitual moderate consumers and occasional moderate consumers are from amongst the classes mentioned in the answer to question No. 20. There are no particular habits of life or circumstances which lead to the practice of consuming the drug. - Evidence of KHAN SAHIB NASARVANJI EDALJI SETHNA, Parsi, Abkari Inspector , Satara
10. The cultivators who grow ganja belong to the ordinary cultivating classes, but possess the special knowledge required to distinguish male from female plants, and also a knowledge of the curing of ganja. 17. Ganja is not sold ready prepared for smoking, it being prepared by smokers themselves, as stated above in reply No. 15. Bharg shops for the sale of the ready-made drink are generally kept by North Gujarat Brahmins. Yakuti and other sweetmeats are generally prepared by perfume-sellers who have obtained the necessary license. 20. The proportion of ganja smokers is very small, as stated above. The classes who generally indulge in ganja-smoking are Hindu ascetics, gosavis and bairagis, and Muha-mmadan fakirs. Next to them come the artizan classes, both Hindu and Muhammadan. Skilful artizans have a bad name for ganja.smoking, and only a few professional singers, artists, engravers and the like are free from this vice. The use of ganja is so common among such classes that if a master worker is complimented on his skill, he will in acknowledgment say—"That is only because I prepared the ganja for my master for so many years"— i.e., served so long an apprenticeship. Peons and messengers are addicted to this habit, but not as a class. The cultivating classes are almost free from this vice. They do not use hemp drugs as a stimulant, nor do they use them to sustain themselves under a stress of work. Their belief is that a ganja smoker cannot be a steady worker, and has not the hardness to undergo great labour under heat and sun. An habitual ganja smoker does not stand high in their esteem. Charas is smoked by Pathans, Muhammadan fakirs, ascetics and persons from Northern India, and only occasionally by other people of the Deccan. Ganja sweetmeats, yakuti and others are occasionally used by dissipaters of all communities. 24. The percentage of bhang drinkers or eaters is insignificant in the Deccan. Habitual bhang drinkers are generally met with among immigrants from Guzerat, Marwar, and Upper India. When they have no time to prepare bhang for drink, they content themselves with eating the paste. Jewellers are habitual bhang drinkers, but they are very moderate in its use. They say it clears their sight and steadies attention, clear sight and steady attention being essential for their trade. Hindu ascetics drink bhang to excess, urging, if questioned, that it keeps them contented and concentrates their attention in prayer. 27. Marwadis may be said all to be occasional bhang drinkers. Ganja smokers are recruited from all classes. Sometimes people contract these habits by using them first as remedies for certain bodily ailments ; but among the generality of smokers and drinkers the habit is the result of association. - Evidence of YASHVANT NILKANTH, Patana Prabhu, Superintendent, Office of Survey Commissioner, and Director of Land Records and Agriculture, Bombay
10. Any of the Kunbi class will cultivate the hemp in the Deccan. 17. Parsis sometimes take contracts, but the actual preparation is always made by people of the Brahmin, Banya and Kunbi classes. 20. Ganja smoking is resorted to by all classes of people, but principally by bairagis, sadhis, gosavis, hakims and men of the mendicant class throughout the district. 24. Most well-to-do people of all classes drink bhang, principally in the hot weather, and throughout the Deccan. 27. All classes. - Evidence of MR. G. P. MILLET, Divisional Forest Officer, West Thana, Thana.
10. The ordinary cultivator class. Some Brahmins grow the hemp also. 17. Cultivators of the hemp plant, sweetmeat sellers, and those who consume the preparations. 20. People of all castes smoke ganja. Opium eaters chiefly indulge in charas smoking and foreigners, up-country men. 24. Bhang not eaten as a rule, except when made into sweetmeats. Marwadis chiefly, but also Pardesis, Bhatias, Gugan, and bairagis indulge in bhang-drinking. 27. Gosains and bairagis are the chief con sumers of both ganja and bhang. Muhammadans, fakirs chiefly for ganja only, Marwadis bhang only. Force of example leads to the practice. - Evidence of MR. H. KENNEDY, District Superintendent of Police, Ahmednagar
17. The preparations are not made by any particular classes, but those who use it. 20. By all classes and in all localities. Rough-ly between 5 and 10 per cent. of the people may be said to smoke ganja. 24. Bhang is not eaten, and is very little drunk habitually - Evidence of MR. J. E. DOWN, Districts Superintendent of Police, Satara
10. They form no special class, but are the ordinary agricultural cultivators. 17. There is no special class. - Evidence of MAJOR T. R. M. MACPHERSON, District Superintendent of Police, Poona.
10. The cultivation of hemp is not restricted to any particular class of cultivators. 17. By no particular class as regards the preparation made in this province. 20. The smoking of ganja is not restricted to any particular class ; but it is chiefly so used by the lower classes, and specially by fakirs, sa bairagis, etc. I do not believe that anything like 5 per cent. of the people of this district smoke ganja. 24. Very few people eat bhang. About 5 per cent. of the population of this district, made up from persons of all classes, drink bhang. I doubt if even 1 per cent, eat it. 27. While the smoking of ganja is more gene-rally confined to the lower classes, no such limit ation applies in respect to the drinking of bhang, and although the habitual use of it is deemed disreputable, the occasional indulgence of the habit is not looked upon as degrading. - Evidence of MR. F. T. V. AUSTIN, District Superintendent of Police, Surat.
27. Ganja and bhang are used by a majority of Hindus, and charas by a majority of Muhamma-dans and a few Hindus - Evidence of Mr. DHANJISHA DADABHOY, Parsi, District Superintendent of Police, Thana.
10. There are no cultivators of the plant in this province. 17. The decoction referred to in the preceding paragraph known as bhang-ka-pani is made by all classes in their houses in the hot season. It is also asocial custom in Guzerat among all classes of Hindus to make this decoction on festive occasions, and it is lavishly supplied by the host to his guests. The custom is much the same as amongst the Rajputs and people of Kathiawar, who give their guests a decoction of opium called kasumba. 20. Charas is rarely smoked here, except by occasional visitors. The people who usually smoke charas are gosains, sadhus, fakirs and mendicants. About one per cent. of ordinary members of society smoke ganja. They rarely smoke it in their houses, but usually resort to the haunts of fakirs, sadhus and gosains. There are some who smoke the drug surreptitiously. Hindu and Muhammadan smokers are in about equal proportion. The former seek the company of sadhus and gosains, and the latter fakirs, when they want to indulge in the drug, though it is not unusual for a Hindu to have his smoke at a fakir's tuckiya, and a Muhammadan with a sadhu or gosain. No caste prejudices are observed in the use of the ganja "chillum." 24. Mostly all natives in the city of Cambay, of all castes and creeds, with the exception of Parsis, use bhang in moderate quantities during the hot season ; but the habitual consumers of the drug, whether by eating or drinking, would be about one in a thousand. 27. Habitual excessive consumers are mostly fakirs, sadhus, gosains, and mendicants of various denominations, who wander from place to place, and have no worldly cares. Smoking the drug appears to be a great solace to them in their solitary moments. The habits of life of these people are too well known to need recapitulation. Occasional moderate consumers belong to all classes of society, and no community can be specifically particularized as being more addicted to the use of these drugs than others. The habit of smok ing these drugs is usually contracted from sadhus and fakirs. Hindus reverence their sadhus and gosains, and in order to ingratiate themselves into their good graces are always ready to perform little offices for them. The preparation of the ganja pipe comes within the category of such offices, and when prepared they are invariably asked by the bawa to light it, from which the habit is usually contracted. The same remarks apply to Muhammadans, who invariably contract the habit from fakirs in the same way. The habit of smoking ganja is also propagated to a certain extent by ordinary members of society, who smoke it in their houses, and who always appear willing, and in fact anxious, to initiate novices into the use of the drug for the sake of company. - Evidence of MR. T. G. FOARD, Superintendent of Police, Cambay.
10. The cultivators are of the same class as other agricultural cultivators. 17. By no particular class of people which I can mention. 20. Generally all classes of people in all locali-ties smoke ganja; even some of the people of higher classes do smoke. In this district about 3 per cent. of the population are habitual ganja smokers, chiefly fakirs, sadhus and bairagis. 24. People more or less in this district drink bhang during the hot season as a cooling bever-age, but no one seems to eat the same. 27. The smoking of ganja is confined generally to the lower classes of people. No such limitation is met with as regards the use of bhang. The same remarks apply to this answer as mentioned in No. 26. - Evidence of KHAN BAHADUR NANABHOY COWASJI, Parsi, City Police Inspector, Surat
20. Sadhus, bairagis, fakirs, pardesis, some gold -smiths, some Brahmins, and even a few of the re-spectable classes smoke ganja and charas. Among the sadhus, fakirs, etc. the proportion may be about 60 per cent., and among other classes the proportion varies from 1 per cent. to 3 per cent. 24 . ( b ) Bhang is drunk by Brahmins, Shrawaks, Gosains, Musalmans, goldsmiths, sadhus, etc., and even by well-to-do classes in all localities. Among the Brahmins, Shrawaks, Gosains, the proportion of bhang drinkers is 25 per cent., and in others from 1 per cent to 10 per cent. - Evidence of RAO SAHIB PRANSHANKAR, Brahmin, Inspector of Police, Detective Branch, Bombay.
10. No ; the cultivators of hemp are of the same classes as other agricultural cultivators. 17. In this province the preparation of ganja is not restricted to any particular classes, but in Bengal the majority of the cultivators are said to be Muhammadans. With regard to the other two preparations I am not definitely informed. 20 Charas is hardly known by people of this presidency except the town of Bombay. It is smoked in Bengal, the Punjab, and North-Western and Central Provinces. Ganja alone is resorted to for smoking in this province, and that too by an insignificant portion of the population. Ganja smoking is not confined to any particular class, although the proportion is greater among the lower classes than the higher. It is prevalent among the working people in the various trades of large cities (goldsmiths, blacksmiths, carpenters, etc.), the indolent and the idle and the wandering fakirs, gosavis and bairagis. In this district, with a population of 1,067,800, about 300 maunds are consumed annually, nearly one-half of it being consumed in the town of Poona including cantonment. Taking half a tola as the average daily consumption of a smoker, we get 5,333 ganja smokers in the whole district, nearly one-half of this being residents of the town of Poona with cantonment. This gives an average of about per cent as the proportion of ganja smokers to the entire population of the district and nearly l.7 per cent. for the town of Poona. In Northern India, especially in Bengal, the proportion of ganja and charas smokers to the entire population is far greater than the above. The annual consumption of ganja alone in Bengal is stated to be 500,000lb. (Journal of E. I. Assoc., May 1893). The population of Bengal is 71,346,987, and calculating in the same way as above we get 15 per cent as the proportion of ganja smokers to the whole population. The proportion of ganja smokers in this presidency (Bombay) is by a similar calculation 33 per cent. 24. In Northern India bhang is eaten in the form of a powder or confection by people addicted to sensual pleasures and taken as a beverage by all classes of people especially by the Sikhs in the Punjab and by a very large proportion of the population in the North-Western Provinces. Its use is said to be on a decrease in Bengal. It is also used both in eating and thinking in Central Provinces to a considerable extent. In Southern India it is very rarely used, the " chur " being generally substituted for it. The proportion however of bhang-drinkers (whether they use chur or bhang) to the entire population in Southern India is extremely insignificant, and the number, small as it is, is almost confined to a few large cities in this presidency only. Here, as well as in Northern India, bhang drinking is not looked upon so disreputable as ganja or charas smoking and so it finds favour with higher classes. 27. Ganja and charas smokers are found generally among the lower classes, and bhang drinkers among all classes. The habits of life or circumstances which mainly lead to the practice may be summed up in the following few words:— love of intoxication, fashion of imitation, want of education, a wearied brain and body in the artisans and. working classes, want of food and clothing and a desire for austerities among the nomadic bairagis, gosavis and fakirs, the enervating and depressing effect of the parching sun in Northern India, and a desire for aphrodisiacs among people addicted to sensual pleasures: all these, either separately or combined, lead people to resort to these narcotics. - Evidence of GANESH KRISHNA GARDE, * Brahmin, Medical Practitioner, Poona City.
10. So far as I am aware, there is no special class of such cultivators. They belong to the agricultural class. 20. Ganja and charas are used for smoking by the mendicant gosains and fakirs in the great majority of cases. I believe, these people smoke these drugs very considerably, almost to 75 per cent. The lower classes of society, such as people depraved in habits, both of the Hindus and Muhammadan community, also smoke these drugs to about 10 to 15 per cent. 24. Nearly all classes of people use bhang for (b) drinking purposes, and I believe the percent age is over 50 for all classes; for (a) eating, the proportion seems to be comparatively small. I think it is not more than 2 per cent. 27. The religious mendicant class of gosains and fakirs. Freedom from anxiety and domestic care, as well as company of gangs of these people. - Evidence of BHALCHANDRA KRISHNA BHATAVADEKAR, Brahmin, Medical Practitioner, Bombay
17. Marwaris, Purbhoyas, and native singers called ustads. 20. Very small proportion of the population use the drug, generally the fakir and gosain people use it, and occasionally young men of good class who come in contact with above class are induced to use the drug. 24. Marwaris and Bhayas and the native singers. About 2 per cent. of them. 27. Bhang is generally used by these people to produce a pleasant intoxication and stimulation of the brain ; some business men use it very moderately. Others use it for its aphrodisiac effects, and its supposed effect in preventing an early discharge of semen ; but it is generally used by people who have no occupation, but who spend their lives as fakirs or sadhus or vagrants. - Evidence of ISMAIL JAN MOHOMED, Khoja, Physician, Bombay.
10. No special class cultivates the hemp plant for narcotics in my district. 17. Kolis and Kunbis. 20. Ganja is smoked by Brahmins, Wanis, Kunbis, Ghanchis, and sadhus. It is also smoked by Muhammadans and fakirs. Some of the Burmese staying at present at Rander also smoke ganja. Charas is mostly smoked by Muhammadans, fakirs, and few sadhus and Kunbis. 24. Bhang is chiefly used for drinking. It is very rarely eaten. Hindus of almost all classes and Muhammadans drink bhang. Bhang is commonly used in Central Provinces, Guzarat, Marwar, Gokul, Mathura. - Evidence of UTTAMRAM JEEWANRAM, ITCHAPOORIA, Audesh, Brahmin, Native Doctor (Vaidya), Bombay and Surat.
10. There is no special class of cultivators of the hemp plant for its narcotic properties. The ordinary cultivators who know the art cultivate hemp plant in the land fit for its cultivation. 17. It is not prepared by all the cultivators, but those only who know the art prepare it. 20. Swami Narayan's followers and Parsis excepted, almost all classes make use of ganja and charas. Ganja is used by the low classes of Muhammadans, fakirs, sadhus, kolis, kunbis, banias, and Brahmins. Charas is used by sadhus and fakirs, who as a necessity require some strong narcotic. 24. In Surat district the greater proportion of the people use bhang for drinking. - Evidence of KESHOWRAM HARIDAT, Chcepooria, Audesh Brahmin, Native Doctor (Vaidya) , Render, Surat and Bombay.
10. To my knowledge they do not form a special class. The plant is grown by the ordinary agricultural cultivators. 20. Sadhus and men of the lower class and poor men use ganja. The use is prevalent all over India. 24. Brahmins, Ksbatryas and Vaishyas, both rich and poor, use bhang. People of the working classes also use bhang. Bhang is generally drunk ; but it is eaten when it is inconvenient to prepare the drink. In the hot weather in hot climates all classes drink bhang. Scholars and priests, who are not allowed to use liquor as a stimulant, freely drink bhang. Dealers in precious stones, pearls and jewels drink bhang, as they consider the drink helps them in their examination of these articles. 27. In the Bombay presidency the jewellers and dealers in precious stones and pearls, who are mostly shrawak bauias, and originally from Surat, are habitual moderate consumers of bhang. Babus from Bengal and scholars and religious preachers, mostly high-caste Brahmins, are also habitual moderate consumers of bhang. Habitual excessive consumers of bhang will be found among the Brahmins, who perform religious rites in the temples and houses of the people. Occasional moderate bhang drinking is indulged in by men of all classes, high and low, rich and poor, without exception. - Evidence of MR. PURBHURAM JEEWANRAM, Nagar Brahmin, Native Doctor (Vaidya), Bombay
20. Ganja is smoked by Muhammadans and Hindus. Muhammadan labourers and fakirs smoke chiefly. Hindu sadhus smoke ganja largely, and other Hindus of different castes and callings smoke it more or less. The smoking of ganja by other than Muhammadans and Hindus is very exceptional. Charas is smoked by Muhammadans and Hindus. The quantity smoked in Bombay is small. Among the Muhammadans it is smoked by Pathans and fakirs, chiefly by the former. Among the Hindus it is smoked by bawas and sadhus. 24. Bhang is drunk by Muhammadans and Hindus. The Muhammadans who drink bhang are of the lower orders. Bhang is chiefly drunk by Hindus of the Surti Bania, Fattehpuria Marwari and Pardeshi castes. Only a few Deccani and Konkani Hindus drink bhang. Bhang is not largely eaten. The same Hindus who drink bhang also eat it. Bhang is sometimes given to horses with other spices as a tonic. - Evidence Of VITHALDAS PRANJIWANDASS, Bhunksali Landlord and Trader, late Intoxicating Drugs Farmer, Bombay.
17. By ordinary cultivators. 20. Some high caste Hindu Brahmins, kunbis, Muhammadans and bairagis generally smoke ganja. Nearly 5 per cent. is the proportion of the people who smoke ganja. 24. Almost all classes of people drink bhang. The greater proportion of the people is at Benares Ayodya, Mathura, and in many other places in Northern India. 25. The vice of smoking ganja is on the increase as shown by the imports into my village. Want of control, idleness, and the inducement are the chief causes of the increase. 26. (a) Ten per cent. of the population. (b) Five per cent. of the population. 27. Generally beggars who have given up the worldly cares and anxieties take to this vice and there are other people also from the middle class. - Evidence of RAMCHANDRA KRISHNA. KOTHAVALE, Brahmin, Inamdur, Taluka Wai, in Satara District.
20. Those who smoke ganja are to be found in great numbers at centres of pilgrimages ; and most of them are sadhus and bairagis and such other religious mendicants, who having left the world devote their life in pilgrimages and worship and meditation of God. Besides these, those who lead a vagabondish life and maintain themselves on the alms they get from Sadavrats are greatly addicted to ganja smoking. The three higher classes, Brahmans, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas, look down upon these practices ; and those who use ganja or charas are hated by the public. Among the agricultural classes of Gujarat there are not many who are given to ganja smoking. They form only a small number. In Dakore almost all the sadhus, bairagis, jangams, nagdas, dwarkawashis, teets, nanakshais, smoke ganja, and consequently a considerable portion of the male population of Dakore is also addicted to the same habit by the company and example of the above people, and in the secrecy of their resorts. In Gujarat this habit is not to be seen far and wide. What little of it exists is to be found at the centres of pilgrimages, such as Dakore, Sidhapur,Chandod, Kadi, etc., and in towns and villages where there are places and akhadas of sadhus and bairagis, etc. ; and it is from them that the habit radiates. The people of those villages and towns where here are more of such places, or where many such sadhus, etc., come and go, are greatly affected by this habit, and in proportion to their number they impart their con ¬tagion to the surrounding villages also. This habit is the result of company. But the use of ganja is on the decrease in Gujarat owing to the spread of education, and the slow, but steady, growth of a healthy public opinion. Native-made tobacco cigarettes are greatly in demand now-a-days, and that is the fashion of the time among the common people. Among the latter alcohol is also to some extent substituted among the lower grades of society. N.B.—In answering the questions wherever " sadhus, etc.," or " sadhus, bairagis, etc.," or similar words are used, the following are meant to be included:—sadhus, bairagis, jangams, nagdas, dwarkawashis, ateets, nanakshai, and such other people who are generally designated by the people as sadhus, or bairagis or abdhoots. Sanyasis, those referred to and explained in answer to question 24, are not included in the above class. 24. As there is no objection to the use of bhang, it is capable of being used, and is in fact used, by those that have a taste for it from all the four classes—Brahmins, Kshatryas, Vaishyas, and Sudras. Bhang is greatly used in drinking in Kashi (Benares), Kashmir, Nepal, Mathura, Ajodhya, Hardwar, and Prayag. In Gujarat, people in Surat, Broach, and Baroda, also use it for drinking in the summer season as a cooling beverage. The sadhus, etc., do not as a rule use bhang as they use ganja. A great portion of the sanyasis, those belonging to the fourth state intended for a Hindu householder, drink bhang. In Chandod and Karnali these live in great numbers. 27. As said above, ganja smokers are most of them sadhus, bairagis, ateets, etc. They are most of them non-Brahmins, who having left the world for one reason or another (whether of poverty, disinclination to undergo the toils of earning a livelihood, or from purely religious motives) take to this habit by the open practice of the class to which they belong. The rest are from all classes, but those who take to this habit (of ganja-smoking in Gujarat) are generally leading a vagabondish life, who having no brains for useful pursuits, and having plenty of money and bad company, are avowed spendthrifts, or, being penniless and without employment, kill their time by this sort of indulgence in company of their well-to-do friends or sadhus, etc. Such people coming in connection with brothels of vice, or being given to loafing habits, take to this as a pastime or to drown their moral degradation. This class is daily decreasing. Bhang drinkers belong to all the classes, high and low, but the number is going down. Many addicted to it begin by using it as a cooling beverage in the hot season, and by constant use in company become victims of it. In feasts and friendly or marriage dinner parties, it is customary to prepare a mild bhang drink for amusement and for being able to do full justice to the dinner expected. Sanyasis use bhang both as a cooling drink and for the purpose of concentration in study and meditation. A great portion of Shastris (Pandits) also drink bhang as a help to the memory and concentration. The zaveris (goldsmiths, those who deal in gold, and jewels, and pearls, etc,) always take bhang in order to be able to accurately value their articles of trade. - Evidence of DESAIBHAI KALIDAS, Brahmin (Khedaval), Government Pleader and Public Prosecutor, Kaira.
10. There is no special class which cultivates hemp for narcotic properties; so far as I know it is cultivated by ordinary agriculturists. 17. There is no particular class of people to whom the preparation of the hemp drug is restricted. 20. A small portion of the poorer classes smoke ganja. There is no particular locality to which the use is confined, but it is used more in places where the climate is damp and malarious. 24. Marwadi and pardesi classes more generally eat and drink bhang, but even among them the proportion is not large. The use is not restricted to any particular locality or portion of the district. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR GOVINDRAO RAMCHANDRA GARUD, Pleader Dhulia, Khandesh.
20. Almost all the gosawis and bairagis and (some) professional songsters use ganja for smoking. Some lower classes of Hindus and Muhammadans also use it in temples, in their respective houses and in other places in company of their friends. Proportion of smokers cannot be ascertained. 24. Bhang is prepared into " ghota" and used for drinking by some people in almost all the classes. Bhang is eaten in the form of " majum" tablets, which are prepared by the admixture of bhang, sugar and ghee. Proportion of the people cannot be ascertained. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR HUCHRAO ACHUT HARIHAR, Deshast Brahmin, Pleader, District Court, Belgaum.
10. The persons who cultivate hemp for its narcotic properties do not form a special class. They belong to the same class as other agriculturists.. The preparations of ganja and bhang are made by farmers. 20. Almost all the gosavis, bairagis, fakirs, and others of the like class smoke ganja at their lodgings ; but among other class of people the proportion is 1 or 2 per cent. As Charas is not produced here, I cannot give any information about it. 24. Almost all the gosavis, bairagis, and others of the like class eat and drink bhang and also a few of the other classes. - Evidence of NARO DHAKADEO, Brahmin, Pleader, Jalgaon, District Khandesh
10. Cultivators in Bijapur do not belong to any particular class. 17. The only preparations used in these parts are the flat and broken ganja. They are sold in the form in which they are imported except at Bijapur, where they are made by the cultivators who do not belong to any special class. 20. The consumption of ganja is not restricted to any particular class of people, but the bulk of the smokers will be found amongst the lower classes. It is very difficult to state accurately what proportion of people smoke ganja and charas, as there are no statistics available on the subject. Much depends upon local peculiarity. The proportion of consumers to be met with in large towns and cities does not exist in villages. Again, while the Lingayats in the above Ghat districts are under a religious prohibition, the lower classes in the Konkan fearlessly take to alcohol. All circumstances considered, I am of opinion that of the hundred male adults using ganja or liquor only 5 per cent. or even less will be found to belong to the former class. 27. As has been more than once told, all castes of Hindus, from Brahmins to Mahars, and all classes of Muhamadans will he found to contribute more or less to the number of ganja-consuming people. Time habits of life or circumstances which mainly generate this vice, are a life of disappointment and dejection, a life of asceticism, a life of ease and affluence associated with habitual consumers of ganja, and a life used to a kind of labour which at the close of the day requires some stimulant to bring about relief to lighten the effects of the day’s toil and to bring about a pleasurable forgetfulness. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR VISHWANATH KESHAWA JOGLEKAR, Brahmin, Sowkar, Karajgi in Dharwar District.
20. Hindus of low caste smoke generally ganja, and Muhammadans charas. There is no particular locality. We cannot give exact proportion. 24. Some high caste Hindus drink bhang in Nemad, Marwad, and districts around the Ganges. - Evidence of DINANATH SHIWSHANKER, Druggist and Chemist.
10. The persons who cultivate hemp for its narcotic properties do not form a special class, but they are of the same classes as other agricultural cultivators. 17. Bhang is prepared by Hindus and Muhammadans for private consumption or sale in their respective castes owing to religious prejudice, under which a Hindu would not drink bhang prepared by a Muhammadan with his water ; however, a Muhammadan shall have no objection to drink bhang prepared by a Hindu with his own water. In a similar manner ganja is washed with water, mixed with tobacco and smoked by Hindus and Muhammadans separately owing to religious prejudice. 20. Hindu and Muhammadan religious mendicants, such as fakirs, sadhus, &c., residing in burial grounds, temples„ and charitable religious places, chiefly smoke ganja. However, it is also smoked by middle and lower classes of Hindus and Muhammadans, who generally contract the habit in associating with such mendicants. The proportion of ganja-smokers cannot be ascertained without official reliable statistics. Charas is practically unknown in Gujarat. 24. Muhammadans and Hindus eat bhang to a limited extent, but both classes of people drink bhang in almost all localities where people are addicted to its use; the proportion of bhang eaters and drinkers cannot be ascertained in the absence of official statistics. - Evidence of JAMSEDJEE NASSERWANJEE GINWALLA,* Shenshai Parsi, Abkari and Opium Farmer, and proprietor of cotton-ginning factories, Ankleswar.
20. In this district charas is very rarely used. Men from all classes smoke ganja. Consumers of the drug are, however, to be found in large majority in the bairagi and gosavi class. 24. Men from all classes drink bhanga. - Evidence of KISAN DULICHAND, Licensed Vendor of Ganja, Nasik .
10. In Sind and other places and in Surat the cultivation of hemp is confined not to one class. The cultivators are of the same class as other cultivators ; any cultivator having land suitable for the growth of hemp may cultivate it. 17. The preparations of the hemp drug are made almost by all classes, Hindus and Muhammadans throughout India. Some Parsis also prepare and drink bhang in Surat. 20. Charas and ganja are smoked by the Hindus and Muhammadans, i.e., bairagis, sadhus, fakirs and others throughout India wherever they are available. Ganja is mostly smoked in Gujarat, where charas is not available. 24. In Sind bhang is drunk almost by all classes, Hindus or Muhammadans, males or females, and even by children. When mixed with massala and properly prepared, it is one of the most cooling and refreshing drinks, specially during the hot weather. I have personally drunk it when I was in Sind with great advantage to my health. I will state my experience of it in my oral examination. In Gujarat it is generally drunk by some of the Hindus and Muhammadans, and specially by the jewellers. It is a usual drink for the fakirs and sadhus. About 30 per cent, of the Hindu male population and 10 per cent. Muhammadan male population and 1 per cent. Parsi male population drink bhang in Surat. Bhang is not eaten except in majum and ghi. the Hindus for aught I know it may be different. It is drunk or smoked by Hindu sadhus and Muhammadan fakirs with incantation, invoking the aid of Mahadeo or Anal Hack or Shah Bahawal Hack, etc. 27. From the Hindus and Mussalmans. They are mostly sadhu, bairagis is and fakirs, and some are well-to-do Hindus and Muhammadans. There are various circumstances which lead one to contract the habit of drinking bhang and smoking ganja. - Evidence of NANNU MIAN B.SHAIKH, Municipal Secretary, Surat.
20. All bairagis, gosains, fakirs and such other wanderers, Rajputs and Mussalmans, generally Marathas, Lengayets and artizans are less addicted; Jains and Brahmins rarely smoke; Parsis and Hindu cultivators never, perhaps Christians also. I speak of ganja alone, and not of charas. 24. Bairagis and fakirs drink bhang prepared in the manner stated under question 15. Other people are not addicted to it. Some persons prepare dud hia on festive occasions, especially in the hot season and take it at night as a luxury. 27. Bairagis and fakirs smoke ganja or drink bhang to make attention steady and to wipe off fatigue. But among other people, want of occupation is the principal cause which leads to the habit of using the hemp. Association with smokers and drinkers may be said to be the next cause leading to the habit. But in this case also want of occupation is requisite. Traders, shopkeepers, cultivators and such other people who are engaged in their daily work from morning till a late hour at night never think of ganja or bhang, though they are associated with persons addicted to them. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR VENKAT RANGO KATTI, Pensioner, Dharwar
10. The persons who cultivate hemp are not necessarily of any special class. They are of the classes from which fields are cultivated for agricultural produce. 17. The cultivators of the hemp plant prepare the drugs. There is no particular class which is specially set to work at it. 20. Ganja is used for smoking by all classes of people, except Europeans and Parsis, to the proportion of about 1 to 400 Lengayet and Brahmins, 1 to 100 other Hindus and Musalmans. It is generally so used in all localities. Charas is produced to a limited extent ; therefore the class of people which consumes it and its proportion cannot be satisfactorily ascertained. 24. Consumers of all classes of Hindus and Musalmans and in all localities eat and drink bhang. The proportion of eaters is 1 to 1,000 and of drinkers 1 to 500. 27. The following classes of people, except Europeans and Parsis are— (a) Vedantis (philosophers), musicians (gavyis), etc. (b) People of bad characters, bava, bairagi, gosavi, fakir. (c) The sick, who find relief from the suffer of their sickness in the use of the drugs. (d) The lunatics, whose lunacy has been brought on by excessive use. - Evidence of GURAPPA RACHAPPA, Lengayet, Office of Shetti (Revenue and Police), Dharwar.
20. Hindus and Muhammadans smoke ganja here. The proportion of ganja smokers is larger among Hindus than Muhammadans. Ganja is smoked among all castes of Hindus in general. 24. Bhang is generally drunk and not eaten. A small quantity is however eaten. The bhang that is eaten is first cleansed by washing and removal of dirt. The bhang is then fried in ghee on an iron pan and mixed with spices, such as pepper, almonds, sugarcandy, poppy seeds, and various other kinds of seeds. The mixture is next powdered, when it is ready to be eaten. This preparation is usually eaten on journeys and when the consumer has difficulty in preparing the drink. Jains, Brahmins, banias, Kshatris and some labourers among Hindus consume bhang. Muhammadans also use bhang, but in fewer numbers than among Hindus. Bhang is generally eaten by Hindus of the castes mentioned above. 27. Both Hindus and Muhammadans smoke ganja. More Hindus smoke than Muhammadans. Kshatris, banias and Hindus of the labouring class chiefly smoke ganja. Sadhus smoke ganja largely. Among Muhammadans a number of fakirs smoke ganja. The practice of smoking ganja takes its rise chiefly on account of luxurious habits with a view to a relief of miseries and anxieties and for medicinal purposes. Sadhus smoke ganja chiefly with the object of producing concentration of mind in their devotions. - Evidence of LALDAS LAXMONJI, Kshatriya, Solicitor's Clerk, Bombay.
10. The persons who cultivate hemp do not form a special class 17. The ordinary Hindu and Muhammadan cultivators prepare the bhang, not any special class of people. 20. Sindhis as a rule do not smoke ganja and charas ; but fakirs, jogis, and travellers from other parts, specially the north of India, use charas and very rarely (as the statistics show) ganja. The places of its consumption are the fakirs' and travellers' halting and resting places. 24. All classes of the people drink bhang, the proportion among the Hindus being, however, larger than among the Muhammadans. The late Rai Bahadur Diwan Navalrai whose wide acquaintance with the customs of the people renders his opinion a very valuable one, said that 80 per cent. of the former and 60 per cent. of the latter drink it; but another experienced officer fixes the proportion at 60 and 20. It is used everywhere for smoking, but scarcely ever for eating, although a few people are said to cook it with their vegetables. 27. The moderate bhang drinkers belong to all classes, and the excessive drinkers are for the most part fakirs, beggars, scavengers, and men of low caste. A few well-to-do people also drink to excess; but such instances are rare. Idleness is the chief cause which leads to drinking. - Evidence of MR. R. GILES, Collector, Shikarpur.
20. The inferior orders and ascetics, both Hindus and Muhammadans, mendicants and fakirs. 24. The sweetmeat majum is eaten by the higher classes, but it is not met with in this district. 27. (a) Bhang. —As regards bhang, moderate consumers are to be found in all classes and among both sexes. (a) Charas.—Beggars and ascetics. (a) Ganja.—Beggars and ascetics. (b) Bhang.—Beggars and ascetics, and at times sayads and piers and others of the upper classes. (b) Charas and ganja.—As under (a).(2) Bhang.—Use is induced by the excessive heat of the climate, and taken in moderation, it is said to be cooling. Charas and ganja are taken very often in the first instance moderately with a view to increasing the sexual powers. Excess follows with the result that loss of power ensues, and the constitution becomes enfeebled. - Evidence of Mr. C. E. S. STAFFORD STEELE, Officiating Deputy Commissioner, Thar and Parkar District.
10. Persons of the same classes as other agricultural cultivators grow the hemp. They form no special class : but as a rule a Hindu agriculturist takes more pains with the crop than a Muhammadan does. 20. Ganja and charas are smoked in this province chiefly by fakirs who come from other parts of India and also by those local residents who associate with such fakirs. There are more ganja smokers than charas smokers. The proportion of ganja smokers is one per cent., and that of charas smokers about one per 200 of the population. In mufassal ganja and charas are used very little and by exceptionally very few people ; but in large cities and towns which the foreigners resort to, the proportion of smokers is large. 24. The drinking of bhang is not confined to any particular class or creed of people. Both Hindus and Muhammadans drink and eat it. Bhang is eaten in the shape of majum only in large cities and towns by very few people who are rich ; but its drinking is extended over large cities and towns as well as the mufassal with this exception that whereas in large cities and towns the proportion of drinkers may safely be estimated at 25 per cent., while in the mufassal it is only 5 per cent. 27. Charas and ganja are smoked by people of very low class and inferior habits, but bhang is taken by all classes, beginning with princes, nobles, merchants, spiritual leaders, ending with the poorest labourer and the beggar. The habit of using bhang is acquired by associating with bhang drinkers. - Evidence of KHAN BAHADUR KADIRDAD KHAN GUL KHAN, C.I.E., Deputy Collector, Naushahro Sub-division
17. No. The persons who cultivate hemp for its narcotic properties belong to the classes of ordinary agricultural cultivators. The preparations o-E the hemp drug, viz., bhang, charas, and ganja are made either by the persons who cultivate the plant or by the con-tractors who buy the standing crop. But majums are prepared by native physicians or by those who know the components required for their preparation. 20. Natives of Sind rarely smoke ganja, and when I made inquiries lately from the farmer of these drugs in Jacobabad and Sukkur they said they had no ganja for sale, as it was not used by Sindhis. In Shikarpur also I could not get even a sample of it. In the towns of — Jacobabad, Shikarpur Charas—Hindu adults 6 per cent. Sukkour and Rohri Mussalmans 9 do. In other outlying villages— Charas—Hindus 4 per cent. ,, Mussalimans 6 do. 24. Bhang is rarely eaten by the natives of Sind ; when any one has got no water and its grinding materials, it is eaten to gratify the cravings of habit. In the Frontier and Shikarpur districts all classes drink bhang in the hot season to a large extent as a cooling and refreshing drink, specially the lower classes of people who cannot afford to buy syrups. In the hot season in places like Shikarpur, Sukkur, Rohri, Jacobabad, about 50 per cent. adult Hindus and 15 per cent. adult Mussalmans; in the cold season only habitual consumers drink it, who are 25 per cent. adult Hindus and 10 per cent. adult Mussalmans. Hindus consider bhang to be a holy plant, as it was patronized, some say, by "Shiva" and some say, by "Mahadevi" and call it "Shivaji" or "Mahadaiji" buti. In almost all the tikanas (places of worship) large earthen pots of its thin watery preparations are kept full for the use of the visitors and passers-by in the hot season, and the preparation is called "sukho," and by Mussalmans "Aho," which is drunk even by boys and girls cooling account of its cooling and refreshing effects. The cost of the bhang is borne from the Panchayat Funds. In the outlying villages in the hot season about 30 per cent. adult Hindus and 10 per cent. adult Mussalmans drink bhang. This decrease is due to difficulties in the way of getting the drug, as shops for its sale are not kept in every village. In the cold season the number of Hindus may be 15 per cent. and of Mussalmans 7 per cent. The difference is due to occasional drinkers in the hot season. 27. There are no particular classes of people who use these drugs. Association with habitual consumers or women of bad repute, specially prostitutes, or tendency to enjoy sensations produced by intoxication, or pleasures of sexual intercourse, lead to the practice. - Evidence of S. SADIK ALI SHERALI, Deputy Collector and First Class Magistrate, Frontier District of Upper Sind.
10. Ordinary cultivators cultivate bhang and as a rule about an acre or so is cultivated with wheat cultivation. 17. These is no particular class of people by which bhang preparation is made. - Evidence of WADHUMAL CHANDIRAM, Pensioner, late Huzur Deputy Collector. Karachi.
10. No special class cultivates the hemp plant. They belong to the same class as other agricultural cultivators. 17. A certain portion of all classes of the people. 20. About one-eighth of the people of all classes are addicted to it generally in all otaras and tikanas. 24. I do not know if any eat bhang. Onefourth of the Musalmans and half of the Hindus drink bhang in otaras, tikanas and madhis (abodes of saniasi fakirs). 27. Both the Hindus and Musalmans are found in each class. Habitual moderate consumers mostly resort to tikanas. Owners of riding animals, both Hindus and Musalmans, and big men, drink it in order to have relief at night. (2) Habitual excessive consumers among Hindus and Musalmans are those who at first take it as a luxury in the prime of their life, or in order to derive more pleasure from copulation. Such people gradually take increased quantities and do fall into excess. - Evidence of RAHMATALA KHAN, Police Inspector, Shikarpur
10. Mussalmans only--agricultural cultivators sometimes cultivate. 17. In this country only Hindus and Muhammadans, but a larger number of Muhammadans use it. 20. Hindus and Musalmans about three-fourths of them. In otaras, tikanas, madhis, and on shops of some bakers. No special places are appointed for it. 24. No one eats bhang except in exceptional cases mentioned under No. 15. It is drunk by Musalmans and Hindus, about half of each of the classes. No special places are appointed, but it is drunk in o tams, madhis, tikanas, but these are not specially appointed for the purpose. 27. The consumers are chiefly taken from the following classes — Sanyasis, jogis, attendants of prostitutes, otara fakirs, shikaris, dheds, mochis and other labouring classes. Bad company or debauchery leads to these habits. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR LAKSHMANSING MATTHRAJI , Police Inspector, Hyderabad, Sind
10. The hemp cultivators do not belong to any special class. They are of the same classes as other agricultural cultivators. 20. About one-tenth of the Hindus and Musalmans of Sind. In tikanas and otaras. 24. One-fourth of Hindus and Muhammadans drink bhang. In houses, tikanas and otaras. No one eats bhang. - Evidence of MUHAMMAD MURID, Police Inspector, Naushahro.
20. Charas mostly by Pathans. Ganja by Hindu mendicants. They have no special locality. 27. The poorer classes generally, and the habit is brought about by society with persons who are habitual consumers. - Evidence of MR. GEO. JUDD, Head Preventive Officer, Karachi.
10. Cultivators—no particular class 17. Bhang is prepared in Sind. With the exception of the bhang prepared (by Sindi Muhammadans) for public use in Shaki-khanas as described (under question 68) it is usually pre-pared by people in their own houses 20. Ganja smoked by Purdesees, Cutchees, Mawaris, low caste Maharattas, Fakirs of both Hindu and Mahammadan castes, and Gosains (all over Sind). Charas by Pathans, Punjabees, Seedees, Beloochees, and other Sindhi Muhammadans, Sindhi fakirs (ascertained at retail shops and by observation of customers). 24. Bhang is only drunk (not eaten) by Sindhi Hindus of all kinds, i.e., (Banias, Amils, etc.) Sindhi Muhammadans of all kinds, Fakirs, Gosains, etc. Looking at the classes who consume bhang in Karachi, I think more than half the people use bhang. 27. (a) Habitual moderate. Sindhi Hindus (Banias, Amils, etc.) Sindhi Muhammadans of the better class, Pathans, Beloochees, Cutchees, Marwaris, Punjabees and some Sidees and low caste Maharattas. (b) Habitual excessive consumers, Sindi Muham-madans of the lower classes, fakirs (Hindu and Muhammadan), Gosains and some Seedees. (Ascertained by observation and knowledge of the habits of the different classes.) - Evidence of MR. GEO. J. BARKER, Abkari Inspector, Karachi.
10. At Bubak it is the Hindu Haris who in the main cultivate the hemp plant for bhang. Elsewhere, too, I believe, it is the Hindus who cultivate it. The bulk of the agricultural cultivators are Muhammadans. 17. The cultivators themselves prepare the bhang by thrashing, as detailed under question 9. 20. Ganja is smoked by nearly the whole or the greater majority of the mendicants and clerical classes and the labouring classes (particularly the Muhammadan labourers in large towns), by the Katchis, Bhils and Pardesis. The Muhammadan labourers of large cities in Sind are said to delight more in smoking charas than ganja. 24. Bhang is drunk almost all over the province by Hindus and Muhammadans. 27. Hindu merchants and traders, including shop-keepers and elderly retired Government servants and Muhammadans of the artisan class, are habitual moderate consumers of bhang. People belonging to the mendicant and clerica l orders (Hindus and Muhammadans) are generally habitual excessive consumers. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR ALUMAL TRIKAMDAS BHOJWANI, Deputy Educational Inspector, Karachi.
20. Hindus mainly smoke ganja, Muhamadans charas. Roughly speaking, 1 in 1,000 smoke charas and 1 in 2,500 ganja. 24. Hindus are the chief consumers of bhang. It is, so far as I know, only drunk. Roughly, 1 Hindu in every 250 drinks bhang. The proportion in the case of Muhammadans is 1 in 1,000 or more. 27. The consumers of all the hemp drugs are derived from the poorer classes mainly. Bhang is indulged in by the rich. Low company mainly leads to the practice. - Evidence of DR. S. M. KAKA, Medical Officer of Health, Karachi.
10. Hemp cultivators form no special class. They are of the same class as other agricutural cultivators. 17. Hindus cultivate and prepare bhang. 20. No special class of people drinks or smokes it. People of all classes are habituated to it and use it. The tikanas of Hindus and dairas (inns) of Mussalmans are the principal places where it is used. 24. (a) Bhang is not eaten . ( b) It is drunk. No special places are appointed and no special class use it. People buy it from the licensed shops and use it. 27. Generally fakirs use intoxicating drugs. Bhang is the root of all hemp drugs. First people learn bhang drinking, thence they are led on to take other drugs. - Evidence of MAKHDUM DOST MOHAMMED MAKHDUM FAZUL MOHAMMED, Zamindar, Bubak, Karachi.
10. The cultivators of the hemp plant do not belong to any special class. They are of the same class as other agricultural cultivators. 17. In Sind no special classes of people make these preparations. 20. Persons of all classes smoke ganja and charas; but some classes, a limited portion of them, use it in moderation, and others, and a considerable portion of them, use it extensively. I have had no occasion to enquire what portions of each class use ganja and charas. Persons of means smoke the drugs in their houses, and poor Hindu persons smoke them in tikanas and dewaras, and Mussalmans do so in otaras and dewaras. In big towns they are smoked in special places established for the purpose. Besides there are charas and ganja houses, where poor persons and labourers can smoke the drugs on payment. But fakirs and labourers have charas and ganja always ready with them, and have also got handy the pipe in which they are smoked, so that they can use them wherever they feel inclined. 24. People of all classes in Sind drink bhang, and roaming Hindu fakirs and owners of tikanas and dharamsalas, and Mussalman fakirs at otaras, and about one-third of other classes drink it. Hindus drink it at appointed times as a religious drink or sukho. Certain mawalis (persons strongly addicted to intoxicating drugs) sometimes eat bhang. This has been touched upon in question 15. Men first pound it, mix water with it, and sift and then drink it in the hot weather as a cooling drink. Persons of means mix almonds, suc-cory, aniseed, coriander, other seeds, and sugarcandy or sugar with it as stimulants, and pound all together and drink the mixture. And Mussalmans, although prohibited the use of bhang by their religion, often use it for its beneficial effects. - Evidence of SETH VISHINDAS NIHALCHAND, Zamindar, Merchant, and Contractor, Manjoo, Karachi.
10. No, they are of the same classes as other agricultural cultivators. 20. All religious mendicants, sanyasis, bawas, bhagats, jogis, etc., smoke ganja and charas, and many Brahmins, and all Muhammadan fakirs and the lower classes of Muhammadans, such as coolies, etc. Nearly all Pathans smoke charas. 24. (a) During the holidays such as the Dewali, Holi, etc., bhang is eaten in a sweetmeat called majum, and it is also sometimes mixed with the flour used in making a kind of food called "pakora." (b) Nearly all Hindu shopkeepers are moderate consumers of bhang, and all Hindu mendicants use it; many of them I fear, to excess. Nearly all low classes, Muhammadans and fakirs also drink it. As a rule, so far as I can learn, the higher classes do not drink bhang except on special occasions. - Evidence of the REV. A. E. BALL, Missionary, Church Missionary Society, Karachi.
10. Bhang cultivators do not form a special class. They are of the same classes as other agricultural cultivators; but in Khebar and Bubak the cultivators are mostly Hindus. 17. In this country only bhang is prepared from the hemp plant, and it is so prepared by those who cultivate it (Hindus and Muhammadans). 20. In Sind persons of Kor classes and Pathans smoke them. Besides sanyasis, nangas, suthrias, kaheris and other fakirs smoke them, and they belong to low classes of people. One-fourth of Pathans, half of sanyasis, and about half of nangas and suthrias. No special places are appointed for smoking them ; but it is greatly done in otaras, madhis, tikanas, and dharm-salas; occasionally in houses and jungles. 24. Bhang is not ordinarily eaten by any class of men in any locality ; but in rare cases it is eaten by awadhut fakirs; and the proportion of such eaters cannot be given. But bhang is drunk by almost all classes of people, except Europeans, Parsis, and Boras. It is generally in otaras, madhis, tikanas, and occasionally in houses. About 33 per cent. are bhang drinkers. 27. The consumers are mainly taken from the following classes :— Sanyasis, suthrias, bhagats, machhis (fishmongers), mirbahars, and. kanjars (followers of prostitutes), boatmen. The taking of opium, bad company and debauchery lead to this practice. Sometimes in the beginning it is taken as a medicine, and then it grows into a habit. - Evidence of MAHOMED LAIK, Mukhtarkar of Hyderabad.
10. No ; they are of the ordinary agriculturist class. 17. By the agriculturists. 20. Charas and ganja are used by both Hindus and Muhammadans, but chiefly by nomadic fakirs, jogis, etc., in (Hindu) Shivite temples, and (Muhammadans) otaras and baithaks. 24. Hindus and Muhammadans use it. They drink it about 80 per cent. Hindus and 50 per cent. Muhammadans. 27. Bhang is drunk by all classes, and by the rich and the poor, and. especially by fakirs and ascetics. Charas and ganja are smoked by fakirs and wandering tribes who live by begging. - Evidence of PRIBHDAS SHEWAKRAM ADVANI Secretary, Band of Hope, Hyderabad, Sind.
20. Sudras, low class people, Suthrias or fakirs, and wandering fakirs, and Mussalmans smoke ganja and charas in otaras and three-fourths of Hindu awaghars and jogis smoke them. 24. Half Hindus and Mussalmans drink bhang. If the habitual drinkers cannot get bhang pounded and sifted, they eat it raw and drink water after it. Often low class Mussalmans in otaras and illiterate Hindu fakirs in tikanas do this. 27. Sowcars, merchants and retail shop-keepers and pensioners use bhang in moderation. Wandering fakirs and low class men use bhang, charas and ganja in excess - Evidence of TIRITHDAS HASRAJMAL, Member of the firm of Denmal Sachanond, Karachi.
10. The bhang cultivators do not form a special class, but belong to the same classes as other agricultural cultivators. 17. In Sind bhang cultivators prepare bhang leaves and Chang seeds. 20. Hindus and Mussalmans. Among Hindus, Brahmins, sanyasis, bairagis, jangams, udasis, shatrias, jogis and other fakirs; three-fourths of the above Classes smoke ganja and charas ; of other Hindus one-fourth only smoke them. Among Mussalmans half of lower classes of people and fakirs, and half of these smoke in large quantities in tikanas, madhis and otaras, and in very small quantity and rarely in their houses. 24. Hindus and Mussalmans. All classes of Hindu fakirs drink bhang, and 75 per cent. of other Hindus drink bhang ; the rest have no objection to drinking. Among Mussalmans 60 per cent. of all classes except Kazis drink bhang. It is drunk mostly in tikanas, madhis, otaras and dairas, and occasionally in houses. Excessive drinkers of bhang eat it off in cases where they cannot get the drink. 27. As regards classes, see answers to questions 20, 23 and 24. Hindu and Mussalman fakirs use them themselves, and have inherited the habit from their elders and transmit it to their chelas (disciples). Among the laymen, bad company or the want of proper care by parents leads their children into these habits. - Evidence of PESUMAL NARUMAL, Farmer and Merchant, Hyderabad
10. Yes, they are zamindars who cultivate bhang among other kinds of crops. 20. Hindus, Mussalmans, sanyasis, fakirs, and Marathas. - Evidence of AHRUMOL PRITAMDAS, Farmer of Bhang, Charas, Ganja and Opium, Karachi.
10. The cultivators are zamindars, and among other crops cultivate bhang. 17. Zamindars. 20. Hindus, Mussalmans, sanyasis, fakirs and Marathas smoke them in tikanas, dharamsalas, dairas (Mussalman inns) and generally in houses. 24. Bhang is drunk by Hindus and Mussalmans generally. 27. The consumers of the drugs are mainly Hindus. Adult men of all classes drink it habitually - Evidence of MANGHANMAL ALUMAL, Bhang, Ganja and Charas, and Opium farmer, Karachi.
10. Yes ; it is mostly cultivated by Belochs, Pirs, Sayads and other fakirs without permission. Yes, in addition to the above, there are other cultivators of the hemp plant who belong to the same class as other agricultural cultivators. 17. Hindus and Mussalmans, peasants, only prepare bhang and nothing else. 20. All classes of people smoke them, except Europeans, Parsis, Boras, and Akoli Sikhs. The smokers will form about one-fourth of these classes. They are smoked mostly in madhis and otaras. No special places are fixed for them. 24. Awadhoot fakirs occasionally eat bhang when they get no time to pound it. People of all classes drink bhang, except Europeans, Parsis and Bhoras. It is drunk in otaras, madhis, houses, etc. I cannot give the exact proportion of the bhang eaters, but of bhang drinkers there may be 6 out of 16. 27. The consumers are sanyasis, wandering sutherias, mochees, muhanas and kanjars. The company of the smokers of these drugs often leads to these habits, and sometimes they are taken as an antidote against diseases. - Evidence of DAYARAM KISHUNCHAND, Bhang, Charas and Ganja, and Opium Farmer, Hyderabad.
10. They do not belong to special classes. Many persons cultivate bhang in this district. . Hindus, Mussalmans, Bengalis, Pathans, Marwadis and Hindustanis. 20. No special class or classes smoke them ; a certain number of people of all classes smoke them, and the rest do not. 24. In all provinces Hindustan and Sind, bhang is pounded and drunk. Very few persons eat bhang. 27. Hindus and Mussalmans and others consume these drugs. Company with consumers of these drugs leads to the formation of a habit. - Evidence of DIN MAHOMED, Contractor, Shikarpur.
10. Agricultural cultivators, in order to sell it, cultivate ganja by obtaining license from the authorities. 17. Bhang is used. by rich classes, and ganja by sanyasis, gosains, fakirs, etc. 20. Rich classes and Kayaths in Hindustan greatly make use of charas. It is a costly thing. As ganja could be procured cheaply, so mendicants, such as fakirs, gosains, largely make use of it. 24. Well-to-do people use bhang for drinking. This is a cooling beverage and generally used in the hot season. 27. Habitual moderate consumers, habitual excessive consumers and occasional excessive consumers are mostly gosains, fakirs, ascetics, etc. Middle class men, when they accidentally approach the smokers, partake of it out of fancy. Gosains, fakirs, and ascetics smoke ganja to make themselves impotent, and to forget other worldly pleasures by being partially or wholly stupefied by the influence of these drugs. - Evidence of C. SHAM RAO, Attachè to the Resident at Hyderabad, now at Pusad, Basim District
10. The cultivators of hemp plant do not necessarily form a special class. Any agricultural cultivator can become a cultivator of hemp plant. 17. The preparations of the hemp drug are made by consumers of ganja and bhang as well as by the confectioner. 20. The smoking of ganja is not restricted to particular classes of people. It is smoked by any class. The proportion of the smoking class is very difficult to ascertain. In every place and in every class, people are found to have been addicted to smoking. The number of persons smoking ganja may, however, be ascertained from the quantity of ganja sold in the district. The quantity of ganja sold during the past nine years, as ascertained from figures obtained from the Deputy Commissioner's office, will be seen from the following figures:— Year. Maunss. 1884-85 50 1885-86 65 1886-87 92 1887-88 80 1888-89 87 1889-90 78 1890-91 83 1891-92 67 1892-93 69 Total for nine years is 673, average being 75 maunds. This average of 75 maunds, at the rate of 1/2 tola of ganja per consumer per day, will sufiice for 1,315 persons for one year. The total population of the district is 481,021. The proportion of the consumers of ganja will therefore be 3 per cent, of population, which appears to be very trifling. 24. The use of bhang is not restricted to any particular classes of people. It is generally used for eating purposes, especially by Pardeshis or persons from Upper India, who have come to Berar to gain their livelihood, the proportion of whom cannot be ascertained. The drinker of bhang will be found more or less in almost all the classes of people and places. 27. The principal classes of people from which the habitual or occasional moderate or excessive consumers of the hemp drug are taken, are the Pardeshis, the bairagis and the gosavis. The Pardeshis are generally the immigrants from Upper India, who have come to Berar for their livelihood. Their principal object is to earn money to be enjoyed by them after their return to their homes. They often try to live within as small an amount as possible, eating their meals once in twenty-four hours, In order to avoid the feeling of such privations they resort to the habit of bhang eating. Bairagis and gosavis, who as such are said to enounce all the worldly cares, often addict themelves to the use of smoking ganja that they may not feel the absence of worldy blessings which they are, by their profession, compelled to renounce. This they can effect by being always under the influence of narcotic hemp drug. - Evidence of KRISHNARA0 HARI, Officiatiny Extra Assistant Commissioner, Buldana.
10. They are of the same class as other cultivators. 17. Not restricted to any particular classes. 20. Ganja is mostly smoked by sadhus and others who have to travel much. Also those who can't afford to drink or take opium, smoke ganja. I can't say anything about charas. 24.There is no particular difference. Those who drink also eat. Generally Brahmins, who are prohibited from drinking liquor, eat or drink bhang. - Evidence of ABARAO JAUROO, Maratha, Karbhari Patel and Special Magistrate, Khamgaon, Akola District.
10. Generally cultivated by malis, who are able to distinguish male from female plants. 17. For smoking, drinking, and eating by the sadhus, bairagis, gosains and fakirs generally, and also by others addicted to its use. 24. All classes eat and drink, but those that eat are very few as compared with those that drink. 27.Vide answer to question 17. The habit is acquired by association with habitual users. - Evidence of MR. A. ARDAGH, Deputy Superintendent of Excise, Ellichpur.
10. Same class as other agriculturists. 17. By agriculturists who grow plant. Majum is made by the dealers. 20. Everywhere by all jogis and fakirs, and few others. 24. All classes eat and drink bhang, but it is chiefly drunk by Marwaris and up-country Brahmins. 27. Mainly from religious sets. The habits are acquired by association. - Evidence of MR. J. C. WATCHA, Excise Inspector, Ellichpur
10. There is no particular caste which cultivates ganja. If permission is granted, ganja will be cultivated like grains in the fields by the cultivators, but the cultivation of ganja is not allowed in this taluk. In old times only those who are in the habit of consuming ganja used to plant hemp at the back of their own houses. 17. It is not customary that any particular class of people prepare any of these drugs. The contractors only sell ganja. The Halwais sometimes prepare yakuti majum from ganja. 20. I cannot say with certainty what classes of the people smoke ganja. Charas is not known in this taluk. Generally fakirs, gosains and labourers smoke ganja. It is a general opinion of the public that exertions of severe nature can be alleviated by ganja smoking. 24. Generally in the hot season most of the people of this taluk drink bhang. Bhang is not used for eating in this taluk. It is said that this is used in Hindustan. 27. I cannot give positively what classes of the people are mainly taken to these drugs. The habit of ganja smoking can be easily formed by association with the ganja consumers. - Evidence of WAMAN GANESH, Tahsildar, Wun
20.The proportion of the people who smoke ganja cannot be given. Many classes of the people smoke ganja, but chiefly faith's, gosains, bairagis and labourers smoke ganja. Ganja eating and drinking is a general custom even in well-to-do people. 27.Only those who are idle, funny, and without any employment mainly lead to these drugs. - Evidence of VICKOOJI NARAIN, Tahsildar, Kathapur.
17. Ganja is prepared and. smoked by fakirs, gosais, etc. This ganja is not prepared. for sale. Halwais and. other shopkeepers prepare majum and yakuti for sale in the fairs. 20. This information is given in answer No. 17 above. The accurate percentage cannot be given ; but from the records it seems that 19,640 people were the usual consumers during the last seven months, and the average for twelve months will be 33,668 in a population of 156,580 of the taluk. - Evidence of VINAYAK APPAJI KAUR, Brahmin, Officiating Tahsildar, Darwa, Wun District.
10. The persons who cultivate hemp for its narcotic properties don't form a special class. They are of the same classes as other agricultural cultivators. 17. The preparations of ganja and bhang are made by the cultivators of the hemp. 20. The classes of the people that smoke ganja are mainly formed of travellers, bairagis, fakirs gosawis, Raj puts, Brahmins, Kunbis, Marwaris, throughout the whole province. Their number on an average probably will come to 20 per thousand. 24. Throughout the whole province Brahmins, Rajputs, Marwaris, bairagis, gosawis, etc., do eat or drink bhang. The number of consumers will come to 10 per thousand. 27. Each of these is mainly taken from classes of the people forming fakirs, bairagis, gosawis, Rajputs. The practice is mainly contracted owing to the bad association. Generally these classes of the people lead an idle life. - Evidence of LAXMAN GOPAL DESHPANDE, Brahmin, Naib Tahsildar, Mangrul Taluk, District Basim.
10. No. They are of the same classes as other agricultural cultivators. 1. I hear they can be and are prepared by any classes who are interested in their production. 20. Ganja is used generally by the lowest classes of Hindus and Muhammadans, and the proportion is about 2 per cent. for the whole population. However, there are persons in the best classes of Hindus and Muhammadans who smoke ganja, and the proportion of such cases, I think, is about 1 in 1,000. 24. The practice of eating or drinking bhang is more prevalent in the inhabitants of Guzerat, Marwar, Mewad, Central India, the Native States of Central India, and the inhabitants of Northern India than it is in the other remaining parts of India. A proportion of the inhabitants of the above mentioned parts, wherever settled, will be found eating or drinking bhang. It is used by the inhabitants of other parts of India, but very occasionally. 27. The smokers are generally of the lowest grades of society and the respectable who have been addicted to smoking are generally through contact or association with the low, or occasionally the habit has been induced to allay pain or infirmity. Bhang eating or drinking is more prevalent in the respect-able than ganja smoking, and this custom has taken root on account of its connection with religious ideas. The religious mendicants both in Hindus and Muhammadans who pass idle lives and persons living on charities are generally addicted to this vice. - Evidence of G. V. KOT, Brahmin, Medical Practitioner, Amraoti.
10. The persons who cultivated hemp for its narcotic properties were not of special class, but ordinary cultivators, but only those who had rich soil and good supply of water used to cultivate it. 17.By no particular class of people.17.By no particular class of people. 20.There is not a particular class of people who smoke ganja. Muhammadans, Hindus, low caste Mahars, etc., have been found in the habit of smoking ganja all over the province ; but if there should. be called the special class, I should call the Muhammadan fakirs and Hindu gosais and bairagis as a class who smoke ganja. 24.There is no particular class as I have said before, but the proportion of people who eat and. drink bhang is very limited all over the province. - Evidence of KHAN BAHADUR NAWAB MUHAMMAD SALAMULLA KHAN, Jagirdar, Deulghat, Buldana District
10. No special class. The cultivation of bhang requires skill, and whoever possesses it cultivates the plant. 17.As a rule, consumers prepare ganja and bhang in their houses. The Muhammadan sweetmeat sellers prepare majum and sell it. 20. Fakirs, gosains, udasis, religious mendicants generally, and people working in the damp mostly smoke ganja. Nearly ninety per cent. of them smoke it. Charas is here unknown. 24. Marwaris, some Upper India men, fakirs, udasis, and gosains drink bhang. They generally drink it in the evening outside the town in some garden or other place where water is fresh and abundant. They drink it after all the day's work is over. 27. These are all generally good and law-abiding people. Some of them are respectable. Working in damp, exposure, forced abstinence, lead to the use of the drug.- Evidence of G. S. KHAPERDE, Brahmin, Pleader, Amraoli.
17. Made by all classes for home consumption. The preparation of the product called majum is usually sold by licensed sellers, but seldom made at home, as it involves trouble. 20. All religious mendicants, such as fakirs, gosains, bairagis ; also Muhammadans, bhois, daylabourers, cooks and artisans are mostly given to ganja smoking, and is not limited to any locality in particular. Charas is not used at all in this province. 24. (a) Bhang is occasionally used for eating. It is used more for drinking and by almost all classes of people in India and in hot parts of the country, specially by pardeshis, Marwaris and Brahmins and other persons in Northern India. Generally it is drunk in hot weather. In Northern India the proportion will be 50 per cent., and in other parts 5 to 15 per cent. Not restricted to any locality. 27. Almost all classes, but principally those enumerated in answer No. 20. Privation, hard work, celibacy and asceticism lead to the habitual practice. - Evidence of YESHWANT VAMAN DIGHE, Pleader, Basim.
20. In Berar all smoke ganja ; none does charas. 24. Bhang is drunk, so far as I know, never eaten. 27. (a) and (c) Brahmins, Musalmans, Marwaris, Kunbis, Telis, and other low castes of Hindus. (b) and (d) Gosains and fakirs and sadhus. Can't give classes of moderate and excessive consumers separately. - Evidence of NIAMAT KHAN BILAN KHAN, Merchant, Balapur, Akola District
10. The cultivators of hemp form no special class. They are of the same classes as other agricultural cultivators. 17. Agricultural cultivators prepare these hemp drugs. 20. Bairagis, gosavis, fakirs, and others who lead the life of pilgrims generally smoke ganja. Some Rajputs and few Brahmins also smoke it. In short, about 2 per cent. of the population smoke ganja. The practice of smoking ganja is prevalent throughout the province. 24. Those who drink bhang eat it also. The practice of eating and drinking bhang is prevalent throughout the province. Those classes of people that smoke ganja eat and drink bhang also. 27. Gosavis, bairagis, and fakirs are habitual moderate and excessive consumers; while Brahmins and Rajputs are occasional moderate and excessive consumers. The lazy and careless use these drugs. - Evidence of LAKSHMAN ATMARAM MAHAJAN, Merchant, Manjrul Pir.
10. There is no special class of persons who cultivate hemp. They are of the same classes as other agricultural cultivators. 17. There is no restriction in any classes of the the people. But generally the gosais and bairagis make the intoxicating preparations. 20. The practice of smoking ganja and charas is in all classes of people. Proportion is not known. 24. Poor people generally eat and drink bhang. This practice is prevalent in the persons who live in religious places. - Evidence of KHAJA ABDUL BAKI, Money-lender, Mehkar, Buldana District.
10. In this province I have only known malis and fakirs growing it. Such as fakirs, mahajans and Chaubes. - Evidence of MR. G. BENNETT, Abkari Inspector, Ajmere
10. Cultivators of every class cultivate hemp. 17. By all classes. 20. Most, if not all, classes of natives smoke both. 24. All classes drink bhang, but it is said Brahmins are most addicted to it. When it is not obtainable in the liquid form, it is eaten in the solid form. - Evidence of MR. G. W. GAYER, District Superintendent of Police, Ajmere.
10. Malis and sadhus cultivate the hemp. No other agriculturists sow the hemp in this district. 17. Fakirs, Chaube Brahmins, and mahajans. 20. Fakirs and sadhus excessively smoke ganja and charas, and occasionally people of other classes. 24. Fakirs, Chaubes and mahajans use bhang in drinking, and sometimes they eat it by mixing some sugar, etc., called majum. - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR D. FF. MULLEN, Civil Surgeon, Ajmere.
20.Wild tribes, such as Palayars, Kapalas, Karaters, fakirs and bairagis, and Malabar coolies and Muhammadans. Individuals here and there of the Eraver class smoke ganja; but it is quite common among the other classes mentioned by me. In the estates and jungles. 24.I hear low class Muhammadans drink bhangi, called in Canarese " ramras," in the time of Muharram. 27.Lazy and idle life, fakir's and bairagi's life, beggarly life, and people working in the cardamom jungle, and some coolies working in the coffee estates, and wild tribes, as a rule, take to ganja smoking. - Evidence of MR. A. BOPPANNA, Planter, Bepunaad, Green Hills, Coorg
10. Some of the low class coolies grow the plant for their own use. 27. Mostly aboriginal tribes and other low class labourers. - Evidence of MUKKATI IYAPPA, Cultivator, Davanagiri, Coorg.
10. Only one or two zamindars cultivate the plant 20. Ganja and charas are chiefly used in this district by the low class Indians residing in Quetta and other bazars. Proportion cannot be ascertained. - Evidence of MAJOR G. GAISFORD, Deputy Commissioner, Quetta, Baluchistan.
20. These drugs are generally used without any distinction of classes among Sindhis and Purbias, as several Thakurs and Brahmins of these countries are seen in this habit. Several residents of Kanvol. 24. Only menial sects of Muhammadan and Hindu nations of the Punjab province eat or drink bhang, as it is considered a shameful event to see a lad of good family of this province and India too indulge in this habit and called a bhangi. - Evidence of KAZI IMAMUDDIN, Extra Assistant Commissioner, Pishin.
20.Fakirs, also Baluchis smoke ganja. 23.No. 24.Fakirs, also Pathans and Baluchis. - Evidence of BABU KEDAR NATH, Head Clerk of the Political Agent, Kalat.
20. Ganja.—Natives of India temporarily in Burma ; proportion unknown to me ; localities, wherever they may be and can get it. Charas unknown to me. I have never come across a Burman, Shan, or Karen consumer of either ganja or charas. Question 20 [oral evidence].—I have never been in the Shan country, and speak only of what I have seen in Lower Burma. - Evidence of COLONEL H. R. SPEARMAN, Commissioner, Tenasserin Division.
10. In the only two cases I can remember, one was an ordinary cultivator ; but, if I remember right, half native. In the other, it was a native of India. 17. I cannot say. Natives of India only as far as I know. 20. Only natives of India, sepoys, and prostitutes. - Evidence of MAJOR B.A. N. PARROTT, Officiating Commissioner, Southern Division.
20. The natives of India are the only people who use it in this Division. - Evidence of MR. A. R. BIRKS, Officiating Commissioner, Arakan Division.
27, I believe ganja is largely consumed in Burma by natives of India. I know it is in Akyab. I think the prohibition of possession has very little effect. So far as I am aware, Burmans never took kindly to hemp drugs. Question 27.—I have served two years in Akyab, and my written answer is based on that experience and facts which came to my notice from 1881 to 1883 in Rangoon. I have come across no instance of consumption of the hemp drug by Burmans, even the Arakanese. The Arakanese regard themselves as a distinct race and hate the Burmans. The police reports I refer to in written answer to question No. 1 are the first and final reports of offences. I have not dealt with any cases of smuggling or illegal possession since I have been District Magistrate. I recollect that cases of smuggling did occur on British India ships coming to Akyab. I have no information about smuggling by native craft, though it is possible it occurs. I cannot recollect any facts connected with the smuggling into Rangoon. I have general recollection of prosecutions in the Shwegyin district before I went to Rangoon. In Akyab certainly ganja can be bought in the bazar. I have never made practical test of the fact, nor do I know the price the drug sells at. - Evidence of MR. A. M. B. IRWIN, Deputy Commissioner, Tharrawaddy.
20. Natives of India, such as military police, camp followers, shoemakers, mehters, etc. Very few Burmans use it - Evidence of MR. H. ADAMSON, Deputy Commissioner, Meiktila.
27. Ganja is smoked by the Punjabis and Hindustanis in the Police and Survey, and habit acquired before there arrival. Also by Siamese who come into our territories. The Siamese growing hemp and smoking ganja is to a great extent in in their own country. Question 27 [oral evidence].—I am indebted to Mr. Leslie, Assistant Superintendent of Police, for most of the information which I can give on the subject. Mr. Leslie has been in the district since 1861, and has spent most of his time on the Siamese frontier on the Packchan. Formerly hemp was grown in the parts of the district populated by Siamese, that is, in parts of the Tenasserim township and in the Lenya and Maliwun township. The hemp was sown and cultivated in clearings in a similar way, as is usual with tobacco. The Burmans in other parts of the district grew a little hemp, using the dried leaf to mix in their chicken curries. The Siamese use the cultivated variety of hemp, and, when the plant is in bud and before it flowers, the plants are plucked or cut, and the whole, dried leaves, buds, and stems together, are dried in the sun and kept tied up in bundles, wrapped round with cloth for use when required. The Siamese use this preparation only for smoking, and the use of the drug is chiefly confined to men. Instances of its use by women are rare. When the new law came into force in Lower Burma, the growing of hemp on our side of the frontier practically ceased, though on the Siamese side it goes on to a certain extent, but not to the same extent as before; the Siamese officials, especially the Raja of Renong, having realized the baneful result of its use, discountenanced it. Ganja may be said to be extinct, as already stated, on our side, except in a few cases of new arrivals from Siamese territory, who procure what ganja they require from across the frontier. Since the native of India police entertained by the Raja of Renong were replaced by Siamese, the use of ganja in Renong has been much reduced. It is believed that there is still a small illicit trade in ganja from Tonka and Kopa to Burmese ports. The trade is in the hands of the Bengalis and Siamese lascars of the Chinese steamers trading from these ports. None of this ganja, as far as I can ascertain, comes into Mergui. It is probably taken to Moulmein and Rangoon for the use of the Bengalis there resident. Smoking of ganja is looked upon by respectable Siamese in much the same light as opium smoking is regarded by Burmans, and is chiefly confined to the lower classes. Wild hemp grows all over the district in open. spaces, but is not used; the leaves of the wild. variety having neither strength nor flavour. - Evidence of MR. H. G. BATTEN,* Deputy Commissioner, Mergui.
17. Natives of India usually. Very few natives of Burma indulge in ganja. 20. Shans in the Upper Chindwin used to do so under the Burman regime. The practice, however, was not very wide-spread nor general, and since the British occupation and absolute prohibition, the use of hemp has practically disappeared. 27. I can't speak for natives of India. In case of Burmans and Shans the practice of hemp consumption is so very uncommon that information in regard to questions Nos. 26 and 27 is not available. In fact, among them there are no habitual consumers, the young bloods only occasionally indulging. - Evidence of MR. W. N. PORTER, Deputy Commissioner, Upper Chindwin.
20. I know of no one but natives of India using ganja. - Evidence of MR. A. L. HOUGH, Deputy Commissioner, Akyab.
17. Formerly by Karens and Talaing. 24. Burmans don't drink bhang, but only smoke it. The Hindus are reported to drink bhang. 27. The poor class. Habits of life or circumstances which lead to the practice not known. - Evidence of MR. J. S. D. FRASER, Deputy Commissioner, Pegu
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