BALASORE (Balishwar), the principal sea-port of the province of Orissa, is situated near the mouth of a small river called the Boori Balang, in Lat. 21 deg. 32 min. N., Lon. 86 deg. 56 min. E. This was formerly a flourishing town, and at an early period of their intercourse with India, the Portuguese, Dutch, and English had factories here. It is still the principal trading place of the province, and is the regular resort of the Maldive vessels. It has dry docks capable of receiving small vessels, not drawing more than fourteen feet. BALKH, in Tartary, is situated in Lat. 36 deg. 48 min. N., Lon. 65 deg. 16 min. E. It is believed to be one of the most ancient cities in the world. By Asiatics it is commonly designated as the mother of cities, and it is said by them to have been built by Kyamoors, the founder of the first empire of Persia. It was long celebrated after the conquest of the country by Alexander, as the capital of the kingdom of Bactria; and it was the residence of the chief of the Magi, or fire worshippers of Persia, until conquered by the Mahomedans about the year 710. In the early part of the thirteenth century the city was taken and plundered by the celebrated Jungez Khan; and in the course of the many vicissitudes to which it has since been exposed, it has decayed into an insignificant town, of not more than 2,000 inhabitants, though its ruins extend over a circuit of about twenty miles. It is - remarkable for a great abundance of fruit of various kinds, apricots, for example, being commonly sold at the rate of 2000 for a rupee. Snow is brought from the mountains about twenty miles distant, and sold in the bazar during the sum mer. BALLAKHANEH, Persian. Balcony, an upper room, open in front, and generally overlooking another and lower apartment. BANAS, a river of Guzerat, flowing along the north-western frontier into Runn. BANDA, isles of. These form a small cluster, situated about 120 miles south-easterly from Amboyna, the principal being the island of Banda. They are almost exclusively appropriated to the cultivation of the nutmeg, which they produce in great abundance. They belong to the Dutch, and in their history, inhabitants, religion, and language, resemble the Moluccas. BANDA is situated in Lat. 25 deg. 30 min. N., Long. 80 deg. 20 min. E. This is the modern capital of Bundulkhund, and the residence of the principal British authorities of the district. The cotton of the neighbouring country is of a superior quality. BANDICOOT, a very large description of rat common to the East Indies. They grunt like little pigs, which they have sometimes been found to equal in size. BANDIES, the name given at Madras to a clumsy description of gig or buggy in very common use. BANGALORE, in the Mysore province, is a large fortified town, situated about 200 miles nearly due west from Madras. It is one of the principal military stations of the English, and much resorted to by them on account of its climate, which is much more temperate and health. ful than that of the low country. The cantonment, which is extensive and well arranged, stands about two miles from the Petta. The fort is weak, and only calculated for defence against a native enemy. There are coarse cloth and silk manufactories at this place. Bangalore is famous for its gardens, which produce a great variety of fruits and excellent vegetables. BANGHY, Hindostanee. A slip of bamboo, perhaps five feet in length, which in the middle may be four inches in width, the thickness about an inch; towards the ends it tapers a little, and has shoulders left whereby to secure ropes or nets, in which are placed two tin boxes or two baskets, made either of rattans, or of reeds, very closely worked, and probably covered with painted canvas or leather. The banghy-wallah that is, the bearer who carries the banghy, supports the bamboo on his shoulder, so as to equipoise the baskets suspended at each end. The banghy generally contains the baggage of a dawk or palankeen traveller. If not overladen, the banghywallah will generally keep pace with the palankeen, the bearer shifting the bamboo from one to the other shoulder as he proceeds. BANGLES, armlets or anklets, sometimes of silver or gold, sometimes of glass or cane. They are worn by the Hindoo, and Parsee and Mogul women. BANKA, buck, beau, rake, debauchee, and much else which it is difficult to define, save that to these explanations we may not unfrequently add the term blackguard. They are a species of dare-devils in Mahometan society, who pride themselves in their dress, which is extravagant to a degree, their profuse expenditure, and their prowess in love and fighting. They are, of course, generally young men, and to ape them and their manners is the fashion with youths of family. BANKOK. This town, which became the capital of Siam on the capture of Yoodia, is situated on the banks of the Menam, in Lat. 13 deg. 40 min. N., Lon. 101 deg. 10 min. E. It is the chief sea-port of Siam, and is a busy flourishing town, containing about 40,000 inhabitants. It is built almost entirely of wood, the houses being all raised upon posts, so as to place them above the rise of the tide and the periodical inundations. The greater part of the town floats upon the river, the houses being constructed upon bamboo rafts, and moored in rows of ten or more from each bank. The popu lation forms a mixed assemblage of Siamese, Burmese, Shans, Malays, and Chinese, the last amounting to a half of the whole number. The principal manufactures are in tin, iron, and leather, carried on entirely by Chinese artisans. Nearly all the junks used in the eastern trade are built here. BANYAN, a Hindoo merchant, shopkeeper, or confidential cashier and broker. The term is used in Bengal to designate the native who manages the money concerns of the European, and sometimes serves him as an interpreter. At Madras the same description of person is called a Dubash, a corruption of Dwi bashi, one who can speak two languages. Some banyans usurp the designation of dewan, which should imply an extensive delegated power; that office, under the emperors of Hindostan, and even now in the courts of Lucknow, Hyderabad, &c., being confidential, and never bestowed but on persons in high favour. The banyans are invariably Hindoos, possessing in general very large property, with most extensive credit and influence. So much is this the case, that Calcutta was, some years ago, absolutely under the control of about twenty or thirty banyans, who managed every concern in which they could find means to make a profit. It is inconceivable what property was in their hands; they were the ostensible agents in every line of business, placing their dependents in the several departments over which themselves had obtained dominion. Was a contract to be made with government by any gentlemen not in the company's service, these became the securities, under the condition of receiving a per centage, and of appointing their friends to such duties as might control the principal, and save themselves from loss. When a person in the service of the company was desirous of deriving benefit from some contract, in the disposal of which he had a vote, and which, consequently, he could not obtain in his own name, then the banyan became the principal, and the donor either received a share, or derived advantage from loans, &c., answering his purpose equally well. The same person frequently was banyan to several European gentlemen, all of whose concerns were, of course, accurately known to him, and thus became the subject of conversation at those meetings the banyan of Calcutta invariably held, and do yet hold, after the active business of the day has been adjusted. A banyan invariably goes attended by several underling sircars, hirkarahs, &c. He, to a certain degree, rules the office, entering it generally with little ceremony, making a slight obeisance, and never divesting himself of his slippers: a privilege which, in the eyes of the natives, at once places him on a footing of equality with his employer. Of late years, however, the power of the banyan has diminished greatly; for, if we except a few large concerns, such as banking-houses and the principal merchants, who, having valuable cargoes on hand, are each under the necessity of retaining one of these people, for the purpose of obtaining cash to make up payments, or to furnish advances to indigo factors, &c. It cannot, however, be denied that many speculations are carried on by the aid of banyans, which, but for the strength of their resources, could never have been attempted. We owe our present extended trade in the fabrics of Dacca, &c., in the sugar of the western and northern districts, in indigo throughout the country, and numerous other branches of commerce, to the support given by this class to such gentlemen as appeared to them likely to succeed. BANYAN TREE. This tree is common throughout India. Its branches are nearly horizontal, and they send forth great numbers of roots, which, when they reach the ground, soon grow, and act as supports to the branches. There are some trees of this description whose ponderous branches have extended themselves for many yards in every direction, and unless supported by these smooth columns formed of their own roots, would probably soon fall. When these roots descend from branches overhanging a public road, it becomes necessary, when they have descended so low as to be within reach, to twist several of them together, and in this way, by tying them with a rope, to give them a slanting direction, till they are sufficiently long to reach the earth at the other side of the road. Thus the road actually passes through between the roots of the tree. The wood is of little service, being coarse and soon decaying. BARAHAT, a town situated on the This province is bounded on the north by Mysore and Central Carnatic; east, by Central Carnatic; south, by Salem; and west, by Mysore. Its principal rivers are the Palar and the Panar. This is a small province, situated among the Eastern Mountains. It is generally of a wild, irregular appearance, and in former times was thickly studded with formidable hill forts. The valleys produce rice and other grains, but the articles principally cultivated are dry seeds, vegetables, and plantations of cocoanuts and palms. The manufactures are coarse, and consist of little besides inferior cumlies, and cotton cloths. The principal towns are Venkatagherry, Satgurh, Oossoor, Sooloogherry, Vaniambaddy, Rutnagherry, Kistnagherry, Ryacotta, Tripatoor, and Allambaddy. BARA ROOPA, a class of men whose profession it is to disguise themselves, and most admirably do they effect it. For this reason they are often employed as spies with the Indian army, and it is next to impossible to detect them. BAREILLY, a large town, and formerly the capital of one of the Rohilla chiefs, situated in Lat. 28 deg. 23 min. N., Long. 79 deg. 16 min. E. Amongst other manufactures it is noted for brass water-pots, carpets, and cabinet work. BARÊKILLAH, a Persian exclamation in constant colloquial use, literally signifying "Good God!" "Praise be to God!" "Excellent!" "Well done!" "Bravo!" BAROCH, or BROACH, is situated on the north bank of the Narbudda, about twenty-five miles from the sea, in Lat. 21 deg. 46 min. N., Long. 73 deg. 14 min. E. At an early period this place is noticed in history as a very flourishing seaport. It has since much declined, but still carries on a considerable coasting trade. Its present population is estimated at about 30,000 inhabitants, including a large proportion of Banyans and Parsees. BARODA is situated in Lat. 22 deg. 21 min. N., Long. 73 deg. 23 min. E. This is the capital of the Gaicowar. It is a large and flourishing town, and contains about 100,000 inhabitants. BAROONEE, an ample cloak with sleeves, made to cover the whole person. It is worn by the Turks and Persians, and is considered to be a good defence from baroon (rain), whence the name takes its derivation. BARRACKPORE is in the province of Bengal; it is at a distance of about twenty miles from Calcutta. Barrackpore, called by the natives Achanuck (corrupted from Charnock, the founder of Calcutta, who abided here), consists of a large park and a military cantonment, in the former of which is the spacious countryhouse of the Governor-general, while the latter affords accommodation to six regiments of native infantry and the full proportion of officers. Lord Auckland established a native school at Barrackpore, and left funds for its support. The regiments here, with the artillery at Dum-Dum (seven miles from Calcutta), and the troops in Fort William, constitute the presidency division of the army, which is commanded by a general officer, who resides at Barrackpore. BASIN, Bengalee. A mixture of orange peel, ground fine on a stone, and mixed with flour made from peas. It is successfully used in cleansing the hair. BASSA, a Turkish title of honour. bestowed upon governors of provinces and privy counsellors of the Grand Signor. BASSEEN is a seaport, separated by a narrow strait from the island of Salsette, and distant about thirty miles from Bombay. This place was obtained by treaty from the sultaun of Cambay in 1531, by the Portuguese, who lost it about 1750 to the Mahrattas, from whom it was subsequently taken by the English. BATAVIA is the capital of the island of Java, and of all the Dutch possessions in the east; it is situated on the northern coast, in Lat. 6 deg. 8 min. S., Lon. 106 deg. 54 min. E. Its population, of all classes, is estimated at about 50,000. It was founded by the Dutch in the year 1619. BATCHEET, Hindostanee for chitchat. BATTA, Hindostanee. Deficiency, discount, allowance. Also allowance to troops in the field. In the garrison troops are allowed halfbatta. BATTAS, savage inhabitants of Sumatra, q. v. BAUBOOL, a species of mimosa, generally growing wild all over India. The crooked billets of the Baubool are deservedly in great estimation, and its bark is considered to be, if any thing, superior to that of oak for the tanner's use. BAUGDORE, a leading halter, a strong cotton cord, which the Syce, or ghora wallah (groom), in India, fastens to the left cheek of the bit when leading a horse, and does not loosen until his master has mounted, when, by drawing a slip knot, the animal is liberated from the groom's control. BAWURCHEE (or BABBACHEE), a cook. To small establishments in India he is not essential, for the khedmutgar and musalchee will there manage the business very creditably between them: and where he is kept, he is paid according to his excellence. BAZEE ZAMEEN, sundry or miscellaneous goods. The term is particularly applied to such lands as were exempt from payment of public revenue, or very lightly rated, during the native rule in the Indian peninsula. It refers to not only such as are held by Brahmuns, or appropriated to the support of places of worship, &c., but also to the lands held by the officers of government, such as zemindars, canongoes, putwarries, &c. BECHESM! a Persian expression. "By my eyes!" BEDER. This province is bounded on the north by Aurungabad and Berar; east, Hyderabad and Gondwana; south, the Kistna; west, Bejapoor and Aurungabad. The divisions consist of Puthree, Nandair, Calliany, Beder, Akulcotta, and Kulburga. The rivers are the Godavery, Munjera, Beema, Kistna, and several smaller rivers. The surface of this province is broken and hilly, but not mountainous, generally open, and very productive, but thinly peopled, and consequently not well cultivated; though, under its ancient Hindoo government, it is said to have been exceedingly populous and fruitful. The productions are wheat, cholum, and other dry grains, and cotton. The towns are Nandair, Neermul, Calliany, Beder, Akulcotta, and Kulburga. Notwithstanding its having so long been under a Mahomedan government, this province contains few Maho medans, the inhabitants being chiefly Hindoos. The junction of three languages takes place in this province. Northward and westward of Beder, the prevailing language is the Mahratee; northward and eastward, the Teloogoo; southward and eastward, the Teloogoo; and southward and westward, the Kanarese. BEDER, the capital of the province of Beder, and formerly of the Bhamenee empire, is situated in Lat. 17 deg. 49 min. N., Lon. 77 deg. 48 min. E. The present town of Beder was built near the ruins of the old Hindoo city of the same name, by Ahmed Shah Bhamenee about the year 1440, and was called by him Ahmedabad. It was noted for works of tutenague inlaid with silver, such as hookah bottoms, and similar articles, which are still denominated Bederware. BEDOUINS, Arabs, who constantly live in tents. They wander over the whole of Turkey, Persia, Arabia, Egypt, and Syria. They recognise no government but that of their own sheik or superior. BEEANA stands on the banks of the Ban-Gunga, in Lat. 26 deg. 57 min. N., Lon. 77 deg. 8 min. E. It is a large and flourishing town, and was the capital of the province before Agra. BEEGAH, or BIGGAH, a land measure, varying in different parts of India. In the west it measures 3025 square yards; in Bengal, 1600 square yards; in Malw, or Central India, nearly two roods. The BEENA, the musk deer. This little animal, which inhabits the Himalaya range, seems to have puzzled the savans, who find a difficulty in placing it, and it generally stands between the lamas and the deer. musk is timid and solitary; the male and female are hardly ever seen together; but if one is found in a kud or dell, it is very likely the next kud will contain its mate. It is supposed the musk is for the purpose of enabling them to rejoin each other |