,
where there are no kinsfolk to mourn, and the corpse is a feast
for birds and animals"; but this may perhaps be taken rather as an
expression of philosophic resignation to the fate which must be in
store for many of them, than a real preference, as with most people
the desire to die at home almost amounts to an instinct.

10. Religion: Banjari Devi.

One of the tutelary deities of the Banjaras is Banjari Devi, whose
shrine is usually located in the forest. It is often represented by a
heap of stones, a large stone smeared with vermilion being placed on
the top of the heap to represent the goddess. When a Banjara passes
the place he casts a stone upon the heap as a prayer to the goddess
to protect him from the dangers of the forest. A similar practice of
offering bells from the necks of cattle is recorded by Mr. Thurston:
[202] "It is related by Moor that he passed a tree on which were
hanging several hundred bells. This was a superstitious sacrifice of
the Banjaras (Lambaris), who, passing this tree, are in the habit
of hanging a bell or bells upon it, which they take from the necks
of their sick cattle, expecting to leave behind them the complaint
also. Our servants particularly cautioned us against touching these
diabolical bells, but as a few of them were taken for our own cattle,
several accidents which happened were imputed to the anger of the
deity to whom these offerings were made; who, they say, inflicts the
same disorder on the unhappy bullock who carries a bell from the tree,
as that from which he relieved the donor." In their houses the Banjari
Devi is represented by a pack-saddle set on high in the room, and
this is worshipped before the caravans set out on their annual tours.

11. Mithu Bhukia.

Another deity is Mithu Bhukia, an old freebooter, who lived in the
Central Provinces; he is venerated by the dacoits as the most clever
dacoit known in the annals of the caste, and a hut was usually
set apart for him in each hamlet, a staff carrying a white flag
being planted before it. Before setting out for a dacoity, the men
engaged would assemble at the hut of Mithu Bhukia, and, burning a
lamp before him, ask for an omen; if the wick of the lamp drooped
the omen was propitious, and the men present then set out at once on
the raid without returning home. They might not speak to each other
nor answer if challenged; for if any one spoke the charm would be
broken and the protection of Mithu Bhukia