removed; and they should
either return to take the omens again or give up that particular
dacoity altogether. [203] It has been recorded as a characteristic
trait of Banjaras that they will, as a rule, not answer if spoken
to when engaged on a robbery, and the custom probably arises from
this observance; but the worship of Mithu Bhukia is now frequently
neglected. After a successful dacoity a portion of the spoil would be
set apart for Mithu Bhukia, and of the balance the Naik or headman of
the village received two shares if he participated in the crime; the
man who struck the first blow or did most towards the common object
also received two shares, and all the rest one share. With Mithu
Bhukia's share a feast was given at which thanks were returned to
him for the success of the enterprise, a burnt offering of incense
being made in his tent and a libation of liquor poured over the
flagstaff. A portion of the food was sent to the women and children,
and the men sat down to the feast. Women were not allowed to share
in the worship of Mithu Bhukia nor to enter his hut.

12. Siva Bhaia.

Another favourite deity is Siva Bhaia, whose story is given by Colonel
Mackenzie [204] as follows: "The love borne by Mari Mata, the goddess
of cholera, for the handsome Siva Rathor, is an event of our own
times (1874); she proposed to him, but his heart being pre-engaged he
rejected her; and in consequence his earthly bride was smitten sick
and died, and the hand of the goddess fell heavily on Siva himself,
thwarting all his schemes and blighting his fortunes and possessions,
until at last he gave himself up to her. She then possessed him and
caused him to prosper exceedingly, gifting him with supernatural power
until his fame was noised abroad, and he was venerated as the saintly
Siva Bhaia or great brother to all women, being himself unable to
marry. But in his old age the goddess capriciously wished him to marry
and have issue, but he refused and was slain and buried at Pohur in
Berar. A temple was erected over him and his kinsmen became priests of
it, and hither large numbers are attracted by the supposed efficacy
of vows made to Siva, the most sacred of all oaths being that taken
in his name." If a Banjara swears by Siva Bhaia, placing his right
hand on the bare head of his son and heir, and grasping a cow's tail
in his left, he will fear to perjure himself, lest by doing so he
should bring injury on his son and a murrain on