The Gujar
caste is most numerous in the Panjab and the upper districts of the
United Provinces. It is not very highly esteemed, being of about
equal rank with the Ahir caste and rather below the Jat. Gujar
colonies are settled in the Hoshangabad and Nimar districts of the
Central Provinces. The Gujars are inveterate cattle-lifters, and
always ready to take advantage of any relaxation of the bonds of
order to prey upon their neighbours. Many sections of the caste have
adopted the Muhammadan faith.
40. The small state of Chhatarpur lies to the south of the Hamirpur
district, between the Dasan and Ken rivers. The town of Chhatarpur,
on the military road from Banda to Sagar, is remarkable for the
mausoleum and ruined palace of Raja Chhatarsal, after whom the town
is named. Khajuraho, the ancient religious capital of the Chandel
monarchy, with its magnificent group of mediaeval Hindoo and Jain
temples, is within the limits of the state, about eighteen miles
south-east of Chhatarpur, and thirty-four miles south of Mahoba. The
Pawar adventurer, who succeeded in separating Chhatarpur from the
Panna state, was originally a common soldier.
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