Another big gun
at Bijapur is thirty feet in length, built up of bars bound together.
Other very large pieces exist at Gawilgarh in Berar, and Bidar in the
Nizam's dominions. (Balfour, _Cyclopaedia_, 3rd ed., s.v. Gun,
Bijapur, Gawilgarh Hill Range, and Beder.)
9. The Dasahra festival, celebrated at the beginning of October,
marks the close of the rains and the commencement of the cold season.
It is observed by all classes of Hindus, but especially by Rajas and
the military classes, for whom this festival has peculiar importance.
In the old days no prince or commander, whether his command consisted
of soldiers or robbers, ever undertook regular operations until the
Dasahra had been duly observed. All Rajas still receive valuable
offerings on this occasion, which form an important element in their
revenue. In some places buffaloes are sacrificed by the Raja in
person. The soldiers worship the weapons which they hope to use
during the coming season. Among the Marathas the ordnance received
especial attention and worship. The ceremony of worshipping certain
leguminous trees at this festival has been noticed _ante_, Chapter 26
note 8.
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