Such interference, when inconsistent with past usage and the genius of the people, will defeat the very best intentions. On the grounds of policy and justice, it is alike incumbent on the British Government to secure the maintenance of their present form of government, and not to repair, but to advise the repairs of the fabric, and to let their own artists alone be consulted. To employ ours would be like adding a Corinthian capital to a column of Ellora, or replacing the mutilated statue of Baldeva with a limb from the Hercules Farnese. To have a chain of prosperous independent States on our only exposed frontier, the north-west, attached to us from benefits, and the moral conviction that we do not seek their overthrow, must be a desirable policy. Footnote 3.5.11: [The author’s prediction has been realized by recent events.] Footnote 3.5.12: _Yamaloka._ Footnote 3.5.13: The _gunchhor_ (ungrateful) and _satchhor_ (violator of his faith) are consigned, by the authority of the bard, to sixty-thousand years’ residence in hell. Europeans, in all the pride of mastery, accuse the natives of want of gratitude, and say their language has no word for it. They can only know the _namak-haram_ [‘he that is false to his salt’] of the Ganges. _Gunchhor_ is a compound of powerful import, as ingratitude and infidelity are the highest crimes. It means, literally, "abandoner (from _chhorna_, ‘to quit’) of virtue (_gun_)." Footnote 3.5.14: Hallam, vol. i. p. 323. Footnote 3.5.15: Of the effects of loyalty and patriotism combined, we have splendid examples in Hindu history and tradition. A more striking instance could scarcely be given than in the recent civil distractions at Kotah, where a mercenary army raised and maintained by the Regent, either openly or covertly declared against him, as did the whole feudal body to a man, the moment their young prince asserted his subverted claims, and in the cause of their rightful lord abandoned all consideration of self, their families and lands, and with their followers offered their lives to redeem his rights or perish in the attempt. No empty boast, as the conclusion testified. God forbid that we should have more such examples of Rajput devotion to their sense of fidelity to their lords! Footnote 3.5.16: See statement of its revenues during the last emperor, who had preserved the empire of Delhi united. Footnote 3.5.17: