A _banian_ invariably rides in his palanquin, attended by several underling _sircars_, _hirkarahs_, &c. He, to a certain degree, rules the office, entering it generally with little ceremony, making a slight obeisance, and never divesting himself of his slippers: a privilege which, in the eyes of the natives, at once places him on a footing of equality with his employer. Under such a system, it has been easy for the tribe of _banians_ to effect the ruin of any individual; while it was impossible for any man in distress to conceal his circumstances, so as to obtain a loan, or to extend his credit: hence, the courts of law were full of causes in which _banians_ were plaintiffs. Of late years, the case has altered greatly; for, if we except a few large concerns, such as banking-houses, and the principal merchants, who, having valuable cargoes on hand, are each under the necessity of retaining one of this jew-like gang, for the purpose of obtaining cash to make up payments, or to advance for investments, _banians_ are become obsolete. In former times, there was little alternative how money should be secured, except on mortgage, or in the Company’s treasury; whereas, few now think of lending money at less than 12 per cent., which is the legal interest; and, as the Company do not receive loans at that rate, except when pressed by exigency and, that the great agency-houses continue to make such an immense profit as enables them to pay so high for money accommodation; the floating property belonging to individuals, with little exception, falls into their hands: consequently, there is little occasion for _banians_; the principal remains of whose extensive influence are to be seen in the above concerns, and in the management of elephant, bullock, or other contracts; which they often buy of the contractor, either for a specific sum paid down, or by allowing him an annual contingent; so as to exempt him from the responsibility, as well as from the management, altogether. I shall only add, that this description of persons may be classed with the superior _debashes_ of the Carnatic; and that, although there certainly have been found some individuals who might fairly claim exemption from the accusation, yet, that, generally speaking, the present _banians_, who attach themselves to the captains of European ships, may, without the least hazard of controversion, be considered as nothing more or less than _Rum-Johnnies_ ‘of a larger growth.’ Some of these gentry usurp the designation of _dewan_, which should imply an extensive delegated power; that office, under the emperors of Hindustan, and even now in the courts of Lucknow, Hydrabad, &e. being confidential, and never bestowed but on persons in high favor.