uncertain. There were no maps, and the rent-roll, with the names of the tenants and their holdings, might not be available, or if found was often wanting in many important particulars. Frequently in sheer despair or from inability to manage a large estate, a Zamíndár would create a sub-infeudation on a part of it, or would grant a lease of the whole or half of his Zamíndárí to some determined and energetic Englishman.
In some cases the new owner or lessee found it necessary to bring a series of summary suits against defaulters, to measure lands under the protection of the police, and to institute a regular civil action to fix the rent accordinor to the custom of the Parganá, on the different kinds of crops and lands, selecting for typical cases three or four of the most obstructive and substantial Ryots. In the end, a persevering landlord or lessee generally had his own way. Decrees were obtained, and after delays and appeals, were enforced against a head-man or permanent tenant-proprietor. The less determined villagers gave in, attended at the local office, and effected a private settlement; then, in all probability, the Zamíndár made up for lost time and money. He got what in Anglo-Indian phrase was termed the dakhal: that is to say, he obtained a firm footing in the village owing to command of means, knowledge of revenue practice, dexterity in management, and determination in carrying out his decrees. Rents were then punctually exacted. Ryots were compelled by force to attend
