the land revenue administration was exercised by the Agents to the Governor-General in Rájputána and Central India, in subordination to the Lieutenant-Governor. The unit of administration was the District, which was usually an area of 1,100 or 1,200 square miles, presided over by an English 'Magistrate and Collector,' answering to a French sous-préfet; the Préfet being the 'Commissioner,' under whom were grouped five or six districts.
Within the area of the North-West Province is comprised all that is most national and most sacred in the sight of Hindus; much that reminds Muhammadans of the past glories of the Mughal empire is to be found also within its limits. In the south-east rise the spires of the innumerable temples of Benares, the bourne of every Hindu's desire, and the goal of his frequent pilgrimages. Not far from Benares is Prág, known better by its Muhammadan name of Allahábád, situated at the junction of the Ganges, the Jumna, and the fabled Saraswatí, a spot little less sacred than Benares; and, like Benares, the desire of countless pilgrims. In both cities swarm devotees, priests, ascetics, all the hierarchy of the Hindu religious fraternities. From west to east of the Province flow the sacred Ganges and Jumna, issuing each from its couch of snows on glittering Himálayan peaks. Muttra and Brindában feed the flame of Hindu devotion, enshrining in their temples the figure of incarnate Vishnu, known to man as Ráma and as Krishna, whose victories live in the songs, as his name reigns
