The people in these hills are called Gonds, a true hill tribe--that is to say, aborigines, somewhat of the negro type.

The chiefs are of mixed blood, but the people are almost black.

They are supposed to accept the religion of the Hindus, but are in reality deplorably ignorant and superstitious.

Their priests are a sort of compound of a Brahmin priest and a negro fetish man, and among their principal duties is that of charming away tigers from the villages by means of incantations.

There, as in other parts of India, were a few wandering fakirs, who enjoyed an immense reputation for holiness and wisdom.