APPENDIX II
of the value. If there be any mistake in an account, it can be rectified up to one year.
No. 16. For Uncivilised People
These laws apply only to such uncivilised people as Bhuteas, Lepchas, Mongolians, who know no law; therefore what is written below is not required in Tibet. The Mongolians also have their law, written by Raja Kesar, of which we know little.
Any Government messenger must be supplied with what he wants (such as horses, food, &c.), and if not provided he can take them. Also whilst halting he must be supplied with food and fire. But the messenger must not draw his sword or use his bow, or he will be liable to a fine, and he must only take what is necessary to the performance of the Government work.
MARRIAGE CUSTOMS AMONGST THE SIKHIMESE, TIBETANS, AND BHUTANESE
These customs have been gathered from actual observation, and are those now observed by the people.
If the eldest brother takes a wife she is common to all his brothers.
If the second brother takes a wife she is common to all the brothers younger than himself.
The eldest brother is not allowed to cohabit with the wives of the younger brothers.
Should there be children in the first case, the children are named after the eldest brother, whom they call father; in the second case, after the second brother, and so on.
Three brothers can marry three sisters, and all the wives be in common, but this is not very often met with. In such a case the children of the eldest girl belong to the eldest brother, of the second to the second, and of the third to the third, if they each bear children. Should one or more not bear children, then the children are apportioned by arrangement. Two men not related can have one wife in common, but this arrangement is unusual.
The marriage ceremony consists almost entirely in feasting, which takes place after the usual presents have been given to the girl’s relations. These presents constitute the woman’s price, and vary in accordance with the circumstances of both parties.
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