THE HISTORY OF KATHIAWAD It is said by Bhagavan Veda Vyasa "he who makes a gift of land lives sixty thousand years in Svarga (heaven), while he who resumes it or allows it to be resumed lives the same number of years in Narka (hell)." The resumers of land become black serpents residing in dry caves in the waterless land of the Vindhyaehala. O Yudhishthira! the best of the lords of the earth, protect the lands given to Brahmans in former times. It is more meritorious to protect than to give. Many kings such as Sagara, etc*5 have enjoyed the earth, but he who is the lord for the time being enjoys its fruits. When kings have granted any money for religious purposes that (money) is like refuse. What good man would resume it through fear of poverty ? This is written by Skandabhatta, the nego- tiator of peace and war, the 5th day Vaishakha Krishna Paksha of Samvat 252. This is the signature of Maharaja Shri Dharasena himself. The messenger is Chirbira. 46