Note 6 — Chapter XII · THE MIHIRAS OR MERS. a.d. 470–900.

[Káthiáváḍa contains three peculiar and associated classes of Hindus, the Mers, the Jethvás, and the Jhálás. The Mers and the Jethvás stand to each other in the relation of vassal and lord. The Jhálás are connected with the Jethvás by origin history and alliance. The bond Chapter XII. The Mers, a.d. 470–900. The Jethvás. of union between the three classes is not only that they seem to be of foreign that is of non-Hindu origin, but whether or not they belong to the same swarm of northern invaders, that they all apparently entered Káthiáváḍa either by land or sea through Sindh and Kacch. So far as record or tradition remains the Mers and The Jethvás.Jethvás reached Káthiáváḍa in the latter half of the fifth century after Christ, and the Jhálás, and perhaps a second detachment of Mers and Jethvás, some three hundred years later.6 The three tribes differ widely in numbers and in distribution. The ruling Jethvás are a small group found solely in south-west Káthiáváḍa.7 The Jhálás, who are also known as Makvánas, are a much larger clan. They not only fill north-east Káthiáváḍa, but from Káthiáváḍa, about a.d. 1500, spread to Rájputána and have there established a second Jháláváḍa,8 where, in reward for their devotion to the Sesodia Rája of Mewáḍ in his struggles with the Emperor Akbar (a.d. 1580–1600), the chief was given a daughter of the Udepur family and raised to a high position among Rájputs.9 The Mers are a numerous and widespread race. They seem to be the sixth to tenth century Medhs, Meds, Mands, or Mins of Baluchistán, South-Sindh, Kacch, and Káthiáváḍa.10 Further they seem to be the Mers of Meváḍa or Medapatha in Rájputána11 and of Mairváḍa in Málava,12 and also to be the Musalmán Meos and Minas of Northern India.13 In Gujarát Chapter XII. The Mers, a.d. 470–900. The Mers. their strength is much greater than the 30,000 or 40,000 returned as The Mers.Mers. One branch of the tribe is hidden under the name Koli; another has disappeared below the covering of Islám.14