Note 31 — Chapter II · THE HEROIC AND VILLAGE GODLINGS.

The business of selecting a site for a new village or hamlet is one which needs infinite care and attention to the local godlings of the place. No place can be chosen without special regard to the local omens. There is a story told of one of the Gond Râjas of Garh Mandla, whose attention was first called to the place by seeing a hare, when pursued by his dogs, turn and chase them. It struck him that there must be much virtue in the air of a place where a timid animal acquired such courage.31 The site of the settlement of Almora is said to have been selected by one of the kings before whom in this place a hare was transformed into a tiger.32 Similar legends are told of the foundation of many forts and cities.