130 Abode of Gods
and other evidence goes to justify that Kalsi was once centre and
seat of an important ancient empire which initiated an entirely new
cultural pattern within Jaunsar-Babar-Mahasu and Rawain area.
The inhabitants of these places look alike and follow identical
customs even today distinctly different than those pursued by their
counterparts in Garhwal-Kumaon hills and Himachal Pradesh.
They are definitely of different stock which is further proved by
the fact that their physical features, customs and jewellery is dis-
tinctly different. To strengthen this theory, the art and architec-
ture of the area can also be taken into account. The temples are
of distinctly local design with a wooden frame outside them. A
close investigation of Lakhamandal (Dehradun distt.) reveals that
the stone used for the construction of the temples speak of highly
skilled execution, bearing explicit imprint of Greeco-Roman
impact, like of which is found in Mathura. The Yaksha and
Yakshani sculptures alongwith Shiv-Parvati figures as found in
Lakhamandal and parts of Ravain and parts of Fateh Parvat Ban-
gan go to show that Jaunsar is nothing but distorted version of
Yavansar, thereby meaning that the existing inhabitants are most
probably descendents of Kushans and Huns who settled in these
parts or were left behind when wave after wave of them swept past
these places.
Traces of ancient social order
As a result of above socio-political background there seems
ample justification for the locals* claim of descent from Pandavas
and Kaurvas. A look inside the descriptive roles of Mahabharata
reveals that when Kauravas were engaged in a life and death strug-
gle against the Pandavas in the battlefield of Kurukshetra, king
Bhogdutta of this part arrayed himself on the side of the Kaura-
vas. This historical background is evident even today in the adjo-
ining patti of Fatehparvat-Panchgain where Rajputs and Brah-
mins intermarry and wives are priced which makes them open for
free and frequent sale. In fact, birth of a child shoots up her price
and more the number of houses she has seen more valued sfre
becomes and with the past experience of sexual liberty which she
enjoys at her paternal place, particularly during festivals compels
her to yonder for fresh experiences. However, leaving aside these
aspects of life she is the backbone of family economy because she