W. Irvine, Later Mughals, (Luzac & Co., London, 1922)

"The reversal of previous customs was striking and complete. A low scavenger or leather-dresser, the lowest of the low in Indian estimation, had only to leave homes and join the Banda Singh, when in a short time he would return to his birthplace as its ruler, with his order of appointment in his hand. As soon as he set foot within the boundaries, the well-born and wealthy went out to greet him and escort him home. Arrived there, they stood before him joined palms waiting his orders. A scavenger, from the nature of his duties, is intimately acquainted with the condition of every household. thus the new ruler had no difficulty in exacting from every one their best and most valuable belongings, which were confiscated for the use of the guru [sic], or his treasury. Not a soul dared to disobey an order; and men who had often risk to themselves in battlefields, became so cowed that they were afraid even to remonstrate."