Fauna of Mewar: see NATURAL FEATURES OF MEWAR.

Feuds, Rajput. Rajputs were renowned not only for their honour and chivalry, but also for their ferocity and avarice. Border disputes were most prolific in the production of feuds. With interminable raids into neighbouring territory, the thirst for revenge was also very prevalent. Not to prosecute a feud was tantamount to self-degradation, and to sheath the sword till "a feud was balanced" was unwise. As in all countries, where the laws are insufficient to control individual actions or redress injuries, there are few scruples as to how revenge was carried and warfare was often barbarous. In Rajasthan, the word for feud was 'vair' (very similar to the English 'war'), which explains why, in Rajputana, a feud was more than a simple dispute or argument; the Rajput had to have blood for blood. However, there was usually a price to pay, and the monarch had to be powerful in ordering acceptance of the compensation (mund-kati). The price depended upon the value of a victim. For example, according to the Hindu doctrine, the Laws of MANU, one of the most expensive victims was a Brahman, a member of the highest caste. His life was worth four times that of a soldier, eight of a merchant, and sixteen times of a Sudra, one of the four main lowest castes. "If a Brahman kills one of the soldier caste (without malice), a bull and one thousand cows is the fine of (obligation). If he slays a merchant, a bull and one hundred cows is the fine. If a Sudra or lowest caste, ten white cows and a bull to the priest is the (fine)." The prosecution of a feud was stopped only by a process which was next to impracticable; namely, by the injured party volunteering forgiveness, or by the aggressor demanding forgiveness. Both were trying situations for either party, but often preferable, as revenge in such a case would bring disgrace. Besides which it could be costly, and deadly. So the usual, and easiest way out was to confess error and request forgiveness, plus offer a daughter in marriage.

firman: see FARMAN.

Fish of Mewar: see NATURAL FEATURES OF MEWAR.

Flora of Mewar: see NATURAL FEATURES OF MEWAR.

folk culture: see ARTS AND CRAFTS OF MEWAR.

Folk Museum, Udaipur, located in the same building as the Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal.

Forests and Trees of Mewar: see NATURAL FEATURES OF MEWAR.

Forest Nurseries of Mewar: see NATURAL FEATURES OF MEWAR.

Fort Auwa Hotel, an HRH Group heritage hotel, in the Pali District, is 175 km. from Udaipur. During the Indian Mutiny of 1857, many locals perished defending their homes, after which the British razed the village to the ground. Auwa was rebuilt, and now its historic fort has been adapted as a comfortable resort, with camel or horse rides to the nearby wildlife sanctuary, and visits to local tribal villages. For reservations see HRH GROUP RESERVATIONS.

Forts in Udaipur (see individual entries for details): Ambav Garh; Eklinggarh; Indergarh; Sajjangarh (Monsoon Palace); Shamsher Garh; Sarneshwar Garh.