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Using the rate of exchange arithmetic ( late 1880s) provided in Andrew Lycett's superb Biography of Kipling. A 'ten rupee jezail' would cost approximately fifteen shillings ! Perhaps the phrase 'Ten rupee jezail' had a ring to it that the actual contemporary market value of the firearm had not ? (e.g. Thirteen rupees, four annas and three pice, might provide RK with a minor problem). I for one, would be interested to learn in what context the International Insitute for Strategic Studies is applying Kipling's wonderful work : A scrimmage in a border station - A canter down some dark defile- Two thousand pounds of education Drops to a ten rupee jezail - The Crammer's boast, the squadrons pride, Shot like a rabbit in the ride ! Regards Michael Jefferson