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A SODHEE.

for the Sikhs a national existence and independence, which, as the imperial power of Delhi declined, became more and more formidable.
    
Descendants of Govind still exist, who are termed Sodhees. They are reverenced as the descendants of the great teacher and military leader, and are supported by the voluntary offerings of the Sikh people at large; but they have neither the office not the sanctity of an hereditary priesthood, and though supposed to act as teachers, are for the most part an idle class, remarkable chiefly for  profitless and dissolute lives. They have not the severe ascetic spirit of the Oodassees, nor the fierce fanaticism of the warrior Akalees, and hold an anomalous position of honour, which but for their descent from Govind, would, very probably, soon disappear, for their mode of life does not ensure them real or well-founded respect among their people. They live like other Sikhs, eating animal food, except cows' flesh, and drinking "bhang" to excess. The Sodhees have obtained a sad notoriety for female infanticide, which they justify by the assertion that they cannot mix the blood of Govind with other than its own. It may be hoped, however, that under the present administration of the Punjab, this shocking crime has been suppressed.
    
The subject of the Photograph os a respectable member of the Sodhee family; he is described to have a fresh complexion, reddish grey eyes, and to be five feet two inches in height.  His costume is a brown Cashmere choga, or robe, lined with fur, and a white Cashmere shawl over his shoulders.