Viewing page 111 of 136

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

KHARAL.
(269)

Kharals are Mahomedan graziers and cultivators, who are settled on the banks of the Ravee, in the Googaira district. They have no very distinct tradition as to the origin of the tribe, but they are said to be descended from a Rajpoot stock which emigrated from Rajpootana, and became, like the preceding Bukiyanas, converts to Mahomedanism about the same time, probably 300 years ago. Those who are graziers and camel breeders subsist chiefly on the produce of their flocks and herds, and are inveterate cattle stealers. They are all, however, a peaceably disposed and industrious people, and many of the agriculturalists are good farmers.
They do not evince any martial spirit, and do not serve as soldiers. They profess the Soonnee faith, but are for the most part extremely ignorant; and though observant of the ordinary ceremonies and social customs of their sect, are esteemed as rather of a lower grade of Mahomedanism, and marry only among their own people. The women of all the Mahomedan agricultural tribes work nearly as hard as the men, and are secluded only when the head of the house is rich enough to keep them so. The Kurrals, like the Bukiyanas, Kathiyas, and others, are a fine race, tall, strong, and active, preserving a strong Aryan cast of features, in contrast with the Semitic physiognomy of the Arabian Mahomedans and Afghans. The subject of the Photograph was five feet ten inches in height, with a light brown complexion and hazel eyes. His dress was a white turban, a silk scarf checked white, red, and black, and a lower dress (loongee) of unbleached cotton with a red silk border. He leans on a stout bamboo staff, which is borne by all herdsmen.