TROPICAL TRIBES AND RACES 199 



The Dogra recruit, therefore, is provided with a very sub- 

 stantial daily ration, with very gratifying results so far as his 

 muscular and physical development is concerned. 



Average weight of recruits after six months' service . . 130 Ibs. 



chest girth of recruits after six months' service 33 to 36 in. 

 ,, height of recruits after six months' service . . 5ft. Gin. to 5ft. 8 in. 



The chest girth increases on an average J inch during the first 

 six months in military employ measurement taking at the end 

 of complete expiration and arms extended above the head. 



Jats. 



The Jats also belong to the Indo-Aryan physical type, and are 

 derived largely from the same stock as the Rajputs and Dogras. 

 Some authorities hold, however, that the Jats are of Scythian 

 origin. Jats are divided into eastern and western. The eastern 

 Jats inhabit the eastern districts of the Punjab and United 

 Provinces. As a rule, only Hindus of eastern divisions are en- 

 listed for Jat regiments. They are mainly agriculturists, and 

 make most excellent farmers, rarely equal and never surpassed 

 by any class of peasantry in India for industry and skill. 



The foodstuffs made use of in their own homes during the 

 important early years of life when growth is taking place are 



Bread made from wheat, juar, and other cereals. 



Rabri, prepared by mixing bajra with buttermilk. 



Dais and vegetables of all kinds. Rice is seldom eaten. 



Milk, curds, butter, and other preparations of milk are used 

 to a considerable extent, as the majority of families from which 

 recruits would be obtained are able to keep their own cows and 

 buffaloes. 



Animal food enters to a very limited extent into the diet of 

 the Jats in their own homes. Mutton, goat's flesh, and eggs are 



'taken of very sparingly on an average once or twice a 

 The protein element of the diet is considerably aug- 

 mented by the large quantities of milk consumed even by adults. 



These eastern Jats are of very fair physique, and their soldierly 

 qualities are undoubtedly great ; and though not so sturdy as 

 some of the other races of the Punjab, their claim to be regarded 

 as good fighting material is valid.* 



The western Jats have largely taken to Mohammedanism and 



* Bonarjee. " The Fighting Races of India." 



