18G8.] A short sketch of the Tribes of Bhutteanah, &c. 177 



poots or llaj-pootras, form one of the highest castes of Hindu religion, 

 belonging to the prince or military order. 



Habitat.— They are spread over the Hissar district, their principal 

 residence being Bhewannee, Rysoo, and Dhymull. They reside also 

 in the Bhutteana district, chiefly on the borders of the Bicaneer 

 territory. 



Habit.— Mostly cultivators. As a class they are brave and proud. 

 Occupation.— Although particularly fond of land, yet they are in- 

 different agriculturists. They furnish few men to the Irregular 

 Cavalry. 

 Religion. — Hindu; Ramchundra is their chief object of worship. 

 Character.— Domineering, and careful of what they call izzut. 

 They are generally addicted to highway robberies, and cattle-thieving ; 

 careless of money ; decidedly brave. 



Diet.— They eat vegetables and all sorts of animals, and pork with 

 delight, but not beef. 



Use of Narcotics.— They smoke tobacco, and use opium freely, 

 particularly those living near the Bicaneer territory. They do not 

 hesitate to imbibe fermented liquors. 

 Longevity. -About 60 years. 



Physical Conformation.— -Dark, or fairish; iris dark, anclthe con- 

 junctivae pretty clean ; tall, well formed ; having regular features, and 

 well limbed. 



Dress.— Usually a red turban is used, white ungerkha, and dhotee 

 of various colours, but they are partially red. 



liahees. 



Origin.— Rahee or Raheen, a denomination said to have been de- 

 rived from a Punjabee word signifying a gardener, or tiller of the 

 soil, and it is said to be so styled from the following circumstance : 

 The town and citadel of Dach, having fallen into the hands of certain 

 parties who had besieged it, they issued orders for a general massacre, but 

 the labourers, cultivators, and artizans were to be exempted ; hereupon 

 the Rahees who bore arms resorted to a device, by which their lives 

 were spared, each threw away his weapon, and in its stead carried on 

 his back a plough, or some implement of husbandry, and hence the 

 appellation which up to this day they bear. 



