1868.] A short sketch of the Tribes of Blmtteanah, Sc. 179 



Character.— Brave but violent, and proud of their honour, to which 

 they cling tenaciously. 



Diet. — They live on animal and vegetable food. 



Use of Narcotics. —The y smoke the huka only, and abstain from the 

 use of spirituous liquor. 



Longevity.— About 55 years. 



Physical Conformation.— Complexion varies much from dark to 

 coppery ; iris chiefly dark, and the conjunctivae frequently yellowish ; 

 active and full of fire. They are erect, tall, manly and robust ; their 

 limbs well shaped ; their features regular, and countenance dignified, 

 stem, with an air of heroism and bravery. Their hair raven, and 

 flows down to the shoulders. Average height 5 feet 11 inches. They 

 are on the whole a very superior set of people to look at. 



Dress.— Their usual dress is white or red turban; red dopattas, 

 trowsers, merzai, and chudder. 



Vishnus. 



Origin.— -Sprung into existence about A. D. 1485, or about 50 years 

 before the foundation of the Sikh religion. Its founder was Jambajee 

 of Peepassur in Bicaneer. They are the followers of Vishnu. 



Mode of Worship.— Theiv mode of worship is to present offering at 

 the shrine, and uttering prayers whilst bathing. Its tenets are to 

 abstain entirely from animal food, to bathe before meals, and to marry 

 none but those of their own persuasion. It is contained in a book 

 called Jamhajce Jca banee, meaning Jambajee's discourse. They salute 

 each other by expressing neom-salam, i. e. } I salute you most respect- 

 fully, the rejoinder is Jambajee 7co, signifying, May your salutation be 

 acceptable to Jambajee. They convert others by shaving off the chonti. 

 They bury their dead bodies in a cow- yard, or close to their place of 

 residence. Their great temple is at Sameerah Dhul in Bicaneer, from 

 which place it is said their first leader took his flight to heaven' 



Habitat.— They inhabit Hissar, the neighbouring district of Sirsa ; 

 the adjoining foreign territories, and also portions of the North- Western 

 Provinces. 



Habit.— Principally cultivators. 



Occupation.— Besides using agriculture, they are also good carpen- 

 ters, and carriers or trainers of camels. 



