Page:The People of India — a series of photographic illustrations, with descriptive letterpress, of the races and tribes of Hindustan Vol 3.djvu/174

Rh ever before done in India. No less than four unsuccessful attacks were made upon it, and the British loss exceeded three thousand men. The Rajah eventually sought peace, and obtained it, paying £200,000 towards the expenses of the war. The fort did not, however, lose its prestige, and was always pointed to by discontented spirits in India as a successful instance of resistance against the British power. In 1825, the Rajah, a minor, was dethroned by his uncle, Doorjun Saul; the Government of India was appealed to, and a large army was assembled for the siege of the fort under Lord Combermere. The fortifications had been much strengthened in the preceding twenty years, and the garrison was brave and numerous; but before European science, there was little chance of a result like the past. After a month's operations, a mine beneath one of the chief bastions was exploded, and the place carried by storm. Six thousand Jats are said to have fallen on this occasion, while the British loss was under one thousand men. The minor was seated on his throne, and ever since has proved a faithful ally; but the fortifications of Bhurtpoor were destroyed. By most natives in India, Bhurtpoor had been supposed impregnable, and its capture was considered then, and is still considered by many, the turning-point upon which British supremacy rested.

Whatever may have been their past career, certain it is that they are now most valuable subjects. In the Meerut district they are considered as being the very best agriculturists of the whole territory. Mr. Forbes, reporting on the census returns of that district for 1865, says that he regarded them as "the most industrious of all the castes, patient and long-suffering as tax payers, quiet and peaceable generally as subjects; but, like their parent stock, the Rajpoots, easily roused to avenge a fancied wrong, or in obedience to their chieftain's call."

Many of them eat animal food; and, being hardy and amenable to discipline, they, as a rule, make good soldiers, though occasionally given to drink. They are, among persons professing Hindooism, remarkable for their contempt of the Brahmins.

Mohur Sing is forty-eight years of age, of darkish complexion, and five feet nine inches in height. He, and the person represented on the next plate, are good examples of Jats. They are landholders and farmers, and persons of consideration in comfortable circumstances. Both are well, indeed handsomely, dressed; and are strong, able men, with a soldierly air, like the rest of their people.