Page:The People of India — a series of photographic illustrations, with descriptive letterpress, of the races and tribes of Hindustan Vol 4.djvu/31

SUMNEUS KHAN. of inheritance, and do not bear any share of the religious charges of their villages; but it will be estimated how strong the clanish attachment and affection must have been, and still is, that has survived a difference of faith for five hundred years amidst the perpetual revolutions and contentions of the province in which they were settled.

The Ranghurs now live like ordinary Mahomedans, though there is a strong dash of Hindoo superstition and observance among their domestic customs, and, in particular, among their women, who are, in fact, hardly Mahomedans. The only difference in dress is, that Hindoos prefer red, Ranghurs blue turbans. Blue is an unlucky colour to all Hindoos. They eat meat freely, but they do not drink at all of intoxicating liquor. Opium is, however, freely indulged in as among Rajpoots in general.

The famous irregular cavalry called Skinner's horse, was raised in the Hissar province, and consisted chiefly of Ranghurs, who take service also among Rajpoot princes as horsemen; but they never serve as foot soldiers. The individual represented wears the undress uniform of Skinner's horse.