Page:The People of India — a series of photographic illustrations, with descriptive letterpress, of the races and tribes of Hindustan Vol 5.djvu/114

 MULLIK MOEAD.—AHMED SHERE.

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HE men represented are members of another clan of the Afreedees, named Sipah, which holds the lands north of the Kohat valley, and of Sherekote, in lower Meeranzaie. They do not differ in any material respect from other Afreedees, and enlist into the frontier regiments, where, under strict discipline, they make good soldiers. The figures in the present Photograph are armed like preceding examples. Their long guns have much power, and carry like a rifle; in the Afghan war the ordinary old musket had no chance against them as to distance, and the mountaineers proved to be excellent shots. In all these frontier tribes the males are accustomed to carry weapons from their boyhood, and are very expert in the use of them. In regard to the customs and belief of this clan there is nothing particular to record. They are Mahomedans of the Soonnee sect.

The Sipahs are a small tribe in comparison with other Afreedees, and do not muster more than 300 fighting men; they are, however, esteemed very brave. Notwithstanding their small numbers they have managed to maintain their independence, and to retain their lands through many vicissitudes. They are now British subjects, receiving a share (500 rupees per annum) of the government allowance for the Kohat pass, and their general conduct is well reported upon; and in regard to the general arrangements for the safety of the Kohat pass, the Sipahs have observed all then engagements.