Page:The People of India — a series of photographic illustrations, with descriptive letterpress, of the races and tribes of Hindustan Vol 6.djvu/106

GHAZEE KHAN AND SON. now irrigable from the fine canals, and the disarmament of the tribes precludes the commission of violent crimes. The disadvantages, according to Major Minchin, are the enormous cost of the troops, and deterioration of the people by deprivation from all self-government.

Under the Punjab system the tribes are allowed to bear arms, and the chiefs are responsible for the government and good conduct of their people; a militia thus exists, which is supported by regular troops. After the disturbances on the Muzaree border, their chief was allowed to organize a volunteer levy for the pursuit of hill robbers, and he was able to collect from 500 to 600 men, horse and foot; "quite strong enough to overpower any resistance that might be offered by ordinary predatory parties; and being perfectly acquainted with the intricate country, and the parties engaged, this militia has been able to check predatory outrages very successfully. The Muzaree chiefs have received grants of land for their services, and it is found that they act more powerfully and efficiently against marauding parties than it would be possible for police or regular troops to do. There are many passes leading into the network of hills west of Northern Sind, each of which is held by a division of a tribe," and they are held responsible, that when stolen property is taken through their passes the property itself is recovered, or its value paid to the owner on a fair valuation. The fear of blood feuds operates as a check on acts of violence; and, in most cases, the robbers, when pursued, abandon the property (cattle), and escape across the hills. "Apart from military considerations," continues Major Minchin, "the sound problem of elevating the people in the scale of civilization by teaching them self-government, is gradually forcing itself on public attention; and it cannot be denied that, with all its shortcomings, the principle now being carried out in the Derajat is most conducive to this end. We have in the Beloch tribes of the Derajat a manly, chivalrous race, and among their chiefs some liberal-minded, public spirited individuals, who thoroughly appreciate the efforts made to improve their position, and have endeavoured to fulfil the trust reposed in them by a thoroughly conscientious performance of their duties. Should the time come round when it will again he necessary to remove the regular troops for other more important duties, the defence of the border may safely be entrusted to their charge."

The Muzarees represented in the Photograph are Ghazee Khan who is standing, and lives at Kusmore, near the Indus, on the north east of the frontier district of Sind, and his son. The former is five feet ten inches in height, with dark eyes and complexion. His dress is a white turban, plain cloth chogha or coat, over a muslin tunic, yellow shoes, and a belt: a loungee or scarf over his right shoulder and breast, with gold thread border and ends. His son wears a yellow chogha, with a red pattern on it, and holds a long matchlock in his left hand. His fuller carries a sword and shield.