Page:The People of India — a series of photographic illustrations, with descriptive letterpress, of the races and tribes of Hindustan Vol 6.djvu/128

 ITIBAR KHAN.—KAHIREE. (304)

T has been previously recorded in the artiele upon the Doomkees (ante No. 301), that the Kahirees, a comparatively weak tribe, had been driven from their lands in the Kutchee district by the Doomkees and Jekrances, who had settled on them. Subsequently, however, while the British troops were in the hills engaged in the Beloch campaign, an attempt was made by Major Jacob, under the instructions of Sir C. Napier, to induce the Chandias, or the Murrees, to settle in Kutchee, on the lands from which the Doomkees and Jekranees had been removed; but these tribes feared to occupy them, and Major Jacob then recommended that the Kahirees, the original possessors and rightful owners, should be re-established on the lands of their fathers. To this plan Sir Charles Napier at once assented. Major Jacob was personally acquainted with the Kahiree chiefs; but their fears were great, and he experienced much difficulty in inducing them to reoccupy the country from which they had been forcibly expelled. At last, however, they consented, and in good earnest sent for their women, children, and families from Sind. They were then given possession of their lands, where they now remain peaceful and contented subjects. The Kahirees do not at any time appear to have been concerned in the outrageous conduct of their neighbours, and, although undoubted Belochees, they are peaceful herdsmen and cultivators.

Their chief, Itibar Khan, a noble figure, is live feet ten inches in height, with fair complexion and dark eyes. He wears a red turban with green border, a red choglia, and a rod and green scarf; a costume as handsome as it is becoming.