Page:The People of India — a series of photographic illustrations, with descriptive letterpress, of the races and tribes of Hindustan Vol 6.djvu/184

A MHAR. Of the two parties the Daoodpootras were much the weakest, and could bring into the field only 300 fighting men; but they took up a very strong position behind a canal, called the Folad, and awaited the attack. On the side of the Mhars 12,000 men went to battle, but they found their enemy's position impregnable, and after losing 3,000 men left dead on the field, they fled to Lukkee. Thither they were pursued by the Daoodpootras, and the city was taken and plundered. The saint, it is said, received a handsome share of the booty, and was overjoyed at the success of his weaver disciples; and then leading them into the country, he fixed upon an appropriate spot, and declared that a city should be founded and bear the name of Shikarpoor, which is now the chief city of Upper Sind. The Mhars appear to have never regained the position they lost by their defeat, and sunk into the condition in which they now exist.

The figure photographed is a very humble member of the Mhar tribe, but a characteristic specimen. By his stout staff and scanty clothing he may be presumed to be a herdsman or cultivator.