Page:The People of India — a series of photographic illustrations, with descriptive letterpress, of the races and tribes of Hindustan Vol 6.djvu/65

 GHOLAM MAHOMED AND BROTHERS. (289)

LTHOUGH the subjects of this plate reside in Lower Sind, and hold large grants of land, conferred on them by the Ameers of Sind, and confirmed by the British Government, they belong to the independent frontier tribe of the Ketranees, who are noticed as follows in the late General Jacob's report on the Beloch clans or tribes:—

"The Ketranees are a distinct race, and said to be neither Afghan nor Beloch; but intermarrying with both races. They are of peaceable habits and agricultural pursuits. Their country is sufficiently rich and productive to supply their wants, and though a warlike people when attacked, they usually abstain from plundering their neighbours. Their present chief is Meev Hajee, and their numbers are said to amount to 6,000 adult males.

"They are generally in alliance with the Bhoogtees, the chiefs of the tribes being connected by marriage, and frequently at feud with the Murrees, who often make predatory inroads into their territory.

"Their country is wholly in the hills to the northward of the Bhoogtee country which it adjoins. Its greatest extent is about 120 miles north and south, and 70 miles east and west. The chief town is Barkhan, which is about 120 miles N.N.E. from Shikaipoor. North of the Ketranees are the Afghans, to the west the Murrees (Beloch), and on the east the Lasharee and Goorchanee tribes (Beloch).

"The climate is exceedingly good, being moderately hot and cold. In the Spring and Autumn a considerable quantity of rain falls, which ensures an ample supply of water for cultivation. Several streams run through the Ketranee district; the chief one is the Lar, which rises not far from Barkhan, and flowing-westward, joins the Narra in the Murree hills, south of Seebee. The country is for the most part barren mountain; but there are numerous valleys which are fertile and well cultivated. These produce abundance of wheat, barley, maize, and various kinds of pulse; also good fruits, particularly pomegranates, which are in high repute. Some alum is found in these hills; but no other minerals of commercial