Page:The People of India — a series of photographic illustrations, with descriptive letterpress, of the races and tribes of Hindustan Vol 8.djvu/63

LAMBANI WOMAN. (420) E present this Photograph as it gives a fuller view of the peculiar costume of the women of this strange and peculiar sect than any other previously shown. It will be seen that in Mysore it is identical with that of Northern India, Central India, the Punjab, Bengal, and Sind, and, indeed, there is no variation in it in any part of India. The scarf thrown over the head, and hanging behind, conceals the high comb which is universally used to confine the hair tied in a knot. The strange long ear rings, intermixed with flowers and knots of hair, which hang down to the chest; the brightly embroidered and quilted bodice, which reaches to the hips, and fastens behind; the ivory bangles, covering the arm from wrist to elbow, and from elbow to shoulder, increasing in size as they ascend; the large petticoat with its border of regular patterns in time brightest colours; and the various necklaces of beads, pieces of cornelian, or coral, and charms contained in gold, silver, or copper cases—all combine to form one of the most graceful of Indian costumes. Like most Lambani women the features of the woman photographed are hard and repulsive; but many of the girls and younger women are very beautiful, with deep Spanish colour, and superb figures.

Mysore is a favourite resort of the Lambanies, and the western portion of it abounds with rich grass pasturage, which supports their cattle. It was these Brinjaries or Lamnbanies who supplied the British army, as well as the Nizams and the Mahrattas, during the Mysore war—which, indeed, could not have been carried on without them; and frequent mention of their good conduct and timely assistance will be found in the dispatches of the Duke of Wellington. At present they carry Mysore produce to the coast, and bring up salt and spices in return; but good roads are sad enemies to the Lambanies, and their trade is much restricted from what it used to be. The Lambanies are now accused of dacoity as a means of subsistence, and it may be so, for any settled labour or employment is the last thing they would adopt. They do, however, labour in some sort, and in the wet weather when they cannot travel, bring light thimber for sale in towns,