Photo 972, 7(341)

Genre: Ethnographical Photography

Oval image, faded. Full-length portrait of four men, three standing in foreground, one seated behind: '...As the tribe is predatory and classes with those hereditary robbers who, though more reclaimed than they used to be, still prey upon the public at large in their own and adjacent territories, the present plate is offered as an illustration of their appearance when armed for a foray. The figure at the right of the picture carries a bow and arrows, and his lance or spear rests against the thatch of the house. The figure opposite to him has a long lance, and his right hand grasps the head of a bamboo club encircled with heavy iron rings...he also has a kuttar, or square handled dagger, in his waistband, and a bow with arrows at his back. The man behind these two holds a matchlock in his left hand, and his powder horn, bullet bag, &c., are disposed about his waist, and the sitting figure has also a matchlock. Two of the men have their faces tied up by a handkerchief, an ordinary method of disguise, or protection from either heat or cold, and assisting also to alter the voice. According to the official description, these Meenas...belong to an aboriginal race which originally inhabited that part of the country to the north of Rajpootana lying between Ajmere and the Jumna...These Mairs are now industrious cultivators; and although the hereditary instinct of predatory life hardly ever becomes extinct, at least for several generations, yet the improvement of the people by education, and by successful agriculture, has advanced the condition and moral habits of the tribe to a great extent, and the entire reclamation of all the Meenas and their subdivisions will, it may be hoped, be effected in time. The group photographed is of Purriar Meenas, who are principally located in the Kerna, a hilly district in the vicinity of Jehazpoor of Meywar...They are an athletic, active, and brave people, tall, handsome, and fond of sport...They are free and open in manner and conversation...Every Meena in and about the district is, or has been, a robber...' Duplicate at Photo 1000 (4363), there credited to Impey.

Subjects = arms and armour; criminal tribes; ethnic groups; matchlocks; printed books; Purriar Meenas (criminal tribe); swords; Watson and Kaye, 'People of India' (8 vols, 1868-75); Watson and Kaye, 'People of India' (vol 7, 1872)