Photo 972, 7(344)

Genre: Ethnographical Photography

Photograph unsigned, probably by Shepherd & Robertson. Seated group, one figure holding a small hookah. 'The present subject can hardly fail to be acceptable, not only from the beauty and grace of the photograph, but as an illustration of a party of well-to-do zemindars. The word zemindar means literally holder of land, and these are probably respectable Jat farmers, who are amusing themselves with a game at puchees, which in all parts of India is universal...Three of the party are apparently intent upon the game, and the elder and the figure on his proper right are giving their advice. There is nothing particular in the dresses of these men. They are obviously of a comfortable class, as they all wear tunics. In short, the scene and the figures are of every day life, without restraint, and as such are welcome additions to these illustrations of native life in India

Subjects = dress; ethnic groups; hookahs; Indian office holders; Jats; pachisi (board game); printed books; recreations; rites and customs; tobacco; Watson and Kaye, 'People of India' (8 vols, 1868-75); Watson and Kaye, 'People of India' (vol 7, 1872); zemindars