RUTH DHOONDEES.
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THERE are two clans of Dhoondees in the Punjab, both agriculturists: Ruth Dhoondees, the subject of the Photograph, and Hootiyana Dhoondees, who are similar in all respects, and follow the same pursuits. Both clans are peaceful and industrious, and hold and cultivate lands on the banks of the Sutlej. Their ancestors were originally Hindoos, who immigrated from Rajpootana about 800 years ago, and afterwards, probably at some period of forcible conversion by the early zealot kings of Delhi, became Mahomedans, and profess the Soonnee faith, though they are, for the most part, very ignorant. The men of both clans are, in general, strong, tall, and handsome, but they do not take service, except in rare cases, as soldiers, preferring their hereditary occupation. They do not intermarry with other Mahomedans, and, in many respects, keep themselves separate; indeed, on account of their occupation and descent from Hindoos, are, perhaps, held in some contempt. The persons represented in the Photograph are five feet nine inches high, strong powerful men, and, for their station in life, are well dressed. The figure to the left wears a rich shawl of orange and black checked silk, his lower dress is white and green checked cotton cloth with a white border; the other wears a silk shawl of white, yellow, and red, in stripes, his lower garments being white and blue striped cotton, with a red split border. Both wear turbans of bright coloured chintz. They are good specimens of the industrial portion of the Mahomedan population, and both the clans are in comfortable circumstances, disposing of then- produce readily and at good prices in Mooltan and other large cities. Their social habits are simple, and present no particular points necessary for explanation. They rarely, perhaps, eat meat, except on festivals and domestic ceremonies, their usual diet being unleavened bread with butter, curds, milk, and vegetables. The Dhoondees never seem to have taken part in any of the political movements or revolutions in the Punjab, and at present are loyal and well disposed, unaffected by the aggressive and fanatical spirit of the border tribes.
