'Travels in Beloochistan and Sinde; accompanied by a geographical and historical account of those countries, with a map.' [‎80] (122/476)

80
DEHWARS.
a tribe answering to their description, was known in that country
long previous to the invasion of Hindoostan by that monarch. Their
pursuits are agricultural, and those who reside in or near Kelat, are
bound to serve the Khan without pay; to provide water, fuel, grass,
and grain, for his guests, their retinue, and cattle; to attend the
Khan himself on his hunting excursions in the neighbourhood, and
to furnish Kasids, or couriers, on all occasions when required on the
public service. In return for this vassalage, they enjoy various im
munities, of which the most advantageous and desirable are, holding
their lands free of rent or taxes, paying no tolls upon the produce
on bringing it to market, being exempt from military service out ot
the immediate district of Kelat, and having the privilege of grazing
their flocks on any part of it, except it be cultivated or enclosed.
In manners and appearance the Dehwars are distinct from all the
other natives of Beloochistan; quiet and harmless in disposition,
thev seem happy to give a tacit acknowledgement to the superiority
that both Belooches and Brahooes, with whom they are not allowed
to intermarry, arrogate to themselves over them, as though it were
to prevent the possibility of disputes on that head. They reside in
villages, as their name imports, consequently never migrate, but cul
tivate the soil in the vicinity of them, disposing of the products to
the pastoral tribes and Hindoos. Those who are removed to a dis
tance from the capital, pay a small portion also to the chiefs under
whose authority, or rather protection they dwell. In stature and
figure the Dehwars are below mediocrity, nor are they in other re
spects at all a comely race, their blunt features, high cheek bones, and
bluff cheeks, rather render them the reverse; but notwithstanding
their want of good looks, there is an artless, honest, and good-hu
moured expression in their countenances, which is perhaps full as
pleasing. They are civil and obliging to strangers, but devoid of
that spirit of hospitality for which the Belooches and Brahooes are
so justly famed. Although they furnish no quota of troops when
the Khan goes to battle, yet they are accounted so faithful and trust
worthy, that a detachment of them is always on guard over his palace