History of Jats #3

No Hindus race more heroically resisted the invasion of the Mohammedans ; the Jats checked Mahmouds in the Indus, and tamerlane could only conquer by utterly destroying them. Thus the Jats, who had once been shepherds and nomads, became war like, and are to-day the best native soldiers under the English command. Since their conversion to Namuck they have been known as sikhs, the name by which they are most familiar to Europeans.

Physically , the Jats are full of vigour and masculine beauty. they are tall and strong, with bright and intelligent features, fine teeth, and glossy, curly, black beards, abundant hair, aquiline noses and high and broad, well-developed foreheads; quick to learn, excellent subjects, prompt in the payment of their taxes. Their carriage is noble and dignified; their manners agreeable. The woman are taller than those of most Hindus tribes, and are often fine looking. They appear freely in the streets without veils; and they are noted for their neatness and the taste with which, especially in the higher ranks, they attire themselves. The institutions of the Jats are purely democratic, each village being a complete republic in itself.