Alexander Leonard
Rajpoots by William Johnson, 1855
This photograph depicts 4 Rajput soldiers posing in their uniforms. The uniforms are a very ornate combination of cloths with no real armor or protection benefit. All 4 of them are also wearing a similar style head wrap. They all have lengthy hair; two of them have the same style mustache while the other two are completely shaven. Something that is interesting to note is that the two with moustaches have something on their feet while the other two have nothing. This could be indicative of some sort of seniority or superior status or rank. The weapon that all of them seem to be carrying is a long curved sword known as a Khanda. After closer inspection of their attire it’s also noticeable that they are all wearing a decent amount of jewelry on their ankles and neck. These men were perhaps very emblematic of the warriors of the Rajput at the time. They are proud, strong, clean looking soldiers. The pillars behind them may be indicative of the building they were defending. Pillars such as those usually belong to important, well-structured buildings. And the trees in the background show that they are not an in urban center, but perhaps in a rural location. The pillars and the trees give hints as to what they could be protecting. A temple perhaps? Were these troops commoners, or were they some elite guard?
http://digitalcollections.smu.edu/cdm/singleitem/collection/eaa/id/718/rec/13