LOBANAS.
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THE Lobanas are a peculiar tribe of Hindoos who inhabit the Punjab, but are not very numerous. They speak a peculiar dialect of their own, which is not understood by others, and from that cause it may be inferred that they are descended from an aboriginal stock. They are farmers, traders, and carriers by occupation, and, though they have not joined the Sikh forth, yet profess reverence for Gooroo Govind and his doctrines; in other respects they are under the priestly control of Brahmins, but they are not considered of high caste. The Lobanas wear beards, and have perhaps more a Mahomedan than Hindoo cast of features; they are a peaceful, industrious, and laborious class, and do not serve as soldiers. Their costume does not require particular description; a loose waist cloth of cotton cloth, with a sheet, or scarf, thrown over their shoulders, is their ordinary dress, with, in winter, a quilted tunic, or jacket. They are, in general, strong and active, and reputed to attain considerable age.
