According to this the British considered Sikh Jatts superior to other Jatts:
Some authorities hold, however, that the Jats are of Scythian
origin. Jats are divided into eastern and western. The eastern
Jats inhabit the eastern districts of the Punjab and United
Provinces. As a rule, only Hindus of eastern divisions are en-
listed for Jat regiments. They are mainly agriculturists, and
make most excellent farmers, rarely equal and never surpassed
by any class of peasantry in India for industry and skill.
These eastern Jats are of very fair physique, and their soldierly
qualities are undoubtedly great ; and though not so sturdy as
some of the other races of the Punjab, their claim to be regarded
as good fighting material is valid.*
The western Jats have largely taken to Mohammedanism and
Sikhism. The better classes of Sikhs are drawn from the Jat
and Khattris, the finest specimens being Jat Sikhs, who possess
all the virtues of the Jat of the Punjab, and many also developed
by Sikhism.
Those Jats who have changed from the Hindu faith to Islamism
and Sikhism have at the same time adopted the dietetic customs
of their new religion. Animal food, therefore, enters much more
largely into their dietaries than is the case with the eastern
Jat. Large numbers of Islam converts are enlisted as Punjabi
Mohammedans, as, for instance, the Kharral tribe, who are
hardy, well-built, and good-looking, possessing the martial
instinct to a high degree, and make very good soldiers.
The Jat Sikh is an exceptionally fine type of Asiatic,
exhibiting a splendid physique, well-proportioned, and solidly
built. With his manly and handsome features, his sturdy
independence, self-respect, and racial pride, he is the beau ideal
of an Oriental soldier. The Khalsa Sikh, or Sikh par excellence,
is drawn from many castes, but mostly from the Punjab Jat,
to whose sturdy and independent character the warlike and
manly precepts of Sikhism appeal. The Jat Sikh is the truest
and best embodiment of Sikhism. Jats who have adopted other
religions and have not entered the fold of Khalsa, do not make
nearly so good soldiers as their brothers who have taken this
step.*
Physical Development. Jat Sikhs as a class are late of develop-
ment ; recruits of eighteen or nineteen years of age are often
lanky, undeveloped-looking lads. As a rule they have well-
shaped chests, with good expansion, and have plenty of " bone."
They rapidly develop into men of powerful physique under a
course of drill, gymnastics, etc., with a liberal diet.
Average height . . . . . . .. 68 to 69 inches.
,, chest girth 33 to 35
weight 140 to 150 Ibs.
It is evident from the information collected on the influence of
food on these different classes of Jats that the evidence bears
out in every detail the conclusions arrived at from a similar
analysis of the conditions prevailing in the several classes of
Rajputs and Dogras. Contrasting tribes or sects derived frcm
the same stock, living under identical conditions and customs,
but under different dietetic standards, we are able to obtain
corroboration of the views generally held by physiologists with
regard to the important role played by protein in the nutrition
of mankind, and the determining influence of a high level of
nitrogenous interchange on the physique, stamina, and manly
characteristics of the individuals of the races
