The fortified post of Jafferabad or Muzaffarabad is held by the descendant of an African rover, the Siddi of Janjira.
The Kathi of Kathiawar proper immigrated into their present site in the eighth century, and are supposed to be of Scythian origin. Their religion is a Hinduism, mixed with a sun-worship. While the Rajputs have a modified primogeniture, the Kathi inherits by equal divisions. They are innately turbulent, and of all the tribes have ever given the greatest trouble. Although it is divided into such numerous chieftainships, and although the Kathi hold but a small portion, yet this Judo Getic tribe has given its name to the entire pen insula, completely superseding the ancient title of Saurashtra. There was, however, an intermediate term used to designate it before the irruption of the Kathi, a term familiar to the author of Almag estutn, as well as to the Hindu geographers, and this was Lar-des, from the tribe of Lar, whence the Larica or Larice of the Greeks. The Kathi or Katti tribe are supposed to be the nation which so manfully opposed Alexander, and were then located about Multan. Against these Alex ander marched in person, when he nearly lost his life; and left a signal memorial of his vengeance. The genealogists of Rajasthan and Saurashtra concur in assigning to this people a place amongst the thirty-six royal races of India. The Kathi claim descent from the Bala, an additional proof of northern origin, and strengthen ing their right to the epithet of the bards, Lords of Multan and Tatta.' The Kathi can be traced from those scenes to his present haunts. In the earlier portion of the annals of Jeysulmir, mention is made of their conflicts with the Kathi, and the Kathi traditions fix their settlement in the pen insula, from the south-eastern part of the valley of the Indus, about the eighth century. In the twelfth century, the Kathi were conspicuous in the wars with Prithivi raja, there being several leaders of the tribe attached to his army, as well as to that of his rival, the monarch of Kanouj. The name of their first settlement in Kathiawar was Kath-kote, from which they were dislodged by the first Jharija colony from Sind. They repeat couplets describing their migration from Multan, and temporary settlement in the tracts called Pawin, north of the Rutin, and of Meguin Roa, their leader, conducting the first Kathi colony across the gulf into Saurashtra eight hundred years ago.
Captain 31'3Itudo says the Kathi differs in some respects from the Rajput. lie is more cruel in his disposition, but far exceeds him in the virtue of bravery ; and a character possessed of more energy than a Kathi does not exist. His size often exceeds six feet ; sometimes with light hair and blue-coloured eyes. His frame is athletic and bony, and particularly well adapted to his mode of life. His countenance is expressive, but of the worst kind, being harsh and often destitute of a single mild feature. The Kathi are herdsmen in the districts of Pawur, Puchur, and Parkur. The Kathi women are large and masculine in their figures, often dressed in long dark garments like the Charan women, but have the character of being always well looking, and often remarkably handsome. They are more domesticated than the Rajput, and confine themselves solely to the duties of their families. They are often not brides till sixteen and seventeen years of age. To become a husband, the Kathi must be a ravisher. He must at tack with his friends and followers the village where his betrothed resides, and carry her off by force. In ancient times this was no less a trial of strength than of courage ; stones and clubs were used without reserve both to assault and repel, and the disappointed lover was not unfrequently compelled to retire, covered with bruises, and wait for a more favourable occasion. The bride had the liberty of assisting her lover by all the means in her power, and the opposition ceased when her dwelling was once gained by the assailants, and the lady, then bravely won, submitted willingly to be carried off by her champion. The Kathi do not intermarry with any other caste. A Rajput will, however, eat food dressed by a Kathi. Kathi will do nothing of any consequence without con sulting his wife and a Charan, and be in general guided by their advice. They arc divided into three principal families, named Wala or Wara, Khachar, and Khuman, of each of which there are other subdivisions. The most celebrated is the Khuman Kathi, whose pallia, or funeral monu mental pillars, are seen in groups at every town and village. He worships the cow, leaves a lock of hair on his head, and adores Mahadeo and other Hindu deities, although he is more attached to the worship of the Sooraj (Surya or the sun), and to Ambha and other terrible goddesses.