James Rattray

James Rattray was a soldier and an artist who served in Hindustan and Afghanistan. Having a good command over the Persian language, he was often part of several political missions as a lieutenant and also travelled throughout the region with local nomadic groups after leaving the army. He was even allowed access to the women of high classes who strictly practised purdah because of his familiarity with the region and language. They were made into lithographs by Robert C Carrick among few others and published under the title Scenery, Inhabitants & Costumes of Afghaunistaun from drawings made on the spot by James Rattray. This work was dedicated by him to the Kandahar Force to which he belonged. Each colour plate is accompanied by commentaries in incredible length, delving into vivid details of the people, their costumes, habits and occupations. His continuous curiosity is seen in the historical and ethno-historical descriptions, such as the varied forms of worship and beliefs at mosques and tombs and rituals of myriad communities.