Peeroz, a Jokeea Soldier - John Murray

A detailed nineteenth-century lithograph by John Murray, depicting a Jokeea soldier in traditional military attire.

This lithograph depicts a Jokeea soldier named Peeroz, captured with the precise observational style characteristic of nineteenth-century colonial documentation. The work is attributed to the British artist John Murray, who travelled extensively through India during the mid-nineteenth century. His practice often involved recording the diverse figures encountered within the British military and administrative spheres of the region.

The subject is rendered in a standing pose, dressed in traditional attire that includes a distinctive cap, a tunic, and loose trousers. He carries a long-barrelled firearm over his shoulder, with a sword or tulwar at his hip. The artist employs fine hatching and cross-hatching techniques to define the textures of the fabric and the metallic sheen of the weaponry. The composition is straightforward, placing the figure against a neutral background to focus attention on the details of his uniform and personal equipment.

Lithography was a common medium for such ethnographic and military studies during this period, allowing for the reproduction of detailed sketches for wider circulation. The print reflects the interest of the era in documenting the various ethnic groups and military units serving in the British Indian Army. The work provides a visual record of the attire and accoutrements of a Jokeea soldier, offering a glimpse into the social and military structures of the time. The print was produced by the firm Day & Haghe, who were well-known lithographers to the Queen, ensuring a high standard of technical execution in the final impression. This piece remains a valuable example of the intersection between artistic documentation and colonial history, capturing a specific individual within a broader historical context.