by Ghulam Ali Khan , (Indian, active early 19th century)
Watercolor, ink and gold on paper
H: 27.0 W: 39.0 cm
Freer|Sackler The Smithsonian's Museums of Asian Art. F1992.17

This is a painting of five men recruited by William Fraser (1784–1835), a political officer in the East India Company responsible for recruiting and maintaining an irregular force to fight in the skirmishes in the hilly terrain against the Gurkha in the Nepal War which broke out 1814. At a time when Mughal resources were diminishing and artists were losing traditional patrons, British interest in documenting their experiences in India provided livelihoods and new inspiration for many painters.

William Fraser's inscription on the cover paper is as follows: Five villagers, now troopers. [1] Juhaz, a Rajpoot, of Loharee, district Hansee. [2] Bukhtawur, a Rajpoot, from near Benares. [3] Goolzaree, a Moosulum Rajpoot, of Neesung vil., district Kurnal. [4] Indur, a goojur, of vil. Syyudpoor, dystrict Tupookruh, Mewat. [5] Ummee Chund — Kala's nephew, a Rose by cast, vil. Datchour, district Kurnal. These men are drawn as they first presented themselves to enlist.