Cases being heard by J.P.M. and another while on tour

B&W photographic print. 'They sit under a rough canopy, a dobashi or interpreter beside them. Groups of litigants sit on the grass waiting their turn. The people would have advance notice that an official would soon be visiting their district, and groups from villages over a wide area would come...

Full description


Date(s) of creation: 1920s
Level: Item
Format: Archive           
Main author: Mills; James Philip (1890-1960); colonial administrator and anthropologist
URL: http://digital.soas.ac.uk/LOAA005065
URL Description: Digital version available online at SOAS Digital Collections

Summary: B&W photographic print. 'They sit under a rough canopy, a dobashi or interpreter beside them. Groups of litigants sit on the grass waiting their turn. The people would have advance notice that an official would soon be visiting their district, and groups from villages over a wide area would come to have their disputes resolved by the British officials. Litigants brought numerous friends and supporters with them and there was much shouting as each side tried to put their case, so it required endless patience to sort out the true facts. Justice was administered according to tribal custom, in which Mills was an expert, though ably assisted and advised by his hand picked dobashis. The punishment for the person found guilty was usually a fine in kind, for example, mithan. Even Nagas from outside the administered part of the Naga Hills would often come to these gatherings.'
Main author: Mills; James Philip (1890-1960); colonial administrator and anthropologist
Extent: 1 photograph
Note: Naga (South Asian people)
Ethnic group: Naga
Ethnic group: Mills; James Philip (1890-1960); colonial administrator and anthropologist
Ethnic group: Europeans
Access status: Open
Copyright: Copyright held by J.P. Mills
Language: No linguistic content
Scripts: Unwritten
Physical description: 9.5 x 7 cm
Format: Archive