Kathi people

The Kāṭhī people are a small group of clans found in the peninsular Kathiawar (historically called Saurashtra) of Gujarat, western India.

However, the British encouraged the practice of primogeniture, in which a ruler's territory would be completely inherited by his eldest son (or whomever was next in succession).

During this era, the Kāṭhīs appeared to be marginalized, as the Vālā leader was reportedly ostracized from his caste after dining with them, leading to his deposition from kingship by his siblings.

[6] Renowned for their prowess in combat, the Kāṭhī people were esteemed as premier cattle rustlers and adept horse breeders, producing some of India's most resilient equines.

Kāṭhīs were often engaged as military aides and did not ascend to a prominent status akin to Rajputs, being expelled from Sind by the Samma Jām Abdā.

According to one tradition, they were reputedly brought to Gujarat by the legendary figure of the Mahābhārata, Karṇa, due to their unmatched expertise in cattle rustling.

[13] The Kāṭhīs of Rajkot eat the meat of goats, sheep, fowl, and a few other domesticated animals, a trait which is also shared with the local Kolis.

In the twelfth century, Kathis were noted to have participated in the wars of Prithviraja, with several leaders fighting in both his army and that of his rival, the monarch of Kanauj.

Captain Macmurdo, whom Tod cites, described them as being of larger than average stature, sometimes with light hair and blue-colored eyes, and possessing an athletic and bony frame.