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MACMILLAN AND .. CO., Ln.t'tnD
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T'h.. Eaw:burgh. G..og.l.'fr1:'bicaI Whtut.e
THE
TRIBES AND CASTES
OF THE
CENTRAL PROVINCES
OF INDIA
BY
R. V. RUSSELL
OF THE INDIAN CIVIL SERVICE
SUPERINTENDENT OF ETHNOGRAPHY. CENTRAL PROVINCE'>
ASSISTED BY
RAJ BAHADUR HIRA LAL
EXTRA ASSISTANT COMMISSlONER
PUBLISHED UNDER THE ORDERS OF THE CENTRAL
PRO VINCES ADlIfINISTRATION
IN FOUR VOLUMES
VOL. I
MACMILLAN AND CO., LIMITED
ST. MARTIN'S STREET, LONDON
19 r6
COPYRIGHT
¥.13Y
'00&5
PREFACE
THIS book is the result of the arrangement made by the
Government o( India, ... on the suggestion of the late Sir
Herbert Risley, for the preparation of an ethnological
account dealing with the inhabitants of each of the principal
Provinces of India. The work for the Central Provinces
was entrusted to the author, and its preparation, undertaken
l:n addition to ordinary official duties, has been spread over
0.' number of years. The prescribed plan was that a separate
.. \ccount should be written of each of the principal tribes and
colStes, according to the method adopted in Sir Herbert
Ri.sley·s Tribes and Castes of Bengal This was considered
tc? be desirable as the book is intended primarily as a ~ork
(",f reference for the officers of Government, who may desire
t.O know something of the customs of the people among
w hom their work lies. It has the disadvantage of involving
a large amount of repetition of the same or very similar
st;atements about different castes, and the result is likely
th.erefore to be somewhat distasteful to the ordinary reader.
0,'1 the other' hand, there is no doubt that this ~ethod of
tre.'ltment, if conscientiously followed out, will produce more
e>,-haustive results than a general account. Similar works
for some other Provinces have already appeared. as Mr. \V.
CnJoke's Castes and Tnou of tl" Nortn-1Ves/ertl Provinces
mill OudN. Mr. Edgar Thurston's Castes and Tribes.of
v
vi PREFACE
Southern ltzdia, and Mr. Ananta Kris:ma Iyer's volumes Cu
Cochin, while-a Glossary for the Punjab by Mr. H. A. Rose
has been partly published. The articles on Religions and
Sects were not in the original scheme of the 'work, but have
been subsequently added as being necessary to render it
complete- ethnological account of the population. In sever
instances the adherents of the religion or sect are found or
in very small numbers in the Province, and the articles ha
been compiled from standard works.
In the preparation of the book much use has necessariJ .y
been made of the standard ethnological accounts of otL ~r
parts of India, especially Colonel-Tod's Annals and A ,,_
tiquities of Riijasthiin, Mr. J. D. Forbes' Rasmiila or Anne lis
of Gujariit, Colonel Dalton's Ethnology of Bengal, I )r,
Buchanan's Eastern India, Sir Denzil Ibbetson's Pun.; ;ao
Census Report for 188 I, Sir John Malcolm's ltfemoir 'f)f
Central India, Sir Edward Gait's Bengal and India Cm .r14S
Reports and article on Caste in Dr. Hastings' Encyclopr ·Jia
of Religion and Ethics, Colonel (Sir William) Slet. •.. a~'!i
Report on tke Badhaks and Riimiiseeiina or Vocabulary of' tlu
Thugs, Mr. Kennedy's Criminal Classes of the Bombay Plrisi ..
dency, Major Gunthorpe's Cn'minal Tn'bes of , Bombay, B erii,. \
and tke Central Provinces, the books of Mr. Crooke and Sir
H. Risley already mentioned, and the mass of va1ulable
ethnological material contained in the Bombay GaZ(!ltter
(Sir J. Campbell), especially the admirable volume~. on
Hindus of Gujanlt by Mr. Bhlmbhai Kirpariim, and j'tlrsti
and Muhammadans of Gujariit by Khan Babadur Faz'lullah
Lutfullah Faridi, and Mr. Kharsed~i Nasarvanji Seervai. l.'.,
and Khan Bahadur Bamanji Behramji Patel. Other Indian
ethnological works from which I have made, quotatiOIJS are
Dr. Wilson's Indian Caste (Times Press and Messrs. :blackPREFACE
vii
wood), Bishop weStcott's Kabir and the Kabirpanth (Baptist
Mission Press, Cawnpore), Mr. Rajendra La} Mitra's IndoAryans
(Newman & Co., Calcutta), The Jaillas by Dr. J. G.
Huhler and Mr. J. Burgess, Dr. J. N. Bhattacharya's Hindu
Castes and Sects (Thacker, Spink & Co., Calcutta), Professor
Oma.i's MJ!stics, Ascetics and Saints of India, Cults, Customs
and Superstitions of India, and Brahmans,. Theists and
.ifuslims of India (T. Fisher Unwin), Mr. V. A. Smith's
Early HistoY)1- of India (Clarendon Press), the Rev. T. P.
Hughes' Dictionary of Islam (W. H. Allen & Co., and
Heffer & Sons, Cambridge), Mr. L. D. Barnett's Antlquities
of India, M. Andre Chevrillon's Romantic India, Mr. V.
Ball's Jungle Life in India, Mr. W. Crooke's Popular Religzon
a1ld Folklore of Northern India, and Thz'ngs Indian, Captain
For~th's Highlands of Central India (Messrs. Chapman &
Hall). Messrs. Yule and Burnell's Hobson-Jobson (Mr. Crooke's
edition), Professor Hopkins' Religions of India, the Rev.
>Zt. M; Gordon's Indian Folk-Tales (Elliot & Stock), Messrs.
';:,ewell and Dikshit's Indian Calendar, Mr. Brennand's Hindu
Astronomy, and th~ late Rev. Father P. Dehon's monograph
on the Oraons in the Memoirs of.the Asiatic Society
of BInga!.
Ethnological works on the people of the Central Provinces
are not numerous; among those from which assistance has
been obtained are Sir C. Grant's Central Provinces Gazetteer
of 187 I, Rev. Stephen Hislop's Notes on the Aboriginal
Tribes of the Central Provinces, Colonel Bloomfiel(i's Notes
un Ilu Baigas, Sir Charles Elliott's Hoshangabad Settlement
Report, Sir Reginald Craddock's Nagpur Settlement Report,
Colonel Ward's Mandla Settlement Report, Colonel Lucie
Smith's Chanda Settlement Report, Mr. G. W. Gayer's
• Lectnres on Criminal Tribes, Mr. C. W. Montgomerie's
PREFACE
Chhindwiira Settlement Report, Mr. C. E. Low's Biiliigluit
District Gazetteer, Mr. E. J. Kitts' Beriir Census Report of
1881, and the Central Provinces Census Reports of Mr. T.
Drysdale, Sir Benjamin Robertson and.Mr. J. T. Marten.
The author is indebted to Sir J. G. Frazer for his kind
permission to make quotations from The Goldm Bough and
Totemism 'and Exogamy (Macmillan), in which the best
examples of almost all branches of primitive custom are to
be found; to Dr. Edward Westermarck for similar permission
in respect of The History of Human Marn'age, and The
Origin a1zd Development of the Moral Ideas (Macmillan); to
Messrs. A. & C. Black in respect of the late Professor
Robertson Smith's Religion of the Semites; to Messrs.
Heinemann for those from M. Salomon Reinach's OrpMus;
and to Messrs. Hachette et Cie and 'Messrs. Parker of Oxf~rd
for those from La Cite Antiqu~ of. M . Fustel de Coulanges.
Much assistance has also been obtained from Sir E. B.
Tylor's Early History of Mankind !nd Prt'mttlve Culture,
Lord A vebury's The Origin of Civilisation, Mr. E. Sidney
Hartland's Primitive Paternity, and M. Salomon Reinach's
Cultes, Mythes et Religions. The labours of these eminent
authors have made it possible for the student to obtain a
pm.ctical knowledge of the ethnology of the world by the
perusal of a small number of books; and if any of the ideas
put forward in these volumes should ultimately be so
fortunate as to obtain acceptance, it is to the above books
that I am principally indebted for having been able to
• formulate them. Other works from which help has been
obtained are M. Emile Senart's Les Castes dans l'Inde,
Professor W. E. Hearn's The Aryan Household, and Dr.
Pl.. H. Keane's The World's Peoples. Sir George Grierson's
great work, The Linguistic Survey of India, has now given
PREFACE ix
l'l accurate classification of the non-Aryan tribes according
t() their languages and has further thrown a considerable
J'-,~l('e of light on the vexed question of their origin. I
h,. \I' received f:-om Mr. W. Crooke of the Indian Civil
~'t n ice (retired) much kind help and advice during the final
"L',;C~ of the preparation of this work. As will be seen from
the articles, resOlt has constantly been made to his Tribes
"1'/ (astes for filling up gaps in the local information.
r~ ai Bahadur Hira Lal was my assistant for several
:> '"'U" in the takbg of the census of 190 I and the preparati,'
ll d the Central Provinces District Gazetteers; he has
~h\ a)" given the most loyal and unselfish aid. has personally
col kded a large part of the original information contained
111 t'1e book, and spent l!1uch time in collating the results.
Tl11' a"sociation of his name in the authorship is no more
t l ;tl; Ids due, though except 'Yhere this has been specifically
[~IC ntioned, he IS not rec;ponsible for the theories and ded'Jctwns
from the facts obtained. Mr. Pyare Lal Misra,
La.rri~ter, Chhindwara, was my ethnographic clerk for some
years, and he and Munshi Kanhya Lal, late of the Educational
Department, and Mr. Aduram Chandhri, Tahsildar,
gcl.<,c much assistance in the inquiries on different castes.
Among others who have helped in the work, Rai Bahadur
l'anda Baijnath, Diwan of the Patna and Bastar States,
shl)ulJ be mentioned first. and Babu Kali Prasanna
1\1 ukerji, pleader, Saugor, Mr. Gopal Datta Joshi, District
Judge, Saugor, Mr. Jeorakhan UI, Deputy-Inspector of
- 'Schools, and Mr. Gokul Prasad; Tahsildar, may, be selected
fWIll the large number wnose names are given in the lootJlo.
te .;; to the articles. Among European officers whose ,
a')'-,i~t;tnce should be acknowledged are Messrs. C. E. Low,
C \V. Montgomerie, A. B. Napier, A. E. Nelson, A. K.
x PREFACE
Smith, R. H. Crosthwaite and H. F. Hallifax, of the Civil
Service; Lt.-Col. W. D. Sutherland, I.M,S" Surgeon-Major
Mitchell of Bastar, and Mr. D. Chisholm.
Some photographs have been kindly contributed by
Mrs. Ashbrooke Crump, Mrs. Mangabai Kelkar; Mr. G.
L. Corbett, C.S., Mr. R. L. Johnston, A.D.S.P., Mr. ]. H.
Searle, C.S., Mr. Strachey, Mr. H. E. Bartlett, Professor L.
Scherman of Munich, and the Diwan of Raigarh St;:te
Bishop Westcott kindly gave the photograph of Kabir, wllkh
appears in his own book.
Finally I have to expres~ my gratitude to the Chief
Commissioner, Sir Benjamin Robertson, for the liberal
allotment made by the Administration for the publication
of the work; and to the publishers, Messrs. Macmillan &: Co,
and the printers, Messrs. R. & R. Clark, for their cour~c"Y
and assistance during its progt;ess through the press.
Septembe., 1915.
l.JNTENTS
pfi ~T I-VOLUME I
I
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY ,-" CASTE
ARTICLES ON THE RELIt IONS AND SE(.-rS OF THE PEOPLE
OF THE CENTRAL f WINCES
GLOSSARY OF MINOt< ,.,ASTES AND
SYNONYMS, SUBCASTES, Trru;s
EXOGAMOUS SEPTS OR CLANS
SUBJIj,CT INDEX
OTHER ARTICLES,
AND NAMES OF
PART II-VOLUMES II, III AND IV
DESCRIPTIVE ARTICLES ON THE PRINCIPAL CASThS AND
TRIBES OF THE CENTRAL PROVINCES
VOL. I xi
PAGE
I
199
337
419
PART I
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY ON CASTE
VOL. I B
CONTENTS xv
SUBCASTES OF BANIA
Agarw:ila. Gahoi. Maheshri.
Agrahari. Golapiirab. Nema.
AJudhlabasi. Kasarwani. Oswal.
Aslthl. Kasaundhan. Parwar.
Chamagri. KhandelwaI. Srimali.
Dhiisar. Lad. Umre.
Dosar. Lingayat.
PAGE
BANJARA (Palk-carrier) 162
Baral (Betel-vine gro'll'er and seller) 192
~ar~al (C;m:l!ent~r) 199
Bln (JIIaker of leaf-jJlates) 202
Basde\\ a (Cattle-dealer and religious mendicant) 204
Basor (Bamboo-'worker) 208
Bedar (Soldier and publte service) 212
Beld:ir (Digger and nllrvy) 21 5
Reria (Vagabond gipsy) 220
JDhaina (Forest tribe) 225
Bhiimta (Cn'min," tn"be and labourers) . 234.
BharbhunJa (Grain-jJarcher) 238
Bhana (Forest tribe) 242.
BHAT (Bard and genealoglst) 25 1
J3hatra (Forest tribe) 271
'pHIL (Forest tribe). . 278
Bhilala (Landowner and cultivator) 293
Bhishti (~rater-man) 298
Bhoyar (Cultivatoy) 301
Bhulya (Forest tn"be) 30 5
Bhuha (Weaver) 319
J3hunjia (Forest tribe) 322,
JBmJhwar (Cultivator) 329
Bishnoi (Cultivator) 337
Bohra (TradeY) 345
BRAHMAN (Pn"est) 35 1
SUBCASTES OF BRAHMAN
Ahivasi. Maharasbtra. Naramdeo.
Jljbotia. MaitbiL Sanadhya.
KanauJia, Kanyakubja. Malwi. Sarwaria.
KhedawaL Nagar. UtkaL
Chadar (Village watchman antl·,abourer) 400
CHAMAR (Tanner and labourer) 40 3
xvi CONTENTS
I'AGI!!
Chasa (Cultivator) 424
Chauhan (Village watekman and labourer) 427
Chhrpa (Dyer and calico-jJrinter) 429
CHITARI (Painter) 432
Chltrakathi (Picture showman) . 438
Cutchi (Trader and skopkeeper) 440
DAHAIT (Village watchman and labourer) 444
Daharia (Culttvator) . 453
Dangi (Landowner and cUltivator) 457
Dangri (Vegetable-grower) 463
DARZI (Tailor) 466
Dewar (Beggar and musician) . 472
Dhakar (Illegitimate, cultivator) 477
Dhangar (Skepkerd) . 480
Dhanuk (Bowman, labourer) . 484
Dhanwar (Forest tribe) 488
D--H-i-M-A-R (Fiskerman, water-carrier, and household servant) 502 Dhoba (Forest tribe, cultivator) ~5 J 5
DHOBI (Washenitan) . 519
Dhuri (Grain-parcher). 527
Dumal (Cultivator) 530
Fakir (Religious mendicant) 537
PART II-VOL. III
GADARIA (Shepherd) •
Gadba (FDrest tribe) .
Ganda { Weaver and labourer) •
Gandhmali (Unya VI'llage priests and temple servants)
GARPAGARI (Averter of hailstorms)
Gauria (Snake-charmer and juggler)
Ghasia (Grass-cutter) •
Ghosi (Buffalo-herdsman)
Golar (Het'dsman)
J;f}ND (Forest tn'be and cultivator)
Gond-Gowari (Herdsman)
Gondhali (Religious mendicant)
Gopal (Vagrant criminal caste)
Gosain (lJeligious mendicant)
Gowari (Herdsman)
G'O'JAR (Cultivator)
3
9
14
17
19
24
27
32
35
39
143
144
147
ISO
160
166
CONTENTS
Gurao (Vtllage Priest) .
HALBA (Forest tnbe, labourer).
lial,,:ai (ConjectiolUr) •
Hatkar (Sold.-er, shepherd)
HIJRA (Eunuch, mendicant)
Holta (Labourer, curing hides).
InJhwar (Boatman and fisherman)
J .ldam (Cul/£vator)
J;!dua (Criminal caste)
Jangam (Prust of the Lingtiyat sect)
JAr (Landowner and culttvator)
Jhadl Telenga (Illegitimate, labotlYer)
Jogi (Relz'gious mendz"cant and pedlar)
JOSHI (Astrologer and village priest)
Jutiha (Weaver)
Kachera (Maker of glass bangles)
Kachhi (Vegetable-grower)
Kadera (Firework-maker)
KAHAR (Palanljuz'n-bearer and household se1"lJant)
Kalkiiri (Basket-maker and vagrant)
Kalanga (Soldier, culth1ator)
KALAR (Liquor vendor)
Kamar (Forest tn'be) .
KANJAR (Gipsies and prostitutes)
Kapewar (Cultivator) •
Karan (Writer and clerk)
KASAl (Butclzer)
Kasar (Worker in brass)
KASBI (Prostttute) ,
Katia (Cotton-spinner) .
,4{awar (Forest tribe and cultivator)
1{AVASTH (Village accountant, writer and clerk)
l)ewat (Boatman and fisherman) .
,«hairwar (Forest tribe,,, boilers of catechu)
Khandait (Soldier, culhvator) .
Khangar (Village watchman and labourer)
Khana (Forest tribe, labourer) .
Khauk (Mutton-butcher)
Khatri (Merchant)
Kho)ah (Trader and slzopkeejJer)'
KHOND (Forest /n'be, cultivator)
KIr (Cultivator)
Kirar (Cultivator)
xvii
PAGK
175
182
201
204
206
212
~13
217
219
222
225
238
243
255
279
281
285
288
291
296
302
30 6
323
33 1
342
343
346
369
373
384
389
40 4
422
427
436
439
445
453
456
461
464
481
485
xviii CONTENTS
}{ohli (Cultivator) • ,
JK.OL (Forest tn"be, labourer) •
J(olam (Forest trlbe, cultivator)
]<:olhati (Acrobat) •
J(oli (Forest trlbe, cultivator)
Kolta (Landowner and cultivator)
Komti (Merchant and shopkeeper)
~ori (Weaver and labourer) •
J<.ORKU (Forest trt"be, labourer')
Korwa (Forest tn'be, cultivator)
Koshti (Weaver)
PART lI-VOL IV
KUMHAR (Potter)
KUNBI (Cultt"vator)
KunJra (Greengrocer')
Kuramwar (Shepherd) ,
KURMI (Cul#vator)
Lakhera (Worker t"n lac)
Lodhi (Landowner and cul#vator)
Lohar (Blacksmith)
Lorha (Growers ()fsan-ltemp) .
Mahar (Weaver and labourer), _
Mahli (Forest tribe)
Majhwar (Forest tribe) ,
Mal (Forest tribe)
Mala (Cotton-weaver and labourer')
MALI (Gardener and vegetable-grower') •
Mallah (Boatman and fisherman)
Mana (Forest tribe, cultz'vator) •
Manbhao (Religious mendicllnt)
Mang (Labourer and village musician) ,
Mang-Garori (Criminal caste) '.
Manihar (Pedlar)
Mannewar (Forest tribe)
MARATHA (Soldier, cullt"vator and service) ~
MEHTAR (Sweeper and scavenger)
Meo (Tribe) •
MYna or Deswali (Non-Aryan tribe, cultivator) •
Mirasi (Bard and genealogist)
MOCHI (Shoemaker') ~ •
PACK
493
500
520
527
532
537
542
545
550
571
58l
3
16
50
52
55
104
·II2
120
126
129
146
149
IS3
156
159
171
172
176
184
189
193
195
198
21S
233
235
242
244
l\Iowlr (ClllbvafM')
Murba (Di.~6"'" and navt,.)
.Nagasla (Foreslln'b~) .
Nahal (Fortsllnk)
N AI (Barber) •
CONTENTS
Naoda (Boa/man andjislurman)
Nat (Aerobelf).
Nutiia (S"II-rtjiMr. Jigger and ntlVl')') .
OJha (AI/gur tlnd s(}()l/tsayer>
ORAO~ (Forullnbt) •
p;uk (S.,/dur, culii1.'afor)
ranka (Labvl/rn' and 1.fI//<1g~ 'i.!alchmall)
PANWAR RAjPUT (lAnduwnn- and culliva/M')
Pardhan (Jfinsmlllnd prUst) •
Pirdhl (llunler and fO'U,/er)
PalJa (FuTesllnk)
Pasi (Toddy-Jrawer and labourn')
Patwa (.tfahr of silk /mu'd and IImad)
}'[NDARl (Frui'ooler) •
rrabhu (Wn'/er an.1 clerk)
RighU\ ansi (CII1N"l'afor)
R.1Jjhar (AgriculturallabOlim-)
R \jPtT (Soldier and lando'lllner)
RAjPUT CLANS
BagbeL Chauhan.
Bagri. Dhakar.
Bais. Gaharwlir.
Baksaria. Gaur.
Banaphar. Haihaya.
Bhadauria. Hiina.
Bisen. Kachhwaba.
Bundela. Nagvansi.
Chandel. Nikumbh. •
Rajwar (Fortsl (n"k) •
Pail..
Parihar.
Rathor.
Sesodia.
Solankhi.
Somvansi.
Siirajvansi.
Tomara.
Yadu.
Ramosi (Villa6~ 'l1!aldIllU1I and fji~urers. fvrmerly tAieves)
Rangrez (Dyer)...6 ~. . •
Rautia (Fortslln~culiiva/ors.fonnerly soldiers) •
Sanaurhl~ni ... al tAinltnC cask). • .
·Sansia (Vagrant crimina/Ink)
.Sansia (Uria) (Afaso1l and digger)
Sa\ar (FOrtslmk)
Sonjbara (GolJ..?uaslur)
Sudh (ClIlltva/1»")
xiI
PAGlI
250
25 2
257
259
261
283
286
294
296
299
321
324
330
352
359
37 1
380
38S
388
399
40 3
40 5
410
470
472
477
479
483
488
496
500
509
514
xx CONTENTS
SUNAR (Goldsmith and silversmith) S J 7
Sundi (Liquor distiller) 534
Tamera (Coppersmith) • 536
Taonla (Soldier and labourer) S 39
TELl (Oilman) 542
THUG (Criminal community oj murderers by strangulation) 558
Turi (Bamboo-worker) . 588
Velama (Cultivator) 593
VIDUR (Village accountant, clerk and writer) 596
Waghya (Religious mendicant). 603
Yeriikala (Criminal thieving caste) 606
NOTIt.-The Gonds are the most important of the non-Aryan or primitive
tribes, and their social customs are described in detail. The Baiga, Bhil, Kawar,
Khond, Kol, Korku and Korwa are other important tribes. The two repre.
sentative culJ.ivating castes are the Kurmis and Kunbis. and the articles on them
include detailed descriptions of Hindu social customs, and some infonpation on
villages, houses, dress, food and manner of life. Articles in which subjects of
general mterest are treated are Darzi (Tv~;V' SUMr (ornaments), Kachera and
Lakhera (bangles), Nai (bair), KaI5r veneration of alcoholic liquor), Bania
(moneylending and interest), Kasai (worship and sacrifice of domestic ammals),
Joshi (the Hindu clI.le~dar and personal names), Bhit (suicide), Dahait
(significance of the umbrella), and Kanjar (connection of Indian and European
gipsies). The articles on Badhak, Sansia and Thug are compiled from Sir
William Sleeman's reports on these communities of dacoits and murderers, whose
suppression he achieved. for further information the Subject Index may be
consulted.
l\fAPS AND ILLUSTRATIONS
MAPS
PAGE
MAP OF INDIA }
MAP OF THE CENTRAL PROVINCES Frontispiece
MAP OF THE CENTRAL PROVINCES, showing principal
ImgUIstic or racial divisions 6
ILLUSTRATIONS
VOLUME I
I. Hindu temple of the god Siva 16
2. Hmdu sculptures . 26
3. Peasant's hut 40
4. Group of religious mendicants 56
5 Drawing water from the village well 72
6. Gayatri or sacred verse personified as a goddess 108
7. Image of the god Jagannath, a form of Vishnu 118
8. The god Riima, an incarnation of Vishnu, with attendant
delhes. 144
9. Hindu bathing party 158
10. PIlgrims carrying Ganges water 184
I I. A meetmg of the Arya Samaj for investing boys with the
sacred thread . 202
12. Jdin temples at Muktagiri, Betiil . 220
13. Jain ascetics with cloth before mouth, and sweeping-brush 224
14. Jain gods in attitude of contemplation 228
15. Jain temple in Seoni 230
16. Kabir 232
17. Beggar on artificial horse at the Muharram festival 248
18. Carrying the horse-shoe at the Muharram festival • 252
19. Tazia or tombs of Hussain at the Muharram festival 256
xxi
xxii ILLUSTRA TIONS
PAGE
20. Famous Tazia at Khandwa 260
2 I. Representing a tiger at the Muharram festival 272
22. Temple of Siva at Biindakpur, near Damoh 302
23. Images of Siva and his consort Devi, or Parvati, with the
bull and tiger . 304
24. Devotees, possessed, embracing eacb other, wbile supported
on tridents, at Siva's fair at Pacbmarhi . 306
25. Image of tbe prophet Swami Narayan in the Teli temple at
Burhanpur 326
26. Images of Rama, Lachman and SUa, with attendants 330
27. Image of Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth, the consort of
Vishnu, with attendant. 332
28. Image of the boar incarnation of Vishnu • 334
29. BahrUpia impersonating the goddess K1ili . 344
30. Dasari religious mendicant with discus and conch-shell of
Vishnu. 406
VOLUME II
3 I. Aghori mendicant. 14
32 • Ahrrs decorated with cowries for the Stick Dance at Diwali 18
33· Image of Krishna as Murlidhar or the flute-player, with
attendant deities 28
34. Ahrr dancers in Diwali costume 32
35· Pinjara cleaning cotton 72
36. Baiga village, BaIaghat District 88
37· Hindu mendicants with sect-marks 94
38. Anchorite sitting on iron nails 98
39· Pilgrims carrying water of the river N erbudda 100
40 • Coloured Plate: Examples of Tilaks or sect-marks worn on
the forehead 102
4 r. Group of Marwari Bania women • I J 2
42. Image of the god Ganpati carried in procession J 16
43· The elephant-headed god Ganpat" His conveyance is a
raf, which can be seen as a little blob between his feet 120
44· Mud images made and worshipped at the Holi festival 126
45. Bania's shop 128
46. Banjara women with the singh. or horn 184
47· Group of Banjara women • 188
48. Basors making baskets of bamboo. 210
49· Bhat with hisputla or doll 256
So. Group of BhrIs 278
51. Tantia Bhil, a famous dacoit 282
ILLlISTRATIONS xxiii
PAGE
)2. Group of Bobras at Burbanpur (Nimar) 346
53· Brahman worshipping bis household gods . 380
54· Brahman bathing party 384
55· Brahman Pujaris or priests . 390
56. Group of Maratha Brahman men 392
57. Group of Naramdeo Brahman women 396
58. Group of Naramdeo Brahman men 398
59. Chamars tanning and working in leather 416
60. Cham.ars cutting leather and making shoes 4 18
61. Chhipa or calico-printer at work 430
62. Dhimar or fisherman's hut 502
6J. Fishermen in dug-outs or hollowed tree trunks 506
64. Group of GurujwaIe FakIrs 538
VOLUME III
65. Gond women grinding corn 42
66. Palace of the Gond kings of Garba-Mandla at Ramnagar • 46
67. Gonds on a journey 62
68. Killing of Rawan, the demon king of Ceylon, from whom the
Gonds are supposed to be descended I 14
69. Woman about to be swung round the post called Meghnath 116
70. Climbing the pole for a bag of sugar I 18
71. Goods with their bamboo carts at market. 122
72. Gond women, showing tattooing on backs of legs 126
73. Maria Gonds in dancing cos'tume 136
74. Gondhali musicians and dancers . 144
75. Gosain mendicant ISO
76. Alakhwlile Gosains'With faces covered with ashes J 52
77. Gosain mendicants with long hair • 154
78. Famous Gosain Mahant. Photograph taken after death . \ 156
79. Gujar village proprietress and her land agent 168
80. Guraos' with. figures made at the Holi festival called
Gangour 176
81. Group ofGurao musicians with their instruments . 180
82. Ploughing with cows and buffaloes in Chbattisgarh 182
83. Halwai or confectioner's shop 2p2
84- Jogi mendicants of the Kanphata sect 244
85. Jogi musicians with sarangi or fiddle 250
86. Kaikaris making baskets • 298
87. Kanjars making ropes 332
88. A group of Kasars or brass-workers 370
89. Dancing girls and musician'S 374
XXIV ILL US TRA TJONS
PAloB
90. Girl in full dress and ornaments 378
9 I. Old type of sugarcane mill 494
92. Group of Kol women 5 1 2
93. Group of Kolams . 520
94. Korkus of the Melghat hills 5 So
95. Korku women m full dress 556
96. Koshti men dancing a figure, holding strings and beating
sticks . 582
VOLUME IV
97. Potter at his wheel 4
98. Group of Kunbis. 16
99. Figures of animals made for Pola festival 40
100. Hindu boys on stilts 42
101. Throwing stilts into the water at the Pol a festival. 46
102. Carrymg out the dead 48
103. Pounding rice 60
104. Sowing • 84
105. Threshing 86
106. Winnowing 88
107. Women grinding wheat and husking rice. 90
108 .. Group of women in Hindustani dress 92
109. Coloured Plate: Examples of spangles worn by women on
the forehead 106
110. Weaving: sizing the warp 142
I II. Winding thread. 144
112. Bride and bridegroom with marriage crowns 166
I 13. Bullocks drawing water with mot. 170
1.14. Mling musicians with drum! 186
• I 1 5. Statue of M~ratha leader, BimbaJi Bhonsla, in armour' 200
II 6. Image of the god Vishnu as Vithoba 248
117. Coolie women 'with babies slung at the side 256
118. Hindu men showing the ckoti or scalp-lock 272
I 19. Snake-charmer with cobras 292
I :10. Transplanting rice 340
121. Group of Pardhans 352
122. Little girls playing 400
123. Gujarati girls doing figures with strings and sticks 402
1240 Ornaments 524
125· Teli'soil-press, • 544
I 26. The Goddess Klili 574
127· Waghya mendicants 60 4
PRONUNCIATION
a has the sound of u in bul or murmur.
i " " a in bal" or lar.
e " "
e. in leart! or at in maid.
1 .. " 1 in b£l, or (as a final letter) of y in sulky
i .. .. ea in keto
0 " .. o in bure or brrdJl.
u .. " u in put or bull.
ii " II 00 in pour or boot.
The plural of caste names and a few common Hindustani words
is formed by adding s in the English manner according to ordinary
usage, though this is not, of course, the Hindustani plural.
NOTE.-The rupee -contains 16 annas, and an anna is of the same
value as a penny. A pice is a quarter of an anna, or a farthing.
Rs. 1-8 signifies one rupee and eight annas. A lakh is a hundred
thousand, and a krore ten million.
nv
DETAILED LIST OF CONTENTS
PART I
ARTICLES ON RELIGIONS AND SECTS
Tlte arftdes ul/u'c/. are considered to be of most general interest are
down in capitals
PACK
ARYA SA,\fAJ RELIGION 201
llRAHMO SA!o.L\J RELIGION 208
D;idllpantl!lt Sect 2J5
Dhiml Sect 216
J APi RELIGION 219
K.~llIRPANTHI SECT 232
Lingayat Sect. 244
l\1UHAM~(ADAN RELIGION 247 •
N .lnakpanthi Sect 277
Parmarlhi Sect 281
PARS I OR ZOROASTRIAN RELIGION 2.84
San'a Sect 302
SaItta Sect 304
SATN.4MI SECT 307
Sikh Religion • 317
Smiirta Sect 325
Swami-Narayan Sect 326
VAlSlINAVA SECT 330
Vam-Margi Sect 333
Wahhabi Sect. 335
ARTICLES ON MINOR CASTES AND MISCELLANEOUS
NOTICES INCLUDED IN THE GLOSSARY
Agamudayan.
Alia.
Arab.
Are.
Arora.
Bahelia.
xiv CONTENTS
Bahriipia. Jasondhi. Otari.
Banka. Jokhara. Pabia.
Bargah. Kamad. Pahalwan.
Bayar. Kamathi. Panehal.
Belwar. Kamma. Pandra.
Besta. Kammala. Parka.
Bhand. t(andra. Periki.
Bhatia. Kast. Redka.
Bhima. KhadaL Rohilla.
Bhona. Khadra. Sais.
Bind. Kotwar. Santal.
Birhor. Kumrawat. Satani.
Bopchi. Kundera. Segidi.
Chenehuwar. Londbari. Siddi.
Chero. Madgi. Sidhira.
Dlingul'. Malyarl Sikligar.
Daraihan. Mangan. Solaha.
Dhalgar. Marori. Sonkar.
Dhera. Medara. Tlinti.
Dohor. Mrrdha. Tirmale.
Gandli. Mukeri. Tiyar.
Girgira. Mutrasi. VeUala.
Goyanda. Nagarchi. Wakkaliga.
Hatwa.
PART II-VOL. II
ARTICLES ON CASTES AND TRIBES' OF THE CENTRAL
PROVINCES IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER
Agaria (Iron-worker) .
Agharia (Cultivator) .
Aghori (Religious mendicant) •
AHiR (Herdsman and milkman)
rAndh (Tribe, now cultivators) .
Arakh (Hunter) •
Atari (Scent-seller)
Audhelia (Labourer)
BADHAK (Robber)
BAHNA (Cotton-cleaner)
Baiga (Forest tribe)
Bairagi (Religious mendicants) • e
Balahi (Labourer ami village waJc/r.man)
Balija (Cultivator)
BANIA (Mercltanl 411d moneylender)
"
PAGB
3
8
13
18
38
40
42
45
49
69
77
93
r05
108
JII
GLOSSARY
A6/zimlUlCu.J.-A section of Komti A4.iu..-(Half.) A subcaste of Tells
in Chanda. They abstain from using considered to be illegitimate in
a preparation of lead which is J3etiiL
generally ground to powder and Atlluzigluzr, ArAaig.iar.-(21 houses.)
applIed to wounds. A subdivision of Siraswat Hrihmans.
A6Aim.-An immigrant nomad tribe A4.iiili.-A name given to Malyars by
from which the modem Ahir caste outsiders.
is believed to have originated. A AtligrnIr.-A subdivision of Brihman,
dinsion of Maritha and Gujarati probably a branch of the Gaur Brah·
Brahmans, so called because they mans, though in Saugor they are
are priests of the Abhiras or the considered to be Kanaujias.
modern Ahirs. Atlluuul4, AtidaNiA. - (Superior
AMhUi.-Name for a religious mendi- Khonds.) A subcaste of Kboods,
cant. App1ie<{ to Gosains, tj.fI. being the most Hindnised section of
AcRary.t,Ac.wraJ.-(Superintendentof this"tribe. A title of Khond.
ceremonies.) Title of the heads of Atlnatll, AtiinatA.-A subdivision of
the Swami-Narayan sect. A sur- Jogi. Adinath was the father -of
name of Adi Gaur Brahmans in Matsyendranith and grandfather of
Saugor. Gorakhnath, the first great Jogi.
.Ag&mudayan.-A large Tamil cultivating caste, of "hich a few members
reside m the Central Provinces in Jubbnlpore and Raipur. They are the
£:unilies of Madras sepoys who have retired from regimeuts stationed in these
places. The Agamuchyans sometimes call themselves by the title of Pillai,
which means • Son of a god' and Was formerly reserved to Brahmans.
Agar'61iiJa. AgfZr1l1iil.-A subcaste of A/tdn"a.-Clan of Rajpiit. Synonym
Bania. See Bania-AgarwaIa. for Sesodia.
Agastya. - An epenymons section of Allir.-The professional caste of herds-
Brahmans. men. A clan of Maratha. A sub-
Aglunpantlli.-Synonym for Aghori. caste of Rawat and Siilewar Koshti
AgrrlMtri.-A surname of Kanaujia in Nimar. A subcaste of Bishnoi,
and Jijhotia Brahmans is Saugor. Gurao, and Sonar.
(One who performs the sacrifice to Allirwar.-A resident of the old town
Agni or the god of fire.) of Ahar ,in the BuIandshahr district.
Agmk#1a. -A name given to four Subcaste of KOrL
clans of Rajputs said to have been Alliviisi, AIziaJiisi. - (From Ahiwas,
born from the fire-pit on Mount Abu. • The abode of the chagon,' the
See article Panwar Rajpiit. hermitage of Sanbhari Rishi in
Agrdari.-A subcaste of Bania found Mathwa.) A Briihmanical or pseudo-
_ chiefly in Jubbulpore District and Brihmanical tribe. They are said
Raigarh State. Their name has to be sprung from a Brahman father
been connected with the cities of and a Kshatriya mother, and were
Agra and Agroba. formerly pack-carriers.· Found in
Agnrj ___ -(FlrSt-boro.) A syno- Jubbulporeand theNerbnddaVaIley.
nym ~or Brihmans. AUe: - (Seduced.) A sept of the
339
340 GLOSSARY PART
Uika clan of Gonds in Betiil. They do not marry. Also known as
are said to be so named because Nihang.
their priests once seduced a Dhurwa Akltrl1ti.-A subdivision of Pathins.
girl, and her son was given this name. (From aIlkrot, walnut.)
Aztkiina.-A subcaste of Kayasth. Akre.-A bastard Khatik. Title of a
AJodkia.-Subcaste of Jadam. child a Khatik gets by a woman of
AJI~dMa1Jiisi.-See Audhia. another caste.
Akab.-Order of SIkh devotees. See Alt"a.-A grower of the /iJ plant. A
article Sikh. subcaste of Bania and Kachhi, a
Akkiidewiile.-A class of Bairagls who synonym of Cbasa.
Alia., Alkari.-These terms are derived from the al or Indian mulberry
(Monnda dlrt/olia). The Alias are members of the K:ichhi caste who
formerly grew the al plant in Nlmar for sale to the dyers. Its cultivation
then yielded a large profit and the Alias devoted themselves solely to it, while
they excommunicated any of their members who were guilty of selhng or
giving away the seed. The imported alizarin bas nOw almost entirely superseded
the indigenous dye, and iii as a commercial product has been driven
from the market. Alkari is a term applied to Banlas and others in the
Damoh District who were formerly engaged in the cultivation of the al plant.
The members of each caste which took to the cultivation of this plant were
somewhat looked down upon by the otbers and hence became a distmct group.
The explanation generally given of the distaste for the crop is that in the
process of boiling the roots to extract the dye a number of insects have to be
killed. A further reason is that the red dye is considered to resemble or be
eqUIvalent to blood, the second idea being a necessary consequence of the first
iJtl primitive modes of thought, and hence to cause a certain degree of pollution
to those who prepare it. A similar objection is held to the purveying of lacdye
as shown in the article on Lakhera. Notwithstanding thIs, clothes dyed
red are considered lucky, and the al dye was far more commonly used by
Hindus than any other, prior to the introduction of aDlline dyes. Tents were
also coloured red with this dye. The tents of the Mugha) Emperors and
royal princes were ofred cloth dyed WIth the roots of the 6/ plant.1 Similarly
Nadir Shah, the victor of Panipat, had his field headquarters and lived
in one small red tent. In these cases the original reason (or colounng the
tents red may probably have been that it was a lucky colour for battles, and
the same belief may have led to the adoption of red as a royal and impenal
colour.
Alkari.-Synonym for Alia.
Alua.-A subcaste of Urjya Brahmans,
so named because their forefathers
grew the alu or potatO.
Amal.-A section of Romti. The
members of this section do not eat
the plantam.
AmbatiIr.-(Mango-branch.) A section
of Riiwat (Abir).
Ambaskta.-A subcaste of Kayasth.
Ametk,a.-(From Amethi, a pargana
in Lucknow District.) A sept of
Rajputs, who are Chauhans accord·
ing to Sir H. M. Elliott, but others
say they are a branch of the Chamar
Gaur.
Amiskt.-A sub caste of Kiiyasth.
Amnait.-Subcaste of Bhatra.
Amrite.-(From Arnrit nectar.) A
section of Kiriir.
Anapa.-{Leather.dealers.) Subcaste
of Madgi.
AnavaJa.-A subdivision of Gujarati
or KhcdawaI Brahmans. They
derive their name from the village
Anaval in Baroda. They are otherwise
known as Bhatela, Desai or
Mastan.
Andhra, Tailang-a.-One of the five
orders of the Panch Dravw Brahmans
inhabiting the Telugu country.
·Antarvedi.-A resident of Antarved or
the Doab, the tract of land between
the Ganges and the J umna nvers.
Subcaste of Chamir.
Apastambha.-A Sutla of the Vedas.
I Irvme, Ann" oj tke Mug-flals, p. 198.
GLOSSARY I 341
A subdivision of Brahmans following
that Sutra and forming a caste sub·
division. But they marry with
Rig-Vedis, though the Sutra belongs
to the Black YaJur-Vedi.
A/luirvarvedi, Antlziirwarvedi. - A
subcaste of Brahmans who follow
the Atharvar-Veda and are very
rarely met with.
Ara.b.-This designation is sometimes returned by the descendants of the
Arab mercenaries of the BhonsJa kings. These were at one time largely
employed by the different rulers of southern India and made the best of
soldlers. In the Maratha armies 1 their rate of pay was Rs. 12 a month,
while the ordinary infantry received only Rs. 5. General' Hislop stated
their character as follows: I
.. There are perhaps no troops in the world that will make a stouter or
more determined stand at their posts than the Arabs. They are entirely
unacquainted with military evolutions, and undisciplined; 'but every Arab
has a pride and heart of his own that never forsakes him as long as he has
legs to stand on. They are naturally brave and possess the greatest coolness
and quickness of sight: hardy and fierce through habit, and bred to the use
of the matchlock from their boyhood: and they attain a precision and skill
in the use of it that would almost exceed belief, bringing down or wounding
the smallest object at a considerable distance, and not unfrequently birds
with a single bullet. They are generally armed with a matchlock, a couple
of swords, with three or four small daggers stuck in front of their belts, and
a shield. On common occasions of attack and defence they fire but one
bullet, but when hard pressed a.t the breach they drop ,in two, three, and
four at a time, from their mouths, always carrying in them from eight to ten
bullets, which are of a small size. We may calculate the whole number of
Arabs in the service of the Peshwa and the Berar Raja at 6000 men, a loose
and undisciplined body, but every man of them a tough and hardy solmer.
It was to the Arabs alone those Provinces looked, and placed their dependence
on. Their own troops fled and abandoned them, seldom or never
darmg to meet our smallest detachment. Nothing can exceed the horrof
and aNum with which some of our native troops view the Arab. At Nagpur
in November 1817 the Arabs alone attacked \\s on the defence and reduced
us to the last extremity, when we were saved by Captain Fitzgerald's charge.
The Arabs attacked us at Kor~gaon and would have certainly destroyed us
had not the Peshw~ withdrawn his troops on General Smith's approach.
The Arabs kept General Dovetoll at bay with his whole ahnyat Niigpur for
several days, repulsing our attack at the br«;:ach, and they gained their
fullest terms.. The Arabs worsted us for a month at Miilegaon and saved
their credit. They terrified the Surat authOrities by their fame alone. They
gamed their terms of money from Sir John Malcolm at Asirgarh. They
maintained to the last Cor their prince their post at Alamner and nobly
refused to be bought over there. They attacked us bravely, but unfqrtunately
at Tiilner. They attacked Captain Spark's detachment on the defence
and destroyed it. They attacked a battalIon of the 14th Madras Infantry
with 26-pounders and compelled them to seek shelter in a village; and they
gave us a furious wind-up at AsirgarlJ,. Yet the whole of these Arabs were
not 6000."
Thele is no doubt that the Arabs are one of the finest fighting races of the
world. Their ancestors were the Saracens who gained a great empire in
Europe and Asia. Their hardihood and powers of endurance are brought to
the hIghest pitch by the rigours of desert life, while owing to their lack of
nervolls senslbility the shock and pain of wounds affect them less than
civilised troops. And in addition their religion teacheS that all who die in
1 Irvine, Army of Ike Mugnals, p. 232.
• Summary,of Ike Mamilla and Pindiiri Campaigns, p. 264-
342 GLOSSARY PART
battle against the infidel are transported straight to a paradise teeming witb
material and sensual delights. Arab troops are still employed in Hyderabad
State. Mr. Stevens notices them as follows in his book In EnrilQ: II A gang
of balf-a-dozen, brilliantly dishevelled, a faggot of daggers with an antilille
pistol or two in each belt, and a six-Coot matchlock on each shoulder. They
serve as irregular troops there, and it must be owned that If irregularity is
what you want, no man on earth can supply it better. The Arab irregulars
are brought over to serve their time and then sent back to Arabia; there is
one at thiS moment, who is a subaltern in Hyderiibiid, but as soon al he crosses
the British border gets a salute of nine guns; he is a Sheikh in his own
country near Aden."
The Arabs who have been long resident here have adopted the ways and
manners of other MU&almans. Their marriages are in the Nikiih Corm and are
marked by only one 1 dinner, following tbe example of the Prophet, who gave
a dinner at the marriage of his daughter the Lady Fatimah and Ali. In
obedience to the order of the Prophet a death is followed by no signs of
mourning. Arabs marry freely with other Sunni Muhammadans and have
no special social or religious organisation. The battle-cry of the Arabs at
Sitabaldi and Niigpup was' Din, Din, Mukammad.'
Arakh.-A caste. A subcaste of .A1"anya.-Name of one of the ten
Dahii.it, Gond and Piisi. orders of Gosains.
Are.-A cultivating caste of the Chanda District, where they numbered 2000
persons in 1911. The caste are also found in Madras and Bombay, where
they commonly return themselves undet the name of Marlithi; this name is
apparently used in the south as a generic term for immigrants from the north,
just as in the Central Provinces people coming from northern India are
called Pardeshi. Mr. (Sir H.) Stuart says I that Are is a synonym for Arya,
and is used as an equivalent of a Maratha and sometimes in a still wider
sense, apparently to desiguate an immigrant Aryan into the Dravidian
country of the south. The Ares of the Central Provinces appear to be
Kunbls who have migrated into the Telugu country. The names of their
subcastes are those of the Kunbis, as Khaire, Tirelle, a form of Tirole, and
Dhanoj for Dhanoje. Other subdivisions are called Kayat and Kattri, and
these seem to be the descendants of Kayastb and Khatri ancestors. The
caste admit Brahmans, Banias; and Komtis into the community and seem to
be, as shown by Mr. Stuart, a mixed group of immigrants from MabJirishtra
into the Telugu 'country. Some or, them wear the sacred thread and
others do not. Some ~f their family names are taken from those of animals
.and plants, and they bury persons who die unmarried, placing their feet
towards the nort~ like theJorest tribes.
Arka.-A sept of Gqnds in Chanda Armachi.-(Tbe dlzaunl tree.) A
who worship the saras crane. totemistie sept of Gonds.
Arora., ltora..-An important trading and mercantile .caste of the Punjab, of
which a few persons were returned from the Nimar District in 1901. Sir
D. Ibbetson was of opinion that the Aroras were the Khatris of Aror, the
ancient capital of Scinde, represented by the modem Roti. He described
the Arora as follows: I "Like the Khatri and unlike the Bania he is no
mere trader; but his social position is far inferior to theirs, partly DO doubt
because he is looked down upon simply as being a Hindu in the portions of
the Province which are his special habitat. He is commonly known as
a Kirar, a word almost synonymous with coward, and even more contemptuous
than is the name Bania in. the east of the province. The Arora is active and
enterprising, industrioliS and thrlfty. • • • ~ When an Arora gird. up his
1 Bom6ay Gasettee1". voL ix. part ii.
p.16. ,
II Matl1"as_:Census Rep01'I (1891). p.
:221. < •
" PtmjaJ CenIUI Report (1881). para.
5430
I GLOSSARY 343
loins he makes it only two miles from Jhaug to Lahore.' He win tum his
hand to any work. he makes a most admirable cultivator.- and a large
proporUoll of the Arons of the lower Chenib are purely agricultural ia their
uocatioas. He is fuUDd throu,.obout Afghanistan and even Turkistan and is
the Hindu tIa.!er of those countries; while in the western Punjab he will
sew clothes, weave mattiog and liaskets, make ~ of bIass and copper
and do goldsmith's work. But he is a terrible coward. and is so branded in
the proverbs of the countryside: The thieves were four and we eighty-Cour ;
the thieves came on and we laD away; and -.,oain: To meet a Rathi armed
with a hoe makes a company of nine KiJ2rs {Aroms) teeI alone. Yet the
peasant has a wholesome dread of the Kirir when in his proper place: Ya
IIOl the Jit in his jungle. DOl' the Kirir at his shop, DOl' the bcatman at his
felry; fur if yon do they will break your head. Again: Trust not a crow.
a dog or a Kirir. even when asleep. So -.,Oain : You can't make a friend of
a Kirir any more than a StIli of a prostitute."
AsJIAi..-A subca.ste of Bania. They .BcMadJI.-Title for the descendants of
are both Jains and Hindus. the Comler ruling families or the
AshUm.-Name of one of the ten Chero tribe.
orders or Gosains., BtdUJy~ .&uliaj. BtdJiIi4.-
Asil4.iIUL-A subcaste ofKiyWh. (From NCn .. a c:aIt:) A section
AI~.ri4. -(A man or eightren of Bania, Chadiz and Khangiir.
districts.) Subcaste of Banjila. A section of Patwa in Raipur. They
AIUUi)'lL-{Ei".<>ht brothers.) A do not castrate bullocks.
subdivision of Sinswat Brahman in B4Id.-{Higb or great.) Subcaste of
Hosbangibid. AD Athbhaiya cannot _ Agharia and Sudh.
take a wife from the Cbaubbaiya .B.Jd or BIUiruI.-A caste. 1itle of
subdivision, to whom the former Khatik.
gi..e their daughters in marriage. .8Dtt-{Banyan tree.) A section of
AIAi4.-A subcaste of Cbadir, 50 Joshi.
named because they worship their B.w-N.-(From 1NuJq,. cloud.) A
goddess Deri on the 8th day section of Kandera.
(Athain) of Kunwir (September), Badgw"aya.-{From Badgaon (&ana
and correspond to the Brihmanical &-), a large Wlage.) A SUlD8Dle
Sakta sect, as opposed to the other of Sanraria. Brihmans. A section
Cbadir subcaste Pannasuria, who of Basden, Gadana and Kurmi
correspond to the Vaishnavas.. Botdgaij_.-(From Iwla, great.) One
A...aa.u..-Synonym for Audbelia. of the thirty..m: myal nces of Rij-
A..ai .. AjtJlUdtisi.-A resideJlt of pUts..~ sabcaste of Giijar. also
Oudh. Subcaste of Bania and of of Gaur Brahman. A section of
Kasir and SIlIlir. Mehtar.
A",lid')'tL-A subcaste of BIihmans .&tlAa:Jw.-(Barbai, carpenter.) A
coming from Oudh. subcaste of Lollar and KoL A
AMgIld..-A subdirision of Jogi. sept of Savar.
They resemble the Aghoris with BilIiMn..-A RSident of Badhis in
the difference that they may Dot ~fimtpur. Subcaste of Bahna and
eat human flesh. Dhmi.
AagItar.-A subdivision of Jogi. BJJi.-{A rope-walker.} SynODym of
Aark..u.-AsubcasteofKosbtis. They Nat.
are also called Vidurs., being of ~. - Tille used in the Dhobi
mixed desceDl from Kosbtas ana caste.
other castes. ~-(The great ones.) A sub-
""alic.-{A favourite of God.) Title of caste of M.in&. A title of Dhobi
Muhammadan saints. and Pin or Ginda.
B.JIJd.--Synonym ofGosaiIL ~-(Ayoung buffiUo.) A sept
B ....... -Synonymfor Bhuinhir. being of Dhanrir and Sonkar.
the name of a1.mdholdiog caste in .B4gj. .B4ci--(T'Jgf:I'.) A totemBengaL
Used as a title by Bhuiyu. jstic sept of Ahir. Bhatra, Kawar.
344 GLOSSARY PAll'»
Manda, Oraon, Sonkar, Tell and subsept of Nika Gonds in Betul,
Tun. who abstain from killing tigers.
Baghd, Baghe/a.-{A tiger or tiger- Bt1gri.-A elan of RijpUlS. A subcub.)
A clan of Rajputs which has caste of Jat. One of the 72!
given its name to Baghelkhand. A sections of Maheshri Baniu.
subcaste of Audhia Sunar and People belonging to the Badhak or
Chamiir. A section of Bhiliila, Bawaria, and Pardhi castes are
Dhanwar, Gond, Lodhi, Mali, and • sometimes known by this name.
Panwiir RiiJpiit. Btiha,.gainJ'on.-(From Bdna,. galm,
Biigkmiir, Biigkmiirya, Bagmii,..-(A outside the village.) A lIubcaste of
tiger-slayer.) A section of Oswiil Kurmi.
Bania, Basor, Chamar, Dhimar, Bakar.+etu_-(Bush.cutter.) A sub-
Kotlabhuti Gond, and Teli. A caste of KorwL
Bahelia. - The caste of fowlers and hqnters in northern IndiL In the
Central Provinces the Bahelias are not to be distinguished from the Pardhis,
as they have the same set of exogamous groups named after the lUjpiit clans,
and resemble them in all other respects. The word Bahelia is derived from
the Sanskrit Vyadha, 'one who pierces or wounds,' hence a hunter. Pardhi
is derived from the Marithi paradll, hunting. The latter term is more
commonly used in the 'Central Provinces, and has therefore been chosen as
the title of the article on the caste.
Bahre.-(Outside the walls.) A snb- Bahrup.-Subcaste of BanjUL
division of Khediiwal Brahmans.
Bahriipia.-A small class of mendicant actors and quick-change artISts. They
are recruited from all classes of the populatiop, and though a distinct cute
of Babriipias appears to exist, people of various castes also call themselves
Bahrupia when they take to this occupation. In Berar the Mahar, Mang
and Maratha divisions of the Bahriipias are the most common: 1 the fonner
two begging only from the castes from which they take their name. In
Gujarat they appear to he principally Mullammadans. Sir D. Ibbet50n says
of them: II "The name is derived from the Sanskrit /JaAu, many, and riJja,
form, and denotes an actor, a mimic or one who assumes many fonns or
characters.' One of their favourite devices is to ask for money, and wben it
is refused to ask that it may be given if the Bahriipia succeeds in deceiving
the person who refllscd it. Some days later the Bahrupia will again visit
the house in the dISguise of a pedlar, a milkman or wbat not, sell his goods
without being detected, throw oft' his disguise and claim the stipulated
reward." III Gujarit "they are ventriloquists and actors with a special ekill
of dressing one side of their (ace like a man and the other side like a woman,
and moving their head about so sharply that they seem to be two penons.'"
Mr. Kitts states that "the men are 'by profession story-tellers and mimiCl,
imitating the voices of men and the notes of animals; their male children are
also trained to dance. In payment for their entertainment they are frequently
content with cast-off clothes, which will of course be of use to them in
assuming other characters.'" Occasionally also they dress up in European
clothes and can successfully assume the character of a Eurasian.
Baid. -(Physician.) A surname of Baja"ia.-(One who plays on musical
Sanadhla and Maratha Brahmans in instruments.) Subcaste of Panka.
Saugor. A section of Oswiil Bania, Ba/anJ'a.r-(Drummer.) A subcaste
and Darzi. ' c of Paw in Balaghiit.
Bairagz'.-A caste or religious ardet. Bajli,.ka. - (Bazar.) A section of
Subcaste of Dhat. Daraiha in BiWpur.
Bais.-A clan of Rijputs.
1 Bertir CelfSfU Report (:l88t). p. 128.
I PunJa6 Cennu Repqrl (:l881). p.'lI'8,.
529.
• Kbln Bahiidur LutfuUah Faridi in
Bl1mIJay GUdtMr. MIlA. Gllj.
4 lhriir CelUfU Reporl. ;/JJdettI.
BAHRlIPIA IMPERSONATING THE GODDESS KALI.
, GLOSSARY 345
Baj.a, BQJ~'W'i-(Mu.sicia.ns at feasts BamltaMia. -A subcaste of Kasar,
and mlllTlll,,0e5.) Subcaste of Ganda. from Bamhan 01' Brahman. A section
BJ;pai. - (A priest officiating at the of Karia.
• horse sacrifice.) A surname of .sa .. _iAa.-{BelongingtoaBrahman.)
Kanaojia Brahmans. A section of A section of Basor.
Brahmans. Title of some old BlUIii/luJr, BanO/ar. - A clan of
families whose ancestors were saw- RiJpiits. A section of Daharia.
6cial priests. BtMllJluJillS4. - (Wild buffalo.} A
Bakar Kasai.-(Goat-butcher.) A section of Riwat (Ahir).
subcaste of Khatik. BJnda. - (Tailless.) A section of
Edra.-{Goat.) A totemistic sept of Kim.
Bhatra and Balha. B.mJa BagA. -=-(Tailless tiger.) A
Baksaria. - From Bani' in Bengal. section of Tell.
A clan of RiJputs. A section of BJIIIiar.--{A rocket-thrower.) Syno-
Daraiha and Lodhi.. nym of Kadera.
Balla.-One of the 36 Rijkuls or BIUfliarwiiIe. -(One who catches
royal clans of RiJpiits noted in Too's monkeys. }-Subcaste of P-ardhi
Rd;asl44n. Bandesia.-{A man of 52 districts.)
Balnik.-Subcaste of Kayastb. Subcaste of Banjira.
BdlUstJia.-(Shaven.) TitleoCKhond. Bmuiluliya.-A subcaste of Nania who
BJIIdeJ..ir.-Narne for a village menial confine themselves to the excavation
in Bew. Title of Dhobi. of tanks anel wells. Also a subcaste
Bahrtanda.--{Quarrelsome.) Asection of Drumar.
of Teb.. B_dltaiya. - (From Biindhogarb.)
.sam-.'IIJrgi.-Synonym fOl' the Vim- Subcaste of Nai.
Mizgi sect. .&mdlt,u,--{From IJeindA. an embank-
Edllftua 01' BrdA__ Subcaste of ment.) A subcaste of Darzi and
Bishnoi, Darzi and Gondhali. Dhimar. A section of Chamar.
EdllltUlia. -(From Brahman.) A Bturdre/~.-(Monkey.) A jieCtion of
section of Ahir. They do not Basar, and Barai.
touch the pipal tree. A section of Bangnore.--{Wild horses.) A section
Mahar and of Rinhar in Boshanga- . of Dom (Mehtar).
bid. B_ia.-A caste. Subcaste of Bishnoi
BJ",""" Gour 01' BrdAm_ Gtnw.-A A synonym of Sunir in Sambalpur.
clan of Rijpiits in SaugOJ' and A subcaste of Banjara. A section
Narsingbpur. of Nandvansi Gauli.
Banka.-A small caste found principally in the Kalahandi State which DOW
forms part of Ben.,oal.. The caste was formed from military service like the
Khandaits, Piiks and Marithas. and some families bear the names of
different castes. as Brahman Binka, Knmhir Banka. and so on. They were
formerly notorious freebooters, but have now settled down to cultivation.
Each man, however, still carries a sword or knife on his person, and in
Kalihandi they are permitted to do this withont taking out a licence.
Bank,,- - (One who frequents se- Bfllllia.-(From 1HutM, a red woollen
questered parts of forests.) A sept blanket.) A section ofOswil Bania.
of Korkli: B_ or Baonia.-From the phrase
BJnshnia.--{One who performs aero- BIi1fIQn ~era,., a term applied to the
batic feats on a stick 01' bamboo.) Province by the Mughals, because it
Synonym of Kolhiti paid fifty-two Jakbs of revenue, as
Bansia. -(Angler.) From &msi. a against only eight lakhs realised
fishing-book. Subcaste of Dhimar. from the adjoining Jhidi or lully
EJnsplwr.-(A breaker of bamboos..) country in the Central Provinces:
Synonym of:&sor. Snbcaste of Sabcaste of Kunbi, Mahar and Mili.
Mehtar and Mahli. Baoria.-Synonym of Badbak.
E.bIsIai4i.--{A tank with bamboo trees B~_-(Twdve thousand.) Subon
its bank.) A section of Te1i. caste of Chero.
E4IS/.-Subcaste of Drumar. Bar6d4, Berari.-A resident 01 Berir.
GLOSSARY PART
Subcaste of Bahna, Barhai, Cham;!r, Bardkia. - (From bardn, a term for
Dhangar, Dhobi, Khatik, ~1ang and the edge of a weapon.) Synonym
Nai. of Slkllgar.
Baram or Birm.-Subcaste of Bhat. Bardza.-One who uses bullocks for
Barapatre.-(A large leaf-plate.) A transport. Subcaste of Kumhlir.
section of Koshti. Baretna -{A washerman.) Synonym
Baraua.-(A fisherman.) Synonym for Dhobl.
of Dhimar. title of Dhimar. Barga.-Subcaste of Oraon.
Bargah,l Bargiha., Barghit.-A small caste of cultivators belonging princi'
pally to the Biliispur District. They appear to be immigrants from Rewah,
where the caste is numerically strong, and they are also found in the
adjacent Districts of the United ProVinces and Bengal. In the United
Provinces they are employed as higher domestic servants and make leafplates,
while their women act as midwives. 2 Here they claim kinship with
the Goala Ahirs, but in the Central Provinces and Bengal they advance
pretensions to be RaJpiits. They have a story, however, which shows their
connection with the Ahirs, to the effect that on one occasion Brahma stole
Krishna's cows and cowherds. Krishna created new ones to replace them,
exactly similar to those lost, but Brahma subsequently returned the originals,
and the Bargahas are the descendants of the artificial cowherds created by
Krishna. In Sargiija, Bargaha is used as a title by Ahir~, while in Rewah
the Bargahs are looked on as the bastard offspring of Ba(.!hcl RaJpGts.
Dr. Buchanan writes of them as follows I • .. In Gorakhpur the Rnjput
chiefs have certain families of Ahirs, the women of which art III wet nurses
to their children, while the men attend to their persons. 1 'le~e ( .. mtlf('S are
called Bargaha; they have received, of course, great favours and many (J( them
are very rich, but others look down upon them as bayin~ admitted their
women to too great famibarity with their chiefs." In the Unll.,.1 I'rovince~
they also claim to be Rajputs, as they returned them&elvc, as a <.Ian or
RaJ puts In 1881.' Their position as descnbed by lluchamln ill I,n'ri,dy the
same as that of the Dauwa Ahirs, who are the householfl servanl~ or 1lulltkla
Ra)piits in Bundelkhand, and the facts set forth above leave III! Ie Hr no
doubt that the Bargahs are a mixed caste, arlslIlg from th,. COnllf~r lion of
RaJ puts with the Ahir women who were their per~onal servant.. In the
Central Provinces no subdivisions of the caste exht at pre~eBt. hut a separate
and inferior subcaste is in process of formation from those who have been
turned out of caste. They are divided for the purpose of marriage into
exogamous gotrar or clans, the names of which correspond to those of
Rajpiits, as KauDsil, Chandel, Rana, Bundela, Rlithor, llaghel, Chauhan
and others. Marnage between members of the same clan and also between
first cousins is prohibited. The custom of gurdnwat or exchanging girls in
marriage between families is very prevalent, and as there is a scarcity of
girls in the ~te, a man who has not got a daughter must pay Rs. 100 to
Rs. 200 to obtain a bnde for bis son. On the arrival of the marriage
procession the bridegroom touches with a dagger a grass mat hung in front
of the marriage-shed. During the marriage the bridegroom'S father presents
him with a grass ring, which he places on hiS wrist. The hands of the
bridegroom and bride are tied one over the other with a piece of thread, and
the bnde's parents catching the hands say to the bridegroom, • We have
given you our daughter; protect her.' The couple then walk sevel) times
round a sacrificial fire and a pestle and slab containing seven pieces of
turmeric, nuts and heaps of c;oloured rice, the bride leading and kicking over
1 In 19II about 3000 persons belonging
to the caste were returned, mainly
from Bllaspur Dlstnct, and the Korea
and Sarglija States.
I Crooke, vol. i. p. 184-
8 Eastern Indta, U. P 467.
4 Norllt. - West PYOVInc6S Gazetleer,
voL xiv •• Mrrzapur, p. 365.
GLOSSARY 347
a heap of rice from the slab at each tum. The other common ceremonies
are also performed. The Bargahs do not tolerate sexual offences and expel
a girl or married woman who goes wrong. The Barglihs are usually
cull:J.vators in the Central Provinces, but they consider it beneath their
dignity to touch the plough with their own hands. Many of them are
miilgnzars or village proprietors. They take food cooked without water
from a Brahman, and water only from a Riijpiit. Riijpiits take water from
thell hands, and thell social position is fairly high.
Bargandi.-Synonym for Kaikiiri. Bastarka.-A resident of Bastar State.
Bargkat.-Synonym of Barglih. Subcaste of Halba. •
Bark,.-High. Subcaste of Rautia. Batkri.-(From batlaur, a vegetable.)
Biirkia.-(A spinner of fine thread.) A subeaste of Dhobi and Teli.
Subcaste of Mahar. Biitnudia.-Subcaste of Bhuiya.
Barmaiyan,Barmian,Malaiya.-Sub. Batri.-A grower of batar, a kind
caste of Basor, Dhimar and Gadaria. of pea. Subcaste of Tell.
Baroni.-Title of a female Dhimar. Batti.--{A ball.) A subsept of the
Barora or Warkara.-(Wild cat.) A Uma clan of Gonds in Betiil, 50
subsept of the Uika clan of Gonds named because their priest stole
in Betiil. . balls of cooked mahua. They do
Barpaiki.~(Bar, banyan tree.) A not kill or 'eat gnats or sheep, and
sept of the Uika clan of Gonds in throwaway anything smelt by
Detiil, so named because their priest them. -
offered food to their gods on the Biiwan, Biiwanjaye. - (Biiwan. 52.)
leaves of a banyan tree. A subcaste of Saraswat Brahmans.
Barwa. - Synonym for Garpagiiri. Biiwaria.-A dweller of Bhiinwargarh
One who wards off hailstones from tract in Betiil district. Subcaste of
the stan~ing crops. Subcaste of Korku.
J ogi. Biiwira.--{Twenty-two.) A 5ubcaste
Baslmhta.-See Vasishta. A section of Gujariiti Brahmans in Hoshanga.
of Vidiir. bad and Makrai State.
Bayar, Biyar, Biar.-A small caste of labourers belonging to tlJe eastern
Districts of the United Provinces, of whom about 200 persons were returned
from Bllijspur in 1891. They are found in the Korba zamindiiri, and 'are
professional diggers or navvies, like the Murhas. They are apparently II!
mixed caste denved from the prinlitive tribes with $ome Hindu blood. They
eat fowls and pork, but will not take food from any other caste. They work
by contract on the t1angri system of measurement, a tlangri being a piece of
bamboo five cubits long. For one rupee they dig a patch 8 t1angris long by
one broad and a cubit in depth, or 675 cubic feet. But this rate does not
allow for lift or 1fJ8.d.
Biizigar.--{An acrobat.) Synonym of
Nat.
Beniir.-(Cat.) • A totemistic sept of
Kawar.
Belaera.-A subcaste of Taonla.
section of Tiyar. A title
Kha<liil.
A
of
Belwiir, Bilwiir.-A small caste of carriers and cattle·dealers belonging to
Oudh, whose members occasionally visit the northern Districts of the Central
Provinces. They say that their ancestors were Sanadhya Brahmans, who
employed bullocks as pack-animals, and hence, being- looked down on by the
rest of the caste, became a separate body, marrying among themselves.
Benaika, Btnaika. - A subcaste of Bmdiwiila.-'-Name pf a minor Vish·
Parwar Bania, consisting of the nuite order. See Bairagi.
offspring of remarried widows or Benetiya, Beniilia.-Subcaste of Chasa
illegitimate unions. Probably also and Sansia.
found among other subcastes of Bengal,. _ Bengali immigrants are
Bania. usually Brahmans or Xiiyasths.
BmlZlia. - A subcaSte of Samia in Bengani..- (Brinjal.) One of the
Sambalpur. 1444 sections of Oswiil Bania.
GLOSSARY PART
Benglah.-An immigrant from Bengal. Dhimar, Kasar and Kunbi.
Subcaste of BharbhUnja. Berra.-A caste of gipsies and vagrants,
Beora Basia.-(Hawk.) A totemistic whose women are prostitutes. Hence
sept of Bhatra. sometimes used generally to slgmfy
Beriiria, Beriidia. - (Belonging to a prostitute. A subcaste of Nat.
Berir.) A subcaste of Bahna, Besra.-(Hawk.) A totemlstic sept
Balai, Barhai, Chamar, Dhangar, of Bhatra and Riwat (Ahir).
Besta.-A Telugu caste of fishermen. They are also called Bhoi and
Machchnli.ik, and correspond to the DhImars. They are found only in the
Chanda District, where they numbered 700 persons in 1911, and their
proper home is Mysore. They are a low caste and rear pigs and eat pork,
crocodiles, rats and fowls. They are stout and strong and dark in colour.
Like the Dhimars they also act as palanquin-bearers, and hence has arisen
a saying about them, 'The Besta is a great man when he carries shoe~,'
because the head of a gang of palanqum-bearers carries the shoes of the
person who sits in it. At their marriages the couple place a mixture of
cummin and jaggery on each other's heads, and then gently press their feet
on those of the other seven times. Drums are beaten, and the bndegroom
places rings on the toes pf the bride and ties the mangnl-sutram or necklace
of black beads round ber neck. They are seated side by side on a ploughyoke,
and the ends of their cloths are tied together. They lire then taken
outside and shown the Great Bear, the stars of which are considered to be
the spirits of the seven principal Hmdu Saints, and the pole-star, Arundhali,
who represents the wife of VaslShtha and is the pattern of felllinllle virtue.
On the following two days the couple throw flowers at each other for lome
time in the morning and evening. Before the marullj;c rht" hritl('&,;fOom's
toe-nails are cut by the barber as an act of purification. ThIll (Ihlom, Mr.
Thurston 1 states, corresponds among the Siidras to the shaving of the head
among the Brahmans. The Bestas usually take as their prinCipal deIty the
nearest large river and call it by the generic term of Ganl!,a. On the fifth
day after a death they offer cooked food, water and se~amum to the CTOWI,
in whose bodies the souls of the dead ate believed to f( ,hk. The f"od and
water are given to satisfy the hunger and thir~t of the soul, while tl1e IICl><Imllm
is supposed to give it coolness and quench its hent. On the lenth day the
ashes are thrown into a river. The beard of a boy who<;c (alher is alive is
shaved fOT the first time before his marriage. Chiluren are tattooed with
a mark on the forehead within three months of birth, and this serves as a
sect mark. A child is named on the eleventh day after birth, and if it IS
subsequently found to be contmually ailing and sickly, the name i. changed
under the belief that it exercises an evil influence on the child.
Betala.-(Goblin.) One of tbe 1444 as of one who begs with deceit or
sections of Oswal Bania. fraud.
Bhadauria. - (From Bhadawar in Bkadune.-(From the month Bhadon.)
Gwalior State.) A clan of Rajpiits. A section of Kalae.
A clan of Dli.ngi in Saugor from Bkagat.-(Devotee.) A section of
whom Rajpiits take daughters in Ahir or Gaoli, Barai and Pan war
marriage, but do not give daughters Rajpiit.
to them. A surname of Sanadbia Bhains-Mara.-(Killer of the buffalo.)
Brahman. A section of Kanjar.
Bhad.mia.-Subcaste of Dli.ngi. Bkainsa. -(Buffalo.) A section of
Bkadona.-{A drum-beater.) Sub. Chamli.r, Dhanwli.r, Ganda, Kawar,
caste of Cbamar. Kanjar, Mali, Panka and Rawat
Bkadri, Bhaddari.-A synonym for (Abir).
Joshi, having a derogatory sense, Bkairon.-(Tbe god Bhairon.) A
1 EthIWgrapki& Notes in Soutkent India, page 72.
GLOSSARY 349
section of Pinwar Rijpiit. BIIa/, Suha".-{Lords of the spear.}
BhaiYIJ.-(Brother.) One of the ~2t A clan of Rijpiits.
sections of Maheshri Bania. BIUimti, Bkamtia,. - Synonyms of
·BhaIa.-{Spear.) One of the 72t Bhiimta.
sections of Maheshri Bania. Bkandn.-Named after the town of
BluJldar.-{A spear-man.) A class of Bhandira in the Central Provinces.
DahaIts, who have commonly been Subcaste of Dhimar.
employed as village watchmen.
Bhind, Bhinr.1-A small caste of story-tellers and buffoons. The name is
denved from the Sanskrit Bbanda, a jester, and the caste are also known as
NaqqaJ or actor. Only a trifling number of Bhinds are shown by the census
as belonging to the Central Provinces. Mr. Crooke remarks: .. The Bhind
is sometimes employed in the conrts of Rajas and native gentlemen of rank,
where he amnses the company at entertainments with buffoonery and a
burlesque of European and native manners, much of which is of a very coarse
nature. The Bhind is quite separate from and of a lower professional rank
than the Bahriipia. The bnlk of the caste are Muhammadans, but they
have exogamous sections, some of which, as Kaithela (Kayasth), Bamhaniya
(Brahman), Gujartha lGiijar), Nonela (Lunia), and so on, are derived from
those of Hindu castes, and indicate that -the caste is a heterogeneous community
recruited from different sources. There are two recognised endogamous
subcastes-the Chenr, which seems to mean little (Hindi, C.4enra), and the
KashmirL The former trace their origin to the tme of Tamarlane, who,
on the death of his son, gave himself over to mourning for twelve years.
Then one Sayyid Hasan, a courtier of the Emperor, composed a humorous
poem in Arabic, which gained him the title of Bhinr. Sayyid Hasan is
regarded as the founder of the caste. Though he was a Sayyid the present
Bhanrs are either Shalkhs or M ughals; and the difference of faith, Sunni
and Sbiah, is a bar to intermarriage. The Kashmiri Bhiinrs are said to be
of qUlte recent origin, having been invited from Kashmir by Nasir-ud-Din
Haidar, king of Ondh." The Bhinds perform their marriages by the Nikih
form, in which a Kizi officiates. In virtue of being Muhammadans they
abstain from pork and liquor. Dr. Buchanan I quaintly described them as
" Impudent fellows, who make long faces, squeak bke pigs. bark like dogs,
and perform many other ludicrous feats. They also dance and sing. mimicking
and turning into ridicule the dancing boys and girls, 00 whom they likewise
pass many jokes, and are employed on great occasions. » The Bhind, in fact,
seems to correspond very nearly to the court jester of the Middle Ages.
Bkandiiri.-{A barber, also a cook in of Brahmans. Also a section of
the Uriya country.) A synonym for Joshi, Lohar, Prabhu, Sunii.r, and of
Nai.· A subcaste of Gondhali A several clans of RiJpiits.
section of OswaJ Bania and Halba. Bhanwa.-{From Marat, a mixture of
Title of the deputies of the chief copper and lead.) A group of brass
guru of the Satnami sect.. or bell-metal workers classed with
Bkangi.-(Hemp-smoker.) Synonym the Kasir caste, but of lower social
of Mehtar. standing than the Kasars. A sub-
Bkdnr.-Synonym of Bhind, a story- caste of Sunar in Raipur.
teller. B.4ii~IJ.-{Bom of Bhrigu Risbi.)
Bkanwar.-{A bee, also honey.) A A subcaste of Kanaujia Brahmans.
section of Gadaria and Kawar. A section of Maratha Brahmans.
Bkaosar.-Synonym of Chhipa. Bhargava Dhusar is lit subcaste of
Bkaradwaj.-4A skylark. Name of a Bania. See Bania-Dhusar.
great Brahman Rishi or saint.) One Bkaria.-(From the Bhar tribe.) A
of the common eponymous sections tnk A subcaste of Baiga in
1 ThIS article COUSlSts of extracts 'from Mr. Crooke's account of the.castE: in 1m;.
T,-ibes and Castes. I Easlenl India. ii. 248.
350 GLOSSARY PART
Mandla, and of KoL caste of Baiga, also of Ahu.
Eharta-Bhumia.-SynonymofBharia. Bharlhi.-Name of one of the ten
Bharotia or Mua':a.-(Shaveu.) Sub- orders of Gosains.
Bhatia..-A commercial caste of Sind and Gujarat, a few of whom settle
temporarily in the Central Provmces. Sir D. Ibbetson writes of them: 1
"The Bhiitias are a class of Rajputs, originally coming from Bhatner,
Jaisalmer and the Rajputana desert, who have taken to domestic pursuits.
The name would seem to show that they were Bbatis (called Bhatti in the
Punjab); but be that as it may, their Rajpiit origin seems to be unquestioned.
They stand distinctly below the Khatri, and perhaps below the Arora, and
are for the most part engaged in petty shopkeeping, though the Bhatias
of Dera Ismail Khan are described as belonging to a widely-spread and
enterprising mercantlle community. They are very strict Hindus, Car more
so than the other tradmg classes of the western Punjab; and eschew meat
and liquor. They do not practise widow-marriage."
Mr. Crooke's account a leaves little doubt that the Bhiitias are a branch
of the Bhatti or Yaduvansi Riijputs of Jaisalmer who have gone into trade;
and Colonel Tod expresses the same view: "The Bhattiah is also one of
the equestrian order converted into the commercial, and the exchange has
been to his advantage. His habits are like those of the Arora, next to
whom he ranks, as to activity and wealth." I .. The chief occupation of the
Bhatias," Mr. Crooke states, "is moneylending, and to this they add trade
of all kinds, agriculture, landholding and Government service. Many of
them go on expeditions to' Arabia, Kabul, Bokhara and other distant places
of busmess. Many in Bombay carryon trade with Zanzibar, Jua and the
Malay Peninsula."
Bhatniigar.-A subcaste of Kayasth. Blulaophoa'.-(Those who extract oil
Bhiitpagiir.-(Wage of rice.} A section from the 6hilawa Dut, 5eme,arpus
of Katia. • anacardium.) Subcaste of Kol.
Bhfkshakunti. ~ (Bhfksha, begging; Bhflsaiyan, BMMa, Blzilasia.-( ~-rom
kunti, lame.) A subcaste of Kape. Bhilsa, a town in Gwallor State.)
war who are the Bhiits or bards of A section and surname of JIJhotia
the caste. Brahmans. A section of I'urama
Bhft.-A tribe. A subcaste of Pardhi. Sunar and of Rathor Tell and Teli.
Bhima.-A small caste belonging to the Mandla and Sefmi Distncts. They
are musicians of the Gond tribe and dance and beg at their weddings. The
caste are an offshoot of the Gonds, their exogamous septs having Gond names,
as Marabi, Markam, Dhurwa, Parteti, Tekam and so on; but they now
marry among themselves. They worship the Gond god, Bura Deo, their
own elders serving as priests. At thell performances the men play and dance,
wearing hollow anklets of metal with little balls of iron inside to make them
tinkle. The women are dressed like Hindu women and dance without
ornaments. Their instrument is called Tuma or gourd. It consists of a
hollow piece of bamboo fixed horizontally over a gourd. Over the bamboo
a string is stretched secured to a peg at one end and passing over a bndge at
the other. Little knobs of wax are made on the bamboo so that the string
touches them during its vibrations. The gourd acts as a sounding-board.
Ehogta.-Subcaste of Khairwar. Bhoir.-Synonym for Bhoyar.
Eho;. - (One who carries li~ters or Bkojni. - Subcaste of Chitrakathi.
palanquins.) Synonym of DhImar They ser"e the food at ma,rriage
and ·Kahar. A title or hononfic and other ceremonies.
name for Gonds and one by wh\ch B,hotia. - (From !Jhulna, to forget.)
they are often known. See article Synonym of Bhulia.
Kahar. A section of BinjhiiL
1 PunjaJ CeuS1/.I Jr.eporl (1881), para.
.542.
'II Tribes anti Castes, art. Bhatia.
• RiijastMn, ii. p. 292 •
1 GLOSSARY 351
Bhona.-A small caste of labourers in the Mandla District. They are practically
all employed by the local Pansarls (Barai) or pan-growers ill tending their
bare/as or betel-vine gardens. There is some groUlld for supposing that the
Bhonas are an offshoot of tire Bharia or Bharia-Bbumia tribe of Jubbulpore,
which is itself derived from the Bhars. One of the sections of the Bhonas
is named after the vulture, and at their weddings a man of this section catches
a young chicken and bites off the head in imitation of a vulture.
BAontUk.-(From blwNJ, dUllg-beetle.) A section of Kurmi.
A sectIon of Ahir. Bhura.~(Grey.) One of the sections
Bhons/a. -A clan of Marithas to which of Oswil Bania. A proper name.
the Rajas of Ni..apur belong. Bhusar.-{Lord of the earth.) A title
B1wpe or BhoaIl.-Subcaste of Min- of Brahman.
bhao. Bhusiirfin.-(From bAusa, the chaff of
Bhoriya. -Synonym of Bhulia. wheat.) Subcaste of Banjara.
Bhoyar. -A caste. A subcaste of Blzuskate.-(From bAwa, .fodder, one
Koshti and Marir. who supplies fodder.) A family
Bkudes.-(The gods on earth.} Title name.
of Brahmans. Bhiita.-A subt.ribe of Gond in Betiil,
Bkuinkiir.-Name of a landholding the same as Koilabhiita. They are
caste in Benires and Bengal who said to be of immoral character.
claIm to be Brahmans or Rajpilts. BJar.-Synonym of Bayar.
They are also known as Babhan. Bichlzuu'a, BickAi. - (From bichlzu,
A title of the Bhuiya' tribe. See scorpion.) A section of Dhobi and
article Bhuiya. A title of the Kawar.
Bhaina tnbe. Bidur.-Synonym of the Vidiir caste.
Bkumliz.-(Born from the land, or Biloria.-(From 6ilori, marble stone.)
aboriginal.) A tItle of the Bharia A section of Chhipa.
tribe in Jubbulpore, also a title of Bu'wiir.-Synonym of Belwar, a carrier
Baiga and Korku. A synonym of and cattle-dealer.
Bhuiya. A subdivision of Gond.
Bind.-l\. large non-Aryan caste of Bihar and the United Provinces, of which
380 persons were returned in 19I1. Sir H. Risley says ofthem : 1 .. They
are a tribe employed in agriculture, earthwork, fishing, hunting, making
saltpetre and collecting indigenous drugs. Traditions current among the
caste profess to trace their origin to the Vindhya hills, and one of these
legends tells how a traveller, passing by the foot of the hills, heard a strange
flute-hke SOUlld commg out of a clump of bamboos. He cut a shoot and
took from it a fleshy substance which afterwards grew into a man, the supposed
ancestor of the Bmds. Another story says that the Binds and Nunias were
formerly all Binds and that the present Nunias are the descendants of a Bind
who consented to dig a grave for a Muhammadan king and was outcasted for
doing so.» A third legend tells how in the beginning of all things Mabiideo
made a lump of earth and endowed it with life. The creature thus produced
asked Mahadeo what he should eat. The god pointed to a tank and told
him to eat the fish in 1t and the wild rice which grew near the banks. Mr.
Crooke II says that t~ey use :fish largely except in the fortnight (Pitripaksh)
sacred to the dead in the month of Kunwir, and Sir H. Risley notes that
after the rice harvest the Binds wander about the COUlltry digging up. the
stores of rice accumulated by field rats in their burrows. From four to six
pounds of grain are usually found, but even this quantity is sometImes
exceeded. The Binds also feast on the rats, but they deny this, saying that
to do so would be to their own injury, as a reduction of the next year's find
of grain would thus be caused.
Bin/kiil.--Synonym of Binjhwir. BinflI'lDiir.-A caste derived from the
1 TnlJu and Casta 0/ Bengal. art. BIDd.
I Tn!Jes and Castes of tile N. w.J'>. and Dud". art. Bind.
352 GLOSSARY PART
Baiga tribe. A subtribe of Baiga Subcaste of Ghosi.
and Gond. A subcaste of Gowiri. Birckkia.-(From lJirckka, a tree.) A
Birckkeya.-(A dweller in the forest.) subcaste or Ghosi.
Birhor.-A small Kolarian tribe of whom about ISO persons were returned in
19I1 from the Chota Nagpur States. The name means a dweller in the
forest. Sir H. Risley states that the Birhors live in tiny hutB made of
branches of trees and leaves, and eke out a miserable hving by snaring hares
and monkeys, and collecting jungle products, especially the bark of the ,n06
creeper,l from which a coarse kind of rope is made. They are great adepts
at ensnaring monkeys and other small animals, and sell them alive or eat
them. Colonel Dalton described them as,2 "A small, dirty, miserable·
looking race, who have the credit of devouring their parents, and when I
taxed them with it they did not deny that such a custom had once obtained
among them. But they declared they never shortened lives to provide luch
feasts and shrank with horror from the idea of any bodies but those of their
own blood-relatives being served up to them." It would appear that this
custom may be partly ceremonial, and have some object, such as ensunng
that the dead person should be born again in the family or that the survivors
should not be haunted by his ghost. It hal been recorded of the Bhunjias
that they ate a small part of the flesh of their dead parents.8 Colonel Dalton
considered the Birhors to be a branch of the Kharia tribe, and this is borne
out by Dr. Grierson's statement that the specimen of tile Birhor dialect
returned from the Jashpur State was really Kharia.· Elsewhere the Buhor
dialect resembles Mundiiri.
Birjlua, Bi1Jia.-(One who practises
lJewar or shifting cultivation in a
forest.) Subcaste of BlDjhwir, Baiga
and Korwa.
Bfrkkand,a.-From Bukhand (Sand
of heroes), a name for Rajputana.
A section of Teli.
Birltja.-l'itle of Nai or barber.
Bisen, Bisan.-A clan of Rajpiit. A
section of Daharia and of Pan war
Rajpiit. A section of Marar.
BolJalaya.-(From Bobbili, a town in
Madras.) A section of Tell in
Chanda.
Bogam.-A name for Madrasi prosti.
tutes, perhaps a separate caste. Their
honorific title is Sani.
Bokra.-A Muhammadan caste. A
section of O&w~1 Rama.
Bombay. -A subdIvision of V;ilmlld
Kayasth.
Bondoya.-A resident of JJtb'ftth Ilnd
the Pachmarhi tract of the Central
Pro\1inces. Subcaste of Korku.
Bopcki.-A seclion of f'anwar Rajpiit.
Bopchi.-A small caste in the Wardha District numbering a few hundred persons.
They are in reality Korkus, the name bemg a corruption of that of the Bondoya
subtribe, but they have discarded theIr proper tribal name and formed
a separate caste. They retain some of the Korku sept names, while others
are derived from Marathi words or from the names of other castes, and these
facts indicate that the Bopchis are of mixed descent from Korkus and other
low Maratha castes with which unions have taken place. As might be
expected, they are very tolerant of sexual and social offences, and do not
expel a woman who has a liaison with a man of another caste or takes food
from him. She is readmitted to caste intercourse, but has tq undergo the
penalty of washing her body with cowdung and having a lock of her hair
cut off. A man committing a similar offence lias his upper lip shaved. They
employ Gosains for their gurus and their social position is very low.
Borekar.-(A mat-maker.) Synonym Halba.
of Gopal. Brakmackare.-(A celibate.) Subcaste
B01Jharia.-(Bor-plum.) A sept of. of Manbbao.
I Baukinia scandens.
II Etknology of Bengal, pp. IS8, 221.
, See art. Bhunjia.
6 Linguistic Suf'V~ of India, voL iv .•
Munda and lJravuJian Dialects. p.
:102.
GLOSSARY 353
Brii4",cm C-", or Bamlur1l Ga#t".A
branch of the Gaur clan of Rajputs.
A subcaste of Bhat.
·Bnil-dAari.-Begging Bhats. Subcaste
of Bhat.
BriMspati, B"daspati.-An eponym.
ous section of Brahmans.
Blld,_.-A COITUption of the English
word' butcher.' Subcaste of Kba·
tik in Agra.
Bllda/gir. - (From.lJudla, a leathern
bag made for the transport and
storageofollandgn;(butter).) Subcaste
of Cbamar.
BukeRari.-{A seller of scented powder
(lJukka).) Synonym of Atari.
Bund~Ia.-A clan of Rlijpiits of mixed
descent., Name probably from the
Vindhya hills. A subcaste of Basar.
A sept of Manihar and Riwat.
Bundelkhandi. - A resident of Bun·
delkhand. Subcaste of Basdewa.
Barai, Basar, Chamir, Dam, Dhobi,
Kumhar, Lobar, Nai and Sunar.
Bundkra;ia.-Subcaste of Kamar.
B-w.-(A weaver.) Title ofBalahi.
Bu"ad. - A synonym for the Basar
caste of bamboo-workers. A section
of Koshti and Oswal Bania.
BUrlnw.-Subcaste ofChiran Banjara.
Burud.-(A bamboo-worker.) Synonym
for Basar in the Maratha
country.
Bulka. - (One who brings Jeaves.)
Subcaste of Chasa.
ByaRul. - (Married.) Subcaste of
Kalar.
Chada".-Acaste. AsubcasteofKori.
Cnakert.-{One who uses the potter'swheel
in localities where other Kum.
bars do not use it.) Subcaste of
Kumhar.
CkakIa.-(A professional washerman.)
Synonym for Dhobi.
Claalukya. -A synonym for Solanki
Rijpiits. (Perhaps from eUuI/» or
duII/u, hollow of the hand.) A subcaste
of Panwar Rijpiit.
Cna",iir, Cnamara.-(From ,namra,
a Jude.) The well·known caste of
tanners. A subcaste of Banjara,
Barhai and Darzi.
Claamii,. Gau,..-(Chamir and Gaur.)
A well-known clan of Rijpiits. See
Rijpiit-Gaur. -
Cna",oM.". - Name of the Chamir
caste in Berar.
VOL. I
CAamra.-A contemptuous diminutive
for the Chamar caste in Chhattisgarb.
,
C4andcm, Cnantiania.-(Sandalwood.)
A section of Chamar. Kawar, Khan·
gar and Kurmi.
Cluuuiel.-A fiunous clan of Rijpiils.
See Rajpiit-Chandel.
Chiindewar.-(Belonging to Chanda.:
Subcaste of InJhwar.
C.landi.-{One who hides behind a
fishing-net.) A sept of Korku.
C/t;andra, Cnana'riilaa. (From ckanda,.
the moon.) A section of Gujar and
Teli.
Clunuira:tHlllSi or Somvan.n: - (Descended
from the moon.) A clan
of Rajpiits.
Ckandraveti,: -Synonym of Sanaurhia,
meaning 'One who observes the
moon.'
Cnanklaati4.-A subca!te of Bhuiya
and Chamir.
C.ia1IfIiigri. - A small Jain sect. A
subcaste of Bania.
C/t;anti-Name derived from ,Aiti, an
ant. Subcaste of Kawar. A section
of Kumhar.
C"lUnmlt". - (Wbisk.) A totemistic
sept of Kawar and Pabia.
ClaaraIe.-A subdivision of Maratha
Brahman; a section of Brahman.
Chiira", - Subcaste of Banjara and
Bhiit. Title of Bhit in RiJPutiina.
Chiinkoe.-A clan of Gonds worshiping
four gods and paying special
reverence to the tortoise.
CAargkar.-(Four houses.) A subdivision
of Siraswat Briihmans.
C"iirniigri.-A Jain sect or subcaste
of Bania.
Claatrapati.-{Lord of the umbrella.)
Title of the ancient Indian kmgs.
Claatn~ Cnlaatri.-A common synonym
fora Rlijpiit. A subcaste of Bhiimta.
'Cltam"lJku;i. -- (Four·armed.) An
epithet of Vishnu. A title of the
Chauhan clan of Rajpiits. A class
of Bairagis or religious mendicants.
C"aulJe, ClaaturveJi.-(From Chaturvedi,
or one learned in the four
Vedas.) A surname for Kanaujia,
JiJhotia and other Hindustani Brah·
mans. Subcaste of Banjara.
CkaulJka(ya. - (Four brothers.) A
subdivision of Siraswat Brahmans.
They take wives from the Athbhaiya
2A
354 GLOSSARY PABT
subdivision, but do not give girls to wheat-flour or quartz-aust within
them in marriage. which ceremonies are performed.
Chaudhri, Chaudkari, Choudhri.-(A ChaukAiitia.-A term which signifies a
headman, the first person.) Title bastard in Chhattisgarh. Subcaste
of Kalar Panwar, Rajpiit and other of Bhunjia.
castes; tttle of Dhobi, vice-president Chauske.-Subcaste of Kalar. They
of the caste committee. A section are so called because they prohibIt
of Ahu, Maheshri Bania, Gadaria., the marriage of persons baving a
Giijar, Halba and Marar (Mali). A common ancestor up to four genera·
subdIvision of Kapewar. tions.
Chaultan.-A famQus clan of Rajpiits. Ckaurasia.-Resident of a Chaurasi or
Name of a low caste of village watch- estate of eighty-four villages. Submen
in Chhattisgarh, perhaps the caste of Barm and Bhoyar. A secillegitimate
descendants of Panwir tion of Dhlmar and Kumhar. Many
Rajpiits-. estates are called by this name, grants
Chauka. - Title of the Kabirpanthi of eighty - four villages havmg heen
religious service. The chauk is a commonly made under native rule.
sanctified place on the floor of the CAawara. Ckaul"Q.-One of the thirtyhouse
or yard, plastered with cow- six royal races of Ra)piits.
dung and marked out with lines of .
Chenchuw8.r,. Chenchuwid or Chenchu.-A forest tribe of the Telugu
country of whom a few persons were returned from the ChAnda District In
1911. In Madras the tribe is known as Chenchu, and the alIix wM or
wtiliu merely signifies person or man.1 The marriage ceremony of the
Chenchus may be mentioned on II,f:count of its simplicity. The couple sometimes
simply run away together at night and return next day •• hUliuand and
wife, or, if they perform a rite, walk round and round a bow and arrow Ituck
into the ground, while their relations bless them and throw rice on their
heads. Each party to a marriage can terminate it at wlll without usigning
any reason or observing any formality. The bodies of the dead are washed
and then buned with their weapons.
Chen,...-(Little.) Subcaste of Bhand. or pounded rice.) :-;,dlClute of
Cheorakuta.-(Onewho preparescheora Dburi.
Chero.2-A well-known tnbe of the Munda or Kolarian family, found in small
numbers in the Chota Nagpur Feudatory States. They are Loelieved to have
been at one time the rulers of Bihar, where numerous monument. are
attributed, according to the inquiries of Buchanan and Dalton, to the Kols and
Cheros. "In Shlihibad 3 also most of the ancient monuments are ascribed
to the Cheros, and it is traditionally asserted that the whole country belonged
to them in sovereignty. An inscnption at Budh Gaya mentions one Phudi
Chandra who is traditionally said to have been a Chero. The Cheros were
expelled from Shahibid, some say by the Sawaras (Saonrs), some say by a
tribe called Hariha; and the date of their expulsion is conjectured to be
between the fifth and sixth centuries of the Christian era. Both Cheros and
Sawaras were considered by the Brahmans of Shahabiid as impure or
Mlechchas, but the Harihas are reported good Kshatriyas.
"The overthrow of the ChelO! in Mithila and Magadha seeIn& to have
been complete. Once lords of the Gangetic provinces, they are now found
in Shahabad and' other Bihar Districts only holding, the meanest offices or
concealing themselves in the woods skirting the hills occupied by their
1 Caldwell's Dravidian Grammar,
pp. 123 and 134. Captain Glasfurd
says: • The termmation war IS a Telugu
affix signifying person or man' (Settlemenl
Report 0/ tke Upper Godavari
Districl (1868), p. 26).
• This article consists only of extracts
from the accounts of Colonel Dalton and
811" H. Risley.
8 Dalton's Ethnology of Bengal, pp.
x26, 127.
GLOSSARY 355
cousins, the Kbarwirs; but in PaIamau they retained till a recent period the
positIon they bad lost elsewhere. A Chero family maintained almost an
mdependent rule in that pargana till the accession of the Bntish Government;
they even attempted to hold their castles and strong places against that
power, bllt were speedily subjngated, forced to pay revenue and submit to
the laws. They were, however, allowed to retain their estates; and though
the nghts of the last Raja of the race were purchased by Government in
1813, in consequence of his iiUling into arrears. the collateral branches of the
family have extensive estates there still According to their own tradJtions
(they have no trustworthy annals) they have not been many generations in
Palamau. They im-aded that counby from Rohtas, and with the IUd of
R;iJpiit chiefs, the ancestors of the Tbakurais of Ranka and Chainpur drove
out and supplanted a RaJpiit Raja of the Raksel family, who retreated into
Sargiija and established himself there.
n All the Cheros of note who assisted in the expedition obtained military
service grants of land, which they still retain. The KharwiJs were then the
people of most consideration in Palamau, and they allowed the Cheros to
remam in peaceful possession of the hill tracts bordering on Sargiija. It is
popularly asserted that at the commencement of the Chero rule in Pallmau
they numbered twelve thousand flUDilies, and the Kbarwirs eIghteen thousand;
and if an individual of one or the other is asked to what tribe he belongs,
he will say, not that he is a Chero or a Kbarwir, bllt -that he belongs to
the twelve thousand or to the eighteen thousand, as the case may be. The
Palimau Cheros ROW live strictly as Rajpiits and wear the patJa or caste
thread. "
It has been suggested in the article on Khairwir that the close connection
between the two tnbes may arise from the Kbarwirs or Kbairwirs having
been an occupational offshoot of the Cheros and Santils.
In Palimau 1 the Cheros are now divided into two subcastes, the Bara-hazar
or twelve thonsand, and the Terah-hazir or thirteen thousand, who are also
known as Bubandhi. The former are the higher in I8Ilk and include most
of the descendants of former ruling families, who assume the title Babuan..
The Terah - hazar are supposed to be the illegitimate offspring of the
Bara-hazar •
.. The distinctive physical traits of the Cheros," Colonel Dalton states,
.. have been considerably softened by the alliances with pure Hindu families,
whIch their ancient power and large possessIons enabled them to secure;
but they appear to me still to eIhibit an unmistakable MongolllUl
physiognomy. They w.ry in colour, but are tJSUa1ly of a light brown. They
have, as a rule, high cheek-bones, small eyes obliquely set, and eyebrows to
correspond, low broad noses, and large mouths with protuberant hps.»
CAerwa.-Subcaste of Kawar. CAluzttisgarl&i, C-Uatlis.grzr!ia.-Resi-
CAetli.-Suhcaste of Gandli. dent of Chhattisgarh or the region of
CA.iaGWn.-(A hawk.) A section of the thirty-six forts, a name gI"Ven to
Rawat (Ahir). the eastern tract of the Central Pro-
CA.Iade.ria.-{A man of six distncts.~ vinces. Subcaste of Bahna, Dam
Suhcaste of BanJira. and Halba.
CIlAaa-wr or DanWlI.-Title of the CUuAgluw (CUeng-w). - (Members
Dahiits, who were door-keepers of of the six bouSes.) A hypergamons
the Rajas of Mahoba in former division of Kanaujia Brahmans.
times. They take daughters from the other
C.ikanava K.ue.-(The ninety - six two divisions, but do not give their
houses. ) A suhcaste of Maratha. daughters to them.
CllAaiakia.-A1l. illegitimate group of CUipa.. - (A dyer.) Synonym of
the Kumhu caste. Darzi.
1 Triks IUId Casta of /JeIIgal. art. Chero.
356 GLOSSARY PART
Ckkoka or Sororia.-A subcaste of
~d' Agharia of mixed descent.
CkMlia.-(Rubbish.) A section of
Ra:jjhar.
CMwte. - (Inferior.) Subcaste of
C..iurha. - (Thief. ) A suocaste of
Sunar. A section of Chhipa.
CulcRwiiha.-Clan of RaJpilt. Syno.
nym for Kacbhwaha.
Agharia and TelL Ddaria.-(From Dihar, the old name
Chholl Pangat.-A subcaste of Halba. of the Jubbulpore country.) A clan
Synonym Surait. Chhoti Pangat of RaJpiits which bas developed into
sigmfies the inferior caste feast, and a caste. A subcaste of Bhoyar,
the implication is that these members Kalar, Mahar, Maratha and Teli.
cannot join in the proper feast. A section of Chadar, Chamir and
Chhotki EMr or CorM. - (Low.) Katia.
Subcaste of Rautla. Daklit.-A variant for Dabiiit. A
Chhura. - (Razor.) A section of suocaste of Khangar.
Panka. It was their business to DaAia.-One of the thirty-six royal
shave other members of the caste races of Rijpiits.
after a death. Daijanya. - Suocaste of Chamar.
Ckickam.-(Hawk.)-Aseptof Gonds. They are so called because their
Ckickena. -(From ,kur,A, forelock, women act as tiai or midwIves.
which the children of this sept Dakhne, DaksR"e, Dalalmi, Ddshini.
~ear.) A sept of Dhimar. -(Belongtng to the Deccan.) Sub-
Cklka.-Subcaste of Majhwar. caste of Bahn., Chamar, Gondhali,
Chikwa.-Synonym of Khatik. Gurao, Kunbi, Mahar, Mling and
CliincRkul. - A section of Komti. Nai.
They abstain from the use of ginger Dakochia.-A synonym for Bhadri, an
and from the juice of the bkilawa or astrologer.
marking-nut tree. Dal.-(From tial. an army.) Subcaste
Chila Pc'irdM, Chftewiila. -(Leopard- of Khond.
hunter.) A subcaste of Pirdhi. Da/boRa, Dalbf,..ia.-(One who carries
Cliitarllar, Chitrallal'. - (A painter.) dlooltes or palanquins.) SuLeaste of
Synonym for Chitiri. Ghasia and Kalis.
Chiter.-(A painter.) See Chitari. Dalia. - (From dtil or the pulse of
ChittIVari. - (One who makes clay Burhanpur which had & great repuidols.)
Synonym for Mochi. tation). Subcaste of Kunbi.
Ckttpiiwan.-(The pure in heart.) A Da/ A'nalsa.-{Army of God.) Title of
synonym for Konkanasth Brahman. the Sikh army.
Ck,tragupta Vansi.-(Descendants of Dandewala.-(One who performs acro-
Chitragupta.) A name for Kiyasths. batic feats on a stick or bamboo.)
Ckobdar.-(A mace-bearer.) Title of Synonym for Kolhiti.
Dahait. Dandi. - (One who carries a stick.)
Ckorbans. - (Family of thieves.) A Name of a class of relIgious mendisection
of Chamar. cants. See article Gosain.
Ckourdhar. - (A whisk-carrier.) A .Dandsena.-{One who carries a stick.)
section of Sunar. Suocaste o( Kaliir.
Chukra.-Subcaste of Mehtar. Name Dang' - ,Rarna. - (A rope - climber.)
(or the sweeper caste in the Punjab. Synonym of Nat.
Chu1Ipa.-(One who smokes a leaf- Diingiwara.-Name of part of the
pipe.) Subcaste o( Chamar and Saugor District, which is called
Satnimi. after the Dangi caste. Subcaste of
CkunwJka.-(From cltunl'i, a coloured Kadera.
sheet worn by women.) A section Diingua.-(A hill-dweller.) Subcaste
of Tamera. of Taonla.
Dangiir.-A small caste of hemp weavers numbering about 100 persons, and
residing almost entirely in the village of Misod in Betiil District. They are
of the same standing as the caste of Kumriwat or Patbina which pursues
this occupation in other Districts, but acknowledge no connection with them
and are probably an occupational offshoot or'the Kunbi caste, from whose
GLOSSARY 357
members they teadUy accept any kind of cooked food. Like many other
small occupational castes WIth no definite traditions, they profess to have a
Kshatriya origin, calhng themselves Bhagore Ra]piits, whlle their families
are known by such high-sounding titles as Rathor, Chauhan, Gaur, Solanki
and other well-known Rajpiit names. These pretensioos have no foundation
in fact, and the Dangiirs formerly did not abjure pork, whlle they still eat
fowls and drink liquor. They neither bathe nor clean their kItchens daily.
They may eat food taken from one place to another, but not if they are
wearing shoes, this being only permissible in the case when the bridegroom
takes his food wearing hIS marriage shoes.
.Danlek.-{With teeth.) A section of Purania Sunars in Saugor. ~
Da.ra.ihan.-A small caste of debased RaJpiits found in the Bilaspur District of
Chhatlisgarh and numbering some 2000 persoos in 1901. They say that
their ancestors were Rajpiits from Upper India who settled in Chbatnsgarh
some generations back in the Vlliage of Dargaon in Raipur DIStrict. Thence
they were given the name of Dargaihan, which has been c:orrupted into
Daraihao.. Others say that the name is derived from dari, a prostitute, but
this is perhaps a hbel. In any case they do not care about the name
Darailian and prefer to call themselves Kshatriyas. They have now no
connection with the Rajpiits of Upper India, and have developed into an
endogamous group who marry among themselves. It seems hkely that the
caste are an infenor branch of the Daharia cultivating caste of Chhattisgarh,
which is derived from the Daharia clan of Rajpiits.1
Like other Rijpiits the Daraihaos have an elaborate system of septs and
subsepts, the former having the names of Rijpiit clans, while the latter are
taken from the eponymous gotnu of the Brahmans. There are fourteen
septs, named as a rule after the principal Rajpiit clans, of whom four, the
Ghandel, Kachhwiha, Dhandhul and Sakrawira, rank higher than the other
ten, and wl1l take daughters from these in marriage, but not give their
daughters in return. BesIdes the septs they have the standard Brihmanical
gotnu, as KaUSllya, Bharadwa], Vasishtha and so on to the number of seven,
and the members of each sept are diVIded into these gotras. Theoretically
a man should not take a wife whose sept or gotra is the same as his own.
The marriage of first cousins is forbidden, and while the grandchildren of
two sisters may intermarry. for the descendants of a brother and a sister the
affinIty is a bar bll the third generation. But the small numbers of the
caste must make the arrangement of matches very difficult, and it is
doubtful whether these rules are strictly observed. They permit the practice
of Gunrivat or giving:a bride for a bride. In other respects the social customs
of the caste resemble those of their neighbours, the Dabarias, and theIr rules
as to the conduct of women are strict. The men are well built and have
regular features and fair complexions, from which their Rajpiit ancestry may
still be recognised. They wear the sacred thread. The Daraihans are
good and intelligent cultivators, many of them being proprietors or large
tenants, and unhke the Daharias they do not object to driving the plough
with their own hands. In the poorer families even the women work in the
fields. They have a strong clannish feeling and will readily combine for
the support or protection of any member of the caste who may be in
need of it. \
.Dar6ania.-(Door-keeper.) Title of division of Jogi.
Khangir. Darwiin.-(A door-keeper.) Title of
.Darskani.-Title of the most holy Dabait.
members of the Kinphata Jogis. ·.Danve or .Da/we.-A subcaste of
.Darskni.-(From darsian, seeing, Gonds in Chanda; the Darwes
"beholding. as of a god.) A sub- are also called Niik.
1 See also alL Daharia for a dIscussion of the ongin of tbat caste.
358 GLOSSARY PART
Darwesk.-Persian name for a
Muhammadan Fakir or rehgious
mendicant.
Darzi.-A caste of tailors. Subcaste
of Ghasia.
Diis.-(Servant.) Used as the
termination of their names by
Balrilgis or religious mendicants.
A term applied by Pankas and
other Kabirpanthis to themselves.
Dasa.-(Ten.) A subdivision of Agar.
willa and other subcastes of Bania,
meaning those of pure blood.
Dasgkar.-(Ten houses.) One of the
tIWee subdlvisions of Kanaujia
Brahmans. They give their
daughters to members of the Chheghar
or six houses and receive them
from the Pilnchghar or five houses.
Dasnami.-A member of the ten
orders. Synonym for Gosain.
Datta or DUII.-Surname of Bengali
Kilyasths.
Daune.-A subdivision of Prabhu or
Parbhu in Niigpur, so called on
account of their living in the island
of Diu, a Portuguese possession.
Deccani.-See Dakhne.
Dehalwi.-(From Delhi.) A sub·
division of Gaur Kiiyasths.
Dehn.-(A worshipper.) Subcaste of
Sudh.
Dekkala.-(A genealogist.) Subcaste
of Miidgi.
Delki -Subcaste of Kharia.
Deo.-(God.) • A hereditary title
borne by certain Feudatory Chiefs.
A surname of Karhara Brahmans in
Saugor. A subcaste of Gandli in
Chanda.
Deobansi.-(A descendant of a god.)
Subcaste of Patwa.
Deogarkia or Rajkunwar.-(From
Deogarh.) A subcaste of Pardhin.
A subcaste of Audhelia made up of
prostitutes. A sept of Dhimar.
Deokia.-Title used in the Bedar
caste.
Deoputra.-(Son of god.) Synonym of
Charan.
Desa or Kofa. -Subcaste of Balija.
Desai.-A variant for Deshmukh or a
Maratha revenue officer. Title of
the Pardhiln caste.
D~sawal.-A subdivision of Brahman
in J ubbulpore. They take their
name from Disa, a town in Piilanpur
State in Bombay Presidency.
Duka, Desaka.-(Belonging to the
home country.) The name is
usually applied to immigrants (rom
Miilwa or Hindustiin. A ~ubcaste
of Ahir, Bargiih, Ban, Chamar,
Dhuri, Gadana, Kalar, Kol,
Kurmi, Lakhera,' Lohar, Mahar,
Sunir and Teli.
Deshastha.-A subcaste of Maratha
Brahmans inhabiting the country
(Desh) above the Western Ghats.
A subcaste of Gurao.
Deslzkar.-(One belonging to the
country.) A subcaste of Gondhali,
Gurao, Kasar, Koshti, Kunbi,
Mahar, Mali, Maratha, Nih, Sunar
and Teli.
Deshmukh.-Under Maratha rule the
Deshmukh was a Pargana officer who
collected the revenue of the Pargana
Of small subdivision, and other
taxes, receiving a certain share.
The office of Deshmukh was generally
held by, leadmg Kunbi of the
neighbourhood. He also held
revenue-free land in virtue of his
position. The Deshmukh families
now tend to form a separate subcaste
of Kunbis and marry among
themselves.
Deskpande.-The Deshpande was the
Pargana accountant. He was
generally a Brahman and the fighthand
man of the D~hmukh, and
having the advantage of education
he became powerful like the Deshmukh.
Now used as a surname by
Maratha Brahmans.
Deswiili.-Synonym for Mina.
Devaddsi. - (Handmaidens of the
gods.) Synonym for Kasbi.
Devarukhe.-A subdivision of Maratha
Brahmans. The word is derived
from Devarishl, a Shakha (branch)
of the Atharva Veda, or from
Devarukh, a town in Ratnagiri
District of Bombay Presidency.
Among Brahmans they bold rather
a low position.
Dewangan.-(From the old town of
this name on the Wardha river.)
Subcaste of KO!>hli.
Dkazgkar.-(2! houses.) A subca~te
of Khatri.
Dkakan.- (A witch.) Subcaste of
Bhat.
GLOSSARY 359
D.LUar.-Name of a caste in Bastar. Ba.rai, Bania and Kim. A sept
A clan of Rajpiits.. A subcaste of of Halba.
Dhilga.r.-A small occupational caste who made leather shields, and are DOW
almost extiDct as the use of shields has gone but of CashiOD. They are
Muhammadans. but Mr. Crooke 1 considers them to be allied to the Dabgars.
who make leather vessels for holding oil and gIU and are also known as
Kuppes3%. The Dabgars are a Hindu caste whose place in the Central
ProVlDCeS is taken by the Budalgir 0Jamirs. These receive their designation
from InJ1s. the name of the leather bag which they make. Bwdhu were
formerly employed for holding g4i or melted butter, oil and the" liquid extract
of sugarcane, but vegetable 011 is DOW generally carried in earthen vessels
slung in baskets, and gIIi in empty kerosene tins. Small bottles of very thin
leather are still used by scent·sellelS for holding their scents, though they also
have glass bottles.. The song of the Leather Botte! recalls the fact that
vessels for holding liquids were made of leather in Europe prior to the introduction
of glass. The Dbilgars also made targets for archery pnctice from
the hides of buftaloes; and the similar use of the hides of cattle in Europe
survives in our phrase of the boIl's eye for the centre of the target.
D~-{From Dhimoni. a town Teli.
in Sallgor.) A subcaste of Sonkar. D"-dDr. - (A 'ttIrropt form of
A territorial sept of Darzi and Dbanusdhar or a holder of a bow.)
Dhobi. Synonym of Dhanrir.
IJIuzJu&l: ~-(One who rever- D~-(A bowman.) A caste.
ences the bow.) A section of A subcaste of Mehtir.
Bani. DAmrIlS.u-..-{Bow and arrow., A
IJ~.-{Probablyfrom Dhundbar. sept of Kawar.
an old name of Jaipur or Amber D-ianunpawia.-{Resident of Dharam·
State.) A sept of Rajpiits. pur.) Subcaste of Dhobi.
DJum"uru.-(A farmservanL) Syno- D.wre.-Title of Gowari.
nym of Oraon. DIWri.-A subcaste of Banjan.. They
DJuuua. - Perhaps a variant for are the bards of the caste.
Dhangar. Subcaste of Oraon. D.iark4r.-Subcaste of Basor.
IJAanDJ, DkanoJ"e.-{From tlAaagar. a DA4norik. -(Religious or virtuous.)
shepherd.) Subcaste of Are and A subcaste of Mahar and Maritba.
Kunbi. D,ud:-Synonym for Mahar.
DAJnpagru. - (One serving for a Dlungar.-A subcaste of Bbarewa
pittance of paddy.) A section of (Kasar) and Gadarit
Dhera.'-A small Telugu caste of weavers, the bulk of whom reside in the
Sonpur State, transferred to Bengal in 1905. The DheI1lS were brought from
Orissa. by the Raja of Sonpur to make clothes for the images of the gods,
w1nch they also claim to be their privilege in Pori. Their exogamous groups
are named after animals, plants or othel' objects, and they pnu:tise totemism.
The members of the Siirya or sun group will DOt eat during an eclipse. Those
of the Kalla (black) sept will DOt wear black clothes~ Those of the Bansethi
and Bbanala septs will not use the ItmtIi, a kind or cart from which they
consider their name to be derived. The Otals take their name from rIIti. a
net, hom which pots are bung, and they will not use this DeL Those of the
Gonda sept, who take their name from ~ a bullet, will Dot eat any game
shot with a gun. Marriage WIthin the sept is prohibited, but the Dheras
always, where practicable, arrange the marriage of a boy with his maternal
uocle's daughter. Even in childhood the memhelS of such families address
each other as brother·in·law and sister-in-law. When the bridegroom and
bride go home after the IDIU'Iiage ceremony. the bridegroom's sister bars the
door or the bouse and will Dot let them in until they haft severally promised
1 TriJa ... Du/a, art. Dbii.lgar.
• From a paper by Narayan Bohidir, Schoolmaster, Soupol' State.
GLOSSARY PAIlT
to give her their daughter for her son. A girl must be married before arriving
at adolescence on pain of permanent exclusion from the caste. If .. suitable
husband has not therefore been found when the period approaches, the parents
marry the girl to her elder sister's husband or any other married man. She
is not bound to enter into conjugal relations wIth the man to whom she is
thus united, and with his consent she may be consequently married to any
other man in the guise of a widow. If a bachelor takes such a gill to wife,
he must first be married to a sahara tree (Streb/us asptr). When a betrothal is
arranged, an elderly member of the bridegroom's family proceeds to the bride's
house and asks her people three times in succession whether the betrothal is
arranged, and at each reply in the affirmative ties a knot in his cloth. He
then goes home and in the bridegroom's house solemnly unties the knots over
another cloth which is spread on the ground. Thll cloth is then consIdered
to contain the promises and it is wrapped up and carefully put away to keep
them as if they were material objects.
Dherka.-(Brother.in·law or paternal
aunt's husband.) Title of Kharia.
Dkimar.-A caste. Subcaste of KorL
Dkimra.-Synonym for DhImar.
Dkobi.-The caste of washermen. A
sept of Bharia and Bhaina.
Dkokkede.-One of doubtful parentage.
A sept of Teli.
Dkolewar.-(From dkola, a drum.) A
subcaste of Bhoyar and Gaoli. A
section of Basor.
Dkoli. -(A minstrel.) Subcaste of
Bhat.
Dkubela. -Origin perhaps from the
Dhobi caste. Subcaste of Basor.
Dhulbajia.-(From dhol, a drum.) A
subcaste of Chamar, a.lso known as
Daljania.
Dkulia, Dholin, Dkoiz:-(A player on
a dkol or drum.) Synonym for the
Basor caste. . A subcaste of Gond
in Chanda :fnd Betul. A subcaste
of Mahar.
DhunakPathan.-Synonym for Bahna.
Dhunia. - (From dhunna, to card
cotton. ) Synonym for Bahna.
Dhunka.-(A cotton-cleaner.) Sub·
caste of Kadera.
Dkur Gond.-(From dhur, dust.) A
subcaste of Gonds. . They are 'also
known as Riiwanvansi or descend.
ants of Rawan.
Dhuri._A caste of grain.parchers.
A subcaste of DhImar.
Dkuria. -Subcaste of Nagasia and
Dhimar. They are so called be.
cause they mark the forehead of
the bride with dust (dkur) taken
from the sole of the bridegroom's
foot.
Dkurwa. -The word may be derived
from dhur. dust. Dhur is a name
given to the body of Gonds as opposed
to the Raj·Gonds. One of the
commonest lepts of Goods. A sept
of Balga, Kolta, Kalar and Nat. A
title of Parja.
Dkusar.-Subcaste of Bania.
Dhusia.-Subcaste of Murha.
Dz'gJmIJari.-A sect of Jain Ranias
who do not clothe their iduls IlJld
apply saffron .to their feet. Also a
class of Bailiigil or religiou~ mendl'
cants.
Dikaria or Kis4n.-(One who lives in
a village or a cultivator.) Subcaste
of Korwa.
Ddlkil, Dzllshit, Dixtl.-(The Initiator.)
A subcaste· of llriihman. A
clan of RiiJpiits of the IOlnr race
formerly dominant in the United
Provinces.
Dzla.-(A pointed stick tied to a calf's
mouth to prevent him from sucking.)
A totemistlC sept of Kawar. They
do not use a stick in this manner.
A section of Ahlr.
Dillawiil. - A subcaste of Kasar.
Those belonging to or coming Crom
Delhi.
Dingku(hia. - (One who castrates
cattle and ponies.) Subcaste oC
Ghasia.
Dipawaiia.-(One who sopplies oil (or
~, the lamps at Diwili) A sept of
Teli.
Dipbans.-(Son of the lamp.) Title
of Teli.
Dtwan.-Title of the members of the
Dahiit caste committee.
Dixil.-See Dikhit.
.DoDaik.-(Onewho yokes two bullocks
to the oil-press) Subcaste oC Telis
in the Niigpur country.
GLOSSARY
DoOisya.-(Two sc:ore.) Subcaste of royal races of Rajpiits.
Halwai. ~gle.-Name applied ,to Kayasths of
D."u, or Dur.-One of the thirty-six illegitimate descent.
. Dohor. L-A small caste of Berir, who are really Chamirs; in the Central
Provinces the Dohors are a well-known subcaste of Chamirs, but in BerU
they appear to have obtained a separate name. under which about 6000 persons
were returned in 1911 •• They work in leather like the Chamirs or Mochis.
With the ambition of bettering their social status among the Hindus the caste
stnctly observe the sanctity of animal life. Nu Dohor may molest an animal
or even pelt it with stones. A man who sells a cow or bullock to butchers
is put out of caste. but if he repents and gets the animal hack: before it is
slaughtered, a fine of Rs. S only is imposed. If, on the other hand, the
animal is killed, the culpnt must give his daughter in marriage without
taking any price from the bridegroom, and must feed the'whole caste and
pay a fine of Rs. So, which is expended on liquor. Failing this he is ex·
pelled from the community. Similarly the Pardeshi Dohors rigidly enforce
infant-marriage. If a girl is not married before she is ten her family are.
fined and put out of caste until the fine is paid. And if the girl has leprosy
or any other chsease, which prevents her from getting married, a sinular
penalty ~ imposed on the family. Nevertheless the Dohors are coDSldered
to be impure and are not allowed to enter Hindu temples; the village
barber does not shave them nor the washerman wash their clothes. A
bachelor desiring to many a widow must first perform the ceremony with a
nn or cotton-tree. But such a union is coDSldered disgraceful; the man
himself must pay a beavy fine to get hack: into caste. and his cluldren are
_ considered as partly illegitimate and must marry with the progeny of similar
unions. Either husband or wife can obtain a divorce by a simple application
to the caste }a1fcla4)'at, and a divorced woman can marry again as a widow.
The caste offer sheep and goats to their deities and lforship the animals
before killing them. At Dasahra they also pay reverence to the skinningknife.
and the needle with which shoes are sewn. The caste bum the bodies
of those who die married and bury the unmarried. Before setting out for a
funeral they drink liquor and again on theIr return, and a little liquor is
sprinkled over the grave. When a man has been cremated his ashes are
taken and thrown into a river on the tbird day. The chief mourner, after
being shaved by his brother-in-law, takes tbe hair with some fOpper COlDS in
his hand and, diving into the river, leaves them there as an offering to the
dead man's spirit.
~h4.-(Palanqwn • bearer.) A section
of Dhimar.
Dom.-An important caste in Ben.,oal.
See article Kanjar. Used as a
synonym for Ginda in the Uriya
• country .
.Domnl.-Subcaste of Turi.
Dtncgruia, DtmgtW'fDdr. -(From ii_gar,
a hill) A sept of Bhil, Dhobi,
Mili, Mang and Sonkar. A surname
of Maritha Brahmans.
Dora.-(Sihib or Lord.) Title of the
Mutrist caste.
DDsar.-Subcaste of Bania.
.Dn:zm.h.-(Southern.) See PinchDravida.
IJWJe.-{A teacher and a maD learned
in two Vedas.) A common surname
of Hindustani Brihmans. A
subcaste of Banjira.
DIUi .... -{Milk.} Diidh·Barai, a subcaste
of Barai ; Dudh-Gowan, a subcaste
of Ahir or Gowan; Diidh·
Kawar, a subcaste of Kawar.
DIUiA BluU. - (Milk - brothers.) A
fraternity of Gouds in Betm, who
are apparently foster-brothers. They
do not marry, though they have
different septs.
Duhw.-AsubcasteorKolbiti. From
dIdar, hog, because they are accustomed
to hunt the wild pig with
I This article is based. on papers by Buldiina, and Mr. Khindekar. Head-
Mr. D. P. K.shirsi.gar. Nail>-Tahsildar, master, Nandura.
GLOSSARY PART
dogs and spears when these animals
become too numerous and damage
the crops of the villagers.
Dukm ia.-Title of the officer of the
Andh caste who constitutes the caste
commIttee.
DUlha.-(Bndegroom.) A section of
Chadar.
Dum,;r or Dom. - A low caste of
sweepers m Bengal. See Kanjar.
Subcaste of Basor, Giinda, Panka
and Tun. Synonym and subcaste
of Mehtar. A section of Kawar.
Durgbansi. - A clan of Riijpflts in
Ragnandgaon.
DZlsre.-(Second.) A subdivision of
Shriviistab, Gaur and Saksena
Kiiyasths, meanmg those of inferior
or mixed origin as opposed to Khare
or those of pure origin.
Dwarka.-One of the most holy places
in India, situated on or near the
sea in Gujarat. It is supposed to
have been founded by Krishna.
Site of one of the monasteries (Ash.
ram) of Sankaracharya, the founder
of the non· dualistic or Vedanta
phIlosophy.
Dwya.-(Twice-bom.) A title applied
to the three higher classical castes,
Brahman, Kshatriya and Vaishya, and
now especially to Brahmans.
Ekbal"a. -( One-armed. ) Su bcaste of
Teli, so called because their women
wear glass bangles only on one arm.
Ekbazle.-One who yokes one bullock
only to the oil-press. Subcaste of
Teli.
Elama, Elma.-Synonym for Veliima.
A subcaste of Kiipewar or Kapu.
Erenga. -Subcaste of Kharia in Bengal.
Erna.-(From Eran, in Saugor dis.
trict.) A section of Teli.
Fakir.-A Muhammadan mendicant.
Synonym Sain. See article.
Farid. - Sheikh Farid was a weU.
known Muhammadan saint. A sec.
tion of Panwar Rajput,
Farsi.-Persian. From the Province
of Fars. The term Farsi is also
used by the Hindus to signify foreign
or non-Aryan languages like Gondi.
Fidawi.-(A disciple.) An order of
devotees of the Khojah &eet known
to the Crusaders as Assassins. Title
of Khojah.
Cada6a.-Synonym of Gadba.
Cadaria.-.A caste. Subcaste of Ah'ir.
Cadha.-(An ass.) A sept of the V Ika
clan of Gonds in Betlil, so named
because their pnest rode on an ass
in crossing a nver.
Cadhao.-(I'romgadha, an ass.) Sub.
caste of Kunbi.
Cadhew4/, Cadhe,." CadhWl, Cad/ulla.
-(One who keeps donkeys. From
gadha, an ass.) A subcaste oC
Dhimar, Katia, Koshti, Kumbir
and Sonkar. A sept of Gond and
Pardhan.
Cadhwana.-(From Garha, near Jubbulpore.)
Subcaste of Nai.
Cadiw411.-(A cart·driver.) Subcaste
of Diingri.
Cadri. - (From gadar, a sheep.) A
synonym of Gadaria. A 5ubcaste of
Dhangar.
Callarwar, Calzat:VtlI, Chtrwdl.-One
of the thirty - six royal races of
Rajplits chiefly found in Bllaspur
and Khairagarh. A section of
Patwas.
ClZh6ainya or Cahbtmi}ta. - (Those
who hid in a village when called by
a king to bis presence.) A subcaste
of Kurmi. A sectlon of Kurmi.
Cahlot or Sesodta.-A famous clan of
RaJplits. A section of Daraiha and
Joshi
Cahoi. - Subcaste of Bania. See
article Bania-Gahoi.
Cahra.-Synonym· for Ahir or herdsman
in the Uriya country.
Cai·Cowari.-Subcaste of Go"arl.
Caiki.-A cowherd. (A subcaste of
Gond in Betlil.) A section of
Chamar.
Cazl,:wdr or Caika.-(A cowherd.) A
clan of Maratha. A section of
Ahlr, BhU, Kunbi and Mahiir.
Caita.-Subcaste of Gond.
Ca;wtlle.-(Cow·keeper.) A subcaste
of Moghia.
Cajarna.-(CiljlW, a carrot.) A sec·
tion of Tell in Mandla.
Ca;jam.-A sept of the Dhurwa clan
of Gonds in Betiil named after
Gajjami. (Bow and arrows in
Gondi.)
C4nda.-(A messenger.) A low caste
of village watchmen. In the Uriya
country tbe Gindas are known as
Dom. A subcaste of Pardhiin.
Title of: Kharia.
GLOSSARY
Gandki.-A scent-seller. (FromgandA, of Atari. a section of Maheshir
a Sanskrit word for scent.) Synonym Bania.
Gandli.-The Te1ugu caste of oll-pressers, numbering about 3000 persons in
the Central Provinces, in the Chanda, Nagpur and Bbandira Districts.
They are immlgI'8.nts from the Godavari Distnct of Madras and have been
settled in the Central Provinces for some generations. Here many of them
have prospered so that they have abandoned the hereditary callmg and
become landowners, traders and moneylenders. Like the well-to-do Tehs
they are keenly desirous of bettering their social position and now repudiate
any connection witlr what may be known as ' the shop,' OL the profession of
oil-pressing. As this ranks very low, among the more despised village
handicrafts, the progress of the Gandlis and Telis to the social standing of
Banias, to which they generally aspire, is beset with dIfficulties; but the
Gindlis, in VIrtue of having migrated to what is practically II. foreign country
so fat as they are concerned, have achieved a considerable measure of success,
and may be said to enjoy a better position than any Telis. A few of them
wear the sacred thread, and though they eat flesh, they have abjured liquor
except in Chanda,. where they are most numerous and the proportion of
wealthy members is smallest. Here also they are said to eat pork. Others
eat flesh and fowls.
The Gandlis tlre divided into the Reddi, Chetti and Telkala subcastes,
and the last are generally oil-pressers. It is probable that the Reddls are
the same as the Redu-eddu or Rendu-eddu subcaste of Madras, who derive
theu name from the custom of using two bullocks to turn the Oil-press, like
the Do-baile Telis of the Central Provinces. But it has been changed to
Reddi, a more respectable name, as bemg a synonym for the Kapu cultivating
caste. Chetti really means a trader, and is, Mr. Francis says,1, "One of
those occupational or btular terms, which are largely employed as caste
names. The weavers, oll-pressers and others use it as a title, and many more
tack it on tP their names to denote that trade is their occupabon. " Marriage
is regulatedoyexogamous groups, the names of which are saId to be derived
from those of villages. Girls are generally married during chlldhood. A
nObceable point is that the ceremony is celebrated at the bridegroom's house,
to which the bride goes, accompanied by her party, includmg the women of
her family. The ceremony follows the Maritha form of throwing fried rice
over the bndal couple, and Brahman priests are employed to officiate.
Widow-mlJfriage is permitted. The dead are both buned and burnt, and
during mourDmg the .Gandlis refrain from eating kltzchri or mixed rice and
pulse, and do not take their food off plantain leaves, in addItion to the other
usual observances. They have the shiintzk ceremony or the seclUSIOn of a
glfl on the first appearance of the signs of adolescence, which is in vogue
among the higher Maratha castes, and is followed by a feast and the consummation
of her marriage. They now speak Maritbi fluently, but still use
Telugu in their houses and wear their bead-cloths lied after the Tulugu
fashion.s '
Gangabiilu.-(Sand of the Ganges) Gangasagar.-(Sea ofthe Ganges.) A'
A family name of Gands. section of Chitiri and Kawar.
GangabaSJa.-(Living on the banks of Gangiivansi. - (Descended from the
the Ganges.) A section of AbiT. Ganges.) A clan of RaJl?iits. The
Ganga/an. - (One coming from the chief of Bimra State is a Gangafurther
side of the Ganges.) Sub- vansi.
caste of Barai, Barhai, Chamar, Gangtkade.-Dwellers on the banks of
Dhobi, Gondhali, Kumhar and the Godavari and Wainganga. These
U mle Bania. rivers are sometimes called Ganga
1 Madras CmSfls Report (1901). p.
149·
I Bkanddra Settlement ,Report (Mr.
A. B. NapIer). p. 8.
GLOSSARY PAlll'
or Ganges, which is used as a general
term for a great river. A subcaste
of Maliitha.
Gannore.-Name of a minor Riijplit
clan. Subcaste of Balahi.
Ganth-chor.-(A bundle-thief.) Title
of Bhamta.
Gaol,jn.-A synonym of Ahir or Gaoli,
applied to an inferior sectlon of the
caste.
GaoH, Gauh.-(A milkman.) Synonym
for Abil. Subcaste of Hatkar.
Gaont,a -(A village headman) Title
of the head of the Kol caste committee.
Title of Kol.
Garde.-(Dusty.) A surname of Karhara
Brahmans/in Saugor.
Garg or Gargya..-The name of a
famous Rishi or saint. An eponymous
section of Brahmans. A
section of Agarwala Banias. Gargabansi
is a clan of Riljpiits.
Garhawtila, Garhewala, Garhewar.A
resident of Garha, an old town
near J ubbulpore which gave its name
to the Garha-Mandla dynasty, and is
a centre of weaving. A subcaste of
Katia, Koshti and Mahar, all weaving
castes. A subcaste of Bmjhal.
Garkata.-(Cut-throat.) A section of
Koshti.
Garpagiiri.-A body of Jogis or Niiths
who avert hailstorms and are conSidered
a separate caste. See article.
From gil,., hail. A subcaste of
Koshta and Kumhlir. A section of
Ghasia.
Gate. - (A bastard.) Subcaste of
Naoda.
Gau,..-The ancient name of part of
Bengal and perhaps applied also to
the tract in the United Provinces
round about the modem Gonda
District. A subcaste of Brahman
and Kayastb. A clan of Rajpilts.
See articles.
Gauria, Gauriya.-A caste. A sub.
caste of Dhimar, Kbond, Kumhar
and Uriya Sansia.
Gau,.iput,.a.-A son of Gauri, the wife
of Mahadeo. Title of Balija.
Gautam.-A name of a famous Rishi
or saint. A common eponymous
section of Brahmans. A clan of
Riijp~ts. A section of Agharia,
Ahir, Maritha, Panwat Rajpiit,
Rangari and Jangam.
Gii),ah.-Subcaste of Pardhi, meaning
a man who stalks deer behind a
bullock.
Gayawal.-(From the town oCGaya on
the Ganges, a favounte place for
performmg the obsequies of the
dead.) A subcaste of Brahmans
who act as emissaries for the owners
of the shrines at Gaya and wander
about the country inducing villagers
to undertake the pilgrimage and
personally conducting thell' con·
stituents.
Giizulu.-(A bangle-seller.) Subcaste
of Bahja.
Gedam.-'A sept of Gonds. A sept of
Baigas.
Ghadyachi Tong. - (T):le rim of the
pitcher.) A section of Kirar.
Ghanta.-(Bell.) A section of Kumhar.
Ghant,.a.-Name of a caste of Lobara
or blacksmiths in the Uriya eountry.
Gha,.oari. - One who while leadmg
a mendicant hfe is permitted to
marry with the permission of his
guru. A householder, synonym
Grihastha. The married groups of
the Gosain, Bairagi and Manbhao
orders as distingui&hed from the
Nihang or celibate sectIOn.
Gkiisi Mali.-Subcaste of Mali.
Gkiito/e, Ghatode.-Those who dwell
on the ghats or passes of the Sainhyadri
Hills to the south of the
Berir plain. Subcaste of Bahna,
Gondhali and Kunbl.
Ghatmathe.-(Residents of the Maba·
deo plateau in Berar.) Subcaste of
Maratha.
Gherwiil.-A clan of Riijpiits. Synonym
for Gaharwir.
Ghidoda.-(Giver of ghi.) A section
of Telis so named because their first
ancestors_presented gkl to the king
Bhoramdeo.
Ghisadi, Ghisari.-A group of wander·
ing Lobars or blacksmiths. Synonym
for Lobar.
GMderli4. - (Ghoda, a horse.) Subcaste
of Chltrakatbi. They have
the duty of looking after the horses
and bullock-carts of the castemt'n
who assemble for marriage or other
ceremonies.
G"odke. _ Those who tend horses.
SUbcaste of Mang.
GLOSSARY
GAtJmsna.-{Horse-killer.) A sept wltil.-A well·known clan or Rajpiits
or Binjhwar. in the United Provinces.
GA"r<lt:-{Wild j __ tree.) A sept c.M.-(From gvli. a mango-stone.)
• of Gonds. A section or Chadir. They draw a
Gltosi.-A caste. A subc:aste or Abir. picture or the mango-stone at the
A section 01 Ownir. Maihar or distn"bution 01 sacrificial
GA.ult:lutllL-A subcaste of P-asi, who cakes.
hue become grooms. (From gi-, Wl4I.-Synooym or Golar.
a horse.) WId..-SJDODJ1D. Govardhan or Gao-
GAaIg;l •• G~-(OwL) Asection mukh. An illegitimate group of
of Ginda. Kawar, Kewat and Panka. Maratha Brihmans.
Pankas 01 the Ghnghu sept are said wWIin.-A subcaste of Bania..
to have eaten the leavings of their w'-dlis..-{An artilleryman.) Syncaste-
fellows. onym of Kader&. .
G"-rwn.. - (Worm-eater.) A sec- WlapiiraD. -A Sllbcaste 01 Bania.
tion of Tell in Betiil and Rathor Darzi and Kalir.
Teli Wlkar.-8ynonym of GoIar and Amr.
GA;;,.. or G;;I'II. - (Dunghill) A wlia. - One who dyes cloth with
section of Chadir and Sunir. gpli ld raRg". the fugitive aniline dyes.
Gbltitc. -A sept of Bhils. They Suhcaste of Chhipa.
revereJlce the gN/ar. or fig tree.. wl14.-Syaonym 01 GoIar.
Gutg'I'II.-A subc:aste of Tiyar. wu-..-8ynonym or Golar.
Girgira. - A small caste found in ~ - (Gond.) Subcaste of
Sonpur State and Sambalpur district. Otiri.
They are fishermen, and also parch GtnuIi.-(From the Gonds.) A subrice.
They are perhaps an offshoot caste of Abu, Binjhwir and Lohir.
of the Kewat caste. Gimdia..-8ubcaste of Dhimar.
Giri or Gir.-(Gir. mountain.} An Gtmdi-ulwr.-A Gond who works as
order of Gosains. a blacksmith. Subcaste of Lohir.
G,ntJra.-A $1lbcaste of Brahmans in c-a-.n.-(Descendants of Gonds.)
Jubbulpore. They are said to take A section of Ghasia.
their name from Giroir in Kithiawir. c-a-.i-.-Subcaste of Baiga.
where they were settled by Krishna WpQJ.-A caste. Synonym of AbU
after he rose from the Dimodar in RajputinL
reservoir in the bed 01 the Sonrekha c-lJda.-Synonym of Goyanda.
river at Junagarb. They have the GtlTdNuUA.-A sect of Jogis. From
monopoly of the office of priests to GI1J1l Gorakbnath, a great Jogi.
pilgrims visiting Gimir. (B-lxz7 GortISia. - (From gwru, milk.) A
Geu.eIt4d, ix.) section of Lonire Mili
Goal or c-aJa. G'II<iI& - (Sanskrit ~. Gaigrnoal.-(A cowherd.)
Gopiil, a cowherd.) Synonym of A section of Otiri and Panka.
Abu. also $1lbcaste of Amr. c-m.. GtmIJami.-A caste. A Slll-
GMi.-(A cowherd.) Synonym f~r name of Sanidhya Bmmaus in
AbU. Subcaste of Maratha. Saugor.
~., .. -(From gHar, cowdung.) GtJtu.-A subc:aste of Gond. They
Subcaste of Chamir. are also called Made in Chinda. '
wlti&, w.u.-(From eM or go/Ii, a w-aill.-A class of Bairigi Synlarge
lizard.) A section of Jain onym Midhanchiri.. A section of
Bania or Khatik. A sept of Bhatra Bharia.'Bhumia.
and Parja. c-.uv-si.-Snbcaste of AbU.
GoJ'&Dda, Goranda. -A name applied to a small class of persons in Jubbulpore,
who are descendants ofThng approvers, formerly confined there. The name is
said to mean. • One who speaks,' and to have been applied to those Thugs who
escaped capital punishment by giving information against their confederates.
Goranda is said to be • corruption of Goyaoda. The Goyandas are both
Hindus and Muhammadans. The latter commonly call themselYeS Deccani
MnsaImans as a more respectable designation. They are said to be a gipsy
GLOSSARY PUT
I
class of Muhamma<hns resembling the ~njars. The Hindus are of different
castes, but are also believed to include some Beria gipsies. The Goyandu
are employed in making gloves, socks and strings (or pyjamas, huing
probably taken to this kind of work because the Thug approven were
employed in the manufacture of tents. Their women are quarrelsome, and
wrangle over payment when selling their wares. This callIng resembles that
of the Kanjar women, who also make articles of net and string. and sell them
in villages. Some of the Goyandu are employed in Government and railway
service, and Mr. Gayer notes that the latter are given to opium smugghng.
and carry opium on their railway engines.!
Grikastna, Gnarbari. -(A house· about once a year; it is not clear
holder. ) A name given to those what happens on these occuions, but
diVISions of the religious mendi· the Guru is entertained by thiS
cant orders who marry and have disciple, and a little moral exhortation
families. may be given.
Guar.-(From guara or pala, a milk. Gurustkulu.-Synonym of Balija.
man.) Subcaste of Banjua. Gutkau.-Title of Gadba. .
Gudark or Guaar.-(From gwira, a Gw4l/;ansi, Gokulbansi, God/bansi.-
rag.) A sect of the Bairagi, C.-osam , (Descended (rom a cowherd.) A
and J ogi orders of mendicants. subcaste of Ahir or Gaoli. A au l.>-
Guana or Gurka.-(From gmik, a pig. caste of Khairwir.
sty.) Subcaste of Basor. Gwaikare.-(Cowherd.) A subcaste of
Gugaria.-One who trades in gugar, Lodhi.
a kind of gum. Subcaste of Banjira.
Gujar.-A caste. A subcaste of Ahir,
Darn. Koshti and Pisi. A clan of
Maritha. A section of Khatik.
Gujarati.-(From Gujarit.) A terri·
torial subcaste of Bahelia, Bania,
Barhai, Chhipa, Darzi, Gopil, Nai,
Sunir and Teli.
Gurastkulu.-A ,synonym for the
Bah]a caste.
Gurbkeita.-(A ball of molasses.) A
section of Gohira Ahirs in Chanda.
Guna.-(Apreparerofguror unrefined
sugar.} Synonym of Halwai in the
Unya country.
GurujWale. -A class of Fakirs or
Muhammadan beggars.
Guru-Mata.-Title of the great council
of the SLkhs and theu religious
meal
Guru. -(A preacher or teacher or
spIritual guide.). Brahmans and
members of the religious orders,
Bairagis and Gosains, lU'e the Gurus
of ordinary Hindus. Most Hindu
men and also women of the higher
and middle castes have a Guru,
whose functions are, however, generally
confined to whispering a sacred
verse into the ear of the disciple on
initiation, and paying him a visit
HahsM. -Synonym of Siddi. An
Abyssinian.
Hadt.-(Sweeper or scavenger.) One
of the 12i gotras of Meheshri Bania.
A SynODym for Mangan.
Badia.-(From !ad" bone.) A section
of Raghuvansi.
Haikay", Hazkawansi.-(Race of the
horse.) A clan of Rijpiits of the
lunar race.
Ha.iiam.-Muhammadan name for Nai
or barber.
HaUya.-Title of Hatkar.
Halai.-Subcaste of Cutchi.
Halbi.--Synonym of Halba. Subcaste
of Koshti.
Haldia, Hartliya, FIara,'"" Balfk.(
A grower of kalai, or turmeric.)
. Subcaste of Kichhi, Lodhi, Mili,
Rajjha, and TelL A section of
lU]jhar.
Halla.--(Ploughman.) A 5ubcaste of
Teli in Nandgaon State.
Haiua.-A subcaste of Uriya Brahmans,
so called because they use the
plough (kal).
HalU, Hilnsi, HillUa.-(The swan.)
A section of Agbaria, Ahir, Mali
and Sayar.
Hansele.-(Hanma. to laugh.) A
section of Ahir.
1 Cnminal Trifles oftlu C.P •• p. 6,.
GLOSSARY
Ha_man, Ha-mallla.-(The mon- Haria.-(Hal, plough.) A subcaste of
key-god Hanumin.) A section of Mahar.
Bbatra. Mahar and Mowar. Harial.-(Green pigeon.) A section
HJra.-A clan of Rijpiits, a branch of of Abir.
the Chauhins. HarsAe.-(Glad.) Surname ofKarhira
Har60la.-Derived from Han, a name Brahmans in Saugor.
of VIShnu or Krishna, and 60/_ to Hatgar.-Synonym of Hatkar.
speak. Synonym of Basdewa and Hatghar.-Subcaste of Koshti.
also subcaste of BasdeWL HiUhgarina. -Subcaste of KJ.mhir,
HardJs.-A religious mendicant who meaning one who moulds vessels
travels about and tells stories with his bands only, without using
about heroes and gods accompanied the wheel as an implement.
with music. Synonym of Chitra- HiUhia, Hasti. -(From hiUhi, elekathi.
pbant.) A section of Abir, Chasa,
Hlin.-(A bone-gatherer.) Synonym Mehra and Mowir.
of Mehtar and subcaste of Meh- Hatkar, Hatgar.-A caste. A subtar.
caste of Koshta and Maritha_
HAtwa.-A small caste of pedlars and hawkers in the Uriya 'country, who
perambulate the vlllage bazirs or !iiI!, from which word their name IS denved.
They sell tobacco, turmeric, salt, and other commodities. The caste are in
reality a branch of the Kewats, and are also called Senlli Kewat, because their
ancestors travelled on the Mahinadi and other rivers in canoes made from the
bark of the semaJ tree (BomIJax lIfalalJancum). They were thus Kewats or
boatmen who adopted the practice of carrying small articles up and down the
river for sale in their canoes, and then beginning to travel on land as well as
on water, became regular pedlars, and were differentiated into a separate
caste. The caste originated in Orissa where river travelling bas until lately
been much in vogue, and in Sambalpur they are also known as Unyas, because of
tbeir recent immigration into this part of the country. The Hatwas consider
themselves to be descended from the Nag or cobra, and say th~t they all belong
to the Nag gotra. They will not kill a cobra, and will save it from deatb at
tbe hands of others if they have the opportunity, and they sometimes pay the
snake-charmers to set free captive snakes. The oath on the snake is their
most solemn form of affirmation. For .the purposes of marriage they have a
number of exogamous sections or vargas, the names of which in some cases
indicate a mlhtary calling, as Dalai, from Dalpati, commander of an army,
and Senapati, commander-in-chief; while others are occupational, as Maharana
(painter), Dwari (gatekeeper) and Manguil (steersman of a boat). The
latter names show, as might be expected, that the caste is partly of functional
onglD, while as regards the military names, the Hatwas say that tbey formerly
fought against the Bhonslas, under one of the Uriya chIefs. They say tbat
they have. the perpetual privllege of contributing SIXteen poles, called Nalkas,
for the car of J agannath, and that in heu of this they bold seven villages in
Orissa revenue-free. Those of them who use pack-bullocks for carrying therr
wares worship Banjari Devi, a deity who is held to reside in the sacks used
for loading the bullocks; to her they offer sweetmeats and grain boiled with
sugar.
Havelia. -(Resident of a Haveli or
fertile wheat tract.) Subtaste of
Gbosi and Kurmi.
HawliU/lir.-{A maker of fueworks.)
Synonym of Kadera.
Hela.-{From hela, a cry.) Subcaste
of Mehtar.
Hichami.-(A comb.} A sept of
Maria Gonds.
HZlra.-{A e\lnuch.) See article. A
/
subcaste of Gondhali.
Hindustiini.-Suhcaste of Kunbi.
Htra, H:riin;. -(Diamond.) A section
of Bhulia and of Uriya Sinsia.
Harartgotri.-(Hirall, deer.) A section
of Agarwil Bania.
Ho.-Synonym of Kol.
Holer.-(A bide-curer.) Subcaste of
Ming.
Ho/IIZ, Holer.-A caste. A subcaste
GLOSSARY PART
of Golar. Holer, perhaps from
Hoha, a subcaste of Mang.
Hudtla.-(Wolf.) A totemistic sept
of Kawar.
Hullzulta Saku.-A section of Chasa
so named, because as a mark of respect
they make the noise' Hulhuh,'
when a klOg passes through the
Village.
Huna, Hom or Hun.-Oneofthe thirtysix
royal races of Rajputs. Probably
descendants of the Hun invaders
of the fifth century. See articles
Rajput and Panwiir Rajpiit.
Husatni.-Subcaste of Brahman.
Jag-at.-(An awakener or sorcerer.) A
sept of Gond in many locahties. A
section of Nat and Kasar.
Jallana.-(From }allar, an essence.)
Subeaste of Satnami.
Jam. -Name of a religion. See article.
A subcaste of Kalar, Kumhiir and
Simpi (Daui).
Jama.-(One who follows the Jain
faith.) Subcaste of }$:omti, Gurao.
Jai1l KosAti.-5ubcaste of Koshti.
Jaipuna.-(Aresident ofJalpur.) Subcaste
of Mali.
Jaiswtlr.-(From the old town of Jals
in Rai BareH District.) A lubeaste
of Chamars, who u~ually call them·
lkbaznka.-A subcaste of Kunni, so selves Jaiswara In preference to their
called because their women put caste name. A 5ubcaste of Darai,
bangles on one arm only. Kunbi and Kalar.
Ikska Kul or IksAaUJap Kul.-A Jaltilia.-A class of Fakirs or Muhamsection
of Komti. They abstain madan beggars.
from using the sugarcane and the Ja,hua or iI."amari. -A clan oC Rajsmdia
flower. puts; one of the thlrtY-IIiX royal
Iltlkeband. - (From iMqa or aliiqa, races mentioned by Colonel Too.
meaning connection, and biindAtIa, Jal/iid.-(An executtoner.) Subcaste of
to bmd.) Synonym of Patwa. Kanjar.
lnga.-Subcaste of Gowari. Jamiidagni.-An eponymoulscClion of
Irpacki.-(Mahua flowers.) A sept of Karhare Brahman and Agharia.
Dhurwa Gonds in Hetiil. Jambu.-(From the },iman tree.) A
Ivna Inde.-(lnde, chicken.) A sept subcaste of Brahman and Marar.
of Dhurwa Gonds in Betul. They A sept of Korku.
offer chickens to their gods. Jambu Ddlta.-(Dom in a shed made
[vna Jagleya.-(Jagna, to be awake.) of laman branches.) A lectlon of
A sept of the Dhurwa clan of Gonds Ghal>ia.
in Betiil. They are so named be- Jamnabasi.-(Residmg on the banks
cause they 'kept awake to worship of the J umna.) A luocaste of
their gods at night. Dhobi.
Jiidam, Jiiduvansi, Yadava.-An im- Jangam.-A caste of Saiva mendicants,
portant clan of Rijputs now become who call themselves Vir Shan'a, and
a caste. Name derived from Yidu are priests of the LlDgiiyat sect; a
or Yidava. A subcaste of Gujar. subcaste of Jogi.
A subcaste and section of Ahir; a Jangra.-(Perhaps the same lUi Jharia
section of Rathor Rijpiits in BetuL or jungly.) A sUbcaste of Lodhi.
Jadta, Jaria. -(An enameller.) A A sectJon oC Dhirnar, Mili and
subcaste of Sunar. They practise Sunar.
~hypergamy by takmg wives from the Jiini.-A wise man; an exorciser.
Pltariye and Sudihe subdivisions, and Janta. - (Flour grinding -mill. ) A
giving daughters to the Sri Nagariye section of Panka, a sept of Kawar.
and Banjar Mihuwe subdivisions. Janugkanta.-Mendicants who tie belli
Also an occupational term meaning to their thighs; a kind of Jogis.
one who sets precious stones in nngs. Jaria.-A totemistic sectIOn of Basor,
Jiidubmesi, Yiidubansi.-See Jadum. who worship the ber or wild plum
A subeaste of Ahir. tree.
Jaga.-(Awakener.) Synonym or Bas- Jastmdlli, DasaundAi.-A caste. A
dewa. subcaste of Bh3:t •
.Tasondhi, Ka.rohla..-A small caste of the Narsingbpur District, who were
employed at the Good and Maritha courts to sing the ja$ or hymns in praise
GLOSSARY
of the chiefs. They may be considered as a branch of the Bhat caste, and
some of them are said to be addicted to Petty theft. Some J asondhis,
who are also. known as Karobla, now wander about as religious mendicants,
singing the praises of Devi. They carry an image of the goddess suspended
by a chain round the neck and ask for gifts of tilli (sesamum) or other
vegetable oil, which they pour over their heads and over the image. Their
clothes and bodies are consequently always saturated with this oil They
also have Ii httle cup of vermilion which they smear on the goddess and on
their own bodIes after receiving an offering. They calion Devi, saying,
'Maiji, Maiji MatIS -,neri, kalle I«J juzat1l "'Y4' or • Mother, mother, why
did you bring me into the world l' Women who have no children sometimes
vow to dedlcate their first-born son as a Karohla, and it is said that such
children were bound to sacrifice themselves to the goddess on attaining
manhood in one of three ways. Either they went to Benires and were cut
in two by a sword, or else to Badriniriyan, a shrine on the summit of the
Hunalayas, where they were frozen to death, or to Dhaolagiri, where they
threw themselves down from a rock, and one might occasionally escape
death. Their melancholy refrain may thus be explained by the fate in
store for them. The headquarters of the order is the shrine of the Bindhyachal
Devi in the Vmdhyan Hills.
Jat.-A caste. One of the thirty-six fllD'a, Jiira, flora.-Synonym of
royal races of Rajpiits. A subcaste Sonjbara.
of Barluu, BlShnoi and Kumhir. flarka.-Subcaste of Lodhi.
Jatadkari.-(Wlth matted hair.) A flaria.-(Jungly.) See ]hadi.
sect of celibate Manbhaos. flarola.-(Perhaps from the town of
Jati.-Name of Jain mendicant ascetics. Jhalor in Mirwir.) A suhcaste of
Jaunpuri.-fFrom Jaunpur.) A sub- Brahmaus in Jubbulpore.
caste of Hplwai and Lohar. flinga.-(A prawn-catcher.) Subcaste
Jemddar.-Honorific title of Khangar of Dhimar.
and Mehtar. JijluJlia or JujluJlia.-{From Jajhoti,
Jem~n.-Title oCthe female leaders the old name of the country of
of the Yerukala communities of Lalitpur and Saugor.) A subcaste
thieves. of Brahmans of the Kanaujia division.
Jera.-(A forked stick for collecting A subcaste of Ahir; a section of
thorny wood.) A section of Dangi. Joshi and Kumhir.
JlWdi, JIuide,. Jkaria, flarkua. Jiltigar.-(A bookbinder.) A class of
(Jungly.)-A name often.applied to MocAi.
the oldest residents of a caste in any fingar.-(A saddlemaker.) A class of
locality of the Central Provinces. Mochi. A subcaste of Chamir and
In Berir it is used to designate the of Simpi (Darzi).
Wamganga Valley and adjacent hill J,riiyat.-Synonym for Mochis in Berar
ranges. A subcaste of Ahir, &rai, who have taken up the finer kinds
Barhai, Chamir, Dhaogar, Dhanwir, of ironwork, such 8$ mending guns,
Dhobi, Gadaria, Gurso, Kapewa.r, etc.
Kasir,Katia,Kewat,Khatik,Khond, JJre-Miili.-Formerly was the only-.
Kirir, Kumhar, Koobi, Kurmi, subcaste of Mali who would' grow'
Mahar, Mali, Nai, Sunir, Tell and cumin orjira.
Turi. Jiria.-{From jira, or cumin.) -Sub-
Jkadukar.-{From jkiidu, a broom.) caste of Kachhi.
A synonym of Mehtar. Jogi, Jflgi. A caste. A subcaste of
JkaI or Jkala.-One of the thirty-six Dewar. A section of Chamar,
royal races of Rajpiits. A'subcaste Chhipa and Lohir.
of Raj-Gond. , Jokana.-(From jokar, a form of
. JkJnkar.-Name of a village priest in salutation.) Subcaste of Dahaits in
the Uriya country. The Jhankar is Bllispur.
usually a Binjhwar or member of Jolzri.-A subcaste of Rajpiit.
another primitive tribe
VOL. I 2:B
370 GLOSSARY I'ART
J okhira..-A small class of Muhammadans who breed leeches and apply them
to patients, the name being derived from jonk, a leech. They were not
separately classified at the census, but a few families of them are found in
Burhanpur, and they marry among themselves, because DO other Muhammadans
will marry with them. In other parts of India leeches are kept
and applied by sweepers and sometimes by their women.1 People suffenng
from boils, toothache, swellings of the face, piles and other dIseases have
leeches al'phed to them. For toothache the leeches are placed inside the
mouth on the gum for two days in succession. There are two kinds of
leeches known as Bhainsa.-jonk, the large or buffalo-leech, and Rai-jonk,
the small leech. They are found in the mud of stagnant tanks and in
broken-down wells, and are kept in earthen vessels in a mixture- of black
SOIl and water; and in this condition they will go without food for months
and also breed. Some patients object to having their blood taken out of
the house, and in such cases powdered turmeric is given to the leeches to
make them disgorge, and the blood of the patient is buried inside the house.
The same means is adopted to prevent the leeches from dymg of repletion.
In GUJarat the Jokharas are a branch of the HaiJam or Muhammadan barber
caste,! and this recalls the fact that the barber chirurgeon or surgeon in
medireval England was also known as the leech. It would be natural to
suppose that he was named after the insect which he apphed, but Murray's
DIctIOnary holds that the two words were derived from leparate early
English roots, and were subsequently identified by popular etymology.
Jondkara.-(Indian millet.) A totem- Chua, Kamiir anli Khallda.t.
istic sept of Korku and Halba. Kackhot,a.-Subcaste of }idlllll.
Joski.-(An astrologer.) A caste. A Kackhuwa.-(The tortoise.) A totem·
surname of Karhiea Brahmans. istic sept of several groups of Gonds,
Jutkta.-(One who eats the leavings of also of Darzi, HalLa. K .. I. (Uwat,
others.) Subcaste of Basor. Munda, Jilt, Klkhh. and L..,hlir.
Jyottsk~'7A synonym for Joshi; an Kac""fl/tilia. - (The torl<,1l>e.) One
astrologer. of the thirty-six royal raccs of RajKahiraya.-(
Followers of Kahir.) A
subcaste of Kori. A section of
Koshtt. .
Kabirpanlki.-A member of the Kabirpanthi
sect. A subcaste of Panka
and Agharia. A class of Bairagis
or religious mendicants.
Kabra.-(Spotted.) One of the 72!
sections of Maheshri Bania.
Kabutari. - (Pigeon.) A synonym
for Kolhati. A name given to
female dancers of the Nat caste.
Kabutkunia.-(Those who find place
at the comer of the door.) A sub·
caste of Sudh in Sambalpur, being
the illegitimate issues of the Baro
Sudh subcaste.
Kackara.-Synonym of Kachera.
KachcUi.-(From Cutch in Gujarat.)
A snbdivision of Balmiki Kayasths
and Mathur Kayasths.
Kackkap. - (Tortoise.) A totemistic
sept of Agharia, Sudh, Bhulia,
1 Buchanan, i. p. 33t.
piits, the prince. of Ja.pur or Amber
being of this clan. Tht."y dcnve the
name from Cutch, or from Kush. an
eponymous ancestor. A section of
Nandbansi Ahlr, Gadana, Kachhi
and Nat. The Kachhwlha section
of Gadariaa worship the tortoise.
Kada-Ralle-Mallavt. - One who uses
donkeys for pack-carriage (bhallav,),
but stole a horse (ltalle-Itada). ~
sept of the Dhurwa clan of Satdeve
Gonds in BetiiL
Kagar.-Synonym of Dhimar.
Kagwaria.-From Aagwar, an offenng
made to the ancestors in the month
o( Kunwar. Subcaste of KoL
Kaibarlla.-Synonym of Kewat.
Kaikiidi.-Synonym of Kaikari.
Kaintkwans.-A subcaste of P-asi in
Saugor and Betiil, said to have
originated in a cross between a
Badhak or Baori, and a Kayasth
woman.
Kaitk.-Synonym for Kayasth.
II B.G. Mu!. Gu}., p. 8+
GLOSSARY 371
Kaitlla, Ka;/lI,a.-Subcasle of Bhar- Muhammadan practices.
bhfmja and Darzi. Kii/aPi/lna. - (Having black backs.)
Kakra.-One who arranges for the A subcasle of Savars In PUrl of
. hghting at the marriage and other Orissa. They have the right of
ceremonies. Subcaste of Chitra- dragging the car of Jagannath.
kathi. Kii/awanl.-TItle of Muasi.
KaJa.-(Black.) A subcaste of Gol- Kalbeila.-(Catcher of snakes.) A
kar (Ahir). subcaste of Nat.
Ktuaclluri.-Synonym for the Haihaya Kiili!Jelia.-(Bel, an ox.) A section
clan of Rajputs. of Chadar. They draw a pIcture of
Kalanga. - A caste. A subcaste 'of an ox at their weddmgs.
Gond. Kal,lIari. - (Bridle.) A section of
Kala"ki. - A subdivision of Mahar- Teli in Nandgaon, so named because
ashtra Brahmans found in Nagpur. they presented a bridle to their king.
They are consIdered degraded, as Kal.Mor.-(Castor-oil plant.) A totemtheir
name indicates. They are istic sept of the Audhalia caste.
said to have cut up a cow made of Kalrdra, Kalota.-A subtribe of Gonds
flour to please a Muhammadan in Chanda and HetUl.
governor, and to follow some other Kalwar.-Synonym of Kalar.
Kimad.l.-A small caste of jugglers, 'who come from Riijputana and travel
about in the Hoshangiibiid and Nlmar Districts. They were not returned
at the census, and appear to belong to Riijputana. Their special entertalDment
consists in playing with cymbals, and women are the chIef performers.
The woman has eight or nine cymbals secured to her legs before and behmd,
and she strikes these rapidly iu tum with another held in her hand, twisting
her body skilfully so as to reach all of them, and keeping time with the
music played on guitar-like instruments by the men who accompany her.
l{ the woman is especially skilful, she will also hold a naked sword in her
mouth, so as to increase the difficulty of the performance.
The Kamads dress after the RaJputana fashion, and wear yellow ochrecoloured
clothes. Their exogamous sections have Riijput names, as Chauhiin,
Panwiir, Gudesar, Jogpal and so on, and like the Riijpiits they send a
cocoanut-core to signify a proposal for marriage. Bnt the fact that they
have a special aversIon to Dbobis and will not touch them makes it possible
that they originated from the Dom caste, who share thIS prejudice.' Reason
has been found to suppose that tbe Kanjars, KolMtis and other migrant
groups of entertainers are sprung from the Doms, and the Kiimads may be
connected with these. No caste, not even the sweepers, win accept food
from the Kimads. They employ a Briihman, however, to officiate at their
marriage and death ceremorues. Like the Gosains the Kiimads bury their
dead in a sitting posture, a niche being hollowed out at the side of the grave
in which the corpse is placed. Crushed bread (malitia) and a gourd full of
waler are laid beside the corpse. The caste worshIp the footprints of
Ramdeo, a saint of Marwiir, and pay special reverence to the goddess Hingliij,
who IS a deity of several castes in Rajputiina -
Kamal/;ansf. - (Stock of the lotus) Kaman, Kauwa.-One of the thirty-
Subcaste of Kawar. six royal races of Riijputs.
Kamal Kul.-(Lotus.) A section of Kamana.-(From kam/;a1, blanket.)
Komti. They do not use lotus A subcaste of Ahu. A section of
roots nor yams. Dhimar and Sonkar.
Kimithi, Kimiti-A term applied in the Mariitha Districts to immigrants
from Madras. It is doubtful whether the Kamathis have become a caste,
but about ISO persons returned this name as their caste in the Central
1 ThIs artIcle is based on informatton
collected by Mr. HIra Ul in Betiil.
II Art. Dom. in Tribes and Casles Df
Bengal, and of the HortA - ~Veslent
Prwinces alU1 Oud".
372 GLOSSARY PART
Provinces and Berar in 1911, and there are about 7000 in India, none, how.
ever, being recorded from the Madras Presidency. It is stated that the word
Kamathi meall$ • fool' in Tamil, and that in Bombay all Telugus are called
Kiimiithis, to whatever caste they may belong. Similarly, Maratha immigrants
into Madras are known by the genenc name of Arya,l and those coming from
Hindustan into the Nerbudda valley as Pardeshi, while in the same locality
the Brahmans and Riijputs of Central India are designated by the Marathas
ai Rangra. This term has the signification of rustiC or boorish, and is
therefore a fairly close para.llel to Kiimathi, if the latter word has the meaning
given above. In the Thana District of Bombay I people of many classes are
included under the 'name of Kamathi. Though they do not marry or even
eat together, the different classes of Kimathis have a strong feeling of fellow.
ship, and generally hve in the same quarter of the town. In the Central
Provinces the Kamathis are usually masons and house·builders or labourers.
They speak Telugu in their houses and Marathf to outsiders. In Sholapur 8
the Kamathis dress like Kunbis. They are bound together by a strong caste
feeling, and appear to have become a regular caste. Their priests are Telugu
Brahmans, and their ceremonies resemble those of Kunbis. On the third
day after a child is born the midWife lifts it up for the first time, and it is
given a few light blows on the back. For three days the child sucks one
end of a rag the other end of which rests in a saucer of honey, and the mother
is fed on nce and clarified butter. On the fourth day the mother begins to
suckle the child. Until the mother is pregnant a second time, no dwti or
scalp. lock is allowed to grow on the child's head. When ahe becomes
pregnant, she is taken with the child before the Village god, and a tuft of
hair is thereafter left to grow ,on the crown of its head.
Kamma.-A large cultivating caste oC the Madras Presidency, of which a few
representatives were returned from the Chanda District in 1911. They are
denved from the same Dravidian stock as the other great colltivating castes
of Madras, and, originally soldiers by profession, have now settled down to
agriculture. No description of the caste need be given here, but the following
interesting particulars may be retorded. The word Kamma means an ear
ornament, and according to tradition a valuable jewel of thiS kind belonging
to a Raja of Warangal fell into the hands of his enemies. One secllon of
the great Kapu caste, boldly attacking the foe and recovering the jewel, were
hence called Kamma, while another section, which ran away, received the
derogatory title of Velama (veil', away). Another story says that the Kammas
. and Velamas were originally one caste, and had adopted the Muhammadan
system of gDsha or purda. But finding that they were thus handicapped in
competition with the other cultivating castes, it was proposed that tne new
custom should be abandoned. Those who agreed to this SIgned a bond, .
which was written on a palm.leaf (kamma), and hence received their new
name. In the Central Provinces the Kammas are dIvided into three
subcastes, the Illuvellani or those who do not go out of the house, the
Tadakchatu or those who live within tadaks or mat screens, and the Polumtir
or those who go into the fields. These names are derived from the degrees
in which the different subdivisions seclude their women, the IlIuvelHini
observing strict purda and the Polumtir none whatever, while the Tadak.
chatu follow a middle course. On this account some social difference exists
between the three subcastes, and when the Illuvellani dine with either of the
other two they will not eat from the plates of their hosts, but take their food
separately on a leaf. And the Tadakchatu practise a Similar diStinction Wlth
the Polumtir, but the two latter divisions do not decline to eat from plates
or vessels belonging to.. an llluvellani. The Ka~mas forbid 1\ man to marry
1 See article Are. II TAtfU4 Gautfeer. pp. JIg. 120.
a SAo/a/fit" Ga6e1teer, p. 158.
GLOSSARY 373
in the golrtJ or family group to which he belongs, but a ",ife from the same
golra as his mother's is considered a most desirable match, and if his rratemal
uncle has a daughter he should always take her In m.urmge. A man is even
penDitted to marry his own SISter's daughter, but he may not wed hiS mothers
&lSter's daughter, who IS regarded as his own sister. Among the Kammas of
the Tamil country Mr. (Sir H.) Stuart 1 states that a bride is of ten much older
than her husband, and a <:a.<e is cited in which a wife of twenty·two years of
age used to carry her boy· husband on her hip as a mother carnes her child.
One other curious custom recorded of the caste may be noticed. A woman
dying within the W"etIme of her husband is worshipped by her daughters,
granddaughters or daughters-in-law, and in their absence by her husband's
second Wife if he has one. The ceremony is perfonned on some festival such
as Dasabra or Til-Sankrint, when a Briihman lady, who must not be a
WIdow, is invited and considered to represent the deceased ancestor. She is
anointed and washed With tunnenc and saffron, and decorated v.ith sandalpaste
and flowers; a new cloth and breast-cloth are then presented to her
which she puts on; sweets, fruit and betel-leaf are offered to her, and the
women of the family bow down before her and receive her benediction,
believing that It comes from their dead relative.
Kamma.la. - A small Telugu caste in the Chanda DIStrict. The name
Kammala is really a generic term applied to the five artisan castes of Kamsala
or goldsmith, Ranchara or brazier, Kammara or blacksmith, Vadra or
carpenter, and Silpi or stone·mason. These are in realIty distinct castes, but
they are all known as Kammalas. The Kammalas assert that they are
descended from Visva Karma, the architect of the gods. and in the Telugu
country they claim equality with Brahmans, calling themselves Visva
Brahmans. But inscriptions show that as late as the year A.D. 1033 they
were considered a very inferior caste and confined to the village site. I Mr.
(Su H.) Stuart WIltes in the Matb-as Cnrsvs Report that it is not difficult
to account for the low position fonnerly held by the Kamma1as, for it must
be remembered that in early tinIes the military castes in India as elsewhere
lcoked down upon all engaged in labour, whether skilled or otherwise. With
the decline of military power, however, it was natural that a useful caste h'ke
the Kammalas should gradually improve its position, and the reaction from this
long oppression has led them to make the exaggerated claims descnbed above,
whIch are ridiculed by every other caste, high or low. The 6,"e main subdivisions
of the caste do Dot intermarry. They have priests of their own and
do not allow even Brihmans to officiate for them, but they invite Brahmans
to !hell ceremonies. Girls must be married before puberty. The binding
ceremony of the marriage consists in the tying of a circular piece of gold on
a thread of black beads round the bride's neck by the bridegroom. Widow·
marriage is prohibited.
Kam",.ui.-Telugu Lahars or black·
smiths.
A'Qmsala.--{A goldsmith.) Subcaste of
Kammala.
Kmlalsia.--(KalldlJ, a tile.) A section
of Abit in Nimir who do not live in
tiled huts.
Kanan. - (A resident of Canara.)
A subcaste of Dhangar.
K_aujis, K.inhlija.-A very common.
snbcaste name, indicating persons
whose ancestors are supposed to
have come from the town of Kanauj
in northern India, into the Central
Provinces. A subcaste of Ahir,
Bahna, Bharbhiinja, Bhit, Brahman,
Dabait, Dani, Dhobi, Halwai,
Lohar, Mali, Nai, Patwa, Sunar
and Teli
K-"ajia or A!invar. - Same as
Kanaujia. Subcaste of Chamir.
KSJICMra.-(A brassworker.) Subcaste
of Kammala.
Ktmd. - (Roots or tubers of wild
1 Madras Cnuws Reptwt (IB9I). P. ll38.
_ • /MJn.. p. 280.
374 GLOSSARY PART
plants. ) A section of Ragbuvansi
Rajplits ill Hoshangabad.
Kanda Pote!.-(One who grows roots.)
A section of Mali.
Kande.-Subcaste of Bedar.
Kandera.-Synonym for Kadera. Subcaste
of Bahna.
Kandk.-Synonym of Khond. A subCaste
of 'raonla in Sambalpur.
Kandhana.-Subcaste of Khond.
Kandhia. - (A big- beaked vulture.)
A sept of Dbanwar.
Kandia.-(Kandi, a shell, also a snake.)
A section of Teli in Betli!'
Kandol. - A 5ubcaste of Brahmans,
who take their name (rom the village
Kandol, in Kathiawar.
Kandra..-A small caste of bamboo-workers in the Uriya. country, akin to the
Basors elsewhere. Members .of the caste are found in small numbers
in the Raipur and Baliighiit Districts. The word Kandra may be denved
from kand, an arrow, just as Dhinuk, often a synonym for Basar, has the
meaning of an archer. It is not improbable that among the first articles
made of bamboo were the bow and arrow-of the forest tnbes, and that the
bow-maker was the parent of the modern Basor or basket-maker, bows being
a reqUisite of an earlier stage of civilisation than baskets. In Bhandara the
Kandras are an offshoot of Gonds. Their women do not wear their cloths
over the head, and knot their hair behind without plaiting it. They talk a
Gondi dialect and are considered an impure caste.
Kandu.-(A grain-parcher.) A syno- Kapasia.-(From kapas, cotton.) A
nym and subcaste of Bharbhiinja. A section of Mahar.
subcaste of Halwai. Kapdi.-Synonym of Basdewa.
Kandua.-(From kand, onion, as they Kapur.-(Camphor.) A sectlon of
eat onions.) A subcaste of Bhar- Khatri.
bhunja. Kapuria.-A subdivision of Arhaighar
Kanera.-(FrQm the kaner tree.) A SaraswatBrahmansin Hoshangabad.
totemistic section of Ganda and probably deriving their title from
Khangar. being the priests of the Kapur section
Kanga!z: -(Poor.) A common sept of of Khatris.
Gonds. Karai Nor. -A section of Basor. They
Kankdin.-Subcaste of BanJara. perform the Meher ceremony of
Kanhpuria.-(From Cawnpore, which eating the marriage cakes near a
was founded by their eponymous well and not in the h,ouse.
hero Ranh., A clan of Rajpiits. Kara#.-(A poisonous snake.) A sec·
KanJar.-A caste of gIpsies. A sub- tion of Ahir, Halba and Panke.
caste of Banjara. Karan (Mahanti).-A caste. A .ub-
Kankubja.-See KanaujIa. caste of Kiyasth. An eponymous
Kannow. - A sectarian. division . of section of BinJhwar and Tanh.
_ Brahmans. Karaola.-(One who pours sesamum
Kanphata. - (One who has his ears oil on his clothes and begs.) Syno> .
bored or pierced.) A class of Jogi nym for Jasondhi and Dhiit. _
mendicants. Karbal.-Subcaste of Khangar.
Kansari.-Synonym of Kasar. Karc/auli.-A clan of Rajpiits, formerly
Kanwar.-Synonym of Kawar. a ruling race in the Jubbulpore
Kanwarbansi.-A subtribe of Khair- country. See RiJpiit-Halhaya. A
war. section of Joshi and Mochi.
Kaonra or Kora.-A caste. A sub- Kare, Karia.-(Black.) A subcaste
caste of Ahir. of Marar. A section of Binjhwar,
Kaore.-A sept of Gonds. A surname Abu, Chbipa and Lodhi.
. of Maritha Brahmans. Karela.-(Bitter gourd:) A section or
Kapalta.-(Covered with skulls.} A Sonkar_
section of TeUs in Betlil. Karhada.-A subcaste of Maharashtra
Kaparia.-(Fcom kapra cloth, owing Brahmans deriving their name from
to their wearing several dresses, Karhad, near the junction of the
which they change rapidly like the Krishna and Koyana rivers, about
Bahriipia.) Synonym of !lasdewa_ fifteen miles from Satara.
GLOSSARY 375
Ka,-ka€ya.-(Frying-pan.) A section Audhia Sunlir. A section of Kewat.
of Raghuvansi. Kasarwdni.-A subcaste of Bania.
Karigar.-(A workman.} An honor- Kasaundkan.-A subcaste of Bania.
Hic title of Barhai and Lohir. A Kasa'a..-(One who hides himself in
subca.~te and synonym of Beldir. the bed of the river.) A sept of
Ka"yat.-Subcaste of Pirdhi. The Korku; a man of this sept has the
members of this subcaste only kill privilege of duectlng the ceremony
birds of a black colour. for the readmission of an outcaste.
Karkarkadke.-(Stone-diggers.) Sub- Kasdkonia.-A subcaste of Dhimar.
caste of Ming. They wash the sand in the sacred
Karnam.-Synonym Of Karan, a palm- livers for coins thrown there by piIleaf
writer. grims, and dive into water to find
KarHata, Karnataka.-One of the lost ornaments or gold.
five orders of Pinch Dravida or Kasera.-Synonym of Kasir.
southern .Brahmans, inhabiti,ng the Kdslli. - (Benares.) A section of
Canarese country. -agharia, Abu, Dhuri, Kewat,
KarnatJ.-(From the Carnatic.) Syno- Kurmi and Mili.
nym for a class of Nats or acrobats. Kaskyap.-Name of a famous Rishi
Karokla.-A religious mendicant who or saint. The name may perhaps
wanders about singing pratses of be really derived from kackkap, a
Devi. See J asondhi. tortoise. One of the common epony-
Karyackor.-(Stealer of straw.) A mous sections of Brahmans. Also
sept of the Uika clan of Gonds in a section of Barai, Barl, Beldar,
BetiiL Bharbhiinja, Bhuha, Binjhwir,
Karsaydl.-(A deer.} A sept of the Chandnahu Kurmi, Gond, Jangam,
Kawar tribe. Also a sept of Abir, Joshi, Kalir, Kasir, Kasarwani
Bhama, Dhobi in Chhauisgarh, Bania, Khangir, Nai, Rajpiit,
Kewat, Lohir and Turi. Sunir. Some castes say that they
Karsi -(From kalas, a pitcher.) A are all of the Kashyap.golra or sectotemistic
sept of Kawar. They do tion, the tortoise being considered a
not drink water from a red jar on common ancestor of mankind, bethe
Akti festival. cause it supports the world.
Karwa.-Subcaste of ;Kunbi. Kasia.-(Kinsa, or bell-metal.) A
Karwar.-(An oar.) A section of section of Chamir. They draw a
Dangi in Damoh. A section of picture of a bell-metal dish at their
Kawar. weddings.
K:Uai.-A caste of butchers. Name Kasondki.-A subcaste of Bania.
applied to Banjira&. KassiiIJ, Kassza.-(A butcher.) Syno-
Kasar.-A caste. A subdivision of nym of Kasai.
KAst.-A small caste fonnd in the Maratha Districts and Bombay, who appear to
be a separate or inferior group of the Kayasths. In Chanda they work as
patwaris and clerks to moneylenders, while some are merchants and landholders.
Like the Kayasths, they wash their pens and inkstands on the
Dasahra festival and worship them. Their principal deity is the god Venkatesh,
a Maritha incarnation of Vishnu. In Bombay the Kasts claim to be
Yajur-Vedl Brahmans, dress like them and keep the regular Brahman ceremonies.
1 But they are considered to be half Marathas and half Brahmans,
and strict Deshasth and Kokanasth Brii.hmans hold their touch unclean.1I
Katare.-(Katar, dagger.) A surname name of eastern Rohilkhand.) A
of Sanadhya Brahmans in Saugor. section of Gadaria and Kasar.
A. section" of Agarwil and Oswil KatkMaina.-Subcaste of Baiga in
Bania, Chhattisgarhi Ahu or Rawat.· Bilaspur.
Chadir and Basar. The Katire KatM.-A Rajpiit clan included in
sept of Basors worship a dagger. the thirty-six royal races of Rijpiits.
Katkaria.-(From Kathibar, the old Originally an indigenous tribe of
1 Sa/lira Ga$etteer. p. fl. II NiUik G~etteer. p. 54.
G!.OSSARl'
l.uJuAt. who !;1lVc! tltelr name to A",u,sA,I.-The name <If a Ri •• hI ur
K;\thI4Wllt. ..Int. An 'pon)!,,,ou!! llt'\'liun IIf
";",flt,,,. -Name of an AkhAra or schoul Ihlhman.. A '«linn of Ahlr,
of nair'\1:1 rdil:ioul men.li ... nt.. I>ho1.1, Rljp"t, SunAr and tllher
See llaitAgi. ante ..
A"oJ/lt,I/I.,.-4,A"d/lt,,'ia. a WOOtlcQ bowl.) A"",omJi.-Title t>f a IIhlU who bill the
A ~",clion uf Ilan.l. quahti\.alioQ 01 IIIl'r., y, an.\ un
A"oJ/, ur A·Alall,.-Subcule (>f nhuiYL lberdor. rCAd the old ~.ru.""t
I\'''''',l,-A fa_Ie of Illlftllen. A lub, me..tical work.. A I'hy!idan.
casle of UaUhi and MahAr, K.'y.u/. l'u'-.-A luh('.~te "f l'alwA
';"fIt i. -·SullC.\~lr of Arc. in lI~han.:Al.Ad an.1 Sillt!:",.
A·"'ITI ..... -(Frutn kJ/".,. to cut.) Syno. • A",k"",-SlIhc.,Ie of GClju.
lIym of Katia an.' ChamAr. A;I .. " .... -(I-·rom kn"r, Ikl!ln'".) A
A'oJllr - !'ynon)'1U of Kawar. ac<:lion of AMr an,l Ga.laria.
A·oJNJ.t"rya.-(t-'f<lQl KOIlhal, lhe name A"Nt"I. - A eule, A lul .... ~le n(
I,f a (iltnolls Ri~hI ur IIlmt.) A '('C. Dblmar lind ManAh.
II(ltI or Al:lIfwAl Datlla, Daru, lMlhi A· .... J.-Subc-ru-Ilt of Mina.
and KhAtri Sun'r. _ A· ... JJ/.-A ,'alllt of ra1an,\um.urnl'R.
Khad1l1 (hononfic titles Nayak and Behera).-A .m'In 1 ),uhlliln rut" uf
J.bOUl't'fS in the Un)' country. In 1901 they numbe,,",l UOO J>qJ .. UI' af'lll
rl:~idC\1 princlp"'Uy in the I'alna and !'onpur Statea now tran\l~,tr",1 It) Ilt-n.:al.
The Kh>&.IAI. are probably an olT)hollt of the ,'"at "-uri casle ,,( lIrn ... ',
with which the members of the caste in I'atna admlttttitheir MenhlY. \hou~h
e!.ewhere they deny it. Their tnl\litiooal occuS'IIlliont o( .'IIllan')IIII\.I>I'III1I1I:
an.' field lahour are i.lentical wilh those of the Uauri., a. "at",1 by !-ir II,
Rblc),,' The naml' Khad.11 i. a functional one, dl'noting !,ersonl _ho wmk
with a hoe. The KhadAI, bave tlltelllilillic eloJ:l'ftIUU1I:'''UIl$, the K,I~a.I KI,t
worshil'l'inl: a Iree, the Julli and KAndullaJ ~Jlt .. llIa\.e·hu\l', Ih. 1",111111 .. 1
a slone and olhers the Ilin. F.aeb sept ... Iul". tbe rl'vt'fC\1 olojr.·t or toll'm
on .ccing it, and Ihose who wOfllbip tr~s .. ill not burn Ihtll\\ or Illn.! in thtir
.bade. When a mllrri.~ lake. place they worllhill lhe t"I('m anJ "tTl'r til It
Ao" rrs. ,nnd.l)wOtltl, Yennilion, unCt)t\krd net', and tbe fir. d,'lhc. an,l
ornamenta inl"nde..l for tbe bride, .. hicb ahe may nut wnr UIIIII Ib .. «'It'tnony
hu heen pt'r(urmed. Another curious cuslom allol'Ie..I by Ih. KhaIIAI. in
IlIlItation of the Hindus Is tbat of marrying adult ooY' and !;irls, rur • hom a
partn~r hili nnt Leen (ound, 10 a 11't'e. !Jut lhi. d,)4!' ftnt (X't ur when Ibf'y
arrivlI at pullCrty AI amonl lIindu t'lAstet, but when a blly Itlil ullmamed
bl'ColIICS thirly )'nil old and a &:Irl Iw('nly. In IIiLb a ca,. be or ~h. It
nlarried to .. man~o, cotton or jJ"U,,, tree, and .. ner this no kcond ttfeomll}'
need he performed on ,ubci«luent union _jtb a wife or bush.nd. A wllluwer
Ulust l)AY Rio 10, or douhle the usual price, for a ~ond Wltc, owi", 10 Ih.
ri~k of bC'r dC'Atb bein~ caused by the macblllaliona of lhe 1i".1 ... fe. apirit.
When .. corp,. hAl ~n burled or burnt the mourners eacb take a hll' (>f
man,,'\) and Laeat alJOut in th. graa to leart a "rauhorper. HavlIllF captured
one they wrap it in a piece of lIew clotb, and coming home 1\lace it tie"".
the (II "lily "xi. This they CIIII brinJ:lnll bade the hI" c.r tllf' telul, an,l con.
allIer tbat tbe ccrem()ny procures aalvallon for tbe dead. The Kl",.l:.l. are
u$ually con .. iJert't1 as imrute, btlt Ihose of Soopur have allaill('\\ a somuhat
hl.:ber Itatus.
.oI\-.. ... III •• -(A kind 0( .nalr .• " A~· ~pt or Nahal.
lion or Ahlr and RAj,:huvanAi. A •
101J.4n,· Xh&clurr. or Jth&n1l'&.-A ImaU Uri11 ca!ile wb .... O«UIIIIIi<:1II It
I Thi •• ,,,-'Ount I, taken from Inquiries
run"" by Mr. Iltr. LAI In 1'IIlnL
• 1'nNS "".1 C.fukJ If IIIIIP, arl,
DnurL
• From • par>l'r I)), MI', Kr'l'bllldb
TrlpAt.hl. 1I .. <.Im.,I«. ~ri. M"lIlht
School. SArangArb $Ial ••
GLOSSARY 377
to make bcass 0I'DaDII0eIlts. They are immigrants from CQttack and say that they
are calkd thue Sankhiri, so that the Khadras may not improbably be an offshoot
of the Sankhiri caste of sheU-cuttas of BengaL Acoonling to theu traditions
their origiaaI anoestex was created by Viswakarma.. the celestial architect,
b the business of making a pinnacle tor the temple of Jagannath at Purl, in
which esght metals had to be combined. He left two SODS, one of whom became
the llDCeStex of the Khadras, and the other of the Ka.sUs. .ith ... hom the
Khadras th1lS claim affinity. They baYe DO sabcastes but four cPh'tu or clans
called after the Nag ex cobra, the Singh ex lioB, and Kisyap and Kacbchap.
both deriftCi f"roIa the tortoise. They also hue bar -cas ex family names,
which are Pitn. (a term of respect). Dis (sIa're). Sao (banler) and Maharani
(~). The groups are supposed to be desceDded from bar families who
migrated from Cuttack. Neither ~ DOl: pmu are DOW considered in the
anangement of maniages, which are prohibited between blood relatives fOr
three genera.tiom. Marriage is infant, and a girl arriving at puberty while
still unwed is permaneutly expelled from the caste. The Khadras still rona ..
-the old rule of writing the iii&- ex date of the marriage on a palm-leaf. with
which they seod Rs. -1004 as a bride-price to the girl's father, the acceptance
of this cxmstituting a c:onfirmatioo of the betrothal. The marriage
cen:mooy resembles that of the other Uriya castes, and the Khadras have the
nte calkd '-1opd"; ex breaking the bachelcxhood. A little water brought
from seweD houses is spriIIkled mer the bridegroom. and his loin-cloth is then
matched away, leaTing him Baked. In this state he runs towards hls aWD
house, but some boys are posted at a little distance who giYe him a new
cloth. \\~K1ow-marriage and divorce are permitted, but the hand of a wido ..
must not be sought so long as she rema.in$ in her late husband's house, and
does not retum to her f&ther. Whea a bachelor marries a widow he must
first perlorm the regular c:emDODJ with a Jeaf.cup filled with flowers, after
which he can take the widow as his second wife. AU important ~<>reements
are confirmed by a peoili:ar eustom cal1ed M.sl:ii.i. A deer-skin is spread OIl
the groaad before the caste committee, and the person making the agreement
bows before it a number of times. To break an agreement made by the
Iusldai nte is belieYed to in~ tern"ble calamities. The Khadras eat
the" Besh of animals and fish bui DOt that of birds, and they do not drink
country liq\1Ol'. "De. an estate is to be partitioned the eldest SOD first takes
a tenth of the ,..hole in right of primogesUture and the remainder is theD
diYided equally. The Kbadras rank as aD artisan caste of somewhat low
status.
A~-Synonym of Khadra.
A"'jniu.-(A resident of Khain, a
lOWD in CeDtrallndia.) Subcaste of
Chamar.
AUir. A'l4linL-(From JWMr. catech.
ex the catechu tree. A maker of
catechu.) Synonym far Khairrir.
A'lairrbns.-(Catechll preparer.) A
sabcaste of Khainrir.
A".I.Un.-A sabcaste of Are (Goodhali),
Kunli and OraOL
K.iaintob'.-A catechu.making caste.
A section Of Chamir.
A'l4iyaDiin.-(AUi. ditch; owing to
their houses baving heeD ori,.<Yinally
btillt OD the ditcla of Ratta fOrt.) A
sectioo of Beldar SonbJs in Damob..
A'14ki.-(From .u.u. ashes..) A class
of Bairigi. ex religious mendicants.
KWif.r.-(Lord.) An booori.6c title
fex Danis ex tailors, and Muhammadan
barbers.
K.i&ltak-Subcaste of Ghasia.
K1411t.iti.-4Illegitimate.) Subcaste of
Andh.
A"Lzlh4.-SQbcaste of :Basde ....
~-(Farm.senanL) A sectioo
of Kalta.
..o-H.-(One who hides behind the
graveyard.) A sept of Korka.
..n-dtr.-(A sword.) A section of
" Panh and Mahar.
..n-a.:ut.-(A swordsmaD.) An Uriya
caste. A subcaste of SiDsia, TaooJa
and Cbasa. Also a Dame of Koltas
inCattack.
K'Uadaj>tdnl. - (One ... ho deans
swords.) A section of Khand1f'iJ.
GLOSSARY PART
Khandap,.-(Klzanda, a sword.) A
sept of the Dhurwa clan of Sahdeve
or six-god Gonds in Betul, named
after the sword of Raja Durga Shah
by which a victory was gained over
the Muhammadans.
Kkandele. - (From kIIanda, sword_)
A sectIOn of Raghuvansi Rajputs in
Hoshangabad.
Khandelwiil.-A subcaste of Bania.
KkandesM.-(A resident of Khandesh.)
A terntorial subcaste of Darzi, Joshi,
Mahar and Mang.
KIzanne, .Kkanna.-A subdivision of
Chargarh Saraswat Brahmans in
Hoshangabad, probably deriving'
their name from being priests of the
Khanna section of Khatns. A
sectIOn of Khatri.
KhanQnklza.-(A kind of basket to
catch birds with.) A totemistic sept
of Rautla Kawars in Bllaspur.
Kharack.-(A turner, one who turns
woodwork on a lathe.) A synonym
of Kundera and Barhai.
.A"karchi.-Bastard Marathas forming
a separate division as distinguished
from the Khast or pure Marathas.
Kliare.-A subdivision of Srivastab,
Gaur and Saksena Kayasths, mean.
ing those of pure descent.
Kkari B,nd Kewa!. - Title of the
Murha caste.
.Kkarodla.-(A resident of Kharod in
Biliispur.) A subcaste of Nunia.
.KkarsIlJ"a. - (Maker of cowdung
cakes.) A section of Mill.
Kkarwade.-(Refuse.) A subcaste of
Simpi or Maratha Darzi (taJlor)
originally formed of excommunicated
members of the caste, but now
occupying a position equal to other
subcastes In Nagpur.
Kkarwdr.-Synonym of the Khairwar
tribe. Subcaste of Chero and Ko!.
Kkasi.-A subdivision of Marathas,
meaning those born in wedlock.
A"kasua.-(A eunuch.} Synonym of
Hijra.
Kkdii.-(From the Sanskrit IlJkatn',
one who cuts.) A subcaste of Barhai
and Lohar.
KlIatik. - A caste. Synonym of
Chikwa. A subcaste of Pasi in
Saugor, said to have originated in
a cross between a Bauri and a
KhatIk lVoman.
Klalk,ldta.-(Illcgitimate.) A section
of Teli in BetUl.
Khatrl.-A caste. A subcaste of
Chhlpa and of Sunir in Narsinghpur.
Klatua.-(Having a cot.} A section
of the Hatwa caste.
Kna!ul/ta or KIla!o/a.-A subtribe of
Gond.
K"alulwdr.-A subtribe oC Gonds in
Chanda, the same as the Khatulha of
the northern Districts.
Kltawas .-A title of Nai or barber.
A subcaste of Dhuri. A section of
Halba.
Kluddwal. -A subcaste of Gujarati
Brahmans. They take their name
from Kheda or Kaira, a town in
Gujarit.
Kheduk.-From Rluda, a village.
Subcaste of Kunbi.
.A."!md'rll.-Subcaste of Oraon.
Kkeralaw4la. - An immigrant from
KheraIa in MaIwa. ~ubcaste of
Raogre&.
KherawtU.-See Kbedawal.
.Kketi.-(Cultivation.) A section of
DumaI.
Kkewa!. -Synonym of Kewat.
Kliclri.-A clan of Rajpiits, a branch
of the Sesodla clan.
Kkoha.-(Sticks for fencing the grain.
store.) A sept of Kawar; they
abstain from using these sticks •
K40llJa.-{A kind of fish.} A totemistic
sept of Rautia Kawar in Bilaspur.
K"umia. - A subcaste of Agaria.
One who uses a k"'UnJJ or peg to
fix the bellows in tbe ground for
smeltlOg iron. A sept of Savars.
(Those who bury their dead on a
high place.)
Kkunam. - A sept of Pardhan and
Dbur Gond.
K.6utha.-{Impure.) A section of
Tamera in Mand1a.
.A.'l),a'Urokar.-(One who shaves, from
ks"iU4r, to shave.) A synonym of
Nai or Bhandari.
Kiland)'a.-(K,lna, a dog-house.) A
nickname section of .A1llr.
Kil1eila. - (The kingfisher.) A sept
of Khairwar.
KillliJusum. - (One wbo eats dead
animals.) A sept of Korku.
Kindra.-{One who hides behind a
tree.) A sept of Xorku.
GLOSSARY 379
Kirac!i or Karoclli.-A sept of Gonds
of Raipur and BeUil.
.Kircid.-Synonym of Kirar.
• KiriiltilJullir.-(A kmd of fruit.) A
section of Tell in Nandgaon.
Km'ir.-A caste. Synonym Dhiikar.
A subc&ste of Kachhi. A section of
Khatik.
Ktnrakha. - A sept of Gonds in
Chanda.
Kirvl2lJt or Ktlvanl.-A subdivision of
Maharashtra Brahmans in Khaira·
garh. The name is said to be
derived (rom kfra, an insect, because
they kill insects in working their
betel-vine gardens. Another ex·
planation is that the name is really
Kriyavant, and that they are so
called because they conducted kri}'fJ
or funeral services, an occupation
which degraded them. A third
form of the name is Kramwant or
reciters of the Veda.
Kittin.-(A cultivator.) Qraons are
commonly known by this name in
Chota Niigpur and Gonds in Mandla
and other Districts. A section of
Mariir, Rawat or Amr, and Savar.
Koatkia.-A section of Bais Riijpiits.
KocAia.-Perhaps a name for Bahnas
or cotton cleaners.
Kodjet. -(A conqueror of crores. of
people.) A section of Bhulia.
KoAitliini.-(A dweller on mountains.)
A section of Pathan.
Kokkat/a. -A sept of Gonds in Khairagarh.
Kolui. -A synonym for the Kohli
caste.
Koi.-A class of Gonds.
Koikopal.-A subcaste of Gond.
Ko~labkut or KoilaMuti.-A subtribe
of Gonds. Their women are prostitutes.
Koiri.-A synonym of the Murao
caste.
Koitur.-A synonym for Gond. The
name by which the Gonds call them.
selves in many Districts.
Kokonastk or Ckztpavan.-A subcaste
of Mahar\shtra Brabmans inhabiting
tbe Konnn country. Chitpiivan
means the pure in heart.
Kolmnghza. -(Koka. the Brahmani
duck.) ,A subsection of the Pardhiin
section of Koltas.
Kol.-A tribe. Subcaste of Dahiiit.
KolahAut.-A name for Gonds.
KoliIm.-A tribe. A subtribe o( Gonds
in Chanda •
Kokkar.-A clan of Mariitha.
Kolia. -(From /eolu, oil-press.) A
section of Teli ih Betiil.
Kolika.-(Jackal.) A section of Pan·
war Riijpiit, Cbamar and Kawar.
KoJiIa, Kul/a.-Synonyms of Kolta.
Ko/ta.-A caste. A subcaste of Chua.
Ko/ya. -(One who hides bebind a
jackal-hole.) A sept o( Korku.
Komalwar.-(Komal, soft.) A section
of Kurumwar.
Komali.-Synonym of Komti.
Kommu.-(A story-teller.) Subcaste of
Madgi.
Kondawar. - (Komia, a mountain. )
A section bf Piilewar Dhimar and
Koshti in Chanda.
Kontfwan or Kundi.-A name of a
tract south of the Mahiinadi which
is called after the Khond tnbe, and
was formerly owned by them. Sub·
caste of Baiga.' •
Korai.-A subcaste of Ahu or Rawat
in Biliispur.
Koraku.-(Young men.) Subcaste of
Korwa.
Koratkul.-A section of Komti; they
do not eat the kumkra or pumpkin.
Korava. -Synonym of Yeriikala.
Korckamar.-A descendant of alliances
between Chamiirs and Koris or
weavers. Su1¥;aste of Chamiir.
Ktwi.-A caste. A subcaste of Baliibi,
Jaiswara cbamar and Katia.
Korku.-A tribe. A subtribe of Nahal.
Korn.-(Residents of the Korai hill·
tract in Seoni) Subcaste of InJhwiir.
Kosaria.-A subcaste of Rawat or Ahir,
Barai, Dhobi, Kalar. Miili, Panka and
Teli; a section of Chamar and Gond.
KosA/,~ Koskta.-A caste of weavers.
See article. A subcaste of Katia
and Bhulia.
Koskati.-A subcaste of Koshti
Kotkari-(A store-keeper, from /eolka,
a store-room.) A section of Oswiil
and Mahesbri Banias.
Kotharya. -(A store-keeper.) Subcaste
of Chitrakatbi.
Kotwal.-(Keeper of a' castle, or a
village watchman.) Honorific title
of the Khangar caste. A surname
of Yajurvedi Brahmans in Saugor.
A section of Halba.
GLOSSARY PART
Kotwir.-A person holding the office of village watchman. This post is usually
as<;lgned to members of the lowest or impure castes derived (rom the aborigmal
tribes, such as the Mabiirs, Ramosis, Gandas, Pankas, Minas and Khllngars.
Some of these were or shU are much addicted to crime. The name Rowdr
appears to be a corruption of ko/7vdi, the keeper or guardian of a Rot or castle.
Under native rule the kotwil was the chief of polIce in important towns, and
the central police office in some towns is still called the kotwili after him. In
some Villages there are shll to be found both a kotwal and a kot\\ar; In thiS
case the former performs the duties of watch and ward of the Village, and the
latter has the menial work of carrying messages, collecting supplies and so on.
Both are paid by fixed annual contributions of grain from the cultivators. In
Hoshangabad the kotwar is allowed to glean for II day in the fields of each
tenant after the crop has been removed. It would appear that the kotwar
was chosen from the criminal castes as a me~hod of insurance. The kotwiir
was held responsible for the good behaviour of his caste-fellows, and was often
under the obbgation of making good any property stoleD by them. And If a
theft occurred m another village and the thief was traced into tlte borders of
the kotwar's Village he was bound to take up the pursuit and show that tbe
thief had passed beyond his village, or to pay for the stolen property. Thieves
were sometimes tracked by the kotwar, and sometimes in Gujarat and Central
India by a special official caned Paggal,' who measured their footprints wlth
a string, and in this way often followed them successfully from village to
village. 3 The rule that the kotwar had to make good all thefts occumng m
hiS Village or perpetrated by criminals belonging to it, can ol)ly have been
enforced to II very partial extent, as unless he could trace the property he
would be unable to pay any substantial sum out of his own means. Stili, it
apparently had a consideraLle effect in the protectIon of property in the
rural area, for which the regular police probably did very little. It was
similarly the custom to employ a chaukular or night-watchman to guard
private houses when the owners could afford it, and thIS man was taken from
a criminal caste on the &arne prmciple.
The kotwiir was also the guardian of the village boundaries, and his
opinion was often taken as authoritative in all cases of disputes about land.
This poSition he perhaps occupied as a representative of the pre-Aryan tribes,
the oldest residents of the country, and his appointment may have also been
partly based on the idea that it was proper to employ one of them as the
guardian of the village lands, just as the priest of the village gods of the earth
and fields was usually taken from these tribes.
In some localities those members of an impure caste such as the Mahiirs,
who hold the office of village watchman, obtain a certain rise in status on
account of the office, and show a tendency to marry among themselves.
Similarly persons of the impure Gmda caste. who joined the Kabirpanthi
sect and now form a separate and somewhat higher caste under the name of
Panka, usually work as village watchmen in preference to the Gandas. Under
~ritish rule the kotwar has been retained as a village policeman, and his pay
Increased and generally fixed in cash. Besides patrolling the village, he has
to report all cognisable crime at the nearest pollee post as well as births and
dea~hs .occurring in the village, and must give general assistance to the regular
police 10 the detection Qf crime. Kotwjr is used in Saugor as a synonym for
the Chadar caste. It is also a subcaste of the Kori caste.
KDWa.-(Acrow.) AsectionofTamera Chanda used by Telugul
and of Gond in Chanda. Xramikul.-A section of Komti. They
Koya.-A subtribe of Gond in Bastar. do not use the black radish.
Koyudu._A synonym of Gond in KsAatriya.-Name of the second Hindu
1 From lac, a foot.
S Malcolm, M,lIIQIr O/Cenlral India, ii. p. 2J.
GLOSSARY
classical caste or the warrior caste. known class of Bengali Brahmans.
Synonym for Rajpiit. A subdivision of Uriya Mahantls.
KsMrsagrlr.-(Ocean of Milk.) A A seetion of Panka.
section of Panwar Rajpiit, and a Kulskreskta.-(Of good family.) A
proper name of Maratha Brahmans. subcaste of Kayasth.
Kuck.-(A weaver's brush.) A section Kuman.-Subcaste of Barai.
of Raghuvansi Rajpiits in .Hoshan- Kumarrha or Kumarra.-(A bird.)
gabad. A sept of Sahdeve or six-god Gonds.
K ucklJandhia, Kundlbandhia. - (A In Betiil the members of this sept do
maker of weavers' brushes.) Syno- not eat or kill a goat or sheep, and
nym and subcaste of Kanjar. Sub. throwaway any article smelt by
caste of Beldar in Chhattisgarh. one.
Kuriaiya.-(Kotion, a small millet.) KumarsMskta.-A section of Komti.
A section of Amr. They do not use meklUlI or henna
Kudappa.-A sept of Gonds in Raipur leaves.
and Khairagarh. Kumbkar.-(Potter.). Marathi syno-
Kudarbokna.-A Hindu Bahna. nym for Kumhar. A section of
Kudaria.-(Kudali, a pickaxe.) A Ganda and Bhulia.
section of the Bharia tribe. Kumbko;:-(Born of a pitcher, a Rishi
~ukra.-(A dog.) A totemistic sept or saint.) An eponymous section of
of Bhatra Gonds. A section of Agharia.
Kumhar. KU11lbkira.-(Crocodile.} A totemistic
Kukuta.-(Cock.) A sept of Gonds sept of Bhuha.
in Raipur. Kumbkwar.-(Ku11lbk, a pot.) A
Kulatia.-A section of Basar. From surname of Gandli in Chanda.
kulara, a somersault, because they Kumkarbans. - (Descended from a
perform somersaults at the time of potter.).t\. section of Ghasia.
the maiMr ceremony, or eating the Kumrayete.-( Yete, a goat.) A sept
marriage cakes. of the Uika clan of Sahdeve or six-
Kuldzp.-(The lamp of the family.} god Gonds in Betiil. They do not
A section of Panka in Raipur. eat goats, and are said to have
Kuldiya.-(Those who stop eating if offered human sacrifices in ancient
the lamp goes out at supper.) A times.
section of Ghasia. Kunbz.-A caste. Subcaste of Dingri,
Kulin.-(Of high caste.) A well- Gondhali and Maritha.
Kumriwat,l Patbina, Dingur.-A small caste of san-hemp growers and
weavers of sacking. They are called Kumrawat in the northern Districts and
Patbina (pat patti, sacking, and binna, to weave) in Chhattisgarh. A small
colony of hemp-growers in the Betiil District are known as Dangur, probably
from the dang' or wooden steelyard which they use for weighing hemp. Botq
the Kumrawats and Dangurs claim Rajpiit origin, and may be classed together.
The caste of Barais or betel-vine growers have a subcaste called Kumrawat,
and the Kumriiwats may be an offshoot of the Barais, who split off from the
parent body on taking to the cultivation of hemp. As most Hmdu castes
have until recently refused to grow hemp;the Kumrawats are often found concentrated
in single villages. Thus a number of Patbinas reside in Darri, a
village in the Khujji zamindiiri of Raipur, while the Dingurs are almost all
found in the village of Miisod in Betiil; in Jubbulpore Khiipa is their prmcipal
centre, and in Seoni the Village of Deod. The three divisions of the
taste known by the names given above marry, as a rule, among themselves.
For theiY exogamous groups the Dangurs have usually the names of different
Rajpiit septs, the Kumrawats have territorial naJ;lles, and those of the Patbinas
"re derived from inanimate objects, though they have no totemistic
practices.
1 This paper is compiled from notes taken by Mr. Hira L9,l at Raj-Nandgaon
and Betiil.
GLOSSARY I'ART
The number of girls in the caste is usually insufficient, and hence they are married
at a very early age. The boy's father, accompanied by a few friends, goes to
the girl's father and addresses a proposal for marriage to him in the following
tenns: .. You have planted a tamarind tree which has borne fruit. I don't
knQw whether you will catch the frUIt before it falls to the ground if I stnke
it With my stick." The girl's father, if he approves of the match, says ID reply,
• Why should I not catch it?' and the proposal for the marriage is then made.
The ceremony follows the customary ritual in the northern DIStricts. When
the famtly gods are worshipped, the women sit round a gnnding-stone and in·
vite the ancestors of the family by name to attend the weddmg, at the same
time placing a little cowdung in one of the interstices of the stone. When
they have invited all the names they can remember they plaster up the remalDlDg
holes, saying, • We can't recollect any more names.' ThIS appears
to be a precaution mtended to Imprison any spirits which may have been for·
gotten, and to prevent them from exercising an evil influence on the marriage
in revenge for not having been inVIted. Among the Dangurs the bride and
bridegroom go to worshIp at Hanuman's shnne after the ceremony, and all
along the way the bride beats the bridegroom with a tamarind twig. The
dead are both buried and burnt, and mourning is observed during a period of
ten days for adults and of three days for children. But if another child hus
been born to the mother after the one who has died, the full period of mourning
must be observed for the latter; because it is said that in this case the
mother does not tear off her sari or body-cloth to make a winding-sheet for the
chtid as she does when her latest baby dies. The Kumriwats both grow anrl
weave hemp, though they have no longer anything like a monopoly of its
cultivation. They make the gons or double bags used for carrymg grain un
bullocks. In Chhattisgarh the status of the Patbinas is low, and no castes
except the most debased will take food or water from them. The Kumriiwats
of Jubbulpore occupy a somewhat more respectable position and take rank
with Kachbis, though below the good cultivating castes. The Dingun of
BetiiI will take food from tbe bands of the Kunbis.
Kumrayete.-(Yete, a goat.) .A sept times.
of the Ulka clan of Sabdeve or six- Kunbi.-A caste. Subcaste of Dangri,
god Gonds in Betiil. They do Dot Gondhali and Alaratha.
eat goats, and are said to have Kundera.-A caste. A subcaste of the
offered human sacrifices in ancient Larhia Beldirs.
Kundera, Kharidi-A small caste of wood-turners akin to the Barhaia or
carpenters. In 1911 the caste numbered 120 persons, principally in Saugor.
When asked for the name of their caste they not infrequently say that they
are Rajpiits; but they allow widows to remarry, and their soc\8.1 customs and
position are generally the same as those of the Barhais. Both names of the
caste are functional, being derived from the Hindi hmd, and the Arabic
kkariit, & lathe. Some of them abstain from flesh and liquor, and wear the
sacred thread, merely with a view to improve their SOC\8.1 position. The
Kunderas make toys from the dUdM (HDlarrllma anHdystnitnt-a) and bU'1qa
stems from the wood of the kkair or catechu tree. The toys are commonly
lacquered, and the surface is smoothed with a dried leaf of the Itevarll tree. I
They also make chessmen, wooden fiutes and other articles.
Kunclgolakar.-A subdivision of de- applied to Nats.
graded 'Maritha Brahmans, the off. Kunt; or Ku"Ie._(Kun/i, lame.) A
spring of adulterous connections. subcaste of Kapewar, sy'bonym Bhik.
KunJam.-A sept of Soliiha in Raipur. sba Kunti or lame beggars.
A section of Basor and Bhunjia. A Kunwar.-{Prince.) A title of RaJpiit
sept of Gond and Pardhin. ruling families. A section ofRajpiit
Kunnalya.-(Rope.dancer.) A name and Kawar.
1 Perhaps Pa"da""s /asciCJdaris.
GLOSSARY
Il_" Sasura. - Husband's elder
brother. Title of Kharia.
Kllrallliy", A'Nrahiz.-(From kur, a
• fOwl, which they have given up eating.)
A subtllbe of Goods in Khairagarh.
K _II" or Set"ia.-Title of the Sonkar
caste headman.
Kllrkre.--One who moulds his vessels
on a stone slab revolving on a stick
and not on a wheel_ Subcaste of
Kumbiir.
Kllrmeta.-A sept of Gonds in Chanda.
X_gutia.-(From k1Irm, tortoise.}
A section of Mahar.
Kun"i. - A caste. A subcaste of
Agharia in the Uriya country. A
subcaste of Barai. A sept of Pardhan.
A section of Mahiir. '
Xllrwki.-(Kur, hen.} A sept of the
Uika clan of Sahdeve or six-god
Gonds in Betiil, so named because
their priest once stole a hen.
A1wpaclli. -(K_. ben.) A sept of
the Uika clan of Gonds in Betiil, so
named because their priest offered
the contents of a hen's intestines to
tbegods.
Xu"," or Kura.-Title ofYerukala.
Kusangia.-(Ofbad company.) A section
of Lohiir.
Kuslz6ann: - A subcaste of AlJir.
(Descendants of Kush, one of the
two sons of Rima.)
Kusll Ranjan.-A section of Brihman,
Barai, Cba,mar. Chandnahu Kurmi,
Riwat (Abir), Marar and Rijbhar.
Kusllta, Kosllla.-Subcaste of Korl.
Kuslia.-(Kusli, boat.) A subcaste
of Mali.·
Kusrdm.-(Kusrl, pulse.) A sept of
the Uika Gonds in BetUl and
Chanda.
La/J!I.d"a.-Synonym and subcaste of
Banjiira.
Ldd.-The old name for the territory
of Gujarit. A subcaste of Bania,
Kaliir, Koshti and Sunar.
Lad4imdr • ..,..one who hunts! jackals
and sells'hnd eats their flesh. Subeaste
of J ogi.
.ladele.-(Quarrelsome.) A section
01 Shribathri Tell.
Luyi·n.-Suhcaste of Banjiira.
Ladse or Lddvi.-Subcaste of Chamar
and Dhangar.
Ltulwan, Laliua ... -A subcaste of
Mahar. Perhaps from Lid, the
old name of GUJarat. .
Lderi.-Synonym of Lakbera.
LaMria.-Subcaste of Brahman,
Lallgm" or Lah"C"a.-(Lallanga,
weaver.} A suhcaste of Kori.
Lalluri Sm.-A subcaste of Barai in
the northern Districts who are
formed of excommunicated members
of the caste. •
Lalluria..-(From Lahore.) A section
of Ritbor and Chauhan Banjiiras.
La»lar.-Synonym of Rajjhar.
Lakariha.-A subdivision of Pardhan
in Kawardha. While begging
they play a musical instrument,
hence the name from lakri, a stick.
Liila. - (A term of endearment.)
Synonym for Kayasth. A subcaste
of Chamar.
Liil!JeCi.-A follower of Lilbeg, patron
saint of the sweepers. Synonym of
Mehtar.
Liil Pddri.-Red priests, because they
rub geru or red ochre on their
bodies. Title of Jogi.
Lamecku.-A subcaste of Bania.
Langllti.-Subcaste of Piirdhi. They
wear only a Darrow strip of cloth.
called langllti round the loins.
Llitrjia.-A subcaste of Lohiir and
Nai, from Linji in Balaghat. A
subtribe of Gonds in Khairagarh.
Lanjiwdr.-(One living round Unji
in Balaghat.) Subcaste of Injhwiir.
Lap"angia.-(Upstart.) A section of
Kolta.
Laria, Larllia.-(Belonging to Chhat'
tisgarh. ~ A synonym of Beldar. A
subcaste of Bhaina, Binjhwar.
Chamiir, Ganda, Gbasia, Gond,
Gosain, Kaliir, Kewat, Koshti,
Mahar, Marar, Mowiir, Panka,
SaYar, Sunar and Teli.
.Lasgaria..-A class of Bairigi mendicants.
Lasukar.-A subcaste of Gondhalis
who sell books and calendars.
Lat.-Subcaste of Chamar.
Lave.-Subcaste of Kunbi.
Laya.-(Blrd.) A section 'of Binjhwiir,
Mahiir, and Panka.
Lllklza.-Subcaste of Giijar.
Lemuan, Lim-...-(Tortoise.) A
totemistic sept of Audheha, Munda
and Oraon.'
GLOSSARY PART
Lidka.-(Excrement of swine.) Sub. synonym Luhura. A section of
caste of Khatik in Jubbulpore. Binjhwar and Ganda.
Lilta.-(From /il or nil, the indigo LoAdr Barkai.-A subcaste of Barhai
plant.) Subcaste of Kacbhi. in Bundelkhand.
Lzlorhta.-Subcaste of Giijar. LoAdria.-A subcaste of Ablr.
Ltmba.-(Nim tree.} A totemistic Londria.-A salt-maker. Subcabte
sectlon of-Dumais. of Mahar.
Lmgayat.-A religious order wbich Lmckat,a.-(Salt-licker., A sept of
has become a caste. See article the Uika clan of Gonds. The
and subordinate article to Bama. members of this sept lick salt on
A subcaste of Bania and Kum· the death oftheir relatives. Another
har. account from Betiil says that they
Lodka.-Synonym of Lodhi. Sub· spread salt on a platform raised in
caste of Lodhi. honour of the dead and make cattle
Lohar.-A caste of blacksmiths, lick it up.
'\ Londhiri.-A small caste of cultivators found in the BllanOOa District. They
appear to be immigrants from northern India, as their women wear the
Hindustani dress and they speak Hindi at home. At thell' weddmgs the
bridal couple walk round the sacred post according to the norlhern custom.
When a widow marries again the couple worshie a sword before the
ceremony. If a man is convicted of an intrigue with a low·caste woman, he
has to submit to a symbolical purification by fire. A heap of jUiiri.stalka is
piled all round him and set alight, but as lOon as the fire begin. to bum he
is permitted to escape from it. This rite is known a. Agnikasht. The
Londhiiris appear to be distinct (rom the Lonhiire Kunl,is of IJetul, with
whom I was formerly inclined to connect them. These laLter derive their
name from the Lonar Mehkar salt lake in the Buldana Di~trict, and are
probably so called because they once collected the (.alt evaporated from
the lake. They thus belong to the Maralba country, whereM the Londhans
probably came from northern India. The name LonMre i. 81i;0 f(,lInd III a
subdivision of one or two other castes living in the neighlJourhood of the
Lonar Mehkar lake.
Londhe, Londe.-(One who hides ,Machkantbr.-(One who lattllt" fibh.)
himself behind cloth.) A section of Synonym of Dhlmar.
Kohli. A sept of Korku. Machkandra NtltA.-A 8ul,Jivi~lOn of
Londzbacka.-A subcaste of Kasar, Jogi.
including persons of illegitimate ,MacAhia.-(From 'flM""i, fish.) A
descent. section of Dhlrnar and Lodhl.
Lonhdre, Lonare,. - (From Lonar- AfacAhri.-(Fish.) A Kept of Oraon.
Mehkar, the well-known salt lake of Mada Kukuria.-(Dead dog.) A
the Buldana District.) A subcaste subsection o( the VISW;u' section o(
of Kunbi. A section of Arakh and Koltas.
Ahlr. Madankul.-A section of Komti.
Ludkela.-A section of Basor who They do not use red clothes, nor
worship the ludkl., a round stone the wood of the swalfow • wort
for pounding (ood, at the Maihar tree. ,
ceremony. Madari.-A class of Fakirs or Mu·
Luhura.-(One who works in iron.) hammadau beggars.
Synonym of Lobir. Subcaste of Miitie.-A, resident of the Mad
Sidhira. country in Chinda and Bastar.
Lunia.-Synonym of Murha, Nunia. Subcaste of Pardhin. -
Midgi, Midiga.1-The Telugu caste of work en in leather corresponding
to the Chamars, wbich numbers nearly Ii millions in Madras, Mysore and
Hyderabid. In 1911 there were nearly 6000 Miidgis in the Central
1 This article is compiled from papers by C. Ramiah. Kiinungo, SironchA. and
W. G. Padaya Naidu. clerk, District Office, Chil.nda.
GLOSSARY
PrO\'inces and 3000 in Berar. According to tradition, the MadtgaS derive
their name from that of a sage called Miitanga Muni, and it is said that a
dynasty belonging to the caste once ruled in the Canllfese country. The
followiug legend of their origin comes from Mysore :,1 In former tunes the
sage Jambava Rishi was habitually late in attending at Siva's court. Siva
asked him why this happened, and he replIed that he was occupied in tending
his cluldren. On tIns Siva took pity on him and gave rum the sacred cow,
Kimdhenu, from which all the needs of the cluldren could be satisfied.
But one day while Jiimbava was absent at Siva's court, another sage,
Siinkhya, visited his _ hermitage and was hospitably entertamed by his son,
Yugamuni. The cream wruch Sankhya was gIven was so good that he
desired to kill the cow, Kiimdhenu, thinking that her flesh would taste even
better. In spite of Yugamuni's objections Sankhya kIlled the cow and
distributed the meat to various persons. While this was in progress Jamba\"3,
returned, and, on hearing what had been done, dragged Sankhya and
Y u.,"lUlluni before Siva's judgment seat. The two offenders did not enter the
court but stood outside the doorway, Siinkhya on the right SIde and
Yugamuni on the left. Siva condemned them to become Chandiilas or
outcastes, and the descendants of Sankhya have become the right - hand
HolIas, while those of Yugamuni and his wife Miitangi are the left-hand caste
of Miidigas. The latter were set to make shoes to expiate the sin committed
by their ancestor in killing a cow. Another story given in the Central
Provinces is that the Golla caste of cowherds, corresponding to the Ahirs
and the Miidgis, are the descendants of two brothers. The brothers had
a large herd of cattle and wanted to divide them. At this time, however,
cattle dIsease was prevalent, and many of the herd were affected. The
younger brother did not know of this, and seeing that most of the herd were
lying on the ground, he proposed to the eIder brother that he himself
should take all the cattle lying on the ground, and the elder brother all those
which were standing up, as a suitable method of division. The elder brother
agreed, but when the younger came to take his cattle which w~ on the
ground he found that they were all dead, and hence he had no alternative
but to take off the hides and cure and sell them. HIS descendants continued
his degraded profession and became the Miidgi caste. In Chanda the following
six subcastes of Miidgis are reported: The Nulka Chandriah or caste
priests; the Anapa or leather dealers; the Sindhi who are supposed to have
been performers of dramas; the Masti or dancers; the Kommu or tellers of
stories; and the Dekkala or genealogists of the caste. It is said that Kommu
really means a hom and Dekka a hoof. These last two are the lowest subdivisions,
and occupy a most degraded position. In theory they should not
sleep on cots, pluck the leaves of trees, carry loads on any unimal other than
a donkey, or even cook 'food for themselves, but should obtain their subsistence
by eating the leavings of other Madgis or membets of different castes. The
Nulka Chandriah or priests are the highest subdivision and will not take food
or water from any of the others, while the four remaining subcastes eat and
drink together, but do not intermarry. There are alsO a number of exogamous
groups, most of which have territorial naDles; but a few are titular or totemistic,
as-Mukkidi, noseless; Kurnawiir, a potter; Nagarwiir, a citizen; Dobbulwiir,
one who possesses-a t10bbulu or copper COIn; Ippawiir, from the mahua tree ;
Itkalwiir frop itkaJ a brick, and so on. The caste customs of the Miidigas
need not be recorded in detail They are an impure caste and eat all kinds
of food, and the leavings of others, though the higher subdIvisions refuse to
accept these. They live outside the village, and their touch is considered to
convey pollution.
VOL. I 2C
GLOSSARY PAB:r
Madkavackarya.-A Vishnuite sect and
order of religious mendicants. See
Bairagi.
Madkyan;an, Madhyandina.-.A class
of Brahmans, the same as the VajurVedis,
or a section of them.
llkld,a.-A class of Gonds'in Bastar.
lI-fadpolwa.-(One who distils liquor.)
Subcaste of Teli.
Madrasi.-Subcaste of Dhobi.
Magadha. - A subcaste of Ahir or
Riwat lD Chhattisgarh, who ask for
food from others and do not cook
for themselves.
Magar, Magra.-A sept Qf Khangar,
Ahu or Rawat, Gond and Chadar.
Magida.-Synonym of Madgi.
Makabrahman.-A degraded class of
Brahmans who accept gifts for the
dead.
,Mahddeva Thakur.-(Lord Mahideo.)
A section of Mili.
MahaJalt'a.-(Deceltful.) A section
of Lobir.
MahaJan.-A banker. Title of the
Bama caste.
Mahtikul.-Synonym for Ahir.
Makalodki.-(Great Lodhi.) Subcaste
of Lodhi.
Makanad,ya.-(Those who came from
the Mahlinadl river.) A subcaste of
Lodhi. A section of Ganda, Ghasia
and Panka.
akant.-Chief of a matk or monas·
tery. A superior class of priest. A
section ot Ahir, Panka, Chamar and
Koshta.
Maltanti.-A synonym for the Karan
or writer caste of Orissa. A section
of Chasa.
Mahapiitra. - A subdivision of degraded
Brahmans who take funeral gifts.
An honorific title of Thanapati and
of Uriya Brahmans.' A subcaste of
Bhlit.
Makar.-A caste. A subcaste of
Balahi and Gondhali. A section of
Rawat in Raigarh.
Maharaj.-(Great king.) A title of
Brahmans.
Maharana. -Synonym of Chitiiri.
Maharashtra or Mariitke.-One of the
five orders of Piinch Dravida Brahmans
inhabiting the Maratha country.
They are also called Dakshini Brah·
mans. A subcaste of Kumbar, Kasar
and Lohar.
Makedia.-A section of Bao;ors who wor·
ship pounded rice mixed with curds.
Makenga.-(An elephant.) A totem·
istic sept of Rautia and Kawar in
Biliispur.
Makeskri.-Subcaste of Baina.
MahiH.-Synonym for Mahli.
Mahipia.-(A drinker of curds.) A
subsection of the Viswiil section of
Koltas.
Makisur.-(Lord of the earth.) A
synonym of Brahmans.
Jl.fakli·Munda.-Subcaste of Mahli.
Maho6ia.-(From the town of Mahoba
in Central India.) A subcaste o(
Barai. Chamar, Dangi, Gh:u,ia,
Khangar and Mahar. A section of
Dangi, Kumhar and Korl.
Mahoda.-A subdiviloion of Brahmans
in Jubbulpore.
MaluJre. Mahure.-A suhcasteofBania.
Kori, Kumhir and Kajar.
Jl.falmilla.-Synonym of Marltha.
Jl.fiikto, Jl.lilltton. -A chief or village
headman. Subcaste and title of Teli
and Khairwar; title of the leader of
the Bhuiya caste. A settlon of Ganda
and Rawat (AhTr).
Jl.lahur.~(I·oison.} A subcaste of
SUMrs in Chhindw:ira.
il'lahure. lI-lakuna.-{I-rom Mahur, a
town in IJyderalJad.) Suhcute of
Barhai and Dhanj;ar.
lI-lai.-(Motber.) A dlvibion of the
Kabirpanthi sect.
Maichlzor.-A small clan of rUJpilts.
Perhaps from Maichuri in Jaipur.
Mailwar.-(Dtrty) A group of Sunir,
in Raipur.
lI-laina.-Synonym of Mina.
Mair.-A subcaste oC Sunar named
after Mair, their onginal ancestor,
who melted down a golden demon.
Maithil.-One of the Bve diVisions of
Panch Gaur Brahmans inhabitIng
the provi,nce of Maithll or Bihir
and Tirhiit.
Majanwar.-A territorial section of
Binjhwar (from Majare in Biil1ighat).
MiiJhi.-(A village headman.) Title of
Bhatra. •
Majlzia.-Synonym of Majhwiir.
MaJhli-(Mlddle.) Subcaste of Rautia.
Makaria.-(From.makad, monkey.) A
subcaste of Kamar, so called because
they eat monkeys.
MakkJa.-Subcaste of Mehtar.
GLOSSARY
Malsiya.-An immigrant from lIalwa. MJ/-Pd.Iritz..-Synonym of Mal.
Subcaste of Chhlpa. Al.I/vi, MJrd1i.-(From Ald/n'S.) A
A/Ju, ,l/,i/a-_-Synonyms of ~1aJ. subdivision of Brahmans in Hosban-
MalAtz..-A boatman. Synonym of giibad and Betiil A subcaste of
Mallah. Ahir, Barhai, Dam, Dhobi. Gadaria,
AIalmu-.-Subcaste of Koli. KaIar, Koshti. Kumhir. Nai and
Jll.ilt.-(A caste.) A section of Kallr_ Sunar.
Malyir.I-A small and cnriOIlS caste of workers in gold and silver in &star
State. They are known alternatively as Marbatia Sunir or Panc.hal, and
outsiders call them Adhili. The name lIalyar is said to be derived from mal,
dirt, and.lOr or .I.I/"a. to bom, the Malyirs having originally been employed by
SIlIlirs or goldsmiths to clean and polish their ornaments. :Ko doubt can be
entertained that the Malyirs are in reality Gonds, as they have a set of exogamollS
septs all of which belong to the Goods, and have Gondi names. So
far as poss1ble, however, they try to disguise this fact and perform their marriages
by walking ronnd the sacred post like the Hindustani castes. They
WIll take food cooked v.;thout water from Brahmans, Rajpiits and Banias, but
will not eat la/duJ (or food cooked with water) from anybody, and not even from
members of their own caste unless they are relatives. This custom is common
to some other castes of mixed descent. and indic:ltes that illicit connections
are frequent among the Malyars, as indeed would necessarily be the case
owing to the paucity of their numbers. But their memories are short. and the
offspring of such irregular unions are recognised as belonging to the caste
after one or two generations. An outsider belonging toany higher caste may
be admitted to the community. The caste worship Mata Devi or the goddess
of smallpox, and revere the spirit of a Malyar woman who became a Sari.
They have learned as servants of the Sunirs the rudiments or their art. and
mannfactnre rough ornaments fOr the primitive people of Bastar.
MJIUJ Qilttz..-Subcaste of Ojba. do not eat mangoes.
Mmuial.-(A name for a prosperous MIUII.I'I.iAtz..-(From :Mandla town.)
cn1tivator in Cbbattisgllrh.) Asection Subtribe of Gond.
or Cha.mi.r and Panka. See article Ma_ Ktmbi.-Subcaste of Gondbali.
Kormi. Mling or Jlllingia.-A caste. Subcaste
Mandilu'<'ir. - Name derived from of Ganda, Gondbali, Bahriipia.
Mandla. Subcaste of Katia. MSnglm.-(From Malrgn"ma,beggar.)
Ms"dbd.-A section of Komti who A caste.
Mangan. '-A small caste found in Chhattisgllrh and Sambalpur who are the
mllSicians and genealogists of the Ghasias. The term is considered flpprobrillS,
as it means ' beggar,' and many Alangans probably retom themselves as
Ghasias. They are despised by the Ghasias, who will not take food or
water from them. At the marriages of the former the Mangans play on a
drnm called glJungnrw., which. they consider as the badge of the caste, their
cattle being branded with a representation of it. The only point worth
notice about tbe caste is that they are admittedly of1Jlixed descent from the
unions of members of other castes with Ghasia prostitutes. They have five
totemistic exogamous sectIDllS, about each of which a song is sung relating
its origin. The Suniini sept. which worships gold as its totem and occupies
the highest position, is said to be descended from a Brahman father and a
Ghasia mother; the Sendaria sept. worshipping vermilion, from a Kewat
ancestor and a Gbasia woman; the Bbainsa sept, worshipping a buffalo.
from a ~nr or Ahir and a Ghasia; the Mabanadia sept. having the
MalJiinadi for their totem, from a Gond and a Ghasia woman; whlle tbe
1 This article is compiled from a
paper by Mr. Gbisinam Dini. Deputy
Inspector of Schools. Bastar State.
S The caste numbered 85 persons
in 1911. The above notice is compt1ed
from a paper by Mr. Krishna
Sewak. Nai~TabsiIdar, Eargarb.
GLOSSARY PART
Bagh sept, who revere the tiger, say that a cow once gave birth to two
young, one in the form of a tiger and the other of a human being; the latter
on growing up took a Ghasia woman to himself and became the ancestor of
the sept. As might be expected from their ancestry, the Mangan women are
generally of loose character. The Mangans sometimes act as sweepers.
Mangta.-(A beggar.J A subcaste of sept of Balga, Basor and Bhunjia.
Pasi in SaugoT, who beg from their A subcaste of Majhwar.
caste-fellows. Maral.-Synonym of Mali .
. Maniara.-(A pedlar.} Subcaste of lIIarapa.-A sept of Gonds in Bet iii ,
Jogi. who abstain from kilhng or eating a
Mamkar.-A caste. The Manihars goat or sheep and throwaway any
are also known as Bisati.. An article smelt by them.
occupational name of Jogis. lIfarar.-Synonym for Mali, a gar·
Mtintkpurza.-(A resident of Manik- dener. Also a subcaste of Kachhi.
pur.) Subcaste of Panka. lIIaratka, Maratke.-A caste. A sub·
Manjki.-(Headman.) A synonym of caste of Barhai, Bedar, Chamiir,
Santal and Kewat. A section of Dhimar, Gadana, Kumhar, Mahar,
Chasa, Dhanuhar and Kolta. A Mili, Ming, Nai and Teli.
title of Chasa. .Mara/ki, 1I1ardtlza, lIldrthe, IIlaralhe.
Manjur.-(Peacock.) A totemistic -(Aresidentof the Marathacountry.)
sept of Munda. Subcaste of Bahriipia, Chnmar,
ManJwar-Term for a boatman. In· Dhangar, Gondhali, Gopal,lnjhwar,
cluded in Kewat. Kaikari, Kasil.r, KOlIhti, N:ihal,
lIfankar.-Name of a superior class of Oliri.
village watchmen in Nimar District. 1IIarethia.-Resident of Dhandara or
See article Bhn: A subcaste of another Maratha District. SuLcalote
Joshi. A section of Miina and of Halh&.
Halba. Mana.-A well-known tnbe of Gonds
Mannepuwar.-A subcaste of Mala. in Bastar and Chanda. See article
Synonym, Telugu Bhoi. Gond. A 8uLcaste of Gowjri. A
Afanwa.-Subcaste of Kunbi. section of Ahir, ChamAr and Kum·
MarabJ.-A common sept of Gond. hir.
A section of Nat. Markdm.-(marka, mango.) One of
lIfarai.-(A name for the goddess of the principal septB of Gonds. Also
cholera, who is called Marai Mita.) a sept ot Baiga, Basar, BhuDJla,
A common sept of Gond. Also a Pardhan and SolahL
Marori.1-A small caste of degraded Rajpiits from Mlirwar found in the
Bhandara and Chhindwara Districts and also in Berir. The name is a local
corruption oi Marwari, and is applied to them by their neighboun, though
many of the caste do not accept it and call themselves Riljpiits. In Cbhind·
wara they go by the name of Chhatri, and in the Tirors TahsD they are
known as Alkari, because they formerly grew the aJ or Indian madder [or 8.
dye, though it has now been driven out of the market. They have been in
the Central Provinces for some generations, and though retaining certain
peculiarities of dress, which show their northern origin, have abandoned in
many respects the caste usages of Rajpiits. Their women wear the Hinduslim
angia tied with string behind in place of the Maratha ,koli or breastcloth,
and drape their siiris after the northern fashion. They wear ornaments
of the Rijputiina shape' on their arms, and at their weddings they sing
Marwiiri songs. They have Rajpiit sept names, as Parihir, Rjthor, Solanki,
Sesoma and others, which constitute exogamons groups and are called Ilulu.
Some of these have split up into two or three subdivisions, as, for instance,
the Pathar (stone) Panwars, the Pandhre or white Panwirs and the Dhatiira
or thorn-apple Panwars; and members of these different groups may inter-
,
1 Based on inquiries 11ld.de by Mr. Hira Lal. ~SlStant Gazetteer Super·
intendent in Bhanclara.
GLOSSARY
marry. The reason seems to be that it "''as recognised that people belonged
to the same Panwiir sept who were not blood kin to each other, and the
prohIbition of marriage between them was a serious inconvenience in a small
community_ They also have eponymous .i;'lJIras, as Yasishtha, Balsa and
others of the Brihmanica1 type, but these do not influence exogamy. The
paucity of their numbers and the influence of local usage have caused them
to relax the marriage rules adhered to by Riijpiits. Women are very scarce,
and a price varymg from forty to a hundred rupees is commonly paid for a
bride, though they feel keenly the degradation attachIng to the acceptance of
a bride-price. Widow-marriage is permitted, no doubt for the same reasons,
and a girl going wrong with a man of another caste may be readmitted to
the community. Divorce is not permitted, and an unfaithful wife may be
abandoned; she cannot then marry again in the caste. Formerly, on the
arrival of the marriage procession, the bride's and bridegroom's parties let off
fireworks, aiming them against each other, but this practice is now discontinued.
When the bndegroom approaches the marriage-shed the bride
comes out and strikes him on the breast or forehead with a ball of dough,
a sheet being held between them; the bridegroom throws a handful of rice
over her and strikes the festoons of the shed with a naked sword. A
bachelor espousing a widow must first be married to a ring, which be thereafter
carries in his ear, and if it is lost funeral ceremonies must be performed
as fOr a real wIfe. 'Vomen are tattooed on the arms only. Children have
as many as five names, one for ordinary use, and the others for ceremonial
purposes and the arrangement of marriages. If a man kills a cow or a cat
he must have a miniature fignre of the animal made of gold and give it to a
Brahman in expiation of !).is sin.
Marskola.--{From markos, an axe.}
A common sept of Gonds and
Pardhans.
Mdru..-Subcaste of Charm Bhals.
~ftint1tiri.-A resident of Miirwir or
the desert tract of Rajputana; Marwar
is also used as a name for
Jodhpur State.. See subordinate
article Rajput-Rathor. The name
Miirwan is commonly applied to
Banias coming from Miirrir. See
article Bania. A subcaste of Bahna,
Gurao. Kwnhar, .N ai, Sunar and
Teli.
Mascuuq.-(From masi". straw or
grass mats, or manna, thatched
root:) A section of Lobar. A
synonym for San Bhatras in Bastar.
MasUi.-(A water-bearer., Synonym
of Bhishti.
Masriim.-A common sept of Gonds.
Masti.--{Dancer.) Subcaste ofMidgi.
Maslram.-(Mastra., brass bangles.)
A sept of Gonds in Betw. The
women of -this sept wear brass
bangles.
Masiina.-Asubcaste ofKurrni. From
1rI4Siir, lentil A section of Rajpiit.
AfatAadhari.-(Living in a monastery.)
A celibate clan of Manbhao mendicants.
Afatltpati.--{Lord of the hermitage.}
A subcaste of Jangam.
MatAur, lIIatltuna.-(From Mathura
or Muttra.) A subcaste of Kayasth.
A subdivision of Brahman. A subcaste
oJ Banjara, Dam and Nai.
~IatkUda, Motkora.-(Earth-digger.}
A subcaste and synonym of Be1dar.
A name for Gonds and Pardhans
who take to earthwork.
Mattlta.-Corruption of Maritha. A
subcaste of Koshti, Mahar and
Teli, and a title of Teli.
Matti.-A subdivision of low-class
Brahmans returned from Khairagarh.
Also a class of Kashmiri Brahmans.
Matwdla.-(A drinker of country
liquor.) Subcaste of Kadera.
,VfZlIJasi, Afirdltan.-Subcaste of Dahait.
Title of the headman of the
Dahait caste committee.
Mayllluar.-(Chief man of the caste.)
A subcaste of Turi.
~fayur. - (Peacock.) A totemistic
section of the Ahir, Hatwa, Gond,
Sonjhara and Sundi castes.
Mayurmara.-(Killer of peacock.) A
section of Bahe1ia.
Metia GanIia. - (Counter of posts.)
Title of Bhatra. Official who fixes
date and hour for wedding •.
GLOSSARY PAIl.T·
Medara, Medari.-The Telugu caste of bamoo<rworkers and mat.makers,
conespondmg to the Bnsors. They have the same story ,as the Bason of the
first bamboo having been grown from the snake worn by Siva round his
neck, which was planted bead downwards in the ground. The customs of
the Medaras, Mr. Francis says,' differ from place to place. In one they will
employ Brahman purohits (priests), and prohibit widow.marriage, while in the
next they will do neither, and will even eat rats and vermin. The better
classes among them are taking to calling themselves Bah)u or Baljis, and
affixing the title of Chetti to their names.
Medan.-Synonym of Medara. Brahmans. A lubcaste of Chhipa,
1I1ehar.-Synonym of Bhulia. Darzi, Mali and Suni,.
lYIelter.-A section of Malwi Ahir, a Mewati. - Synonym 0( Meo. See
synonym for Bhulia. A title of article. A class of FakIrs or
Chamar. Muhammadan beggar ..
Meltra. - Synonym for Mahar. A Mlta/i.-Synonym of Nai.
subcaste of Katla aDd Kori. illltasia, A/ltasM. - (Mnas, buffalo.)
Meltta.-A group of Brahmans, A A sept o( Halba. A section of
section of Oswat Bania. Kohli.
lIfelttar.-{A prince or leader.) Com· M,It,r.-Synonym of Bbulia.
mon name for the sweeper caste. Mina.-A caste. A section of Rag.
Title of the president of the Dhobi huvansis.
caste committee. Mirdalta. - A lIubcaste of Dahl-it,
lIfeman.-Synonym of Cutchi. Khangar, and Nat. A section of
1IIeskbansi.-(Descendant of a sheep.) Raghuvansi. Name used for the
A clan of Rajpiits. mate of a gang of coolies.
lI-fewada, Mewari.-(From Mewilr.) lUtr·Daltail.-Title of the Mirdha
A division of Gujarati or Khedawal caste.
Mirdha.-A small caste found only in the Narsinghpur District. They are
a branch of the Khangar or Dahiiit caste of Saugor and Damoh. The names
of their exogamous sections tally with those of the Khangars, and they have
the same story of their ancestors having been massacred at a fort in Orchha
- State and of one pregnant woman escaping and biding under a kusu", tree
(Scltleicltera tri/uga), which consequently they revere. Like Kbangiirs they
regard Muhammadan eunuchs and Fakirs (beggars) with special fnendship,
on the ground that it was a Fakir who sheltered their ancestress when the
rest of the caste were massacred by Rajpiits, and Fakin do not beg at their
weddings. One explanation of the name; is that this section of the caste
were born from a Muhammadan {ather and a Dahait woman, and hence
were called Mir·Dahaits or Mirdaha, Mir being a Muhammadan title.
Mirdba is, however, as noted by Mr. Hira Lat, the name of the head of the
caste committee among .the Dahaits; and in Hoshangab.id he is a servant
of the village proprietor and acts as assistant to the Kotwar or village watch·
man; he realises the rents (rom the tenants, and sometImes works as a night
guard. In Gujarat the name is said to be a corruption of mrr·tielt or • mason
of the ¥illage.'» Here it is said that the Mirdhas are held to be of part
foreign, part Rajput origin, and were originally official spies of the Gujarat
sultans. They are now employed as messengers and constables, and there·
fore seem to be analogous to the same class of persons in the Central
Provinces.
Mirslttktir.-Synonym of Piirdhi.
Misra or Misar.-A SUrname of Kana.
ujia, Jijhotia, Sarwaria· and Uriya
Brahmans.
Mistri.-(Corruption oj the English
Mister.) A master carpenter or
mate of a gang. Title of Barhai,
Beldar and Lohar.
1 Madras Census R~/orl (1901:), p. 168.
I B011IlJay Gautteer, Guj. Mukll. p. 18.
GLOSSARY 391
Mithitt.-(A prepaler of sweets.) Synonym
of Halwai.
1Iloehi. - (A shoemaker.) A caste.
Subcaste of Chamar.
1.Iodh.-A subdivision of Khed;iwal or
Gujarati Brahmans who take theu
name from Modhera, an ancient
place in Gujarat. A subcaste of
GUjarati Bania.
Jfodh-Chane/i.-Subcaste of Tell in
GUJarat.
1IfogMa.-Synonym of Pardhi.
1IIohama.-(Captivator.) A section
of RaJjhar and Kirar.
1Ifohtana.-Tltle of the headman of
the Andh caste committee.
Mohtera. - One who fixes the auspicious
moment, hence the headman
of the caste. A utular section of
Basor.
1Ifonas.-A subdivision of Brahmans.
1.Iongre, Jlfongri, 1.Iongreka,r. - (A
club or mallet.) A section of Ahu
or Rawat in Chhattisgarh, and of
Chamar, Ganda, and Panka.
lIforz.-A branch of the Panwar Rajputs.
.
1Ifor KachM.-One who prepares the
maur or marriage-crown foe weddmgs.
Subcaste of Kachhi.
1.Iorkul.-A section of Komti. They
do not use asafoetlda (h,ng) nor the
fruit of the umar fig-tree.
il'Eotate.-(Frorn 11101, water-bag.} A
subcaste of Kapewar.
.nIouJikul.-A section of Komti. They
do not use pepper.
1Ifowar. -Subcaste of Raj war.
1Ifowiisi.-A resident of the forests of
Kalibhit and Melghat known as
the Mowas. Subcaste of Korku.
Muamin.-Synonym of Cutchi.
Aluasi.-Titie of Korku; subcaste of
Korwa.
1Ifucki.-Synonym of Mochi.
1Ifudara.-Subcaste of Parja.
Mudgalza. - (From mudgal, Indian
club-an athlete. ) A surname of
Adi Gaur Brahmans in Saugor.
lIIudna.-Synonym for Munda.
1.Iudotia. -(from mudha, a cheat.)
A surname of Sanadhia Brahmans
in Saugor.
lIfuglzal.-A tribal division of Muhammadans.
See article Muhammadan
Religion.
lIIuhammadan.-Subcaste Qf Koli.
Muhjaria.-(Burnt mouth.) A section
of Lodhi.
Mukeri.-Or Kasai, a small Muhammadan caste of traders in cattle and
butchers. In 1891 more than 900 were returned from the Saugor District.
Thejr former occupauon was to trade in cattle like the Banjaras, but they
• have now adopted the more profitable trade of slaughtering them for the
export of meat; and as this occupation is not considered very reputable, they
have perhaps thought it desirable. to abandon their caste name. The derivation
of the term Mukeri is uncertain. According to one account they are
a class of Banjaras, and denve their name from Mecca, on the ground that
one of their Niilks or headmen was camping in the neighbourhood of this
town, at the time when Abraham was buIldmg it, and assisted him in the
work. When they emigrated from Mecca their illustrious name of Makkai
was corrupted into Mukeri.1 A variant of this story is that their ancestor
was one Makka Banjara, who also assisted in the building of Mecca, and
that they came to India With the early Muhammadan invaders.! The
Mukeri, form a caste and marry among themselves. In their marnage
ceremony they have adopted some Hindu observances, such as the anoinung
of the bride and bridegroom With turmeric and the erection of a marriageshed.
They take food from the higher Hmdu castes, but will not eat wltb
a Kayasth, though there is no objection to this on the score of then religion.
They Will admit an outsider, if he becomes a Muhammadan, but wIll not
give thei' daughters to him in marriage, at any rate until he has Men for
some years a member of the caste. In other matter!f they follow Muham.
madan law.
Mullaji.-Title of the priests of the Bohra caste.
1 Elhott's Memoirs, voL i p. 54-
II Crooke's TrIbes and Castes, voL i. p. 161.
392 GLOSSARY PART
lIfztllani.-Subcaste and synonym of lJfurai, Murat). - (From mulz, or
BanJara. radish.) Subcaste of Klichhi.
MU1Uia.-(A village headman, from lIIurclzulta.-(One who puts rings on
munda, the head.) Title and the fingers of the ca.~te.) A section
synonym of Kol. A subcaste of of Ganda and Panka in Raipur.
Kharia and Oraon. Muria. - A well·known subtnbe of
Mundela. - (Bald.headed.) A sur· Gonds in Bastar and Chanda.
njlVle ofJiJhotia Brahmans in Saugor. lIIurlt.-Synonym of Waghya.
Munlile. - (Shaven ones.) Subcaste Musabir.-Synonym of Mochi.
of Giijar. lJIusalzar.-(A rat-eater.) Subcaste
lIfunikul.-A secnon of Komti. They and title of Bhuiya.
do not use munga beans. lJIusare.-(Musar, a pestle.} A sec·
1IIun;ia. - NllIDe of an Akbara or tion of Miili.
school of Bairagi religious mendi- lJIussali.-Title of Mehtar.
cants. See Bairagi.. lJIulrliena.-Synonym of Mutrlisi.
Munurwar.-Synonym of Kapewar. lIfutrdsa.-Synonym of Mutrlisi.
Mutrasi, Mutrasa., Muthrasi, Mutricha.-(From the Dravidian roots
mutii, old, and rliena, a king, or from M utu Raja, a sovereign of some part
of tqe Telugu country.) 1 A caste which is numerous in Hyderabiid and
Madras, and of which a few persons are found in the Chanda District of the
Central Provinces. The Mlllrlisis are the village watchmen proper of
Telingana or the Telugu country.2 They were employed by the Vljayanagar
kings to defend the frontier of their country, and were honoured with
the title of Pall gar. Their usual honorific titles at present are Dora (Sahib
or Lord) and Naidu. As servants they are considered very falthful and courageous.
Some of them have taken to masonry in Chanda, and are considered
good stone·carvers. They are a comparatively low caste, and eat fowls and
drink liquor, but they do not eat beef or pork. It is compulsory among
them to marry a girl before she arrives at adolescence, and if thiS is not done
her parents are put out of caste, and onty readmitted on payment of a penalty.
Nabadia.-(Boatman or sailor.) A Parja, Redka, Sulia, Sundi and
synonym for Kewat. Taonla castes. Most of tbese castes
Naddiif. - A synonym for Bahna or belong to Chhattisgarh and the U riya
Pinjara. country..,
Nadha.-(Those who live on the banks Niiga.-A clan of Gosains or mendi·
of streams.) Subcaste or Dhimar. cants. See Gosam.
Nadia.-A dan of Dangi. Niigar.-A lubcaste of Brahmans be-
Nag, Nagesn.-(Cobra.) A sept of longing to GUJarat; a subcaste of
the Ahir or Rawat, Binjhal, Bhatia, Bania; a section of Teli.
Chasa, Hatwa, Halba, Khadal, Nagiircni.-(A drum-beater.) A class
Kawar, Khangar, Karan, Katia, of Gonds. A subcaste of Ganda
Kolla, Lobar, Mahar, Mall, Mowar, and Ghasia.
Nagarchi.-The Nagarchis appear to be a class of Gonds. whose special
business was to beat the nakkara or kettledrums at the gates of forts and
palaces. In some Districts they now form a special community, marrying
among themselves, and numbered about 6000 persons in I9JJ. The nagara
or nakkara is known in Persia as well as in India. Here the drum is made
of earthenware, of a tapering shape covered at both ends with camel·hide for
the zir or treble, and with cowhide for the bam or bass. It is beaten at the
broader end. In Persia the drums were played from the Nakllrua·khana or
gateway, which still exists as an appanage of royalty in the chief cities or
Iran. They were beaten to greet the rising and to usher out the setting sun.
During the months of mourning, Safar and Muharram, they were SIlent.'
1 Madras Census Report (1891), p.
30 3.
I India Census Report (1891), p. :zoo.
• Man, November 1909.
GLOSSARY 393
In India the nagiira were a pair of large kettledrums bound with iron hoops
and twice as large as those used in Europe. They were a mark of royalty
and were carried on one of the state elephants, the royal .animal, in the
prince's sowari or cavalcade, immediately preceding him on the line o(
march. The right of displaying a banner and beating kettledrums was one
of the highest marks of distinction whick could be conferred on a Rajpiit
noble. When the titular Maritha Raja had retired to Satira and any of the
l\laritha princes entered his territory, all marks of royalty were laid aside by
the latter and his "ogara or great drum of empire ceased to be beaten.1
The stick with which the kettledrum was struck was called danka, and the
king's jurisdiction was metaphorically held to extend so far as his kettledrums
were beaten. Angresi raj ka danka "aJta Aai or 'Where the English drum
is beaten,' means 'So far as the English empire extends.'· In Egypt the
kettledrums were carried on camels. I
Nagana.-(.t\, drum-player.) A section
of Jasondhi Bbiit and Teli.
Nag6ans.-(Descended from the cobra.)
A totemistic sept of Gadba, Ghasia,
and Gond.
Nagla.-(Naked.) SubcasteofKhond.
Nagpure.-:(From Nigpur.) A section
of Lodhi and Kohh.
Nagvansi.-A clan of Rajpiits. See
article Rajpiit-Nagvansi. A subcaste
and section of Sunar. A
section of Daharia or Daraiha and
Gond.
Nahar.-(Tiger.) A subtribe of Baiga.
A sectIon of Riijpiits in Saugor.
Nahtmia.-A clan of Dangi in Damoh
and Saugor. They were formerly
Kachhwiha Rajpiits from Narwar,
but being cut off from their own
domicile they. married with Dangis.
Rijpiits accept daughters from them
but do not give their daughters to
Nahonias.
JVaulu.-Title of the Ba1ija, Mutrasi
I and Velama castes. Often used by
BaliJas as tbeir caste name.
Na,k.-(Leader.) A subdivision of
Gond, also known as Darwe. A
tItle of Banjara headmen. A title
oC'Teli and Kalla. A section of
Ahir, Chamar, Chasa, Gadaria.
Halba, Kewat, Khond, Mali, Sudh.
Nakw. -Mace-bearer or flag-bearer in
a procession. Subcaste of J asondhi
Bhit and Khangir.
Nakskbandia.-A class of Fakus or
Muhammallan beggars.
Naksia.-Synonym of Nagasia.
Namdeo.-A rebgious sect confined to
members of the Chhipa and Dam
castes, which has become a subcaste.
Nanaksktiki. --Synonym of Ninak·
panthi.
Nandia.-(One who leads about with
him a performing bullock). From
Nandi, the bull on which Mahiideo
rides. Subcaste of Jogi.
Nandvansi • ...,...Subcaste of Abu.
Nangkana.-A name given to the Koltribe
in Hoshangibad.
Napua.-Sansklit name for Nai or
barber.
Naqqa/.-Title of Bhand.
Naraina.-Subcaste of Patwa.
Naramdeo.-A subcaste of Brahmans
belonging to the Gaur branch. They
take their name from the river
Nerbudda.
Nar"adi, Narmada.-(From the river
Nerbudda.) A subdivision of Maharishtra
Brahmans. A section of
Yajur.Vedi Brihmans. A synonym
for Naramdeo Brahmans. A section
of Agharia, BinJhil and Chamiir.
Narnolw.-(Froma place called NamoI
in the Punjab.) Subcaste of Mehtar.
Narwaria.-A clan of Dangi. A subcaste
of Ahu.
Ndta.-(A young bullock.) A section
-of-Ahir and Oswil Bania.
Natkunia.-(Nose-ring.) A subcaste
of Pasi.
Navailesia. -(A man of nine districts.)
Subcaste of Banjara.
Nawaria. -A subcaste of Barhai,
Lobar. Kachera or Sisgar, Nai and
Tamera.
Nasir.-(A cashier or usheff) Subcaste
of Jasondhi Bhat.
1 Tone, Letter on tile Mar4tluu (X798), India Office Tracts, p. 25.
I Lane, Modena Egypt,a,IS, p. 373.
394 GLOSSARY PAR.T
Negi.-A vice.president of the caste
committee in the Kharia caste.
Nema or Nima.-A subcaste of Bania.
See artlc1e Bania, Nema.
Netam.-(The dog in Gondi.) One
of the common septs of Gond. Also
a sept of Basor, Bhatra, Bhuiya,
Dewar, Kawar and Parja.
Nawarz.-(From navar, thick tape
used for webbing of beds.) Sub·
caste of Bahna.
Niana.-An occupational term applied
to persons who take the refuse and
sweepings from a Sunar's shop and
wash out the particles of gold and
silver. See article Sunar.
Nigam, N,gum. - A subcaste of
Kiyasth.
Nirali.-Synonym of Chhipa.
N,ranjani.-Name of an Akhira or
school of Bairagis. See Bai.cagi.
Nzrhani. - tNIr. without; hani,
speech.) A class of Bairigis who
refrain from speech as rar as pos.
sible.
Ninnohi.-A class of Bairagis.
Nona or Lona.-Name derived from
Nona or Lona Chamiirin, a well·
known witch. Subcaste of Chamiir.
Nulkadlandrialz.-Caste priests. Subcaste
of Madgi.
Nun.-(Salt., A sept of Oraon.
Nunia, Noma, Lunia.-(Saltmaker.)
A synonym of Beldar. A section of
Binjhwar and Koli.
Nzkal.-Synonym of Nahal. Od.-~nonym of Beldar.
Ntlzang. - A class of Bairagis or 7Jil(J;, a. (From 'Odra the old name
religious mendicants, who remain of Orissa.) Term for a digger or
celibate. navvy. A group of Beldars.
Nikkar.-A subcaste of Ahir, Bharewa Odkia.-Synonym for Audhia Bania.
(Kasar), Gadaria. A clan of Rajpiit. Odta or Uriya.-Subcaste of Beldar in
A section of Koshti. Chhattisgarh.
Nzkumhlt.-A clan of Rajpiits included Oiku.-Subtribe of Majhwar.
in the thirty.six royal races. A Qjlza.-(From Ojlz, entrails.J A caste
section of Joshi. of Gond augurs, see article. A
Ni{rar.-Synonym of Chhipa. title of Maithil Briihmans. A sub.
Nilkar.-(From nil, indigo.) A sub· caste of Lob1r, Nat and Savar.
caste of Darzi or Simpi (tailors) in Okki!ran.-Synonym of Wakkibga.
Nagpur, so named because they took Omre, Um,.,.-A subcaste of Bania.
up the wOfk of dyeing in addrtion to See Bania Umre.-A subcaste of
their own and formed a new subcaste. Teli.
Nimanantii.-A VlShnuite sect and Onkar Niitlz.-A subdivision of Jogis.
order of religious mendicants. See Onkule.-Subcaste of Koshti. ,
Bairagi. O,lza.-Subcaste of Chasa.
Nimari, Nimiitli, Nimaria.-(A resi· Oswlil.-A subcaste of Bania. See
dent of Nimar.) A subcaste of subordinate article to Bania.
Balahi, Bania, Dhabi, Mahar and Ota.-(One who recites the Vedas
Nai. aloud in sacrifices,) An honorific
Nimawal.-A class of Bairiigi. title of Uriya Brahmans. •
Otiri, Watka.ri.-A low caste of workers in brass in the Mariitha country.
The name is derived from the Marathi verb otne, to poUr or smelt. They
number about 2600 persons in the Bhandara and Chanda Districts, ~d in
Berar. The caste have two subcutes, Gondiidya and Mariitha, or the Gond
and Maratha Ota.rh.. The latter are no doubt members of other castes who
have taken to brass· working. Members of the two subcastes do 'not eat with
each other. Their family names are of different kinds, and some of them are
totemistic. They employ Brahmans for their ceremonies, and otherwise their
customs are like those of the lower artisan castes. But it is ~ported that
they have a survival of marTiage by capture, and if a man refuses to give his
daughtor in marriage after being asked twice or thrice, they abduct the girl
and afterwards pay some compensation to the father. They make and sell
ornaments of brass and bell-metal, such as are wQm by the lower castes, and
travel from village to village, hawking their toe-rings and anklets. There is
also an Otlirl subcaste of Kasars.
GLOSSARY 395
Pa6ai),a.-(From Pabai in Bundelkhand.) A clan of Rajpiits iq Hoshangibad.
Pibia..-A small caste in the zamindaris of the Bilaspur District, and some of
the Feudatory States, who Dumbered about 9000 persons in 1911. They
appear to be Piins or Gandas, who also 'bear the Dame of Pib, and this has
heed corrupted into Pabia, perhaps with a view to hiding their origin. They
are wretchedly poor and ignorant. ~hey say that they have never been to a
Government dispensary, and would be afraid that medicine obtained from it
would kill them. Their only remedies for diseases are branding the part
affected or calling in a magician. They never send their children to school,
as they hold that educated cluldren are of no value to their parents, and that
the object of Government in opening schools is only to obtain literate persons
to carry on its business. One curious custom may be noticed. When anyone
dies in a family, all the members, as soon as the breath leaves his body, go into
another room of the house; and across the door they lay a net opened into
the room where the corpse lies. They think that the spirit of the dead man
will follow them, and Will be caught in the net. Then the net is carried away
and burnt or buned with the corpse, and thus they think that the spirit is
removed and prevented from remaining about the house and troubling the
survivors.
Pakka.-Synonym for Dhimar.
PalJutiia or MJdAai.-A subcaste of
Bhuiya.
Packadke.-(Western.)-A subdivision
of Siiraswat Brahman.
Packbkai)'a. - (Five Brothers.) A
section of Ahir and Audhelia.
Pada.-(A pig-eater.) A section of
Moria Gonds and Pardhiins.
Padluln.-(An Uriya name for a chief
or headman of a village. ) A section
of Bhuiya, Chasa, Dumal, Hatwa,
Kolta, Tiyar and other Uriya castes.
A title of Chasa and Kolla.
Padmasale.-Subcaste of Koshti.
Pad)'al. - A subtribe of Gond in
Chanda. A section of Marori.
• Pa.b.a.lwiD.-A small community numbering about 600 persons in the Bilaspur
Distnct and surrounding tracts of Chhattisgarh. The word Pahalwan means
a wrestler, but Sir B. Robertson states l that they are a small caste of singing
beggars and have no connection with wrestlmg. They appear, however, to
belong to the Gopiil caste, who have a branch of Pahalwans in their community.
And the men returned from Bilaspur may have abandoned wrestling
in favour of smging and begging from trees, which is also a calling of
the Gopiils. They themselves say that their ancestors were Gopals and lived
somewhere towards Bernr, and that they came to Bilaspur with the Maratha
leader ChimnaJi Bhonsla.
pakar.-Subcaste of Mahli.
Pakaria or Benwaria.-Subcaste of
Korwa.
Pau.-(A foot...soldier.) See RajpntPl11t
•.
Paikaka.-(One who follows the calling
of curing hides.) Synonym for
Cbamar.
Paikara.-(From .paik, a foot-soldier.)
Subcaste of Kawar.
Pai/agia'-f!3.1lagi or • I fall at your
feet,' is a common term of greeting
from an inferior to a superior.) Subcaste
of Dahait. .
Pa,yam.-(From pa,ya, ,. calf.) A
sept of Gonds in Betiil.
Pajania.-(PaiJana, tinkling ankie1:s.J
A section of Kurmi
PaMali.--(From paHali, a leathern
water-bag.) Synonym of BhIshti.
Pakhawaji.-(One who plays on the
pakhawaj or tim breI. ) Title of
Mirasi.
Pakkia.-(They are 50 called because
they. eat the flesh of the por or
buffalo.) Subcaste of Khond.
Palas.-(From the palas tree, Butea
frondosa.) A totemistic sept of
Gonds. '
Palewar.-A golra of Binjhwir; a
5ubcaste of Dhimar found in the
Telugu country. They are also
1 CenslIs Report (189:1), p. 211.
GLOSSARY PART
caned Bhoi in Chanda. A name Palshe.-A subcaste of Maratha Brah·
fllr Telugu Dhimars or water men. mans. They denve their name from
A section of BmJhwar. Palsaoli viJlage in Kalyan (Bombay
Palgarza.-(Sleepmg on a palang or Presidency).
cot.) A sept of Bhunjla. Pampatra. - (Those who use their
Palhwiil.-A subcaste of Brahmans hands as pots.) A section of Khand·
belongmg to the KanauJia divisIOn. wiil.
They take their name from Plili, a P,in.-(Name of a forest tnbe.) 8yn.
tradmg town of Mlirwlir. A sub· onym for Glinda.
caste of Bania, whose name is de· Panck, Pand'ilyat.-(A caste com·
rived from the same place. mittee, so called because it is sup·
Palsa.gtuha.-(Paliis tree, Butea fro". posed to consist of five (panch) per·
dosa.) A totemlstic sept of Plins. sons.) A section of Marar.
Fanch.al.-An indetermmate group of artisans engaged in any of the followlOg
five trades: Workers 10 iron, known as Manu; workers in copper or brass
called Twashtik; workers in stone or Shilpik; workers in wood or Maya;
and workers ID gold and silver designated as Daivagnya.1 The caste appear
to be of Telugu Origin, and in Madras they are also known as Kammala.
In the Central ProvlDces they were amalgamated with the Sunars in '9°',
but 10 1891 a total of 7000 were returned, belonging to the southern
Districts; while 2700 members of the C8.l.te are shown in Berar. The name
is vanously derived, but the principal root is no doubt pane}, or five. Captain
Glasfurd writes It PanchYlinun.! In the Central Provinces the Pancbals
appear general\y to work in gold or bl'1l.l>S, whde in Berar they are black·
smiths. The gold.workers are an intelligent and fairly prosperous class, and
devote themselves to engraving, inlaying, and making gold beads. They
are usual\y hired by Sunars and paid by the piece.' They are intent on
improvrng their SOCial position and now claim to be Vishwa Brahmans, pre·
sumably m virtue of their descent from Viswa Karma, the celestial architect.
At the census they submitted a petition begging to be classified as Brahmans,
and to support their claim they employ members of their own caste to serve
them as priests. But the majonty of them permit the remamage of widows,
and do not wear the sacred thread. In other respects their customs resemble
those of the 8unars. The Berir Panchils, on the other band, appear to be
a much lower group. Mr. Kitts describes' them as a "wandering caste of
smiths living in grass-mat huts and using as fuel the roots of thorn bushes,
which they batter out of the ground with the back of a short·handled axe
pecullar to themselves: The Beran Panchals," he continues, .. who differ
from the Dakhani diVision in the custom of shaving their heads and beards
on the death of a parent, have been in the Provinces for some generations.
They hve in small pals or tents, and move from place to place with buffaloes,
donkeys, and occasionally ponies to carry their kit. The women of the Berari
division may be distingmshed from those of the Dakhani Panchiils by their
wearing their lugras or body.cloths tucked in at the back, in the fashion
known as kasote." It is no doubt from the desire to dissociate themselves
from the wandering blacksmiths of Berar that the Panchiils of the Central
Provinces desire to drop their caste name.
Pancham.-A subcaste of Bania. A of Ghasia.
subcaste of Barai, the same as Beraria. Pancndeve.-A subdivision of Gonds,
PanchMai.-(Five brothers.) A sur· worshipping five gods and payingname
of Bhanara Dhimars, a section special reverence to the ·saras crane.
1 From a paper by Mr. Riijaram Gan.
gadhar Deshpande, Tahslldar, Wardha.
II SettlementReporl o/'Ihe Upper Goda.
vari Dutric.t (IB6B). quoted in Mr.
N unn's MonograPh on tke Gold and Silver
Induslnes o/'tAe Centra.l Prwinces.
a Monb~aP'" 011 tke Gold and S,lver
Industnes, loco cil.
, Derar Cmsus Reporl (IBBI), p. 219.
GLOSSARY 397
Pam" Drrruid.-One of the two prim.
ary divisions of Brahmans, inhabit·
ing the country south of the Vindhya
hills and Nerbudda river, and includ·
ing the following five orders: viz.,
Karnata(Carnatic), Dravid (Madras),
T&llanga (Telugu country), Maha·
rashtra (Bombay) and Gurjara (Gujarat).
Pane" Gaur.---One of the two primary
diVisions of Brahmans inhabiting the
country north of the Vmdhya hills
and Nerbudda river; it includes the
following five orders: Sarasw.at
lPunjab), Kanaujia (Hindustan),
Gaur (Bengal), Utkal (Orissa) and'
Maithll (Bihar or Tirhiit).
Panc"g"ar.-One of the three subdivi.
sions of Kanaujia Brahmans in Hos·
hangabad.
Panda..-(A priest of Devi, a wise
man.) A subcaste or title of MaIi.
A subcaste and SUTDame of Uriya
Brahmans. A subcaste of Tasondhi
Bhi~. .
Pandaram. - A class of Brahman
priests.
PJnae.-(A wise man.) A surname
of Kanaujia and Gaur Brahmans.
A section of Agharia, Barhai, Kewat
and Marar. A title of Joshi and
• Kumbar.
Pandh.are. - (White.) Subcaste of
Sunar.
PandJt.-(A learned man.) A title of
Brahmans.
Pandki.-(Dove.} A totemistic sept
of Bhatra, Kawar and Parja.
l'andra..-A small caste of cultivators
in the Uriya country. It is said
that one of the Riijas of Patna ha4
an illegitimate son to whom he gave
the village of Pandri. His descend·
ants were the Pandras.
Pandwar or Padwar.-A section of
Panka in Raipur. They are said
to be so named because they washed
the feet of others.
Pangal.-Subcaste of GopaL They
make mats, but in addition to this
they are ~endican~ begging from
trees.
Pankara. - An occupational term
meaning a seller of pan ~r betelleaf.
Panibkar.-(A waterman.) Subcaste
of Dangri.
Panigraki.-(Husband.} An honOrific
title of Uriya Brahmans.
Pa1ljka.-(Paw of an animal.) A sept
of Gond.
Pa11ka.-A weaver caste derived from
the Gandas, being Gandas who follow
the Kabirpanthi sect. See article.
In Chhatusgarh Pankas sometimes
call themselves Das, as servants of
Kabu. Panka is also a subcaste of
. Ganda.
Pansar .. ~(A druggist.) Synonym for
Barai.
Panwar.-AclanofRajpiit. See article
Panwar Rajpiit. A subcaste of Ban·
jara and Bhoyar. A section of Ahir,
Bhllala, Koshti. Maratha and
Marori.
Parasar, Paraslzar. - (Name of a
Brahmanical saint.) An eponymous
section of Brahmans. A surname
of Sanadhya and Gaur Brahmans.
A section of Basdeva, Rangari,
Sunar and Vidur.
Paraulza.-(From para, a.male buffalo
calL) A subcaste of Basdewa who
deal in buffaloes.
Parbat.-Name of one of the ten
orders of Gosain.
Parbku.-Synonym of Prabhu.
Partieslzi.-(A foreigner.} The name
is sometimes applied to immigrants
from Malwa, and also to those com·
ing from northern India.} A sub·
caste of the Bahna, Darai, Barhai,
Chamar, Dhimar, Dhobi, Garpagari,
Kimbi, Kasar, KUmhar, Lohar, Nai,
Rangari, Sunir and Teli castes.
Pardlzan.-(A chief.) A caste who
are priests of the Gonds. See article.
A section of Chhattisgarhi Ahir or
Riwat, Halba and Pabia. Title of
caste headman of the Kharia tribe.
Pardki.-(A hunter.} A caste. See
article. . A subcaste of Khatik. A
section of Kunbi and Panwar Rajpiit.
Parewa.-(A pigeon.) A section of
Chhattisgarhl Ahir or Rawat; and
Panka.
Parganilza.-A synonym of Pardhan
(Gond priests) in Kawardha.
Parikar.-An important clan of Raj.
piits. See Rajpiit Parihar. A sec.
tion of Daharia and Daraiha, of
Panwar Rajpiit and Pardhi.
Parit. -Synonym for Dhobi in the
Maratha di;,tricts.
GLOSSARY PART
Pa.rka.1-A small caste of labourers belonging to the Jubbulpore District and
adjoining tracts, whose strength was something over 2000 persons in 1901.
Sir B. Robertson wrote I in 1891 that the Parkas of the three northern
Districts had been kept separate from the Panka caste in the census tables,
but that they were in all probability the same. Mr. Hira Lil points out that
several of the names of septs as Padwar, Sanwani, Gulha and Dharwa l1,I'e
the same in the two castes, and that in the Districts where Parkas are found
there are no Pankas. The Panka caste was probably formed in Chhat1bgarh
by the separation of those Gllndas or Pins who had embraced the doctrines
of Kabir from their parent caste, and the name is a variant of Pan. In
Jubbulpore the name Panka has no understood meaning, and it may have
been corrupted into Pandka (a dove) and thence to Parka. Like the Pankas
the Parkas often act as village watchmen. Many of tbe Parkas are also
Kabirpanthis and, as with tbe Pankas. those who are not Kabirpanthis and
do not abstain from flesb and liquor are called Saktabas. Intermarriage is
not prohibited between the Parka Kab'!rpanthis and Saktihas. Some of the
Parkas play on drums and act as village musicians, which is a regular
occupation of the Pankas and Gllndas. It may also be noted that the
Parkas wiIl take food cooked with water from a Gond and that they worshIp
Bura Deo, the great god of the Gonds. Perhaps the most probable surmise
as to their origlQ is tbat they are a small mixed group made up of Pankas
and Gonds. A proverbial saying about the caste is 'Gtmd Rt1Ja, Parka
Pardkiin,' or • The Gond IS the master and the Parka tbe servant,' and this
also points to. their connection with the Gonds. Several of theu section
names indicate their mixed origin, as Kumbaria from Kumhar a potter,
Gullia from Gaolia or milkman, Bhullia from Bhulia an Uriya weaver,
Andwan a subcaste of the Mahar caste, Tilasia a sept of tbe Kawars, and
so on. If a Parka man forms a connectIOn with any woman of higher caste
she will be admitted into the community, and the same pnvilege is accorded
to a man of any equal or higher caste who may desire to marry a Parka gill.
A girl is only cast out when she is discovered to have been hving with a man
of lower caste than the Parkas. • All these facts indicate their mixed origin..
As already seen, the caste are labourers. village watchmen and musicians,
and their customs resemble those of low· caste Hindus, but they rank above
the impure castes. They will eat food cooked with water from Lodhis,
many of whom are landowners in Jubbulpore, and as such no doubt stand
to the Parka in the relation of employer to servant. Every year on the
second day of Bhlidon (August) they worship a four·sided iron plate and a
spear, which latter is perhaps the emblem of the village watchman. Fines
imposed for caste offences are sometimes expended in the purchase of vessels
which thereafter become common property and are lent to anyone who
requires them.
Parniimi.-(A follower of Prannath
of Panna.) Subcaste of Dangi.
Parsat".-(VIUage priest.) Synonym
for Joshi.
Parsoh.-(parsa, an axe.} A section
of Ahir or Rawat in Chhattisgarh.
Parwiir.-A subcaste of Bania. See
article Bania-Parwar. A subcaste
of Kumhar.
Piissi.-Synonym of P-asi.
Piitadkan.-(One occupying the seat
of instrucpon.) A section of celibate
Manbhaos.
Piitane.-A subcaste of Prabhu, so
called on account of their living near
Pitan in Gujarat.
Patoina.-(From patti, sacking, and
Mnna, to weave.) Synonym of
Kumrawat. Subcaste of Jogi.
Patel.-(Headman of a -village.) A
subcaste and tide of r.tali. A surname
of Gaur Brahmans in Saugor
and of Pims. A surname or llection
of Agharia, Mahar and Kachhi.
I Based on a paper by Mr. Ali Mustafa, Nilb-TahsTIdlir. Hatta.
II CenslU Report (1891). p. 179.
GLOSSARY 399
A title of the Ahu and Bhoyar PalndiJ:.-A surname of Karan or
castes. Mahanti, the Uriya '!liter caste.
pJ/kak.-(Teacher.} A surname of Patra.-{An Uriya word meaning
Kanaujia and other classes of Briih, councillor.) A subcaste of Kolta
mans. and Chasa, and title of several Uriya
PatRan.~ne of the four tribes of castes. Also a synonym for the
Muhammadans. See article Muham- Patwa caste.
madan Religion. Patti.-(A thread-seller.} Subcaste of
Palniiri.-(A hillman.) Synonym of Kaikari.
Pardhan. Subcaste of Katia. Palwa.-A caste. See article. In
Patharia. - A subcaste of Kana, Seoni tahsil of Hoshangabad Dis-
Kurmi and Mahar. A section of trict Patwa and Lakhera appear to
Halh&. A subcaste of Agaria, who be synonymous terms. A section of
place a stone on the mouth of the OswaJ. Bania.
bellows to fix them in the ground Palwtiri.-(Name of the village &Cfor
smeltmg iron. countant and surveyor, who IS now
PatRIIIWkh_-A subsept of the Dhurwa a salaried Government official.} The
Gonds in Betiil They offer a young Kayasth caste were formerly patgqat
to their gods and do not kill waris by profession. See article.
bears. Patwi.-(A dyer who colours the silk
Pathrot,Pathramat.-{One who makes thread which weavers use to border
and sharpens millstones and grind- their cotton cloth.) Synonym of
stones.) Synonym of Beldar. Patwa. Subcaste of Koshti. From
PaJi.~(Lo'rd.) An honorific title of pata, a woven cloth.
Uriya Brahmans. Pawanbans.-(Tbe children of the
Patkar.-(Frompat, widow-marriage.) wind.) Synonym for Bhuiya.,
A subcaste of Sunir in Wardha. A Pmdkan·.-Synonym of Pindari.
. section of Ran.,oari.. Peng.-Subcaste of Parja.
Patlia.--(From patel.) Title of Pan- Pentki.-(Sheep.) A totemistic sept
war Rajpiit. of BhuIia.
Periki, Perki, Perka.-Tbe Perikis are really a subcaste of the great Balija
or Balji caste, but they have a lower position and are considered as a
dIStinct group. About 4000 Perikis were retnrned in the Central Provinces
in 1911 from the Na.,opur, Wardha and Chanda Districts. They derive their
names from the penke or panniers in which they carried salt and grain on
bullocks and donkeys. They were thus formerly a nomadic group, and like
the Banjaras and Bhatntas they also made gunny-bags and sacking. Most of
them have now taken to cultivation, and in Madras some Perikis have become
large landholders and claim Rijpiit rank_ In the Central Provinces the
Bahjas and Naidus deny that the Perikis have any connection with the Balija
caste.
PeJa.-{A trading Balija.) SUbcaste of
Balija.
PAa! BarAai..-(A carpenter who only
works on one side of the wood.)
Synonym foc Chitari in the Uriya
country.
Plumse.-(A Pardhi who hunts with
traps and snares.) Subcaste of
Pardhi.
PAiinrigar . .!..(A strangler.) Synonym
of Thug.
Pharsi.-(Axe.) A section of Uriya,
AbU or Gahara.
P.iopatla.-Title of the officer of the
Andh caste who summons the caste
committee.
Pkjlill, PAi2lmiili. - (A flower-gardener.)
Subcaste of Kachhi and
MaIi.
PkuYkaria.-{From Phuljhar zamindari
in Raipur.) A territorial subcaste
of AbU or Rawat, Ghasia and
Panka.
PAul Kunwar.-A. section of Kawar.
They use the akr, or swallow-wort
flower for their marriage-crown.
Pkulrunga. ~A toteDlistic section of
Gadaria. They abstain from smelling
or touching a flower called
gadAa.
Pkurastl:-{A wanderer.) SUbcaste of
Kaikari.
400 GLOSSARY PAR.T
Pmdara.-Synonym of Pindari.
Pindari. - A caste. Subcaste of
Mang.
Pinjara. - (One who cards cotton.)
Synonym of Bahna.
P:par.-(A tree.) A section of Khatik
and Ka!ar.
Pipartya.-(From the pipal tree, or
from Piparia, a common place-name
denved from the tree.) A clan of
Riijptits in Saugor. A section of
Sunars in Saugor.
Pma. -Subcaste of Kiichhi. From
Piria, the basket in which they carry
earth.
Pft.-Subcaste of Bhatra.
Pftariya. - (From pftal, brass. ) A
subdivision of Pardeshi Sunars in
Nagpur. They practise hypergamy,
taking wives from the Sadlhe subcaste,
and giving daughters to the
Snnagariye, Bangar, Mahuwe and
Jadiye subcastes.
Pohm·.-Subcaste of Jhiidi Telenga.
Porya.-Subcaste of MaJhwiir.
Poifa.-(One who did not take off
his turban at the feast.) Title of
Hatkar.
Pondro.-(A tree.) One of the six
subsepts of the Marai clan of Pathari
Gonds in Khairagarh.
Ponwar.-Synonym of Panwar Rajptit.
Porta,.-(Basket.) A subsept of the
Uika clan of Gonds in Betti!. They
do not kill the tiger or crocodile. A
sept of Dhur Gonds.
Potdar.-(A money.tester.) Synonym
and title of Sunar. A surname of
KarMra Brahmans in Saugor.
Potdukk.-(Stomach-ache.) A section
ofTeli in Chanda.
Potkaria.-(One to whom a certain
dirty habit is imputed.) Subcasteof
Korku.
Potwa. - (A worker in tasar ,silk.)
Synonym for Darzi; a subcaste of
Darzi.
Poyam.-(Worshipper of eight gods.)
A sept o( Pardhin and of Maria
Gonds.
Prajapati.-Title of Kumhar.
Pramara. - Synonym fOJ Panwar
Rajpiit.
Priinniifki.-A follower of Prannatb
of Panna. Synonym for Dhami.
Pravar.-A term for the ancestors
sharing in a sacrificial invocation,
particularly that of the Hom or fire.
sacnfice.
Praytigwiil. - (From Prayag. Allahabad.)
Asubcaste of Brahmans who
preside at the ceremonial bathing In
the Ganges at Allahabad.
Puar.-Synonym of Panwar Rajpiit.
Pujari.-(A worshipper.) Name for the
priest in charge of a temple. A
tItle of Bhatra.
Purad.-A small mixed caste in Nag.
pur. They say that theu ancestor
was a Brahman, who was crossing a
river and lost hill sacred thread, on
being carried down in a flood (pur).
Therefore he was put out of caste
because the sacred thread must be
changed before swallowing the
spittle, and he had no other thread
ready. At the census the PurMs
were amalgamated with Vidiirs.
They are shopkeepers lly profession.
1'111"l1:1.-(One who is of pure blooel.)
A subdiV1SlOn of Jharia lUll'at (Ahlr)
in Chhattlsgarh. A guhcn~le o{
Dhakar, HalLa and MoUar.
Purania. - (Old.) A sub('a~le o(
Kachera or Sisgar in SaUI!or. The
PUrinias are the Muhummadan
bangle-makers who origlllally practised
this calling. A IlIbla<;le of
Barai, Basof. Nfli an,1 "'iunir. A
section of Chamar an<1 DoH/i.
Purina. - This term, ll'hl(.h means
eastern or coming from the east, Is
used in Hoshangablld and other
Districts to'desicnate RaJpftts from
Oudh and the adjoining tracts,
especially retired sepoys from the
Bengal army. They appear 10
belong to different clans, but many
of them are Bais Rajpiits. Some of
the Purbias say that their king,
somewhere in northern India, heard
that cows were being killed tn the
Central Provinces, so he lent them
to stop the practice and they came
and stopped it and settled there. In
Gojarat this name apr.,eall to be
applied to Brahmans. -A lubeaste
of Barhai and Gadana.. A section
of Nat and Sunar.
Purkam.-(Purka.pumpkin.) A sept
of the Uika clan of Gonds in Betiil.
Purokit.-(Family priest.) A com·
mon title of Brahmans.
GLOSSARY 401
P,.,.~uIi or PuMii.-(Bowels.) A sept
~~f Gonds in Khaira"narh.
/'.vsJIR.--{Worshipper of five gods.)
. A sept of Raj.Gond and Dhur Gond,
and of Baiga and Pardhan.
Prdktz.-A subcaste of Sudb, being
the illegitimate issue of the Dehri
Sudhs.
Q~-(One who speaks fluently.)
Title of ?Iirisi.
RacAlWandi4. -(Comb-makers.) A
subcaste of Kuchbbandia (Kanjar).
Rti.s~"IUIdI";a. - A small group of
Briihmans, so called because their
ancestors are said to have received a
grant of five villages from Raghunath
Deo of Hindoll.
RJg1lInltUUi.-A caste formed from a
Rijpiit clan. See article. A subcaste
of Ahir; a section of Mill and
Gond.
Rcig.wi.-Synonym of Raghuvansi.
RalJlIIIII. - (Compassion.) A section
ofPanwar Rijpiit. A Muhammadan
proper name.
Rai or Rdj.-Subcaste ofDarzi,Kalir.
Kbangar_
Rai-okaUea. - Subcaste of Baiga in
Bilighat.
Raipuna. -(From Raipur.) A subcaste
of Dhi~ who do not wear
gold ornaments. A subcaste of
Dewar in Bilaspur.
Raj or Rai.-From Raja, a king.
This term desi.,anates the landholding
division of certain tribes, as the RajGonds,
the Rij-Korkus, the RajKhonds
and the Rajbhars. The
Raj - Bhits, Raj -Dhuns and RaiDanis
are similarly subcastes of
good position in their respective
castes. Raj is also used as a
synonym for Beldar, meaning a
mason.
RdJa.-(A king.) Title of a ruling
cluef; and occasionally conferred on
prominent Indian ~tlemen.
Rajak_-(Awasherman.) Synonym Cor
Dhobi. •
RJj6/uu.-{A landowning Bhar.) Synonym
for Rajjhar.
R,ij-BAaI.-Subcaste of Bhat.
Rlij-DIwri.-Asubcaste of Dhurl, said
to be descendants of personal servants
in Rajpiit families.
VOL I
Raj-Gond. - The landholdmg subdIvision
of the Gond tribe; a section
of Chamar and J(ichhi.
Rql-Kkon<i-Subcaste of Khond.
RJJ-K __ , Raj-Partiha .. -A subcaste
of Panlhin in llllaghat.
Rajoria. -(Kingly.) A section of
Barhai, Dingi, Khatik and Sanidhya
Brahman.
Rdj.PardkJII..'-A subcaste of Pardhan.
They are said to be also known as
Kunwar Pardhin or Gond Bhat and
to be beggars and bards of the
Gonds.
Rdj-Pdsi.-Subcaste of Pisi.
Rdjfil.-(Son of a king.) A caste,
representing the ancient K.~hatriya
caste. See article. A subcaste of
Banjira, Kadera, Kumhir and
Patwa.
RajuIaria.-From the Rajwar caste.
Subcaste of Dahiit. Subdivision of
Kol in ArlI'Zipur.
Rakaso/a.-(From Rakas, a devil) A
sectIon of Katia. -
RakluJtia.-An illegitimate section of
Kumhir.
Ral:1ITDcil&Jr. - (Village watchman.)
Title of Rimosi.
Raksa.-(Demoniac.) A section of
Kumhir and Kawar. .
Riitnii"andi.-A class of Bairigis or
religious mendicants. See article
Bairigi.
RamiillUja.-A class of Bairagis or
religioUs mendicants. See article
Bairigi.
Ramgar1lia.-(A resident of Rlmgarb
in Mandla.) Subcaste of Ghasia.
Ramos1li.-Synonym of Ramosi.
Riina.-A title of Sesodia Rajputs. A
section of Halba and Panwir.
, Rantigolal.-A subdivision of degraded
Mahirishtra Brihinans, the offs~
of illicit unions or remarried widows.
Rangari.-(One who works in indigo
(1Ii1j.) Synonym for Chhipa.
Rao.-Synonym for Bhit. A section
of Chamar and Lohar. A title of
.the Bhilii.Ia caste.
BatanpllT'Ul--(A resident of btanpur
in Bilispur.) Subcaste of Nunia
and Dewar.
Rat!Ja.-(A car for carrying a god.)
Honorific title of Urira Briihmans.
Rdt!Jia.-Subcaste of Kawar.
BiitAor. Biitluz_.-A famous ~ajpiit
2D
402 GLOSSARY PART
clan. See article Rajpiit·Rathor.
A subcaste of Banjara, Bari and of
Tell in Mandla, Betiil, Nlmar and
other Districts. A section of Ahir,
Bhila!a, Mochi, Nahal and Pardhi.
Raina Banik.-(DJ!aler in jewels.) A
synonym of Sunar in Sambalpur.
Rautad,.-Subcaste of Bhuiya.
Rautele.-A suhcaste of Kol. A sec·
tion of Barai, Bhat, Gadaria and of
Sunar in Saugor.
Rautia.-A subcaste of Kol in several
District~. A subcaste of DaMIt. A
subcaste of Kawar. A section of
Chamar and Rawat (Ahir).
Rawal.-TitIe borne by some Rlijpiit
chieftains in Western India. Probably
a diminutive of Rao, the Marlithl
form of Raj or Raja. A sectIon of
Chasa, Mali and Garpagirl.
..Riiwanbansz.-Descendants of Rawan,
the demon king of Ceylon. A name
applied to the Gonds generally, and
now used as a subtribal designation
to distinguish them from Raj-Gouds.
Riiwanvansi.-Name of a clan of
Gosain mendicants.
Rawat.-A title borne by some minor
Rajput chiefs. Probably a diminutive
of Rajplitra, the original form
of the term Rajput. An honorific
title of Gonds and Savars in Sau~or
and Vamoh. Tbe name by which
the Ahir caste is generally known in
Chhattisgarh. A subcaste aad title
of Khairwar. A title sometimes used
by SUnirs and Brahmans in Bundelkhand
and by Lodhis. A sub·
caste of Mehtar and Mili. A section
of Arakh, BaDjira, Bmjhwiir, Dhanwar,
Kawar, Khairwar, Kunbi, Nat,
Patwa, PanwAr Rajpiit, and Sudh.
Reddi.-A synonym for the Kipewar
or Kipu caste; a subcaste of Rapewar
and Gandli.
ltedka..-A small labouring caste of Sambalpur. They are apparently the
result of intermarriages between some members of the Reddi or Kapu
cultivating caste .of Telingana, who came lO Sambalpur during the Orissa
famine of 1866, with low-class Uriya women. They It ill speak Telugu
among themselves, using Uriya to outsiders. Only one curious feature of
the marriage ceremony of the Redkas need be noticed here. This is that
the officiating Brahman actually places a red-hot cppper seal on the arms of
the bride and bridegroom as a symbol of sealing the marriage bond. In
other respects their customs resemble those of low-caste U riyas •
..Rekwiir.-Subcasteof DhImar. clothes. Suhcaste of Jog!.
Rig- Vedi.-'Sectarian division of Brah- Rohidasi.-HononfictermfuraChamiir.
mans. It signifies a follower of the sect of
Rikhiiisan Manatwar. -Subeaste of Rohidiis in Northtrn IndiA. The
Bhuiya. Chamirs often descnbe themselves
Ritka Biknatk.-One who prepares by this name instead of their caste
and sells soap-nuts for washing name. •
ltohilla..-A Pathan tribe who have settled in Robilkhand or the BareiUy
tract of the United Provinces. They derive their name from Roh, the
designation given to the country where tbe Pushto language is spoken by
residents of Hindustan. The word Roh, like Koh, means a mountain, and
Rohilla therefore signifies a highlander.1 The Rohilla Patbans occupied
Rohilkhand in the eighteenth century. Their name first attracted attention
when Warren Hastings was charged with hiring out British troops for their
suppression. The Rohillas say that they are of Coptic origin, and that
driven out of Egypt by one of the Pharaohs they wandered westward till
they arnved under that part of the mountains of Afghanistan known as
Sulaimani Kob.B Parties of Rohillas visit the Central Provmces' bringing
• •
1 In the introduction to Firishta's
History (Elliot. vi. p. 568), it is stated
that Roh is tire name of a particular
moun tam (country) which extends in
length from Swat and Bajaur to the town
of Siwi belongmg to Bhakar. In breadth
It stretches from Hasan Abdul to KiibllL
Kandahiir is Situated in this country.
(Crooke's H06son-/06son. p. 766.)
I Mr. Crooke's Tn6es ",,4 Casks.
voL iv. pp. 165, 166.
GLOSSARY 403
woollen cloths and dried fruits for sale. Here they formerly bore a bad
characte" being accustomed to ~ress the sale of their merchandise on the
Villagers on credit at exorbitant Interest; and when the time for realisation
came, to extort their money by threats of vlOlence, or actual assault, or, if
this was not practicable, by defiling the graves of their debtors' ancestors.
These practices have now, however, been largely suppressed.
R()mya or Haralya. -Subcaste of Sakadeve.-A clan of Gonds worship-
Chamar. ping six gods and paying speCial
Ror.-Subcaste of Khatri. reverence to the tiger.
R()ra.-Synooym of Arora. Sakam.-(From Slahi, ink.) An
-Ruma. -A resident of Basim and honorific title of Karan or Mahanti.
Gangra in Amraoti District. Sub- A subcaste of Paik.
caste of Korku. Sanara.-Synonym for the Savar tribe.
Ruthia.-A name formed· from the Sanasra AutRcnya.-(A thousand men
noise rut, rut made by the oil-mill of the north.) A subdivision of
in turning. Subcaste of Teli. Gujarati Brahmans who are said to
have accepted presents from Raja
Sahara. - Synonym for the Savar Mulraj of Anhalwara Patan at a
tribe. A section of Kawar and sacrifice, and hence to have suffered
Teli. some degradation in rank. Audi-
Sahat.-(From saot, co-wife.) An chya probably signifies coming from
hononfic title of Uriya Brahmans. Oudh.
Sadiipnal.-(A fruit.) A section of Sakra.-Synonym of Savar.
Chandnahu Kurmi and Sonkar. Sanu.-(A trader.) An honorific title
Sada-Sonaga/.-A class of Fakirs or of Bania. A synonym for Sunar in
Muhammadan beggars. Sambalpur. A subdivision of Uriya
Sadhu. - (A religJOus mendicant.) Brahmans. A section of Khadra,
Synonym for Bairiigis or Gosains. Kolta, Sundi and Teli.
Sagar.-Name of one of the ten orders Sanukar.-Title of Bania. See Sahu.
of Gosains. ... Sain.-Synonym for Fakir.
Siigunsale.-A group of 'illegitimate Saiqalgar.-From Arabic saiqal. a
descent. Subcaste of Koshti. polisher. Synonym for Sikligar.
Sa.is.-The title by which grooms or horse-keepers are usually known. The
word Sais, Colonel Temple states, 1 is Arabic and signifies a nobleman; it is
applied to grooms as an honorific title, in accordance with the common
method of address among the lower castes. Other honorific designations for
grooms, as gIven by C910nel Temple, are Bhagat or 'Saint,' and Panch,
'Arbitrator,' but neither of these is generally used in the Central Provinces.
Another name for Saises is Thanwiir, which means a person in charge of a
stable or place where a horse is kept. Grooms from Northern India are
usually of the Jaiswara dlvision of Chamiils, who take their name from the
old town of Jais in Oudh; but they drop the Chamar and give Jaiswara as
their caste. These men are thin and wiry and can run behind their horses
for long distances. The grooms indigenous to the Centi'3.1 Provinces are as
a rule promoted grass-cutters and are either of the Ghasia (grass-cutter} or
the Kori and Mahiil (weaver) castes. They cannot usually run at all well.
It is believed that both the Jaiswaras and Mahars who work as grooms have
taken to marrying among themselves and tend to form separate endogamous
groups, because t.hey consider themselves superior to the remainder of the
caste. A Sais will frequently refuse to tie up a dog with a rope or lead him
with one- because he uses a rope for leading his horses. Thi; taboo is
noticed by Sir B. Fuller as follows: .. Horses in India are led not by the
, bridle but by a thick cotton leading-rope which is passed over the headstall,
and 6uch a rope is carried by every Indian groom. I asked my groom
one day to tie up with his leading rope a dog that would not follow. He
1 Proper Names of tile P""Jahs. p. 74.
GLOSSARY PART
absolutely refused, and I discovered that the rope was the fetish of his caste
and was formerly adored and propitiated in the course or an annual c~te
festival. To touch a dog with it would have been sacrilege." I
Saltwiil --A subcaste of Jain Banias. A subcaste of Koshti.
Sazyad.-One of the four Mubamma- Samaiya.-A lect of Jains.
~an tribes, which is supposed to com· San.-A suhcaste of Bhatra.
prise the descendants of the Prophet. Sanadkya.-A subca~te o( Brahmans
Sakadwipt.-A tribe of Brahmans tak. belonging to the Gaur division.
ing their name from Sakadwipa, the Sanak-kul. - A section of Komh.
country of the Sakas. The Sakas They do not use Japkal or nut·
were a Central Asian tribe who in- meg.
vaded India before the commence· Sanaurlu·a. - Subcaste of Brahman,
ment of the Christian era, and Sakad· Synonym for Sanadhya.
wipa is saId to be the valley of the SanoMgk.-(A little tiger.) A section
Kabul river. of Bhulia.
Sakarwiil, Slkarwiir.-A clan of Raj. Siind.-(The bull.) A totemistic sept
puts whose name is said to be de· of Kawar. They do not use pul.
rived from Fatehpur Sikri. locks for ploughing, or are supposed
Saksena. - A • subcaste of Kayasth, not to. A section of Khangar.
also called Sukhsena. A subcaste They do not give a present of a
of Bharbhiinja and Kii.chhi. bull at weddings. A sechon of
Saktaka.-A synonym for Shakta, a Mali.
worshipper of Devi in Chhattisgarh. Sant'a.-(A grower of san-hemp.) Sub.
Saktaha practically means a person caste of Ka.cbhi •
. who eats flesh, as opposed to a Saniiisi.-Name for a religious mend;"
Kabirpanthi who abstaIns from it. cant. Synonym for Gosain.
A subcaste of Panka, who are. not Sanjogi.-A class of Bairii.gis or mendi-
Kabirpanthis. cantil who marry, also called Gri-
Sakum.-A sept of Korku. (One who hastha. ,
hides behind a teak tree.) Sankrita.-An eponymous section of
Salam. -(Worshipper of six gods.) A Kanaujia Brahmans.
clan of Gond. A section of Dewar. Siinp.-(Snake.) A sept of Gond and
Salewar.-A name (or Telltgu Koshtis. Kawar.
Santal, Sa.onta, SonthiL-An important tribe of Bengal, belonging to the
Munda family. The transfer of five of the Chota Nagpur States bas brought
more than lO,OOO Santals into the Central Provinces. They belong
principally to the. Sarguja State and a few are returned from Udaipur State
and from the Bilaspur District, but in all those tracts they are known as
Saonta and appear to have been cut off from the main tribe for a considerable
period. According to Mr. Skrefsrud the name Santal is a corruption of
Saontiir and was given to the tribe by the Bengalis because they hved in
the country about Saont in Midnapur. Sir H. Risley held that the tribe
might equally well have given its name to the localIty, and there was no
means of ascertaining which theory was correct. The forms SantiH and
Sonthiil are only used by natives who have come into contact with Europeans.
Santils call themselves 'hiirko,' men, or 'lziirlziiPan,' man-child.2 At the
prese~t day when,a Santiil is asked to what caste he belongs he will almost
I?vanably reply Minjhi, which means a village headman, aDd is the common
tit~e .o! the tribe; if further explanation is demande<\ he will add Santal
Man~ht Whether the term Santal was derived from the SaotW: pargana or
no!. It 18 ~herefore at any rate a name conferred by the Hindus and affords no
eVIdence 10 favour of a separate origin of the tribe.
There seems good reason to hold that the SantaIs are only a branch of
th~ Kols ?r Mundas, ,who have been given a distinct designation by their
Hmdu neighbours, while their customs and traditions have been modified
1 Indian Life and Sentiment. p. 99- I Linguistic Survey. vol. IV. p. 30.
GLOSSARY
either by long separation from the Mundas of Chota Nigpur or by contact
with HlDdu inlluences. Sir G. Grierson's account of the two dialects Santlili
and Mundari shows that they closely resemble each other and differ only in
minor particulars. The difference is mainly to be found in the. vocabulary
borrowed from Aryan neighbours, and in the grammatical modifications
occasioned by the neighbouring Aryan forms of speech. 1 Of Mundiri he
says: "Aspirated letters are used as in Santilli, the semi·consonants are
apparently pronounced in the same way as in Santilli; genders and numbers
are the same, the personal pronouns are the same, the inflexion of verbs is
mainly the same. "I Some points of difference are mentioned by SirG. Grierson,
but they appear to be of minor importance. The Mundas, lIke the SantaIs,
call themselves Itlira·lio or men. In the vocabulary of common words of
Mundari and Santali given by Colonel Dalton S a large proportion of the words
are the same. Similarly in the hst of sept-names of the tribes given by Sir
H. Risley. several coincide. Among the I S names of maID septs of the
Santals, Besra, a hawk, Murmu nilgai, or stag, and Aind, eel, are also the
names of Munda septs. The Santal sept Hansda, a wild goose, is nearly
identical with the Munda sept Hansa, a swan; the SantaJ septs Kisku and
Tudu are sept-names of the Hos, a branch of the Mundas; and in one or
two other names there is a great resemblance. The principal deity of the
SantaIs, Marang Burn, is a Munda god. In the inheritance of property
both tribes have the same rule of the exclusion of daughters. In his article
on Ho, Sir H. Risley indeed states that the SantaIs, Hos and Mundas are
local branches of the same tribe.
The Saontas of Sargiija and Bilispur appear to have been separated from
the parent tribe for some generations and to have assimilated some of the
customs of the (;onds. They have some Gond sept-names, as Markam and
Dhurwa. Those of Pendra zamindari have no traditions of their origin
beyond saying that the adjOining Kenda zamindiri was their original home.
They profess to revere only the sun, fire and water. In order to worship tbe
J a1-deota or water-god they pour water round the fire and then throw a little
butter on the fire in his name. Mr. C. U. Wills, Settlement Officer, records
of them the following curious custom: When a man is at the point of death
or actually dead, they sometimes set fire to the hut in which his body is
lying and run away, no doubt to save themselves from being haunted and
troubled by his spirit, to the attainment of which end so large a part of
funeral ritual is everywbere directed.
The following short account of them by Colonel Dalton may be reproduced
for reference: '
"The name Saont or Saonta directs us to the SantaJ branch of the Kols,
and, as I have already noticed, there is in Sargiija a small tribe so called.
They are tlie sole inhabitants of the magqificent tableland forming the
southern barrier of SargiiJa, called the Mainpit or more correctly perhaps
the Manipat. They are a small tribe living scattered over the vast area of the
plateau ill about a dozen hamlets, and they are strong in the belief that they
were especially created to dwell there, or that they and the plateau somehow
sprang into existence together, and cannot be separated. I saw a number
of them when I was last in Sargiija, and from theIr features I should be
inchned to class Jhem as Kols, but they have some fustoms and notions
which they must have derived from the Dravidian Gonds. They acknowledge
Difllia Deo as a household god, and follow the customs of \he Gonds
and other southerners in their marriage ceremonies.
"They worship the sun as Bhagwan, and like the Kharias offer sacrifices
1 L,ngllistr.& S"rvey, voL iv .• MU1lda
and Dravu{,an La1lguages, p. 79.
t IMdem, pp. 84, 8S.
I EtI&1lology of Bengal, p. 113S eJ ug.
, TrUes and Casks of Bengal, App. I.
I lllidem, pp. 1122, 223-
GLOSSARY· PART
to that luminary in an open place with an ant-hill for an altar. The Mainpat
is their Marang Burd, and as it ii 16 miles long, 12 miles broad, and
nses 3iSO feet above the sea-level, it is not unworthy of the name, but
they do. not use that or any other Kol term. The great Mainpat is their
fatherland and their god. They have, it .U to themselves except during the
summer months, when it becomes a vast grazing field for the cattle of Mirzapur
and Blhat.
"The Saonts are armed like the Korwas with boWl and arrow'!. and
the peculiar battle-axe of the country, but it is agalDst the beasts of the
forest that these weapons are used. :It'ormerly the Mainpat was a magnificent
huntIDg field, especially noted for its herds of antelope and gaur. The late
Maharaja of Sargiija strictly preserved it, but 01) his death it fell into the
hands of his widow, a very 'money-loving old lady, who allowed it 10 become
one of the great grazing tracts, and the pasturage alone gives her an income
of £250 a year; but the wlld animals have in consequence withdrawn
from it.
U The position of the Saonts is altogether very curious, and though they
now speak no language but a rude Hindi, the evidence is, on the whole,
favourable to their bemg a remnant of the ancient Kol aborigines of SargUJB.,
cut off from connection with those people by saccessive inroads of other
races or tnbes. Their substitution of a Hindi dialect for their own language
seems to indicate that tbey were first subjugated by Aryans. The Gond
cbiefs only count about twenty-four generations in Sargiija, and they have
all adopted the Hindi language."
Sanyasi.-(Areligiousrecluse.) Sync- Saraogi . ...-A name by which Jain laynym
for Gosain. ,men are known. Subcaste of Bania.
Sao.~(For.tdku, a banker, arich man.) Sdras.-{A large crane.) A section
A subcaste of Kalar and Teli. An of Chamar.
honorific title of Chbipa or Rangari. Sliraswat.-One of the five orders of
A 'sept of Cond. Panch Gaur Brahmans inhabitmg
Sal!Jm.-(From sao, a bank~.) Sub· the country of the river Saraswati.
caste of Banjara. One of the ten orders of Gosains.
Saonr.-Synonym of Sayar, Sarati.-A sept of Gond and Pardhan.
Saonta:-Name by which the Santal Sariylim.-A subsept of the Dhurwa
tribe is known in Billispur. A sllb- c1aa of Gonds in Betiil, said to be
caste of Dhanwar. so called because the road to the
Sapera.-(A snake-charmer.) Name of place oC the gods waa swept by
B. clan Of Nats, who exhibit snakes. their priests.
A section of Basor and Khatik. Sartl/ia or Sarwana. - (Inferior or
Sarifj.-{A money-changer and tester.) mixed.) Subcaste of Agharia.
A synonym of Sunar. Saroti.-A sept of Pardhans said to
SaraUt.-(Angler.) From sarai, a bam. be Damed after sarra, a whip, beboo
fishing-rod. Subcaste ofDhimar. cause their priest once struck & man
SarangarkUt.-(From Sarangarh.) A with a whip.
subtribe of Gonds in Khairagarh. A Sar.ratia.-(From the Siiraswati river.)
subcaste of Dewar. Subcaste of Babna.
Satani.~A Telugu caste of priests and mendicants of which 900 persons were
returned, prinCipally from the Chanda DIstrict, in 1911. In the Centlal
Provinces, Ayiwar, Satani and Diisari have been taken fS one caste, but elsewhere
they are considered as distinct. Ayiwar is a term of respect analogous
to the \Imdustani Mabiiraj, and is applied to the Satanis and other religious
orders. The Satanis and Dasaris are dIStinguished in Madras; Sitani is
stated I to be a corruption of Sittadavan. which means 'One who does not
1 ThIS article. is written from papers
by Mr. G. A Khan. Assistant CommisSioner,
Venkatesh Tumaiya Ayawar,
Schoolmaster, Chinda. and Mr. G.
Padaya Naidu. DIstnct Officer. Chanda.
• North Arcot Manual, i. p. :zoo.
Bmcrwe, Collo., D".by.
DASARI RELIGIOUS MENDICANT WITH DISCUS
AND CONCH-SHELL OF VISHNU.
GLOSSARY
wear' (e.g. the sacred thread and scalp-lock). It is a mixed religious order
recruited from any caste except the Pariahs, leather-workers and Muhammadans.
The Disaris 1 are said to be the reputed descendants of a wealthy
Siidra of one of the northern Districts, who, being childless, vowed that if
offspring should be granted to him he would devote a son to the service of the
god. After this he had several children. one of whom he consecrated to the
deity, calling him Dasan (the obedient servant). Dasan and his offspring
made their livelihood by begging. This order, like that, of the Siitanis, is
reinforced by idle members of the lower Siidra castes, who become Diisaris
by being branded by the Guru of Tirupatti and other shrines. In the Central
Provinces the Disaris are stated to be recruited from the impure Mala. caste
of the Te10gu country, and hence to rank below the Sitanis. Many of the
Madriisi servants in European households call themselves Diisaris. Members
of the agricultural castes are usually admitted into the Sitani order and its
status is almost equal to theirs. The caste, in spite of its small numbers, has
several subdivisions, as the Sile Satanis, who are weavers, the Bukkas, who
are sellers of RUnim or red powder, and five other subdivisions who are all
beggars. Some of these eat together but do not intermarry. They have'
exogamous family groups, usually named after sacred places in Madras ,or
celebrated Gurus (spiritual preceptors) or deities, as Tirupatti, Rimanujamwiir,
Shiligriimwiir and so on. The caste marry in the ordinary way and do not
observe celibacy. Widow-marriage is allowed, but a widow must marry
a widower. and the officiating priest at the ceremony must also be a widower.
The Sitanis principally revere VlShnU, whom they worship on Fridays.
Their priests are taken from their own order and form a separate subcaste
under the name of Parmastwiir. A novice, on being initiated to the order, is
branded WIth the figures of a Sankha (conch-shell) and Chakra (discus).
They both bum and bury the dead, and the spirits of female as well as of
male ancestors are propitiated. This is done by calling a married woman by
the name of the dead female, putting red powder on her forehead and
worshipping her. Among the Satanis a widow accompanies the corpse of
her husband to the grave_ They officiate at funerals. and a Sitani priest
applies the caste-mark to the body of the corpse and also to that of the four
persons who are to carry it. He receives presents in the name of the dead man,
and takes the red cloth with which the corpse is covered. At the funeral
feast the Sitani offers cooked food, including flesh and also liquor, to the god,
and the assembled guests then partake of them. The Sitani drinks liquor
only and does not eat the food, and since he must stay to the end of the
feast he sometimes becomes intoxicated. The Satanis are priests and
mendicants. Though they do not wear the sacred thread themselves, the
manufacture of it is one of their hereditary occupations. They collect alms
in a lola or brass vessel, on which representations of the conch and discus are
drawn. The Diisaris wander abont, singing hymns to a monotonous
accompaniment upon a leather instrument called lappa; (perhaps a tabor).
They are engaged by some Siidra castes to sing their chants in front of the
corpse at funerals. Others exhibit what is called the Panda levJai, that is,
they become possessed by the deity and beat tbemselvell over the body with
a ftaming torch. A few train young bulls to perform tricks and travel about
exhibiting them. Some have become masous and goldsmiths. Men have
the mark of the \tident on the forehead, the two outer lines being white and
the middle one red or yellow,. They shave the bead and faae clean, not
retaining the scalp-lock. Women have a vertical streak on the forehead and
do not wear glass bangles nor the necklace of black beads. Neither men nor
women are tattooed.' The Satanis have a fairly good social position and the
lower castes will take food from tltem.
1 NorllI AnoF Manual, i. p. 184a'
GLOSSARY PAR.T
Satbkuzytln or Utar. - Subcaste of
Khond.
Satdeve. -A clan of Gonds worshipping
seven gods and paying special rever·
ence to the porcupine.
Satg"are.-(Seven houses.) A division
of the Maratha caste, consisting of
seven of the highest clans who marry
among themselves and sometimes take
daughters from the other ninety-six
clans.
practically (orms a subcaste of
Chamar.
Saljulza.-(Having seven son .. ) A
section of Lonare Mali.
Safyandlll. - A subcaste of Jogi or
Niith.
Savar, Savara.-A tribe.
Sa7(Jala.M.-(I! lakhs.) A section of
Dhobi.
Sawara.-Synonym for Savar. Subcaste
of Kol.
Sallzlimi.-A religious sect, which DOW
Segidi,l Shegadi.-The Telugu caste of toddy-drawer. and du.tillers, o(\l.hich
So few representatives were returned from the Nagpur District in 1901. They
will draw tiin or palm-juice only from the smdi palm (Phoenix sylveslris) and
not from the palmyra palm (Borassus jlabellij()rmis). This is the occupation
of a separate caste, the Yatas, from whom the Segidis will not even take
water. At a Segidi marriage the bride is shown the polar star, which is
believed to be the wife of Rishi Vasishtha, the model of conjugal excellence.
She is then made to step on to a stone slab to remind her how Ahalya, the
beautiful wife of Rishi Gautama, was turned to a stone for commiltl~ adultery.
Widow-marriage is permitted, and, by a very curious exception to the
ordinary rule, a widow may marry her deceased husband's elder brother but
not his younger one. The usual prohibition on a Widow marrymg her
husband's elder brother is based on the ground that he is looked on as her
father; the Segidis say, on the other hand, that his younger brother is as her
son. If an unmarried adult male dies, the ceremony of marriage is performed
between the corpse and a plantain tree; and if an unmarried woman dies she
is married to So sword. A corpse is always buried with the head to the east
and the feet to the west. ThiS peculiar practice may be a reminiscence of
Vedic times, when the west was considered to be the abode of the departed,
the sun being the first mortal who died and went to the west as recorded
in the Rig-Veda. The Segidis are also cultivators, traders or soldiers. They
ha~ a method of divining a boy's proper calling in his infancy. When his
mouth is touched with grain as food for the first time, they put a sword, a
pen, a book, food and other articles, being the symbols of different professions,
on the gronnd and place the child in front of them. And his
vocatIOn in life IS held to be determined by the article which he touches
first.
Senapati. -( General.) Honorific title
of Sundi.
Sendia.-Title of caste headman of
Panwiir Rajput.
Se"dur.-A section of Ahir or Rawat.
Sentiuria.-Subcaste of Nagasia. They
mark the forehead of the bride with
vermilion (sendur).
Sengar.-A clan of Rajputs belonging
to Saugor and Jubbulpore.
Saodia.-A famous clan of RajpuU.
Setk.-(Ba~ker or moneylender.) A
title of Bania.
Setti.-A corruption of the Sanskrit
Shreshta, good. Title of Komti
caste.
Sl1lJak.-(Servant.) The name given
to an inferior class of Brahmans who
serve in Vaishnava temples.
SkazU, SIIeiU.-One of the four tribes
of Muhammadans. A subcaste of
Mehtar.
Skaiva, Saiva.-(A worshipper of Siva. )
The term Shaiva Brahman is applied
to Gutaos.
Sltandilya, Sand''la.-An eponymous
gtJ/ra or Bection of Brahmans. A
section of Darzi, Raj-Cond, Rawat
(Ahu) and Sunir.
Shegudi.-See Segidi.
Slundia.-A Bection of Tell and Otlid
(Kasiir).
1 Based on a paper by G. Pydiah Naidu oC the Gazetteer Office.
GLOSSARY
Slumri.-A subcaste of Maratha Brahmans
in Hoshangiibad.
Sluo"ar-. or Sivalmre. - Subcaste of
Kalar.
S"UM. -One of the two great sects of
Muhammadans.
Shtkari.--(Ahunter.) A synonym for
Pudhi or Baheha.
SMmpi.-(A tailor.) Synonym (or
Dam in the Maratha country.
Shishi ke Telw,ik.-Subcaste of Pardhi.
They sell oil obtained (rom the bodies
o( crocodiles.
Siddi, Sidi, Habshi-The name given to Africans, whether Abyssinians or
Negroes. Habshi means one coming from EI Habish, the ArabiC name for
North-East Africa. Siddi is a corruption of Saiyad, the designation of a
descendant of the' Prophet, and is commonly used as a term of respectful
address in North Africa, lIke Sahib in India. The BQnlbay Gautteer states I
that about the middle of the fifteenth century, when the Bahmani dynasty
became independent of Delhi and intercourse with Northern India ceased,
the fashion arose of bringing to Western India large numbers of Abyssimans
and other East Africans. Though most of the Habshis came to IndIa as
slaves, their faithfulness, courage and energy often raised them to positions
of high trust in the Bahmani court. According to Orme, the successful
Abyssinians gathered round them all of their countrymen whom they could
procure either by purchase or invitation, including negroes from other parts
of Africa, as well as Abyssinians. From their marriages, first with natives
of India and afterwards among their own families, there arose a separate community,
distmct from other Muhammadans in figure, colour and character.
As soon as they were strong enough they formed themselves into an anstocratic
republic and produced some of the most skilful and daring soldiers
and sailors of Western India. The rulers of Janjira and Saclun States in
Bombay are Siddis by descent.
They are now employed as stokers and firemen on steamers and as fitters
and mechanics in the dockyards of Bombay, and are described 2 as "A
hardy race with muscular frames, thick lips and crisp black hair-the very
last men whom you would wish to meet in a rough-and-tumble, and yet
Wlthal a jovial people, well-disposed and hospitable to anyone whom they
regard as a friend.» In other parts of India the SlddlS are usually beggars
and are described as 'Fond o( intoxicating drinks, quarrelsome, difty, unthrifty
and pleasure -loving, obstiJ}acy being their leading trait.' They
worship Baba Ghor, an Abyssinian saint.3
It is recorded that the medicine called Silajit, a nervine tonic for the
generatIve power, was formerly believed to be prepared from the flesh of
Abyssinian boys. Mr. Hooper writes: "Silijit is allied to another ancient
drug named Momiayi which has long been employed in the East. The
original drug is said to have been made from EgyptIan mummies, and subsequently
to have been prepared by boiling down and extracting the essence
o( Abyssinian boys. Since the last source of supply has become scarce,
several bituminous exudations are reported to have been substituted." t The
drug is now said to be made from the gum of some stone in Hardwir, and
thIS must be the bitumen referred to by Mr. Hooper. The virtue ascribed
to the flesh of Abyssinian boys was no donbt based on their superior bodily
strength and perhaps partly on the prolificacy of the negroes. In the case of
mummies, as the body o( the mummy was believed to have retained life or
the capacity of hre (or many ages, Its material would naturally possess extraordinary-
VItality and should be capable of imparting thIS qualilJl to others
when assimilated into theIr bodies.
1 Vol. xi. P. 433-
i Mr. Edwardes, Byways of Bom6ay.
3 Bom6ay Gault«/', WuJem.
• I.A.S.B .• NO.3 of 1903. p. 103·
P·79-
410 GLOSSARY PAllT
Sidhira., Sitmra..-A small occupational caste of Sambalpur and the Uriya
States. The caste is not found elsewhere in India. They are braziers by
trade, and in spite of their small numbers say they have three subcastes, one
of which, the Luhura, 'Works in iron. They are an impure caste, whose
touch conveys pollution in Sambalpur. They accept alms from a Munda or
Oraon on the occasion of a death in the latter's family, and have totemlStic
septs. They eat fowls and rats and consume much liquor. They also
admit outsiders into the caste. It may be concluded, therefore, that they are
an occupational caste formed from the tnbes above mentioned or others,
through adopting the calling of brass-workers. The adultery of a Sldhira
woman WIth a man of any higher caste is ~ooked upon !IS an absolutely trilling
offence, and this is a common feature of low castes of mixed origin. As
among many primitive tribes, one particular sept performs the ceremony of
readmitting offenders to caste intercourse by sprinkling a little Ganges water
over tl~m. The man fulfilling this office is known as the Baikar, and after
a wedding the bridal paiJ go to the Baikar's house and he pours two jars
full of water over their heads and bodies. They go inside the house, and the
bridegroom then comes out and gives the wet clothes to the Baikar with a
small present. This appears to be a sort of purificatory ceremony at
marriage.
Sidi. -Synonym of Siddi.
Stlpi.-(A stone-mason.) Subcaste of
Kammala.
Sindlu.-(Performers of dramas.) Subcaste
of Madgi.
Sindhupushkar.-A subcaste of Brah.
mans in Khairagarh State, perhaps
the same as the Marwari Pusbkama
Brahmans. It is said that Sindhu
has the meaning of a lake.
Singtide.-(From singh, hom, ana
gadna, to bury.) Subcaste of Xoli.
The members of this group, when
theitebuffaloes die-, bury the horns in
their compound.
of Kawar. A section of Agharia.
Singlina.-Those who cultivate the
Smgiira nut. Subcaste of Dhimar.
Singk.-(A lion.) The usual suffix to
the names of Rajpiits, Sikhs and
castes which claim Rajpiit rank. such
as Lodhis.
Singh, Singki.-(Horn.) A totemibtic
sept of Dhanwar. A section of
Kurmi, and of Oswal and Mabeshri
Bania.
Singkiil. - (Ceylon.) A section of
Brahmans in Damoh.
Singr(}rl. - Subcaste of Kunbi and
Lodhi.
Singar.-(A fish.) A totemistic sept
Sikligar, Bardhia., Saiqa.1gar. I_A small caste of armourers and knifegrinders.
The name Saiqalgar comes from the Arabic saiqal. a polISher, and
Bardhia is from 6iirdh, the term for the edge of a weapon. They number
only about 450 persons in the Central Provinces and Berar, and reside mainly
in the large towns, as Jubbulpore and Nagpur. The caste is partly Hindu
and partly Muhammadan, but very few members of it in the Central Provinces
profess the latter religion. In Bombay t the Muhammadan Slkligars
are said to be Ghisans or tinkers who were forcibly converted by Aurangzeb.
The writer of the Belgaum Gazetteer S says that they are scarcely more than
Muhammadans in name, as they practically never go to the mosque, keep
Hindu gods in their houses, eschew beef, and observe no special Muham.
madan rites other than circumcision. The Hindu Sikligars claim to be
Rajpiits and have Rajpiit sept names, and it is not unlikely that in old times
the armourer's calling should have been adopted by" the lower classes of
Riijpiit.. The headquarters of the caste is in Gwiilior, where t)Jere is probably
still some scope for their ancient trade. But in British territory the
Sikligar has degenerated into a needy knife-grinder. Mr. Crooke' describes
1 Partly based on a note by Mr. C. pur), p. 234.
J. IrWin, Assistant Commissioner, Jubbulpore.
II Bombay Gazetteer, vol. xvii. (Skola.
» BonWq;1 Gazetteer, Belgaum. p. 1250.
• Trilm ana Castes, art. Slkligar.
I GLOSSARY 411
him as .. A trader of no worth, His whole stock.in':trade is a circular whet·
stone worked by a strap between two posts fixed in the ground. He
&harpens knives, razors, scissors and sometimes swords."
.sirlkir.-Title of the Kawar caste. of Sravasti in Gonda district.) Sub.
Siriswdr,-(FrQm s,m, a tree.) A caste of Teli. I
section of Gadaria. Sitq Pddn:-TitleofVaishnava mendi.
Sinut.-A clan of Rajpiits. cants.
Sirltla.-(A resident of the ancient city SlIkira.-Synonym of Sidhira.
Sola.ha..1-A very small caste numbering less than a hundred per~ons in the
Raipur District. The caste only deserves mention as affording an instance
of an attempt to riSe in the social scale. The Solahas are certamly of Gond
origin. Their name appears to be a corruption of Tolaha, from to/, which
means leather in Gondi or Telugu. Their exogamous sections, as Markam,
Warai, Wika, Sari, Kunjam, are also Gond names, and like the Agarias
they are an occupational offshoot of that great tribe, who have taken to the
special profession of leather.curing and primitive carpentry. But they claim
to belong to the Barhai caste and say that theIr ancestors immigrated from
Benares at the time of a great famine there. In pursuance of the claim some
of them employ inferior Brahmans as their priests. They also say that they
accept food only from Brahmans and Rajpiits, though they eat (owls, pork
and even rats. Women of any other caste can be admitted into the community,
but not ~en. The fact that they are not Barhais is sufficiently
shown by their ignorance of carpentering tools. They do not even know the
use of a rope for turning the drill and do it by hand with a pointed nail.
They have no planes, and smooth wood with a chisel. Their business is to
make musical instruments for the Gonds, which consist of hollow pieces of
wood covered with skin to act as single or double drums. They use sheep
and goat-skins, and after letting them dry scrape off the hair and rub them
W1th a paste of boiled rice and powdered iron filmgs and glass. •
So/anki, Solanklai. - A well· known theIr ancestor presented a gold plum
clan of Rajputs, also called Chao to their Raja.
lukya. The name is perhaps Sonbukra.-(Yellow goat.) A totem.
derived from Sulakskana, one bear· istic sept of Kawar.
ing an auspicious mark. A section Sondz.. - (Sondi, tiger.) A .ept of
of Pardhi and Gujar. Gonds in Raipur. It is said to be
Sompura.-A subdlVJsion of Gujarati of mixed descent from all the septs,
Brahmans in Jubbulpore. They and can intermarry with any other.
take their name from Somnath in Sondhi.-Synonym for Sundl.
Kathiawar. Songainda.-(Gold unicorn.) A sec·
Somvansi.-(Children of the Moon.) tion of Teli in Khairagarh, so named
Subcaste of Mahar. A clan of because they presented a golden
Rajpiits. unicorn to their king Bharam Deo.
Sonar.-Synonym for Sunar in the Sonka, Sonkutta.-(Wlid dog.) A
Maratha country. sept of Dhanwar, Kawar, Saonta or
Sonbarka.-(Gold pig.) A section of Santal, and Chero.
Teli ~ Khairagarh, so named as Soni.-Synonym for Sunar.
they presented a golden pig to their Sonjkara, Sonjharia. - (One who,
king Bharam Deo. . washes for gold in the beds of
Sonboyw.-(Gold p1llil') A sectioD< of streams.) A caste. Subcaste of
Teli in Nandgaon, so called because Binjhwar, Injhwar and Dhimar.
Sonkar.-A small caste found in the Chhattisgarh country, and als. in Saugor
and Damoh. The name Sonkar is said to be a corruption of Chiinkar or lime·
dealer, and the Sonkars of Saugor make theiE living by carrying clay and
lime on donkeys for bUilding and whitewashing walls, In Saugor they are
also known as Beldar (navvy) and Gadhera (donkey-driver), and occupy a
1 Based on a paper by Mr. Gokul Prasad. Nii.lb·Tahsildar. Dhamtari.
4IZ GLOSSARY PAIlT
despised position. Possibly on this account a few oC them in the northern
Districts and the whole community in Chhattisiarh have abandoned their
traditional calling, and have taken to growing vegetables like tbe Miilis and
Marars. Here their status is better, and they tank as a gardening caste.
Their customs resemble those of the lower castes of Chhatttsgarh. They
obtain auspiCIOUS dates for their marriages and different ceremonies from
Brahmans, but otherwise these are not employed. and the caste headman.
known as Kurha or Sethia, officiates as priest. At their weddings the sacred
post round which the couple walk must consist of a' forked bough of !be
mahua tree divided in a V shape, and they take much trouble to find and cut
a suitable bough. They will not take cooked food from the hands of any
other caste, even from Brahmans.
Sonkarasalia.-(Impure gold.) A sec·
tion of Bhona or Bhulia.
Sonkulri.-(Bitch of the wild dog.)
A totemistic sept of Kawar.
SOJljJakar.-(A tree.) A totemistic
sept of Kawar and Chero.
Sonratan.-(Gold jewel.) A section
of Chandnahu Kurmi.
Sontnaga.-(Go1d.cheat.) A subdivi·
sion of Pardhiins in Kawardha.
They cheated people by passing false
gold, and hence were so named.
SOn/hal.-Synonym for Santal.
Sonwani.-(Sona. pan;, gold. water.)
This is a common sept among the
primitive tribes and castes derived
from them. The members of this
sept occupy a quasi·priestly position,
and readmit offenders into caste by
giving them water to drink in which
gold has been dipped. They also
pun~ those who have got vermin in
a wound by sprinkling this water
over them. A section of Ahir and of
Rawat or Chhattisgarhi Ahu; a sept
of Dhoba, Dhanwar, Gond and
Kawar; a section of Kalanga, Kum.
har, Panka and Teli.
Sori.-A sept of GOnd and Pardhin.
Sori and Khusro are the two sub.
septs of the Markam sept.
Soyti17l. -(Worshipper of seven gods.)
A division of Gond in Chanda.
Snlvaka.-A Jain layman.
Sri Gaur Mala. -(Aresidentof Malwa.)
Subcaste of Barhai.
Sri17lcUi.-(From the old city of Srimiil
in Rajputana.) A subcaste of Guja.
rati Brikrnan and Bania.
Snviislab, Snwiistab.-(From the old
city of Sravasti in the north of Oudh.)
A well· known subcaste of Kiiyasth.
A subcaste of Bharbhiinja, Darzi and
Teli.
Sua.-(Parrot.) A section of Chadar,
Khangar and Kasar. A sept of
Bhatra and Kawar.
Suda.-Synonym of Sudh.
Sudla.-A caste. A subcaste of Kolta
and Lohar.
Sudha.-Synonym of Sudh.
Sudkll.-Synonym of Sudb.
Sudra.-The lowest of the four tradi.
tional castes. See Introduction.
There is no Siidra caste at present
in the Central Provinces. A sub·
caste of Barai.
Sutbadiwa. - (Sui, porcupine.) A
totemistic sept of the Dhurwa Gonds
in BetUl.
SUJi.-(From sui, a needle.) Synonym
for Darzi.
Sukul, Shukul.-(White.) A surndme
of Kanaujia Brahmans.
Sulankki.-Subcaste of Mahli.
Sunar.-A caste of goldsmiths. Sub·
caste of Bishnoi.
SundM.-Synonym of Sundi.
Su1tgaria.-(One who keeps pigs.)
Subcaste of Kumhiir.
Sunni.-One of the two principal sects
of Muhammadans who foUow the
orthodox traditions, Sunni meaning
traditionist.
Sum-l.-Synonym of Sundi.
Suriiit.-A name signifying persons of
impure or mixed descent. A subcaste
of Dhlikar and Halba. A subcaste
of Jharia Rawat (Ahit) in
Bastaf, being the offspring of Jharia
Riwat fathers by women of other
Riwat subca~es. A subcaste of
Sonkar in Kan'ker, consisting of the
offspring of iIIegitimat., unions. A
subcaste of Jhadi Telenga, Kumh."lr
and Marir (Mali).
Siimj, Surya.-(The sunol A section
of Binjhwar, Gond, Khangiir, Marar,
Mowar, Riiwat (Ahir) and Siinsia
(in Sambalpur).
I GLOSSA1?Y 413
Surfl}dR'Waja.-A subcaste of Kayasth. Tadvi.-A name for Muhammadan
Siirajvansi. - (Descendants of the Bhils.
Sun.) Name of one of the two great T~k. Taksnac.-Aclan of Rajputs. now
divisions of Rajputs. A clan of extinct.
Rajputs. A subcaste of Barai, Tiikankar. Tiikari.-(From Itilma, to
Khairwiir and Kaliir.' A section of tap. to roughen the face of a mill-
Cliamar, Dhanwar, Gond and Koli. stone.) A. synonym or subcaste of
Suratha.-A subdiVIsion of Valmild Pardbi. A synonym for the Pathrot
Kayastb. or Pathrawat stone-workers in Berar,
Sureyiim.-A Gond sept named after who are classed with Beldars.
the sui or porcupine, because, it is TaRle. - (Fallen.) A subcaste of
said, a porcupine passed by when Kasar, said to consist of the descendthey
were worshipping their god. ants of persons excommunicated for
Surkki.-{Red.) A clan of Surajvansi sexual offences. -
Rajpiits. . Tamiisna'Wiila.-(Showman.) A name
Sutiir.-The name of a carpenter in gIven to Nats.
the Maratha Districts. Synonym of Tambatkar.-(A coppersmith.) Syno-
Barhai. nym for Tamera.
Sutkra Shiihi.-Synonym for Nanak- Tambo/i, Tamoli.-(A seller of the
panthi. prepared betel-leaves.) Synonym for
Sutsale.-{A thread-weaver.) Subcaste Barai.
of Koshti. Tandan.-A subdivision of Saraswat
Suvarka.-Named after the suar or Brahmans in Hoshangabid. perhaps
pig. Subcaste of Dhimar. so called from their being priests of
Swami or Azya (Iyer).-{Master.) A the Tandan Khatris.
title given to leaders of the religious Tiinki'Wiila.-(A sharpener of grindorders.
AtitleofSanadhyaBrih1l\ans stones.) Subcaste of Dhimar.
in Saugor. A subcaste of Jangam. Tiin#.-(Tanta, weaver's loom.) A
Swetambari.-A sect of Jains who put caste. A subcaste of Bhulia an~
clothes on their images. Mahli.
Tinti, Titwa. (from Sanskrit tantu-. a fibre).-The great weaver caste of
Bengal and Bihar. A few Tiintis were enumerated in Raipur District in
1911. Sir H. Risley is of opinion that the Tantis are probably a functional
group developed under the pressure of the natural demand for fine·wov'en
clotho l One tradition of their origin is that the first ancestor of the caste
was begotten by the celestial architect Viswakarma on a low Siidra woman.
Viswakarma is regarded as the tutelary deity of the caste. and is worshipped
twice a year with offerings of flowers. rice and sugar. Images are sometimes
made of him .. but more commonly the weaver's loom or some of the tools of
the craft are regarded as the dwelling-place or symbol of the god. In past
bmes the Tiintis made the famous fine cotton cloth, known as alJrfl'Wiin or
'running water,' which was $l1pplied only to the imperial zenina at Delhi.
Sir H. Risley relates the following stories illustrating its gossamer texture.
On one occasion a daughter of Aurangzeb was reproached on entering the
room for her immodest attire, through which her limbs could be seen. and
excused herself by the plea that she bad on seven folds of cloth over her
body. Again in the reign of Alivardi Kbin (1742-56), a Dacca nnti was
flogged and banished from the city for not preventing his cow from eating up
a plece of abra'Wii. cloth which had been laid out to bleach on the grass.
The fam~us female spinners who used to wind the fine:; native thread were
still to be found in 1873. but their art has now died out. In mJstration of
their delicate touch it is told that_one of them wound 88 yards of thread on
a reel. and the whole weight of the thread was -only one ,ati or twp grains.
Nowadays the finest thread spun weighs 70 yards to the ratio The best
cloths were woven by the Dacca Tantis, to whom the Koshtis of Burhiinpur,
I
1 Tribes ami Castes of Bengal, art. Tiinti. .
414 GLOSSARY PAItT
in the Central Provinces stood second. The Bamanmlira lank in the old
Village of Dhanpur in Pendra mmindari of Bilaspnr is so named from the fact
that about a century ago some Brahman traders were murdered OD its bank
for the sake of the fine cloths they were carrying rolled up in hollow bamboo
sticks. In Bengal the Tantis are included among the castes from whom a
Brahman can take water. Sir H. Risley is of opiDion that they have to some
extent raised themselves to this posItion by their own influence, their trade
bemg prosperous and lucrative, and havlDg long ago attained to the develop.
ment of (l,n urban industry. The ordmary status of the weavmg castes bemg
at the bottom of the social scale, the superior position of the Bengal Tanh!>
is an interesting exception. It is analogous to that of the KoshtlS in the
Central Provinces, also a class of urban weavers, who rank above the impure
castes, though they have nol attained to the position of the Tan tis, all
Brahmans will not take water from them.
Tanwar.-A subcaste of Kawar, to thousand.) Subcaste of Chero.
which zamindars belong. T.4dh4r.-(Lord.) The common title
Tanwal, Tanwalkan·.-A synonym for of Rajputs. This title is also used
Panchal Sunar. by Lodhis, Raj.Gonds and other
Tarane.-Synonym of Dobaile Teli. landowning castes. A surname of
Tasa.-Synonym of Chasa. Karhara Brahmans in Saugor. A
Tatwa.-Synonym for Tanti. (From section of Ahir, Marir (Mali), Pan·
SarlSkrit tamu, a fibre.) war Rijput and Sudh.
Tawaif.-(A prostitute.) Synonym for T.4akuria.-(LordIing.) A subcaste
Kasbi. of Murao. A suhcaste of Kol and
Tekam.-(The teak tree.) One of the Parja. A section of .Dard and
commonest clans of Gonds. A sept Katia.
of Bai",ua, Bharewa, Binjhwir and T.4t1napali. -( Master of the sacred
Pardhan. A subdivision of Majh. place.) Synonym for Gandhmali.
war. T.4ii/ak. -A surname of Sanidhia
Telenga Dora.-(Telug\l Lord.) A Brahmans in Saugor. (From 5thj·
designation r\Sed by the Velama pak. the consecrator of idols.)
caste. Tkapatkari.-Synonym of Beldiir.
Telenc-e.-A Telugu name used by 'Ilat.4ilri.-A caste of coppersmiths in
BahJas and other Telugu castes. Sambalpur.
Subcaste of Nai. T.4a1ra.-A subtribe of Gonds, also
Telna.-Subcaste of Nagasia. The called Gaiki or Mahato in Betiil.
memberS of this subcaste mark the Thelnwtir.--(One who (ollows the
forehead of the bride with tel or oil straight path.) A subcaste of Rawat
at the marriage ceremony. (Ahir) in Chhattisgarh.
Teli.-A caste of oll·pressers. Sub. T.iolia, Tkot.4ia.-(Maimed.) A sUbcaste
of Barhai, Dangrl and Gond· division of Gonds and Pardhins,
bali. who live by begging from the
Teli.Bania.-A group of the Teli Gonds.
caste who have taken to shopkeep. T.4uria.-Subcaste of Banjira in Sam·
iug. Subcaste of Tell. baJpur.
Telr·Kalar.-A mixed group of the Twkckandi.--(Bais.) A subdivision
Kalar and Teli castes. Subcaste of of the Bais clan of Rajputs.
Tilli. Tirelle.-(Tirole.) Subcaste 01 Are.
Teli·Mariir.-A subcaste of Marar. Tirgiim.-A su\wept of the Uika clan
Telkala.-SubcastC; of Gandll. of Gonds in Betal. A sept of
Tera.4.nazJr or BmSamiM.-(Thirteen Pardhan. •
Tirma.le, Tirma.lle.-A smail caste of wandering Telugu beggars. Nearly
400 were returned in the Central Provinces and Beri.r in 1911. Tirmales
take about performing bulls. The animal is decorated with brass ornaments
and bells, and his back is covered with a patched quilt of different colours.
The Tirmale has a red turban with a scarf round his neck, and a follower
carries a drum. The bull is cleverly trained and performs various tricka.
GLOSSARY
The caste do this in ·the mornings, but in the afternoon they appear as
Bairigis or ordinary beggus, and in the evening as sellers of Yarious sacred
articles. such as sandalwood, Ganges water and rudriiksha beads. They
take vater from the Ganges in small phials and go down to the south of
India selling iL On this acoount they are known in Poona as Kishi Kiwadi
or those who carry banghys from Kishi 1Benires). In Telngu they are
called Gangeddnln and in Tamil Endandi, both words meaning people who
beg with bulls. They may properly he considered as a subcaste of Dasaris.l
The Tirmales travel with their families like the llanjiras, and live in tents or
sheds outside the rilm.,ue. Their marria.,aes are generally celebrated in the
month of Shrawan in the rains, when they return from their wanderings.
They speak a corrupt Telugu among themselves, but Marithi to outsideIS.
They eat flesh and drink liquor. The dead are buried.
TzntI4!!e.--Syoonym-of Tmnale. A section of Basor.
T"utk-Name of one of the ten T;..,.m:,-(I..ea.rned in three Vedas.)
orders of Gosains. 'A family name of Kanaujia and
Tilk-(From tiJdri, a sandpiper.). Gaur Brihmans..
Tiyar.-A boating and.fishing caste of Sambalpur and Bengal. In the Central
Provinces they numbered 700 in 1911. The caste is a nUIDer0u5 one in'
Bengal and has been fully described by Sir H. Risley,S so that no detailed
notice of it is neces5&I}' here. The DaIDe is derived from the Sanskrit tiwInI,
a hunter, the Tiyus styling themselves the hunters of the sea. They came
to the Central ProYinces from Angul in Orisl, and they offer to the goddess
Darga in Angul an oblation of 60 to 100 jia fish and a hea.dload of lotus
flowers on her special festin.l. In honour of Durga they observe a fast OD
the rour Tuesdays of the months of Chait and' Kunwir (March and September).
In Chait they also worship their hooks and nets. At their
marriages when a fathel: has selected a bride lor his SOD he consults an
astrologer to compare their horoscopes. H the conjunction is unsatisfactory
he will change the boy's name to snit the astrological" calcu1ati~ The
wedding is celebrated in the CODI.IIlon fashion of the Uriya castes. If a
bachelor marries a widow he first goes through the Conn of wedlock with a
bunch of flowers. Amoog their caste penalties, that imposed for the killing
of a cow may be mentioned. It is called the Gocharan Brit, and the o~ender
is required to consort with cows for twenty-one days. He must mix and take
his meals in the cowshed, and must copy the behaviour of the cows, lying
down when they lie down, standing up when they stand np, following them
when they walk about, and so on. At the expiration of this period he
makes a pilgrimage to a certain village, and on his return partakes of the five
products of the sacred cow and gives a feast to the caste. The Tiyus are a
low caste, and eat fowls and drink liquor. They will admit • member of any
higher caste on his giYing a feast to the COIDmunity. In the Central
PromCe5 they have exogBDlous sections within which marriage is prohibited ;
these generally have titnlar names. as Padbin chief, Dis slave, Guru preceptor,
and so on. They catch fish with the gjatri 6eIu1a, a large bamboo
basket covered with palm-tree bark, which is sunk onder water and secured
in the bed of the streaIn.
7..a-.i.-{Worshipper of six gods.}
A section of Rij-Gqld.
T..".,., T_, T_.-(T_, a
club.) A fren·known clan of RijpUts.
A sept of Good.
Tt1n;"'-A name given to Gouds who
worship twelve gods in Chanda.
TIUII1'WII.-(T~ a pmnpkin.) A
clan of Good, said to be those who
worship six gods.
Tari. -A caste. A syntnym for
Basors or bamboo-workers. A sec>
tion of Kalanga.
T.,..f.-(J.[nhammadan.) A section
GLOSSARY PAllT
of Panwar Rajpiit in Balaghiit.
Turkan.-A subcaste of Bahna, so
called because their forefathers are
said to have been soldiers in the
army of t~e king of Delhi.
Turiaa, Kurkanya. - A Muhammadan
group. Subcaste of Banjara,
Chamiir.
Uckla.-(A lifter.) Title for Bhiimta.
Uckle. - (Pickpocket.) Subcaste of
Miing.
Uclzodta.-A subcaste of Bhand.
Ud.-Subcaste of Chasa. See Odde.
Udaz'natlz.-A subdivision of Jogi.
UdaijJUna.-(Qne belonging to Udai.
Hur.) Subcaste of Dhobi.
Udasi.-A class of religious mendi.
cants. See Nanakpanthi.
Ulka, Oz'ka.-A very common clan of
Gonds, who are said to be wor·
shippers of six gods.
Uktis.-A subcaste of Barhai.
Ulluka.-(An owl.) A totemistic
sept of Sudh and DumaI.
Umre.-,A subcaste of Bania. See
subordinate article to Bania. A
subcaste of Kalar, Nai and Teli.
Unayo, Unnaya.-(From Una.o in
Oudh.) A subdivision of Nigam
Kayasth. It is also sometimes con·
sidered as a half subcaste, in addi.
tion to the twelve proper subcastes.
Unewa!.-A subdivision of Khedawiil
Brahmans found in Jubbulpore.
They take their name from Una, a
village in Kathiiiwir.
Upiidltya.-(A teacher.) A surname
ot Kanaujia and Sanadhya Brah·
mans. A title of Manbhao.
Upmanyu.-An eponymous section of
Brahmans.
Uraon.-Synonym of Oraon.
Uriya.-(A native of Orissa.) A
synonym for the Sansia. caste of
masons in Sambalpur. A subcaste
of Ganda, Ghasia, Gond, Karan,
Kewat, Koshti, SaYar, Sundi a.nd
Sunar.
Urkara, Urkare.-..(From Warkora, a
wild cat -in Gondi.) A section of
Suniir and Gond.
Usrete.-A subcaste of Kurmi and
Nai.
UtlzaIKira.-(A picker.up of that
which has fallen.) Synonym of
Sanaurhia.
Ulkala. -( A resident of Orissa.) One
of the five orders of Panch Gaur
Brahmans'inhablting Orissa.
Vatiaror Watiewar.-{A stone·cutter.)
Synonym of Beldar.
Vade, Wade.-(A carpenter.) A sept
of Maria Gonds.
Vadra.-(A carpenter.) Subcasle of
Kammala.
VJKlze.-(From VdKlz, a tiger.) See
Wighya.
Vaidika.-(Reciter of the Vedas.) A
title of Brahmans.
Va,·slznava.-(A worahipper of Vishnu. )
A name for the mendicant orders oC
Vishnuite devotees and Bairagis.
Vaishnava Sundr. - A group of
Sunars who claim to be Brahmans.
See Panchal.
Vaiskya.-Name of the third of the
four classical castes. See Introduction.
There is no Vaishya caste
at present, but the Bania caste are
eonsidered, perhaps incorrectly. to
be descended from tbe Vaishyas.
Vajantri, Wajantri.-(Musician.) A
subcaste of Gurao. A synonym
and section oC Mang.
VallaMach4",a.-A Vlshnuite sect and
order of religious mendicants. See
article Bairagi.
Valmika, Valmiki.-A subdivision of
Khedawal Brahmans who take their
name from the sage Valmika. A
subcaste of Kiiyasths.
Vtimaclzari Sect.-Synonym for Vim·
Mirgi
Vtini.-Synonym for Bania.
Var4tle, War4tle. - (A resident of
Berar, a variant of Bera~ q.v.) A
subcaste of Simpi or Mariith&
Dam. A subcaste of Dhangar and
Nai.
Varendra or Barendra.-A subcaste
of Bengali Bralunans.
Vartati.-(Pure.) Subcaste of Andh.
Vasts"'a or Vaslzirhta.-Name of a
famous saint in classical literature.
An eponymous section of Brahmans.
Vellila..-The great cultivating caste of the Tamil country, to whom by
~eneral consent the first place in social esteem among the Tamil Siidra castes
15 awarded. They have a strevgth of more than 2i millions in India; in
GLOSSARY 417
the Central Provinces there were in 1911 about 700 in Chanda, Nagpur
and other Districts. In the llJadras Census Report of 1901, Mr. Francis
gIVes an interestmg descriptIOn of the structure of the caste and its numerous
terntorial, occupatlonal and other subdlvislOns. He shows also how groups
from lower castes continually succeed in obtammg admission into the
Vellala community in the followmg passage: "Instances of members of
other castes who have assumed the name and position of Vellalas are the
Vettuva VelHilas, who are really Vettuvans; the Puluva Vellalas, who are
only Puluviins; the llIam VellaJas, who are Panikkiins; the Karaiturai
(lord of the shore) Vellalas, who are Karaiyans; the KarukamattaI (palmyra
leaf stem) Vellalas, who are Baltjas; the Guha (lUma's boatlnan) Vellalas,
who are Sembadavans; and the Irkuli Vellalas, who are Vannins. The
children of dancing girls also often call themselves Mudali, and claim in
time to be VellaJas, and even Paraiyans assume the title of PllIal, and trust
to its eventually enabling them to pass themselves off as members of the
caste." The Vella las Will not touch the plough with their own hands.
Some of them abstaIn from flesh and liquor, and.prohibit the remarriage of
Widows with a view to ralsmg their social status.
Vzdur.-A caste. A subcaste of Vyas.-A section of Brahmans and of
GondhaU, Kasar, Komti, Kunbi, Agharia.
and Lohar, compnsmg persons of
11IegitJmate descent.
VIr. -Subcaste of GopaJ.
Virmusnh.-A class of BaIragis or
religIOUS mendicants.
Vishnu Swamz.-A tlass of Bairagis
or rehgious mendicants.
Vzsnwamitra.-Name of a famous
saint m classical literature. An
eponymous section of Brahmans.
If'addar.-tA name for Telugu Oddes
or navvies m Chlinda. A subcaste
of Beldar.
Wadewar.-Synonym of Odde or
Beldar in Chanda.
Wagna.-(Wagh or bagh, a tiger.} A
section of Koshti and Mana, a
clan of Maratha.
Waghmare.-(Tiger-killer.) A clan
of Arakh, Gopal and Mahar.
Wa.kka.liga., Okkiliyan.-A Canarese caste of cultivators, of which a few
representatives were returned from Nagpur. They reside mainly in the
Madura and Coimbatore Districts. The name is derived from t!';t: Canarese
okkalu,l which means cultivation or agriculture.
Wakmar.-(One who left the pangat Yadu, Yadava.-A well-known clan
or caste feast while his fellows were of Rajpiits.
eatmg.} Title of Hatkar. Yadubansi.-(Of the Yadu race.} A
Wandhekar.-Subcaste of Kunbi. $ubc;.aste of Ahir.
Wan/ari. - Synonym for Banjara. yadu· Bhatt,. - Clan of Riijpiits.
Subcaste of KunbL Synonym for Yadu.
Wariide.-(A t'em:jent of Berar.) Sub- Yajur- Ved,.-A subcaste of Brahmans
caste of Gurao. who follow the Yajur-Veda. They
TVartlzi.-(A washerman.) Synonym are also known as Madhyandan
for Dhobi in the Maratba country. and Apastambha.
1Vasudeo, fVasdeo.-The name of the Yarande.-(One who presses the
father of Krishna. the Hindu god. erandi or castor-au seed.) Subcaste
Synonym of Basdewa. A subcaste of Teli.
of Joshi. Yati.-(For Jati}. A Jain ascetic.
Watkan. See Otari. Yelama.-Synonym of Velama.
Wzka.-~nonym~for Ulka, a well- Yogi.-Synonym of Jogi.
known clan of Gonds. Yo/na.-Subcaste of Ko~ti.
1 Madras Census Report {1891}, p. 243.
VOL. I 2 E
SUBJECT INDEX
THIS Index contains refezences to general ethnological and other subjects referred to in the
arttcles, either those on main castes and tribes in Part II., or those on rehglons and sects .1Il
Part 1. These laner are usually distinguished by the lette15 R. for religion or S for sect.
Very ocxa51onal\y a reference is made to one of the minor articles in the Glossary. The reference
numben are to the paragraphs of the articles. In the few cases where DO reference DDID her is
given the subject is either treated generally in the article referred to, or the article itself is so
short that further indication is unnecessary.
Abhiras. the-Ahir a
Abonginal tribes. pOSition of. in Hindu
soclety-Bhwya 3
Acrobauc performances-Nat 4. 5
Address. methods of-Bairagi II. Brihman
18. Gond 7a. G05aln S. Lodhi
:roo Muhammadan R. 3a
AdmISsion of outslders-Arya Samaj R.
3. Bhama 6. Bhiimta 3, Bhil n, Dahait
3. Dhanwar II, Gond 70, Injhwar 4.
Jhadi Telenga 3. Kaikii.rl 4. KanJar
8, Khond 9, Mahli 2. Mehtar 5,
Panka S. Tun 6, VellaIa
Adoptlon-Bhii.mta 3
Agricultural rites-Gond 48. Kohli 4.
Kurml 32. Oraon 91. all
Agricultural superstitions-Knnni 33
Akall sect. the-SIkh R. 6
Aku or Akshit triuya fesuval-Chltii.rl
6. Chitrakathl
Alcohol. prohibition of-Kalar 6
Ambagarhla Deo. worship of-KosIjt1 5
Amulets-Bhu 9. Sunar I9
Anrestors. reincarnation of-Chamar 1,
Dhiikar 9. Gond, 37, 39. Khond S.
Omon 10
Ancestors. worship of-Badhak 9. Gond
38. 411, Gowan S. Koshti 4. Omon
14, Sii.nsia 3. Sunm, Thug 11. Tun 4
Angad Guru-Sikh R. a
Animal hospltals-Ja.& R. 14
Animal sacnfices. in Greece-Kasai 11;
sacnfice 05 buffalo-Mahar a
Animals. kindness to-BIShnoi 3. Dohor
Animals. veneration for-Bhil 8, Gowii.ri
5. Jam R. 14. KASAl, Oraon 110
Animlsm-Kasai 4
Anniversanes of the dead-Kunni 28 -
Appearance and mode of hfe-Balga
7.8. BeMaJ, Bhil 12. Bhishti. Bhwya
14. Chamiir I. Khatri I. Kiriir 4.
, Kohli S. Kol 16, Korku 10, Korwa II,
Oraon 23. Panv.ar Rajpiit 13. Veliima I
Arjun Guru-Sikh R. a
Arts. ongin of the-Mochi 3
Arya Samaj R. • prospects of - Arya
Samaj R. 6
Assassmation. methods of-Thug 4.5,6.
7. 8
Astronomical beliefs and stories-Bhatra
4. Dhuri 3. Durnil 4. Jiidua Brahman.
JOSH, 1-16. Mahar II. Turi 4
Balgas. a branch of the BhulYas-
Bhuiya 6 'It
Bii.lak Diis-Satniimi S. 4
Banda. worship of-Khana 8
BanJii.ri DevI. worship of-Banjara 10
Bankrupt. going (or Diwala NlkAlna)-
Bhat 16
Barber. See article Nai
Barber-surgeon-Nai 6
Bathing-Gond 64, Kurmi 39
Beard. tbe-Nai II
Beggars or religiOUS mendicants. See
articles Balrii.gi. FakIr, Gosain. etc.
Beggmg. mode of-Aghori I. Basdewa.
Gopii.l, J ogi II. Wagbya
Bell,meta1-Kasar 4
Betel-vine. account of-Barai 5
Betrothal-Pa.mm. See esp,eclally Banjara
6, Gadarla 3. Gond, Kawar 4.
Kolta 3. Korkn 4. Kunbi 7. Kurmi
S. Prabhu I. RiiJput. Tun 3
Bhii.ng-Kalii.r 10
Bhinwar ceremony (Walking round the
sacred post at mamage)-Kiriir a,
Kunni9
VOL I 419 2 Ea
420 SUBJECT INDEX PART
Bhilts and Chiirans-BMt 2
BIrth ceremomes-Passun. See especially
Ahlr 10. Chamar 8. Gond 28.
29. Halba 15, JiLt II. Kawar 6. Kunbi
10. II. Kurml 15-11. Mehtax 8-11.
Muhammadan ~. 7 - 9. SonJhara 4 i
ceremony of second blrth-Korku 10
BlTlhdays-Muhammadan R. I2
Blacksmlths-Lohar 5
Blanket-weaving-Gadaria 7
Blood. smeared 011 images of godsLakhera
5
Blood-covenant-Kewat II. Kbairwar 5
Brahmo Sama) R .• veneration of. foundatIOn
of. progress of-Brahmo SamiLj
ReligJon II, 3. 9
Brandmg the body-Gond 61, Oraon 11
Bride, purchase of-Agaxla 2. Audhel1a
2. Banjara 6. Dahil.it 3, Dangi 3,
Kawax 4. Khadra. Khana S. Khond
4, KIr 2, Kohli 2. Kol 10. Panwar
Rajpiit 1. Piirdhi 3. Rajjhax 3
Bridegroom, dress of a-Dahana 3.
Khangiir 3. Silnsl& (Una) 4
BuddhIsm compared with ]alQism-]a(n
R.2 •
Buffalo. as a corn god-Kumhar 9.
Mahiir 2
Bullocks. veneratIon for-Kunbi 24
Biiradeo. worship of-BhunJla I. Gond
38, 45. Pardhiin 4
Bunal-Kurmi 23
Calendar. the Hindu-Joshi I-IS
Camel, sacrifice of the-Kasal 15
Canmballsm-Aghori 2, Blrhor. Gond 52
Cax Festival-Jam R. 11
Carpente';ng and woodwork-Barhai 6
Caste customs-Badhak 8, Bali!.hi 3.
Banjara 19. Chasa 3. KabIrpanthi S.
9, Panwar Rajpiit 13. Satnami S. B.
See also AdmusJon 0/ Outnders.
Caste feasts-Kurmi 41. :tntto. 82. B4
Caste PancMyat or commlttee-Abir 17.
Brahman 20. Dhoba 5. Gond 73.
Gowan 1. Halba 18. Kadera 3. Kawar
12. Kol 19. Oraon 27. PardhiLn 6,
Intro. 93
Caste rules and penalties-Passim. See
especially Bharia 7. Bri!.hman 20.
Dhanwar II. Dhimar 12. Dohor, Gond
73. 74. Gowan 7. Jat 13. Kamar 9.
Kawar 12, Ko118. Kurml 44, Mahar
12. Mehtar 4. Panwilr RilJpiit 12.
Piirdhl 4~ Tell 11
Caste structure-Mehtax 3 i origin ofIntro.
3. 4
Cattle. castration of - Chamiir IS j
slaughter..of-Kasal 2; worShip ofBanJara
13. Hatkar 2
Character. See Moral CkartUier
Chiirans-BanJara 2. Bhit 9. III
Children. devices for procuring-Kunbi
112. Mehtar 8. Muhammadan R. 7 i
superstItions about-Gond 31. traffic
in-Ganda 2
Choti or scaJp-lack-Nal 9
CircumcIsion-Muhammadan R. 13
Civil marrmge act-Brahmo SamiiJ Religion
6
Clothes. See Dress
Cocoanut. legends about-Kabirpanthl
S·5
Conception. miraculous. of child!enDhanwlr
I
Coppersmiths-Ta1IIera
Counting. offiCial counter or Medha
Gantia-Bhatra 4. Parja 1, Intro 60
Courtesans. educatIon of-Kasbl 4
Couvade. practice of - Oraon 9. Son}-
hara 4. Yerukala. lntto. 60
Cow-kilImg. penalty for-Tlyar
Cradle songs-ChIlarl 5
Criminal practlces-Badhak 17. Banjara
21. Beldar 6. BeTla 2. Bhamta I.
Chamiir 16, Kanjar 5. Pardhiin 6.
Piisi 7. See also Tkift
Crows. beliefs about-Kunbl IS
Culuvating status-Jilt S. KunUt 4.
Kurmi 45. lntro. 21
Culuvation-Gond 19; patch cultivatIOn
80
Dacoity-Badhak 2. 3. 4. Korwa 10.
MiLng Garori. Mina 3. 'pard hi 12.
Pmdiirl 4. 5. 6. Ramosi 2. Slinsla 4. 5
Daily life-Maratba 8
Dancing-Cond 76. Gondhali. Kasbi 3.
8. Kharla 12. Kol 17. Korwa 8,
Majhw4r 7. Oraon 25. 26. Parja 4
Dasahra festlval- Kumhiir 10. Mahiir
2. Suniir ..
Dauwa or wet-nurse-AhIr 7
Dayanand Sliraswatl-Arya Samii.j R.
I • .IJ
Days-Joshi 9.16; omens from-Kawax
10, ParJa 7
Dead. beliefs about the-Kurmi 29
Death ceremonies-Passim. See esPecially
Bedax 3. Binjbwiir 6. Bishnoi 8.
Bri!.hman 14. Chamiir 7. Dhakar 3.
Goad 32-38. Gosain 10. GUJar 6.
Gurao 6. Halba 12. Kabirpantbl S.
7. Katia 4. Kawar 1. 8. Khana 9.
Khatn 4. KhoJih. Khond 6. KITiir 3,
Kol I4. Kolt 6. Korku 9. Kunbl 14.
Kunjra. Kurm120. 2t. 2., 26. LlDgl.
yat. Mahar 6. Muhammadan R. 14.
Panwlir Riijput n, Pirsl R. 16, 11.
RiiJpiit 6. Sonjbara 5, Intro. 89 .
Debendra NiLth Tagore-Brahmo Sarniij
Religion 4
Deo Briihman. ceremony of-Bedar II
, Demeter. the goddess-Kumhiir 7
>~
Sf/BJECT.INDEX 421
Deshmukh and Deshpindia. offices of-
Koobi.
Devi. the goddess-KumlJar XI
-Dh8.r and U.iJam-Panrir RiJpUt 3
Dharam Dis. legend of-KabiTpantbi
S.4
Dharna, SItting - Agbori 2. Bhat 14.
Manitha 14
Dbatiira-KaJar 10
Diggmg earth for oven at weddingK.
1rir 2
DISeQSeS-Mehtar 13; ma,.aical C'IJl"e for
-Koshtl6
Disguises-Badhak S. Bhimta I. JidDa
Brahman. Thug 7
Divon:e-BmJhwir 5. Cbamir 6. Dewar
3. Dbanwar 6. Dhimar 4. Gadba 2,
Gond 115. Halba 10. Kana 30 Kohli
2, Koh .. Korku xo. Koshti 3. Koobi
8, ~Iahar 5. ~lD& 4. Muhammadan R.
6. Pan",u RiJpiit 8. SaYar .. Taonla
DiWlili Festival. tbe-Ahir 15. Bania 15
Dog-Baojara 20; associated with the
god Khandoba-Manitha 11 '
Domestic animals. taboos about-Dbangar
4. Mang 1. Naoda, Sonjbara 6
!>oms, the-KaoJar 4
Donkey. the-Dhobi 7
DraVidian Inbes, tbC'Jr origin and immlgration-
Kol .. S. Intra.. 31. 39
Dress-Banjara 18. Bhana 1. &bra 1.
Brahman 22, Darzi .. Gadba 5. Good
61. Gosam 4. HaIba 19. Jogi 1. Kasbi
8, Kawar n. Kol 16,' Karku 10.
KoslUi 1. Konbi 22. KIIIDli 31. 38.
Mabiir 12. Muhammadan R. 31.
0ra0D 23. 24. Pardhi 5. Parsi R. 18.
RiJpiit II
Oyemg clothes-Rangrez. Chhipa
Ear. tearing the-Sunir 10
Ear - plel'Clug - Gond 62. Kachhi S.
Muhammadan R. II. Sunar 10, II
Earth. beliefs about the-Bhunjia. 4
Earth-eatlDg-Qutari 3. Kunm 14
Eanb.,goddess-KumlJar II
EatlDg WIth relauves. taboos oo-Gaoria
Echpse. legends about - Mehtar X9.
TeIil
Emasculation. See article Hljra
Eunuchs. See article Hijra
Evil eye-BhatIa I. Chitari .. Khangar
3, Mahar Xl
Exogamous septs or ciBns-Passi-. See
especially, Bhama 3. Br-ihman 8.
Chad8r .,., DahiUt 2. Dangi 2. Gond
12. Goriri 3. Halba 4. }hadi. TeIeo,,"ll
2, Karan. Katia 2. Kawar 3. Kewat
2. Kbond 3. Korku 30 Koobi S.
Knrmi 4 and Appendix. Lodhi ..
Mahar 5. Maritha 4. Panwir Rajpiit
6, Rajpiit .. SaYar 3. IntTo. 48• 69
f •
Extortionate practices of Bards-Bhat 7
False bride. custom of-Dhobi 2
Fastmg for the crops--Kunbi 1. 0ra0D
1I2; other fasts-Jam R. 13. Thng
xl
Female palanquin bearers-Kahar 3
FestivaJs--Gadba 3. Gond 53- Khond
10, Manitha 1. Oraon 20, 1II, PaIja 1
FJgbtlDg. methods of-Gosatn 9. Khond
1. 8
FIghts of ammaIs-Kasai 21
FJShing-Dhimar 8
Flowers-Mah 3, 4. 10
F olktaIes-KIXWa 11
Food-Baiga 8. Bania 17. Bhana 1.
Brii.hman Ill. Gadba S. Gond 68.
Kawar XII. Kbond 9. Kol 18. Kolta 4.
Korb 10, Kunbi III. Kunni 40.
LodhI 9> ~rma (or Deswah) 4.
Muhammadan R. 30, Parsi R. 18.
Rajpiit 8. Tiyar. Intra.. 8S. 88; leavings
of food-Drumar 10
Foreign religtons, adoption of-Mahar
%0. Mehtar 1:6
Forest asceucs-Jogi 5
Fosterage-Ahir 1
Funeral priest-Kurmi 26
Fnmiture--Baiga 1. Knnbi 20. Kunni
36
Games and pastimes-Kamar. :Lfal,
Piirdhi1.:n
Gaoja (IndIan hemp)-KaIar 10. II
Ganpati, worship of-Bania 14. Koshti
5 ; legend abont-Kunbi x6
Gardenmg-Mlili 10. Intm. 28
Gbasi Da.s (legends and teachltJgs of)-
Satn.imi S. 2, 3. 4
Ghosts, beliefs about-Bhat 10. II
GIpsies. origin of-Kanjar 2
Gills dedicated to temples-Kasbi 2,
Wiighya
Goats and sheep-Dhangar 5. Gadaria 6
Gods. attItude towards the-Girpa.,aari
4 ; making contracts With theMehtar
8
Gotng away ceremony (or Gaunro)HaIba
9. Katia 3, Lodhi 6. Panwiir
RaJpiit 8
Gold, sanctity of-Sunir 1; washlDg fO£
-Sonjbara 8
Gondwina-Gond 2
Govmd Singh. Gnm-Stkh R. 3
Gra'ftYaIds-Bobra 4. Kunni 23
Grazing cattle--Ahir 19 •
Greetiog-See Atidnss, #lldJuxls of
Gnnding gram-Kanjar 9
G1W or sugar. the sacred-Thug 16
GIInI ClI' spintnal preceptor-Bairiigi 13-
Daharia 3
Hailstorms. averting-Girpagari I, 4
422 SUBJECT IND4% PAKT
Hair-Gond 63, Jogi 7. Mlnbhao 3,
NaipOJsJm
Halr.cuttmg-Nal 3
Halal (sacrifice) ntes of Muhammadan.
-Atan 4, Kasal 3
Hanuman, the god - Garpagari 3, 4.
KunblI2
Haveh, meaning of-Kurml 3
Heber, BIShop-Swami Narayan S. S
Hmdu R., averslon-\to-Satnami S. 7;
See Reltgtous Belz4!s
Holl Festlval-Bama 16, Gond 54.
Khalrwar 9. Mannewar
Homosexual practices-Hljra
Horoscopes-PraDhu I
Horse-Maratha 7
Houses-BanJara 19. Bohra 7. Gond 60.
Kunbi 19. KUlmi 34. SonJhara 7!
superstitions about-Gond 36, Kurml
35, Parja 7
Human corpse, eatmg of-Aghori 2
Human sacrifices - Banjara 16, 'Gond
51. !{hond 12, Oraon 17
Hun ImmIgration, the - Giijar 1. 2.
Pa,nwar RaJ put I. 2
Huntmg, methods of-Gond 81, Kol·
hatl 6, Mal, Pardhi 8, 9. 10 i ceremomal
huntmg - Bhatra 7. and
Gond
Hypergamy - Brahman 10. Dangi 2.
Daralban, Lodhi 3, Mina 4. Murha 2.
Intro. 16
Id festivals-Muhammadan R. 20. 21
l1legrtImacy-Khatri 3. Vldur 3, Dhakar
ImmoraiilJ' of girls-Oraon 4
Impure castes-Intro. 40. 94
Incest, legend of--Lobat 1
Indoor servants-Dhimar 10, Kahar 4
Infant-mamage - Dhuri. 2. Khandalt.
Kir 2
Infantlclde-Rajpiit 4
Inhentance - Kamar 6, Kawar 12.
Khalrwar 8, Kol 15. Korku 12.
Kunbl 6. Rautia 5
Imt1ll.t1on, rites of-Balragi II. BlShnoi
4. Gosaln 3. Kabirpanthi S. 6. Manbhao
2, Parmartm :S •• Satnaml S. 5.
Sikh R. 4, Thug' 19, Waghya. Intro.
83
Interest on money-Bania 23, Muham.
madan R. 35
Iron-workmg mdustry-Lohar 5 i .JuperstitIons
about iron-Lobar 2 •
Jam Bama.s-Bania 9. and Banta. Par.
war subcaste; Jain GUlaos-Gurao 8
JasondhlS, the-Bhat 8
Jawaras or Gardens of Adonis-Kurmi
31
JhambaJI-Bishnoi 2
Juari as a food-Kunbl 21
Juggling-]adua Brahman'
KabJr. legend and teachmgs of-Kablr.
pantbl S. I. 2. 3
Kah. worship of-Sakta 5 .• Thug 14;
denved from the tiger-Thug 14. 16.
22
Karan. legend of-Basdewa
Karma festlval-Baiga 8, Bmjhwilr 8.
Gond 56. Majbwilr 7. Oraon 19
Kayastbs, aversIOn to-Ghasla 8
KUI-Muhammadan R. 25
Keshub Chandar Sen-Brahmo Samaj
R. 5,7 .
Kettle·drum-Ganda 5. Nagarchl
Khandoba. worshIp of-Bhil 8, Maratha
7. Waghya
Kha.tpatl-Bhat 16-
Khonds, rebellion of the-Khond 14
Kidnapping children-BanJlira 17
King. legend of kilhng~Bhn 2
K1111ohip, baaI. of-Kasal 9, 10. II
Kolanans and DraVidians, the-Kol 4,
Intro. 35'39
Koli caste; derived from Kol tribesKohli.
t
Koran-Muhammadan R. 27
Krishna, the god-Ahir 4, u. worshIp
of Krishna-Balrligt 7
Lac (bangles and toys)-Lakhera 4. 9;
mdustry-Lakhera 3
Lalbeg, worship of-Mehtar IS
Land, rules for occupation of-Khond
7; rights in-Banta 24; ownershIp
of-Intro. 23
Language-Ahir 3. Balga 10. BhIl 14.
Gond 78. Halba S' Kharia 14. Ko! S.
22, Kolam I. Korku 14
Leather-Chamilr II. 12. 13
Leather-workers-Mochi 4
Legends of ongin-Passim. See especially
Aghana, Baiga, Balahl. Bhat.
Bhoyar, Bbunjia, Brahman (K_uJla
and Nagar sub-castes). Chamar,
Daharla. Dangi, Dhanwar. Dhimar,
Halba Holla, Jat, Kalar. KasliT,
K~. Kbatri. Kol. Komti, Korku.
Lobar. Mali, Mang. Panwar RalPfit.
Parja. Sanaurbta. Sunar. Sundt, Tel~
LevIrate tbe-Mang 4,Mfna(orDeswab)
4. P~a 6. Sun!!! 3, Tun 3
Lingo. Gond bero, legend of'lrG~nd 5-JO
Liquor. drinking-Gond 69. Kalilr 4. 7;
and preparatlOD of-Kaliir 13; neebeer-
Kol 7. Oraon 26; toddy or
date-palm Iiquor-Pasl 6
Liquor. sanctity of-Kalir 8, 9
Lizard hunting-Badbalc: 15
Love charms-Kunbi 13
SUBJECT INDEX 423
Lukmin Hakim. w9rshlp o(-Kadera 4
Madak or opium S1Doking-Kaliir I I
MaglCl-BanJiira IS. Bhana 6. Bhit II.
Bhatra B. Dhanwar 10. Gauria. Gond
46. 49. Jhidl Te1enga 7. Kawar 6.
10. Kol 13. Korlm B. Teli 14. VimMiirgi
S.
Mahi-Briihman, presents to-Kurmi 26
Manasa Devi-Nat 6
Maratha. derivation of name-Mahar I.
Maratha 2
Mariitha immigratIOn into the Centtal
ProVInces-Kunbi 2. 3
Maratha soldlers-Maratba 13. IS. 16
Marriage. barber's dutles at-Nm 5
Marriage between relations. restnctlons
OD-Baliihi 2. Brahman 9. Dlingi 3.
Dhoba 2. Gond IS. InjbwM 3. Kmkli.
n 2. Kunbt 6. MUIba 2, Panka 4.
TBlDera 2
Mamage by capture-Gond 22. Kolam
2. Oraon 6. Intro. 7I. 72
Mamage cakes. the-Kurml 7
Mamage crowns-ChitliIi 6
Marriage customs-/,asnlll. See especially
Baiga 4. Bania II, Banjiira 7.
Bhatra S. Bmjbwar 3. 4. Brlihman
II, Cbamar 5. Dabana 3. Gadaria 3.
Giinda 3. Gond IS-23, Halba 6, B,
Jat B. Jhidi Telenga 4. Kacbera 3,
Kiichhi 3. Kiipewar. Kasbl 5, Kawar
4. Kiiyasth B. Kharia S. Khatri 4.
Khond 4. Kol IO. Kolam 2. Kolta 3.
Komti. Korku S. Kosbti 3, Kunbi 7.
Kunjra. Kunm. Lodhi S. Mahar 5.'
MiilI 6. Muhammadan R. S. Oraon
6. Panwar Rlijpiit 7. Parja 3. 4. S.
Prabbu I, Rlighuvansi 2. RliJpiit s.
Slinsla 2. Tell 5, Turi 3
Maslin Biiba. worship of-Teli 7
Massage-Nai 4
Mecca. pilgrunage to-Muhammadan
R. IB
Meghnlith rites-Gond SS
M~aruation-Dbanwlir 51, Gond 27.
Halba 14. Kamar 4. Kunbl 10. Kumu
12. IS
MlgratlOn-Bbuiya 5. Kirlir. Kohli I,
Kol 5, Knnbi 1;1
Mlhtary system-Arab. Mariitba n. 12.
13. IS, 16
Milk-Ahir 20
Miscamage-KUImt 12
Monasterl~BBlriigi 14. GoSBlU B
Moneychaiigers and testers-Sunar 14
Moneylenders-Banta IB-24
Months. the Hindu-Joshi II. 13
Moon. legends about--Bhana 6, Kunbl
16, Turi 4; the moon's path and daily
maDSIons-Josbi 4. B, 10, IS
Moral character. disposltlon. or conduct
-Badhak 16. Banjiira 211. Bbil 3. 12.
Bbiliila 5, Brahman 2S. Chamlir 11.
Dlingi 5, Gond SB, 59. GiiJar 3, Hljra,
Jiit 4. Kohlt S. Kunbl II. 23. !tI4.
Kunjra,-Mlinbhao 2. Oraon 28. Panwar
RiiJpiit 13. Pardblin 5. Parja I.
Pindin 1. RliJpiit 9. 10, 14. Thug
II. Turi 6
Mosques-Muhammadan R. 22
MOUIrung - Bania 13. Brahman 14.
Chauhan. Dumiil 4. Ganda 4. Gond
34. Kawar 7. Khatn 4. Kirlir 3.
Kunbi IS. Kurmi 25. 27. sbaVIng
hBlr for--Nm 15
Muhammadan and Hindu rites, mIXture
of -BlShnol S. Kunbi 18. KunJra.
Meo. Mukeri, Sikhgar. Teh B
MuhammadarJ castes -- Muhammadan
R.3
Mubammadan tribal diVISions. families
and names-Muhammadan R. 4. 9
Muharram ntes-Kunbi IB, Muhammadan
R. 19
Mulla, the-Bohra 3, Muhammadan
R. 24
MUSIC, IQ connecbon With dancingKasbi
3
MUSical mstruments-Mochl
Nails. superstltions about-Nai 16
Nakskatras. the-Joshi 7. 8. 14
Nimdeo Sec1-Darzi S
Names-Agaria 4, Balga S. lilhatra 10.
Bhoyar 3. Chamiir B, Dhanwlir 13.
Gond 30. Halba 16. Jhiidi Te1enga 6.
Joshi 18-21, Khond 5. Kol 20, Kol'
batl 5, Mahar 8, SunliI 2, Wldur 6
Narumg of a clu1d-Orao{1 10. Vidur 6
Naming relatlons. taboos on-Bhatra 10,
Dbanwar :13, Gond 72, KQond 9,
Lodhi 10
Nanak-Niinakpanthi S. I, Sikh R. I
Niinakpanthi and Sikh sects. distinction
between-Sikh R. 5
Nariiyandeo. worslup of - Kosbti 5.
Panwlir Rlijpiit 9
Nudity of women-Garpagliri 4
Numbers, superstitions about - Joshi
12
Oaths-Mahar u
Oil-pressing-Teli IS .
Omens, behefs about-Ahir :16, Badhak
I2, Bmga 6, Gond 21. 47, Kawar 10.
KoIi 3, Korku 8. ManltGaron. Mina
3. Pardhl4. Parja 7. Sii.nSta 6, Thug
22,23,24
Opium-Kaliir 10, II, RlijpUt 9
Ordeals-Bharia 6. Kaikm 4, Kolbiiti
S. Plirdhi 6. SliDSla 7
Ornaments--Ahir 1.8. Good 61, Knnbi
22. SunliI 6, B. 9
S(JBJ~CT INDEX PART
Outram. Sir James-Bhfl 4
Palda ceremony-Jiit 10
PalanqUin or Doh-Kahat 2
Parasurama. Jegend of-Panwar Rajpiit 21
Passover. the--Kasai ;IS
PaVIlion or the marnage-shed-Kutmi 6
Pearls-SWliir 9
Physical type. See Appearance
Pickaxe. the Sacred-Thug IS
Pigs. breedmg for sacrifice and estimation
of-Kumhiir 6. S
Pipaltree, beliefs about-Kunbl III
Pledge. or covenant. between married
couple-Bhatra 5; with the godsBhat
14. See also Dkarna
Pola festIVaI-Kunbi 17
Polyandry, survivals of fraternal-Bhuiya
10, Khond 4, Korku S. Oraon 7. See
also Gowari 3
Polygamy-Agbana 3. Andh, Bania 12.
Baral 3. Dangn. Dhuri 3, Gond 26,
Kalkan 2, Kohli 2, Korwa 4. Kunhl
8. Kunru ZI, Mall 7. Muhammadan
R. 6
Prannath-Dhiimi S.
Pregnancy. ntesdunng-Chitiiri 3, Gond
28. Halpa IS. Kasbi 6, Kunhl 10.
Kurmi 13, Muhammadan R. 8
Pnests. tribal-Koshtl 5
Prostttulion-Bena 3, Kasbl 2, 7
Proverbs-Arora, Bahna 5, Bharhhiinja
3. Dhobi 7, JOg! 14. Julaha
Puberty rites - Gurao 3, Kaikari 3,
Lodhi 7
Rajpiit anelJiit, relations of-Jiit.3
Rakshiibandban festlval-Patwa '
Ramazan. fast of-Muhammadan R. 17
:Ram Dils, Guru-SIlm R. 2
Ram Mohan Roy-Brahmo Samiij R.
1,2
Red a lucky colour-Lakhera 5
Red t!ye on the feet-Lakhera 7
Red threads, custom of wearingLakhera
8
Relatives. taboos between-Kanjar 8,
Khana 6. See also Marriages between
RelatiVes, and Nammg Relatives
Rebgious bellefs-Passun. See especi.
ally collectIon of articles on RelIgIOns
and Sects. and caste articles on Blshnoi,
Manbhao. Bairagi and Gosain. Also
articles Bal~ 6. BanJ3.ra 10. BriiQman
15.16, ChaJUiir 9. Gond 40-56. Khond
II, Korku 6. Koshti 5, KWlbi 16,
KUrmI 30. Mahar 9. Oraon 15. 16.
Thug 12; HindUism. Intro. 90. 95. 96 •
Sacred thread. the-Brahman 17. Gurao
S. Kunbl !6. I"odhi II ; of the Jalns-
Jam R. 9; sacred cord of the ParsisPiirSI
R. IS
SaCl'lfices, beliefs about and method of
-Kasai 22. 23
Sacnficial meal. the-Kasai 8. Kurml7.
Lakhera 5.6
Sacrificia:i method of slaughter - Kasal
221
Sacnficial slaughter for food-Kasal 20
Sahajanand Swami - Swiiml - Niirayan
S. I
SiiJ flower festiva'l-Oraon 20
San-hemp-Lorha
Sankrants-Joslu 6
Sati or burnmg Qf ~idows-Brahman 13
Scent-Allri 4
Sculpture, Hindu-Mochi 3
Sects. For indiVidual sects see articles
in section on Rehglons and Sects.
For nght-hand and left-band sects see
articles Mala and Viim-Miirgl S.
Self-torture-]og/ 4
Sewn clothes. wearIDg of-Darzi 3
Sexual morallty-Gosatn II. Kbond 4.
Mali 6. Draon 4. u
Sbankar Achiirya-Gosain 2. Smiirta S.
SMnllk ceremony-Gurao 3. Mariitba 6
Sheep-Gadaria 6. Dhangar 5
Shbes-Chamiir 12. 14. Mochi 7
Sikh CouncIl (Guru-Mata}-S11th R. 7
SiliiJit-Siddi
SmgaJI. deified Ahir-Ahir 12
Smgiira or waternut-Dhimar 8
Slster'S son. importance of-Bhiimta 2.
Dhera, Gowari 4. Gurao 5, Halba 7.
Kamiir 3. Piisi 5; marriage to maternal
uncle's daughter-Bhatra 5. ParJa 3 ;
connechon with UDcle-Mehtar 13
Siva. the god. See article Salva Sect
Sleeping-;iJace or common dormltoryBhUiya
9. Gond 71. Oraon 4; dornutory
dtsclpbne-Oraon 121
Snake-bite. cure for-Gaurla. Kir 3.
Nat 6
Snake-worship and snake-channersGond
43. Nat 6, Panwar RaJpOt.,Jg
Social extravagance-JM to. Klriil' 2.
Kurmi s. Maratha 8
Soc3ial lIfe-Kunbi 19. Muhammadan R.
i11
_
Social status and customs--BadllU 5.
Basor 5. Bhit 4, BhiliiIa I. BhunJl&
5. Brahman 18. Chamk 16. Dangl 4.
Dewar 4. Halwalt Jiit S. Kahiir I.
Kaliir 4. Koliim S. Koshti ~ Kumhar
3. Knob! 5. Lodhl 2, 9. Lobar ill,
Mahar 13. 14. Mii.li I. Mehtar 17.
Mina (or Deswii.li) I, 4. Nat 3. Draoo
26. Piirdhl 5, SWliir S. Tanh. Teli 10 •
,13' Velama. Vldur 6
Idler&. See articles Arab. BhU. Khan·
dait, Maratha, Paik. Rajpiit, TaonIa
SUBJECT INDEX
Soma. sacred lIquor-Kalar S. Hom.
liquor-Parsl R. 13
Songs-Bhat 17. Bhunjla I. Chitari S.
Dhanwar 4. Gond 77. Gondhall.
Kayasth 9. Murha S. Panwar RiiJpiit
7. PlUJa 4
Souls of the dead recalled-Ahir II,
Gond 37. KharIa 10. Khond 6. Kumll
24. Lohar 4. Oraon 13. Taonla
SPangles for the forehead-Lakhera 6
Spells-Lohar 4
Spmts. beliefs m-Badhak 10. Bhal IS.
Halba 13. Kalanga 3. Mahar II.
Panwar RaJpilt 10
Spirits-Iaymg-Kawar 8 (of persons
killed by tiger)
Subcastes - Pasnm_ See especially
Brahman S. 6. 7. Chamar 2. 3.
Dbimar 2. Gond II. Halba 3. Kalar
2. 3. Kanjar 1-6. Kawar Ii. Kayasth
7. Khond 2. Kol 2. 8. Korku 3.
Kunbl 3. Kurmi 3. Lodhi 3. Lohar
3. Mali S. Mehtar Ii. Sooar Ii. Intro. S.
4S-47
Sucklmg children-Kurmi 18
Sildra-Intro. 12
SUlclde-Bhiit 10. 13. Jasondhi. Riijpilt
14; burnmg of Wldows-BriiIln1an
13
Suthra Shalu-Niinakpanthl S_ 4
Sweetmeats, preparation of-::-Halwal
SWlndllng practlces-Jadua Brahman.
Jogi 13, Sooar IS. Yeriikala
Taboos. on food":"'Dhiikar 3. Kharia 6 ;
of relauonshlp-Sansla 3; generalJit
13; Thug 23
Tank bUIldmg-Kohii 3, Siinsia (Una) 4
Tannmg-Chamar II
Tattoomg-Bhana 7. Bmjhwar 9. Brahman
23. Dhanwar 12, Otmd 65, 66.
Gowan 8. Halba 20. Kamar 10.
Mahar 12. Oraon 11 ; suggested OrIgm
of-Sunar n
Teeth. diSposal of-Kruklin 3. Koobi
-. Nai 16
Theft. and detection of-Bhiimta I.
Bhana 6. Miing-Garon. Ramosi 3.
Sanaurhla 3. Yerilkala. See also
Cnmma/ practices
Threads as amulets-Lakhera 8. Patwa •
Thugs derIved from Kanjars and Doms
-Thug 3
Tiger. worship oJL..K.oshti I, Panwar
RaJpil~Io
Tlrthakiirs of Jalns-Jain R. 3, 12
Tobac!;D-KaJiir 12
Tomb-stones-Gond 35
Totem. worship of-Kewat I
Totemlsm-Agharia 2, Andh. AUdhelia
2, Baral 2. Basor 3. Bhaina 3, Bharla
2, BhU 6. Bhoyar 2, Bhulla. Chadir.
Chasa 2. Chauhan. Dahiilt 2. Dhanwar
2. Dumii! 2. Gadba I. Gond 13.
14. Kalanga 2. Kawar 3. Kewat 2.
Khadiil. Kbadra. Khangar 2. Kharla
4. Khond 3. Ko! 9. Kurml 4. Lodhl
4. MaJhwar 4. Orao\l 3. PlUJa 2.
RauUa. 2. Savar 3. Sudh. Intro. 49.
SI
Traps fOl animals-Gond 81
Trees. spints m-Kunbl 12
Turmeric-Miill 5
TWllla. beliefs about-Kurml 19
Udasi-Nanakpanthl S. 3
Ukika saCrifice. the-Muhammadan R.
10.
Umbrella-Dahilt 6. 1
Valshnava, se~t_Kasbi 7
Valshya-Intro. 13
Viilmikt. legend of-Mehtar 14
Vermilion and spangles, meanmg of,
substitutes for blood-Lakhera S. 6
Village community-Intro. 22, 23. 73
Village gods-BanJiira DeVl in BanJara
10, Chardewa in Craoo 16. Kherms.ta
in Balga 6, Kutml 30. Malya AndhlyiiIl
in DhanwiiI 9. Mithu Bhwua IQ Banjara
II
Village menial~-Chamar IS. Dhimar
12, Gurao I, Kahiir I, KumhiiI 4,
Mang 6'
Village-pnests (Bhumka Jhiinkar)BIUJhwiiI
9. Korku 7. Intro. 28
Villages-Golld 60. Korlm 10, Kunbi
19
Vishnu, the god. See artict; Vaishnava
Sect
Washerman-Dhobi 8
Washing clothes. method of-Dhohi 5,
6, Gond 64
Watchman, village-Kotwar, Riimosi 3.
Intro. 1i7
Weapons-Khopd 7
Weepmg, custom of-Bhana 3, Chauhan.
Gond 22
Wldow-marriage-Passim. See especially
Bania 12. BanjiiIa 8. Brahman
12, ChamiiI 6, Gauna (disposal of
first husband's children). Gond 24.
Giljar 5. Halba 10, KrriiI 2. Kohli 2,
Korl 2. Koshti 3. Kunbi 9. Kurmi
II, Mahiir S. Miil,i 7 .. Muhammadan
R. 6, Panwiir RaJput 8, Te1i 6; sale
of Wldows-Panwar RiiJpilt 8; Sati ot
bummg of WIdows-Brahman 13
WIDe-dnnking, legend of-Kalar 7. See
Liquor
Witchcraft-Bhatra 8, Bhil 9. Gond So.
Kawar 10, Oraoo 16
SUBJECT INDEX
Women, sexual 'morality of-Gond,
Gowan; seclusion of-Riijput 13
Wool, sanctity of-Gadana S; shearing
and weavmg-Gadana 7
Y.ada;va tnbe, the-Aha ....
Yawmng-Chitari ....
Yoga pluJo50pby-jogJ I
Zend-Ave.l.a-Piitsi R. 3> ....
Zodiac, the-Joshi 2-7
END OF VOL. I
PART 1