Indische Palaographie von circa 350 a. Chr. – circa 1300 p. Chr. c48.s2.t2.1.4

c48.s2.t2.1.4

In Bengal and Assam the chief castes of sweepers are the Bhūinmālī and the Hāṛī, or Haḍḍi. Probably both are of the same stock, a Kōl or Deltaic tribe of early settlement. The Bhūinmālī is found in the north and east of the province, the Hāṛī in the west and centre, and the Haḍḍi in south Orissa. Both are subdivided into functional sub-castes which do not intermarry. Musicians and porters stand highest, and often take to cultivation. The Mihtar, borrowing its name from upper India, is the lowest section, and the only one which touches night-soil. Between these come sections working in cane, tapping palms and carrying torches at weddings. One section has taken to private service. The smearing of wet cowdung upon walls is a frequent occupation of the Bhūinmālī, but they can only touch the outer walls, and except this caste none will touch the wall of another owner, though each householder does the steps and inner walls of his own dwelling. The Hāṛī has preserved much of the non-Āryan customs of his original tribe in regard to marriage, and is singular amongst the widow-marrying classes of India in prohibiting instead of encouraging, the marriage of the widow to the younger brother of her late husband. The caste does not, as a rule, call in Brāhmans, but the practice of making use of them is spreading round Calcutta, though the Brāhmans in question are put out of communion by their fellows.