Indische Palaographie von circa 350 a. Chr. – circa 1300 p. Chr. c48.s3.t2.6

c48.s3.t2.6

§ 59. The majority of the castes coming under this head are here placed not on account of any ethnic distinction between them and those already described, but merely in consideration of the generally urban character of their occupations. Most of them, indeed, are but offshoots of larger bodies still unaffected by the influences of the city, and are finding their way back to the village as communication grows easier and the convenience they represent gets to be the object of a more effective demand. It should be understood, therefore, that these castes are not entirely confined to the towns, though it is there that they find at present the main field for their labours. They may be conveniently grouped as shopkeepers, artisans and domestic servants.