Indische Palaographie von circa 350 a. Chr. – circa 1300 p. Chr. c48.s5.2.4

c48.s5.2.4

Unfortunately for this tradition, the names of their subdivisions in some cases connect them with the Paraiyan. Their present rank, however, is far above that of the latter, and they are received by respectable castes, in view, it is stated, of their use in the provision of clarified butter, a pure and popular article in the household. The Bharvāḍ of Gujarāt, belongs, apparently, to the Mēr, one of the derelicts of a Scythian inroad, which left them in Sindh and the west of Rājputāna. This caste shares with the Khaḍvā Kaṇbī the peculiarity of celebrating its marriages only at long intervals, such as 10, 15 or even 20 years. The occasion, as may be reasonably supposed, is one of prolonged and uproarious revelry, mingled with elaborate ceremonial, the details of which are doubtless of considerable ethnological interest. The Bharvāḍ is also connected with the Rābārī, already mentioned as the camel-breeder of Rājputāna. They worship goddesses, especially Mātā, under various manifestations, and have the usual reputation of wanderers for remarkably potent spells and charms, which ensures them respect. Nearly all these castes, north and south, are the subject of proverbs commenting upon the stupidity of their men and the slovenliness or dirt of their women. The last attribute may be due to the practice of wearing homespun woollen garments, the durability of which exceeds the means or desires of the wearer for purification.