The History of Bengal (Vol. I: Hindu Period; Vol. II: Muslim Period 1200–1757) v1.c19.s7.31

v1.c19.s7.31

Another important industry was ivory-carving. The Bhāṭerā Plate of Govinda-Keśava mentions an ivory-worker (dantakāra) by name,³ while the Edilpur Plate of Keśavasena refers to “palanquins supported by staffs made of elephant’s tusk.”⁴ Among minor arts, crafts, professions and industries may be mentioned those of scribes, florists, garland-makers, conchshell-workers, braziers, goldsmiths, painters, masons, oilmen, fishermen, washermen, barbers, butchers, distillers of wine etc. who formed so many distinct castes (cf. Ch. xv). As regards fishery, we get additional evidence from the land-grants, some of which refer to the right of fishing as included in the grant.⁵