Caste and Race in India c5.32

c5.32

In Bengal the castes are divided into two main groups: (1) The Brahmins, and (2) the Sūdras. The second class is further divided into four sub-classes, indicating their status as regards food and water: (a) the Sat-Sūdra group includes such castes as the Kayasth and the Nabasakh; (b) then come the Jalacharaniya-Sūdras, "being those castes, not technically belonging to the Nabasakh group, from whom Brahmins and members of the higher castes can take water"; (c) then follow the Jalabyabaharya-Sūdras, castes from whose hands a Brahmin cannot take water; (d) last stand the Asprisya-Sūdras, castes whose touch is so impure as to pollute even the Ganges water, and hence their contact must be avoided. They are thus the untouchables.² In the matter of food Western Bengal resembles Hindustan except in this that in Bengal there are some people who will not accept any "Kachcha" food even from the hands of a Brahmin. "Pakka" food can be ordinarily taken not only from one's own or any higher caste, but also from the confectioner class, the Myras and Halwais.³ As regards the position of the untouchables the following observation will give a clear idea. "Even wells are polluted if a low caste man draws water from them, but a great deal depends on the character of the vessel used and of the well from which water is drawn. A masonry well is not so easily defiled as one constructed with clay pipes, and if it exceeds three and a half cubits in width so that a cow may turn round in it, it can be used even by the lowest castes without defilement . . ." Certain low castes are looked down upon as so unclean that they may not enter the courtyard of the great temples. These castes are compelled to live by themselves on the outskirts of villages.¹