Caste and Race in India c6.35

c6.35

Many sub-castes, especially among the castes that are either of the nature of ethnic groups or carry on secondary undefined occupations, are named from the nature of their special economic activities. Singaria, Tankiwala, Dhuria, Sonjhara, and Kasdhonia are some of the sub-divisions of the Dhimar caste in the Central Provinces. Singarias cultivate "singara" or water-nut. Tankiwalas are sharpeners of grindstones. Dhurias sell parched rice. Sonjhara wash for gold, and Kasdhonias wash the sands of sacred rivers to pick coins dropped in them by devout pilgrims. The Garpagari Jogi derives the name of his sub-caste from his occupation of using magic to avert hailstorms. The Manihari Jogis are pedlars selling beads, and the Ritha Biknath are so-called because they sell "ritha" or soap-nut. Khaire, Dhanoje, and Lonhare are three of the sub-castes of the Kunbis of the Central Provinces. Khaires presumably used to make catechu from "khair"; Dhanoje are those who tend small stock or "dhan", and Lonhare formerly refined salt. The Lonaria sub-caste of the Mahars of the Central Provinces is engaged in salt-making. The Dhangars have Mendhes and Mhaskes as two of their sub-divisions, named because they keep sheep (mendhis) and buffaloes (mhashi) respectively.