Caste in India: The Facts and the System c6.s5.19

c6.s5.19

A Panjabi proverb declares that a Bisnoi mounted on a camel followed by a score more will immediately throw away his food if a man of another caste happens to touch the last animal. One would expect less fuss among humbler people, yet Hunter² gives a rather humorous account of an adventure which happened to himself. It was in Orissa; he had hired men from several castes to carry his palanquin. Not only did the representatives of two castes refuse to associate for the purpose of working together, but each time that one caste relieved the other the palanquin had to be duly placed on the ground before the new relay would touch it. There are scarcely any Hindu families but will, if possible, consult the predictions and advice of the astrologer when grave issues arise. Nevertheless, in spite of his important functions, if he has to enter a house, great care is taken to remove the mats lest they should be polluted by his touch.