Caste in India: The Facts and the System c6.s7.10

c6.s7.10

The chief enjoys honorific privileges, in which his wife is associated, and material advantages, such as presents, a share of certain revenues, and exemption from certain taxes. In his province he presides at all festivities—at those which accompany marriages or follow funerals, and those concerning the village temple. The perquisites attached to the office result in the fact that in some castes at least it can be sold or pledged. The chief’s functions have a touch of the patriarchal; he calls together and presides over the caste, arranges marriages and acts as arbiter to settle litigious cases. In certain merchant-classes we see him acting as intermediary and guarantor in business.¹ His dignity is also protected against any disobedience or lack of respect by the *Panchayat* which assists him.