Hindustani Kayaths
This article is an extract from
THE TRIBES and CASTES of BENGAL. Ethnographic Glossary. Printed at the Bengal Secretariat Press. 1891. . |
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Hindustani Kayaths
At the present day the Lalas, ss they are called, only occupy some four houses in Dacca, but formerly they were numerous and influential. The families belong to the Sri Bastab sub-caste, and claim to be descended from Kayaths who accompanied Rajah Man Singh to Dacca in the sixteenth century. In former days important official posts were held by them, such as that of Diwan and Bakhshi. The Diwans of Nawabs Hasmat Jang and Nacrat Jang were Lalas, but on the death of the last Nawab in 1843 their families returned to Hindustan. The few who remained behind being poor, accepted service as policemen, Daroghas, and writers. Their general poverty is ascribed to the danger of owning land under the Muhammadan rule, when they were in a position to acquire it.
A few miles north of Dacca an estate, or Taluk, is held by the descendants of a certain Jai Singh, a Hindustani Kayath, and famous killer of tigers. The honorary title of "Baghmara," and a grant of land, were conferred, on condition that he and his heirs annually presented a live tiger to the Nawab at Dacca.
