Markande
Contents |
Markande
This section has been extracted from THE TRIBES and CASTES of BENGAL. Ethnographic Glossary. Printed at the Bengal Secretariat Press. 1891. . |
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Origin
A small cultivating caste found in Bhagalpur and the Santal Parganas. They have neither sub¬ castes nor sections, and I can find no evidence tending to affiliate them with any existing caste or tribe. Their own tradition is that they are descended from Markandeya Muni, a sage who was outcasted for eating the leavings of certain Brahmans who had invited him to a feast.
Marriage
The Markande practise infant-marriage and allow polygamy without setting any number of wives a man may have. Widows may marry again, and enjoy full freedom of choice in selecting a second husband. Divorce is not recognized. A faithless wife is simply turned out of the caste.
Religion
In matters of religious and ceremonial observances the Markande exhibit little divergence from the stand- and of orthodox Hinduism. In the worship of the greater gods they employ Brahman plt1'ohits, who are not held to be degraded by serving the oaste in this capacity. The minor god Karmani is worshipped by the members of the household without the assistance of priests.
Social status
In point of social standing Markandes rank with Goalas, Kurmis, and Koiris. Brahmans will take water and certain kinds of sweetmeats from their hands. Their sole occupation is agriculture. The bulk of the caste are occupancy raiyats, but some have risen to the position of tenure¬holders.
The following statement shows the number and distribution of the Markande caste in 1872 and 1881 :¬
z
Markande
(From People of India/ National Series Volume VIII. Readers who wish to share additional information/ photographs may please send them as messages to the Facebook community, Indpaedia.com. All information used will be gratefully acknowledged in your name.)
Synonyms: Mandal, Muni [Bihar and/or Jharkhand] Groups/subgroups: Dahu, Hazari, Kanjia, Mahato, Man jhi, Maraia, Matazari, Padhad [Bihar and/or Jharkha nd] Titles: Mandal, Muni [Bihar and/or Jharkhand] Gotra: Kashyap [Bihar and/or Jharkhand]
