Latest revision as of 11:23, 10 November 2017

[edit] Gadariya

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A synonym for Gareri.

[edit] Notes

In the census returns only 604 members of this shepherd caste are entered as resident in Bengal proper, while in Bihar 87,017 are enrolled. Only fifteen families are domiciled in Dacca, being employed in making blankets, hence the name Kammali often bestowed on them.

The Gadariya is reckoned higher in rank than the Ahir, and equal to the Majroti and Krishnaut Goalas. Buchanan, further, identifies them with the Kuramba, or Kuraba, of Maisur, who are likewise shepherds.

The Gadariya have the customary seven subdivisions, but the most important are the Nikhar, and Dhengar. A few, who have become Muhammadans, are styled Chak, the Hindi for a shepherd, or Chikwa, a butcher, who slaughters animals, but not bullocks. The Bakra-Kasai, or goat butcher, is another family who secretly kill cattle.

In Bihar and Bengal this caste is generally reckoned a clean one, but in Puraniya it is impure. The Gadariya is often found working as a domestic servant, refusing, however, to carry bathing water for his master, or to rinse his body clothes after bath ing. He cannot, without incurring expulsion, serve as a cowherd with any but Gadariya masters. He may, however, take household service with any class, even with Christians. Among themselves old men are addressed as Bhagat, or Chaudhari, young men as Ram. Many of this caste are followers of Darya Das, a Gadariya,2 who founded a corrupt Vaishnava sect, abstaining from touching fish, flesh, or spirits. His followers do not worship him as a deity, but simply regard him as their Guru.

The caste Guru, is usually a Dasnami ascetic, the Purohit a Kanaujiya, but oftener a low Joshi Brahman.

Gadariya women are unclean from seven to twelve days after confinement, when a feast called "Chhathiyan," is given to friends and relatives. The Levirate and widow marriage customs are still observed by the caste.

When a flock of sheep is sold, the Gadariya keeps back a ram, and having assembled his brethren, sacrifices it to Banjari, after which its flesh is eaten by those who follow the Saiva ritual.

Gadariyas make wethers themselves, and like the Highland shepherds are very partial to "Peraunti," or "niceties," which they recommend as a very strengthening delicacy.

1 "Note on Inferior Castes, &c," p.16.

2 Buchanan, i, p. 499, states that he was a Darzi.