Page:A Statistical Account of Bengal Vol 1 GoogleBooksID 9WEOAAAAQAAJ.pdf/76

Rh into various classes, called after the fiscal and political divisions of the country during the time of the Muhammadan Government, as Chaklás, Sarkárs, and Parganás. There are six Chaklás among the Nápits—namely, Hárveda, Angadveda, Gobardhanveda, Mandal, Mardini, and Pairá. The four Sarkárs are—Salímábád, Sharífábád, Amírábád, and Mandárám. They are stated to have been the illegitimate issue of a Kshattriya father and Súdra mother. Number in the 24 Parganás in 1872, 36,660, most of whom are in poor circumstances.

(2) Kámár, blacksmiths; divided into four classes—Basundari, Ráná, Gangátiri, and Báhál or Khottá, neither of which intermarries with the others: stated to have been the offspring of a Súdra man by a Kshattriya woman. Number in the District in 1872, 21,439; mostly poor.

(3) Kumár or Kumbhakár, potters.—This caste is divided into two classes, Kumár proper and Kochil Kumár, the former of which is considered to be the most respectable. The difference between them is, that the former only manufacture pots, jugs, etc., for household use, while the latter principally make earthen toys, cups, etc. Their origin is stated to be the same as the foregoing. Number in the 24 Parganás in 1872, 16,474; generally poor.

(4) Tilí or Telí, oil pressers and traders, are of five kinds— namely, Ekádas, Dwádas, Subarnabishayí, Gangábishayí, and Ghoná, of which the first four intermarry, while the latter forms a class by itself. Many believe that the Telís are a branch of the Kalus, another oil-pressing caste, but who hold a very low social position in the Hindu community; and some years ago the question arose as to whether a Telí could legally perform all the religious ceremonies which a Nabasák, or one of the nine superior castes, can. The question was referred to the pandits of Nadiyá, who decided that the Telís were Nabasáks; but it appears probable that this decision was influenced by the wealth and general importance to which the caste has attained. The Ghoná Telís are the only class who now strictly confine themselves to their hereditary occupation as oilpressers. The others have taken to various occupations, and number some wealthy traders and merchants among them. They are said to be the issue of a Vaisya father and a Súdra mother. Number in 24 Parganás in 1872, 19,170; generally in middling circumstances, but some wealthy.

(5) Támlís or Támbulís, as their name implies, are betel-sellers