Page:Gazetteer of the province of Oudh ... (IA cu31924073057352).pdf/124

 116 PAR Distribution of Muhammadans.--The followers of the Prophet are, in this district, most numerous in the parganas of Mánikpur, I'artabgarh, and Bihár; and least so in parganas Dhingwas and Rámpur. They are nearly evenly divided between agricultural and non-agricultural; the former slightly preponderating. The higher castes are almost entirely confined to Shekhs and Pathans. The Muhammadan converts from higher castes of Hindus number only 534. Of the lower castes who for the most part pursue some distinctive trade, the "julkha" or weaver, the “dhunia" or cotton corder, the "darzi" or tailor and tent maker, the "manihár" or lac-bangle maker (who also colours but does not manufacture glass-ban- gles), and the kunjra or fruiterer, predominate. Sunnis and Shias.- No distinct enumeration was made at the last census, of the respective professors of the Sunni and Shia faiths. The latter, however, is principally confined tu families of pure descent; while the followers of Sunni persuasion are undoubtedly far the most-numerous over the whole Muhammadan population. The Shia faith came no doubt from Persia, and I cannot but believe that its importation dates from the written promise of Humáyúu in the famous interview with the Qázi of Shah Tahmásp. “Though the Shias and Sunnis,” says Elphinstone, "differ less than Catholics and Protestants, their mutual animosity is much more bitter." Hindu population. Of the Hindu population, about 70 per cent. are tillers of the soil, and this proportion is pretty evenly maintained in each pargaua. Brahmans, Chhattris, Vaishyas, and Káyaths almost exclusively compose the higher castes. Of the lower castes Ahírs, Kurmis, Chamárs, and Pásis predominate; at the same time there is a good sprinkling of Muráos. Kurmis and Muráos, who may be styled cultivators of the first class, are almost to a man agriculturists in this district; and in regard to the number of the former, the Partabgarh district ranks second in the province. The majority of the Ahírs, Chamárs,* Pásis, and Garcrias, who are all second-rate cultivators, are also wedded to the soil. There are more Lobárs and Loniás in this district than in any other in Oudh; but very few of thic former, comparatively speaking, are engaged in agricultural pur- suits. The latter have, as it were, embraced a new profession, and arç alınost exclusively cultivators, now that their normal occupation has gone. As agriculturists they rank high, and are much sought after. Brahmans.---The Brahmans are chiefly composed of the subdivision ku:»as Sarwaria. There are a few Kapaujias proper, Gaur Brahmans, and Sanádhs bere and there. Unfortunately the ceusus papers do not give numerical details of these subdivisions. The Kanaujia is less of a stickler for his dignity than the Sarwaria ; for the former may frequently be scen driving and carrying his own plough, while the latter invariably employs a ploughman. It may therefore be reasonably iuferred that the Kansujia is better off, in a worldly point of view, than his prouder and greater case-loving brother. The Sarwaria nevertheless looks well after asurped the hereditary trade of the Kahár,
 * In this district a large proportion of Cbamárs curry palanquiue, and seem to have