Page:Malabari, Behramji M. - Gujarat and the Gujaratis (1882).djvu/176

160 LÁLIÁ "BOYS."

Hindus, Parsis, Mahomedans, and Boras, there are numerous mixed and aboriginal classes in Gujarát, such as Dhers, Mahárs, Bheels, and so on; of which I shall here introduce only one, the Lalias as we call them. The Láliás or Surtis profess to be Hindus, but are Hindu only in name. They are as pushing and mercurial as the Parsis, and are mostly in the domestic service of Europeans and Parsis. Surat and Nowsári are their head-quarters, but the more venturesome emigrate to Bombay every year, where they take kindly to no other calling except to be "boys" (menial servants) with European families. They pick up a smattering of English with the blustering habits of their masters. They are particularly in request among bachelor employers, under whom they work, play, drink, cozen, return