Page:The People of India — a series of photographic illustrations, with descriptive letterpress, of the races and tribes of Hindustan Vol 2.djvu/158

 KOEREES. (99)

OEREE is the name given in Behar and the North- Western Provinces to a Hindoo caste, which, under different denominations in different provinces (Moorao, Cachick, &c.), is to be found all over India. The Koerees apply themselves chiefly to garden cultivation, in particular to that of the poppy, which they pursue with eminent success throughout Behar and in Goruckpoor. They are Hindoos of settled habits, worshipping chiefly Ram-Krishna, Mahadeo, and Debee; and sacrificing animals, with offerings of flowers and leaves, to then several deities.

The Koerees are pacific and industrious, and live on grain and vegetables of all kinds. They attain an average age.