Page:The People of India — a series of photographic illustrations, with descriptive letterpress, of the races and tribes of Hindustan Vol 4.djvu/54

DYERS. any way. They are for the most part Sheikhs, and therefore Soonnies, and are a peaceful and industrious chiss of people, generally observant of the forms of their rehgion, and leading quiet, inoffensive lives, but esteemed of low grade. They do not rank as high as the Mahomedan weavers, nor are they so exclusive in their habits, or so bigoted in their religion. The Hindoo dyers are for the most part worshippers of Devi or Bhowani. They marry exclusively in their own gotes or divisions, and their profession is strictly hereditary. All their principal ceremonies, such as marriage and the like, are conducted by Brahmins; but in some parts of India they have priests of their own, who regulate caste affairs, and read and recite translations of sacred works made into the local vernacular. They have in many localities a reputation for intemperance, and it is certain that the use of ardent spirits is not forbidden to them; and they have, too, an indifferent character for morality. They are, however, a very useful, industrious, and inoffensive class; principally inhabiting large cities and manufacturing towns, and exercising their vocation in peace.