Page:The People of India — a series of photographic illustrations, with descriptive letterpress, of the races and tribes of Hindustan Vol 7.djvu/162

 CHARUN. (375)

MONG the Rajpoot tribes Brahmins have comparatively little spiritual authority; Charuns and Bhats are their ordinary priests, and they keep the records and traditions of the people, and recite their valorous deeds and the exploits of their ancestors. The Charuns boast of divine origin, and are divided into two tribes, the Kachikee and Maroo; the former are merchants, the latter are bards. They must understand the rites of worship, particularly those of Siva and Parwati: they are taught to read and write, and the class who traffic, generally in camels and horses (the subject of the Photograph is a horse dealer), are shrewd men of business; while the Maroo Charmis act as minstrels. Their persons are esteemed sacred, and they are supported by the community among whom they dwell, and treated with vast respect.

Bhats and Charuns are unfailing attendants at all state or domestic ceremonies, especially at marriages and, when Suttee prevailed, at the widow's pile. On these occasions largess to the Bhats and Charuns could not he denied or evaded, and their demands and exactions, enforced under the threats of self mutilation, or suicide, often rose to such a pitch that it was impossible to comply with them. Finally a rule was made among the chiefs and the Rajpoots generally, that the fees of the Charuns and Bhats should be paid on a scale in proportion to means; and these rules extend to the whole of the people of Rajpootana with excellent effect. Charuns marry in their own sect only, and their mode of life does not differ from other high caste Hindoos.