Page:The People of India — a series of photographic illustrations, with descriptive letterpress, of the races and tribes of Hindustan Vol 8.djvu/79

 KORAMA, OR KORWA. (424)

HE Koramas, or Korwas, as they are most generally called, are basket makers by profession, and also make mats from date palm leaves, very ingeniously plaiting the leaves into strips about four inches broad, and sewing them together with the same material. Their basket work is coarse for the most part, but they occasionally make a finer kind out of date palm leaves, which resemble those made in Egypt and Arabia, and are used for holding valuables, or for carrying clothes, &c., on a journey. Korwas are evidently descended from an aboriginal stock, and are hardly recognised as Hindoos. They worship Bhowanee or Devi under the appellation of Mari. They also pay adoration to Vishnu and Siva; but their own rites are essentially fetish, in sacrifices of sheep and fowls, and adoration of sacred stones and trees, and lonely spots believed to be the resort of demons and sprites. The Korwas are not a settled people. Some indeed reside in villages, and even cultivate land to a small extent; but others are migratory, as the Wuddiwars and other similar tribes, having mat huts, which are readily removed and re-constructed, as occasion requires; and they possess numerous herds of asses, which carry their property from place to place, and are often employed to transport grain and salt. Their women assist in making baskets and in plaiting mats. They also make patchwork quilts, and deal in charms, love philtres, &c. To all outward appearance the Korwas are a peaceful and industrious class, but they are notwithstanding very daring and merciless dacoits. In his general report, dated 30th November, 1869, Colonel Charles Harvey, Superintendent of the Thuggee and Dacoitee Department, thus writes of the tribe, under the name Khai-Karees:—"A race of wanderers, called Korwees or Kul Korwees. They exist throughout Southern India, but do not extend much beyond the Nerbudda. In Madras and Mysore, where they abound, they are called 'Korwanors.' Ostensibly they are basket makers. Some will hire and cultivate fields (such particularly are many of those who frequent the Dharwar and Canara districts), and let themselves out as daily labourers, while some are village musicians, snake charmers, &c.; but all are professional gang robbers and burglars. They are differently called, according to the countries they may visit."