THE PEOPLE

CASTES

Among Hindus there exists a number of social groups arranged in a hierarchical pattern which is very complex. Originally, these were occupational divisions and the craft or the occupation followed by families for generations gave these families the name of a particular caste. During the course of time, these developed into endogamous divisions and inter-marrying outside one's caste was strictly prohibited. Not only this, but all social inter-course and inter-dining was also strictly avoided. Thus, there were numerous castes like Brahman, Maratha, Prabhu, Vani, Sonar, Lohar, Sutar, Kunbi and many others and almost each caste had again sub-divisions which themselves functioned as caste groups. Relation among different caste groups was rather a complex matter. Certain castes at the lowest end of this hierarchy such as Cambhar, Mahar, Mang, etc, were formerly known as untouchables. They were assigned occupations such as leather working, scavenging, disposing of carrions, etc. As put by Mahatma Gandhi "untouchability in its mild form takes the shape of not touching or not having any social inter-course with the untouchables. In the extreme form it becomes unapproachability and even invisibility".

Various forces of modern life and education have led to a change in the attitude of people. Modern means of communications, opening up of factories and workshops, growth of urban centres, spread of modern education have all worked to bring different castes together. Inter-dining and inter-mixing of the members of different castes although at first took place only as a necessity, has now become a common sight. With the spread of modern education different castes now follow other suitable vocations and in towns at least, castes do not function as strict occupational divisions as before. Untouchability has been legally and constitutionally abolished. Social reformers too have been exerting themselves for years to eradicate it.

However, there is no getting away from the fact that castes still exist. Caste consciousness still persists and becomes apparent hen occasion presents. Caste associations arrange functions their members and provide help for their needy members. Even at present inter-marrying among different castes occurs as an exception rather than as a rule. In rural areas where forces of social reforms have reached only lately and to a lesser extent, caste differences still persist.

Of late, the census does not enumerate Hindus castewise, obviously to check the perpetuation of caste distinctions. However, certain weaker sections of the population, on account of their being put down for generations, require special protection. The Constitution of India has safegaurded the interests of the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. The state has to promote their educational and economic interests and to protect them from social injustice and all forms of exploitation. For ensuring adequate representation to them, seats are also reserved for them in the Lok Sabha and in the Vidhan Sabha. The economically backward classes are given free education and other facilities.

The Mahars have embraced Buddhism under the influence of the late Dr. B. R. Ambedkar and now call themselves as the Nav-Buddhas. In 1951, no Buddhists were returned in Bid district. According to the census of 1961 there were 21,769 Buddhists in Bid district, which is clearly due to the conversion of the Mahars to Buddhism. The religious conversion of these people may not necessarily have resulted in any sudden socio-economic improvement and the same relief and protection may be necessary for them for some years.

Scheduled Castes

The scheduled castes are scattered over all the areas in the State. However, their percentage to the total population in Bid district is the highest among all the districts of the State. The scheduled castes of Bid district, which form 13.51 per cent of the total population, form quite a significant element in the district. According to the census of 1961, the scheduled castes in the district numbered 1,35,272 of which 68,478 were males and 66,794 were females. Unlike the scheduled tribes the scheduled castes are distributed throughout the district, though more so in the rural areas of the district. Of the total scheduled castes population of the district, 8,393 or 8.51 per cent (of the total general population) live in urban areas and 7,26,879 or 14.05 per cent live in rural areas.

The castewise details of the scheduled castes as per the 1961 census in Bid district are—

Bhangi 37 (25 m. 12 f.): Cambhar 14,445 (7,281 m. 7,164 f.): Dakkal 13 (10 m. 3 f.); Dhor 2,150 (1,114 m. 1,036 f.); Ella-malwar 173 (86 m. 87 f.); Holeya 836 (460 m. 476 f.); Mahar 72,462 (36,571 m. 35,891 f.); Malajangam 14 (5 m. 9 f.); Mang 45,123 (22,907 m. 22,216 f.). In case of nineteen persons the caste was not stated.

According to the strength, Mahar, Mang, Cambhar and Dhor form important scheduled castes in the district.

The scheduled caste communities worship all Hindu gods and goddesses, but Khandoba and Bhavani of Tuljapur are specially venerated. They observe all Hindu festivals. Being less exposed to modern rationalism, they show much belief in magic, witchcraft and efficacy of vows. These communities speak Marathi with a different intonation than that spoken by other Hindus.

Marriage is prohibited within the sub-division covered by the surname or kul as also among those who worship the same devak. Besides, a man cannot marry into the families related to him on the father's or mother's side. The custom of bride-price is in vogue in these communities. Now-a-days a well-placed boy is offered dowry by a girl's father. Various details relating to the marriage ceremony like mangani (which generally comes from a boy's father) betrothal, laying of pandal, rubbing of turmeric, lap-fllling, bahule, mangalastakas, varat, etc. are generally observed among these communities.

Widow re-marriage is permitted and practised and divorce is allowed. The dead are generally burnt, but those who do not afford the expenses bury the dead.

The hereditary occupation of the Mahar community is village service and skinning of animals. The Mangs make and sell leather ropes, cords of hemp and also serve as scavengers, messengers, etc. The hereditary occupation of the Cambhar community is shoe-making and making of other leather goods like bridles, whips, sandals, ropes and water bags. The chief occupation of the Dhors is tanning of hides. With the passing of time, the strict occupational restrictions are no longer observed and a number of these communities have taken to agriculture, weaving, cart-driving and still others are educated and have entered into various professions and services.

Mendicant Castes

A number of mendicant castes, dancing troupes and quack doctors are found moving about in the district. With the changing ideas of charity and growing rationalism as also spread of modern medical facilities and entertainments such as movies, etc., their services are now seldom patronised. The number and strength of such castes are gradually declining and they are now settling down as agriculturists.

Among such castes, the most commonly found are the Gondhalis, Josis, Vasudevs, Vaidus, Kolhatis, etc.

The Gondhalis or Gondhal dancers call themselves as votaries of goddess Ambabai of Kolhapur and Bhavani of Tuljapur in whose honour they sing and dance. They go from door to door and beg. In certain Hindu households it is customary to requisition their services for performing the Gondhal dance after some joyful event such as a birth or a wedding.

Vasudevs are religious beggars curiously dressed in a skirted coat and with a head dress of peacock feathers and a brass top.

Some bands are found to take along with them a trained bull laden with a colourful cloth on its back and musical bells around its neck. Such a bull is believed to represent Nandi, the Siv's carrier.

Josis are fortune-tellers who move about in a long white coatt reaching up to their knees. They either move about or sit in a public place, telling people their fortune.

Vaidus are quack doctors and move from place to place hawking drugs. With roots and herbs kept in a cloth bag hanging down from the shoulder, they are ready to cure anything.