172 A short sketch of the Tribes of Bhutteanah^ &c. [No. 3, 



drink after sunset ; avoid injuring or destroying insects or animals, 

 as far as possible. 



KaMt.— Settled. 



Habitat.— The Baniahs are scattered over every village in the 

 North- Western Provinces, and in the largest commercial towns of 

 Bengal and the Punjab. The cities of Sirsa and Hissar are chiefly 

 inhabited by them. 



Occupation.— The chief pursuit is commerce. 



Religion.— Hindus, and followers of Vishnu. 



Character.— Sly, submissive and very parsimonious. Peaceful, 

 timid, and particularly usurious. Intelligent, can read and write, and 



enterprising in trade. 



Die t.— Vegetables, milk, and clarified butter, and confectionanes. 



Narcotic .—Only tobacco is smoken in hukas. 



Longevity— About 60 years. 



Physical Conformation.— Some have dark, others light yellow or 

 coppery complexion. Many shave their heads, and wear a chonti ;* 

 others allow their hair to grow. They also shave their beard and allow 

 their moustache to grow. Some are spare built, but the richer class 

 are generally embonpoint. Their average height is 5 feet 4 inches. 



Dress. DhoteeJ turban of red colour, but of yellow spotted with 

 red, is worn in the spring season, and chudder ; on public occasions, 

 silk, plain or brocaded, velvet shawls, &e. are used. Young lads are 

 seen covered with ear-rings, neck chains, armlets, &c. As a mark 

 of distinction, both social and religious, a circular, and several trans- 

 verse marks are made on the forehead with sandal wood paste, and 

 vermillion. 



B agrees. 



tsj^— TOTft 



Origin—The origin is obscure. The Bagrees are allied to Jauts. 

 Division into Classes.-Theie is no division of this tribe known. 

 Habit.— Migratory. 

 * &^— %f€t, a tuft of hair left at the top of the head, and all the rest 



is shaved off. 



t 3y^_ wft, cloth worn round the waist, passing between the legs 



and fastened behind. 



