54 MR. R. B. BAINBRIDGB ON 



proceed to the Jandi Gosain outside trie house and seat themselves beside it. The Ban- 

 ddri who corresponds to the Gorait (the individual who gives invitations and performs 

 other offices for the village) comes forward with a fowl on behalf of the girl (not a capon) 

 and a lota of water (brass vessel) and says, " Jandi Gosain , Bern, Bilpu, itinte e/u 

 dokdnandd narrah cote meno tnalla, " which, being interpreted, means, " OSun God and 

 Moon and Jand-i Gosain, from this day forth may they be happy, may no evil 

 approach them ! " The fowl's head is now severed and the blood is sprinkled over 

 the Jandi Gosain, the bride and the bridegroom. The water is also poured over 

 them. A general shaking of hands takes place and the married pair and party make 

 their way homewards. The marriage and these ceremonies occupy one day. It is 

 usual for the groom and his bride to leave after the marriage, but sometimes the 

 groom and party stay over two or three days. In such a case it is forbidden for the 

 contracting parties to cohabit. The rule is, however, not very strictly observed. 



On arrival at the groom's house, the bride and her husband sit beside the Jandi 

 Gosain. The village Banddri performs the ceremony described above, and the 

 wedded pair are now free to enter the house. 



Five days having elapsed a hanriya (earthen pot) filled with pochai and a khassi 

 (goat) or pig is killed and taken by the Bedsitu to the bride's father. The married 

 couple and their companions accompany the Bedsitu. These things are presented, and, 

 after eating, the party returns the same day with any meat, or pochai, which may 

 have been offered in return. These are the proper customs, but expenditure is curtailed 

 according to circumstances. The contracting parties meet before marriage, but they 

 are not supposed to have any sexual intercourse. In case of sexual intercourse, the 

 young man is fined by the village panchayat two pigs, one for the girl and the other 

 for her lover (qedpdke). These pigs are killed and the blood is sprinkled at the door of 

 every house in the girl's village, and the flesh is eaten by the villagers and the pan- 

 chayat. This is done to cleanse the village and prevent the entry of diseases. The 

 marriage then takes place according to the wishes of the parties. In such a case the 

 girl's father claims his pon Rs. 20 or so, and the erring pair are considered to be married 

 and proceed to the groom's house. The Bandari then kills the fowl as described above 

 and the groom and his bride enter the house. 



Drums are not beaten at marriages, and songs are not sung, nor are there any 

 dances. 



VI. Prohibitions. 



A girl may not marry her brother, or first cousin ; she may, however, marry her 

 fourth cousin removed. The same rules prevail on the side of the mother. A girl 

 cannot marry any near blood relatives. A man may marry an elder sister, and a 

 younger sister, but not a younger sister and then an elder sister. A man may marry 

 five or six wives, he may marry five or six sisters provided the eldest sister be will- 

 ing. 



There are no tribes or castes among the Maler. First and second cousins can 

 only come together of their own free will. The marriage would not be allowed by the 



