May 1861.] 



Report on Bitstar. 



27 



the service of the village temples. They also are cultivators. It 

 may here be mentioned that until within the last 4 or 5 years the 

 practice of selling the privilege of wearing the brahminical thread 

 was followed by the Rajah towards the following castes Dha- 

 kurs, Bhuttras, and Soondees. It is now said to be discontinued 

 but as the privilege is hereditary, there are at present great num- 

 bers of wearers. 



The 2nd are a numerous class subsisting by the weaving of 

 cloths. 



The 3rd correspond to the Kullals or distillers of spirituous 

 liquors which are largely consumed. 



The 4th consist of two subdivisions called Andoocoory and 

 Mirgaon, both are weavers of cloths. 



The 5th are a pretty numerous, ancient and somewhat impor- 

 tant class. They as well as the Bhuttras have been allowed to 

 assume the brahminical thread together with one or two other 

 special Hindoo customs, as the application of sandal caste marks, 

 and they would appear to have been originally Gonds who have 

 subsequently adopted customs peculiar to the Hindoos. Their 

 language also differs from other existing dialects, and is generally 

 spoken by Moriahs and others. 



The 6th or gardeners are also pretty numerous. Of the rest none 

 are deserving of mention on account of their numbers. 



The 7th are cultivators and serve also as bearers. 



The 8th are only found in one village near Jugdulpore ; their 

 numbers are small, not exceeding 50 houses. They are cultivators 

 but weave their own cloths ; and no girl is considered marriageable 

 until she can do so. The women wrap a coarse cloth round their 

 waists which is retained in its place by a cord, and tie also a cord 

 round their necks which hangs down in front concealing the 

 breasts. A few Ooriyah brahmins and Mussulmen have also 

 settled in the country ; the former hold villages. The latter are 

 but few. 



» 



» » 



