Banwar
This article is an extract from
THE TRIBES and CASTES of BENGAL. Ethnographic Glossary. Printed at the Bengal Secretariat Press. 1891. . |
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Contents |
Banwar
Origin
A small caste, probably of Dravidian descent, found in the Santil Parganas. 'l'hey have no traditions of their own, and nothing seems to be known regarding their origin. The fact that they have no exogamous sections may perhaps indicate that they are an offshoot froin some of the compact aboriginal tribes of the neighbourhood, who, by embracing Hinduism, cut themselves off from their parent tribe, but were not numerous enough to secure for themselves a recognised position in the caste system.
Marriage
Banwars practise both adult and infant-marriage, but .sexual intercourse before marriage is strongly reprobated, and the tendency is for all persons who can afford to do so to many their daughters as infants. Polygamy is permitted, and in theory there is no limit to the number of wives a man may have. It is rare, however, in actual life to find more than two. Divorce is permitted; the form consists in the couple expressing their wishes in the presence of their assembled relatives and tearing a sal leaf in two as a symbol of separation. Widows and divorced wives are allowed to marry again by the sanga ritual. A widow may marry her husband's younger brother, but is not compelled to do so. She may on no account marry his elder brother.
Religion
They follow the Hindu religion, Kali and Satya Narain being the favourite objects of worship. For the worship of these deities, and for the Sraddh ceremony, Brahmans are employed, who, however, do not associate on equal terms with the Brahmans who serve the higher castes.
Disposal of the dead
Banwars either burn their dead or bury them in a recumbent Disposal of the dead. position. In either case the propitiatory rite of sraddh. is performed, in general accordance with orthodox usage, on the thirteenth day after death. It is not, however, followed by periodical offerings for the benefit of ancestors in general, as is common among the higher castes.
Social status
The social rank of the Banw{m may best be defined by stating Social status. that the Khetauri, Pergha, Bhuiya, and Rajwar will take water and sweetmeats from their hands. They stand therefore below the castes from whom Brahmans and the members of the upper castes generally can take water. Agriculture IS theIr usual occupation; a few are found as-occupancy raiyats, but the majority are under-raiyats or' landless day-labourers.
