ABSTRACT

This small caste claims to be an offshoot of the Káyasth, and tell the following absurd story to explain the separation, and consequent debasement: A rich and aspiring Káyasth determined on celebrating the worship of Kálí in his own house, contrary to the wishes of his brethren, and deaf to all arguments he performed the ceremony, but was punished by being excommunicated. This is a most improbable story, as the Kácharu caste is dispersed throughout Eastern Bengal, being very numerous at Madárípúr in Farrídpúr, and it has a Purohit of its own. The `Súdra barber and washerman work for them, although their water vessels are unclean. It is far more probable that, like the Chhotá-bhágiyá Tántís, they were expelled for adopting a new trade.