ABSTRACT

In Bengal, the mason, bricklayer, and plasterer are names of the same person, who generally belongs to the Kú_tí division, and though low in the social scale he will neither prepare mortar, nor act as hodman. The man or boy who prepares mortar, usually an apprentice, is called ‘Jogária’, while the hodman is known as the ‘Tagháríya’, from the hod which he carries. A woman occasionally takes the place of the latter, being designated the ‘Mihtarání’. Ustádgar is the ordinary title of masons, a class of workmen who will put their hands to almost anything. As occasion offers, they become traders, day labourers, or brickmakers; but this last occupation is usually left to the Kumhárs and Cha]n]dáls. Moulds for making bricks were formerly unknown, but of late years have been universally adopted. By the older method, the bricklayer merely flattened the clay to the proper thickness, drew lines according to the size wanted, and then cut off the pieces of clay. Ornamental bricks, and small sized tiles, called, ‘Ja’farí’ or ‘Mirzá Ja’farí’, are also manufactured by the Ráz, and are employed in making cornices and caves.