Thus, it is important to note three major differences between caste structure in the plains and that of the hills. Firstly, the Kshatriya varø is referred to as Rajput in the hills. Secondly, the Vaishya varø is almost completely absent from Garhwali society (ibid.: 69; Saklani 1987: 18). Thirdly, various occupational groups who, in the plains, are referred to either as Shudras or untouchables are designated within a single caste group in the hills. The term ‘Shilpkar’, meaning ‘artisan’, is used more commonly today than ‘Dom’ when referring to this group.