s are as a
rule very small. The conclusion indicated by the above story that the
Dangris are an offshoot from the Kunbi caste of cultivators appears
to be correct; and it is supported by the fact that they will accept
food cooked with water from the Baone Kunbis. But their subcastes
show that even this small body is of very heterogeneous composition;
for they are divided into the Teli, the Kalar, the Kunbi and the
Gadiwan Dangris, thus showing that the caste has received recruits
from the Telis or oilmen and the Kalars or liquor-sellers. The
Gadiwan, as their name denotes, are a separate section who have
adopted the comparatively novel occupation of cart-driving for a
livelihood. In Wardha there is also a small class of Panibhar or
waterman Dangris who are employed as water-bearers, this occupation
arising not unnaturally from that of growing melons and other crops
in river-beds. And a few members of the caste have taken to working
in iron. The bulk of the Dangris, however, grow melons, chillies and
brinjals on the banks or in the beds of rivers; but as the melon crop
is raised in a period of six weeks during the hot season, they can
also undertake some ordinary cultivation. When the melons ripen the
first fruits are offered to Mahadeo and given to a Brahman to ensure
the success of the crop. When the melon plants are in flower, a woman
must not enter the field during the period of her monthly impurity,
as it is believed that she would cause the crop to wither. While it
may safely be assumed that the Dangris originated from the great Kunbi
caste, it may be noted that some of them tell a story to the effect
that their original home was Benares, and that they came from there
into the Central Provinces; hence they call themselves Kashi Dangri,
Kashi being the classical name for Benares. This legend appears to
be entirely without foundation, as their family names, speech and
customs are alike of purely Marathi origin. But it is found among
other castes also that they like to pretend that they came from
Benares, the most sacred centre of Hinduism. The social customs of
the Dangris resemble those of the Kunbis, and it is unnecessary to
describe them in detail. Before their weddings they have a curious
ceremony known as Dewat Puja. The father of the bridegroom, with an
axe over his shoulder and accompanied by his wife, goes to a well
or a stream. Here they clean a small space with cow-dung and make
an offering of rice, flowers