h is followed by many or most members of
practically every subcaste so far as has been observed. This occupation
has caused the caste as a body to be credited with special mental
and moral characteristics in popular estimation, to a greater extent
perhaps than any other caste. None of the subcastes are ashamed of
their traditional occupation or try to abandon it. It is true that a
few subcastes such as the Kasaundhans and Kasarwanis, sellers of metal
vessels, apparently had originally a somewhat different profession,
though resembling the traditional one; but they too, if they once
only sold vessels, now engage largely in the traditional Bania's
calling, and deal generally in grain and money. The Banias, no doubt
because it is both profitable and respectable, adhere more generally
to their traditional occupation than almost any great caste, except
the cultivators. Mr. Marten's analysis [117] of the occupations of
different castes shows that sixty per cent of the Banias are still
engaged in trade; while only nineteen per cent of Brahmans follow
a religious calling; twenty-nine per cent of Ahirs are graziers,
cattle-dealers or milkmen; only nine per cent of Telis are engaged
in all branches of industry, including their traditional occupation
of oil-pressing; and similarly only twelve per cent of Chamars work
at industrial occupations, including that of curing hides. In respect
of occupation therefore the Banias strictly fulfil the definition of
a caste.

4. Their distinctive status.

The Banias have also a distinctive social status. They are considered,
though perhaps incorrectly, to represent the Vaishyas or third great
division of the Aryan twice-born; they rank just below Rajputs and
perhaps above all other castes except Brahmans; Brahmans will take
food cooked without water from many Banias and drinking-water from
all. Nearly all Banias wear the sacred thread; and the Banias are
distinguished by the fact that they abstain more rigorously and
generally from all kinds of flesh food than any other caste. Their
rules as to diet are exceptionally strict, and are equally observed
by the great majority of the subdivisions.

5. The endogamous divisions of the Banias.

Thus the Banias apparently fulfil the definition of a caste, as
consisting of one or more endogamous groups or subcastes with a
distinct name applied to them all and to them only, a distinctive
occupation and a distinctive social status; and the