In most parts of Gujarat it merged into the various second-order divisions of the Koli division and possible also into the widespread tribe of Bhils. TOS 7. Most associations continue to retain their non-political character. This information is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional health services. In 1931, the Rajput’s of all strata in Gujarat had together a population of about 35,000 forming nearly 5 per cent of the total population of Gujarat. Thakkar likely derived from the word ‘Thakkura,’ a Middle Indo-Aryan or Sanskrit word, which means ‘God’ or ‘deity.’, Tripathi originates from ‘tripa,’ a Sanskrit word referring to the ‘one who has studied the three Vedas.’. In central Gujarat, for example, one and the same division, freely arranging marriages within it, was known by several names such as Baraiya, Dharala, Khant, Kotwal, Pagi, Patelia, Talapada, Thakarada, and Thakor. Ideally, castes as horizontal units should he discussed with the help of population figures. There was an emphasis on being different and separate rather than on being higher and lower. Homo Hierarchicus. Partner Preferences: I m looking for someone who is loving, caring and understanding in nature. Kanyakubja, Suryupari and Gaur Brahmins are examples of castes, and Shrimali, Purohit and Pushkarna Brahmins are examples of sub-castes, while Bhardwaj, Gautam and Kashyap Brahmins are examples of gotras. In effect, the Vania population in a large town like Ahmedabad could have a considerable number of small endogamous units of the third or the fourth order, each with its entire population living and marrying within the town itself. A first-order division could be further divided into two or more second-order divisions. Chowdhury in Sanskrit refers to ‘holder of four,’ where four probably indicated the measure of land granted by the king. The surname is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘gandha,’ meaning fragrance. The Sutradhar caste is subdivided into a number of subcastes including Bardhamenya, Mandaranya, Khadipeda, Astakul, and Airy. The surname comes from the Hindustani word ‘Munim’ that refers to the head accountant at a shop, factory, or any other business establishment. Individuals from the Barot community would usually work as genealogists (one who studies and makes a pedigree) and as bards. They are described by the ruling elite as robbers, dacoits, marauders, predators and the like. Not only that, there were also third-order divisions (i.e., ekdas) in one or more second-order divisions, and finally one or more fourth-order divisions (i.e., tads) in one or more third-order divisions. Frequently, the urban population of such a division performed more specialized functions than did the rural one. In all there were about eighty such divisions. Thus, Hathiwala could mean someone who looks after or trains elephants. The boundaries of caste division were fairly clear in the village community. Sometimes a division corresponding to a division among Brahmans and Vanias was found in a third first-order division also. As regards the rest of Gujarat, I have used various sources: my work on the caste of genealogists and mythography’s and on the early 19th century village records; the available ethnographic, historical and other literature; and observations made while living m Gujarat. One of the reasons behind underplaying of the principle of division by Dumont as well as by others seems to be the neglect of the study of caste in urban areas (see Dumont’s remarks in 1972: 150). All associations originated in large towns, are more active in towns than in villages, and are led by prominent members in towns. Therefore, the surname refers to someone who likely made or sold screws. Kolis were the largest first-order division in Gujarat. Finally, while an increasing number of marriages are taking place even across the boundaries of first-order divisions, as for example, between Brahmans and Vanias, and between Vanias and Patidars, such marriages even now form an extremely small proportion of the total number of marriages. Rajput hypergamy seems to have provided an important mechanism for integration of the lower caste and tribal population into the Hindu society over the entire length and breadth of northern, western, central and even eastern India. Srinivas has called the unity of the village manifested in these interrelations the vertical unity of the village (1952: 31f. Shah derives its name from ‘sahukaar, ’a Gujarati word that means merchant, banker, or money-lender. Thus, Rawal/Raval refers to those who originally came from a family of commanders or kings. There were also a number of first-order divisions, mainly of artisans, craftsmen and specialized servants, with small populations. 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