Caste and Religions of Natal Immigrants (1860- )

by

K. Chetty

While the traditional caste divisions of Brahmin, Ksattriya, Vaisya and Sudra (4 Varnas) is in theory the basis of the caste system, this division has no "distinct and determinate existence". Rather, the caste (jati) segmentation has developed historically around the basic division into hierarchical network of castes and sub-castes. Indian society says the Imperial Gazetteer had always been composed of "diverse and heterogeneous groups" out of which the modern caste system developed "by natural and insensible stages". New castes appeared and broke off connection with the parent stock. Castes arose from tribes that were "Hinduised" (e.g. Dom, Dosadh, Jat, Rajput, Nayar), from the sectarian type (e.g. Lingayats of south India ), from occupational/functional categories (e.g. Ahirs[herdsmen], dhobis [washermen], Goalas[milkmen)] Pods[fishermen]), through inter-tribal marriages (e.g. Shagirdpeshas of Bengal) and National types (e.g. Newars of Nepal and Marathas of Bombay), through original territorial linkages (e.g. Jaunpuris, Barendra), and the last category formed as a result of new ceremonial practices and/or occupations e.g. the Ayodhia Kurmis set themselves apart from other Kurmis and claimed Ksattriya origins.

While Islam accepted no caste distinctions, Muslims in India nevertheless tended to segment themselves in caste-like groups (e.g. Saiyids, Ashrafs, Ajlafs, Jolahas and Rajputs). Many Muslims were Hindu converts e.g. Manihir, Dhobi, Gaddi and Teli are Hindu caste names, which Muslims bore. In 1901 there were 2400 castes and tribes in India. According to a study by Professor Surendra Bhana, at the lowest socio-economic level, those that emigrated to Natal were predominantly agricultural labourers, at the medium level were artisans with skills and at the highest economic level were the landowners.

The list of caste names below were compiled showing religious/ occupational/functional/professional categories, indicating synonyms or alternate spelling where possible. Where the language or religion could be ascertained this is indicated as well but may not necessarily exclude other religions/language groups from carrying those caste names. The list gives most of the caste names found in the list of Indentured Indians, together with their meaning and links. The researcher/viewer must be mindful of the variant spellings e.g. Comati, Komati, Komti [traders], or Kayeth, Kaeth, Kayesth [accountant, scribe]. It should be borne in mind that the variations are due to variant spellings of the same caste and errors due to translation from verbal to the written word.