The great museum of races

Abstract

[T]he Uriyas have developed a peculiar physiognomy and character from their isolated position. They are even more timid than Bengalis. Conserva-tive to a degree, they are wanting in enterprise, evidence a thorough dislike of all modern improvements, and are the most bigoted priest-ridden people in India…. The Hindustanis of Bihar … are more decidedly Aryan than any of the other races of Bengal, and partly from climate, partly from their more substantial diet, and partly from a larger infusion of Aryan blood, are hardier and more manly than the Bengalis. 104 obligation, condemning those in the lower ranks to perpetual abasement, placing an immovable barrier against all general advance and improvement in society. 125 and clans, with separate histories and customs. The members of a caste are, doubtless, united together by peculiar sacred and social ties. In addition, they bear a tribal relation to one another of great significance. Each caste … is in fact a tribe governed by laws of the most impervious character. 139 supple Banniah, conceited yet Kayasth, writer, the clever barhai, or carpenter, the heavy-browed lohar, or blacksmith, the wiry and laborious Kumbhi, or agriculturalist, the short and handsome chamar, the dark Pasi, the darker Dom, the wild and semi-barbarous aborigines, and hundreds of other tribes and castes, are in reality so many distinct types of the human family.