14. Occupation.
The tribe consider hunting to have been their proper calling, but many of them are now cultivators and labourers. They also make bamboo matting and large baskets for storing grain, but they will not make small bamboo baskets or fans, because this is the calling of the Turis, on whom the Dhanwār looks down. The women collect the leaves of sāl[6] trees and sell them at the rate of about ten bundles for a pice (farthing) for use as chongis or leaf-pipes. As already stated, the tribe have no language of their own, but speak a corrupt form of Chhattīsgarhi.
[1] This article is based almost entirely on a monograph by Mr. Jeorākhan Lāl, Deputy Inspector of Schools, Bilāspur.
[2] Grewia vestita.
[3] The term brother’s brother-in-law is abusive in the same sense as brother-in-law (sāla) said by a man.
[4] See commencement of this article.
[5] Cynodon dactylon.
[6] Shorea robusta.