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SOCIAL LIFE
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food habits. According to Manu, the Cándalas were the lowest amongst men, and the description of the Caņdāla-hamlet ( Càndala-vasati ) given by Bāņa in the Kādambari also reveals the same fact.
(iv) Cora–The Cors are mentioned as a caste residing in the forests along with the Sabaras and the Pulimdas. They used to steal cattle from the villages and had no other profession apart from stealing. +
(v) Domba or Dumba-The Dombas are mentioned as despised people "living in the open space', as they used to live in the unprotected places. They are also described as "people constantly fighting among themselves and being notorious for their haughty and jealous disposition.' 6 They were usually employed by the kings to drive the elephants (meṁtha).? The ancient authorities compare the Dombas with the Cançālas and Svapakas in social status. 8 This caste is the present scheduled caste in Madras as Dombo and as Doma in Bengal, Bihar and U. P.9
(vi) Harikeśa-The Harikesas ( Harikeśas) were the people despised on the basis of their caste (jatijuṁ gita) along with the Lohakāras, Medas, Pānas, Dombas and Varudas. 10 They have been equated with the Mātamgas. 11 In the Paiya Sadda Mahannava also they are indentified with the Cándalas. 12
1. Soler Feri PT 392 ei saizi ara facturachitay At Arildistatant-NC. 3,
p. 527. 2. Manu. 10. 12. 3. NC. 3, p. 87. 4. TaifaeftoIT FATTI-NC. 3, p. 198. 5. Farfedt biar --NC. 3, p. 270. 6. H TTFT STE) Starfaa Hari Fiat Al, CTET, agroaftar-NC. 2, p. 284. 7. Etat for HD-NC 3, p. 436. 8. Kane, op. cit., p. 82. 9. Ibid. 10. NC. 3, p. 270. 11. NC. 1, p. 10. 12. P. 941.
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