Samipya 1992 Vol 09 Ank 01 02

Author(s): Pravinchandra C Parikh, Bhartiben Shelat
Publisher: Bholabhai Jeshingbhai Adhyayan Sanshodhan Vidyabhavan

Page 60

1935 it was customary to have such birds in the house as a symbol of status. It was the monpoly of Vagharies to supply such birds. They were expert in catching birds. The were acquainted with the nature and temparament of wild animals and birds.
Their role in rural life is that of the 'Vasavaya' community, monopolised in supplying 'Datan' a stick of babul, used for brushing the teeth for which they are remunerated in kind. Traditionally they are also drum beaters and employed during various occasions by villagers. Moreover, they grow water-melons, musk-melons, other vegetables, and fruits in river-bed areas during dry season. They get this land on one year (Ex-sali) lease from revenue department.
They also execute contract for collecting mangoes, berries, guava from trees during harvest season.
The transformation has taken place in mode of occupations. Now-a-days, their main occupation is growing and selling of fruits and vegetables and supplying of Datan (babul sticks for brushing the teeth), selling of crockery, old clothes and vessels, wooden sticks, taming of he-buffalo for breeding purposes, some of the groups are found employed in weaving, stone breaking, rope making and also in selling of the bulls and calves. They keep few goats for milk.
Though they are traders, they do not own their shops. They have remained vendors only. Thus they are traders and merchants without shops.
Vagharis of Gujarat : An Ancient Tribe ]
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