TABLE - XII

TABLE - XII

Population of the districts along the course of the Ganges/Padma

DISTRICT	'Chandal' (semi-Hinduised aboriginal)	Kaibarta (agriculture caste)	Brahmin (superior caste)	Kayastha (intermediate caste)
Rajshahye	28762	60440	15660	8727
Pubna	50126	19255	20553	35359
Dacca	191162	32317	51632	102084
Noakhally	12947	20263	7652	20878
Backergunge	326775	29341	65261	125164
Moorshedabad	21764	102517	38740	17077
Nuddea	42062	111867	60026	39719
Fureedpore	156223	13619	23294	57026
Total	829821	389619	282818	406034

 

TABLE - XIII

 

Dacca division

DISTRICT	'Chandal' (semi-Hinduised aboriginal)	Kaibarta (agriculture caste)	Brahmin (superior caste)	Kayastha (intermediate caste)
Mymensign	123262	77798	23414	105537
Dacca	191162	32317	51632	102084
Fureedpore	156223	13619	23294	57026
Backergunge	326775	29341	65261	125164
Total	797422	153075	163601	389811

 

 

 

TABLE - XIV

Dacca

DISTRICT	'Chandal' (semi-Hinduised aboriginal)	Kayastha (intermediate caste)	Brahmin (superior caste)	Kaibarta (agriculture caste)
Dacca	191162	102084	51632	32317
Total	191162	102084	51632	32317
	191162	186033
Note. Chandals outnumber the combined population of Kayasthas, Brahmins and Kaibartas by 5129. Dacca was the capital of Vanga during the period of “Buddhist Sovereigns of the Chandals known as Pal Dynasty.” Census 1891, p.262). Dacca produced the finest of muslins of the world.

 

TABLE - XV

Ganga-Padma, Brahmaputra and Megna Basin

 

DISTRICT	'Chandal' (semi-Hinduised aboriginal)	Kaibarta (agriculture caste)	Brahmin (superior caste)	Kayastha (intermediate caste)
Mymensign	123262	77798	23414	105537
Bogra	7647	14833	4263	5483
Pubna	50126	19255	20553	35359
Jessore (incl. Khulna)	271325	41001	51909	90610
Fureedpore	156223	13619	23294	57026
Sylhet	122457	128523	44244	90205
Dacca	191162	32317	51632	102084
Tipperah	81155	53866	31020	72804
Noakhally	12947	20263	7652	20878
Backergunge	326775	29341	65261	125164
Total	1343079	430816	323242	705150

 

TABLE - XVI

Brahmaputra and Ganges/Padma Basin

DISTRICT	'Chandal' (semi-Hinduised aboriginal)	Kaibarta (agriculture caste)	Brahmin (superior caste)	Kayastha (intermediate caste)
Sylhet	122457	128523	44244	90205
Mymensign	123262	77798	23414	105537
Pabna	50126	19255	20553	35359
Dacca	191162	32317	51632	102084
Fureedpore	156223	13619	23294	57026
Jessore (incl. Khulna)	271325	41001	51909	90610
Backergunge	326775	29341	65261	125164
Total	1241330	341854	280307	605985

 

 

TABLE - XVII

The Population of districts north of the Ganges and north of East Bengal

in 1872

DISTRICT	'Chandal' (semi-Hinduised aboriginal)	Kaibarta (agriculture caste)	Brahmin (superior caste)	Kayastha (intermediate caste)
Mymensign	123262	77798	23414	105537
Bogra	7647	14833	4263	5483
Rungpur	36148	35396	10623	10387
Rajshahye	28762	60440	15660	8727
Pabna	50126	19255	20553	35359
Dacca	191162	32317	51632	102084
Total	437107	240039	126145	267577

 

Table - XVIII

Gangetic Delta and North of the Ganges

DISTRICT	'Chandal' (semi-Hinduised aboriginal)	Kaibarta (agriculture caste)	Brahmin (superior caste)	Kayastha (intermediate caste)
Rajshahye	28762	60440	15660	8727
Pubna	50126	19255	20553	35359
Dacca	191162	32317	51632	102084
Moorshedabad	21764	102517	38740	17077
Nuddea	42062	111867	60026	39719
Jessore (incl. Khulna)	271325	41001	51909	90610
Fureedpore	156223	13619	23294	57026
Backergunge	326775	29341	65261	125164
24 Parganas	46056	182180	120102	82803
Total	1134255	592537	447177	558569

 

AT A GLANCE

	Chandal (Semi-Hinduised aboriginal)	Kayastha (interme-diate caste)	Kaibarta (agricultural caste)	Brahmin (superior caste)
Eastern Gangetic Delta	754323	272800	83961	140464
Gangetic Delta	864205	412399	480525	359332
Centre of the Gangetic Delta	271325	90610	41001	51909
Along the course of the Ganges/Padma	829821	406034	389619	282818
north of the Ganges-Padma	270050	146170	112012	87845
North and South of the Ganges	490099	259992	340015	209905
North of the Ganges and North of East Bengal	437107	267577	240039	126145
Gangetic Delta and North of the Ganges	1134255	558569	592537	447177
Dacca division	797422	389811	153075	163601
East Bengal	1286891	733224	400420	321083
Central and Extended East Bengal	1528682	936822	928020	594129
Central and East Bengal	1456125	912225	817351	563583
Brahmaputra to Bay of Bengal	1417215	728307	527764	352604
Ganga-Padma, Brahmaputra and Megna Basin	1343079	705150	430816	323242
Brahmaputra and Ganges/Padma Basin	1241330	605985	341854	280307

 

 

 

 

                                                                             (Mahasthangarh and

                                                                              surrounding areas)

Chandal (Semi-Hinduised aboriginal)                         640719

Kayastha (Intermediate caste)                                     430586

Kaibarta (Agricultural caste)                                      4224428        

Brahmin (Superior caste)                                              201409

Rajbansis (Semi Hinduised aboriginal)                      371000

Kooch (Semi-Hinduised aboriginal)                           137079

 

      The foregoing demographic statistics definitely lead to the conclusion that the ancestors of the aboriginal ‘Chandals’ were the predominant people among the original inhabitants of Ancient Vanga and the country was known after them.

      Since Mauryan Brahmi inscription of Mahasthan is the earliest evidence of the history of Vanga, it necessary to look at the inscription. It is a masterpiece on disaster-management. We see the compound word samvangiya (sam+vang+iya). Till today, this is perhaps the earliest mention of Vanga in stone which dates back to 400 B.C. Mahasthan is geographically located within the kingdom of Paundra-Vardhana where the aboriginal ‘Chandal’ were in significant majority.

      “As noted elsewhere, the Pods and ‘Chandals’ were probably the dominant tribes in the kingdom of Paundra, Vardhana and to this day traces of the Buddhist faith can still be found in the working religion of the Pods. Amongst the Koches also, traces of Buddhist influence still survived when Ralph Fitch, visited the country in the 16^th century. (J.A.S.B., 1873, Part -I, p. 240.)” - Muhammadan of Bengal, Extracts from ‘Census of India, 1901’ by E. A. Gait, F.S.S. (Vol – VI, Published in 1902, pp.165-181].

      In ordinary course, our investigation would have concluded after this massive demographic data to identify the descendants of the Vangas; but we decided to collect more evidence.

 

ABORIGINALS/ABORIGINES/AUTOCHTHONS

 

      In addition to the conclusive demographic statistics of 1872 census to prove that the ‘Semi-Hinduised Aboriginal ‘Chandals’ were the descendants of the Vangas of Ancient Vanga, there are more relevant and significant  evidence to adduce that the ‘Chandals’ were the autochthons of East Bengal  concentrating in the eastern part of the Gangetic delta and spreading all over in the swamps and fen districts. They were the’ denizens of the swamps.’

‘CHANDAL’ : SEMI-HINDUISED ABORIGINAL

1.   "SEMI-HINDUISED ABORIGINAL” / “WERE ABORIGINAL TRIBES”— 1872: BEVERELY, H., 1872, CENSUS REPORT, P.181 STATEMENT OF NATIONALITIES, RACES, TRIBES AND CASTES, CXVI.

2.   "SEMI-HINDUISED ABORIGINES” - 1887: HUNTER, W. W. S, A STATISTICAL ACCOUNT OF BENGAL, VOL – V, p. 39.

3.   THE ‘CHANDAL’ OUTCASTE OF THE GANGETIC DELTA”- Census, 1891, Report, p.255.

4.   "BANGA OR THE BARENDLA DESH AND  WAS PEOPLED BY CHANDALS”- Census 1891,Report,262.

5.   "ONE OF THE ABORIGINAL RACES WHOM THE ARYANS FOUND IN POSSESSION OF SOIL” - 1891: RISLEY, H. H., THE TRIBES AND CASTES OF BENGAL, VOL - I, P. P.183-189.

6.   "DISTINCT ABORIGINAL RACE” - 1908: DUTT, R. C., CIVILIZATION IN BUDDHIST AGE  P. P. 153-251.

7.   “...the fact that a large proportion of the Hindus consist of castes of aboriginal descent, such as ‘Chandals’ and Pods, who are extremely, hardy, industrious and thrifty, while their habits, which are almost amphibious, specially qualify them for living in the fen country which forms so large a part of the districts. …

      … there appears to be little doubt that this district was originally peopled by the ‘Chandals’ and Pods, the former occupying the eastern and the latter the western half of it. In all probability, they were originally hunters and fishermen, the Pods following the latter calling almost exclusively, while some of the ‘Chandals’ were hunters also.” (emphasis added) 1908:O’MALLEY, L. S. S., BENGAL DISTRICT GAZETTEERS, KHULNA, P.59.

8.   “the outstanding feature of their geographical distribution is that they are denizens of the swamps. Their own tradition is that they sought a refuge there from the persecutions of the high caste Hindus. Another and more probable theory is that they are the autochthons of Eastern Bengal, aboriginals who found a refuge in the marshes, retreating there before the advance of more powerful races. Whatever their origin, they are a hardy and muscular race, capable of enduring much exposure and fatigue. They live by agriculture and fishing, and are expert boatmen”. (emphasis added) — 1925:O’MALLEY, L. S. S., BENGAL DISTRICT GAZETTEERS, FARIDPUR, P.48.

9.   “THIS IS INDICATED BY THE FACT THAT INDIGENOUS TRIBES LIKE THE VANGAS, THE SUHMAS, THE SABARAS, THE PULINDAS, THE KIRATAS, AND THE PUNDRAS ……” – 1971: MAJUMDAR, R.C, HISTORY OF ANCIENT BENGAL,p.361.

10. PERHAPS THE ANCESTORS OF KOL, SABAR, PULIND, HADI, DOM, ‘CHANDAL RACE’, ETC WERE ORIGINAL INHABITANTS OF BANGA. ORDINARILY THEY LIVED MAINLY BY CULTIVATION AND LIVED IN VILLAGES.   -   1973 :  BHARATKOSH, BANGIYA SAHITYA PARISHAD, VOL -V, P. 4.

 

PROFESSION

 

      The main profession of the Vangas of Ancient Vanga were boating and cultivation. They grew transplanted rice. In a land of rivers, canals, swamps and dotted with innumerable islands, many lived in boats. Boats were used for all activities of life. They used boats in war and excelled in nautical matters. The ‘Chandals’ developed amphibious habit to survive and thrive in a country of rivers, canals, streams and swamps.  Principal professions of the ‘Chandals’ were boating and cultivation.  Their amphibious habit especially qualified them to grow large varities of long- stemmed rice in the swamps and deep morasses. They developed a unique expertise in reclamation of lands in Sunderbans. They were excellent boat builders and none could match them in boating. They were expert in navigation and nautical matters. In fact, boating, shipping and maritime trade and commerce were in their blood. The Ancient non-Aryan Buddhist Vangas were masters of the seas.

      “The testimony that history bears to the military, religious, and maritime enterprise and achievements of the ancient Buddhist Bengali in the earlier centuries of the Christian era now scarcely wins belief and acceptance. Yet it is an incontrovertible fact that Bengal of old gave birth to men who marched armies beyond the frontiers of modern India and ruled for a time as the paramount power in the land; who braved the perils of the deep in armed galleys, and carried home foreign itinerants in their ships.”  (Mookerji, R.K; Indian Shipping, 1912, p.155) Their geographical location indicates that they were denizens of swamps.   Living in such a fen country, they had to develop a self- sufficient economy.  They excelled in all trades. Next table gives a reliable account of their profession.

 

‘Dissident groups     Parent caste or        Traditional                    New

or present name        original caste          occupation                     occupation

of the caste                 name

 

Sadgop                        Gop                            Cattle-grazing                Agriculture                                                          and

                                                                                                                 Trade

 

Tili                                Teli                             Oil-pressing                   Trade and

                                                                                                                 Agriculture

 

Madhunapit                Napit                          Barber                             Confectioner

 

Phulnapit                     Napit                          Barber                             Agriculture

 

Mahisya                      Bhuia-Khandait-      (Fighting-agricultre      Agriculture

                                      Kaibartta-Chasi-      and fishing-                   (land-   

                                      Kaibartta                   agricluture (land-          holding and

                                                                         holding and                   cultivating

                                                                         cultivating and              but never

                                                                         also sometime               selling the

                                                                         personally selling         products

                                                                         the products in             personally                                            the market)            in the     

                                                                                                                 market) 

Saha                             Sundi                         Manufacturer and        Trade and

                                                                         sale of liquor                 agriculture

 

Jogi                              Jugi                            Weaving                        Agriculture

                                                                                                                 and

                                                                                                                 miscellaneous

 

Chasadhoba               Dhoba                       Washing                        Agriculture

 

Padmaraj                      Pod                            Fishing and                   Agriculture                                          boating

 

Namasudra                  Chandal                     Boating                          Agriculture

                                                                         and cultivation           

(Source: This table has been prepared on the basis of information collected from the following sources: Census of India, 1891, Vol III, The Report; Census of India, 1901, Vol. VI, Part I; Census of India, 1911, Vol V, Part I; W. W. Hunter, A Statistical Account of Bengal, (Reprint, Delhi, 1973), Vol-I-VI; H. H. Risley, The Tribes and Castes of Bengal, (Reprint, Calcutta, 1981), Vol-I & II; N. K. Bose, The Structure of Hindu Society, translated from Bengali by Andre Beteille, (New Delhi, 1975); N. K. Dutt, Origin and Growth of Caste in India, (Calcutta, 1969), Vol II, Hitesranjan Sanyal, Social Mobility in Bengal, (Calcutta, 1981).' [Bandopadhyay, Sekhar, Caste and Social Mobility in Caste, Politics and the Raj, Calcutta]

      Thus the traditional occupation of the ancestors of the present day Namasudras are identical with the professions of the Vangas of Vanga. They carried the tradition of their ancestors of Ancient Vanga.