Old vintage photos
A Boy of Kadu Kuruba Tribe - Western Ghats, Mysore 1928  The Kadu Kuruba Tribals are the original inhabitants of the forests of Nagarahole and Kakanakote in the Western Ghats of Southern India. The name comes from the Kannada kadu (forest), and Kuruba, a caste which is a sub-set of the Dhangar caste. After the fall of the Pallava empire many Kuruba settled down in south India as small landowners and farmers, while some took to hiding in the forests of south India and adopted a forest lifestyle. They developed their own culture and traditions different from other Kuruba due to their prolonged isolation. Source: ebay |
Portrait of a Man from Kaibartha Caste - Eastern Bengal 1860's The name 'Kaibartha' derives from the Sanskrit words for water ('ka') and livelihood ('varta'). They are a Hindu caste of fisherfolk and cultivators who trace their descent from the mythical fisher girl, Matwyagandha. They were amongst the earliest inhabitants of Bengal. An annual festival known as 'Jal palani' or 'net preserving' is recorded in contemporary records as happening each February. It lasted between two and seven days with 'puja' or prayer held in the Ganges on the last day.  Source: British Library |
Row of Muslim Hookah Makers Demonstrating Various Stages in the Manufacture of Hookahs from Coconut Shells - Eastern Bengal 1860's  Source: British Library |
Portrait of a Youth from Acharya Class - Eastern Bengal 1860's This person is a priest of the Acharj or acharya or Hindu spiritual teacher. This type of priest performs funeral ceremonies. Following cremation, the sons of the dead do homage to him, before giving him the clothes and bedstead of the deceased. Often such a priest was not allowed through the gates of villages as he was considered to be impure.  Source: British Library |
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