Mar 23, 2016

Portrait of a Man from Kaibartha Caste - Eastern Bengal 1860's

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.

Know more about this caste in Wikipedia

Source: British Library (bl.uk)