The Banias have also a distinctive social status. They are considered,
though perhaps incorrectly, to represent the Vaishyas or third great
division of the Aryan twice-born; they rank just below Rajputs and
perhaps above all other castes except Brahmans; Brahmans will take
food cooked without water from many Banias and drinking-water from
all. Nearly all Banias wear the sacred thread; and the Banias are
distinguished by the fact that they abstain more rigorously and
generally from all kinds of flesh food than any other caste. Their
rules as to diet are exceptionally strict, and are equally observed
by the great majority of the subdivisions.