_Bania, Lad._--This subcaste numbers about 5000 persons in the
Central Provinces, being settled in Nimar, Nagpur and all the Berar
Districts. The Lad Banias came from Gujarat, and Lad is derived from
Lat-desh, the old name for Gujarat. Like other Banias they are divided
into the Bisa and Dasa groups or twenties and tens, the Dasa being
of irregular descent. Their family priests are Khedawal Brahmans,
and their caste deity is Ashapuri of Ashnai, near Petlad. Lad women,
especially those of Baroda, are noted for their taste in dress. The
Lad Banias are Hindus of the Vallabhacharya sect, who worship Krishna,
and were formerly addicted to sexual indulgence. [154]