_Bedar. [252]_--A small caste of about 1500 persons, belonging
to Akola, Khandesh and Hyderabad. Their ancestors were Pindaris,
apparently recruited from the different Maratha castes, and when the
Pindaris were suppressed they obtained or were awarded land in the
localities where they now reside, and took to cultivation. The more
respectable Bedars say that their ancestors were Tirole Kunbis, but
when Tipu Sultan invaded the Carnatic he took many of them prisoners
and ordered them to become Muhammadans. In order to please him they
took food with Muhammadans, and on this account the Kunbis put them out
of caste until they should purify themselves. But as there were a large
number of them, they did not do this, and have remained a separate
caste. The real derivation of the name is unknown, but the caste say
that it is _be-dar_ or 'without fear,' and was given to them on account
of their bravery. They have now obtained a warrant from the descendant
of Shankar Acharya, or the high priest of Sivite Hindus, permitting
them to describe themselves as Put Kunbi or purified Kunbi. [253]
The community is clearly of a most mixed nature, as there are also
Dher or Mahar Bedars. They refuse to take food from other Mahars and
consider themselves defiled by their touch. The social position of
the caste also presents some peculiar features. Several of them have
taken service in the army and police, and have risen to the rank of
native officer; and Rao Sahib Dhonduji, a retired Inspector of Police,
is a prominent member of the caste. The Raja of Surpur, near Raichur,
is also said to be a Bedar, while others are ministerial officials
occupying a respectable position. Yet of the Bedars generally it is
said that they cannot draw water freely from the public wells, and in
Nasik Bedar constables are not considered suitable for ordinary duty,
as people object to their entering houses. The caste must therefore
apparently have higher and lower groups, differing considerably
in position.