_Dhimar, Kahar, Bhoi, Palewar, Baraua, Machhandar._--The caste of
fishermen and palanquin-bearers. In 1911 the Dhimars numbered 284,000
persons in the Central Provinces and Berar, being most numerous in the
Maratha Districts. In the north of the Province we find in place of
the Dhimars the Kahars and Mullahs, and in the east or Chhattisgarh
country the Kewats. But the distinction between these castes is no
more than nominal, for in some localities both Kahar and Kewat are
returned as subcastes of Dhimar. In some parts of India the Bhois
and Dhimars are considered as separate castes, but in the Central
Provinces they are not to be distinguished, both names being applied
indiscriminately to the same persons. The name of Bhoi perhaps belongs
more particularly to those who carry litters or palanquins, and that
of Dhimar to the fishermen. The word Dhimar is a corruption of the
Sanskrit Dhivara, a fisherman. Bhoi is a South Indian word (Telugu
and Malayalam _boyi_, Tamil _bovi_), and in the Konkan people of this
class are known as Kahar Bhui. Among the Gonds Bhoi is considered as
an honorific name or title; and this indicates that a large number of
Gonds have become enrolled in the Dhimar or Kahar caste, and consider
it a rise in status. Palewar is the name of the Telugu fishermen of
Chanda. Machhandar signifies one who catches fish.