69
among the Ujaliparaj Hindus. We^ however, came ac-
ross two cases among the Kaliparaj where girls under 13
were married. In the case of the lower castes of the
Ujaliparaj Hindus we found about 17 cases of marriages
of girls under 13.
(4) SOCIAL CUSTOMS
The marriageable age among the Kaliparaj is usually
18 to 30 in the case of boys and about 15 in the case of
girls. However, of late a tendency towards early marri-
ages is discerned in some cases. This is an unfortunate
effect of the desire to imitate the practice of the Ujaliparaj
in the hope of attaining their status.
Among the Ujalivaran (Ujaliparaj Hindus) the marri-
ageable age for boys and girls varies with each caste.
However, as a rule, girls are married between 9 and 13,
and boys between 14 and 18. Late marriage is a pro-
minent characteristic of non-Hindus, that is, of Maho-
mmedans, Parsis, and Christians. There is no objection
to the re-marriage of widowers ; but widow remarriage
is not allowed among Banias and Brahmins.
Polygamy is rare in all the social groups. Even among
the Kaliparaj we could discern only one or two cases
where it had taken place. Polyandry is conspicuous by
its absence. No one tolerates the idea of polyandry.
The dead are mostly burnt by the Kaliparaj and the
Ujalivaran. They are buried by the non-Hindus except
the Jains who burn them. Performance of death cere-
mony is compulsory among the Kaliparaj. One of the
Dubla Patels told us that they would physically beat a
man into performing such a ceremony. Among the
Ujalivaran and non-Hindus, there is no such compulsion
tut spending a large sum on obsequies and dinners is
looked upon by them as a sign of the high status of a
family.
These are a few important social customs obtaining
among different communities in this village. Details of