177

Kind of Commodity
Quantity Ms. Srs.
Value Rs. As. Ps.

Brought forward , 12. Sesamum oil ......
— 20
275 6 0 780

13. Castor oil ....
— 10
2 80

6 —
86 00

15. Tea .
— 2
2 0 O

16. Chillies .....
— 10
5 20

17. Tobacco ........
3 —~
75 0 0

18. Condiments and spices . . . 19, Eggs .........
500 (Nos.)
1 4 0 18 00

20. Coconuts .......
12 ,,
1 20

21. Khajur ........
1 Md.
400

22. Misc. things ......

500

Total

430 14 0

A minute enquiry into the methods of purchase and
sale and several allied topics revealed the following facts.
(i) This shopkeeper buys the commodities wholesale
from Bulsar and Khergam. The average price at which
he sells the commodity is a little higher than the cost he
pays. The excess of market price over the cost price
constitutes his earnings.
(ii) Regarding the methods of sale the Kaliparaj people
make their purchases every day usually for cash. It is a
common sight to see crowds of people standing at the
shopkeeper's door asking for chillies or condiments,
tobacco, kerosine or sesamum oil for a piece or two. In
his dealings with the Ujaliparaj, he usually sells goods
on credit and receives payment at the end of the year.
As a rule, credit is not extended, to the Kaliparaj, most of
whom are spendthrifts. As soon as they get a few cop-
pers, their first resting and recreation place will be the
toddy or liquor shop.
(iii) Signs of barter are also visible. Occasionally a
poor Dubla woman comes to his shop with a few eggs
and receives in return salt, tobacco or chillies.