Page:Castes and Tribes of Southern India.djvu/323

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209
BELLARA

like, are made to their names. If this be neglected,they appear in dreams, and threaten those who are forgetful of their duty. These temples consist of a heap or cairn of stones, in which the roof of a small cavity is supported by two or three flags; and the image is a rude shapeless stone, which is occasionally oiled, as in this country all other images are."

Bēdar.—See Vedan.

Bēgara — Bēgara or Byāgara is said to be a synonym applied by Canarese Lingāyats to Holeyas.

Bēhara.— Recorded, at times of census, as a title of various Oriya castes, e.g., Alia, Aruva, Dhōbi, Gaudo, Jaggali, Kevuto, Kurumo, Ronguni, and Sondi. In some cases, e.g., among the Rongunis, the title is practically an exogamous sept. The headman of many Oriya castes is called Bēhara.

Bejjo.— A sub-division of Bhondāri, and title of Kevuto.

Bēlata (Feronia elephantum: wood-apple). — An exogamous sept of Kuruba.

Bellapu (jaggery: palm-sugar). — An exogamous sept of Boya.

Bellara.— " The Bellaras, or Belleras," Mr. H. A. Stuart writes,*[1] "are a somewhat higher caste of basket and mat-makers than the Parava umbrella-makers and devil-dancers. They speak a dialect of Canarese (see South Canara Manual, Vol. II). They follow the aliya santāna law (inheritance in the female line), but divorce is not so easy as amongst most adherents of that rule of inheritance, and divorced women, it is said, may not marry again. Widows, however, may remarry. The dead are either burned or buried, and a feast called Yede


  1. * Manual of the South Canara district.