The Chamars and Mehtars or sweepers are in some places of a superior physical type, of comparatively good stature and light complexion; [82] this may perhaps be due to a large admixture of Hindu blood through their women, during a social contact with the Hindus extending over many centuries, and also to the fact that they eat flesh when they can obtain it, including carrion.

Such types are, however, exceptional among the impure castes, and there is no reason to doubt their general origin from the non-Aryan tribes, which in a few instances can be directly traced.

Thus it seems likely that the Kanjars, Berias, Sansias and other gipsy groups, as well as the Mirasis, the vagrant bards and genealogists of the lower classes of Hindus, are derived from the Dom caste or tribe of Bengal, who are largely employed as sweepers and scavengers as well as on ordinary labour.

The evidence for the origin of the above groups from the Doms is given in the article on Kanjar.

Sir H.M.Elliot considered the Doms to be one of the original tribes of India.