On the other hand, a common occupation may sometimes amalgamate castes originally distinct into one.

The sweeper's calling is well-defined and under the generific term of Mehtar are included members of two or three distinct castes, as Dom, Bhangi and Chuhra; the word Mehtar means a prince or headman, and it is believed that its application to the sweeper by the other servants is ironical.

It has now, however, been generally adopted as a caste name.

Similarly, Darzi, a tailor, was held by Sir D.Ibbetson to be simply the name of a profession and not that of a caste; but it is certainly a true caste in the Central Provinces, though probably of comparatively late origin.

A change of occupation may transfer a whole body of persons from one caste to another.