7/364 A subcaste of Bania and Kachhi, a synonym of Chasa. The Alias are members of the Kachhi caste who formerly grew the _al_ plant in Nimar for sale to the dyers. Its cultivation then yielded a large profit and the Alias devoted themselves solely to it, while they excommunicated any of their members who were guilty of selling or giving away the seed. The imported alizarin has now almost entirely superseded the indigenous dye, and _al_ as a commercial product has been driven from the market. Alkari is a term applied to Banias and others in the Damoh District who were formerly engaged in the cultivation of the _al_ plant. |