Dhimar is a caste in Hindu religion, comprising of fishermen and palanquin-bearers. The word ‘dhimar’ is a derivation of the Sanskrit word ‘dhivara’, which means a fisherman. This caste is further made up of sub-castes such as Singadia (cultivators of ‘singada’ water-nut), Nadha (residents of river banks) and the Dhurias (dry-rice sellers).
The main occupation of the Dhimar is fishing. A person belonging to this caste may also work as a boatman. Occasionally he engages in cultivation along the banks of river. His relation with water sometimes makes him to serve as a water carrier to the homes and workers in the fields. Sometimes, he makes his living by selling sweet potatoes, boiled plums, dry grains and rice.
The Dhimar caste is very strict in terms of marriage. First cousins or the persons belonging to the same sect are not allowed to marry each other. Widow marriages are encouraged. Divorce, though allowed, is very rare. The members of this caste, being basically poor, avoid the cremation ceremony due to the high cost involved and instead resort to burying the dead.
