In Bengal certain castes, such as the Tanti or weaver of fine muslin, the Teli or oil-presser, and the Kumhar or potter, rank with the ceremonially pure castes.

Their callings have there become important urban industries.

Thus the Tantis made the world-renowned fine muslins of Dacca; and the Jagannathia Kumhars of Orissa provide the earthen vessels used for the distribution of rice to all pilgrims at the temple of Jagannath.

These castes and certain others have a much higher rank than that of the corresponding castes in northern and Central India, and the special reasons indicated seem to account for this.

Generally the artisan castes ranking on the same or a higher level than the cultivators are urban and not rural.