For the same reason the standard ethnological works of other Provinces necessarily rank as the best authorities on the castes of the Central Provinces, and this fact may explain and excuse the copious resort which has been made to them in these volumes.
3.

The word 'Caste.' The word 'Caste,' Dr.Wilson states, [1] is not of Indian origin, but is derived from the Portuguese _casta_, signifying race, mould or quality.

The Indian word for caste is _jat_ or _jati_, which has the original meaning of birth or production of a child, and hence denotes good birth or lineage, respectability and rank.

_Jatha_ means well-born.

Thus _jat_ now signifies a caste, as every Hindu is born into a caste, and his caste determines his social position through life.
4.