THE GENERAL EAST INDIA GUIDE
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(20) Classification of servants [[97-98]]
 

[[97]] The servants, whether of Europeans, or of opulent natives, are divided into two classes, indiscriminately called Nuokur, or Chakur. The first ["Nuokur"] list below are judged exempt from all menial duties, which more properly belong to the last ["Chakur"] division, as their respective designations will at once testify.

Baniayn (buniya), merchant, banker, or money agent.
Darogah (daroghu), or Gomastah (gomashtu), factor, or superintendant.
Moonshy (moonshee), secretary, or linguist.
Jummadar, chief of the retinue.
Chob-dar, silver-pole bearer.
Soonta-burdar, silver-baton bearer.
Khansaman, butler, steward.
Sirkar, government, head of a house; agent for receipts and payments, as cash-keeper.
Kranee, clerk, or writer in the office.
The second class comprises --
Khidmutgar, valet, table-attendant.
Mushuulchee, flambeau-bearer, link-boy.
Hookuh-burdar, pipe-bearer.
Bihishtee, water-carrier, lit. heavenly.
Bawur-chee, cook.
Durzee, tailor.
[[98]] Doby (D,hobee), washerman.
Mohote, or Mohout (Muhawut), elephant driver.
Surwan, camel-driver.
Su,ees, Sa,ees, groom.
G,husiyara, grass-cutter, dependant on the former.
Chabook-war, horse-breaker.
Malee, gardener.
Ab-dar, water-cooler, butler.
Khursh burdar, purveyor.
Hurkaru, messenger, guide, spy, &c.
Piyadu (Peon), nearly the same as the hurkaru.
Hujam, or Naee, barber.
Dufturee, office-keeper.
Furrash, carpet-spreader, or furniture-keeper.
Mihtur, sweeper; a female for the same duties being termed mihturanee.
Doriah, dog-keeper.
Khulasee, camp-equipage-keeper.
Berriarah, shepherd.
Chuokeedar, watchman.
Durwan, gate-keeper, or porter.
Kuhar, palkee-bearer.
Aya, or Da,ee, a female attendant on a lady, in charge of children, a nurse.

Williamson 1810 vol. 1: ((187)) Such is the superioty claimed by the nokers, that to ask one of them whose chauker he is would be considered a gross insult; the inferior class are, on the other hand, very ready to assume the former designation; holding it to be far more respectable in the eyes of their countrymen; ((188)) who comprehend, and value, that distinction which, among Europeans, is little attended to; far the greater portion being, indeed, absolutely ignorant of any reputed difference.

 
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