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The Cheros
The Cheros who have Dravidian physiognomy and vary in colour, at one time
ruled over the Gangetic provinces and claim to be Rajputs. They are divided
into two sections; Barahazar and Tarahazar. The former rank as the higher
and include most descendants to the former ruling families in Palamu.
The social status of the Cheros was very high even in the Mughal period
and they were given the rank of Mansabdars in Akbar's court. Their children
were invested with the sacred thread by a Brahman priest at the time of
marriage.
Agriculture is their original occupation. Nowadays they
keep shop, do carting, work on roads or in coal mines and collect tasar,
lac and catechu. They are on the whole, a proud race and have never forgotten
that they were once a great people and that their descents are honourable
ones. They are also found in the villages of Rohtas and in the Morang
region.
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