Nai
caste system
verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies.
Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
Feedback
Thank you for your feedback
Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.
External Websites
Also known as: Nhāvī
Nai, the barber caste, which is widespread in northern India. Because of the ambulatory nature of the profession, which requires going to patrons’ houses, the barber plays an important part in village life, spreading news and matchmaking. Certain castes assign a role to the barber in their domestic rituals. Nevertheless, the barber’s social position is low because he also acts as a bloodletter and bonesetter, coming into contact with parts of the human body (e.g., bodily fluids) considered to be polluting. The consumption of liquor is permitted to the Nai, as is the eating of goat flesh, mutton, and venison.