Bhishtis (Water-Carriers)

Bhishtis were a community whose traditional occupation was to provide water to people. This included supplying drinking water and water for household use, animal maintenance, and the cooling of blinds in family residences. They were crucial to armies, supplying water to thirsty and wounded soldiers even during the thick of battle.

The Bhisti’s trademark bag or mashaq, made from animal hide, can hold 30-35 litres of water. Larger bags carried on bullocks are called “pukkal”.

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