Mangali

Mangali or Nayee is a caste from the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. They are hereditary Barber

Clan origin

The word Nayee stems from the Sanskrit root 'Nay'- which means to lead - stands for leadership. Nayees traditionally led wedding parties or carried messages between villages and communities.

Barbers belong to a hereditary caste or clan, variously called:

• Mangali
• Vostaad
• Hajjam
• Manthri
• Nayee

History

Apart from their barbering they have a few special functions in India. The earliest surgeons, like the ones tending to battlefield injuries, were barbers because of their expertise in handling the razor. They were traditionally used as messengers and go-betweens in delicate matters. For instance opening the discussion of an arranged marriage alliance to the father of a prospective groom and bride. Court barbers with direct access to the kings and ministers were obviously men of influence.

Looking at old Indian sculptures we notice most of the men folk were clean shaven, except wandering wise men, and even the ones with beards got them shaped by razors. The Buddhist monks had a shaved head, and the various Hindu sect priests also shaved most of their heads but kept a pigtail.

A barber was usually attached to a village, and was paid every harvest in sacks of grain, granted some land which he could till, a place to stay and obtained some tips. In turn he had to look after the hair of everybody in the village. In some villages hairy species of water buffalo too needed regular skin shaves.

Village barbers moved around, bringing along their kit as they move from village house to house. Gradually barbers set up shop under a convenient shady tree or crossroads or markets. In small villages today, a ramshackle wooden shed serves as a barbershop. There is usually a big mirror, an ancient wooden chair with an adjustable neck rest for shaving, and a frayed and worn shiny rexine (PVC) cushion, invariably a deep red color with coir curls coyly peeping out at the corners. The red color with yellow piping seems to be mandatory.

In larger towns, one has "Hair Cutting Saloons" which are little shops with a glass front etched with the name of the owner and, stylized pictures of slim, beaky girls. And a large mandatory “Welcome".

The owner employs other barbers and trainee-apprentices. There are really no schools for old style barbers merely watch and learn.

Musical talent

In some parts of India barbers double as musicians. They are very musically inclined. In villages they play the "Shehnai" or "Nadasvaram" and drums, but in cities they are the main musicians of brass bands. It is common to hear them practice in their rooms behind the barber shop.

Younger city barbers are shifting away from learning music, even if they have a family tradition. Now some are doing side business, particularly if their shop has a phone. Cell phones too. Mainly real estate plot business. Several who live in developing suburbs have done well in selling plots of land."

Population

Mangali population is around 3.8 % of entinre Andhra pradesh population, almost evenly populated across all regions and districts. Eminent people belong to this caste are

Dr. G. Ethirajulu, the first qualified Orthopaedic surgeon in A.P.

Sub-castes

Nayee are classified as OBC by the Government of Andhra Pradesh. There are several sub-castes among Mangali, usually regional in origin. These sub castes are found in many states. As an example, in Andhra Pradesh there are two main barber communities.

• Konda
• Siri

They'd rather not intermarry, while they are on very good terms with one another. The origin seems to be connected to temple employment. Pilgrims get their scalps shaved for blessings or boons they think they received, and offer their 'vanity' in thanks, like Catholics lighting candles for grace and Muslims offering blanket coverings for prayers answered. The temple barbers are often a harried lot with hundreds demanding get on with it, impatiently.

Surnames

• Paletipati
• Talluri
• Jettipalli
• Kothakota
• Kosuri
• Gurijala
• Mannava
• Chundi
• Kampati