barber shop supplies

Mangali or Nayee Brahmin (Barber/Hairdresser)

The institution of barber is a very old one in India. Usually barbers belong to a hereditary caste or clan, variously called:

They point out, since they take part in "Purifying and cleaning" for everybody, they can jolly well call themselves Brahmin.

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. Remi Onashili. 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 menfolk 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.