Literally, "birth " This denotes the classification or sub-caste into which persons are grouped according to the traditional role or roles to which their family has been assigned in the community In practice, jati is more determinative of one's duties (svadharma) and one's complex, rule-governed relations with others than is varna (caste)
a phrase used in place of swaras or words (alongside them), usually such as dheem, takita, taam, tOm, often used in tillaanaas and dance-related songs
(Hinduism) a Hindu caste or distinctive social group of which there are thousands throughout India; a special characteristic is often the exclusive occupation of its male members (such as barber or potter)