s. f, (M.) A tribe of Hindus also called Aroṛá. Kiráṛs are divided into three main tribes—Uttrádhí (northern), Dakhaná (southern), and Ḍáhrá. The first two say they were so named because they fled to the north and south respectively. The origin of Ḍáhrá is not known, Each main tribe contains numerous sub-divisions, the nomenclature of which defies classification. A few names, as the Maṭe and Gurúwáṛá, are found in three main tribes; a large number is found in two, and the majority in only one. The main tribes do not intermarry, but the sub-divisions of a main tribe do. They worship either the Krishná incarnation, or the river Ganges or both. They are traders, money lenders and bankers. They have no prejudice against any kind of work, and will sell vegetables or shoes, load donkeys and do other work which an orthodox Hindu would not. In correspondence and accounts Kiráṛs use a peculiar character of their own Kiṛákí; i. q. Karáṛ.