[1][2][3] Śauṇḍik (vintner) finds mention in one image inscription of Pāla period along with some other occupational groups.
[4] The Upapuranas played a significant role in creating the caste origin and hierarchy in Bengal.
The low rank experienced by the trading communities including Shunri (winemakers and sellers), possibly indicates that the primary economic activities of the Bengali society shifted from trade and capital producing devices to cottage industries and agriculture.
The caste ranks of the merchant classes became more and more lowered and reached a decidedly low stage at the beginning of the Sena and Varman periods.
[12] The Sahas belong to the Jal-achal Shudra category, whose water was not accepted by the upper castes.