How many major sects are Hindu Sindhis divided and what are they?

BRY2K

Hindu Sindhis are divided into 3 major sects that have certain different cultural nuances: the Amil, Shikarpuri and Bhaiband. Hindu Sindhis are a cosmopolitan community and transcend all caste, racial and national barriers. Historically, the Amils, or government servants, filled many appointments in the civil service. This conferred a status upon them which set them above others and was marked by a difference in attire. In the past they worked for Moslem rulers who often gave gifts of land in return - thus they came to be small landowners known as Zamindars or Jageerdars. Under British rule these posts became administrative ones where they held positions as collectors and commissioners, highly respected by the British as well as the common man of Sind. The other large group of Sindhis were involved in trade and commerce of various types. Sindhuvarkis, or Bhaibands, established trading posts throughout the world and dealt in fabrics. Many are extremely rich and their women-folk are renowned for their richly dressed, bejewelled appearances . Shikarpuris were bankers who carried on business throughout the Middle East and the Vanya were shopkeepers of all types. Sindhis themselves had no untouchable caste which in other Indian societies did the menial work. http://www.powerset.com/explore/semhtml/Sindhi_people?query=Bhaiband Sep 03 08, 2:46 PM