Gandhabanik

Gandhabanik is a Bengali Hindu trading caste, who as the caste name suggests, traditionally used to trade in perfumes, cosmetics, spices etc. They were also engaged in agriculture. As of late nineteenth century they were one of the fourteen castes belonging to Nabasakh group.

It is believed that the legendary sea merchant Chand Sadagar of ancient Champaknagar was from Gandhabanik community.

Varna Status
Gandhabaniks have generally been considered as 'middle class shudras' in the caste structure of Bengal.