Mal numbered 273,641 in the 2001 census and were 1.5 per cent of the total Scheduled Caste population of West Bengal. 39.6 per cent of the Mal were literate - 51.9 per cent males and 26.8 per cent females were literate.[8]
Divisions
Raja Mals were rulers of Bengal-Jharkhand junction area. Chatradhari Mals were supposed to be ministers of Raja Mals.[citation needed] Sapure Mals are mainly snake charmers. Paharia Mals generally live in hilly areas, and have their own distinct language. Raja Mals do not practice widow marriage like other orthodox Hindus.[3]