people of india
TRANSCRIPT
People of India
FTT ID: 41495
ARAIN PEOPLE
In Punjab, the Arain are called Rain and they are also termed as Baghban.
Other Backward Communities
They were mainly distributed in the , Punjab, Gwalior, Bihar, Orissa and Rajputana. In
Punjab, concentrated in the districts of Sangrur, Patiala, Ludhiana and Jallandhar.
The majority are engaged in horticulture and gardening.
Both parallel and cross-cousin marriages are permissible. The marriage symbol for women is the nose-ring (keel).
Divorce as well as the remarriage of the divorced and widowed persons are permitted.
The share wells and other sources of water with the neighboring communities and burial grounds with other Muslim
groups.
They are non-vegetarian, and wheat and rice comprise their staple cereals.
YesYes Yes
Alternate name
Identity
Location
Occupation
Relationship
Food
Marriage
Status of Resources
Bible NT Audio Cassettes Radio program "JESUS" Film
Identity of the People
Socio-Economic Status
Yes
The nucleus of this caste was probably a body of Hindu Saini or Kamboh cultivators who were converted to Islam at an early period. In Delhi, the Arain or Raeen recall their migration, at the time of Akbar, from a place called Montgomery, in Punjab. Traditionally, they were gardeners, but the majority of the Arain have now taken np business or established small-scale industries. They favour modern medicare and family planning. In Punjab, the Arain are called Rain and they are also termed as Baghban. The Raeen, although traditionally a cultivating community, are also in banks, the armed forces, as teachers, and in administrative services. A large number are working in Saudi Arabia as electricians, mechanics, drivers and helpers. Besides their faith in Allah, the Raeen propitiate local deities, like Lakhdata and Khwaja (deity of water). They are interlinked with all Muslim communities through commensal and connubial norms. They have patron- client (jajmani) relationships with the Lohar, Chamar and Nai (Muslim Haj- jam).
Yes
Population 408,960
Statewise Population
Arain is their mother tounge and they use the Bengali script. The Language is Hindi
with others.
Language
Punjab - (1,917,743), Haryana - (181,964), Uttar Pradesh - (47,764), Delhi - (12,269), Jammu & Kashmir - (9,280), Chandigarh -
(2,540), Himachal Pradesh - (2,309)
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
: : : ::
The community professes Islam They offer their Friday prayers :it tine local mosques
and also offer prayers at the tornb of Baba Haider.
Religion :
11-Sep-07 Page 1 of 57Prepared by National Resource Center Source: ASI, Kolkotta and Census of India 2001
People of India
FTT ID: 41280
ARORA PEOPLE
Arora are also known as Rora
They reside in Punjab (India), Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Jammu, Rajasthan,
Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Gujarat and other parts of the country.
The Arora are employed in private and government service in various capacities. Some are self-employed in
business, trade and industry.
Vermilion, gold bangles and bindi are the marriage symbols for women, but these are not strictly followed.
Intercommunity marriages with the Khatri are common.
Intercommunity linkages exist in the form of the accepting and exchanging of water and food with communities like
the Khatri, Bhatia, Bania, Brahman, and Jat.
They are non-vegetarian in general, but some are strictly vegetarian and avoid onion, garlic and masur dal as well.
Wheat, rice and maize form their staple diet.
YesYes Yes
Alternate name
Identity
Location
Occupation
Relationship
Food
Marriage
Status of Resources
Bible NT Audio Cassettes Radio program "JESUS" Film
Identity of the People
Socio-Economic Status
Yes
Aroras (or Aror-vanshis) are an urban mercantile community of the Punjab and Sindh. The Arora people are of similar origin to Khatri in that they are from the Kshatriya caste and are thus of warrior ancestry. They are a group of Indo-Aryans who remained in the Indus Valley throughout most of their history. However, the Arora people were separated from the Khatri in their move to the city of Aror, which is believed to be at the request of the Brahmin community led by Pasurama.
The Arora people were originally Hindu, but over their history they have accepted Sikhism and Islam. The Arora community has suffered many divides in its past. After moving to Aror, they were conquered by the Arabs and thousands of Aroras are said to have been slaughtered during the Islamic invasions of India. Aroras suffered extreme violence and massacres during the Partition of India.
Yes
Population 3,978,160
Statewise Population
They speak the lndo-Aryan languages Punjabi or Hindi, and use the Devanagari and
Gurmukhi scripts.
Language
Haryana - (1,666,943), Gujarat - (396,352), Himachal Pradesh - (304,767), Punjab - (238,623), Uttar Pradesh - (29,866), Chandigarh -
(13,801), Rajasthan - (13,361), Jammu & Kashmir - (8,255), Maharashtra - (4,973), Madhya Pradesh - (1,816), West Bengal - (1,480)
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
: : : ::
There are follow Hinduism, Islam and Sikhism. Some of them follow the Arya Samaj
faith.
Religion :
11-Sep-07 Page 2 of 57Prepared by National Resource Center Source: ASI, Kolkotta and Census of India 2001
People of India
FTT ID: 41402
BAIRWA PEOPLE
Berwa and Berwar or Birwar
Scheduled Castes
The Berwa are mainly concentrated in Jaipur district, Rajasthan
Agriculture and the domestication of animals, Bairwa serve in government and private organizations. They are
specially skilled in making mats and ropes.
Adult marriage is practised and polygyny is allowed. Vermilion (sindoor), borla, hari kanthi, bangles (lac) and toe-
rings are the symbols of married women.
They consider themselves lower in the local hierarchy and place themselves in the Sudra varna.
They are non-vegetarian but do not eat beef. Rice and wheat are the staple cereals taken.
YesNo Yes
Alternate name
Identity
Location
Occupation
Relationship
Food
Marriage
Status of Resources
Bible NT Audio Cassettes Radio program "JESUS" Film
Identity of the People
Socio-Economic Status
Yes
The BAIRWA are sometimes known as Berwa. The Bairwa are divided into different exogamous clans, namely Mehar, Jatwa, Marmat and Tatwara. They are generally treated low in society. In some places they are said to be both Rajputs and Bhuinhars, and do not rank high among either'. Ancestral property is equally divided among the sons. The Bairwa women enjoy equal status with the men and participate in rituals, and in the religious, social and political activities. A number of them earn and contribute to the family income.A person from their own community acts as the sacred specialist.
Social control is maintained by their registered society, the Delhi Bairwa Maha Sabha. All India Berwa Samaj deals with social reforms and publishes a monthly paper. Pitridev is worshipped as a family deity. Boys and girls generally study up to the primary level. The Bairwa avail of the modern medical facilities from health centers.
No
Population 817,578
Statewise Population
They speak the Indo-Aryan language Rajasthani. Hindi is also spoken by them and
they use the Devanagari script.
Language
Rajasthan - (794,599)
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
: : : ::
Holi, Diwali, Dassehra, Makar Sankrani. They have special reverence for Ram Dev,
Beejasan, Inder Raja, Bhainrav, Jujhar, Teja and Paboo.
Religion :
11-Sep-07 Page 3 of 57Prepared by National Resource Center Source: ASI, Kolkotta and Census of India 2001
People of India
FTT ID: 41358
BANIA PEOPLE
The Bania call themselves Aggarwal and comprise a subsection of Vaishya division of
Manu's four-fold varna classification (Lakshmanna, 1973).
Scheduled Castes
Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi, quite a few migrated to far off places and are
today found in varying numbers in almost every state of India especially Madhya
Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Assam and West Bengal.
They carried on flourishing business there and exercised complete economic domination over the majority of other
communities.
They have not specialized in any plastic or graphic art or craft.
The Aggarwal Banias consider Brahmans their religious guilts. They accept them as priests in temples, go-between
in marriages and leaders in prescribing and conducting rituals.
They are strictly vegetarian. It has been only a few decades since a few urban males have started taking eggs and
sometimes meat. The staple food of the community is chapati made of wheat flour.
YesYes Yes
Alternate name
Identity
Location
Occupation
Relationship
Food
Marriage
Status of Resources
Bible NT Audio Cassettes Radio program "JESUS" Film
Identity of the People
Socio-Economic Status
Yes
The Bania call themselves Aggarwal. Some preferred to affix their names to titles such as Gupta, Dalmia, Modi, Singhania, Sriram and Bajaj. The people of other communities refer to them by titles such as ' Bania',' Sahukar', 'Lala', 'Seth' or 'Kirar' and view them as moneyed people as they have originally been the bankers and moneylenders to other communities, particularly the agricultural classes. Bania is a term derived from vanik, meaning a trader, as the community has been traditionally engaged mainly in trade and commerce.
Traditionally, women did not have the right over the ancestral property; they were given secondary status compared with their male counterparts in all walks of life. They participate in all the social, ritual and religious activities of the family but do not have any control over money or family assets except some personal ornaments. Women are exceptionally devoted to their husbands and take great pains to ensure their happiness and comfort.
Yes
Population 1,277,896
Statewise Population
They speak Punjabi language. Although there may be some regional variation in the
dialects of the language spoken at home.
Language
Punjab - (1,277,896)
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
: : : ::
They celebrate their festivals according to the lunar calendar; festivals such as
Janamashtami or Krishna Jyanti, Ganesh Chaturthi, the Ramanavami and Navaratri
or Dussehra. Diwali is one of the most important religious festivals
Religion :
11-Sep-07 Page 4 of 57Prepared by National Resource Center Source: ASI, Kolkotta and Census of India 2001
People of India
FTT ID: 41249
BARHAI PEOPLE
The common surnames used by them are Bhardawaj, Vishwakarma and Sharma.
They are found in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat states.
The Barhai are traditional carpenters and are also called Panchali Brahman, Chowrasia, Jangid.Brahman, Khati
Koiash, Lite andTarkha.
Endogamy at the community level is the marriage rule of the Barhai. Child marriages followed by gauna at the time
of puberty still exist.. Monogamy is the general form of marriage. Dowry is taken in cash and kind.
They accept kachcha as well as sidha food from other communities. Kachcha food is accepted from all communities
except those which fall below the category of Shudra.
The Barhai are regular non-vegetarians. Their staple food comprises wheat and rice.
YesYes Yes
Alternate name
Identity
Location
Occupation
Relationship
Food
Marriage
Status of Resources
Bible NT Audio Cassettes Radio program "JESUS" Film
Identity of the People
Socio-Economic Status
Yes
The common surnames used by them are Bhardawaj, Vishwakarma and Sharma. The Barhai claim descent from Lord Vishwakarma, son of Brahma. According to their belief, there were five sons of Vishwakarma and were described differently by Vishwakarma. Those who were engaged in the woodwork (carpentry) were known as Barhai; those who were engaged in the ironwork (black smith) were called Lohar; those who specialized in goldwork (gold smithy) were known as Sunar; those who specialized in preparing the metal utensils were called Thatera/Kasera; and the ones who specialized in making earthen pots came to be known as Kumhar. The Barhais perceive that their distribution is at national level.
The Barhais send their children for schooling up to the middle class for both the boys and the girls. Boys generally drop out to support the earnings of the family while girls drop out due to social problems and partly because the schools are not available in the localities nearby
Yes
Population 8,727,509
Statewise Population
The Barhais speak Hindi/Hindustani, besides Bhojpuri, within their community as well
as with the people of other communities. The script is Devanagari.
Language
Uttar Pradesh - (2,016,841), Maharashtra - (251,285), Madhya Pradesh - (141,157), Orissa - (19,787)
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
: : : ::
The Barhai are Hindu by religion. They worship Hindu avatars and deities. The main
emphasis is placed on Vishwakarma and Shankar Bhagwan.
Religion :
11-Sep-07 Page 5 of 57Prepared by National Resource Center Source: ASI, Kolkotta and Census of India 2001
People of India
FTT ID: 41580
BATHUDI PEOPLE
The Bathudi are also known as Bathdi, Bahutuli or Bathuhuli in Orissa.
Scheduled Tribe
The Bathudi live in West Bengal. They believe that they are the original settlers of the
Bhanjubhum and Keonjhargarh districts of Orissa, East Singbhum and "West
Singbhum districts of Bihar and of the Midnapore district of West Bengal.
The Bathudi work as agricultural laborers for communities like the Utkal Brahman, Karan and Teti. They also
prepare ropes from the sabui grass.
Adult marriages settled through negotiation or by mutual consent are the norm and bride price is prevalent. Marriage
symbols include vermilion and iron bangles (kattri). Polygamy is permitted in special cases.
They inter dine with the Brahman and Karan and maintain jajmani relations with the Brahman and Vaishnava.
They are non-vegetarian but do not consume pork and beef. Rice is their staple cereal.
YesYes Yes
Alternate name
Identity
Location
Occupation
Relationship
Food
Marriage
Status of Resources
Bible NT Audio Cassettes Radio program "JESUS" Film
Identity of the People
Socio-Economic Status
Yes
According to some the Bathudi were 'a small aboriginal tribe of uncertain origin found in the Tributary States of Orissa'. They use surnames such as Nayak, Giri, Bishal, Rout, Khawli, Banson, Patra, Mundiyar, Khandai and Sangiya and titles like Nayak, Pradhan, Dash-Chatiya, Chowkhiya, Dehri and Dakua.
The Bathudi are mostly cultivators who also work as labourers for contrac¬tors in forest, road and irrigation projects. Some make ropes from grass (sabui), while others work as casual labourers and petty businessmen. The forest is their other economic resource. They now collect and sell forest produce. The Bathudi have their own community council (jati samaj) which deals with intercommunity social affairs. They also collect gold dust from the Suvarnarekha river. Though they are agriculturalists, very few are landowners. Some of them also work as labourers at construction sites.
Yes
Population 214,032
Statewise Population
They speak the Bengali language and use its script.Language
Orissa - (218,643), West Bengal - (6,119)
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
: : : ::
The Bathudi follow their traditional belief system as well as Hinduism and worship
Sarna (sal grove) or Gramthan. Mangla Thakur is their family deity. Now khiya
festivals and worship Kalimuhi, Sitala and Manasa.
Religion :
11-Sep-07 Page 6 of 57Prepared by National Resource Center Source: ASI, Kolkotta and Census of India 2001
People of India
FTT ID: 41539
BHARIA BHUMIA PEOPLE
A forest-dwelling community of Madhya Pradesh, they have been identified as Bharia
Bhumia, Bhuinhar Bhumia, Bhumi Paliha, and Pando.
Scheduled Tribe
The Bharia are mostly distributed in Seoni and Chindawara districts of Chatishgarh
state.
Most of the Bharia are landless and therefore are wage earners. Part of their livelihood is derived from collecting and
selling firewood.
Clan exogamy is observed when entering into a marital alliance. They are free to marry the daughters of their
maternal uncle or paternal aunt. Adult marriage has replaced child marriage and marriages are usually arranged
through negotiations.
The Bharia are closely associated with the Gond and participate in each others festivals and rituals.
They are non-vegetarians who abstain from beef, but eat pork. What and maize are their staple cereals. They use
linseed or palm oil for cooking and enjoy drinking tea without milk.
YesYes Yes
Alternate name
Identity
Location
Occupation
Relationship
Food
Marriage
Status of Resources
Bible NT Audio Cassettes Radio program "JESUS" Film
Identity of the People
Socio-Economic Status
Yes
A forest-dwelling community of Madhya Pradesh, they have been identified as Bharia Bhumia, Bhuinhar Bhumia, Bhumi Paliha, and Pando. According to the historians relate a legend of their origin which says Arjun (one of the Pandavas) produced some men by pressing bharr grass. These men were the ancestors of the Bharia. Today they prefer to be called Bharia Thakur. Historians describe the Bharia as short to below medium in stature and lean in body mass.The Bharia have various clans which regulate marriage alliances. These clans are Bhardia, Bijaria, Amolia, Bagothia, Pachalia, Thakari; Angaria, Nahhal, Chalthia, Raotia and Gadaria. Clan exogamy is observed when entering into a marital alliance. They are free to marry the daughters of their maternal uncle or paternal aunt.The literacy rate among the Bharia Bhumia is 6.7 per cent. They are reluctant to visit government medical facilities fearing the cost of the medicine.
Yes
Population 281,219
Statewise Population
They speak a local dialect of Hindi both at home as well as with others. They use the
Devanagari script.
Language
Madhya Pradesh - (176,274), Orissa - (9,455), Maharashtra - (1,068)
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
: : : ::
They are Hindus and worship deities like Hanuman. They also worship most of the
Gond deities like Baradeo, Buradeo and Nagbaba. Their important festivals are Holi,
Diwali, Bhujalia, Akhati, Shivratri and Rakhi.
Religion :
11-Sep-07 Page 7 of 57Prepared by National Resource Center Source: ASI, Kolkotta and Census of India 2001
People of India
FTT ID: 41323
BHAT PEOPLE
Bharata, Dasaundhi, Kablji and Rai are their titles.
Other Backward Communities
They were distributed in the United Provinces, Rajputana, Western India states,
Central India, etc. Presently they are distributed in West Bengal, Bihar, Hirnachal
Pradesh, Haryana and Maharashtra.
There are both landowners and landless among them. The landholders are cultivators.
They make use of all the modern facilities available to them: education, drinking water, media, communication,
electricity and banking.
Intercommunity linkages are main¬tained with local artisans, sacred specialists, barbers, gardeners, washermen,
potters, agriculturists and with business communities.
They used to be vegetarian, but seem to be changing to non-vegetarian. Their staple cereals consist of wheat and
maize.
NoNo No
Alternate name
Identity
Location
Occupation
Relationship
Food
Marriage
Status of Resources
Bible NT Audio Cassettes Radio program "JESUS" Film
Identity of the People
Socio-Economic Status
No
The Bhat are originated in Rajasthan and migrated to the adjoining states after the downfall of the kingdoms. The Bhat are called Rai and two sub-groups exist – the Brahma Bhat and Jage or Raj Bhat. Their common musical instruments are khartal, dholak and chimta. There are also white collar workers within the community including doctors, teachers, and engineers.
They favor education, modern medical care and family planning. Historians say there is no reason to doubt that they are an offshoot of the Brahmans.
There are Muslim Bhat, In Jammu and Kashmir are converts from Hinduism to Islam. They make use of all the modern facilities available to them: education, drinking water, media, communication, electricity and banking.
No
Population 2,093,284
Statewise Population
They speak Pahari among themselves and Hindi with others. They use the
Devanagari script.
Language
Uttar Pradesh - (643,225), Rajasthan - (201,295), Bihar - (171,113), Gujarat - (129,701), Madhya Pradesh - (129,660), Andhra
Pradesh - (61,661), Haryana - (48,436), Himachal Pradesh - (48,413), Maharashtra - (46,373), West Bengal - (40,243), Karnataka -
(11,774), Orissa - (7,105), Jammu & Kashmir - (3,536), Chandigarh - (1,305)
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
: : : ::
Their religion is Hindu.Religion :
11-Sep-07 Page 8 of 57Prepared by National Resource Center Source: ASI, Kolkotta and Census of India 2001
People of India
FTT ID: 41446
BHISTI PEOPLE
Muslim - Religious group
They are mainly found in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.
The Bhisti are a landless community who are traditional water carriers but their present occupations are labour and
government service. They have direct links with the daily market.
Both parallel and cross cousin marriage is in practice. Junior sororate and junior levirate are permis¬sible. The mode
of acquiring mates is through negotiation.
They have linkages with the people of all other communities in the locality. They accept water, kachcha and pucca
food from all other Muslims excluding the Shias. They accept sidha food from Shia Muslims.
They are non-vegetarians and eat mutton, chicken, eggs and beef. Their staple food consists of wheat, rice, jowar,
bajra, maize, barely as cereals, and gram, tur, urad, moong, masur, peas and beans as pulses.
YesYes Yes
Alternate name
Identity
Location
Occupation
Relationship
Food
Marriage
Status of Resources
Bible NT Audio Cassettes Radio program "JESUS" Film
Identity of the People
Socio-Economic Status
Yes
The Bhisti trace their origin to those who supplied water during the Holy War as Bhista and Saqqa. Many of them are converts from Hinduism and some persons still follow a combination of Hindu and Muslim practices.
The traditional caste council does not exist though statutory panchayats exists to plan and implement welfare and development programs Their attitude towards formal education is partly favorable for boys and unfavorable for girls. Boys generally study up to secondary level while girls do not study.
Modern medical care is favored and accepted, but they make use of both modern and traditional medicine. Their attitude is not favorable towards family planning. They listen to radio, watch television and visit the cinema. They avail of the facility of public distribution for essential commodities through fair price shops.
Yes
Population 620,200
Statewise Population
They speak Urdu and use Urdu script within the family and kin group. They speak
Hindi and use Devanagari script with others.
Language
Uttar Pradesh - (425,848), Rajasthan - (25,890), Madhya Pradesh - (7,484), Gujarat - (1,819), Maharashtra - (1,260)
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
: : : ::
The Bhisti follow Islam. They have faith in Jind Pir. Their sacred specialists are faqir
and maulvi who perform all rites.
Religion :
11-Sep-07 Page 9 of 57Prepared by National Resource Center Source: ASI, Kolkotta and Census of India 2001
People of India
FTT ID: 41510
BHOTTADA PEOPLE
The term Bhottada is derived from the words bhu meaning land and tara meaning
chase. They are also known as the Bhotora, Bhottara and Dhottada.
Scheduled Tribe
The Bhottada may be founding the Koraput and Kalahandi districts of Orissa.
They are both a land-owning and landless community. Agriculture is their traditional occupation and it continues to
be the primary one. Their children are also wage laborers.
Monogamy is the usual practice among the Bhottada, however ploygyny is permissible. The marriage rituals are
performed both at the bride’s and the groom’s homes and the marriage feast is hosted by the groom’s family.
Political leadership has emerged among them at the national level.
They are non-vegetarians and eat meat, fish and pork. Rice is their staple cereal. Groundnut and mustard oil are
used for cooking.
YesNo No
Alternate name
Identity
Location
Occupation
Relationship
Food
Marriage
Status of Resources
Bible NT Audio Cassettes Radio program "JESUS" Film
Identity of the People
Socio-Economic Status
Yes
The term Bhottada is derived from the words bhu meaning land and tara meaning chase. They have two subgroups – the Bada and Sana. The Bhottada families are usually of the extended type and the sons inherit the property equally upon the father’s death except for the eldest son who inherits a larger portion. The eldest son also becomes the head of the family. The number of nuclear families has risen in recent years.
In addition to carrying out their household responsibilities, the women play an important role in agriculture, religious, ritual and social activities. The teachers, administrators and defense personnel from the community help to forge intercommunity linkages. Political leadership has emerged among them at the national level.The literacy level among the Bhottada in 1981 was 10.53 per cent. A nutritional program is functional in most villages. Many of the Bhottada depend on private moneylenders and shopkeepers in times of need.
No
Population 354,487
Statewise Population
Their mother tongue is Basturia and they speak Oriya and use the Oriya script.Language
Orissa - (388,761), Karnataka - (1,533)
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
: : : ::
The Bhottada profess both their traditional tribal religion and Hinduism. They have
family and village deities. Their sacred specialist is called pujari or disari and he may
belong to their community or another community.
Religion :
11-Sep-07 Page 10 of 57Prepared by National Resource Center Source: ASI, Kolkotta and Census of India 2001
People of India
FTT ID: 41648
BINJHAL PEOPLE
These days they use Bariha, their title, as their surname. They are also called Binjliar
or Binjhwar after the Vindhya and Satpura hills of Madhya Pradesh
Scheduled Tribe
Their present habitat in the Sambalpur district of Orissa, where they are mainly
concentrated.
Traditionally the Binjhal have been dependent on hunting, gathering, fishing, settled cultivation, animal husbandry,
etc
Marriage by negotiation, mutual consent and elopement, are common among them. Monogamy is the rule of the
society. The present practice of dowry in cash and kind has replaced the earlier practice of bride price.
They do not inter-dine with their neighbors accept for uncooked food items from them.
They are non-vegetarians who eat fish, egg and mutton. Rice and wheat are their staple cereals and mustard oil is
used for cooking.
YesYes Yes
Alternate name
Identity
Location
Occupation
Relationship
Food
Marriage
Status of Resources
Bible NT Audio Cassettes Radio program "JESUS" Film
Identity of the People
Socio-Economic Status
Yes
The term Binjhal might have been derived from the words bin, meaning “without”, and jhal, meaning “sweat”, signifying hard working people. These days they use Bariha, their title, as their surname.
They are also called Binjliar or Binjhwar after the Vindhya and Satpura hills of Madhya Pradesh from where they migrated to their present habitat in the Sambalpur district of Orissa, where they are mainly concentrated. According to historians, the Binjhal are short of stature, with a long head, a broad nose and a short face.
A majority of the families are now of the nuclear type and the eldest son inherits the parental property as well as the status as head of the family. According to the 2001 census, 20.86 percent of them were literate. They use both indigenous and modern medicines. Family programs have had a significant impact on them and they have made use of the nutrition programs for their children.
Yes
Population 141,145
Statewise Population
They speak the Sambalpuri dialect of the Oriya language and use the Oriya script
both within their group and outside of their group.
Language
Orissa - (146,321)
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
: : : ::
They worship deities like Jagannath, Narsinghnath, Ramji, Bindhyabashini,
Karamsani, Kali Dungran, Baralgudha and Ghasim Devi. Dol, Rathajatra, Dussehra
and Karma are their major festivals.
Religion :
11-Sep-07 Page 11 of 57Prepared by National Resource Center Source: ASI, Kolkotta and Census of India 2001
People of India
FTT ID: 41377
CHHIMBA PEOPLE
Also known as Chhippa, are almost synonymously identified with the Dhobi
(washerman).
Scheduled Castes
Distributed in Punjab, Chandigarh & Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and
Himachal Pradesh,
Traditionally, the Chhimba were earlier involved in washing clothes and in calico-printing. They are currently
engaged in cultivation,rearing of cattle, sheep and goats.
Married women wear vermilion, bangles, bindi and toe-rings as marriage symbols. Marriage includes the taka,
mundri, sagai, sagan, shantiyajna and duphvea.
Since the Brahman and Rajput does not accept water and cooked food from the Chhimba at the latt er’sgatherings,
they are served food cooked by a Brahman/Rajput . The Chhimba do not eat and drink with the Chamar, Julaha,
Dumna etc.
They are non-vegetarian, but do not eat pork and beef.
YesYes Yes
Alternate name
Identity
Location
Occupation
Relationship
Food
Marriage
Status of Resources
Bible NT Audio Cassettes Radio program "JESUS" Film
Identity of the People
Socio-Economic Status
Yes
The term `chhimba' is derived from `chhippa' or `chhappa' because traditionally they were calieo printers. The Chhimba trace their origin to Baba Namdev. Some of them also claim to be the descendents of the Suryavanshi Rajput. Both Sahajdhari (clean shaven) and Keshdh Chhimba are reported among them. A majority belongs to the Sikh religion, but there are a number of Chimbe who belong to Radha Soami or Namdhari sects.
The Chimba are also known as Chhimba, Chhimbe, Chhimpi or Tank Kshatriya. All sons get equal shares in the parental property, while succession is by the eldest son. The Chimba are stampers, dyers and tailors. The Chhimbe, are almost synonymously identified with the Dhobi (washerman).They are a little different from the traditional Lallari or Pharera. They maintain putative kinship relations with other communities mental programmes have made a considerable impact on them.
Yes
Population 1,003,333
Statewise Population
They speak Punjabi and use Gururmukhi script.Language
Punjab - (164,699), Haryana - (88,419), Himachal Pradesh - (11,058), Rajasthan - (2,841), Chandigarh - (1,950), Uttar Pradesh -
(1,700), Bihar - (1,214)
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
: : : ::
Besides their patron deity, Guru Namdev, they have deities like, Nabahi Devi and Hari
Devi.
Religion :
11-Sep-07 Page 12 of 57Prepared by National Resource Center Source: ASI, Kolkotta and Census of India 2001
People of India
FTT ID: 41271
DARZI PEOPLE
The Darzi, also known as Khayyat, are tailors. The term darzi is derived from the
Persian word darzan (to sew).
Muslim - Religious group
They believe that they are widely distributed in Azamgarh, Faizabad, Jaunpur,
Sultanpur and Mirzapur districts of Uttar Pradesh.
A majority of the people of this community earn their livelihood by traditional occupations of tailoring
Monogamy is the general form of marriage, but polygyny is permitted. Dowry is also given but only in kind.
Residence after marriage is patrilocal.
Since the Darzi are an occupational community, they have linkages with the people of all other communities of the
village. They are invited by the people of other communities on different occasions, e.g. mar¬riage, birth and other
functions.
The Darzi are non-vegetarian. They eat beef and buffalo meat but not pork. Wheat, rice, gram, kodo, sawan, maize,
barley and jowar form their staple food.
YesYes Yes
Alternate name
Identity
Location
Occupation
Relationship
Food
Marriage
Status of Resources
Bible NT Audio Cassettes Radio program "JESUS" Film
Identity of the People
Socio-Economic Status
Yes
The Darzi, also known as Khayyat, are tailors. The term darzi is derived from the Persian word darzan (to sew). The Darzi trace their origin from Hazrat Idris and hence they have started affixing the title Idrisi. They believe that Hazrat Idris was a teacher from whom their ancestors learnt the art of tailoring. The Darzi of Mirzapur attributes their origins to 'Paighambar Mansoor' who was instructed by Allah to create a group of people for sewing of cloth and save others from the cold regions. The Darzi are endogamous. The elderly people are respected and the children loved, irrespective of sex. Joking relations are between bhabhi and devar, and with sail and bahnoi, sala and salhaj, etc. Conflicts and contradictions are generally resolved through familial compromises. Sons as well as daughters have rights of inheritance in paternal property. Eldest son gets succession. The Darzi are utilizing modern medical facilities available in their area. They are aware of the family welfare programme but do not accept direct sterilization.
Yes
Population 4,476,724
Statewise Population
The Darzi here speak Awadhi, Urdu and Hindustani.Language
Uttar Pradesh - (1,193,219), Maharashtra - (599,792), Gujarat - (398,036), Andhra Pradesh - (345,955), Madhya Pradesh - (311,596),
Karnataka - (222,515), Rajasthan - (98,537), Tamil Nadu - (97,000), Bihar - (95,066), Punjab - (32,728), Haryana - (24,106), Orissa -
(23,671), Goa - (7,649), Himachal Pradesh - (6,310), West Bengal - (6,241), Assam - (1,420)
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
: : : ::
The Darzi observe the festivals of Id-uI-Fitr, Id-ul-Zuha, Ramzan, Bara-wafat and
Shab-e-Barat. Muharram is of importance for the Shia Darzi.
Religion :
11-Sep-07 Page 13 of 57Prepared by National Resource Center Source: ASI, Kolkotta and Census of India 2001
People of India
FTT ID: 41310
DHIMAR PEOPLE
In Rajasthan called Dhivar, and Kir or Keer also Jalchattri and Jal Kshatriya.
A prominent community, the Dhimar live in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra
and Bihar.
The traditional occupation of the Dhimar is fishing. Agriculture nd cultivation of water-nut are their other occupations.
They practise adult marriage settled through negotiation, and monogamy is the rule. Dowrys given in cash and kind.
They receive the services of the Nai (barber), Dhobi (washerman) and Brahman oriest). They participate in the
village fairs.
Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food habits are reported among them. Their staple diet is rice and wheat
followed by maize, gram, pulses, etc
YesYes Yes
Alternate name
Identity
Location
Occupation
Relationship
Food
Marriage
Status of Resources
Bible NT Audio Cassettes Radio program "JESUS" Film
Identity of the People
Socio-Economic Status
Yes
A prominent community, the Dhimar live in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Bihar. Etymologically, the word dhimar is a corrupt form of dhiwar which has originated from the Sanskrit word dhiwarasya, meaning fisherman. The Dhimar claim that they are mentioned in tile epics and that Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva, created them.
The Dhimar women supplement family income by working as maidservants or agricultural labourers. Their modern linkages are with government agencies like the Fisheries Development Corporation. A few Boys study up to the college level, but girls drop out after the primary level. The Dhimar utilize modern medicare and have a positive attitude towards family planning. Those practicing agriculture use chemical fertilizers along with cow dung. They avail themselves of the facilities of fair-price shops, banks, etc.
Yes
Population 2,538,372
Statewise Population
They speak Chhattisgarhi and use the Devanagari script. Some of them speak HindiLanguage
Madhya Pradesh - (815,074), Maharashtra - (419,231), Orissa - (134,300), Uttar Pradesh - (11,518), Rajasthan - (3,500), Gujarat -
(1,418)
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
: : : ::
Their main deities are Mahamai and Mahadev. They worship their nets on Diwali or
Vishwakarma puja. Dussehra, Navakhana, Hareli, Phagun, etc. are their main
festivals.
Religion :
11-Sep-07 Page 14 of 57Prepared by National Resource Center Source: ASI, Kolkotta and Census of India 2001
People of India
FTT ID: 41654
DHOLI PEOPLE
They are also called Nagarchi (which could be the name of a special drum).
Scheduled Castes
Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Assam and West Bengal
The Dholis traditionally play the dhoI (the drum). Dhimal (a percussion instrument), change (string instrument)
andjirg (brass plates) are their other musical instruments played on various occasion.
Marriag is arranged by the parents. Monogamy is the prevalent practice. Polygyny is allowed. Boria (ornamental
rings on the anklet) are the marriage symbols for the women
They maintain direct link with the market to produce their daily requirements. Mode of transaction is cash. Dholis
have the social linkages with Rajputs, Garuda Brahman and many other communities through receiving and
rendering of services.
Tile Dholi are non-vegetarian in food habit. They abstain from beef. Their staple foods are wheat and maize. Wheat
is preferred in summer and maize in winter season. They take pulses like moong and moth.
YesNo Yes
Alternate name
Identity
Location
Occupation
Relationship
Food
Marriage
Status of Resources
Bible NT Audio Cassettes Radio program "JESUS" Film
Identity of the People
Socio-Economic Status
Yes
The Dholi, a community of musicians and drummers, are named after their traditional musical instrument called a dhol. They are also called Nagarchi (which could be the name of a special drum). They trace their origin from the Rajputs. Dholis have the social linkages with Rajputs, Garuda Brahman and many other communities through receiving and rendering of services.
They avoid commensality with Nayaks, Meghwals, Harijaris, etc., whom they perceive as inferior to them in social order. They exchange water and cooked food with the Muslim Dholis but do not maintain connubial relation. They have access to schools, panchayat ghat, etc. Earlier they had brit (patron-client relationship) with Rajputs and other communities and used to live on their patronage. Now they offer their services on a contract basis.
No
Population 137,550
Statewise Population
They speak Marwari at home and are also conversant in Hindi. They use the
Devanagari script.
Language
Rajasthan - (109,646), Madhya Pradesh - (58,064), Gujarat - (16,832), Assam - (7,502), West Bengal - (1,242)
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
: : : ::
The community profess Hinduism and worship Hanuman, Goddess Kali, Bheri, etc. in
villages. There are temples of Bheru and mati, who are worshiped as village deity.
Holi, Diwali, Rakshabandhan are their major festivals.
Religion :
11-Sep-07 Page 15 of 57Prepared by National Resource Center Source: ASI, Kolkotta and Census of India 2001
People of India
FTT ID: 41707
DHUND PEOPLE
The Dhond Abbasi is a tribe which claims descent from Dhond Khan (a nickname of
Shah Wali Khan) and Abbas, an uncle of Muhammad. Because of this the language
of the tribe is sometimes called Dhondi/Kareali
Muslim - Religious group
The tribe is spread throughout Circle Bakote, Poonch District, Bagh (Azad Kashmir)
and the Murree Hills area.
They also indulge themselves in agriculture, sheep rearing, cattle rearing and other cottage industries.
The Dejharoo symbolizes that the Kashmiri Pandit woman is married. Muslim women wear bunches of earrings, the
weight of which is supported by a thick silver chain along with several bracelets and necklaces.
Their nutritious diet consists of maize bread, whey, jungle roots and fruits.
YesYes Yes
Alternate name
Identity
Location
Occupation
Relationship
Food
Marriage
Status of Resources
Bible NT Audio Cassettes Radio program "JESUS" Film
Identity of the People
Socio-Economic Status
Yes
The Dhond Abbasi is a tribe which claims descent from Dhond Khan (a nickname of Shah Wali Khan) and Abbas, an uncle of Muhammad. Because of this the language of the tribe is sometimes called Dhondi/Kareali.
They also came to India as traders and merchants from Egypt and then exported commodities like fabrics, perfumes and diamonds. They established a colony near Delhi in 1232 AD. Sardar Tolak Khan who came to Kashmir in the time of first Kashmiri king Budh Saha, was known as Zain-ul-Aabedin and settled in Ponch now the Bagh district of Azad Kashmir.
Yes
Population 111,596
Statewise Population
The Dhund speak the Dhondi/Kareali language.Language
Jammu & Kashmir - (2,840)
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
: : : ::
Ninety percent of the population in the valley professes Islam of both Sunni and Shia
sects.
Religion :
11-Sep-07 Page 16 of 57Prepared by National Resource Center Source: ASI, Kolkotta and Census of India 2001
People of India
FTT ID: 41456
DOOM PEOPLE
They are also known as Domra, Domahra, Dumna and Dombo
Scheduled Castes
The Dom are spread in thirty-nine districts of different states like Punjab, Uttar
Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Orissa, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh and have
182 segments.
The Dom are landless, and their traditional occupations are weaving, scavenging, drum-beating and sweeping. Their
women are engaged in sweeping as well as in weaving mats.
Reportedly, they used to marry even within their own gotra, but now marriage wirhin the same gotra is not allowed.
They accept and exchange food and water from and with some communities of equivalent rank
They are non-vegetarian, and rice is their staple cereal.
YesYes Yes
Alternate name
Identity
Location
Occupation
Relationship
Food
Marriage
Status of Resources
Bible NT Audio Cassettes Radio program "JESUS" Film
Identity of the People
Socio-Economic Status
Yes
The Dom are spread in thirty-nine districts of different states like Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Orissa, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh and have 182 segments. The Dom are also called Bhangi or Dhangad, but they claim to be Bansmalik, meaning bamboo-workers; bamboo-basketry is one of their traditional occupations. The three subgroups among them are Maghaiya or Bansmalik, Bansphor, and Leder. Earlier, Dom was used as the surname, but now they use Ram, Malik and Prasad. The Dom are landless. The Dom are believed to be the descendants of Raja Ben or Vena, from whom one of the Dom groups, Benbasi, has got its name.
The Dom or Domb are distributed in almost all parts of Orissa, but their major concentration is in Cuttack district. The community name Domb is said to be derived from the word dumba, meaning devil. They accept and exchange food and water from and with some communities of equivalent rank.
Yes
Population 550,091
Statewise Population
They speak the Indo-Aryan languages Dogri, Bhojpuri , Magahi, Pahari and Punjabi
at home.
Language
Jammu & Kashmir - (153,715), Himachal Pradesh - (83,477),
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
: : : ::
They specially revere Shiv, Rama, Krishna, and Vaishno Devi. They visit pilgrim
centres and worship community deities (kuldevta) stich as Mall Mara and Shibji Jogi.
Religion :
11-Sep-07 Page 17 of 57Prepared by National Resource Center Source: ASI, Kolkotta and Census of India 2001
People of India
FTT ID: 41283
FAQIR PEOPLE
The Faqir are beggars and also known as Sain.
Muslim - Religious group
The Faqir are distributed in Azamgarh, Basti, Faizabad, Gonda, Gorakhpur, Jaunpur
and Sultanpur districts of Uttar Praclesh.
The Faqir are giving up their traditional occupation of begging and collection of charity. They are turning towards
agriculture and other occupations. Un
The mode of acquiring mates is through negotiation. Monogamy is the general form of marriage but polygyny is
permitted. Bride-price is taken in kind only.
Since their traditional occupation is begging, they have linkages with the people of almost all communities of the
village. They accept ail sorts of things given to them by the villagers, like food grains, clothes and cooked food, etc.
The Faqir are non-vegetarian. They consume beef (cow as well as buffalo) but do not eat pork. Their staple food is
wheat and rice,
YesYes Yes
Alternate name
Identity
Location
Occupation
Relationship
Food
Marriage
Status of Resources
Bible NT Audio Cassettes Radio program "JESUS" Film
Identity of the People
Socio-Economic Status
Yes
A fakir or faqir (Arabic: poor' Lit: poverty) The word is usually used to refer to either the spiritual recluse or eremite or the common street beggar who chants holy names, scriptures or verses. When used referring to somber spiritual miracle-makers, fakir is applied primarily to Sufi, but also Hindu ascetics. Many stereotypes of the great fakir exist, among the more extreme being the picture of a near-naked man effortlessly walking barefoot on burning coals, sitting or sleeping on a bed of nails, levitating during bouts of meditation, or "living on air" (refusing all food). It is also used, usually sarcastically, for a common street beggar who chants holy names, scriptures or verses without ostensibly having any spiritual advancement. It has become a common Urdu and Hindi word for a beggar. When applied to Hindu mystics, the term is essentially a non-Indian word for Sadhus, Gurus, Swamis, or Yogis. One of the groups of Faqir affix the title Shah.
The development programmes, viz., education, family planning and health facilities have not left any significant impact on the life of Faqir. They do not send their children to schools for modern education.
Yes
Population 3,736,982
Statewise Population
They speak Urdu and Hindi and the script used by them is Urdu.Language
Uttar Pradesh - (511,473), Rajasthan - (129,059), Madhya Pradesh - (122,463), Haryana - (119,358), Gujarat - (81,411), Bihar -
(77,479), Maharashtra - (32,775), Himachal Pradesh - (20,003), Chandigarh - (7,329).
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
: : : ::
The Faqir, like other Muslims, observe the festivals of Id-ul-Fitr, Id-ul-Zuha, Ramzan,
Barawafat and Shab-e-Barat.
Religion :
11-Sep-07 Page 18 of 57Prepared by National Resource Center Source: ASI, Kolkotta and Census of India 2001
People of India
FTT ID: 41273
GADARIA PEOPLE
Also referred to as Beghela or Pal, the Gadaria are largely shepherds and blanket-
weavers
Other Backward Communities
The name Gaderia is derived from the word gadar, meaning sheep. They live all over
the north-western parts of the country and use the title Pradhan. In Haryana,
They are now mainly engaged as labourers in masonry work, while some are involved in animal husbandry.
They practise clan and village exogamy. Consanguineous marriages are prohibited. Divorce is not permitted.
Traditional patron-client (jajmanl) relationships are main¬tained with servicing communities, such as the Dhobi, Nai
and Mehtar.
They are vegetarian; some of them avoid even onion and garlic. Their staple cereal is wheat. T
NoNo No
Alternate name
Identity
Location
Occupation
Relationship
Food
Marriage
Status of Resources
Bible NT Audio Cassettes Radio program "JESUS" Film
Identity of the People
Socio-Economic Status
No
In Uttar Pradesh, the Gaderia derive their synonym Baghela from the Baghela river which flows at the border of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Also referred to as Beghela or Pal, the Gadaria are largely shepherds and blanket-weavers. The name Gaderia is derived from the word gadar, meaning sheep. They live all over the north-western parts of the country and use the title Pradhan. In Haryana, The Gaderia claim that during the time of Lord Rama they were pushed into the jungles, where they took to rearing goat and sheep. They inhabit all the districts of Haryana.
The processing of sheep hair to prepare wool is done exclusively by women. The literacy rate among them is low. Only a few are employed in government and private service. The basic facilities that have been extended to them are made use of.
No
Population 4,345,440
Statewise Population
They speak a dialect which is an admixture of the Haryanvi and Rajasthani
languages, and use the Devanagari script
Language
Uttar Pradesh - (6,323,035), Madhya Pradesh - (964,870), Rajasthan - (395,579), Bihar - (383,513), West Bengal - (13,865),
Maharashtra - (4,403), Orissa - (3,725), Tripura - (1,761), Gujarat - (1,068), Haryana - (1,000)
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
: : : ::
Some of them belong to the Radha Soami sect. They worship Sati idols, Talokpara
(clan deity) and Lallanwala Pir (Sakhi Sarwar—village deity).
Religion :
11-Sep-07 Page 19 of 57Prepared by National Resource Center Source: ASI, Kolkotta and Census of India 2001
People of India
FTT ID: 41610
GARASIA PEOPLE
According to another the name Girasia is a derivative of the word girahua meaning
degraded,
Scheduled Tribe
Aravallis, Sirohi, Pali, Udaipur of Rajathan state.
Land is the main economic resource of the Girasias. They primarily subsist on agriculture and most of them
possess lands. Working as wage Iabourers is their subsidiary
Community endogamy and kutum exogamy are the rule, Post puberty marriage is the practice. Marriage by
negotiation is the common mode of acquiring matchs. The other common practice is nahoio (marriage by
development).
They have a large variety of songs meant for specific occasions. In fairs and festivals both men and women dance
with the accomplishment of drum
The Girasia are non vegetarian and eat mutton, chicken, pork rabbit and poultries. The principal cereal in their diet is
makki (maize). wheat is also consumed.
YesNo No
Alternate name
Identity
Location
Occupation
Relationship
Food
Marriage
Status of Resources
Bible NT Audio Cassettes Radio program "JESUS" Film
Identity of the People
Socio-Economic Status
No
According to some the Girasia means the hill-living people (girt means hills, sia means dwelling). According to another the name Girasia is a derivative of the word girahua meaning degraded. Family among the Girasia is either extended or nuclear. Interpersonal relation in a family is cordial. Girasias have a typical fernale dress consisting of ghagra and an upper garment called jhuta. It is tied around the waist, contains knots in the front part at regular intervals instead of buttons. During festival or on any other occasion they dress up with all ornaments. Girasia men also wear silver bangle on one hand.
The patel (headman) is the chief of the ponch. He settles disputes, negotiates bride-price etc. The office of patel is hereditary, and it goes to his eldest son. The offender is either excommunicated or a cash fine is imposed. The statutory panchayat is to implement the various developmental programmes.
No
Population 169,946
Statewise Population
Girasias have their own language in which the speak among themselves. Their
language does not have a script of its own.
Language
Rajasthan - (189,315), Gujarat - (12,893)
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
: : : ::
The Girasiya profess Hinduism and Lord Siva, Abu Mata (Golden Abu), Ambaji etc.
are their deities. Bhopa is their sacred specialist who is their priest and medicine man.
Religion :
11-Sep-07 Page 20 of 57Prepared by National Resource Center Source: ASI, Kolkotta and Census of India 2001
People of India
FTT ID: 41623
GARODA PEOPLE
Those who went to the jungle lost their tradition and culture and were now known as
Garo, Garoda,Guru, Guruwa or Pandiya.
Scheduled Castes
They are distributed in the districts of Mehasana, Sabarkanta, Banskanta,
Panchmahal etc.
Majority of them do not have cultivable land. Traditionally they do the work of a Brahman priest in the houses of
lower castes such as Vankar, Chamar, Kha!pa, Nadia, Turi, Tirgar etc.
Marriage by negotiation is the most prevalent .mode of acquiring mates. Monogamy is the common form of marriage
but serial polygyny is also permitted.
As a priestly class they attend to the life cycle rituals of lower casts groups but they do not interdine with them. In
turn other. higher castes such as Brahman and Rajputs also do not interdine with them.
The Garo are strictly vegetarian consuming various kinds of pulses and vegetables available in the market. Their
staple food is maize, wheat, rice, and jowar.
YesYes Yes
Alternate name
Identity
Location
Occupation
Relationship
Food
Marriage
Status of Resources
Bible NT Audio Cassettes Radio program "JESUS" Film
Identity of the People
Socio-Economic Status
Yes
The Garo trace their descent from the great saint Gargacharya, the brother of Sankaracharya, the guru of Asur According to them during the time of Aurangazeb when Hindus were forcibly converted to Islam, some Brahmans started living in jungle to save their religion and life. Those who went to the jungle lost their tradition and culture and were now known as Garo, Garoda,Guru, Guruwa or Pandiya. They are a priestly, astrologer community in the service of lower Hindu castes.
The status of women among the Garo is inferior in comparison to that of men. Women assist in supplementing family income. Literacy level is low among them. They also send their girls to school. Traditional attitude towards health and medical care have changed and now a majority of them avail of modern medicare.
Yes
Population 155,886
Statewise Population
Within their kin group and with neighboring people they comnmnicate in Gujarati.
They use Gujarati script. Some of them are proficient in Hindi also.
Language
Gujarat - (78,362), Rajasthan - (41,220)
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
: : : ::
The community has their own clan dieties such as Shitla, Amba,Chamunda, Kalka,
Khodiarmata, Meldimata, Laxmi, Saraswati.Ganga, Yanmna etc.
Religion :
11-Sep-07 Page 21 of 57Prepared by National Resource Center Source: ASI, Kolkotta and Census of India 2001
People of India
FTT ID: 41476
GAUDA PEOPLE
The Gauda have a number of surnames, such as Hati, Sandha, Bag, Nag, Bagarti
and Chandan.
A widely distributed community, in Orissa, Mainly distributed in Balangir and in the
adjoining areas of Orissa, they have migrated from the Magadharea.
A landowning community, the secondary occupations of the Gauda include cow-herding, supplying water, and
agricultural labour.
The marriage symbols for women are a vermilion mark on the fore head, toe-rings and glass bangles.
They accept water and cooked food from the Brahman, Karanand Kulta communities
The Gauda are non-vegetarian, and rice is their staple cereal.
YesYes Yes
Alternate name
Identity
Location
Occupation
Relationship
Food
Marriage
Status of Resources
Bible NT Audio Cassettes Radio program "JESUS" Film
Identity of the People
Socio-Economic Status
Yes
A widely distributed community, in Orissa, the Gauda trace their origin to the Jadava bansa, especially that of Magadha. They have four sub-groups, namely Nanda, Magadha, Juria and Loria. Mainly distributed in Balangir and in the adjoining areas of Orissa, they have migrated from the Magadharea. The Gauda have a number of surnames, such as Hati, Sandha, Bag, Nag, Bagarti and Chandan. A landowning community, the secondary occupations of the Gauda include cow-herding, supplying water, and agricultural labour. Women take part in all the agricultural operations except ploughing. Children too work to augment the family income.
The community has professionals and political leaders in the legislative assembly. The Gauda use modern family planning methods, as well as the facilities of media, communication, banking & irrigation.
Yes
Population 462,871
Statewise Population
Oriya, an Indo-Aryan language, is their mother tongue. The same language and its
script are used for intergroup communication as well.
Language
Orissa - (1,421,510), Karnataka - (32,123), Andhra Pradesh - (7,230), Tripura - (5,142), West Bengal - (3,684), Assam - (2,457), Goa -
(1,200)
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
: : : ::
The Gauda mainly worship Krishna and their sacred centers include Puri, Brindaban
and Harishankar. They participate in fairs and in festivals like Dussehra, Rathajatra,
Naukhia and Ganesh Puja with others.
Religion :
11-Sep-07 Page 22 of 57Prepared by National Resource Center Source: ASI, Kolkotta and Census of India 2001
People of India
FTT ID: 41337
HALWAI PEOPLE
They have several subdivisions with territorial names such as Kanaujia from Kanauj
and Jaunpuria from Jaunpur.
Other Backward Communities
They were predominantly distributed in Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa and the Uttar
Pradesh.
The Halwai are an urban based population. They confine themselves only to confectionery, i.e. making and selling of
sweets they also practice agriculture.
The symbols ot marriage for women are vermilion on the forehead, inherited by both sons and daughters.
At present, the sweetmeat shop owners employ skilled workers, mostly from their own community, though others are
also employed for this purpose.
They are vegetarian, and their staple cereal is wheat.
YesYes Yes
Alternate name
Identity
Location
Occupation
Relationship
Food
Marriage
Status of Resources
Bible NT Audio Cassettes Radio program "JESUS" Film
Identity of the People
Socio-Economic Status
Yes
A community of confectioners and sweetmakers, They are spreact in the states of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. 'The Halwai take this name from halwa, a sweetmeat made of flour, clarified butter and sugar, coloured with saffron and flavoured with almonds, raisins and pistachio nuts.'
The Halwai are an urban based population. Their family deity is Krishna. They confine themselves only to confectionery, i.e. making and selling of sweets. At present, the sweetmeat shop owners employ skilled workers, mostly from their own community, though others are also employed for this purpose. Traditionally a community business, trade, service and are now doctors, engineers and sweetmeat sellers. Their services are of economic, social and ritualistic importance. Their attitude towards formal education and traditional and modern medicines is favourable.
Yes
Population 1,845,402
Statewise Population
Their mother tongue is Urdu, Awadhi and they use the Devanagari script. Hindi is
used for intergroup communication. In Bihar, They speak the Maithili language but
are also conversant with Hindi and use the Devanagari script
Language
West Bengal - (507,582), Uttar Pradesh - (502,662), Bihar - (502,417), Orissa - (4,932), Madhya Pradesh - (4,333), Maharashtra -
(1,853), Andaman & Nicobar Islands - (1,530)
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
: : : ::
Their family deity is Krishna. They are Hindu and have a specific role in festivals and
festivities as suppliers of sweets.
Religion :
11-Sep-07 Page 23 of 57Prepared by National Resource Center Source: ASI, Kolkotta and Census of India 2001
People of India
FTT ID: 41334
JHIWAR PEOPLE
Also called Dhanwar, Dhiwar, Jhinwar, Kahar, Kashyap Rajput and Mallah. In
Punjab, the Jheewar are also known as Mehre, but these days they prefer to call
themselves Kashyap Rajput.
Other Backward Communities
They inhabit various northern states of the country. Like Punjab, Haryana and
Himachal Pradesh.
In Jheewar mostly subsist on running flour mills (chakki) and fishing. Now they have taken up other occupations like
stone-cutting, agriculuture and road-construction labour.
Monogamy is the rule for marriages which are negotiated by the elders. Divorce and widow remarriage are
discouraged by these people.
They accept and exchange food and water .with all ides except the Chamar, Chuhra and Dhobi.
There are both vegetarians and non-vegetarians among them.
YesYes Yes
Alternate name
Identity
Location
Occupation
Relationship
Food
Marriage
Status of Resources
Bible NT Audio Cassettes Radio program "JESUS" Film
Identity of the People
Socio-Economic Status
Yes
They also called Dhiwar, Jhinwar, Kahar, Kashyap Rajput and Mallah, they inhabit various northern states of the country. According to some, a Jheewar was a 'true village menial', who received customary dues and performed customary service, such as supplying baskets to the cultivators and drinking water to the men in the fields at harvest time and other occasions. The females have tattoo marks on their body. In Punjab, the Jheewar are also known as Mehre, but these days they prefer to call themselves Kashyap Rajput. They are divided into two broad religious divisions, the Hindu and the Sikh Jheewar; they are further divided into clans.
The Jheewar trade in mutton, fish and carry out many other miscellaneous jobs. Jheewar have utilized various development programmes concerning education, health and family planning. Industrialization in the area has offered new job opportunities to them.
Yes
Population 1,926,444
Statewise Population
They speak Punjabi and use the Gurmukhi script though many of them are
conversant with Hindi and use the Devanagari script.
Language
Punjab - (596,603), Haryana - (124,101), Himachal Pradesh - (51,639), Delhi - (46,809), Jammu & Kashmir - (36,418)
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
: : : ::
They celebrate the local festivals of Lohri, Baisakhi, Holi, Diwali, Dussehra and
Gurupurab. Sheranwali Mata is specially revered
Religion :
11-Sep-07 Page 24 of 57Prepared by National Resource Center Source: ASI, Kolkotta and Census of India 2001
People of India
FTT ID: 41278
KACHHI PEOPLE
The Kachhi are called by different synonyms such as Shakya, Murao, Murai and
Koeri.
Other Backward Communities
Most of the Northern states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan,
Maharashtra and Orissa.
Land is the main natural resource and agriculture is the major economic activity. Majority of the people of this
community are engaged in cultivation (specially vegetables).
Monogamy is the general form of marriage. Sindurznd bichhia are the marriage symbols. Dowry is given in cash and
kind. After marriage, the wife resides at her husband's house.
Inter-community relations in various socio-economic sectors are governed by factors like hierarchical status,
occupational specialties.
A majority of them are pure vegetarian. Their staple food is wheat, rice and maize. Among pulses, arbarand red
gram is commonly used.
YesNo Yes
Alternate name
Identity
Location
Occupation
Relationship
Food
Marriage
Status of Resources
Bible NT Audio Cassettes Radio program "JESUS" Film
Identity of the People
Socio-Economic Status
Yes
The Kachhi are called by different synonyms such as Shakya, Murao, Murai and Koeri. They are believed to be the descendants of King Ichhvaku, the ruler of Kapilvastu. Some of described them as a tribe of opium-growers and market gardeners.
Traditionally, they had maintained the joint family system but now they prefer nuclear family. The rule of inheritance goes in favor of male children and property is equally divided among sons. But the succession is in favor of eldest member of the family. The widow gets a share of her husband's property. The daughters also get the share in the property except in agricultural land.
They use both modern and traditional Medicare. Tube wells and canals are the source of irrigation. Cow dung cakes and fuel wood are the main fuels used for cooking.
No
Population 4,119,125
Statewise Population
They speak Hindi and the script used is Devanagari.Language
Uttar Pradesh - (4,303,729), Madhya Pradesh - (2,629,430), Rajasthan - (388,827), Maharashtra - (7,423), Orissa - (3,199), Gujarat -
(3,123), Bihar - (1,156)
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
: : : ::
About 90 per cent of them follow Hinduism, and the rest Buddhism. Vishahari Devi is
the main village deity.
Religion :
11-Sep-07 Page 25 of 57Prepared by National Resource Center Source: ASI, Kolkotta and Census of India 2001
People of India
FTT ID: 41666
KAMPA PEOPLE
Some of their lineages are Telkunchi, Dondari, Bodam, Duguri and Sapari.
They are mainly found in northern part of Andhra Pradesh state.
The traditional and present occupation of the Kampa is agriculture. Besides settled cultivation, they are also
engaged in business and service in government private organizations.
A man can marry his father's sister's daughter, mother's brother's daughter or elder sister's daughter. At the time of
marriage, the priest ties the hands of the bride and the bridegroom in front of a sacred fire amidst the recitation of
mantras
They forge traditional intercommunity linkages with the Brahman, Karan, Komuti and Gouda, from whom they
accept water and food, and establish putative kinship ties like mita and maker with people of equal social status.
The Kampa are non-vegetarian. They take fish, eggs, and meat besides all seasonal vegetables and fruits.
YesYes Yes
Alternate name
Identity
Location
Occupation
Relationship
Food
Marriage
Status of Resources
Bible NT Audio Cassettes Radio program "JESUS" Film
Identity of the People
Socio-Economic Status
Yes
Kampa denotes a “bush of thorns”. In fact, the name Kampa is derived from the word Kapu meaning a watchman. The Kampa belong to Nagasa gotra and have a number of lineages which regulate their marriage alliances. Some of their lineages are Telkunchi, Dondari, Bodam, Duguri and Sapari. The Kampa use surnames such as Pradhan, Choudhury, Padhi, and Patra.Their traditional caste council helps in the main tenance of traditional customs and norms. They engage the services of a priest from the Panda Brahmau for performing their life-cycle rituals.Although they prefer indigenous medicines, they are gradually adopting modern medicines and family planning methods. Some of them have responded favorably to the loan facilities and various developmental programs launched by the government. Their traditional caste council helps in the maintenance of traditional customs and norms.
Yes
Population 130,437
Statewise Population
Oriya, an Indo-Aryan language, is their mother tongue. The same language and its
script are used for intergroup communication as well.
Language
Orissa - (130,437)
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
: : : ::
Being Kampa by religion, the Kahar worship all gods and goddesses of the Hindu
pantheon.
Religion :
11-Sep-07 Page 26 of 57Prepared by National Resource Center Source: ASI, Kolkotta and Census of India 2001
People of India
FTT ID: 41262
KHANDAIT PEOPLE
Their traditions aver thai their immigration from Orissa they were in possession
Cultivation is the primary occupation of the Khandait, though the traditional occupation of the community is
agriculture, they never touch the plough and engage labour to cultivate their lands.
Marriage through negotiation at an adult age is most preferred. Dowry, in both cash and kind, and kanyadan are
prevalent among them.
They traditionally do not accept water and cooked food from any other community. However, uncooked food and
vegetables are accepted from all.
They are non-vegetarian and consume rice and wheatas their staple cereals. The Khandait widows abstain from a
non-vegetarian diet.
YesYes Yes
Alternate name
Identity
Location
Occupation
Relationship
Food
Marriage
Status of Resources
Bible NT Audio Cassettes Radio program "JESUS" Film
Identity of the People
Socio-Economic Status
Yes
A community living in Orissa and West Bengal to be famous for their past glory as great fighters. In Orisss the Kshatriyas who fought against the British with the sword are those who are excellent in fighting with the sword. Orissa was formerly divided into khandas or and each khanda was governed by a headman called kham subsequently corrupted into khandai. The Khandait belong to and are the descendants of people who formed the landed ancient rajas of Orissa. The community is divided into a number of clans (gotra) like Nagashwa, Kashyapa and Suklaswa. The common titles used by them are Raut Roy or Rout Roy and Samant Roy while Singh, Baliar and Marathi are the surnames used.
Some of them participating activities. They took an active part in the Paik or Chur rebelled. Their literacy rate is, lot high. They avail themselves of the advantage planning programmes. Employment and self-employment scheme, little impact on them.
Yes
Population 5,675,074
Statewise Population
They speak Oriya, Bengali. and use the Oriya script.Language
Orissa - (1,363,969), West Bengal - (280,620), Andhra Pradesh - (9,776), Assam - (6,950)
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
: : : ::
Religion :
11-Sep-07 Page 27 of 57Prepared by National Resource Center Source: ASI, Kolkotta and Census of India 2001
People of India
FTT ID: 41279
KHATRI PEOPLE
By reason of their inter-connection with the silk industry, the Khatri called Putnulkaran
by other castes, but they identify themselves Kshatriya and claim their descent from
one Karta Virya Arjuna.
Other Backward Communities
They are widely distributed in Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar
Pradesh, Delhi, Bihar, n, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, in over 132 districts
in the having 241 segments.
Their business pursuits range from being village shopkeepers to being traders. Presently, they are working in all the
fields.
Monogamy is strictly There are no symbols of marriage among the Sikhs Khatri. However, bangles, a dot on the
forehead (bindi), and finger-rings are the identification marriage for the Hindu women.
The Khatri were linked with other communities by jajmani or interrelationships.
They are vegetarian but occasionally take vegetarian food. Their staple cereals are wheat and maize supplement
rice.
YesYes Yes
Alternate name
Identity
Location
Occupation
Relationship
Food
Marriage
Status of Resources
Bible NT Audio Cassettes Radio program "JESUS" Film
Identity of the People
Socio-Economic Status
Yes
They originated in Punjab, and are widely distributed in Punjab, , Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Bihar, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, in over 132 districts in the having 241 segments. The Khatri are also known as Patnulkaran latriya and are divided into exogamous septs such as Sulegar, Sonappa and Bojagiri. The Khatri claim to be Rajput and believe that lmunity name is a corrupt form of Kshatriya. There are many theories in merchantile activities including various kinds of business.
In Punjab, the Khatri are one of the major communities who trace their origin to one segment of the Kshatriya of Manu's varna system. The Khatri are a trading caste of bankers and moneylenders and are engaged in agriculture. All the sons inherit parental property equally. The lifecycle rituals are observed according to the Hindu or Sikh traditions depend on their religion.
Yes
Population 4,020,216
Statewise Population
Punjabi and use the Gurmukhi script.Language
Haryana - (658,958), Punjab - (645,781), Uttar Pradesh - (262,770), Gujarat - (98,140), Jammu & Kashmir - (81,859), Rajasthan -
(54,549), Maharashtra - (52,695), Delhi - (52,557), Himachal Pradesh - (49,159), Chandigarh - (37,242), Madhya Pradesh - (27,652),
Andaman & Nicobar Islands - (1,030)
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
: : : ::
The Khatri profess Hinduism.Religion :
11-Sep-07 Page 28 of 57Prepared by National Resource Center Source: ASI, Kolkotta and Census of India 2001
People of India
FTT ID: 41393
KIRAR PEOPLE
Also known as the Kirar or Kirad, they are a community as inferior or degraded Rajput.
Other Backward Communities
They are distributed in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. In Rajasthan
they are distributed in theKota, Bundi and Bharatpur districts of the state.
They are largely engaged in agriculture. Earlier a hunting group, the present-day primary occupation of the Kiraris
agriculture.
They practice child marriage and acquire spouses through negotiation. The form of marriage is monogamy. The rule
of residence after marriage is patrilocal. Divorce is permitted and remarriage
Traditionally they accept and exchange and food with the Sahariya, Meena, Jata and Gujar. They also accept the
Brahman, Jain and Rajput.
The Kirar are non-vegetarian and their staple food consists of wheat, jowar and rice supplemented with pulses.
YesYes Yes
Alternate name
Identity
Location
Occupation
Relationship
Food
Marriage
Status of Resources
Bible NT Audio Cassettes Radio program "JESUS" Film
Identity of the People
Socio-Economic Status
Yes
The Kirar claim to have originally belonged to Kiser kot or Kiradu-kot of Jaisalmer and were a soldier group during the reign of Lord Shri Krishna. The Kirar are divided into three endogamous subgroups, namely Dhakar, Chauriya and Karod. Among these subgroups there are 136 clans. Khandyat, Birojia, Wankhedia, Sujonia, Haroda, Khojar, Bhdhneria,PureviaGangolia, Choura and Kathoria are some of their clans (kul).
All sons inherit parental property equally. The Kirar are a landowning community whose primary occupation is settled cultivation. Some of them are employed in salaried jobs in government and other agencies. Their regional organization, named Akhil Bhartiya Kirar Kshatriya Sabha, (All India Kirar Mahasabha) is headed by the adhyaksh, which provides assistance to the council (jati panch). These people avail themselves of the free education, health and employment schemes, and banking.
Yes
Population 899,323
Statewise Population
Brajbhasa is their mothertongue, but they also speak Hindi and use the Devanagari
script.
Language
Madhya Pradesh - (781,355), Uttar Pradesh - (53,179), Rajasthan - (51,665), Maharashtra - (26,244)
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
: : : ::
They are Hindu by faith.Religion :
11-Sep-07 Page 29 of 57Prepared by National Resource Center Source: ASI, Kolkotta and Census of India 2001
People of India
FTT ID: 41349
KUNJRA PEOPLE
They prefer to call themselves Rayeen
Other Backward Communities
They perceive their distribution to be medium range and scatterd throughout the state
of Uttar Pradesh.
The Kunjra are a landless people. The main occupation of the community is selling vegetables and fruits.
Marriages are usually monogamous, but polygyny is also permitted. Marriages are settled through negotiations.
In traditional inter-community linkages, they share food and water with their Muslim brethren except the Mehtar and
other menials. They do not take food with the Khatik, who are Hindus and engaged in the occupation of selling
vegetables and fruits.
In their food habits, they are basically non-vegetarian and consume beef (buffalo) too. The consumption of fruits and
vegetables is much. They supplement their diet by taking milk and mik products.
YesYes Yes
Alternate name
Identity
Location
Occupation
Relationship
Food
Marriage
Status of Resources
Bible NT Audio Cassettes Radio program "JESUS" Film
Identity of the People
Socio-Economic Status
Yes
The Kunjra are green-grocers who sell mainly vegetables and fruits. The name of the community is probably derived from the Sanskrit word kunj, which means 'a bower' or an 'arbour'. They prefer to call themselves Rayeen and claim their migration from the Rayee mountains of Arabia. Child-labour exists among the Kunjra.
Children get their wages in cash. The Kunjra have their traditional panchayat headed by a chaudhary. The panchayat plays a vital role resolving social issues, viz., marriage, divorce, etc., and also settles the disputes in the family. It unites the community memebrs for help to each other. It is said that the verdict of their panchayat is valid in the court of law. In the villages, the panchayat gives punishment too. Formal education is favoured for both boys and girls. They generally study upto intermediate level, but some of them go for higher studies upto postgraduate level and also for professional degrees.
Yes
Population 1,580,813
Statewise Population
They speak Urdu and Awadhi (a dialect of Hindi) and use Persian and Devanagari
scripts in day-to-day activity.
Language
Uttar Pradesh - (308,542)
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
: : : ::
The Kunjra are Muslims and belong to the Sunni sect of Islam. Their deities are Ghazi
Mian and Pachon Pir, and they offer them sweetmeat and fruits, etc.
Religion :
11-Sep-07 Page 30 of 57Prepared by National Resource Center Source: ASI, Kolkotta and Census of India 2001
People of India
FTT ID: 41425
MACHHI PEOPLE
The Machhi derive their name from the word machhi, meaning fish. They are also
called Tandel. In Maharashtra, the Machhi are also known as Mima Machhi, Kharva
or Kharvi.
Other Backward Communities
In Daman and Diu, the Machhi are migrants from Mehri and Bharooch of south
Gujarat who settled in the coastal areas of Daman about 200 years ago
Fishing and seamanship are the traditional as well as the present-day primary occupations of the Machhi. Toddy-
tapping, running wine shops and services.
Marriage with one's mother's brother daughter or mother's sister's daughter is permitted and junior levirate and
junior sororate are allowed. Marriages are settled through negotiation.
They traditionally accept both cooked and uncooked food from the Brahman, Koli, Patel, Dubla, Dhodia, Momin and
Christian. They receive the services of the Dubla and Mangela during fishing operations,
They are non-vegetarian and their staple includes jowar, rice and fish. Their traditional occupation is fishing.
YesYes Yes
Alternate name
Identity
Location
Occupation
Relationship
Food
Marriage
Status of Resources
Bible NT Audio Cassettes Radio program "JESUS" Film
Identity of the People
Socio-Economic Status
Yes
The Machhi derive their name from the word machhi, meaningfish. They are also called Tandel. In Maharashtra, the Machhi are also known as Mima Machhi, Kharva or Kharvi. There are no hierarchical divisions within the community. Their sur-names are Macchi, Mitna and Patel.
Fishing and and salt-making are the traditional as well as the present-day primary occupations of the Machhi. Toddy-tapping, running wine shops and service in different government offices are their subsidiary occupations. Social control is regulated by their traditional caste council, the Machhi Mahajan Samaj.
They enjoy the benefits of various developmental programmes pertaining to education, medical facilities, communication, family planning, drinking water, electricity, ration and banking.
Yes
Population 716,471
Statewise Population
Gujarati is their mother tongue and they use the Gujarati script. Some of them are
conversant with Hindi also.
Language
Haryana - (230,100), Maharashtra - (188,635), Gujarat - (173,407), Punjab - (138,688), Chandigarh - (2,047)
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
: : : ::
The Machhi are Hindu and worship Sangliya Mata as their lineage deity. They also
revere N.S. dos remedious (Lady of Remedy), one of the shrines of the Catholic
Christian whom the Machhi since the Portuguese period,
Religion :
11-Sep-07 Page 31 of 57Prepared by National Resource Center Source: ASI, Kolkotta and Census of India 2001
People of India
FTT ID: 41673
MALLIK PEOPLE
Muslim - Religious group
They are distributed in Bhagalpur, Gaya, Munger, Nalanda and Patna districts. Also in
Maharashtra and Gujarat state.
The traditional occupation of cultivation is still primary source of subsistence followed by agricultural labour. Petty
rovision shops and government service are their other means of livelihood.
Cross-cousin marriages are practised. A married woman wears a nose-studt symbol of a marriage. They have both
nuclear and extended families a them.
They traditional commensal relationship with other Muslim communities excepting goor, gonai and Watal.
The Malik are non-vegetarian and bajri or wheat roti forms their tie equigeniture is the rule of inheritance.
YesYes Yes
Alternate name
Identity
Location
Occupation
Relationship
Food
Marriage
Status of Resources
Bible NT Audio Cassettes Radio program "JESUS" Film
Identity of the People
Socio-Economic Status
Yes
They belong to the Sunni sect of Islam. The Malik, also called Malek, are a small localized endogamous mainly in twenty-seven villages of the Thasra taluk in the Kheda district. The Malik have commensally relationship with other Muslim communities and participation of the Malik is confined mostly to regional-level politics. Mallik is used as a title by the Sayeed group who are descendants of Sayeed Hazarat Ibrahim.
Their traditional community council consists of nine members who elected by a voice vote for a period of one year Intra-community dispute are settled by the community council. They also work as skilled labourers. They traditional communal relationship with other Muslim communities excepting goor, gonai and Watal. The Malik have scholars, businessmen, teachers, neers and members in the defence services. Their boys and girls le post-graduate and higher levels. Their attitude towards modern favourable but not so for family planning.
Yes
Population 128,259
Statewise Population
They speak Urdu and Magahi and use the Perso-Arabic and Devanagari scripts.Language
Gujarat - (210,280), Maharashtra - (133,528), West Bengal - (127,467), Bihar - (2,808), Orissa - (1,426)
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
: : : ::
They belong to the Sunni sect of Islam.Religion :
11-Sep-07 Page 32 of 57Prepared by National Resource Center Source: ASI, Kolkotta and Census of India 2001
People of India
FTT ID: 41396
MANIHAR PEOPLE
Manihar, also known as Maniar or Chudigar.
Other Backward Communities
The Muslim Lakhera known as Manihar are distributed in the Jaipur, Sikar, Chum and
Ajmer districts of Rajsthan.
The traditional occupation of the bangles from ivory, but due to the non-availability of ivory ( now make bangles from
plastic with jerry covering.
Married women wear as symbols of them marital status. Mehar is promised for future he rule of residence after
marriage is patrilocal. Divorce is allowed, or which is taken from the biradari panchayat.
They accept water and food from other munities, but intercommunity marriages are prohibited.
They in general, are non-vegetarian but are prohibited from consuming staple food items include cooked rice and
wheat.
YesYes Yes
Alternate name
Identity
Location
Occupation
Relationship
Food
Marriage
Status of Resources
Bible NT Audio Cassettes Radio program "JESUS" Film
Identity of the People
Socio-Economic Status
Yes
A community distributed in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya d Uttar Pradesh, they migrated from the Sindh region. The term manihar is derived from ‘mani’ meaning a precious stone and kara meaning maker, i.e. precious stones. They also work in glass and make tin foils. The Manihar, also known as Maniar or Chudigar. The Manihar are Sunni sect of Islam. The Manihar have two subgroups, Manihar and Lakhere Manihar. They have a local caste panchayat a the Manihar pursue their traditional occupation of selling cosmetics and tikli.
Their attitude towards formal education is curable for boys and unfavorable for girls. They use both modern medicines. Some of them are self-employed as tailors, rickshaw- d in poultry farming under various welfare schemes.
Yes
Population 875,513
Statewise Population
Urdu is their mother tongue a Hindi and use both the Devanagari and Perso-Arabic
script . In Gujarat, Kachchi is their mother tongue.
Language
Uttar Pradesh - (428,923), Bihar - (45,400), Madhya Pradesh - (8,883), Rajasthan - (1,200), West Bengal - (1,100)
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
: : : ::
The Manihar e Sunni sect of Islam.Religion :
11-Sep-07 Page 33 of 57Prepared by National Resource Center Source: ASI, Kolkotta and Census of India 2001
People of India
FTT ID: 41459
MEMON PEOPLE
Memon is one of the title Momin (meaning a strong believer in Islam) given asuf-ud-
din.
Muslim - Religious group
They inhabit Gujarat and Karnataka.
The traditional occupation of the Memon is petty business followedservice. Very few depend upon agriculture.
First cousins are preferred as spouse wear nose-ring and nose-pin are the symbols of married women and mehar is
instantly. Divorce is allowed on grounds of maladjustment and remarriage both widows and widowers is permitted.
The Memon continue to have occupational relations with other communities including other Muslim communities.
They exchange food and water with other Muslim groups.
The Memon take bajra, wheat and rice are their staple cereals.
YesYes Yes
Alternate name
Identity
Location
Occupation
Relationship
Food
Marriage
Status of Resources
Bible NT Audio Cassettes Radio program "JESUS" Film
Identity of the People
Socio-Economic Status
Yes
A well-known community, they are the descendants of the Lohana of Sindh who accepted Islam in the middle of the fifteenth century. Memon is a corrupt form of the title Momin (meaning a strong believer in Islam) given by the saint Yusuf-ud-din. They inhabit Gujarat and Karnataka. In Gujarat, the Memon are divided into five endogamous, namely Halai Memon, Jalwadi Memon, Surti Memon. They perceive a lower status for themselves than the Patel and Lohna but higher than other Muslim communities exchange food and water with other Muslim groups.
Community councils or jamats managed by an executive committee at the local level, are affiliated to the National Memon Federation at Bombay. They belong to the Sunni sect of Islam. The Memon participate in local and regional politics. Facilities of formal education, modern health care, drinking water, media and communication are being utilized.
Yes
Population 544,391
Statewise Population
They speck Gujarati among themselves and Urdu and Kannada with others.Language
Gujarat - (433,413), Maharashtra - (281,799), Tamil Nadu - (2,000)
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
: : : ::
They belong to the Sunni sect of Islam. They profess Islam.Religion :
11-Sep-07 Page 34 of 57Prepared by National Resource Center Source: ASI, Kolkotta and Census of India 2001
People of India
FTT ID: 41360
MOGHAL PEOPLE
The Mughal is one of the four social divisions of Muslims, viz., Sheikh, Siyyad,
Mughal and Pathan.
Muslim - Religious group
They got spread over different parts of northern India.
They have taken up variety of works as economic activity. In villages, they do some agriculture, own orchards,
specially mango orchards, whereas in towns, they are engaged in trade, handicrafts.
Marriages are negotiated at parents' level. Boy's people initiate the proposal. The symbol for married women in
general is the dress, i.e. wearing of juniper (blouse or loose shirt) and garara or sari.
The Mughal maintain community linkages generally at economic sphere only. Their social linkages with other
communities is limited to exchange of greetings, etc.
The Mughal are non-vegetarian. They eat mutton, beef and small birds. Pork is, however, is a taboo.
YesYes Yes
Alternate name
Identity
Location
Occupation
Relationship
Food
Marriage
Status of Resources
Bible NT Audio Cassettes Radio program "JESUS" Film
Identity of the People
Socio-Economic Status
Yes
The Mughal is one of the four social divisions of Muslims, viz., Sheikh, Siyyad, Mughal and Pathan. Mughals can be both Sunni as well as Shia by sect affiliation. The Mughal believe that their community has originated after intermixing of Iranians and the Russians. It is an immigrant group which is said to have entered India along with Babar who laid the foundation of Mughal rule in India in the fifteenth century. They got spread over different parts of northern India during the period of Humayun and Akbar.
The Mughal, who were once known as soldiers of the Mughal army, do not claim to be proficient in any specific occupation, profession or skill. They have taken up variety of works as economic activity. The community has no organized councils or panchayats for social control. These people use all public facilities available, for example, even in villages the Mughal use electricity, bank and post office facilities and public distribution system, etc., without any reservation.
Yes
Population 1,279,327
Statewise Population
The Mughal speak Urdu, Hindi and, to some extent, English. Some of the older
people know Persian also. Urdu is their mother tongue and the script is Persian.
Language
Uttar Pradesh - (1,016,122), Maharashtra - (203,257), Karnataka - (168,398), Rajasthan - (136,041), Andhra Pradesh - (130,823),
West Bengal - (90,055), Madhya Pradesh - (69,410), Tamil Nadu - (45,987), Bihar - (23,872), Orissa - (18,080), Gujarat - (15,459),
Haryana - (11,836), Jammu & Kashmir - (7,234), Goa - (5,078)
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
: : : ::
The Mughal follow Islam religion. Since they belong to both Shia as well as Sunni
divisions of Muslims, These people consider all mazars of saints, dargahs, Mecca
and Madina as sacred places and pilgrim centres.
Religion :
11-Sep-07 Page 35 of 57Prepared by National Resource Center Source: ASI, Kolkotta and Census of India 2001
People of India
FTT ID: 41508
MUSSALLI PEOPLE
Muslim - Religious group
The so-called Chuhra are found all throughout the Punjab and India generally, where
they make up a majority of those who were historically considered “untouchables.”
Their hereditary, and, ultimately, defiling occupations were cleaning and scavenging.
The Dejharoo symbolizes that the Kashmiri Pandit woman is married. Muslim women wear bunches of earrings, the
weight of which is supported by a thick silver chain along with several bracelets and necklaces.
Rice and meat is the staple diet of them. The tea that the Kashmiris drink is called Kahva, which is a concoction of
green tea leaves brewed in the samovar and enriched with pounded almonds.
YesYes Yes
Alternate name
Identity
Location
Occupation
Relationship
Food
Marriage
Status of Resources
Bible NT Audio Cassettes Radio program "JESUS" Film
Identity of the People
Socio-Economic Status
Yes
The so-called Mussalli are found all throughout the Punjab and India generally, where they make up a majority of those who were historically considered “untouchables.”
Their hereditary, and, ultimately, defiling occupations were cleaning and scavenging. The Mussalli's distinctive music is tied to the worship of their patron diety, the 12th century saint Gugga.
Bards of Gugga maintain a unique repertoire of devotional hymns and legends from the life of the saint. Their instruments include an hourglass drum called dauru, which is unique to this sphere of music making in Punjab. The non-Mussalli public patronizes this music during the monsoon months and the saint’s festival.
Yes
Population 361,029
Statewise Population
The Mussalli speak the Urdu language.Language
Punjab - (23,437)
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
: : : ::
Ninety percent of the population in the valley professes Islam of both Sunni and Shia
sects.
Religion :
11-Sep-07 Page 36 of 57Prepared by National Resource Center Source: ASI, Kolkotta and Census of India 2001
People of India
FTT ID: 46264
NAI (HINDI) PEOPLE
They use different titles with their name, such asen, Sharma, Thakur, Khawas, Verma
etc.
Other Backward Communities
They have a widespread community and distributed in all the districts in the state.
The traditional occupation of the Napit is cutting hair. They have several hair-dressing centres and receive payment
in cash. They also work as agricultural labourers.
Monogamy is the prevalent type of marriage but second marriage is allowed in some exceptional cases like
barrenness or death of first wife.Bride price is paid in the form of gifts to the bride. Furniture’s, utensils, fridge, etc.
are offered as gifts
Traditionally all the castes accept water from them. Intercommunity marital exchanges are not prevalent among
them.
They are non-vegetarian, but abstain from taking beef.
YesYes Yes
Alternate name
Identity
Location
Occupation
Relationship
Food
Marriage
Status of Resources
Bible NT Audio Cassettes Radio program "JESUS" Film
Identity of the People
Socio-Economic Status
Yes
Nai is either a corrupt form of the Sanskrit word 'napika', meaning one who deans nails, or it is derived from the word 'nahna' meaning a person who acts at will or does not refuse to act. The Nai are also known as the followers of Sen Bhagata, a saint of their own caste. They use different titles with their name, such ashen, Sharma, Thakur, Khawas, Verma etc.
Extended type of family is common among them. This is follow by the occurrence of nuclear family type. The eldest son succeeds his father. Though women in the Nai community have taken to education and service, they have no voice regarding any dispute or problem their own community. The Nai has a vital role in birth, marriage and death. So they have, close interaction with all the communities. The Nai are regarded as a low caste community due to their occupation.
Yes
Population 4,201,693
Statewise Population
Hindi is their language and the Devanagari script is used by them.Language
Uttar Pradesh - (4,201,693)
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
: : : ::
The community profess Hindu religion. They follow Vaishnavism.Nai generally
worship sen bhagat, a saint of their own castes, they worship Ganesh, Hanuman,
Shitalamata, Lakshmi:bhuja and all other Hindu gods and goddesses.
Religion :
11-Sep-07 Page 37 of 57Prepared by National Resource Center Source: ASI, Kolkotta and Census of India 2001
People of India
FTT ID: 46287
NAI (MARWADI) PEOPLE
They use different titles with their name, such asen, Sharma, Thakur, Khawas, Verma
etc.
Other Backward Communities
They have a widespread community and distributed in all the districts in the state.
The traditional occupation of the Napit is cutting hair. They have several hair-dressing centres and receive payment
in cash. They also work as agricultural labourers.
Monogamy is the prevalent type of marriage but second marriage is allowed in some exceptional cases like
barrenness or death of first wife.Bride price is paid in the form of gifts to the bride. Furniture’s, utensils, fridge, etc.
are offered as gifts
Traditionally all the castes accept water from them. Intercommunity marital exchanges are not prevalent among
them.
They are non-vegetarian, but abstain from taking beef.
YesNo Yes
Alternate name
Identity
Location
Occupation
Relationship
Food
Marriage
Status of Resources
Bible NT Audio Cassettes Radio program "JESUS" Film
Identity of the People
Socio-Economic Status
Yes
The Nai are also known as the followers of Sen Bhagata, a saint of their own caste. They use different titles with their name, such as Sen, Shartna, Thakur, Khawas, Verma etc. Extended type of family is common among them. This is followed by the occurrence of nuclear family type. Though women in the Nai community have taken to education and service, they have no voice regarding any dispute or problem of their own community. The authority in the family rests with the male. Their women have a status lower than their men.At the village level, they have caste panchayat which is constituted by the elderly members of the community. They collectively discuss the disputes and make efforts to settle the same. There is acceptance of literacy and education among the Nai. They are very particular and keen to send their children for education. A few of them have come up as professionals such as doctor and engineer. Their attitude towards modern medicare is positive.
No
Population 243,999
Statewise Population
Marwadi is spoken and the Devanagari script used.Language
Rajasthan - (243,999)
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
: : : ::
The community profess Hindu religion. They follow Vaishnavism.Nai generally
worship sen bhagat, a saint of their own castes, they worship Ganesh, Hanuman,
Shitalamata, Lakshmi:bhuja and all other Hindu gods and goddesses.
Religion :
11-Sep-07 Page 38 of 57Prepared by National Resource Center Source: ASI, Kolkotta and Census of India 2001
People of India
FTT ID: 46278
NAI (PUNJABI) PEOPLE
They use different titles with their name, such asen, Sharma, Thakur, Khawas, Verma
etc.
Other Backward Communities
They have a widespread community and distributed in all the districts in the state.
The traditional occupation of the Napit is cutting hair. They have several hair-dressing centres and receive payment
in cash. They also work as agricultural labourers.
Monogamy is the prevalent type of marriage but second marriage is allowed in some exceptional cases like
barrenness or death of first wife.Bride price is paid in the form of gifts to the bride. Furniture’s, utensils, fridge, etc.
are offered as gifts
Traditionally all the castes accept water from them. Intercommunity marital exchanges are not prevalent among
them.
They are non-vegetarian, but abstain from taking beef.
YesYes Yes
Alternate name
Identity
Location
Occupation
Relationship
Food
Marriage
Status of Resources
Bible NT Audio Cassettes Radio program "JESUS" Film
Identity of the People
Socio-Economic Status
Yes
In Punjab, the Nai are fondly called Rajaji. They are distributed throughout the state. Some of them Stammen Raja, Lagi, Savita Samaj Nau, Banmeru, Kuleen Brahman, or Hajjam (Muslim). Nai is either a corrupt form of the Sanskrit word napika, meaning one who deans nails, or it is derived from the word nahna meaning a person who acts at will or does not refuse to act. .
A very few educated ones among them work as clerks in banks, etc. Some are petty shopkeepers. They do not have any caste council (jati sabha). Traditionally they do not accept water and food from the Chura, Chamar, Bazigar, Dom, Deha, Mochi, and Muslim. They share the same religious shrines, water sources, and crematoria with other communities. Earlier, they did not do hair-cutting for the scheduled castes, but this rigidity is no more observed. Literacy rate of the community is slowly improving, yet formal education is still, by and large, not favoured for girls.
Yes
Population 1,156,116
Statewise Population
Punjabi or Hindi is spoken and the Gurmukhi or Devanagari script is usedLanguage
Punjab - (1,156,116)
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
: : : ::
The community profess Hindu religion. They follow Vaishnavism.Nai generally
worship sen bhagat, a saint of their own castes, they worship Ganesh, Hanuman,
Shitalamata, Lakshmi:bhuja and all other Hindu gods and goddesses.
Religion :
11-Sep-07 Page 39 of 57Prepared by National Resource Center Source: ASI, Kolkotta and Census of India 2001
People of India
FTT ID: 46273
NAI (URDU) PEOPLE
They use different titles with their name, such asen, Sharma, Thakur, Khawas, Verma
etc.
Other Backward Communities
They have a widespread community and distributed in all the districts in the state.
The traditional occupation of the Napit is cutting hair. They have several hair-dressing centres and receive payment
in cash. They also work as agricultural labourers.
Monogamy is the prevalent type of marriage but second marriage is allowed in some exceptional cases like
barrenness or death of first wife.Bride price is paid in the form of gifts to the bride. Furniture’s, utensils, fridge, etc.
are offered as gifts
Traditionally all the castes accept water from them. Intercommunity marital exchanges are not prevalent among
them.
They are non-vegetarian, but abstain from taking beef.
YesYes Yes
Alternate name
Identity
Location
Occupation
Relationship
Food
Marriage
Status of Resources
Bible NT Audio Cassettes Radio program "JESUS" Film
Identity of the People
Socio-Economic Status
Yes
The Nai are also known as the followers of Sen Bhagata, a saint of Zneir own caste. They use different titles with their name, such as~en, Sharma, Thakur, Khawas, Verma etc. It is said that the Nai are the offspring of a Brahman father and a Sudra mother. Extended type of family is common among them. This is follow by the occurrence of nuclear family type. Though women in the Nai community have taken to educati and service, they have no voice regarding any dispute or probIem their own community. They do not have any right of inheritance parental property. The authority in the family rests with tile ma. Their women have a status lower than their men. There is acceptance of literacy and education among the Nai. They are particular and keen to send their children for education. Some of them have come up as professionals such as doctor and engineer. Their attitude towards modem medicare is positive. Hand pump and piped water supply are the sources of drinking water.
Yes
Population 1,819,772
Statewise Population
The Nai speak the Urdu language.Language
Uttar Pradesh - (1,819,772)
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
: : : ::
The community profess Hindu religion. They follow Vaishnavism.Nai generally
worship sen bhagat, a saint of their own castes, they worship Ganesh, Hanuman,
Shitalamata, Lakshmi:bhuja and all other Hindu gods and goddesses.
Religion :
11-Sep-07 Page 40 of 57Prepared by National Resource Center Source: ASI, Kolkotta and Census of India 2001
People of India
FTT ID: 41318
NAIKDA PEOPLE
The Nayaka also describe themselves as Naikda in some parts of Gujarat. In Gujarat,
they are notified as Naika, Nayaka, Cholivala Nayaka, or Kapadia Nayaka, etc.,
Scheduled Tribe
They are found in Gujarat, Maharashtra and Karnataka states.
Agriculture is the major occupation of the community at present
They are monogamous. Their women can be seen taking part in social, economic and religious activities.
The Nayaka of Gujarat are non-vegetarian. They mostly eat bajra, rice and gram.
YesYes Yes
Alternate name
Identity
Location
Occupation
Relationship
Food
Marriage
Status of Resources
Bible NT Audio Cassettes Radio program "JESUS" Film
Identity of the People
Socio-Economic Status
Yes
The Nayaka also describes themselves as Naikda in some parts of Gujarat. The alternative name 'nayaka' mean a leader, a chief or governer who execise command over a group of people, they also call themselves as 'kakkari' a term derived from the word 'kathori' which mean 'animal hide'. According to a legend, the Nayaka and Dhodia are the descendants of Rupak-hatri and Dhanakhatri.
Their women can be seen taking part in social, economic and agricultural labourers. The Nayaka have community council at certain places, which settles social disputes.
The Naikda are divided into several clans, like Pawar, Lahange, Ardi or Arde, Wagh, Pardhi, Saura, Bhedanga and Phasale.The Naikda have shown a literacy rate of 18.82 per cent. They continue to depend on traditional medicines.
Yes
Population 2,268,678
Statewise Population
Very few of them speak their mother tongue, Naikdi; in fact the majority of them
speak Gujarati
Language
Karnataka - (1,696,831), Gujarat - (507,624), Maharashtra - (98,203), Andhra Pradesh - (30,916), Rajasthan - (14,499), Madhya
Pradesh - (1,049)
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
: : : ::
They are Hindus.Religion :
11-Sep-07 Page 41 of 57Prepared by National Resource Center Source: ASI, Kolkotta and Census of India 2001
People of India
FTT ID: 41257
NAYAR PEOPLE
The Nayar use the titles such as Pilla, Tampi, Kurup, Kanakkar, Panikkar, Karta,
Kidavu, Menon, Menokki, Kaimal, Unnithan, Valiyathan and Nambiar
Sevewral staes of India. Mainly found in Kerala and Tamil nadu.
Rice and coconut are the major crops, though in North Malabar, pepper, cardamom and rubber. They are also
engaged in business, trade, government service and the learned professions.
Now, the marriage of the Nayar is denoted by the term kalyanam or vivaham. The marriage proposal usually starts
from the bridegroom's side through some intermediary or direct.
Among the Nayar, traditional intercommunity linkages are now cordial. They now accept and exchange water and
food with other communities.
Generally, the Nayar are non vegetarian and abstain from eating beef and pork. Staple food is rice. Various pulses,
roots and tubers are consumed.
YesYes Yes
Alternate name
Identity
Location
Occupation
Relationship
Food
Marriage
Status of Resources
Bible NT Audio Cassettes Radio program "JESUS" Film
Identity of the People
Socio-Economic Status
Yes
Nayar is an honorific plural of the word ‘nayan’ derived from ‘nayaka’, meaning ‘a leader of the people’. At present the Nayar community includes a number of sub castes that were considered to be military classes in ancient time. With concentration in Kerala, the Nayar are also reported from Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry, and Maharashtra. They are distributed in 38 districts of the country; they have 115 segments.
In Tamil Nadu the Nair have the synonym of Nayammar. Their concentration is in Kanyakumari district. In Maharashtra, the Nair speak Malayalam with family members and converse in English, Hindi and Tamil languages with outsiders. In Nagpur city three associations work for their welfare which are responsible for socio-religious activities. Formal education for either sex is favorable. They avail themselves of the welfare facilities related to healthcare, employment, media, and agricultural methods.
Yes
Population 6,578,469
Statewise Population
The language spoken and script used at home and with others is Malayalam. The
educated and the employed are fluent in English and Hindi also.
Language
Kerala - (5,138,497), Karnataka - (148,352), Tamil Nadu - (42,285)
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
: : : ::
The Nayar profess Hinduism but practise it with a lot of difference. Each family has its
own para (bharai] governing deities like 'Vettakkorumakan', various forms of goddess
Bhagawati, Naga (snake), ancestors and heroes.
Religion :
11-Sep-07 Page 42 of 57Prepared by National Resource Center Source: ASI, Kolkotta and Census of India 2001
People of India
FTT ID: 41494
PAROJA PEOPLE
Variously known as Paraja, Parja, Porja or Poroja,
Scheduled Tribe
The Paroja are distributed in the states of Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh,
Maharashtra, West Bengal and Assam.
The traditional occupation of the Parja in was agriculture. Presently their men and women are employed on
permanent or temporary basis for plucking tea-leaves.
Parja is the only clan who do marriages between cross cousins as well as between maternal uncle and niece are
allowed. Marriages are generally settled through gabra), courtship and mutual consent (rajikhusi).
They traditionally do not accept food from the Tanti, Dom and Ghasi. Intercommunity marriages exist among them.
Rice is their staple food. They are non-vegetarian who eat pork
YesYes Yes
Alternate name
Identity
Location
Occupation
Relationship
Food
Marriage
Status of Resources
Bible NT Audio Cassettes Radio program "JESUS" Film
Identity of the People
Socio-Economic Status
Yes
Variously known as Paraja, Parja, Porja or Poroja, the Paroja are distributed in the states of Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal and Assam. The term Paroja and Poroja, are derived from the Oriya words, ‘po’ meaning ‘son’ and ‘raja‘ meaning ‘king’. The Parja interpret their name a derivative of the Sanskrit term Parja means ‘subject’. Parja is the only clan who do marriages between cross cousins as well as between maternal uncle and niece are allowed. Paternal property is inherited equally by all the sons and the eldest son succeeds.
The artitude toward formal education is not positive. They mostly use traditional method of medicine. Modern method of treatment are accoassionally used. For drinking water they mostly depend on wells and well steams. Some of them have received government assistance in the area of rural employment generation. They depend upon the local moneylenders to a great extent.
Yes
Population 409,105
Statewise Population
They speak the Oriya language and are also conversant with Hindi. The Oriya and
they use Devanagari scripts
Language
Orissa - (410,802)
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
: : : ::
They are Hindu. Nishani Munda is the common sacred centre for them. A few of them
have embraced Christianity, while some practice animism.
Religion :
11-Sep-07 Page 43 of 57Prepared by National Resource Center Source: ASI, Kolkotta and Census of India 2001
People of India
FTT ID: 41237
PATHAN PEOPLE
The Pathan have three divisions mainly Swadi, Bunedi and Bagodi.
They are distributed in Dungarpur, Banswara, Ajmer, Jaipur, Bharatpur and Udaipur
districts. Their main concentration is in Dungarpur district
The main source of income of Pathan is through service in government and non-government firms. They traditionally
served as soldiers and guards of the rulers (durbar).
Marriage alliances are made "'rough negotiation. Monogamy is the common form but polygamy is allowed in some
cases. Mehar is promised in marriage and the amount of mehar is recorded in the name of bride at the time of
carriage.
The Pathan are non-vegetarians. Their staple food includes wheat and maize. Rice is used occasionally.
YesYes Yes
Alternate name
Identity
Location
Occupation
Relationship
Food
Marriage
Status of Resources
Bible NT Audio Cassettes Radio program "JESUS" Film
Identity of the People
Socio-Economic Status
Yes
The Pathan, also known as Khan as well as Bahadur (brave). Tuse Khan as a surname and females use Khanam or Bibi. According to the Pathan narration their ancestors migrated from Afghani and worked as defenders of forts in the hills during the regime of Maharaj Ranjit Singh and claimed the stock of Mughal Pathan and Kabuli Pathan.
There is no community council as such, but to uphold community norms and to resolve social issues from time to time an ad hoc body of elders is formed. They belong to the Sunni sect of Islam. Sacred specialists are from other Muslim communities who Muslim brethren. Traditionally, they used to render service in the army of native rulers. Now they are primarily engaged in agriculture. The community favors formal education for boys, but for girls only partially. They make full use of modern medicare, mass media and communication network.
Yes
Population 12,889,749
Statewise Population
The Pathan speak a Urdu dialect and Hindi. They use Devnagari script.Language
West Bengal - (1,494,248), Maharashtra - (1,268,096), Madhya Pradesh - (1,024,022), Karnataka - (732,503), Tamil Nadu - (576,089),
Bihar - (420,440), Andhra Pradesh - (322,082), Gujarat - (278,265), Orissa - (259,603), Punjab - (233,412), Haryana - (140,315),
Delhi - (97,140), Jammu & Kashmir - (42,810), Kerala - (26,428), Himachal Pradesh - (16,098), Goa - (7,466), Andaman & Nicobar
Islands - (4,558), Assam - (3,793)
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
: : : ::
Religion :
11-Sep-07 Page 44 of 57Prepared by National Resource Center Source: ASI, Kolkotta and Census of India 2001
People of India
FTT ID: 41646
PONDARA PEOPLE
In Orissa, the Pondara are also known as Bartiya. In Andhra Pradesh, the Pondara
are also called Pondari.
Scheduled Castes
They are distributed in the districts of Srikakulam and Vizianagaram. They have
migrated from Orissa.
The Pondara are traditional vegetables growers and horticulturists; and they also practise agriculture.
Monogamy is the form of marriage. Vermilion and glass bangles are the symbols of married women.
They consume fish, meat and egg. They are non-vegetarian.
YesYes Yes
Alternate name
Identity
Location
Occupation
Relationship
Food
Marriage
Status of Resources
Bible NT Audio Cassettes Radio program "JESUS" Film
Identity of the People
Socio-Economic Status
Yes
In Orissa, the Pondara are also known as 'Bartiya'. The term is derived from the words, 'bar' meaning land and 'tiya' meaning self-prepared. They are also called 'Pondari'. They grow vegetables through out the year. It is customary among the Pondara to take an acre or two of land and share the plots to grow vegetables and contribute to the prescribed rent jointly. Besides the practice of horticulture, they also work as daily wage laborers.
They have a traditional caste council. A statutory grampanchayat exists to look after the development of the village and resolve the problems. Formal educational is not encouraged and most of them discontinue their studies. They use both modern and indigenous medicines for treatment. Other welfare measures have yet to reach them.
Yes
Population 144,164
Statewise Population
Their mother tongue is a dialect of Gujarati, which is locally called Pomla bhasha.Language
Orissa - (82,328)
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
: : : ::
The Pomla are Hindu.Religion :
11-Sep-07 Page 45 of 57Prepared by National Resource Center Source: ASI, Kolkotta and Census of India 2001
People of India
FTT ID: 41353
QASSAB PEOPLE
Bakar Qassab/Chikwa/Quresh are also known as Buz Qassab (in Persian buz means
'a goat1 and qassab an Arabic word means-'to cut') or Chikwa.
Muslim - Religious group
Sevaral states in India.
Major economic activity of the community is business and trade of meat, sale and purchase or slaughter and export
of fresh meat and hides.
Marriage is performed according to the Hanafi school of Muslim jurisprudence. Marital unions are mostly
monogamous. Bride-price in the form of mahr is fixed according to the status of the family.
Traditional inter-community linkages are found mainly with Sheikhs. The other Muslim communities, Nai and Dhobi,
are also found to be associated in the rituals of the Qassab,
They are non-vegetarian people and eat meat two or three times a week, the frequency going up when there is
some meat left unsold. They also take seasonal vegetables and fruits.
YesYes Yes
Alternate name
Identity
Location
Occupation
Relationship
Food
Marriage
Status of Resources
Bible NT Audio Cassettes Radio program "JESUS" Film
Identity of the People
Socio-Economic Status
Yes
Qassab are also known as 'Buz Qassab' in Persian buz means 'a goat and qassab an Arabic word means-'to cut' or Chikwa. Recently they have begun to use the surname Qureshi. The general pattern of family among the Bakar Qassab is nuclear. In some cases, the extended type is also prevalent. Women in the community get respect and are treated at par with men. They are consulted in all family matters. Elderly women play a vital role in family disputes, etc. They also perform religious rites. Bakar Qassabs belong to the Sunni sect of Islam. Besides pirs other religious saints are also given due importance and reverence.They get formal modern education up to school, college and university level. Girls have started going to school. They do not, however, go in for higher education due to social reasons. They generally make use of the facilities available in an area. The Bakar Qassab make use of facilities of drinking water available in the area.
Yes
Population 1,486,022
Statewise Population
The Qassab speak Urdu and use the Persian script, These days, the members speak
Hindi and use Devanagari script in their business transactions.
Language
Uttar Pradesh - (845,412), Punjab - (65,805), Haryana - (26,912), Gujarat - (26,796), Bihar - (20,699), Rajasthan - (5,174), Madhya
Pradesh - (3,943), Maharashtra - (1,563), West Bengal - (1,193)
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
: : : ::
Qassabs belong to the Sunni sect of Islam. Besides pirs other religious saints are
also given due importance and reverence. Their major sacred centres are Mecca and
Medina.
Religion :
11-Sep-07 Page 46 of 57Prepared by National Resource Center Source: ASI, Kolkotta and Census of India 2001
People of India
FTT ID: 41367
QAZI PEOPLE
Literally meaning judge, the Qazi are a community of Gujarat
Muslim - Religious group
All over Gujarat State and north of Bihar state.
Landholders and agriculturists are very few among the Qazi. Traditionally the Qazi worked as judges but after the
end of the Muslim rule they began to teach in madrasas and act as imams in dargahs.
marriages are allowed amongst them. Polygyny is permitted but it is rare. Bride-price and mehar are fixed.
The Qazi have commensal relations with all Muslim communities and in certain places, they have entered into
connubial relations with the Sayyed and Sheikh.
The Qazi are non-vegetarian.
YesYes Yes
Alternate name
Identity
Location
Occupation
Relationship
Food
Marriage
Status of Resources
Bible NT Audio Cassettes Radio program "JESUS" Film
Identity of the People
Socio-Economic Status
Yes
QAZI, literally meaning judge, the Qazi are a community of Gujarat. The community people consider themselves as higher than the Sheikh but lower than the Sayyed. Now, the word qazi has come to mean imam. They conduct marriages and act as the chief member on the death of a Muslim. The Qazi are Sunni Muslims and follow the Hanafi school. They are strict in praying five times a day and in observing fasts during the month of the Rarnzan. The Qazi of Wadhawan also participate in the Hindu festivals and observe fast and take cold food on the satharn and ashtam of Shravan month (July—Aug). Some of the Qazi are expert medicine-men and they give talisman to protect the people from evil spirits and cure the ill. The Qazi have commensal relations with all Muslim communities and in certain places, they have entered into connubial relations with the Sayyed and Sheikh. Quite a large number of the Qazi are literate. They rarely adopt family planning measures. They utilize both banking facilities and public distribution system.
Yes
Population 1,201,572
Statewise Population
Urdu is their mother tongue. They ate conversant with Gujarati also. Both the Perso-
Arabic and Gujarati scripts are used.
Language
Bihar - (472,844), West Bengal - (11,032), Gujarat - (3,868), Madhya Pradesh - (1,009)
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
: : : ::
The Qazi are Sunni Muslims and follow the Hanafi school.Religion :
11-Sep-07 Page 47 of 57Prepared by National Resource Center Source: ASI, Kolkotta and Census of India 2001
People of India
FTT ID: 41700
RAJ PEOPLE
In Punjab, the Rai Sikh were earlier called Mahatm and Sirkiband.
Scheduled Tribe
They have settled all along the banks of the Sutlej river in the districts of Ferozepur,
Jalandhar, Ludhiana and Kapurthala. In Haryana, the Rai Sikh are spread in the
Hissar, Karnal and Kurukshetra districts.
A large number of them are working as agricultural and non-agricultural laborers. Animal husbandry is their
secondary occupation
Marriages take place between the Rai Sikh, Mahatm and Sirkiband. They perform marriage rites according to the
Sikh religion. Divorce and remarriage are permitted in their society.
This community maintains very cordial relationship with the scheduled castes and other artisan and sendee castes
of the nearby villages.
They are non-vegetarian who avoid beef; their staple food comprises rice and wheat.
YesYes Yes
Alternate name
Identity
Location
Occupation
Relationship
Food
Marriage
Status of Resources
Bible NT Audio Cassettes Radio program "JESUS" Film
Identity of the People
Socio-Economic Status
Yes
The Rai Sikh claim that they are the descendants of those Rajputs who became Sikh during the reign of Mughal emperor Aurangazeb. The Rajput are also known as Rai and hence, the name Rai Sikh. They had migrated from the Layalpur, Minthumari and Sargodha areas of Pakistan. The community is divided into thirty-six clans. Village exogamy is strictly observed, even in case of people who migrated from the same village in Pakistan. Sons inherit the parental property and get equal shares; succession pattern follows male primogeniture rule.
Formal education is partially favored for boys and girls. They take advantage of the health and medical care and family planning programme. One of the perceptible changes that has taken place during the last ten years is a strong tendency to follow the religious teachings of Radha Soami. This has brought a tremendous transformation in their way of life as most of them have stopped taking alcoholic drinks and have become strictly vegetarian.
Yes
Population 114,669
Statewise Population
They speak Punjabi and use the Gurumukhi script.Language
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
: : : ::
They are followers of Sikh religion.Religion :
11-Sep-07 Page 48 of 57Prepared by National Resource Center Source: ASI, Kolkotta and Census of India 2001
People of India
FTT ID: 41387
RAMDASIA PEOPLE
They are also known as Jatav, Jatia, Golia or Raigar. The Ramdasi are different from
the Raidasi (Rabdasi) Chamar.
Scheduled Castes
Mainly in Punjab. The Jatia Chamar mainly live in the Faridabad and Gurgaon
districts, the Chanaur in the Mahendragarh, Hissar and Jind districts, while the Julaha
Chamar are thinly distributed all over the statearyana
The women tend domestic animals, collect cowdung and fuelwood, cut grass and work as labourers. Some of the
Chamar work as labourers either on daily wages or on an annual contract (sanjhi),
The Ramdasi, Ravidasi, Jatia and Raigar do not intermarry. Each of these groups is divided into gotras, such as
Sidhu, Kauldhar, Kataria and Kaira, whose main function is to regulate marriage alliances.
They do not accept food from the Sapera, Bhangi, Khatik and Sirkiband communities.
Wheat is their staple cereal, while rice is eaten occasionally.
YesYes Yes
Alternate name
Identity
Location
Occupation
Relationship
Food
Marriage
Status of Resources
Bible NT Audio Cassettes Radio program "JESUS" Film
Identity of the People
Socio-Economic Status
Yes
Ramdasia sikh is a people in India. Members of this community were engaged in the profession of weaving. They may at times be also referred to as ‘julaha’ meaning a ‘weaver’ in punjabi and hindi. The total population of this community is about 505,000, 80% of which reside in Punjab alone. The remaining 20% are found in the states of Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. The Sikh Light Infantry draws its man power from the Mazhabi and Ramdasia elements amongst the Sikhs. The terms ravidasia and ramdasia are not synonymous and hence should never be used interchangeably.
The Chamars in Punjab have embraced sikhism and are called ramdasis after Guru Ramdas. The raindasis are different from the radidasi(rabdasi¡)chamars. The former are sikhs and the later are hindus and follow bhagat rav das. Arya samaj movement succeded in converting some chamars.
Yes
Population 941,336
Statewise Population
They speak Punjabi, an Indo-Aryan language, and use the Gurmukhi script. They
speak Haryanvi in Haryana,
Language
Punjab - (213,652), Haryana - (111,679), Rajasthan - (42,905), Uttar Pradesh - (8,371), Chandigarh - (5,358), Maharashtra - (3,722),
Jammu & Kashmir - (1,696)
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
: : : ::
The Raidasi worship the Hindu gods and Guru Ravidas, while the Sikh worship the
Guru Granth Sahib.
Religion :
11-Sep-07 Page 49 of 57Prepared by National Resource Center Source: ASI, Kolkotta and Census of India 2001
People of India
FTT ID: 41622
RELLI PEOPLE
Also known as Sachchari, Chachati or Relli Chachadi, they identify himself or herself
as Sapris or Sapru.
Scheduled Castes
They are distributed in ten out of thirteen districts of Andhra Pradesh.
Main occupations are Selling, Fruits, And, Seeds, and Scavenging.
Cross-cousin marriage, though not common, is practiced
The Relli traditionally accept cooked food and water from the Brahman, Bhottoda, Karan, Paroja and while none
accept cooked food from them.
The Relli are non-vegetarian. Their staple food comprises finger millet (ragi), bulrush millet (gantelu), rice and wheat.
YesYes Yes
Alternate name
Identity
Location
Occupation
Relationship
Food
Marriage
Status of Resources
Bible NT Audio Cassettes Radio program "JESUS" Film
Identity of the People
Socio-Economic Status
Yes
Relli, also known as 'Sachchari', 'Chachati' or 'Relli Chachadi', they identify himself or herself as Sapris or Sapru. Earlier, they lived on the hills, and their chief occupation was to sell grass. Hence, the name Relli. The term ‘relli’ means a kind of grass in the Telugu language. The Relli women participate in all the social, economic, ritual and such as scavenging and other petty jobs in public or private organizations.
The Relli generally do not send their girls to school. Boys study only up to primary level owing to various economic reasons. Their literacy rate according to the census is 16.26 per cent. Benefits of development programmes have reached to some of them. They have made comparitively attitude towards modern medical care and family planning is favourable. They are predominantly hindus though a few of them have converted to chiristianity.
Yes
Population 159,234
Statewise Population
Their mother tongue is the Oriya language. They are also conversant with Telugu and
use its script.
Language
Andhra Pradesh - (129,820), Orissa - (11,845)
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
: : : ::
The Relli are predominantly Hindus. A few of them have embraced Christianity.Religion :
11-Sep-07 Page 50 of 57Prepared by National Resource Center Source: ASI, Kolkotta and Census of India 2001
People of India
FTT ID: 41335
SAINI PEOPLE
They are also known as Mali outside Punjab. They affix Saini as a surname. They call
themselves Shoor Saini or Brave Saini.
In Punjab, the Saini are living in the districts of Ropar, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar and
Gurdaspur.
Land is the main source of economy for the rural section of the Saini in Punjab. They are also engaged in animal
husbandry, trade.
Marriages are monogamous and are arranged through negotiation. The marriage symbols include vermilion (red in
the part of the hair), bangles, bindi (dot on forehead), a finger-ring and ear-rings.
The community has good relations with other communities. The Saini share water sources, crematoria, festivals and
visit religious shrines with other communities.
Both men and women are non-vegetarian. Wheat, rice and maize are the staple cereals.
YesYes Yes
Alternate name
Identity
Location
Occupation
Relationship
Food
Marriage
Status of Resources
Bible NT Audio Cassettes Radio program "JESUS" Film
Identity of the People
Socio-Economic Status
Yes
The Saini are also known as Mali outside Punjab. They affix Saini as a surname. They call themselves Shoor Saini or Brave Saini. Social divisions exist in the community. Differentiation exists at social, economic, religious, occupational and educational levels, which help to regulate marriages and indicate social status. They recognize the varna system and consider themselves Kshatriya. The Saini are an endogamous community. They observe exogamy at the village and gotra levels.
The members of the Saini community are employed in business and white-collar jobs and as teachers, administrators, lawyers, doctors and defense personnel. They are enjoying all the benefits of development activities. The children, both boys and girls, get good education up to college level. They make full use of modern medicare and both sexes accept modern family planning techniques. Their attitude towards savings is positive.
Yes
Population 1,884,865
Statewise Population
The Punjabi language and the Gurumukhi script are usedLanguage
Uttar Pradesh - (439,308), Punjab - (321,792), Haryana - (230,536), Himachal Pradesh - (26,382), Rajasthan - (18,435), Bihar -
(10,546), Chandigarh - (7,356), Maharashtra - (4,430), Jammu & Kashmir - (2,712), Madhya Pradesh - (1,816)
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
: : : ::
The Saini primarily follow Slkhism and Hinduism. A few amongst them follow the
Nirankari sect of Sikhism as well.
Religion :
11-Sep-07 Page 51 of 57Prepared by National Resource Center Source: ASI, Kolkotta and Census of India 2001
People of India
FTT ID: 41270
SAYYID PEOPLE
Muslim - Religious group
The Syed in Uttar Pradesh are distributed throughout the state
The Sayyads are in different pursuits like agriculture, business, service and in a wide variety of white-collar
professions such as medicine, engineering, law and teaching.
Cousin marriages are preferred. Muta too was a popular form of marriage among the followers of Shite tenet but
now it is rarely practised. Only men can divorce; women can seek separation (khula or fariqhkhati) only by foregoing
their right of mehar.
The Sayyid community has socio-economic and religious relations with all the surrounding Hindu and Muslim
communities, respectively.
They are fond of non-vegetarian food. The staple diet of the Sayyads consists of wheat, maize, pulses of chana,
mall, rajmah, masur and seasonal vegetables.
YesYes Yes
Alternate name
Identity
Location
Occupation
Relationship
Food
Marriage
Status of Resources
Bible NT Audio Cassettes Radio program "JESUS" Film
Identity of the People
Socio-Economic Status
Yes
The Syed in Uttar Pradesh are distributed throughout the state. SAYYAD the word ‘seelavanthula’ denotes pure being. The community derived its name from their Muslim brethren is their traditional occupation.
The Sayyads are in different pursuits like agriculture, business, service and in a wide variety of white-collar professions such as medicine, engineering, law and teaching. Health is another aspect which has received their attention. Health care clinics are provided even in remote areas.
The Sayyads occupy the foremost position among the four major classes of Muslims, viz., Sayyad, Sheikh, Mughal and Pathan. Though all are equal, yet in practice there has been a hierarchical grading among them.
Yes
Population 4,721,358
Statewise Population
They speak Urdu. The Hindi language is spoken with the non-Muslim communities.
Both the Perso-Arabic and Devanagari scripts are used.
Language
Uttar Pradesh - (2,104,360), Maharashtra - (1,097,405), Karnataka - (837,936), Andhra Pradesh - (791,650), Rajasthan - (614,503),
Tamil Nadu - (553,116), Bihar - (414,702), West Bengal - (374,042), Madhya Pradesh - (297,621), Gujarat - (232,126), Punjab -
(201,400), Delhi - (67,185), Haryana - (59,705), Orissa - (51,100), Jammu & Kashmir - (9,486)
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
: : : ::
They observe major Muslim festivals like ld-ul-Zuha, Baqrid, Muharram, Shab-e-
Barat, etc.
Religion :
11-Sep-07 Page 52 of 57Prepared by National Resource Center Source: ASI, Kolkotta and Census of India 2001
People of India
FTT ID: 46184
SHAIKH (ASSAMESE) PEOPLE
The word Sheikh is a general term of courtesy equivalent to the English term of
esquire belonging mainly to the three branches of Qureshi family, namely Siddiqi,
Faruqi and Abbassi.
Muslim - Religious group
All over Assam state.
The traditional occupation is agriculture and now are settled cultivation, business and government service; some are
self-employed too.
Consanguineous marriages between parallel- cousins are permitted in the community. Dowry is given in cash and
mehar is promised to be paid in future.
The Sheikh community has socio-economic and religious relations with all the surrounding Hindu and Muslim
communities, respectively.
They are non-vegetarian who take both beef and buffalo meat. Their staple food is rice.
YesYes Yes
Alternate name
Identity
Location
Occupation
Relationship
Food
Marriage
Status of Resources
Bible NT Audio Cassettes Radio program "JESUS" Film
Identity of the People
Socio-Economic Status
Yes
SHEIKH/SHAIK are a community largely distributed in two hundred and fifty-four districts of the country. The word sheikh in Arabic language connotes a person who does justice. A male takes a share double than that of a female in his own generation. The eldest son succeeds to the authority. They perform aqiqa, naming and circumcision. The important marriage rituals observed are lagan, reception of barat,' astomangala (a non-Islamic trait), consent and agreement on den mohar.
The attitude of the Sheikh towards development programmes is quite positive but it is not possible for them to always take advantage of the same due to poverty. Family planning measures have not spread uniformly as they are supposedly against the tenets of Islam. Mass media, communication and transport have helped these people enormously in maintaining relationship with the Muslim spread all over.
Yes
Population 1,707,488
Statewise Population
The Assamese language spoken with an influence of Urdu and Arabic is their mother
tongue. Assamese is the script used.
Language
Assam - (1,707,488)
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
: : : ::
They observe major Muslim festivals like ld-ul-Zuha, Baqrid, Muharram, Shab-e-
Barat, etc.
Religion :
11-Sep-07 Page 53 of 57Prepared by National Resource Center Source: ASI, Kolkotta and Census of India 2001
People of India
FTT ID: 46159
SHAIKH (URDU) PEOPLE
They are Abbasi, Alvi, Ansari, Bene Israel, Faridi, Faruqui, Hashmi, Jafari, Qidwai.-
Qureshi) Siddiqui, Sulaimani and Usmani.
Muslim - Religious group
In Uttar Pradesh
The traditional and primary occupation of the Sheikh is cultivation. They rear buffaloes, cows and goats too.
Business, trade, weaving, government service.
The community comprises both the Shia and Sunni sects. Differentiations are on the basis of Ashrafand non-Ashraf
status which regulate their marriage alliances.
The Sheikh traditionally accept water and food from all other communities except the Bhangi.
Their staple food is rice and wheat supplemented with pulses. They are non-vegetarian who eat buffalo meat.
YesYes Yes
Alternate name
Identity
Location
Occupation
Relationship
Food
Marriage
Status of Resources
Bible NT Audio Cassettes Radio program "JESUS" Film
Identity of the People
Socio-Economic Status
Yes
SHEIKH/SHAIK are a community largely distributed in two hundred and fifty-four districts of the country. The word sheikh in Arabic language connotes a person who does justice. The community includes twenty-eight subgroups like Abbasi, Faruqi, Siddiqi, Usmani, Alavi, Jafari and Qureshi. They came to India during the reign of Shahjahan.
They were the first people who embraced Islam on the advice of prophet Mohammad and so were given the title of Sheikh. Namely Siddiqi, Faruqi and Abbassi.
The community has businessmen, scholars, teachers, advocates, doctors and engineers, and political leaders at the national level. A good number of their boys and girls have received higher education.
Yes
Population 44,851,176
Statewise Population
They speak Urdu with their kin members as well as with other Muslim communities;
with others they speak Hindi. Both the Perso-Arabic and Devanagari scripts are used
by them.
Language
Uttar Pradesh - (44,851,176)
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
: : : ::
They professes Islam and they are Sunni by faith. They observe major Muslim
festivals like ld-ul-Zuha, Baqrid, Muharram, Shab-e-Barat, etc.
Religion :
11-Sep-07 Page 54 of 57Prepared by National Resource Center Source: ASI, Kolkotta and Census of India 2001
People of India
FTT ID: 41314
SUTAR PEOPLE
The Suthar are also called Sutar, Mistari and Viswakarma.
Other Backward Communities
They live in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat state.
The traditional occupation of the Sutar has been carpentry. A majority of them are landless.
Monogamy is the common form of marriage. The symbol of marriage for women is marigalsutra. Some married
women also put vermilion in the parting of hair. Dowry is given in both cash and kind. In kind, the main item is gold.
Traditionally, they accept both cooked and uncooked food from the communities like Brahman, Bania, Kunbi but
they never accept any food from the hands of Vankars, Bhangis and Chamars etc
The Sutar are vegetarian in food habits. Their staple food consists of wheat and rice. They use all kind of pulses like
gram, tur, urad, moong, masur etc.
YesYes Yes
Alternate name
Identity
Location
Occupation
Relationship
Food
Marriage
Status of Resources
Bible NT Audio Cassettes Radio program "JESUS" Film
Identity of the People
Socio-Economic Status
Yes
"The name Suthar or Sutar appears to be a corruption of the Sanskrit word suthradhara meaning a holder of string, referring to the string used either in joining planks or in planning and measuring". The Suthar are also called Sutar, Mistari and Viswakarma.
Both nuclear and mixed extended families are found. The eldest son succeeds as head of the family. There is some rise-in the formation of nuclear families due to the impact of modernization.
The activities of the Mandal is a potent source for the upliftment of the community.They share the facilities of well and other water sources, roads, school, panchayat office etc with members of other communities. The community has a favorable attitude towards formal education for both boys and girls.
Yes
Population 2,484,612
Statewise Population
They speak Gujarati within their kin circle as well as with outsiders, Gujarati script is
used.
Language
Maharashtra - (458,339), Gujarat - (393,650), Andhra Pradesh - (250,376), Madhya Pradesh - (238,127), Karnataka - (41,461)
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
: : : ::
The Sutars profess Hindu religion. They worship lord Viswakarma, lord Siva, Ganesh,
goddess Lakshmi etc. of the wider Hindu pantheon.
Religion :
11-Sep-07 Page 55 of 57Prepared by National Resource Center Source: ASI, Kolkotta and Census of India 2001
People of India
FTT ID: 41312
TARKHAN PEOPLE
The Tarkhan, also known as Takhan, Thirkhan or Tikhan in the Punjabi language, is
an occupational caste engaged in woodwork.
Their original home is in Punjab. Most of them have come to Delhi after partition. In
Delhi, they are mainly concentrated in Shastri Nagar, Shahdara, Faizabad,
Safdarjang, Tilak Nagar, Moti Nagar, Lajpat Nagar etc.
The traditional and primary occupation of the Tarkhan is carpentry and agriculture. However, in Delhi, while the
majority of them are still engaged in the traditional occupation of carpentary.
Monogamy is the common form of marriage. Married women do not use any marriage symbol, but it is considered
wrong for them not to wear earrings. A tendency to ask for dowry has been observed among some affluent families.
The Tarkhan freely participate with members of other neighbouring communities in all kinds of social, ritual, political
and occupational activities
Traditionally, the Tarkhan are vegetarian but at present, a tendency towards consumption of non-vegetarian food
has been observed, especially among the men.
YesYes Yes
Alternate name
Identity
Location
Occupation
Relationship
Food
Marriage
Status of Resources
Bible NT Audio Cassettes Radio program "JESUS" Film
Identity of the People
Socio-Economic Status
Yes
The Tarkhan, also known as Takhan, Thirkhan or Tikhan in the Punjabi language, is an occupational caste engaged in woodwork. The men wear a pyjama and kameez and women wear a salwar, kameez and dupatta. However, at present, a few women have started wearing a sari and blouse and the men western-style pants, shirts or bush shirts. The Tarkhan usually live in joint families. Nuclear families are very few in Delhi, which may be due to their common business. The Tarkhan women suffer secondary status compared to that of men in all walks of life. They participate in all kinds of social, ritual and religious activities along with their men folk. The Tarkhan freely participate with members of other neighboring communities in all kinds of social, ritual, political and occupational activities. Their attitude towards the education of boys and girls is favorable. The majority of boys have received either primary or middle school education..
Yes
Population 2,475,372
Statewise Population
Punjabi language with their community members and in Hindi with non-Punjabis.
They use Gurmukhi script.
Language
Punjab - (789,649), Haryana - (385,843), Jammu & Kashmir - (85,452), Himachal Pradesh - (81,829), Rajasthan - (44,154), Uttar
Pradesh - (43,394), Delhi - (20,457), Chandigarh - (13,495), Maharashtra - (11,346), Madhya Pradesh - (5,014), Gujarat - (4,719),
West Bengal - (2,125)
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
: : : ::
The Tarkhan are Sikh, but in practice they practice a combination of Hinduism and
Sikhism. They visit both Hindu temples andgurudwaras.
Religion :
11-Sep-07 Page 56 of 57Prepared by National Resource Center Source: ASI, Kolkotta and Census of India 2001
People of India
FTT ID: 41568
YASHKUN PEOPLE
People call them differently in different areas. For instance, Borish, Dorshak, Boristi
and so on.
Muslim - Religious group
They are in majority in Giglit, Punial, Yasin, Ishkoman and Chitral. In Kohistan,
Chhilas, Astor, Gurez, Dras, Gultari, Talil and Soro.
They also indulge themselves in agriculture, sheep rearing, cattle rearing and other cottage industries.
The Dejharoo symbolizes that the Kashmiri Pandit woman is married. Muslim women wear bunches of earrings, the
weight of which is supported by a thick silver chain along with several bracelets and necklaces.
Rice and meat is the staple diet of them. The tea that the Kashmiris drink is called Kahva, which is a concoction of
green tea leaves brewed in the samovar and enriched with pounded almonds.
YesNo Yes
Alternate name
Identity
Location
Occupation
Relationship
Food
Marriage
Status of Resources
Bible NT Audio Cassettes Radio program "JESUS" Film
Identity of the People
Socio-Economic Status
Yes
It is unanimously believed about the YaŜkuņ that they are related with Aryan. They migrated via Hindu Kush to the Northern Pakistan. In the history, YaŜkuņs came via Pamir to the sub-continent before the Şiņ tribes.
They are in majority in Giglit, Punial, Yasin, Ishkoman and Chitral. In Kohistan, Chhilas, Astor, Gurez, Dras, Gultari, Talil and Soro, the Şiņs are in majority.People call them differently in different areas. For instance, Borish, Dorshak, Boristi and so on.
The Şiņs preferably marry within the ranges of their own castes. In reality, there is no up and low in terms of their castes as Şiņ and YaŜkuņ both are counted as "Ulsia" ( subjects, bonafied residents. Their many other branches are found in Chhilas, Darel, Tagir, Tumar, Harban and Sazin.
No
Population 230,291
Statewise Population
Kashmiri is spoken and the Devanagari script used.Language
Jammu & Kashmir - (230,291)
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
: : : ::
Ninety percent of the population in the valley professes Islam of both Sunni and Shia
sects.
Religion :
11-Sep-07 Page 57 of 57Prepared by National Resource Center Source: ASI, Kolkotta and Census of India 2001