Gadaria people: Difference between revisions
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== Present Circumstances == |
== Present Circumstances == |
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The Gaderia are divided into two main endogamous groups, namely the [[Dhangar]] and Nikhar. They are divided in to twelve sub castes, the Baghel, Bamhaniya, Chandel, Dhingar, Haranwal, Kachhwaha, Nikhar, Phul Singhiya, Rathore |
The Gaderia are divided into two main endogamous groups, namely the [[Dhangar]] and Nikhar. They are divided in to twelve sub castes, the Baghel, Bamhaniya, Chandel, Dhingar, Haranwal, Kachhwaha, Nikhar, Phul Singhiya, Rathore, Sagar and Saraswar. |
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The community is endogamous, and maintains [[gotra]] exogamy. They are [[Hindu]] and worshipers of the [[Shakti]] cult. In addition, they also worship a number of village deities. |
The community is endogamous, and maintains [[gotra]] exogamy. They are [[Hindu]] and worshipers of the [[Shakti]] cult. In addition, they also worship a number of village deities. |
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Revision as of 23:19, 30 October 2009
The Gaderia, also known as Dhangar, Baghel or Pal, is a Hindu caste found mainly in North India. [1]
History and Origin
The Gaderia are a caste of shepherds, goat herders and blanket makers. The name is derived from the Hindi word Gadar, which means sheep. They are historically close to the Ahir community. The Baghela sect of the Gaderia derive their name from the Baghela river, which flows in Madhya Pradesh. According to their traditions a Gaderia king named Baghela ruled them and they claim descent from him. Their emigration is said to have occurred in the middle ages[2]
Present Circumstances
The Gaderia are divided into two main endogamous groups, namely the Dhangar and Nikhar. They are divided in to twelve sub castes, the Baghel, Bamhaniya, Chandel, Dhingar, Haranwal, Kachhwaha, Nikhar, Phul Singhiya, Rathore, Sagar and Saraswar.
The community is endogamous, and maintains gotra exogamy. They are Hindu and worshipers of the Shakti cult. In addition, they also worship a number of village deities.
Their main occupation has remained the rearing of cows and buffaloes, as well as sheep and goats. Generally, landholdings are small, and many members of the community are involved in private and government service.
They have a caste council, which deals with issues of disputes with in the community, elopements, divorce and petty theft.[3]