Kathi people: Difference between revisions
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=== People === |
=== People === |
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Devotee of [[Swaminarayan]], Darbar Shri of [[Gadhada]] [[Dada Khachar]] was born into this caste. The Kathi Darbar community is connected much of the history of Gujarat. Noted warriors such as Jogidas Khuman, Ram Vala, Chapraj Vala and also the saints Aebhalji Vala, Aapa Giga, Danbapu Chalala, Vihalanath Paliyad, Apa Goarkha, Apa Jadara Songadh and Apa Ratabapu Moladi were born into this Kshatriya caste. |
Devotee of [[Swaminarayan]], Darbar Shri of [[Gadhada]] [[Dada Khachar]] was born into this caste. The Kathi Darbar community is connected much of the history of Gujarat. Noted warriors such as Jogidas Khuman, Ram Vala, Chapraj Vala and also the saints Aebhalji Vala, Aapa Giga, Danbapu Chalala, Vihalanath Paliyad, Apa Goarkha, Apa Jadara Songadh and Apa Ratabapu Moladi were born into this Kshatriya caste. |
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== James Tod on Kathis == |
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[[James Tod]] is a pioneer historian who thoroughly scrutinized the bardic records of [[Rajasthan]] and [[Gujarat]]. We reproduce the [[James Todd Annals/Chapter 7 Catalogue of the Thirty Six Royal Races|Chapter 7 Catalogue of the Thirty Six Royal Races]] from [[Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan]], Volume I, Publisher: Humphrey Milford Oxford University Press 1920, p. 133-134: |
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[p.133]: Of the ancient notices of this people much has been |
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already said, and all the genealogists, both of [[Rajasthan]] and |
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[[Saurashtra]], concur in assigning it a place amongst the royal races |
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of India. It is one of the most important tribes of the western |
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peninsula, and which has effected the change of the name from |
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[[Saurashtra]] to [[Kathiawar]]. |
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Of all its inhabitants the [[Kathi]] retains most originality : his |
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religion, his manners, and his looks, all are decidedly [[Scythic]]. He |
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occupied, in the time of [[Alexander]], that nook of the [[Panjab]] near |
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the confluent five streams. It was against these [[Alexander]] |
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marched in person, when he nearly lost his life, and where he left |
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such a signal memorial of his vengeance. The [[Kathi]] can be |
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traced from these scenes to his present haunts. In the earlier |
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portion of the [[Annals of Jaisalmer]] mention is made of their conflicts with the Kathi ; and their own traditionsfix their settlement in the peninsula from the south-eastern part of the valley of the Indus, about the eighth century. The late Captain Macmurdo, whose death was a loss to the service and to literature, gives an animated account of the habits of the [[Kathi]]. His opinions coincide entirely with my own regarding this race. <ref>See vol. i. p. 270, Trans. Soc. of Bombay. [For accounts of the Kathi see BG, ix. Part i. 252 ft'., viii. 122 ff.</ref> Under the Mahrattas Kathiawar, the name of the Kathi tract, was extended to the whole of [[Saurashtra]]. <ref>Wilberforce-Bell, Hist, of Kathiawad, 132 f.</ref> |
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In the twelfth century the [[Kathi]] were conspicuous in the wars |
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with [[Prithwiraja]], there being several leaders of the tribe attached |
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[p.134]: |
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to his army, as well as to that of [112] his rival, the monarch of |
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[[Kanauj]]. Though on this occasion they acted in some degree of subservience to the monarch of [[Anhilwara]], it would seem that |
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this was more voluntary than forced. |
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The [[Kathi]] still adores the sun scorns the peaceful arts, and is much less contented with the tranquil subsistence of industry |
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than the precarious earnings of his former predatory pursuits. |
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The Kathi was never happy but on horseback, collecting his |
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blackmail, lance in hand, from friend and foe. |
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We will conclude this brief sketch with Captain Macmurdo's |
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character of this race, " The [[Kathi]] differs in some respects from |
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the [[Rajput]]. He is more cruel in his disposition, but far exceeds |
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him in the virtue of bravery and a character possessed of more energy than a Kathi does not exist. His size is considerably |
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larger than common, often exceeding six feet. He is sometimes |
|||
seen with light hair and blue-coloured eyes. His frame is athletic |
|||
and bony, and particularly well adapted to his mode of life. His |
|||
countenance is expressive, but of the worst kind, being harsh, |
|||
and often destitute of a single mild feature." |
|||
== Kathi kshatriya and kathiyawari breed == |
== Kathi kshatriya and kathiyawari breed == |
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Revision as of 05:22, 2 December 2016
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The Kathi Darbar (Template:Lang-gu) is a Kshatriya caste found in Saurashtra region of Gujarat, western India.[1] Kathi Kshatriya are popularly referred as Kathi Darbar.[2]
History and origin
The Kathi are said to have given their name to the Kathiawar region and to be mythologically descended from the Sura, an ancient race of sun worshipers found in western India. Kathi are said to be one of the 36 rajput clan [3] Colonial British historians consider the Kathi to be an invading foreign Scythian tribe that settled in the Kathiawar region in the second century BC.[4] During the time of Sikandar's attack on Punjab, Kathis manfully opposed him, in this conflict, he was wounded badly and that wound became the reason of his death. Because of their bravery, Kathis put up the strongest opposition to the Marathas.[5]
Present circumstances
The Kathi have two divisions, the Sankhyavat and Auratia. These divisions are hierarchical in nature, with the former considered royalty. There are three clans found among the Sankhyavat namely the Vala,Khachar and Khuman. and Auratiya namely Dhakhada, Varu, Kotila, Patgir, Basiya, Bala, Dhadhal, Shekhva, Boricha, Khavad, Gida, Jebaliya, Manjariya, Khada, Mala, Jalu, Babariya, Bhicharia and many more. Strict exogamy is maintained between the Auratia and Sankhyavat. They are found in Kathiawar of Gujarat.[6] Kathi darbar are horse lovers and they have Kathiawari horses, which are known worldwide.[7] It is noted that the Kathi Darbar will never forget an enemy as shown in the proverb "કાળ છોડે પણ કાઠી નહિ" (Time (Death) Forgets But Not Kathi)".
People
Devotee of Swaminarayan, Darbar Shri of Gadhada Dada Khachar was born into this caste. The Kathi Darbar community is connected much of the history of Gujarat. Noted warriors such as Jogidas Khuman, Ram Vala, Chapraj Vala and also the saints Aebhalji Vala, Aapa Giga, Danbapu Chalala, Vihalanath Paliyad, Apa Goarkha, Apa Jadara Songadh and Apa Ratabapu Moladi were born into this Kshatriya caste.
James Tod on Kathis
James Tod is a pioneer historian who thoroughly scrutinized the bardic records of Rajasthan and Gujarat. We reproduce the Chapter 7 Catalogue of the Thirty Six Royal Races from Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan, Volume I, Publisher: Humphrey Milford Oxford University Press 1920, p. 133-134: [p.133]: Of the ancient notices of this people much has been already said, and all the genealogists, both of Rajasthan and Saurashtra, concur in assigning it a place amongst the royal races of India. It is one of the most important tribes of the western peninsula, and which has effected the change of the name from Saurashtra to Kathiawar.
Of all its inhabitants the Kathi retains most originality : his religion, his manners, and his looks, all are decidedly Scythic. He occupied, in the time of Alexander, that nook of the Panjab near the confluent five streams. It was against these Alexander marched in person, when he nearly lost his life, and where he left such a signal memorial of his vengeance. The Kathi can be traced from these scenes to his present haunts. In the earlier portion of the Annals of Jaisalmer mention is made of their conflicts with the Kathi ; and their own traditionsfix their settlement in the peninsula from the south-eastern part of the valley of the Indus, about the eighth century. The late Captain Macmurdo, whose death was a loss to the service and to literature, gives an animated account of the habits of the Kathi. His opinions coincide entirely with my own regarding this race. [8] Under the Mahrattas Kathiawar, the name of the Kathi tract, was extended to the whole of Saurashtra. [9]
In the twelfth century the Kathi were conspicuous in the wars with Prithwiraja, there being several leaders of the tribe attached
[p.134]: to his army, as well as to that of [112] his rival, the monarch of Kanauj. Though on this occasion they acted in some degree of subservience to the monarch of Anhilwara, it would seem that this was more voluntary than forced.
The Kathi still adores the sun scorns the peaceful arts, and is much less contented with the tranquil subsistence of industry than the precarious earnings of his former predatory pursuits. The Kathi was never happy but on horseback, collecting his blackmail, lance in hand, from friend and foe.
We will conclude this brief sketch with Captain Macmurdo's character of this race, " The Kathi differs in some respects from the Rajput. He is more cruel in his disposition, but far exceeds him in the virtue of bravery and a character possessed of more energy than a Kathi does not exist. His size is considerably larger than common, often exceeding six feet. He is sometimes seen with light hair and blue-coloured eyes. His frame is athletic and bony, and particularly well adapted to his mode of life. His countenance is expressive, but of the worst kind, being harsh, and often destitute of a single mild feature."
Kathi kshatriya and kathiyawari breed
The Kathi are said to have given their name to the Kathiawar region and to be mythologically descended from the Sura, an ancient race of sun worshipers found in western India.[10] kathiyawari horse derive its name from region kathiyawar. There is no more trustworthy account of the origin of the Kathiwari horse than there is of the Kathi kshatriya themselves.kathi kshatriya have contributed well in development of kathiyawari breed like rathore contribution in development of marwari. It is probable that they brought mares with them when they migrated from the north.The best horse-breeding district is Panchal in the heart, of the province, mostly ruled by kathi kshatriya including Chotila, Paliyad, Anandpur, Bhimora, and Jasdan. Every requirement to successful horse-breeding is found in the PanchAl, favourable soil for the formation of the foot, hilly ground for the development of muscle, running streams of pure water, most nourishing grasses, and a dry and hot climate. From early times this tract has been visited by agents of Rajputana chiefs and others anxious to secure the Kathi blood.[11] so proud are the kathi kshatriya of their horse that they rarely sold them.[12] captain Grant write in his letter that when kathi kshatriya were on outlaw, while outlaws slept their mare watched by their side, and on hearing a suspicious sound tugged at their owner's sleeves, and horses has been favourate theme of their charan singers.[13]kathi kshatriya are known for best horsemanship and horse breeding.Kathi Kshatriya are horse lovers and they have Kathiawari horses, which are known worldwide[14]
References
- ^ Folk Tales Of Gujarat By Alaka Shankar Page 23
- ^ People of India Gujarat Volume XXI Part Two edited by R.B Lal, P.B.S.V Padmanabham, G Krishnan & M Azeez Mohideen page 614 Folk art and culture of Gujarat: guide to the collection of the Shreyas Folk Museum of Gujarat
- ^ James Todd, Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan, Volume I,: Chapter 7 Catalogue of the Thirty Six Royal Races, pp.133-134
- ^ People of India Gujarat Volume XXI Part Two edited by R.B Lal, P.B.S.V Padmanabham, G Krishnan & M Azeez Mohideen pages 614-619
- ^ Wilberforce-Bell, Capt. H. The History of Kathiawad from the earliest times. p. 1.
- ^ People of India Gujarat Volume XXI Part Two edited by R.B Lal, P.B.S.V Padmanabham, G Krishnan & M Azeez Mohideen pages 614-619
- ^ International Encyclopedia of Horse Breeds Page 251-252
- ^ See vol. i. p. 270, Trans. Soc. of Bombay. [For accounts of the Kathi see BG, ix. Part i. 252 ft'., viii. 122 ff.
- ^ Wilberforce-Bell, Hist, of Kathiawad, 132 f.
- ^ People of India Gujarat Volume XXI Part Two edited by R.B Lal, P.B.S.V Padmanabham, G Krishnan & M Azeez Mohideen pages 614-619
- ^ 1884GazetteerByBombayPresidencyVol8Kathiawar page-97
- ^ 1884GazetteerByBombayPresidencyVol8Kathiawar page-98
- ^ THE OUTLAWS OF KATHIAWAR AND OTHER STUDIES BY C.A.KINCAI PAGE:- 61
- ^ International Encyclopedia of Horse Breeds Page 251-252