Gadaria people
The Gaderia, also known as Dhangar, Baghel or Pal, is a Hindu caste found mainly in North India. [1] [2]
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[3]
In Haryana, the Gaderia claim that took the rearing of goats, when they were pushed into the jungle by rivals. They have four sub-groups, the Dhangar, Nabbhar, Kanchane and Saila. The community speak Haryanvi. [4]
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. A significant number of Gadariya are now small and medium sized farmers.
They have a caste council, which deals with issues of disputes with in the community, elopements, divorce and petty theft.[5]
The four divisions of the Haryana do not intermarry. Each of the four sub-divisions are further divided into clans, the main ones being the Hirenwal, Bania, Saraswat, Katharia, Kastur, Jhindwaar, Panwar, Chandol, Kalandhar, Phulsange, Pakhia, Chandal, Tikia-Chandan and Pipalhere. The Gadarias practice endogamy and maintain village and clan exogamy. [6]
See also
References
- ^ People of India Uttar Pradesh Volume XLII Part two by K S Singh page 480 Manohar Publications
- ^ People of India Haryana Volume XXIII edited by M.K Sharma and A.K Bhatia pages 162 to 165 Manohar
- ^ People of India Uttar Pradesh Volume XLII Part two by K S Singh page 481 Manohar Publications
- ^ People of India Haryana Volume XXIII edited by M.K Sharma and A.K Bhatia pages 162 to 165 Manohar
- ^ People of India Uttar Pradesh Volume XLII Part two by K S Singh page 480-485 Manohar Publications
- ^ People of India Haryana Volume XXIII edited by M.K Sharma and A.K Bhatia pages 162 to 165 Manohar