Patanwadia

The Patanwadia are Hindu caste found in the state of Gujarat in India. They are also known as Thakore, Thakarda, Dharala and Baria.[1]

History and origin

The Patanwadia are sub-group of the larger Koli community, and get their name from the city of Patan, in Mehsana District. Patan was the historic capital of Gujarat. They have historically connected with the Rajputs of Gujarat, with whom they maintain hypergamous marriages. The Patanwadia are found mainly in Kheda, Vadodara, Mehsana, Bharuch and Surat districts of Gujarat. They speak Gujarati, have backward caste status.[2]

Present circumstances

The Patanwadia have a number of clans which are not strictly exogamous in nature. There main clans are the Solanki, Jhala, Chavda, Gohil, Chauhan, Vaghela and Rathore, all of whom are also pre-existing Rajput clans. Recently (British Raj) due to the process of sanskritzation, they consider themselves to be of Kshatriya status . However, other groups consider them to be Koli sub-group. The Patanwadia are traditionally agriculturist and also act as village guards. They are mainly small and medium sized farmers, with many also keep buffaloes. As a result of urbanization, many are involved in the cutting and polishing of diamonds, especially those who have settled in the city of Surat.[3]

See also

References

  1. ↑ People of India Gujarat Volume XXI Part Three edited by R.B Lal, P.B.S.V Padmanabham, G Krishnan & M Azeez Mohideen pages 1088-1093
  2. ↑ People of India Gujarat Volume XXI Part Three edited by R.B Lal, P.B.S.V Padmanabham, G Krishnan & M Azeez Mohideen pages 1088-1093
  3. ↑ People of India Gujarat Volume XXI Part Three edited by R.B Lal, P.B.S.V Padmanabham, G Krishnan & M Azeez Mohideen pages 1088-1093
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