Sahariya caste

For the Munda tribe, see Saharia.
Saharia
Total population
(40,000 [1])
Regions with significant populations
•  India
Languages
• Hindi
Religion
• Hinduism 100% •
Related ethnic groups
• Panika • Parahiya • Bind

The Saharia are a scheduled caste found in the Bundelkhand region of North India. They are also known as Rawat, Banrawat, Banrakha and Soarain.[2]

History and origin

The term saharia is derived from the Hindi word sahra, meaning jungle, thus Sahariya means jungle dwellers. They trace their origin from Shabri of the Ramayana. Others claim descent from Baiju Bheel, a worshiper of the Hindu god Shiva. The community is divided into several exogamous gotras, the main ones being Sanauna, Rajauria, Lodhi, Chandele, Rohtele, Solanki, Khareyia, Bagolia, Jecheria, Kusmorna, Chakardiya, Kurwana and Theogana.[3]

Present circumstances

The Sahariya are found in the Bundelkhand region, which covers parts of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh states. This region is covered with thick and thin forest, with low rainfall, and is home to number of other tribal communities such as the Chero and Kol. Forests are a major economic resource for the Sahariya community. Their traditional occupations are cutting wood, collecting honey, making baskets, mining and quarrying, and breaking stones. Basketry is also an important craft the community.[4]

The community has a caste council, headed by a patel, and the council imposes fines and social boycotts on the offenders found guilty of committing rape, elopement and adultery.

The Sahariya are Hindu and worship a number of local deities such as Bhavani, Gond Devta, Bundela Devta, Soorin and Bijasur.[5]

See also

References

  1. ↑ http://www.joshuaproject.net/people-profile.php
  2. ↑ People of India Uttar Pradesh Volume XLII edited by A Hasan & J C Das pages 1231 to 1235
  3. ↑ People of India Uttar Pradesh Volume XLII edited by A Hasan & J C Das page 1232 to 1236
  4. ↑ People of India Uttar Pradesh Volume XLII edited by A Hasan & J C Das page 1234
  5. ↑ People of India Uttar Pradesh Volume XLII edited by A Hasan & J C Das page 1235
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