Singiwala

The Singiwala are both a scheduled caste, as well as a Muslim community, found in the state of Rajasthan in India. They also known as Jheewar Bangalee.^[1] Many members of Singiwala community have migrated to Pakistan after independence have settled in Karachi, Sindh.

History and origin

The name Singiwala is derived from a combination of two Hindi words, the singi which refers to a conical brass pipe with a wide mouth and wala which means holder. The Singi pipe is used to suck impure blood from wounds. They are divided into twelve and half exogamous clans, the main ones being the Sauda, Nakpulla, Pardesi, Dilwali, Savara, Kalandar, Gyarah Donbde, Teli, Mewadi and Radi. All the clans have equal status, and there is no concept of hypergamy. A section of the Singiwala emigrated to Haryana in the 18th Century and now form a distinct community known as Singikat.^[2]

Present circumstances

The community is now found mainly in the districts of Kota district, Jaipur, Tonk. Udaipur, Sawai Madhopur and Ganganagar. They speak Hindi, and have an understanding of Rajasthani.

The Singiwala are the traditional surgeons for treating wounds,pains and psoriasis eczema. They are an extremely marginal community, and are mostly illiterate. The Singiwala are converted or divided into Hindu to/and Muslim branches, with the Hindus having scheduled caste status.^[3]

See also

• Dalit
• List of Scheduled castes in Rajasthan

References

1. People of India Rajasthan Volume XXXVIII Part Two edited by B.K Lavania, D. K Samanta, S K Mandal & N.N Vyas pages 925 to 929 Popular Prakashan
2. People of India Rajasthan Volume XXXVIII Part Two edited by B.K Lavania, D. K Samanta, S K Mandal & N.N Vyas pages 925 to 929 Popular Prakashan
3. People of India Rajasthan Volume XXXVIII Part Two edited by B.K Lavania, D. K Samanta, S K Mandal & N.N Vyas pages 925 to 929 Popular Prakashan