Bagri Kumhar
Introduction
This article is primarily based on historical records from the British Raj era, as no contemporary sources or modern data about this caste are available in public domains, either online or in recent publications. The information reflects observations made by colonial administrators and may not accurately represent the current status or practices of the caste in modern India. Readers should interpret the article within the context of the historical period from which the data is drawn.
History
The historical origins of this caste are documented in British Raj records, which describe the community’s migration and settlement patterns during the colonial period. Since no modern sources are available, the post-independence evolution of the caste remains undocumented in this article.
The Bagri Kumhars are a community residing in the Bagar region, with historical roots in migration from Jodhpur and Bikaner. They are distinct from other Kumhar groups in India, particularly in terms of occupation and physical traits[1].
Occupations
The Raj-era sources describe this caste as primarily involved in agriculture during the colonial period[2] with many members owning land. Their physical appearance, language, and clothing are similar to the Jat community,[3] and they follow similar traditions in weddings and funerary customs.[4]However, changes in land reforms, economic activities, and social dynamics may have significantly impacted their occupation after independence, though no recent data is available to confirm this.
Due to their focus on agriculture, the Bagri Kumhars are associated with the Vaishya varna.[5]
Wedding Customs
The wedding customs described in this section are based on historical records from the British Raj era. These practices reflect the customs and rituals as observed by colonial administrators during that time. Since no contemporary sources are available, it is important to note that these customs may have evolved or changed significantly in modern times. This article does not provide information on current practices or variations that may have developed since the colonial period. Further research is needed to understand the current wedding customs of this caste.
On the day of the wedding, after the date and number of attendees (barat) have been arranged, the wedding procession proceeds to the bride's village in the evening. Upon arrival, the party is hosted at a designated house within the village. As part of the ceremony, a Kumhar presents the groom's family with an unused earthen pitcher filled with green jand leaves, for which he receives Rs. 1 and 4 annas from the groom’s father. Later, some men from both the bride’s and groom’s families gather in the village square (chowk). There, the bride’s barber (nai) offers sweetened water to the baratis, while the Kumhar presents another pitcher filled with jand leaves. Both the Kumhar and the nai are then given two half-annas (takke) each as a token of gratitude. Additionally, the carpenter (uthar) brings several items for the ceremony: a patra (a wooden frame on which the groom sits for his ritual bath), a turan (a decorative wooden frame to be hung over the door), and a mandha (a bamboo canopy draped with red cloth). In return for his services, the uthar is given Rs. 1 and 4 annas by the bride’s father. The bride’s father also presents the groom with a coconut (narial), one rupee in cash, and a shawl (mee, chadar) valued at Rs. 1 and 4 annas. Following this, the groom is led to the bride's house, where the turan is already hung over the door. As part of the ritual, the groom touches the turan with a green, leafy branch from a beri tree before entering the house. Once inside, he sits on a couch for a short period, marking the continuation of the ceremony.[4]
Need for Further Research
This article is based on historical records from the British colonial era. There is a lack of contemporary sources that document the caste’s current role, practices, and status in Indian society. Further research is required to update this information and provide a more complete picture of the caste’s evolution post-independence.
References
- ↑ Final Report on the Revision of Settlement of the Sirsá District in the Punjáb. Nabu Press. 1884. p. 103. ISBN 978-1144678294. Search this book on
- ↑ Final Report on the Revision of Settlement of the Sirsá District in the Punjáb. [Calcutta], [Printed by the Calcutta central Press Co.] 1884. p. 206. ISBN 978-1144678294. Search this book on
- ↑ final report on the revision of settlement of the sirsa district. Nabu Press. 1884. p. 104. ISBN 978-1144678294. Search this book on
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Gazetteer Of The Ferozepore District, 1915. pp. 63, 66. Search this book on
- ↑ Boesche, Roger (1 March 2003). The First Great Political Realist. Lexington Books. p. 24. ISBN 978-0-73910-607-5. Search this book on
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