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A Mazhabi is a Sikh who has converted religion from the Valmiki faith and also practices Balmikism they are classified as belonging to the Dalit population of Punjab and Haryana in Northern India. The Government of India recognises Mazhabis as Scheduled Castes and Tribes, as part of their official affirmative action program.
Also referred to as Harijans and untouchables, Dalits are accorded low status in ancient Indian caste system, often employed as leather-workers, scavengers or labourers.
Punjab is the state in the Indian Union with the highest percentage (29.9%)of Dalits [1]. The main Dalit groups of Punjab include Balmikis, Chamars, Churas, Kabirpanthis, Nais, Mazhabis, Rangrehtas, Mirasis, Muhajirs, Masallis, Ramdasias and Ravidasis. Since the Independence of India, many Mazhabis have embraced Sikhism.
The word "Mazhabi" seems to be of Arabic origin (مذهبي) meaning "sectarian" or "of sect"; like many words related to Sikh religion and theology.
[edit] Famous Punjab Dalits
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