The Paratharia (Hindi: अहीर परथारिया) are a sub-division of the Ahir caste found in the state of Gujarat in India.[1]
The community is believed to have derived its name from the Parathar region, their original homeland. According to their traditions, they migrated from Mathura along with Lord Krishna to the Parathar region of Saurashtra. The Paratharia then migrated to Kutch about four to five hundred years ago. They are now distributed in eighty four villages in Kutch District, out of which thirty four are in Bhuj taluka, twenty four Anjar talukas and twelve villages in Nakathrana. A few are also found in Saurashtra. The Paratharia are a Gujarati speaking community.[2]
The Paratharia community consist of a number of clans, the main ones being the Baththa, Gegal, Dheela, Dangar, Changha, Varjun, Matha and Chod. Each of the clans are of equal status and intermarry. Like neighbouring Hindu communities, the community practice clan exogamy. The Paratharia are a community of small and medium sized farmers. Milk selling is an important subsidiary of the community. A small number are now petty businessmen.[3]
chad and chavda