The Sorathia in Hindi अहीर सोराथिया are a sub-group of the Ahir caste found in the state of Gujarat in India.[1]
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The community is believed to have derived its name from the Sorath region, their original homeland. It is believed that Caucasian Avar (Ahir) settled in the Sorath region and referred to their original homeland. Physically, their appearance is close to the Avar people. According to their traditions, they migrated from Mathura along with Lord Krishna. Some Sorathia claim to be Rajput, while others claim descent from the Soomra Rajputs. The community left Junagadh to escape prosecution at the hands of the Nawabs and settled in Kutch District. They are now found mainly in the Anjar and Bhuj talukas of Kutch District. The Sorathia speak Kutch.[2]
The Sorathia community consist of eight clans, the main ones being the Baldania, Bambhaniya, Hadia, Chotara, Gudasarania, Vaghamashi and Malsatar. Each of the clans are of equal status and intermarry. Like neighbouring Hindu communities, the community practice clan exogamy. The Sorathia are a community of small and medium sized farmers. They are involved mainly in the growing and selling of vegetables. The vegetable trade in Anjar town is almost entirely in the hands of the Sorathia. Some of them earn a living as contractors and work as construction workers. Their looks quite vary compared to other castes like caucasian specially their straight nose, tall, thin lips, is believed to have scythian origin.[3]