Bhantu

The Bhantu are a Hindu caste found in North India, and those in Uttar Pradesh have scheduled caste status .^[1]

Origin

The word bhantu in Hindi said to mean different. They were one of the many nomadic groups found in North India. The Bhantu claim to be Rajput soldiers in the army of Maharana Pratap, who after his defeat at the hands of the Mughal Emperor Akbar dispersed into forests. Their the community took up dacoity and theft. During the period of British, they were notified under the Criminal Tribes Act. Many were exiled to the Andaman Islands. In 1952, they were allowed to return to Uttar Pradesh, and many were settled in Shekhupur village in Badaun District. They are now found mainly in the districts of Moradabad, Kanpur, and Kheri.^[2]

Present circumstances

The community consists of seven exogamous clans, the Gaado , Dholia, Cherele, Banswale, Dhapan, Sadheke, Mina and Marwari. Marriages are strictly prohibitted within the clans.^[3]

The Bhantu were traditionally a nomadic community involved with in dacoity and robbery. Most Bhantus are now settled, and are involved with daily wage labour. A small number are a now petty traders as well. The community is Hindu, and their tribal deity is Sheranwali Mataji.^{[citation needed]}

References