Pasi (caste)
| Regions with significant populations | |
|---|---|
| |
| Languages | |
| Hindi | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Turuk Pasi |
The Pasi are one of the untouchable communities (or dalits) who are now classified as a Scheduled Caste under modern India's system of positive discrimination. As untouchables, they were traditionally considered outside the Hindu ritual ranking system of castes known as varna. They are found in the northern Indian states of Bihar, Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh as well in the Terai region of Nepal.[1][2]
Present circumstances
They are a community of small peasant farmers. Many have started to migrate to cities, and are now engaged in businesses, private and government service and industrial labour.[3]
In Bihar, the Pasi are also known as the Chaudhary. The community were traditionally connected with toddy tapping. They are found throughout Bihar, and speak the Magadhi dialect of Hindi. They have four sub-divisions, namely the Tirsulia, Gaiduha, Kamani and Byadha. In addition to toddy tapping, the community now are also involved in a number of activities such as petty business.[4]
See also
- Turuk Pasi
- Singahi Bhiraura Pasi Warriors in the Mogul Army.
References
- ↑ "Census India 2001". Retrieved 2013-04-08.
- ↑ "Pasi Samaj, a Dalit sub-caste, demands more representation". Indian Express Newspaper. 2008-11-16. Retrieved 2013-04-08.
- ↑ People of India Uttar Pradesh Volume XLII Part Three by K S Singh page 1133
- ↑ People of India Bihar Volume XVI Part Two edited by S Gopal & Hetukar Jha pages 759 to 765 Seagull Books
External links