Chura

Chura (Punjabi: ਚੂੜ੍ਹਾ) is a caste in Punjab and other northern Indian states whose traditional occupation in historical times was sweeping. In contemporary Punjab, Churas are largely followers of Hinduism (in India). A significant minority of Churas also belong to the Balmiki sect^[1][2][3] also practise Hinduism, incorporating elements of Sikhism. They were treated as Dalits^[4][5] before the abolition of untouchability after India gained independence.

Demographics

As of 2001, according to the Indian Census, Mazhabi Sikhs are 9.98% of Punjab's population, while Balmiki Hindus form another 3.53%. Together, the parent Chura caste forms 13.52% of the Punjab's population.^[6]

In Sikhism

By the 15th century, Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, brought a new message and spoke out against untouchability.^[7] He stressed that all people were equal^[8] and the new religion forbade untouchability.^[9] After Guru Tegh Bahadur was executed on the orders of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, a Chura clansman called Bhai Jaita rescued the severed head and brought it back to Guru Gobind Singh, who initiated him into Sikhism and baptized him as Bhai Jiwan Singh. The Churas then flocked to the new religion, though in practice discrimination against Mazhabi Sikhs by upper caste Sikhs (belonging to the Jat and Rajput castes) still persists, and intermarriage is uncommon. Amongst Sikhs, the Churas are known as a martial caste called Mazhabis^[10][11] and have a fine reputation as soldiers; a reputation made famous by their service in the Sikh 10th Light Infantry.^[12]

In Christianity

Churas were converted to Christianity in North India during the British raj. The vast majority were converted from the Mazhabi Sikh community, and to a lesser extent from the Hindu Churas, under the influence of enthusiastic British army officers and Christian missionaries. Consequently, since partition they are now divided between Pakistani Punjab and Indian Punjab. Large numbers were also converted in the Moradabad district and the Bijnor district^[13] of Uttar Pradesh. Rohilkhand once saw a mass conversion of its entire population of 4500 Mazhabi Sikhs into the Methodist Church.^[14] Sikh organisations became alarmed at the rate of conversions among the Mazhabi Sikhs and responded by immediately dispatching Sikh missionaries to counteract the conversions.

In Islam

Islam despite placing great emphasis on social equality and brotherhood among all Muslims did not address the problem of untouchability for the Churas or Bhangis, even if they did convert.^[15] As a result, only a very few members from this community ever embraced Islam, most converting to Christianity. Churas adopted the externals of Islam by keeping Muslim names, observing Ramadan and burial of the dead.^[16] However they never underwent circumcision.^[17] Only a few cases of circumcision have ever been recorded for Churas or Bhangis^[18] and these were Churas who lived very near Jama Masjid.^[19] The Churas did not accept Mohammed as their prophet^[20] and also continued observing traditional Hindu festivals, such as Diwali, Raki and Holi.^[21] Just like their Hindu brethren they continued with their traditional caste work.^[22] in India and the caste system was fully observed by Muslims.^[23] Untouchability was fully accepted and justified by the Muslim Orthodoxy^[24] in India and the caste system was fully observed by Muslim society.^[25] Just like Hindu Churas who were barred from entrance to temples in historical times; Muslim Churas are still today barred from entrance to mosques^[26] and never allowed to go past the outside steps to Muslim religious places.^[27] Untouchablily in Islam even extended after death; Churas were to bury their dead in separate graveyards away from other Muslims.^[28]

In Hinduism

A significant minority of Punjabi Churas have retained their Hindu roots^[29] in the form of the Balmiki sect^[30][31][32] even after the advent of later religions such as Islam and Christianity.

See also

• Dalit
• Punjabi Shaikh
• Ravidasi

References