Hela (caste)

The Hela are a Hindu scheduled caste found in the state of Uttar Pradesh in India. They are also known as Valmikis.

Origin

The Hela are found mainly in the districts of Varanasi, Ghazipur and Mirzapur. They are divided into five sub-groups, the Bhagat, Nourchin and Shaikh-Hela. Traditionally the Hela were a community which incorporated elements of both Hinduism and Islam. They are now Hindu, and abandoned most Muslim practices. Traditionally, the community was hierarchical, with the Bhagat considering themselves superior to the other sub-groups.[1]

Present circumstances

The Hela are a community of agricultural labourers. Their traditional occupation was that of a village reaper.[2]

References

  1. ↑ People of India Uttar Pradesh Volume XLII Part Two edited by A Hasan & J C Das page 603 to 605 Manohar Publications
  2. ↑ People of India Uttar Pradesh Volume XLII Part Two edited by A Hasan & J C Das page 603 to 605 Manohar Publications