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THE PEOPLE AND THEIR CULTURE |
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BACKWARD CLASSES
THE BACKWARD CLASSES IN KOLHAPUR DISTRICT, as in the
State in general, consist of three distinct groups-The Scheduled
Castes or Harijans, the Scheduled Tribes, and the other
(unscheduled) Backward Classes. The communities known as criminal
tribes before the repeal of the Criminal Tribes Act, are now
included in the three-fold division. Of the classified list of
backward communities the following ones are found in the district: -
Scheduled Castes:-(1) Bhangi (441); (2)
Cambhar (19,089); (3) Dhor (1,231); (4) Mahar (1,01,720); (5) Mang
(16,538); and (6) Mang-garudi (56).
Scheduled Tribes:- (1) Phase-paradhi (165);
(2) Konkana (49).
Other Backward Classes:-Bagadi
(181); Bava (823); Beldar (468); Berad (4,752); Bhoi (1,180); Burud
(631); Dombari (124); Davari (98); Garudi (199); Ghisadi (57);
Gondhali (1,358); Jogatin (48); Jogi "(24); Joshi-Kudbude (164);
Kaikadi (289); Koli-Mahadeo (1,564); Koli-Suryavansi (294); Kolhati
(253); Kanjarbhat (200); Korvi (1,450); Lamani (100); Nandivale
(34); Patharvat (650); Ramosi (857); Sanagar (1,413); Sikalgar (48);
Vadar (4,032); Vaidu (62); Valhar (339); Vasudeo (16) [The figures
in brackets are 1951 population figures from revenue records for
each of the community.]
The population of the backward classes in the
district in 1951 was 1,61,436, which was 13.15 per cent, of the
total population, It was distributed among the three divisions as
under: - (1) Scheduled Castes - 1,39,075; (2) Scheduled Tribes -
214; and (3) Other Backward Classes - 22,147.
Scheduled Castes: According to the
varna system Hindus consider themselves divided into four
divisions called varnas, viz., (1) Brakmanas, (2)
Vaisyas, (3) Ksatriyas, and (4) Sudras. The
Scheduled Castes belong to the fourth order and they were considered
' untouchables' by caste Hindus. By article 17 of the constitution
of India ' untouchability is abolished and its practice in any form
is forbidden.
Scheduled Tribes: These are the
aboriginal tribes living in hills and forests. Such tribes are very
few in Kolhapur District. Other Backward
Classes:-These include Hindu castes which are backward
educationally, socially and economically.
Each of these backward communities has its peculiar
manners and customs, but it will be difficult to give here details
of them all. Details of only such communities as have either a
considerable population or some distinctive characteristics are
given below:
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