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निखर

निखर (संस्कृत: शुद्ध; पाली: निष्पक्ष और उज्ज्वल) गड़रिया समुदाय के भीतर एक उप-जाति है, जो पारंपरिक रूप से भेड़ बकरियों तथा गाय के पालन जुड़े थे। निखर जाति के लोग अपने उपनाम के रूप में राजपाली/पाल और बघेल का उपयोग करते हैं। [1] निखर अपनी वंशावली को चंद्रवंशी क्षत्रियों से जोड़ते हैं they were recognized as Rajputs in the British colonial census and the last caste census of India. Numerous Pal kingdoms and rulers have ruled India in History. However, after India's independence, the Nikhar sub-caste was integrated into the semi-nomadic Gadaria community.[2][3][4]

Etymology

Historical documents suggest that the term "Nikhar" for this sub-caste arose from a combination of two factors. Firstly, it is confirmed that they were herdsmen residing in the Himalayan region, which likely contributed to their fairer skin tone compared to other herdsmen in India which also connects them to their Indo-Aryans ancestry. Another reason dates back to the historical period when the Hindu leader Adi Shankaracharya reconverted various significant Kshatriya communities back to Hinduism. These communities, including the Pal clan, had previously embraced Buddhism during the lifetime of Buddha. The Pal community, known for its numerous ancestors who ruled different parts of India at various times, was among the prominent Kshatriya groups that returned to Hinduism along with Baghels who ruled over Baghelkhand. Those who rejoined the Hindu fold were honored with the title "Nikhar," meaning "Pure One."[2][4][5]

Surnames

The people of the Nikhar Gadaria caste use the surname 'Pal' (Sanskrit: Protector), a name linked to their ruling ancestors, including King Kumarpala of the Solanki kingdom. Some also adopt the surname 'Baghel' (Sanskrit: Strength of Lion), which they were known by during their rule over Baghelkand. Additionally, the surnames Rajpal, Rajpali, and Pali are listed among the 36 warrior clans of Rajputs, a list compiled by the ancestor of Pal's, King Kumarpala.

Ancestry and Origin

The Nikhars originally inhabited the Himalayan regions, where they were known as shepherds, particularly in Himachal Pradesh, where they are associated with the Gaddi Pal or Gaddi Puhal communities. The term "Pal" is synonymous with "Puhal" in the Pahari dialect of Himachal Pradesh. Over time, the Nikhars settled in the fertile plains of northern, eastern, and western India, where they transitioned into agriculture, business, and eventually, government services during the British colonial period.

In Maharashtra, the Nikhar community is referred to as Hatkar. Historically, the Hatkars (Nikhars) were known as warr ior clans and served as army chiefs under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The term "Hatkar" is believed to be a fusion of "Nikhar" and "Naykar."the Neekhar shepherds also kept a herd of indigenous breed of cows with them.  The place where sheep and goats live is called "Rivada" (barn). These people also used to make blankets from the wool obtained from sheep. These people were also very skilled weavers.[3][4]

Cultural and Religious Practices

The Nikhar Gadarias worship all Hindu gods and goddesses, with a particular devotion to Lord Shiva and Lord Krishna, who are regarded as their family deities and ancestors.[3]

The Nikhar Gadaria community is known by various names across different regions of India, reflecting their diverse historical and cultural influences.

These names include:

Gaderia (All over India), Gaddi (Himachal Pradesh), Nikhar - Pal/Baghel, Dhangar (Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh), Kuruba (Karnataka), Golla (Andhra Pradesh), Kurumba Gounder (Tamil Nadu), Bharwad (Gujarat), Sagar Rajputs (Maharashtra), Hatkar(Maharashtra) and Gadri/Gayri/Gaari (Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh).[6][7]

Demographics

The shepherd caste in India has a population exceeding 45 million (4.5 crores), making up 3.21% of the country's total population. Within this group, the Gadaria caste accounts for 35 million (3.5 crores), representing 2.5% of India's population. The Nikhar sub-caste of Gadarias has over 20 million (2 crores) people, constituting 1.43% of the total population, with the highest concentrations in Uttar Pradesh (9 million or 90 lakhs), Rajasthan (4 million or 40 lakhs), Haryana and Punjab (3 million or 30 lakhs), Madhya Pradesh (3 million or 30 lakhs), Gujarat (1 million or 11 lakhs), and Himachal Pradesh (500,000 or 5 lakhs). The Dhangars, another sub-caste of Gadarias, have a population of 15 million (1.5 crores), making up 1.07% of India's population. Other shepherd castes collectively constitute 10 million (1 crore), or 0.71% of the national population.[8][9][2]

Varna Classification In Historical Era.

India witnessed various kingdoms which were ruled by the Pal clan including the mighty Pala Empire which were the ancestors of todays Pal who lives in northern part of india. Also due to their occupation of cattle and sheep rearing they held a dominant role in wool and textile businesses. Because of being a warrior clan and also being indulge in business they were classified as Kshatriyas and Vaishyas in different hindu documents.[3]

Classification In Modern India.

The Nikhar - Pal/Baghel are classified under the Other Backward Castes of India. Except in odisha and west bengal where they are categorised under General castes.[10]

Notable Kingdoms & People.

● Notable Kingdoms .

● Notable People.

Refrences

  1. Shashi, Shyam Singh (1976). The shepherds of India. India: Archaeological survey of india. पपृ॰ 1–160.
  2. India, Government of (12 may 2012). "The Shepherd castes in India". Indian Kanoon (Law website). मूल से पुरालेखित 10 अगस्त 2024. अभिगमन तिथि 09 August 2024. |access-date=, |date= में तिथि प्राचल का मान जाँचें (मदद)सीएस1 रखरखाव: BOT: original-url status unknown (link)
  3. Rusell, R.V. (1918). The Tribes and Castes of The Central Provinces of India: Volume III. United Kingdom: British India Provinces. पपृ॰ 1–100. आई॰ऍस॰बी॰ऍन॰ 9789388694278.
  4. Rusell, R.v. (1916). The Tribes And Castes Of The Central Provinces Of India V4 (1916). India: Archaeological survey of india. पपृ॰ 1–101. आई॰ऍस॰बी॰ऍन॰ 978-1164080381.
  5. Shashi, Shyam Singh (1978). The Shepherds of India. India: Archaeological survey of india. पपृ॰ 1–190. आई॰ऍस॰बी॰ऍन॰ https://archive.org/download/in.gov.ignca.68789/68789_text.pdf |isbn= के मान की जाँच करें: invalid character (मदद).
  6. Government of India., Tamil Nadu Government (2022). "Caste list of India" (PDF). Tamil Nadu Government, Indian Government. अभिगमन तिथि 09 august 2024. |access-date= में तिथि प्राचल का मान जाँचें (मदद)
  7. Government of India, Government of India (2010). "Castes Of India by Government of India " (PDF). National Commission of Backward caste. अभिगमन तिथि 09 august 2024. |access-date= में तिथि प्राचल का मान जाँचें (मदद)
  8. Deshpande, Swati (16 February 2024). "Bombay HC dismisses PIL and petitions seeking ST status as 'Dhangad' for Dhangar community". Times of India. अभिगमन तिथि 09 August 2024. |access-date= में तिथि प्राचल का मान जाँचें (मदद)
  9. Report of karnataka government, Report (29 September 2023). "Shepherd India International to felicitate CM on Oct 3". Times of india. अभिगमन तिथि 09 august 2024.. |access-date= में तिथि प्राचल का मान जाँचें (मदद)
  10. Government of India, Government of India (2022). "National Commission for Backward Classes" (PDF). National Commission for Backward Castes. अभिगमन तिथि 09 August 2024. |access-date= में तिथि प्राचल का मान जाँचें (मदद)