India – The Land of Diversity

India is the birthplace of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism, collectively known as Indian religions. Indian religions, also known as Dharmic religions, are a major form of world religions along with Abrahamic ones. Today, Hinduism and Buddhism are the world’s third- and fourth-largest religions respectively, with over 1 billion followers altogether, and possibly as many as 1.5 or 1.6 billion followers. Throughout India’s history, religion has been an important part of the country’s culture. Religious diversity and religious tolerance are both established in the country by the law and by custom; the Constitution of India has declared the right to freedom of religion to be a fundamental right.

 Ancient history in India does lend considerable and credible information regarding primeval communities, or organisations that had cropped up since the times of pre-Christian era. Since the eras of Indus Valley Civilization and Harappa, the concept of organising communities had been well assimilated within both uneducated and educated classes. Religious, economic, administrational, and even, societal classed communities had existed during ancient Indian evolvement.

The gigantic awareness of belonging to a higher caste or higher religious order paved way for first ever establishment of Hindu religious community, divided into Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras. These four cardinal Hindu caste systems were further sub-divided into their own specific community, a concept that is very much retained in present-day Indian society. Some of the Hindu communities are Dewar Caste, Dhanuk Caste, Dharkar, Dhuri Caste , Kayasth ,etc.

Dewar Caste :- Dewar Caste is a Dravidian caste of musicians mainly inhabiting the central region of the country. Dewar caste is said to be of a mixed origin. Dewar is a Dravidian caste of Central India. The name of Dewar caste has been derived from Devi, whom they religiously worship. Another version suggests that the name is derived from the term ‘Diabar’, meaning a person who lights a lamp. They are by profession musicians. The Dewars traces their origin from a Binjhia tribe named Gopal Rai.

Dhanuk Caste:- Dhanuk caste is considered as a prominent caste of Bihar. They are also found in the adjoining state of Jharkhand. Dhanuk caste is mainly the caste of agriculturists. The name of Dhanuk caste is derived from the Sanskrit term ‘dhanuska’, which means an archer. This caste of India is regarded as an ancient one because reference of its origin can also be found in Padma Purana. Scholars are of the opinion that formerly, Dhanuks were actively a part of the militia of the country. The Dhanuks are minority indigenous people and they are also known as Rajbanshis.

Dharkar Caste:-  Dharkar is a very low caste, which is much lower than the Chamars but considerably above the Doms. Dharkars are workers in reeds and canes. They manufacture cane stools and chairs, palm leaf fans, matting for floors and the like. Some of the Dharkars are employed as porters.

Dhuri Caste :- Dhuri caste of Central India comprises members who are mainly associated with the occupation of rice parching. They are considered as an offshoot of Kahars. However, in Chhattisgarh Dhuris claim that the Kahars are their sub-caste. In Kawardha, the members of Dhuri caste believe that the Raja brought them back while on his return from a pilgrimage. However, others say that they came from Mirzapur District in Uttar Pradesh. There are some legends that indicate the origin of Dhuris. 

Kayasth :- In the Puranas the Kayasth is mentioned as the Writer caste. Their origin is not sure. The Kayasth themselves assert that their common predecessor, on the father’s side, was a Brahman.