Chuhra
Dalit caste in India and Pakistan / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Chuhra, also known as Bhanghi and Balmiki,[1][2] is a Dalit caste in India and Pakistan.[3][4][5] Populated regions include the Punjab region of India and Pakistan, as well as Uttar Pradesh in India, among other parts of the Indian subcontinent such as southern India.[6][7][8][9] Their traditional occupation is sweeping, a "polluting" occupation that caused them to be considered untouchables in the caste system.[10]
Chuhra | |
---|---|
चूहड़ा چُوہْڑا | |
Jāti | Harijan |
Gotra | N/A |
Religions | Hinduism, Islam, Christianity and Sikhism |
Country | India, Pakistan and Nepal |
Lineage | Valmiki and Satakarni |
Status | Scheduled Caste category |
Reservation (Education) | Yes |
Originally following the Balmiki sect of Hinduism, many Chuhras converted to Sikhism, Islam and Christianity during the colonial era in India.[11] Today, Chuhras in Indian Punjab are largely followers of Sikhism.[12] A minority continue to follow Hinduism, which incorporates elements of Sikhism in its practices, as well as Christianity.[12][13][1] In Pakistani Punjab 90–95% of its Christian population are Dalit Christians of the Chuhra caste; other Chuhras practice Islam or continue to follow Hinduism.[14][8][15][16]