Badhik

Badhak, the caste of butchers - Tashrih al-aqvam (1825)

The Badhik, or sometimes pronounced Badhak are a Hindu caste found in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. They have been granted scheduled caste status in Uttar Pradesh.[1]

Origin

The community is found mainly in Shahjahanpur District, and speak the Khari boli dialect of Hindi. A small number are also found in Mathura and Pilibhit.[1]

Present circumstances

The Badhik are strictly endogamous community, and practice the principle of clan exogamy. They are Hindu and observe all the major Hindu festivals but do not have exclusive family or clan deities. The Badhik are a landless community, providing the bulk of the agricultural labourers in eastern Uttar Pradesh. Traditionally, the community were hunters and gatherers, but now they are mainly butchers.[2] Their subsidiary income is animal husbandry, poultry and drying and tanning of skins. A small number are also employed as agricultural labourers. As a Dalit community, they often suffer from societal discrimination. Each of their settlement contains an informal caste council, known as a biradari panchayat. The panchayat acts as instrument of social control, dealing with issues such as divorce and adultery.[1]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 People of India Uttar Pradesh Volume XLII Part One edited by A Hasan & J C Das pages 95 to 99 Manohar Publications
  2. ↑ http://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/india/national-india/FIR-on-75-people-in-this-village/articleshow/40352836.cms
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