Balai

For other uses, see Balai (disambiguation).

The Balai, or Bhalay is a caste found in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh in India. [1]

Origin

A small number of Balai are also found in the neighbouring areas of Rajasthan.[2]

The Balai are strictly endogamous community and practice the principle of clan exogamy. These clans are referred to as gotras. Their main gotras include the Bhagirath and Soosa, which is also a Meena gotra. The Balahar are a landless community; the majority are agricultural labourers. They were once a community of weavers, but few are now involved in weaving. They have customs similar to Meena tribe.


The Balai are now mainly farmers, although a few still practice their traditional craft of manufacturing plates and cups from leaves. Their customs are similar to neighboring communities such as the Jats and Meenas. They live in multi-caste villages, although they are residentially segregated, occupying their own distinct quarters.

Balai are mainly found in Madhya Pradesh.

The main origin of Balai is from vaanar king Bali. Balai caste had been originated from rajputs.

See also

References

  1. ↑ People of India Uttar Pradesh Volume XLII Part One edited by A Hasan & J C Das pages 153 to 155 Manohar Publications
  2. ↑ People of India Uttar Pradesh. Volume XLII. Part One. edited by A Hasan & J C Das pages 153 to 155, Manohar Publications
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