Castes of Himachal: March 26, 2022

March 26, 2022

Consider the following statements:
1. There is a tradition of basketry and mat-weaving both as craft as well as occupation of the Bard community.
2. Kishnu and Narain are the local and regional deities of Bard community.
3. According to census, there is an increase in population of Bard community from 2432 in 1971 to 4961 in 2011.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?

(A) 1 only
(B) 2 only
(C) 1 and 3 only
(D) All of the above

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ANSWER – C

There is a tradition of basketry and mat-weaving both as craft as well as occupation of the Bard community.

Kishnu and Narain are the local and regional deities of Koli community.

According to census, there is an increase in population of Bard community from 2432 in 1971 to 4961 in 2011.

Which of the following is known as widow or widower remarriage among Chanal community?

(A) Jhanjhara
(B) Topi lana
(C) Gadhoj
(D) None of the above

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ANSWER – C

In Chanals, widow or widower remarriage is known as ‘Gadhoj‘ and does not require elaborate marriage rituals.

Widow or widower remarriage is known as Topi lana in pangwals.

Consider the following statements:
1. They worship Sidh Chano as their community deity.
2. Traditionally, they were leather workers by occupation.
3. They are also known as Ravidasi and Ramdasi.
4. Some are followers of Nirakari panth and others follow Radhaswami sect.
The above statement(s) is/are correct about which of the following communities?

(A) Chamar community
(B) Chanal
(C) Bard
(D) None of the above

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ANSWER – A

Which of the following community follows Radhaswami sect?

(A) Hali
(B) Bujru
(C) Bard
(D) Chanal

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ANSWER – C

Bard community follows Radhaswami sect. Those who follow the Hindu Sanatna rules, Deot Sidh, Guga, Lakhdata and Nahar Singh are propitiated as village and regional deities. Devi Sohni is their Kulja (family/clan) deity.

Consider the following statements:
1. Bharai community is also known as Dakaut Brahmins, Panda and Giani.
2. Dak Rishi or Garg Rishi gave Bharai community a small percussion musical instrument also called, Dak.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?

(A) 1 only
(B) 2 only
(C) 1 and 3 only
(D) None of the above

Show Answer

ANSWER – D

Bujru community is also known as Dakaut Brahmins, Panda in Bilaspur and Giani in Mandi district.

Dak Rishi or Garg Rishi gave them a small percussion musical instrument also called, dak, a mini form of the well-known damru musical instrument of Lord Shiva. They have a belief that if the Dakaut seeks alms and offerings for the evil stars while beating the dak, they will not be inflicted with the ills and sufferings caused by these stars.