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{{Short description|Caste}} | |||
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2017}} | {{Use dmy dates|date=September 2017}} | ||
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2017}} | {{Use Indian English|date=September 2017}} | ||
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== Hindu Hurkiya of Uttarakhand == | == Hindu Hurkiya of Uttarakhand == | ||
The Hindu Hurkiya are a small endogamous community found in the [[Kumaon division|Kumaon]] region, where they are also known as Mirasi. They derive their name from an instrument the ''hurka'', a tiny hand drum which they played, while their women danced. According to their origin myths, the Hurkiya were originally settled in the Gangolihat area of [[Pithoragarh District]], from where they spread to other parts of Uttarakhand. The community were employed by the Johari [[Uttarakhand Bhotiya|Bhotia]] as singers and entertainers, and most Hurkiya are still found in the Johar Valley. There are also a tradition, that the Hurkiya were invited from the plains of Uttar Pradesh by the Khas Rajput clans of Chougarkha in Allmora District. In terms of distribution, the Hurkiya are mainly found in the towns of Munsiyari, Didihat and Baram, all in Pithoragarh District. A small number are also found in [[Almora district|Almora]] and [[Nainital district]]s. The Hurkiya speak [[Kumaoni language|Kumaoni]], although most can also understand [[Hindi language|Hindi]].<ref>People of India Uttar Pradesh Volume XLII Part Three edited by A Hasan & J C Das pages 1399 to 1405 Manohar Publications</ref> | The Hindu Hurkiya are a small endogamous community found in the [[Kumaon division|Kumaon]] region, where they are also known as [[Mirasi]]. They derive their name from an instrument the ''hurka'', a tiny hand drum which they played, while their women danced. According to their origin myths, the Hurkiya were originally settled in the [[Gangolihat]] area of [[Pithoragarh District]], from where they spread to other parts of [[Uttarakhand]]. The community were employed by the Johari [[Uttarakhand Bhotiya|Bhotia]] as singers and entertainers, and most Hurkiya are still found in the [[Johar Valley]]. There are also a tradition, that the Hurkiya were invited from the plains of Uttar Pradesh by the Khas Rajput clans of Chougarkha in [[Almora district|Allmora District]]. In terms of distribution, the Hurkiya are mainly found in the towns of [[Munsiari|Munsiyari]], [[Didihat district|Didihat]] and Baram, all in [[Pithoragarh district|Pithoragarh]] District. A small number are also found in [[Almora district|Almora]] and [[Nainital district]]s. The Hurkiya speak [[Kumaoni language|Kumaoni]], although most can also understand [[Hindi language|Hindi]].<ref>People of India Uttar Pradesh Volume XLII Part Three edited by A Hasan & J C Das pages 1399 to 1405 Manohar Publications</ref> | ||
== Social Structure of the Hindu Hurkoya == | == Social Structure of the Hindu Hurkoya == | ||
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The Hurkiya society is divided into six endogamous patrilineages called raths. Of these, three lineages assume the name Mirasi, and consider themselves superior to the other three, namely the Badi, Nat and Bhand. The three Mirasi clans are known as Pangi ke Mirasi, Biljual ke Mirasi and Tolia ke Mirasi, Pangi, Biljual and Tolia being well known [[Uttarakhand Bhotiya|Bhotia]] clans. These three Mirasi groups were the traditional genealogists of three Bhot clans. While the Mirasi groups historically intermarried, there are occasional intermarriages with the other groupings. | The Hurkiya society is divided into six endogamous patrilineages called raths. Of these, three lineages assume the name Mirasi, and consider themselves superior to the other three, namely the Badi, Nat and Bhand. The three Mirasi clans are known as Pangi ke Mirasi, Biljual ke Mirasi and Tolia ke Mirasi, Pangi, Biljual and Tolia being well known [[Uttarakhand Bhotiya|Bhotia]] clans. These three Mirasi groups were the traditional genealogists of three Bhot clans. While the Mirasi groups historically intermarried, there are occasional intermarriages with the other groupings. | ||
Traditionally, the Hurkiya used to entertain their Bhotiya and Khas Rajput clients, with the men playing the hurka drums and the women dancing. While Nat Hurkiya were acrobats and Bhand Hurkiya were jesters. However, almost all the Hurkiya have abandoned their traditional occupation, and are now involved in selling fancy items such as bangles, combs, mirrors and toys. A significant numbers have taken to tailoring, and in absence of a traditional tailoring castes in their neighbourhood, have in effect become the traditional tailors of Uttarakhand.<ref>People of India Uttar Pradesh Volume XLII Part Three edited by A Hasan & J C Das pages 1399 to 1405 Manohar Publications</ref> | Traditionally, the Hurkiya used to entertain their Bhotiya and Khas [[Rajput]] clients, with the men playing the hurka drums and the women dancing. While Nat Hurkiya were acrobats and Bhand Hurkiya were jesters. However, almost all the Hurkiya have abandoned their traditional occupation, and are now involved in selling fancy items such as bangles, combs, mirrors and toys. A significant numbers have taken to tailoring, and in absence of a traditional tailoring castes in their neighbourhood, have in effect become the traditional tailors of Uttarakhand.<ref>People of India Uttar Pradesh Volume XLII Part Three edited by A Hasan & J C Das pages 1399 to 1405 Manohar Publications</ref> | ||
Like most [[Hindu]] castes of similar status, the Hurkiya have a biradari panchayat or caste association, which exercises social control, and punishes those who transgress community norms. Like many hill communities, the Hurkiya combine shamanistic beliefs to their Hindu religion. The Shaman is known as a dangaria, who said to be possessed of the spirit of Bhairav. | Like most [[Hindu]] castes of similar status, the Hurkiya have a biradari panchayat or caste association, which exercises social control, and punishes those who transgress community norms. Like many hill communities, the Hurkiya combine shamanistic beliefs to their [[Hinduism|Hindu]] religion. The Shaman is known as a dangaria, who said to be possessed of the spirit of [[Bhairava|Bhairav]]. | ||
== Muslim Hurkiya == | == Muslim Hurkiya == | ||
The Muslim Hurkiya are found mainly in Agra, Farrukhabad, and Etawah districts of Uttar Pradesh. Like the Hindu Hurkiya, they derive their name from the hurka drum. Historically, the community was associated with prostitution, but this is no longer the case. Most Hurkiya are now daily wage labourers. As a community, they are particularly marginalized and ostracised on account of their historic occupation. They are entirely [[Sunni]], but incorporate folk beliefs and visit shrines of various prominent [[Sufi]]s.<ref>Tribes and Castes of North Western Provinces and Oudh Volume II by William Crook pages 498 to 499</ref> | The Muslim Hurkiya are found mainly in [[Agra]], [[Farrukhabad]], and [[Etawah]] districts of Uttar Pradesh. Like the [[Hindus|Hindu]] Hurkiya, they derive their name from the hurka drum. Historically, the community was associated with prostitution, but this is no longer the case. Most Hurkiya are now daily wage labourers. As a community, they are particularly marginalized and ostracised on account of their historic occupation. They are entirely [[Sunni]], but incorporate folk beliefs and visit shrines of various prominent [[Sufi]]s.<ref>Tribes and Castes of North Western Provinces and Oudh Volume II by William Crook pages 498 to 499</ref> | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||