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{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2018}}
{{Short description|Occupational community of barbers in India}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2018}}
{{pp-semi-indef|small=yes}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2022}}
{{infobox ethnic group
{{infobox ethnic group
| image            = Vintage photograph of an Indian barber doing his work in the 1870s.jpg
| image            = Vintage photograph of an Indian barber doing his work in the 1870s.jpg
| caption          = Nai (barber) doing his work (c. 1870s)
| caption          = Nai (barber) doing his work (c. 1870s)
| group            = Nai Thakur/Sain Or Nai brahmin
| group            = Nai/Sen
| native_name      =  
| native_name      =  
| native_name_lang =  
| native_name_lang =  
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}}
}}
| langs            =  
| langs            =  
| rels            = {{hlist|[[Hinduism]]|[[Sikhism]]}}
| rels            = {{hlist|[[Hinduism]]|[[Sikhism]]|[[Islam]]}}
| related          =  
| related          =  
}}
}}
The '''Nai''', '''Nai Brahmin''', '''Sain''', '''Sen''', Thakur, '''savita-Samaj''', '''Mangala''' -The occupational caste of barbers. The name is said to be derived from the Sanskrit nāpita(नपित). They are found throughout the India. In Gujarat they are known as Valand. In Bundelkhand they are also known as Khawās. Nhavi is the Marathi name for the caste, Bhandāri the Uriya name and Mangala the Telugu name.<ref name="Russell">{{Cite web|last=Russell|first=R. V.|title=The Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India—Volume IV|url=http://www.gutenberg.org/files/20668/20668-h/20668-h.htm#d0e8396|access-date=2021-01-17|website=www.gutenberg.org|language=en-uk}}</ref> Mhāllo.—A name for Konkani barbers.<ref name="Rangachari">{{Cite web|last=Rangachari|first=Edgar Thurston (1855-1935) K.|title=Castes and Tribes of Southern India: Volume V—M to P|url=http://www.gutenberg.org/files/42995/42995-h/42995-h.htm|access-date=2021-01-17|website=www.gutenberg.org|language=en}}</ref> Vilkurup.—The Vilkuruppu or Vilkollakuruppu are the priests and barbers of the Malayālam Kammālans.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Rangachari|first=Edgar Thurston (1855-1935) K.|title=Castes and Tribes of Southern India: Volume VII—T to Z|url=http://www.gutenberg.org/files/42997/42997-h/42997-h.htm|access-date=2021-01-17|website=www.gutenberg.org|language=en}}</ref> [[Ambattar|Ambattan]] are the Tamil barbers, or barber-surgeons.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Rangachari|first=Edgar Thurston (1855-1935) K.|title=Castes and Tribes of Southern India: Volume I—A and B|url=http://www.gutenberg.org/files/42991/42991-h/42991-h.htm|access-date=2021-01-17|website=www.gutenberg.org|language=en}}</ref> Nowadays in northern India Nai community refer to themselves as Sain instead of Nai.


The Nai caste was listed as an [[Other Backward Classes]] in various regions of India. These include [[Andhra Pradesh]],<ref>{{cite web|title=National Commission for Backward Classes|url=http://www.ncbc.nic.in/Pdf/andhrapradesh.pdf|access-date=2016-07-30|publisher=Ncbc.nic.in}}</ref> [[Assam]],<ref>{{cite web|title=National Commission for Backward Classes|url=http://www.ncbc.nic.in/Pdf/assam.pdf|access-date=2016-07-30|publisher=Ncbc.nic.in}}</ref> [[Bihar]],<ref>{{cite book|url=http://www.ncbc.nic.in/Pdf/bihar.pdf|title=Central List of OBCs for the State of Bihar|publisher=National Commission for Backward Classes|page=2|access-date=29 May 2012}}</ref> [[Chandigarh]],<ref>{{cite web|title=National Commission for Backward Classes|url=http://www.ncbc.nic.in/Pdf/chandigarh.pdf|access-date=2016-07-30|publisher=Ncbc.nic.in}}</ref> [[Chhattisgarh]],<ref>{{cite web|title=National Commission for Backward Classes|url=http://www.ncbc.nic.in/Pdf/Chhattisgarh.pdf|access-date=2016-07-30|publisher=Ncbc.nic.in}}</ref> [[Dadra and Nagar Haveli]],<ref>{{cite web|title=National Commission for Backward Classes|url=http://www.ncbc.nic.in/Pdf/dadarandnagarhaveli.pdf|access-date=2016-07-30|publisher=Ncbc.nic.in}}</ref> [[Daman and Diu]],<ref>{{cite web|title=National Commission for Backward Classes|url=http://www.ncbc.nic.in/Pdf/damananddiu.pdf|access-date=2016-07-30|publisher=Ncbc.nic.in}}</ref> [[Delhi]] [[National Capital Region (India)|NCR]],<ref>{{cite book|url=http://www.ncbc.nic.in/Pdf/delhi.pdf|title=Central List of OBCs for the State of Delhi|publisher=National Commission for Backward Classes|page=3|access-date=29 May 2012}}</ref> [[Goa]],<ref name="ncbc.nic.in">{{cite web|title=National Commission for Backward Classes|url=http://www.ncbc.nic.in/Pdf/goa.pdf|access-date=2016-07-30|publisher=Ncbc.nic.in}}</ref> [[Gujarat]],<ref>{{cite book|url=http://www.ncbc.nic.in/Pdf/gujarat.pdf|title=Central List of OBCs for the State of Gujarat|publisher=National Commission for Backward Classes|page=5|access-date=29 May 2012}}</ref> [[Haryana]],<ref>{{cite book|url=http://www.ncbc.nic.in/Pdf/haryana.pdf|title=Central List of OBCs for the State of Haryana|publisher=National Commission for Backward Classes|page=2|access-date=29 May 2012}}</ref> [[Himachal Pradesh]],<ref>{{cite web|title=National Commission for Backward Classes|url=http://www.ncbc.nic.in/Pdf/himachalpradesh.pdf|access-date=2016-07-30|publisher=Ncbc.nic.in}}</ref> [[Goa]],<ref name="ncbc.nic.in" /> [[Jharkhand]],<ref>{{cite web|title=National Commission for Backward Classes|url=http://www.ncbc.nic.in/Pdf/jharkhand.pdf|access-date=2016-07-30|publisher=Ncbc.nic.in}}</ref> [[Karnataka]],<ref>{{cite web|title=National Commission for Backward Classes|url=http://www.ncbc.nic.in/Pdf/karnataka.pdf|access-date=2016-07-30|publisher=Ncbc.nic.in}}</ref> [[Madhya Pradesh]],<ref>{{cite book|url=http://www.ncbc.nic.in/Pdf/madhyapradesh.pdf|title=Central List of OBCs for the State of Madhya Pradesh|publisher=National Commission for Backward Classes|page=5|access-date=29 May 2012}}</ref> [[Maharashtra]],<ref>{{cite book|url=http://www.ncbc.nic.in/Pdf/maharashtra.pdf|title=Central List of OBCs for the State of Maharashtra|publisher=National Commission for Backward Classes|page=4|access-date=29 May 2012}}</ref> [[Odisha]],<ref>{{cite web|title=National Commission for Backward Classes|url=http://www.ncbc.nic.in/Pdf/orrisa.pdf|access-date=2016-07-30|publisher=Ncbc.nic.in}}</ref> [[Puducherry (union territory)|Puducherry]],<ref>{{cite web|title=National Commission for Backward Classes|url=http://www.ncbc.nic.in/Pdf/puducherry.pdf|access-date=2016-07-30|publisher=Ncbc.nic.in}}</ref> [[Punjab, India|Punjab]],<ref>{{cite book|url=http://www.ncbc.nic.in/Pdf/punjab.pdf|title=Central List of OBCs for the State of Punjab|publisher=National Commission for Backward Classes|page=2|access-date=29 May 2012}}</ref> [[Rajasthan]],<ref>{{cite book|url=http://www.ncbc.nic.in/Pdf/rajasthan.pdf|title=Central List of OBCs for the State of Rajasthan|publisher=National Commission for Backward Classes|page=2|access-date=29 May 2012}}</ref> [[Tripura]],<ref>{{cite web|title=National Commission for Backward Classes|url=http://www.ncbc.nic.in/Pdf/tripura.pdf|access-date=2016-07-30|publisher=Ncbc.nic.in}}</ref> [[Uttarakhand|Uttaranchal]],<ref>{{cite web|title=National Commission for Backward Classes|url=http://www.ncbc.nic.in/Pdf/uttaranchal.pdf|access-date=2016-07-30|publisher=Ncbc.nic.in}}</ref> [[Uttar Pradesh]],<ref>{{cite book|url=http://www.ncbc.nic.in/Pdf/uttarpradesh.pdf|title=Central List of OBCs for the State of Uttar Pradesh|publisher=National Commission for Backward Classes|page=3|access-date=29 May 2012}}</ref> [[West Bengal]].<ref>{{cite web|title=National Commission for Backward Classes|url=http://www.ncbc.nic.in/Pdf/westbengal.pdf|access-date=2016-07-30|publisher=Ncbc.nic.in}}</ref>
'''Nai''', also known as '''Sain/Sen''', is a generic term for occupational castes of barbers. The name is said to be derived from the Sanskrit word ''nāpita'' (नापित).<ref>{{Cite web|last=Rangachari|first=Edgar Thurston (1855-1935) K.|title=Castes and Tribes of Southern India: Volume VII—T to Z|url=https://www.gutenberg.org/files/42997/42997-h/42997-h.htm|access-date=2021-11-05|website=www.gutenberg.org|language=en}}</ref> In modern times Nai in northern India refer to themselves as "Sain" instead of Nai.


== History ==
The Nai caste is listed as an [[Other Backward Classes]] in various regions of India. These include [[Andhra Pradesh]],<ref>{{cite web|title=National Commission for Backward Classes|url=http://www.ncbc.nic.in/Pdf/andhrapradesh.pdf|access-date=2016-07-30|publisher=Ncbc.nic.in}}</ref> [[Assam]],<ref>{{cite web|title=National Commission for Backward Classes|url=http://www.ncbc.nic.in/Pdf/assam.pdf|access-date=2016-07-30|publisher=Ncbc.nic.in}}</ref> [[Bihar]],<ref>{{cite book|url=http://www.ncbc.nic.in/Pdf/bihar.pdf|title=Central List of OBCs for the State of Bihar|publisher=National Commission for Backward Classes|page=2|access-date=29 May 2012}}</ref> [[Chandigarh]],<ref>{{cite web|title=National Commission for Backward Classes|url=http://www.ncbc.nic.in/Pdf/chandigarh.pdf|access-date=2016-07-30|publisher=Ncbc.nic.in}}</ref> [[Chhattisgarh]],<ref>{{cite web|title=National Commission for Backward Classes|url=http://www.ncbc.nic.in/Pdf/Chhattisgarh.pdf|access-date=2016-07-30|publisher=Ncbc.nic.in}}</ref> [[Dadra and Nagar Haveli]],<ref>{{cite web|title=National Commission for Backward Classes|url=http://www.ncbc.nic.in/Pdf/dadarandnagarhaveli.pdf|access-date=2016-07-30|publisher=Ncbc.nic.in}}</ref> [[Daman and Diu]],<ref>{{cite web|title=National Commission for Backward Classes|url=http://www.ncbc.nic.in/Pdf/damananddiu.pdf|access-date=2016-07-30|publisher=Ncbc.nic.in}}</ref> [[Delhi]] [[National Capital Region (India)|NCR]],<ref>{{cite book|url=http://www.ncbc.nic.in/Pdf/delhi.pdf|title=Central List of OBCs for the State of Delhi|publisher=National Commission for Backward Classes|page=3|access-date=29 May 2012}}</ref> [[Goa]],<ref name="ncbc.nic.in">{{cite web|title=National Commission for Backward Classes|url=http://www.ncbc.nic.in/Pdf/goa.pdf|access-date=2016-07-30|publisher=Ncbc.nic.in}}</ref> [[Gujarat]],<ref>{{cite book|url=http://www.ncbc.nic.in/Pdf/gujarat.pdf|title=Central List of OBCs for the State of Gujarat|publisher=National Commission for Backward Classes|page=5|access-date=29 May 2012}}</ref> [[Haryana]],<ref>{{cite book|url=http://www.ncbc.nic.in/Pdf/haryana.pdf|title=Central List of OBCs for the State of Haryana|publisher=National Commission for Backward Classes|page=2|access-date=29 May 2012}}</ref> [[Himachal Pradesh]],<ref>{{cite web|title=National Commission for Backward Classes|url=http://www.ncbc.nic.in/Pdf/himachalpradesh.pdf|access-date=2016-07-30|publisher=Ncbc.nic.in}}</ref> [[Goa]],<ref name="ncbc.nic.in" /> [[Jharkhand]],<ref>{{cite web|title=National Commission for Backward Classes|url=http://www.ncbc.nic.in/Pdf/jharkhand.pdf|access-date=2016-07-30|publisher=Ncbc.nic.in}}</ref> [[Karnataka]],<ref>{{cite web|title=National Commission for Backward Classes|url=http://www.ncbc.nic.in/Pdf/karnataka.pdf|access-date=2016-07-30|publisher=Ncbc.nic.in}}</ref> [[Madhya Pradesh]],<ref>{{cite book|url=http://www.ncbc.nic.in/Pdf/madhyapradesh.pdf|title=Central List of OBCs for the State of Madhya Pradesh|publisher=National Commission for Backward Classes|page=5|access-date=29 May 2012}}</ref> [[Maharashtra]],<ref>{{cite book|url=http://www.ncbc.nic.in/Pdf/maharashtra.pdf|title=Central List of OBCs for the State of Maharashtra|publisher=National Commission for Backward Classes|page=4|access-date=29 May 2012}}</ref> [[Odisha]],<ref>{{cite web|title=National Commission for Backward Classes|url=http://www.ncbc.nic.in/Pdf/orrisa.pdf|access-date=2016-07-30|publisher=Ncbc.nic.in}}</ref> [[Puducherry (union territory)|Puducherry]],<ref>{{cite web|title=National Commission for Backward Classes|url=http://www.ncbc.nic.in/Pdf/puducherry.pdf|access-date=2016-07-30|publisher=Ncbc.nic.in}}</ref> [[Punjab, India|Punjab]],<ref>{{cite book|url=http://www.ncbc.nic.in/Pdf/punjab.pdf|title=Central List of OBCs for the State of Punjab|publisher=National Commission for Backward Classes|page=2|access-date=29 May 2012}}</ref> [[Rajasthan]],<ref>{{cite book|url=http://www.ncbc.nic.in/Pdf/rajasthan.pdf|title=Central List of OBCs for the State of Rajasthan|publisher=National Commission for Backward Classes|page=2|access-date=29 May 2012}}</ref> [[Tripura]],<ref>{{cite web|title=National Commission for Backward Classes|url=http://www.ncbc.nic.in/Pdf/tripura.pdf|access-date=2016-07-30|publisher=Ncbc.nic.in}}</ref> [[Uttarakhand|Uttaranchal]],<ref>{{cite web|title=National Commission for Backward Classes|url=http://www.ncbc.nic.in/Pdf/uttaranchal.pdf|access-date=2016-07-30|publisher=Ncbc.nic.in}}</ref> [[Uttar Pradesh]],<ref>{{cite book|url=http://www.ncbc.nic.in/Pdf/uttarpradesh.pdf|title=Central List of OBCs for the State of Uttar Pradesh|publisher=National Commission for Backward Classes|page=3|access-date=29 May 2012}}</ref> [[West Bengal]].<ref>{{cite web|title=National Commission for Backward Classes|url=http://www.ncbc.nic.in/Pdf/westbengal.pdf|access-date=2016-07-30|publisher=Ncbc.nic.in}}</ref>
They were traditionally occupied as barbers. The barber has also numerous and important duties in connection with marriages and other festival occasions. They acts as the Brahmin’s assistant, and to the lower castes, who cannot employ a Brahmin, they are the matrimonial priest. They also act as executive priest for the famous [[Jagannath Temple, Puri|Jagannath temple]].<ref>{{Cite book|last=Ghurye|first=G. S.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4RpBDwAAQBAJ&q=%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%88+%E0%A4%9C%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF&pg=PT3|title=Bharat Mein Jaati Evam Prajaati|date=2017-10-30|publisher=SAGE Publishing India|isbn=978-93-5280-444-3|pages=62|language=ar}}</ref> The important part which they plays in marriage ceremonies has led to them becoming the matchmaker among all respectable castes. As they were skilled in using blades they acted as surgeons because Baid/Vaid (doctor) who were mostly Brahmins do not practice it.<ref name="Russell"/> It was common to find barbers acting as musicians throughout the southern India, and that there are several other castes in Malabar who employed barbers as purōhits at their funeral ceremonies.<ref name="Rangachari"/> Now Nai community people have left their traditional jobs and do modern jobs.


==Origin==
==Origin==
===Mythological view===
===Puranic view===
According to legend prevalent among Nai - {{Quote|They're first ancestor is Nabhi in puranic literature. Nabhi is king of [[Ikshvaku]] dynasty.<ref name="Mani 1975">{{Cite book|last=Mani|first=Vettam|url=http://archive.org/details/puranicencyclopa00maniuoft|title=Puranic encyclopaedia : a comprehensive dictionary with special reference to the epic and Puranic literature|date=1975|publisher=Delhi : Motilal Banarsidass|others=Robarts - University of Toronto}}</ref>}}
According to a legend prevalent among Nais, they are descended from Nabhi, who in puranic literature is king of the [[Ikshvaku]] dynasty.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Mani|first=Vettam|url=https://archive.org/details/puranicencyclopa00maniuoft|title=Puranic encyclopaedia : a comprehensive dictionary with special reference to the epic and Puranic literature|date=1975|publisher=Delhi : Motilal Banarsidass|others=Robarts - University of Toronto}}</ref>


=== Puranic view ===
=== Other views ===
They are refereed as Ampitta in [[Puranas]]. 'Ampitta' is derived from the Sanskrit word "[[Ambashtha|Ambistha]]". Ampitta is a corrupted form of Ambistha. The word Ambistha means Physician. In olden days they were physicians also. Going about from house to house, they could easily practice both these professions. Since they practiced physic also they were called Ambashtha.<ref name="Mani 1975">{{Cite book|last=Mani|first=Vettam|url=http://archive.org/details/puranicencyclopa00maniuoft|title=Puranic encyclopaedia : a comprehensive dictionary with special reference to the epic and Puranic literature|date=1975|publisher=Delhi : Motilal Banarsidass|others=Robarts - University of Toronto}}</ref> They have traditionally been associated with Indian medicine and the profession of [[physician]].<ref>{{Cite book|last=Leslie|first=Charles M.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pcgQSKFL-DsC&q=Ambastha&pg=PA38|title=Asian Medical Systems: A Comparative Study|date=1998|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass Publishe|isbn=978-81-208-1537-7|language=en}}</ref>
In Tamil region some members of the barber caste practiced medicine and used to be called Ambathan.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Leslie |first=Charles M. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pcgQSKFL-DsC&q=Ambastha&pg=PA38 |title=Asian Medical Systems: A Comparative Study |date=1998 |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass Publishe |isbn=978-81-208-1537-7 |pages=38 |language=en}}</ref>


== Impact of the Ideas of Sain ==
==Occupation==
The process of the Nais becoming influenced by the life and ideas of [[Bhagat Sain|Sain]] can be conceptualized as Sainization, depicted through deifying Sain by setting up the institution of Sainacharya. [[Bhagat Sain|Sain]], who was the contemporaries of [[Kabir]], the Bhakti poet who challenged the hegemonic values and hierarchy of the caste system, has become the most revered symbol of pride and identity formation of the Nais. In order to assert their cultural autonomy in 1992 Akhil Bharatiya Sain Bhaktipith Trust was set up on the occasion of the [[Ujjain]] ''[[Kumbh Mela|mahakumbh mela]]'' headed in [[Pushkar]]. Achlanandji Maharaj was made the first Sainacharya.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Singh|first=Jagpal|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vfn1DwAAQBAJ&newbks=0&hl=en|title=Caste, State and Society: Degrees of Democracy in North India|date=2020-10-07|publisher=Taylor & Francis|isbn=978-1-000-19606-1|language=en}}</ref>  
The traditional occupation of Nais is barbering. They also perform the work of match-making for marriages.<ref>{{cite book|quote=Hair - cutting , shaving and match - making are the traditional occupations of the Nai.|title=India's communities|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jHQMAQAAMAAJ&q=India%27s+communities+ks+singh+nai+match-maker|author=K.S Singh|page=2550|publisher=Anthropological Survey of India|year=1998|isbn=978-0-19-563354-2 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book|quote=A nai carried invitations of marriage ( gandhs ) and communicated the news of auspicious events to the relatives of his patrons . He was an agency through which preliminaries of match - making were conducted. He completed some formalities during wedding ceremonies.|title=Five Punjabi Centuries: Policy, Economy, Society, and Culture, C. 1500-1990 : Essays for JS Grewal|isbn=817304175X|page=410|editor=Indu Banga|publisher=Manohar|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wzhuAAAAMAAJ&q=conducted.59+He+completed+some+nai}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|quote=A 'Nai' was a trusted marriage match maker and the skill of a good physio-therapist too.|publisher=Notion Press|title=Life Lessons from Gitaji on New Society|author=Brij Mohan|isbn=978-1638326274|year=2021|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1BomEAAAQBAJ&dq=nai+match+maker&pg=PT109}}</ref> The educated people among the community have taken up various other occupations like business and service.<ref>{{cite book|title=India's communities|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jHQMAQAAMAAJ&q=India%27s+communities+ks+singh+nai+match-maker|author=K.S Singh|page=2550|publisher=Anthropological Survey of India|year=1998| isbn=978-0-19-563354-2 |quote=Some are still pursuing their traditional occupation , but the educated among them have taken up various other occupations , such as business and service.}}</ref>
 
== Impact of the ideas of Sain ==
The process of the Nais adopting the ideas and teachings of [[Bhagat Sain]] can be conceptualized as ''Sainization'', depicted through deifying Sain by setting up the institution of ''Sainacharya''. [[Bhagat Sain|Sain]], who was the contemporaries of [[Kabir]], the Bhakti poet who challenged the hegemonic values and hierarchy of the caste system, has become the most revered symbol of pride and identity formation of the Nais. In order to assert their cultural autonomy in 1992 ''Akhil Bharatiya Sain Bhaktipith Trust'' was set up on the occasion of the [[Ujjain]] ''[[Kumbh Mela|mahakumbh mela]]'' headed in [[Pushkar]]. Achlanandji Maharaj was made the first ''Sainacharya''.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Singh|first=Jagpal|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vfn1DwAAQBAJ|title=Caste, State and Society: Degrees of Democracy in North India|date=2020-10-07|publisher=Taylor & Francis|isbn=978-1-000-19606-1|language=en}}</ref>
 
==Attempts for upward mobility==
During the British period, the Nais tried to raise their social status by claiming themselves as [[Thakur_(title)|Thakurs]] in 1921 census and [[Brahmin]]s in 1931 census.<ref name=fern>{{cite book|title=The Fractured Civilization|author1=Fernandes Lancy|author2=Bhatkal Satyajit|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yp2KG7hHhJIC&dq=Nais+claimed+brahmin+status+in+1931&pg=PA37|page=37|publisher=Popular Prakashan|isbn=8171588816|year=1999}}</ref> The members of the caste pleaded that their caste be named as "Nai Brahmin" in  1941 census.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-2RP04HHopkC&dq=Nai+brahmins+pleaded&pg=PA105|title=The Census Administration Under the Raj and After|author=Shriram Maheshwari|year=1996 |page=105|publisher=Concept Publishing Company|isbn=9788170225850 }}</ref> Such attempts by relatively lower castes to lay claim on higher varna status is termed as [[Sanskritisation]].<ref name=fern/>


== Notable people ==
== Notable people ==
 
*[[Bhagat Sain]], Saint and Bhakti Poet<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MzDtlI7p5qkC|title=Selections from the Sacred Writings of the Sikhs|date=2000|publisher=Orient Blackswan|isbn=978-81-250-1790-5|language=en}}</ref>
*[[Mahapadma Nanda]], Emperor of Nanda Empire<ref>{{Cite book|last=Hemacandra|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=quNpKVqABGMC|title=The Lives of the Jain Elders|date=1998|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-283227-6|pages=142|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Singh|first=Upinder|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GW5Gx0HSXKUC|title=A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India: From the Stone Age to the 12th Century|date=2008|publisher=Pearson Education India|isbn=978-81-317-1677-9|pages=272|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Mookerji|first=Radhakumud|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=i-y6ZUheQH8C|title=Chandragupta Maurya and His Times|date=1966|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass Publ.|isbn=978-81-208-0405-0|pages=14|language=en}}</ref>
*[[Sahib Singh (Sikhism)|Sahib Singh]], one of the Panj Pyare<ref>{{Citation|last=Grewal|first=J.S.|title=The Sikh Faith and the Khalsa Panth: Chhibber's Bansāvalīnāma|date=2011|url=https://oxford.universitypressscholarship.com/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198070740.001.0001/acprof-9780198070740-chapter-13|work=History, Literature, and Identity|place=Delhi|publisher=Oxford University Press|doi=10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198070740.001.0001|isbn=978-0-19-807074-0|access-date=2021-11-05}}</ref>
*[[Bhagat Sain]], Saint and Bhakti Poet<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MzDtlI7p5qkC|title=Selections from the Sacred Writings of the Sikhs|date=2000|publisher=Orient Blackswan|isbn=978-81-250-1790-5|pages=238|language=en}}</ref>
*[[Bhikhari Thakur]], Bhojpuri Poet<ref>{{Cite web|title=एक आम आदमी, जो बना भोजपुरी का शेक्सपियर!|url=https://www.amarujala.com/news-archives/india-news-archives/bhikhari-thakur-shakespear-of-bhojpuri|access-date=2021-11-05|website=Amar Ujala|language=hi}}</ref>
*[[Sahib Singh (Sikhism)|Sahib Singh]], one of the Panj Pyare<ref>{{Citation|last=Grewal|first=J.S.|title=The Sikh Faith and the Khalsa Panth|date=2011-05-12|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198070740.003.0013|work=History, Literature, and Identity|pages=227–250|publisher=Oxford University Press|doi=10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198070740.003.0013|isbn=978-0-19-807074-0|access-date=2021-01-17}}</ref>
*[[Karpoori Thakur]], Former C.M of Bihar<ref>{{Cite web|last=Singh|first=Aastha|date=2019-01-24|title=Karpoori Thakur, the other Bihar CM who banned alcohol|url=https://theprint.in/theprint-profile/karpoori-thakur-the-other-bihar-cm-who-banned-alcohol/182593/|access-date=2021-11-05|website=ThePrint|language=en-US}}</ref>
*[[Bhikhari Thakur]], Bhojpuri Poet<ref>{{Cite web|title=एक आम आदमी, जो बना भोजपुरी का शेक्सपियर!|url=https://www.amarujala.com/news-archives/india-news-archives/bhikhari-thakur-shakespear-of-bhojpuri|access-date=2021-08-02|website=Amar Ujala|language=hi}}</ref>
*[[Karpoori Thakur]], Former C.M of Bihar<ref>{{Cite web|last=Singh|first=Aastha|date=2019-01-24|title=Karpoori Thakur, the other Bihar CM who banned alcohol|url=https://theprint.in/theprint-profile/karpoori-thakur-the-other-bihar-cm-who-banned-alcohol/182593/|access-date=2020-06-15|website=ThePrint|language=en-US}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}{{Social groups of Maharashtra}}
 
[[Category:Indian castes]]
[[Category:Indian castes]]
[[Category:Sikh communities]]
[[Category:Sikh communities]]

Revision as of 20:33, 23 July 2023


Nai/Sen
Nai (barber) doing his work (c. 1870s)
Regions with significant populations
Primary populations in:
Religion

Nai, also known as Sain/Sen, is a generic term for occupational castes of barbers. The name is said to be derived from the Sanskrit word nāpita (नापित).[1] In modern times Nai in northern India refer to themselves as "Sain" instead of Nai.

The Nai caste is listed as an Other Backward Classes in various regions of India. These include Andhra Pradesh,[2] Assam,[3] Bihar,[4] Chandigarh,[5] Chhattisgarh,[6] Dadra and Nagar Haveli,[7] Daman and Diu,[8] Delhi NCR,[9] Goa,[10] Gujarat,[11] Haryana,[12] Himachal Pradesh,[13] Goa,[10] Jharkhand,[14] Karnataka,[15] Madhya Pradesh,[16] Maharashtra,[17] Odisha,[18] Puducherry,[19] Punjab,[20] Rajasthan,[21] Tripura,[22] Uttaranchal,[23] Uttar Pradesh,[24] West Bengal.[25]

Origin

Puranic view

According to a legend prevalent among Nais, they are descended from Nabhi, who in puranic literature is king of the Ikshvaku dynasty.[26]

Other views

In Tamil region some members of the barber caste practiced medicine and used to be called Ambathan.[27]

Occupation

The traditional occupation of Nais is barbering. They also perform the work of match-making for marriages.[28][29][30] The educated people among the community have taken up various other occupations like business and service.[31]

Impact of the ideas of Sain

The process of the Nais adopting the ideas and teachings of Bhagat Sain can be conceptualized as Sainization, depicted through deifying Sain by setting up the institution of Sainacharya. Sain, who was the contemporaries of Kabir, the Bhakti poet who challenged the hegemonic values and hierarchy of the caste system, has become the most revered symbol of pride and identity formation of the Nais. In order to assert their cultural autonomy in 1992 Akhil Bharatiya Sain Bhaktipith Trust was set up on the occasion of the Ujjain mahakumbh mela headed in Pushkar. Achlanandji Maharaj was made the first Sainacharya.[32]

Attempts for upward mobility

During the British period, the Nais tried to raise their social status by claiming themselves as Thakurs in 1921 census and Brahmins in 1931 census.[33] The members of the caste pleaded that their caste be named as "Nai Brahmin" in 1941 census.[34] Such attempts by relatively lower castes to lay claim on higher varna status is termed as Sanskritisation.[33]

Notable people

References

  1. ↑ Rangachari, Edgar Thurston (1855-1935) K. "Castes and Tribes of Southern India: Volume VII—T to Z". www.gutenberg.org. Retrieved 5 November 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  2. ↑ "National Commission for Backward Classes" (PDF). Ncbc.nic.in. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
  3. ↑ "National Commission for Backward Classes" (PDF). Ncbc.nic.in. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
  4. ↑ Central List of OBCs for the State of Bihar (PDF). National Commission for Backward Classes. p. 2. Retrieved 29 May 2012.
  5. ↑ "National Commission for Backward Classes" (PDF). Ncbc.nic.in. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
  6. ↑ "National Commission for Backward Classes" (PDF). Ncbc.nic.in. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
  7. ↑ "National Commission for Backward Classes" (PDF). Ncbc.nic.in. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
  8. ↑ "National Commission for Backward Classes" (PDF). Ncbc.nic.in. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
  9. ↑ Central List of OBCs for the State of Delhi (PDF). National Commission for Backward Classes. p. 3. Retrieved 29 May 2012.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 "National Commission for Backward Classes" (PDF). Ncbc.nic.in. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
  11. ↑ Central List of OBCs for the State of Gujarat (PDF). National Commission for Backward Classes. p. 5. Retrieved 29 May 2012.
  12. ↑ Central List of OBCs for the State of Haryana (PDF). National Commission for Backward Classes. p. 2. Retrieved 29 May 2012.
  13. ↑ "National Commission for Backward Classes" (PDF). Ncbc.nic.in. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
  14. ↑ "National Commission for Backward Classes" (PDF). Ncbc.nic.in. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
  15. ↑ "National Commission for Backward Classes" (PDF). Ncbc.nic.in. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
  16. ↑ Central List of OBCs for the State of Madhya Pradesh (PDF). National Commission for Backward Classes. p. 5. Retrieved 29 May 2012.
  17. ↑ Central List of OBCs for the State of Maharashtra (PDF). National Commission for Backward Classes. p. 4. Retrieved 29 May 2012.
  18. ↑ "National Commission for Backward Classes" (PDF). Ncbc.nic.in. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
  19. ↑ "National Commission for Backward Classes" (PDF). Ncbc.nic.in. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
  20. ↑ Central List of OBCs for the State of Punjab (PDF). National Commission for Backward Classes. p. 2. Retrieved 29 May 2012.
  21. ↑ Central List of OBCs for the State of Rajasthan (PDF). National Commission for Backward Classes. p. 2. Retrieved 29 May 2012.
  22. ↑ "National Commission for Backward Classes" (PDF). Ncbc.nic.in. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
  23. ↑ "National Commission for Backward Classes" (PDF). Ncbc.nic.in. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
  24. ↑ Central List of OBCs for the State of Uttar Pradesh (PDF). National Commission for Backward Classes. p. 3. Retrieved 29 May 2012.
  25. ↑ "National Commission for Backward Classes" (PDF). Ncbc.nic.in. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
  26. ↑ Mani, Vettam (1975). Puranic encyclopaedia : a comprehensive dictionary with special reference to the epic and Puranic literature. Robarts - University of Toronto. Delhi : Motilal Banarsidass.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: publisher location (link)
  27. ↑ Leslie, Charles M. (1998). Asian Medical Systems: A Comparative Study. Motilal Banarsidass Publishe. p. 38. ISBN 978-81-208-1537-7.
  28. ↑ K.S Singh (1998). India's communities. Anthropological Survey of India. p. 2550. ISBN 978-0-19-563354-2. Hair - cutting , shaving and match - making are the traditional occupations of the Nai.
  29. ↑ Indu Banga (ed.). Five Punjabi Centuries: Policy, Economy, Society, and Culture, C. 1500-1990 : Essays for JS Grewal. Manohar. p. 410. ISBN 817304175X. A nai carried invitations of marriage ( gandhs ) and communicated the news of auspicious events to the relatives of his patrons . He was an agency through which preliminaries of match - making were conducted. He completed some formalities during wedding ceremonies.
  30. ↑ Brij Mohan (2021). Life Lessons from Gitaji on New Society. Notion Press. ISBN 978-1638326274. A 'Nai' was a trusted marriage match maker and the skill of a good physio-therapist too.
  31. ↑ K.S Singh (1998). India's communities. Anthropological Survey of India. p. 2550. ISBN 978-0-19-563354-2. Some are still pursuing their traditional occupation , but the educated among them have taken up various other occupations , such as business and service.
  32. ↑ Singh, Jagpal (7 October 2020). Caste, State and Society: Degrees of Democracy in North India. Taylor & Francis. ISBN 978-1-000-19606-1.
  33. ↑ 33.0 33.1 Fernandes Lancy; Bhatkal Satyajit (1999). The Fractured Civilization. Popular Prakashan. p. 37. ISBN 8171588816.
  34. ↑ Shriram Maheshwari (1996). The Census Administration Under the Raj and After. Concept Publishing Company. p. 105. ISBN 9788170225850.
  35. ↑ Selections from the Sacred Writings of the Sikhs. Orient Blackswan. 2000. ISBN 978-81-250-1790-5.
  36. ↑ Grewal, J.S. (2011), "The Sikh Faith and the Khalsa Panth: Chhibber's Bansāvalīnāma", History, Literature, and Identity, Delhi: Oxford University Press, doi:10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198070740.001.0001, ISBN 978-0-19-807074-0, retrieved 5 November 2021{{citation}}: CS1 maint: work parameter with ISBN (link)
  37. ↑ "एक आम आदमी, जो बना भोजपुरी का शेक्सपियर!". Amar Ujala (in हिन्दी). Retrieved 5 November 2021.
  38. ↑ Singh, Aastha (24 January 2019). "Karpoori Thakur, the other Bihar CM who banned alcohol". ThePrint. Retrieved 5 November 2021.

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