Dhadhor, also known as Dharhor or Dhirhor, is an inferior subcaste[1][2][3][4][5] of Ahirs, predominantly found in the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. This subcaste has played a role in the socio-political landscape of Eastern Uttar Pradesh, marked by the establishment of their Bhiti Rawat State in Gorakhpur.

Historically, Ahir subcastes have occupied an ambiguous ritual status within the complex caste stratification of India. However, members of the Dhadhor subcaste have distinguished themselves by holding prominent positions as rulers in the Dhoondhar region of Rajasthan. This historical trajectory has placed them firmly within the Kshatriya sect of the varna system, highlighting their influence.

Origin

Originally, Dhadhors were inhabitants of the Dhoondhar region in Rajasthan, which includes parts of Jaipur, Dausa, Sawai Madhopur, Tonk and Karauli districts. Dhadhors have been migrated from Rajasthan to Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, where they settled and have a significant population today. Presently, they have a substantial presence in areas like Ballia, Gorakhpur, Ghazipur, Azamgarh, Buxar, Siwan, Bhojpur, Jaunpur and Patna districts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

Rank among other Ahir subcastes

According to a Loriki gayak of Eastern Uttar Pradesh named Shivnath Chaudhary, "Dhadhors rank lower to Gwals (or Gwalvanshis)".[6]

Notable Dhadhor Yadavs

Throughout history, Dhadhors have held significant positions in Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Some prominent individuals from the Dhadhor Ahir subcaste include:

  • Raja Vijayapal Yaduvanshi (Later Rajputised)
  • Baba Bagha Singh Yaduvanshi
  • Babu Sharda Prasad Singh Rawat
  • Chaudhary Vishwanath Yadav
  • Yashpal Singh Rawat

Kuldevi of Dhadhor Yadavs

Their revered deity, or Kuldevi, is Kailadevi, also known as Kankali Mata.[7]

Culture

Lorikayan is sung by Dhadhor Ahirs in Bhojpuri and Awadhi dialect, it is a folk song of veer rasa where events from the life of Lorik are described.[7][8]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Elliot, Sir Henry Miers (1845). Supplement to the Glossary of Indian Terms. Printed at the Secundra Orphan Press by N.H. Longden.
  2. ↑ Forbes, Duncan (1866). A Dictionary, Hindustani & English: Accompanied by a Reversed Dictionary, English and Hindustani. W.H. Allen.
  3. ↑ Elliot, Henry M. (1869). Memoirs on the History, Folk-Lore, and Distribution of the Races of the North Western Provinces of India; being an amplified Edition of the original: Supplemental Glossary of India Terms By the late Henry M. Elliot. Edited, revised, and re-arranged by John Beames. In 2 Volumes. I. Trübner & Company.
  4. ↑ Forbes, Duncan (8 June 2023). A Dictionary , Hindustani and English: Part I. BoD – Books on Demand. ISBN 978-3-382-33056-9.
  5. ↑ Wilson, Horace Hayman (1855). A Glossary of Judicial and Revenue Terms: And of Useful Words Occurring in Official Documents Relating to the Administration of the Government of British India, from the Arabic, Persian, Hindustání, Sanskrit, Hindí, Bengálí, Uriya, Maráthi, Guazráthí, Telugu, Karnáta, Tamil, Malayálam, and Other Languages. W.H. Allen and Company.
  6. ↑ Loka mahākāvya canainī: Lorika aura Candā kī loka-gāthā : mūla pāṭha, bhāvārtha, tathā tippaṇiyām̐ (in Hindi). Sāhitya Bhavana. 1982.
  7. 1 2 Pandey, Shyam Manohar (1982). The Hindi oral epic Canainī: the tale of Lorik and Candā (in Hindi). Sahitya Bhawan.
  8. ↑ Coccari, Diane Marjorie (1986). The Bir Babas of Banaras: An Analysis of a Folk Deity in North Indian Hinduism. University of Wisconsin--Madison.


Further reading


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