Halpati

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The Halpati are found mainly in the Gujarat state of India. Minor populations are also found in surrounding states and union territories. They are also known as Talvia or Talvi Rathode.^[3][4] The Halpati are found mainly in the Gujarat state of India. Minor populations are also found in surrounding states and union territories.^[5]

Origin[]

The name Halpati derived from the two worlds, first is HAL (Plough) and second is PATI (Owned). Meaning the person who own the plough. As most of the ancient Indian heritage came from farmers background no exception of any cast, Halpati community who owns the lands and plough know how to do farming very well from long time and grow the best crop twice a year during monsoon crop( July to November ) summer ( January to May). Back in the days as Halpti families most relied on farming income they settled in small villages where they own and take care their lands and cattles. The Halpati claim that they were Rathore Rajputs, who acquired this nickname on account of their taking to cultivation. ^[6]

Present circumstances[]

They are classified as scheduled tribes (The term 'Scheduled Tribes' first appeared in the Constitution of India. Article 366 (25) defined scheduled tribes as "such tribes or tribal communities or parts of or groups within such tribes or tribal communities as are deemed under Article 342 to be Scheduled Tribes for the purposes of this constitution". The Tribal people were the earliest among the present inhabitants of India) in 4 states and 1 union territory: Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. They speaks very fluent Gujarati. ^[1]

In Gujarat[]

The community consist of twenty sub-divisions, the main ones being the Talavia, Rathoria, Vohariya, Damaria, Valsadia, Olpadia, Mandavia, Umberia, Ghanghodia, Khodia, Choria, Ukharia, Baramia, Baria, Narda, Haevia, Thakura, Karcha, Watal, Parsi Halpati and Laldatwala Halpati. These clans are of equal status, and intermarry, except the Talavia, who consider themselves superior to the other clans on account of their ancestry. The Halpati speak Gujarati. ^[7]

The Halpati's used to be small farmers, own castles. Their Primary income is getting from farmings and cattle and who don't owns anything they participate in labour. A small number are carpenters, traders and shopkeepers. With the industry revolution they also developed skills related to job in textiles, Chemicals, Petrochemicals and Diamond industries. Due to the Indian government aggressive policy on education in last 20 to 30 years there are lot many Halpati families who used to live in small villages and towns are now Highly educated and working in professional areas like Doctors, Engineers, Lawyers, Researchers, Professors, Teachers and many are small entrepreneur and now contributing to their Indian society. There're small number of halpati families who are settled in UK, US, Australia, Canada, South Africa, Singapore, Certain part of Europe and Middle east. Their community is always forward thinking and more helpful to their and as well as other help needed communities around the world. ^[8]

In Maharashtra[]

Halpati (group of farmers) society consists of several endogamous sub-divisions which do not marry. Some of their sub-divisions include the Bhahmaniya, Garasia, Karcha, Mandvia, Ratjod, Rajput, and Taravia. Their primary occupation is agriculture. The community is divided between small landowners and landless agricultural labourers. They are Hindu, and customs similar to neighbouring tribal communities such as the Dhodia and Warli. ^[9]

References[]