Rautia

The Rautia are Hindu culture affected tribal caste, found in the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhatishgarh and Madhya Pradesh in India. They are also known as the Rautas.^[1]

History and origin

According to their traditions, the community helped and protect Rajput prince, who as a reward was given lands in Lohardaga, jashpur territory . The word Rautia may be a corruption of the word raut, meaning an inferior Rajput. It is quite possible that they are a Rajput group who have lost status by taking to cultivation, an occupation traditionally forbidden to Rajputs. They speak the Sadri dialect of Hindi.^[2]

Present circumstances

The Rautia are divided into two sub-groups, the Bargohri or pure Rautia and this is also divided into gotras (sub - division) Rikhi, Khrakhwar, Lathaor, Katwar and Majhi, and the Majhgohri whose ancestors are said to have married women of other castes. Both these groups and endogamous, with the former considering itself superior over the other.Another group of rautia are called pachhasi which is also a pure group of rautia.These group are also divided into different vansh.these vans are namely-baghela,kharakwar,lathur,khoya,majhi,katwar.Other group of this community is chot gohri(which is impure form of the cast). Traditionally and primarily they are cultivators. They also gather fruits and tubers from the jungles nearby. A small number have begun to emigrate to towns and cities such as Ranchi. The community is found throughout Bihar and Jharkhand orissa Chhattisgarh.^[3]

See also

• Sadgop
• Mali
• Turha
• Banaut

References