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THE PEOPLE AND THEIR CULTURE
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BACKWARD CLASSES
THE BACKWARD CLASSES IN KOLHAPUR DISTRICT, as in the State in general, consist of three distinct groups-The Scheduled Castes or Harijans, the Scheduled Tribes, and the other (unscheduled) Backward Classes. The communities known as criminal tribes before the repeal of the Criminal Tribes Act, are now included in the three-fold division. Of the classified list of backward communities the following ones are found in the district: -
Scheduled Castes:-(1) Bhangi (441); (2) Cambhar (19,089); (3) Dhor (1,231); (4) Mahar (1,01,720); (5) Mang (16,538); and (6) Mang-garudi (56).
Scheduled Tribes:- (1) Phase-paradhi (165); (2) Konkana (49).
Other Backward Classes:-Bagadi (181); Bava (823); Beldar (468); Berad (4,752); Bhoi (1,180); Burud (631); Dombari (124); Davari (98); Garudi (199); Ghisadi (57); Gondhali (1,358); Jogatin (48); Jogi "(24); Joshi-Kudbude (164); Kaikadi (289); Koli-Mahadeo (1,564); Koli-Suryavansi (294); Kolhati (253); Kanjarbhat (200); Korvi (1,450); Lamani (100); Nandivale (34); Patharvat (650); Ramosi (857); Sanagar (1,413); Sikalgar (48); Vadar (4,032); Vaidu (62); Valhar (339); Vasudeo (16) [The figures in brackets are 1951 population figures from revenue records for each of the community.]
The population of the backward classes in the district in 1951 was 1,61,436, which was 13.15 per cent, of the total population, It was distributed among the three divisions as under: - (1) Scheduled Castes - 1,39,075; (2) Scheduled Tribes - 214; and (3) Other Backward Classes - 22,147.
Scheduled Castes: According to the varna system Hindus consider themselves divided into four divisions called varnas, viz., (1) Brakmanas, (2) Vaisyas, (3) Ksatriyas, and (4) Sudras. The Scheduled Castes belong to the fourth order and they were considered ' untouchables' by caste Hindus. By article 17 of the constitution of India ' untouchability is abolished and its practice in any form is forbidden.
Scheduled Tribes: These are the aboriginal tribes living in hills and forests. Such tribes are very few in Kolhapur District. Other Backward Classes:-These include Hindu castes which are backward educationally, socially and economically.
Each of these backward communities has its peculiar manners and customs, but it will be difficult to give here details of them all. Details of only such communities as have either a considerable population or some distinctive characteristics are given below:
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