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Mahar
Caste in India found predominantly in the state of Maharashtra / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Mahar (Maharathi/Andhra/Deccani Chamar) (in Marathi महार) is a caste found majorly in the state of Maharashtra (mainly in Vidharbha region )and neighbouring areas.[10][11] Most of Maharas trace their origin with amalgamation of Chamar craftmen from North India and local Maharathi Andhra-Naga tribe of Vidharbha(vessels of Mauryans) in times of first phase of urbanization in South India about 5th-4th century BCE. Mahavamsa mentions Maharathi were devout followers of Buddhism. Many Maharas believe Stupas of Bhon and Pauni were commissioned by Mahar chieftains in orders of Mauryan emperor Ashoka. An inscription from Bharhut Stupa dated to 2nd century BCE mentioned construction of a pillar was commissioned by Samaka, a student of Mahara. Maharas worship legendary farmer hero Mahasammat Raja who was the first farmer king elected by other farmers to rule them. The Maharas believe they are descendant of Mahasammat Raja, (also known as Adicca or Bali Raja), the buddhist founder of Suriya Vassi Khattiyas or Kshtriyas of Solar dynasty.
![]() "A Mahar woman",
a watercolour by M. V. Dhurandhar, 1928 | |
Total population | |
---|---|
10 million[citation needed] | |
Regions with significant populations | |
Maharashtra | 8,006,060 |
Madhyapradesh | 819,416 |
Chhattisgarh | 245,220 |
Karnataka | 66,068 |
West Bengal | 34,793 [note 1] |
Gujarat | 28,417 |
Odisha | 21,304 |
Andhrapradesh (including Telangana) | 12,872 |
Goa | 8,536 |
Rajasthan | 1,980 |
Assam | 1,822 |
Dadra and Nagar Haveli | 224 |
Daman and Diu | 110 |
Languages | |
Marathi, Konkani, Varhadi dialect, Ahirani, Hindi, Chhattisgarhi, English | |
Religion | |
Majority:![]() Minority: Hinduism & Christianity |
Dr. Ambedkar believed Maharas are amalgamation of many tribes and castes including Andhra, Adi Dravidas, Chamars and even Rajputs. They have close relaions with Maratha and Mang castes of Maharashtra. They were primarily called parwaris or servicemen of villeges in medieval period. Their traditional occupation includes leather making, meat production and farming in medieval period. In colonial era, they were employed as scavengers in villeges of western Maharashtra but Maharas of Vidharbha were still working as peasants. Ambedkar believed major reason of untouchability to Mahara was their Buddhist origin and opposition to Brahmanical culture.
Majorty of Maharas have converted to Buddhism in response of injustice of the caste practices within Hinduism. It was the primary reason for most of the Mahar community to follow Dr. B. R. Ambedkar in embracing Buddhism in the middle of the 20th century.[12][13] The Mahars have a rich cultural heritage and have made substantial contributions to Indian society.