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The Peoples of Kutch

Kutch has been a significant confluence point for different races and people. The nomadic pastoralists are certainly the most interesting and their links can be traced on one side to Marwar and Mewar (regions of Rajasthan), Saurashtra and, on the other side, Sindh and beyond to Afghanisthan, Iran and Central Asia.       The great Rabari group is spread over the western plains of India from Kutch to Rajasthan. They are Hindu cattle-breeders and shepherds, falling into three endogamous groups - those of Kutch, Rajasthan and Central Gujarat.
There are further sub-divisions according to region like the Garasia, Kachela, Dhebaria and Wagadia of Kutch. Rabaries worship the mother goddess, Ramdev Pir, horsemen heroes and the sainted dead. In Kutch, after the monsoon rains and their year's wanderings, they celebrate all marriages on one day only, that of Gokul Ashtami, the birthday of Lord Krishna.
The other main group of pastoralists consists of two dozen nomadic and semi-nomadic Muslim groups who trace their roots from Sindh and beyond. The Jath are the largest such group. The others are smaller and live in Banni area, a low-lying, sixteen hundred square kilometers pastureland close to the salt marshes of the Great Rann of Kutch, and also in the surrounding areas. The main clans are the Halipotra, Raisipotra, Mutwa, Node, Hingorjah, Bhambha, Cher, Junejah, Kaskalee, Korar, Ladai, Nunai, Pathan, Baluch, Samejah, Sumra and Tabah. The Dhanetah section of the Jath are also in the Banni. They keep mainly cattle, no goats, and are settled around nearly fifty water-holes on the Banni. The Jaths are a nomadic community spread over Kutch. They appear to have started their migration to this area, from Sindh, some four hundred years ago. Their main groups are Dhanetah, Fakirani and Garasia. The Garasia Jaths live mainly in the Nakhatrana region of Kutch. There is a sprinkling of Bharwads also in Kutch, and they have spilled over from their home region in Kathiawar. There is a great concentration of Ahirs in Kutch. In and around Pacham are the Sammas. An interesting community is that of the Sodha Rajputs, some of whom have been settled in Kutch in the recent past only, after coming from Pakistan. In other castled villages tribals like the Koli mingle with the normal population mix of Patels, Jadejas, Rajputs, Bhatias, Kayasths, Lohanas, Gosains, Gadhvis, Kapdis, Jains, Brahamans, Jogis, Banias, Bairagis, Sanghars, Bhanushalis, Bhadalas Syeds, Shaikhs, Pathans, Khojas, Memans, Miyanas, Sammas, Kharvas and Toris. And intermingling with them are the service groups and craftsmen.

Kutch Fishworkers' Issues in the press

The situation at Bhadreshwar village in Mundra taluka of Kutch district remains tense after 30 fishermen were arrested by the local police on charges of rioting a few days ago. The issue concerns the persistent protest by the local fishermen against the proposed 300 MW thermal power plant by OPG Power Plant at the village. The locals fear the proposed plant will harm the environment in the area and will lead to the loss of livelihood for nearly 20,000 fishermen, salt-pan workers, pastoralists and farmers in Bhadreshwar, Luni, Hatdi, Pavdiara, Sangad and other neighbouring villages.

They allege that the OPG has made several attempts to start the construction work since July this year, even before obtaining the mandatory environment clearance. The attempt by the company on August 23 led to clashes between the private security guards hired by the company and the local fishing community. C M Jadeja, Sub-Inspector, Coastal police station, Mundra, said, ?The fishermen were arrested under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and have been sent to the district jail after their two-day police remand got over.? Kaushik Ayachi, president, Bhadreshwar Salt Association, confirmed the fishermen?s contention and said, ?The OPG has increased its activities on the proposed site especially in August, leading to escalation in the situation. The district administration has done nothing to resolve the issue.? Earlier, the public hearing conducted by the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) for environment clearance of the proposed project on May 29 had witnessed strong opposition by the affected community. Earlier, Ayachi had told Newsline, ?Nearly 4,000 acres of salt pans in the area within 10 km radius of the proposed power plant, affecting at least 1,500 families, will become unsuitable for pursuing our traditional livelihood.?

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