Pardhi

Pardhi is a Hindu tribe in India. The tribe is found mostly in Maharashtra and parts of Madhya Pradesh however small numbers can be found in Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh. The word Pardhi is derived from the Marathi word ‘Paradh’ which means hunting and Sanskrit word ‘papardhi’ which means hunting or the game to be hunted. In some parts of India Pardhis are known as Meywarees. They also have various other names like Advichincher, Phans Pardhi, Phanse Pardhi, Langoli Pardhi, Bahelia, Bahellia, Chita Pardhi, Shikari, Takankar, Takia Pardhi. Pardhi tribe is divided in groups like Vaghri Pardhi and Phase Pardhi. These are further divided into subgroups like Pal Pardhi, Gav Pardhi, Takankar, Takari. Widely found surnames among them include Chauhan (Chavan), Rathod and Solanki.

Pardhi is a Hindu tribe in India. The tribe is found mostly in Maharashtra and parts of Madhya Pradesh however small numbers can be found in Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh. The word Pardhi is derived from the Marathi word ‘Paradh’ which means hunting and Sanskrit word ‘papardhi’ which means hunting or the game to be hunted. In some parts of India Pardhis are known as Meywarees. They also have various other names like Advichincher, Phans Pardhi, Phanse Pardhi, Langoli Pardhi, Bahelia, Bahellia, Chita Pardhi, Shikari, Takankar, Takia Pardhi. Pardhi tribe is divided in groups like Vaghri Pardhi and Phase Pardhi. These are further divided into subgroups like Pal Pardhi, Gav Pardhi, Takankar, Takari. Widely found surnames among them include Chauhan (Chavan), Rathod and Solanki. ==History== The Pardhis claim to be descendants of the Rajputs, although this origin is not supported by verifiable historical evidence. They reportedly speak a dialect of Rajasthani among themselves, and their names often end with the suffix "-singh". It is also claimed that the Pardhis have adopted Rajput surnames such as Salunkhe, Rathod, Sindiya, and Chauhan (Chavan) in an effort to assert higher social status. Additionally, they are said to have adopted Maratha surnames such as Pawar, Shinde, and Dabhade. According to some accounts, the Pardhis originated in Rajasthan and migrated to Maharashtra and other states through Gujarat. While in Gujarat, they took up Gujarati culture. They intermixed with Gujarati community and started speaking their language and also started worshipping Khodiyar Mata as their Kuldevi. ==Discrimination== Public pressure often prevents the nomadic community from settling in villages. Nowadays, most of the settled Pardhis practice agriculture due to the strict imposition of the ban on hunting and poaching. The nomads go door to door to sell inexpensive items, handicrafts, or food items. A major portion of the child beggars of Mumbai belong to the Pardhi community. Stigma coupled with the lack of education has essentially crippled the community. ==References== ==External links== Criminal Tribes of India – History of Paradhis

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