Paradhi (An Inquiry into Paradhi Community habitated in Kutchch District)

Abstract

The Paradhi tribe in kutchch region is known by different names in different areas. In Vagad areas, for example, they are known as Bhil; in Anjar and Mundra area, they are known as Paradhis; in Bhuj and Nakhatrana areas, they are known as Jogi and Abdasa and Matana Madh areas, they are known as jagariya. All these people, residing in these different areas have mutual social relationship and they introduce themselves as Bhil - Paradhi, Jagariya - Paradhi, Jogi - Paradhi etc. The historical, social and cultural inter-relationship has been interwoven in this report. In this report, a detailed discussion has been made on social, economic, religious, cultural and educational aspects of Paradhi tribe, after careful study of these aspects in the background of their geographical region and historical perspective. An in depth study has also been undertaken about the difficulties they have been facing even in present times.