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TheDhedh are a menial worker and weaving caste of India. Historically, other Hindu communities considered them to be anuntouchable group, outside theHindu caste system referred to asvarna. This community observes the concept ofuntouchability in relationships with other low-status castes.[1] The community are sometimes referred to asvankars.[2][3]
In the 1930s-40s, manydepressed classes and communities attempted to change their caste and elevate their social status to that of theRajputs, a noble class of warriors (kshatriyas). These included theKhalpa, who wanted to be known asRohit, and theBhangi's desire to be known asRishi, as well as the Vankar claim toMahyavanshi status. Of these, only the Mahyavanshi claim was successful in gaining official recognition from the colonial administration of theBritish Raj.[2] This success was limited to a part of the community in South Gujarat.[3]
In 1909, the Dhedh Sabha was established in Ahmedabad to abolish the practices of drinking alcohol, eating meat, and eating the leftovers of higher castes at social functions. Breman notes these efforts generally had little effect.[4]
InCharotar, Dheds were formerly weavers whose livelihoods were ruined by the introduction of mill-cloth. According to Pocock, the Dheds were considered untouchable because their cloth was treated with bone size. The majority of Charotar Dhedhs areCatholicChristians (due to missionary activity) and a minority who remainHindus. Both consider themselves superior toChamars andBhangis.[5]
The termdhedh as a form of address is consideredderogatory, and is punishable under the Atrocities Act, 1989 as a form of casteist abuse.[6]
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