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TheBhambi Khalpa are acaste found in the state ofGujarat inIndia. They are a sub-group within theBhambi community. The Khalpa havescheduled caste status.They are not part of the vedic "Hindu Varna System."They are following teaching of great saint " Satguru Ravidas or Rohidas."[1]
The name Khalpa has been derived from the word khal, which is theGujarati word which means the carcass of a dead animal. They are said to be a sub-division of theChamar community, Which following the teachings of great visionary saint and social reformer "Satguru Ravidas or Rohitas". The Khalpa are aGujarati speaking community.[2]
The Khalpa are an endogamous community, and practice clan exogamy. Historically, they used to intermarry with theBhambi Rohit, but this has been discontinued. Their main clans are the Chauhan, Parmar, Katariya, Goel, Solanki and Kothari. Historically, the Khalpa wereleathertanners andshoemakers, but like other artisan communities are abandoning their traditional occupation. Many are now employed as wage labourers. A small number are now small and medium-sized peasant cultivators.[3]