Dhanuk
| Regions with significant populations | |
|---|---|
| India • Nepal • Bangladesh | |
| Languages | |
| • Hindi • Maithili • Bhojpuri | |
| Religion | |
| Hinduism 100% |
The Dhanuk are an ethnic group found in Bangladesh, India and Nepal. In India, the Dhanuk are found in the states of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. They have been granted Backward Caste status. In Nepal, they are settled in the Terai districts of Saptari, Siraha and Dhanusa. They are either Kshetris or a minority indigenous people. The Dhanuks of eastern Terai are also known as Mandal. The Dhanuk is also known as Jaswal Kurmi. The Dhanuk in both countries are Hindu, and speak various dialects of Hindi, such as Bhojpuri and Awadhi.
According to tradition, the Dhanuk community gets its name from the Sanskrit word dhanushka, meaning a bowman.
The Dhanuk (Dhanak) are strictly endogamous, and practice clan exogamy. Their main clans are the Dhankar, Dholbaja, Kratheriya, Khakarpuria, khanagwal, Laungvasta, and Supabandha. All these sub-groups are not of equal status, and there is hierarchy on the basis of their respective occupations. A small number of the Dhanuk are a now petty landowners. Because of their switching to petty works for livelihood they are treated as Dalits. As a Dalit community, they face social discrimination whose settlements are found at the edge of villages.
The Dhanuk speak various dialects of Hindi.
The Dhanak of Haryana are a community of weavers, also known as Kabirpanthi Pandit. They have been granted Scheduled Caste status, and are found throughout the state. They now speak Haryana, and are said to have immigrated from Awadh. The community consists of a number of clans, and practices clan exogamy. Their main clans include the Khangwals,Duggal Kirar, Nugaria (Nagar), Ninania, Khatak, Pacherwal, Kerar, Katheria, Mundadiya, Ladwal, Morwal, Mahore, Rangbhaa, Bagadi, Suralia,Frand, Solia (Solanki), Bharor, Atkan, Gorraiya, Bumra, Siyan, Kataria and Indora. The Dhanak are a landless community, with many employed in their traditional occupation of weaving. Most live in multi-caste villages, occupying their own distinct quarters. Each settlement contains a traditional caste council known as a biradari panchayat. This acts as an instrument of social control, as well as acting as an informal welfare association.
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