Charan - Social Structure

Social Structure

Charans caste system is based on written genealogy. A Charan will consider all the other Charans as equal even if they do not know each other and have radically different economic or geographic status. They are divided into four sections, each with several sub-sections and several stocks below those. Males and females of the same stock are considered brothers and sisters, and thus marriage within a stock is strictly forbidden. Similarly, marriages outside the Charan community are not allowed. Instead of four sections, many authors consider 23 divisions a more fundamental way division comprising four Pahadas which literally means mount peaks, sixteen sakhas and three chals. The four sections mentioned before are just based on geographical identity and may overlap with many of the divisions under 23 divisions. The four Pahadas are (1) Nara (2) Chorada (3) Chuva and (4) Tumbel, three chals are (1) Ausura (also spelled Avsura), (2) Maru and (3) baati. Charan of one Pahada are considered brothers and sisters and cannot intermarry. As per these divisions Nara charan usually mary with Ausura, Chorada with Maru and Chuva with Baati. Tumbel don't have exclusive chaal to marry from and hence they are referred as half-Pahada. Tumel usually marry from any of the other three Pahadas and Chaals. The rest of the community is divided into sixteen sakhas (known as Sakhiyas), which literally means sections. They usually marry with other sections as well as three Chaals and three and half Pahadas. Many of the 16 sakhiyas live in Rajasthan. The four sections and their sub-sections are mentioned below.

• Tumbel:The Tumer (also spelled Tumbel) are believed to originate from Sindh. The clans of Tumers are:

1. Mudhuda
2. Seda
3. Sindhiya
4. Gelwa
5. Rudach
6. Bhan

• Kachhelas

Also called Parajias, from the Kachchh district of Gujarat, the Kachhelas have three clans:

1. Chanwas (72)
2. Choradas (52)
3. Naras (66)
4. Kesariya
5. Aalgya
6. Paaliya
7. Soya
8. Keedia

• Maru

The Marus are from Marwar in Rajasthan. They have 20 clans and more than 300 stocks:

1. Varasda

1 Ashiya

2 Adha (Arha, this is a clan of Sandu)

3 Barhat(includes Roharia, Bithu,Punshi,Gadu,Sanwal,Kalhath,(Alawat,Akhawat,Lakhawat,Palawata,Gunga) Sub clans of Barhath as brothers)

4 Badhva (19)

5 Baratrohdia (12)

6 Bati (13)

7 Boxa

8 Budhda

9 Bitu

10choda(chola)

11Deval

12 Detha (brothers of Souda / Sauda Barhat, Descendents of Maa Barvadi ji from Gujarat)

13Dhadhania (11)

14Dadhvadia (19)

15Gelva (6)

16Gadan(Harmada)

17Jagat

17Varnsurya

18Jula (Zula) (31)

19Jadiya(dahej)

20Jhiba

21Khadia/Khidia(khiria)(36)

22Kharol (2)

23Kiniya (The members of this sub-caste are known as the descendants of goddess Karni Mata)

24Kaviya ("Shri Baapji Maharaj" was the founder of Kaviyas.Kaviyas are considered as one of the best poetry skilled and master of intelligence among the Charans)

25Kharal

26lalas

27Mahud/ Muhad

28Surtaniya (main village of surtaniya is Morjar(kutch)... migrants from rajasthan )

29Mishan(The Renowned poet of this surname was shri Surmallji Mishan, born in Rajashthan who wrote a huge epic named "VANSH BHASKAR"incarnation of the Sun and his heirs)

30 FUNDA/VIJAl they are found in kutchh n north gujrat

1.vansur/varansurya

1. Mahiya
2. Mada (2)
3. Mahiyaria (11)[This is the surname of Nathu Singh Mahiyaria a great poet.who said "Andaagal Chetak Rayoo Andagal Hindbhaan Yoh toh Votaa me

Daagal huyoo Maharana.."when Maharana Bhagwat Singh ji came out after voting for thefirst time and asked Kavivar to comment]

1. Mahedu
2. Nadhu (29)
3. Pandarsinga
4. Ratnu Razavada and more(1)
5. Rohadiyasarambhada and more
6. Samor
7. sindiayach (bhacharliyaand Bhada inclusive in 16 sakhiya]
8. Sandu (8)
9. Sau
10. Siyal (0)
11. Silga
12. Soda (33)
13. Tapariya
14. Ujjwal (clan of Sindayach)
15. Vacha (they are brother to Adha & mahiya)
16. Vijal (1)

1. Vithu
2. Mod
3. Hada(10)

• Sorathiya

1. Langavadra
2. Langa
3. Leela
4. Kunchala
5. Khalel
6. Narela

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