Kela (tribe)

The Kela are a Hindu community found in the states of Gujarat and Rajasthan in India. They are also known as Dhat Maheshwari.

Origin

Kela's are found in the state of Odisha, pre-dominantly in and around a place called Patia near Bhubaneswar. The place opens up to the famous Chandaka jungle, house to varieties of snakes. The Kela if has come from the word Kala (Means Black in Odia) may have some history back to the Irula tribe. The Kela are a hunting and gathering community found in the district of Midnapore. They were traditionally involved in the catching of snakes, toads and birds, a profession considered derogatory by neighbouring communities. The word Kela has been derived from the word kala, which means unclean in Bengali. They are also known as Kharia Muslims, as they are said to be converts from the Kharia caste, and prefer to be known as Kharia.

Present circumstances

The Kela have now entirely given up their traditional occupation, and the majority are now marginal farmers or sharecroppers. A significant minority are also involved in repairing locks, and now suitcases. The community is strictly endogamous, and marry close kin. They live in multi-caste villages, but occupy their distinct quarters, known as paras. The community are Sunni Muslims and speak Bengali language.

See also

• Lodha Muslims

References

Sources

• Mohanty, Uma Charan (2017). The Kela: A Nomadic Caste of Orissa : a Study of Their Conflict and Social Change. DK Printworld. ISBN 978-81-246-0886-9.
• Patnaik, N; Chowdhury, B, eds. (July 1989). Sapua Kela (PDF). Tribal and Harijan Research-cum-Training Institute (THRTI).
• Thurston, W. (1902). Census of India, 1901. Vol. VI. The of Bengal and their Feudatories. Calcutta. pp. 418–419.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
• Giat, E. A. (1909). Castes & Tribes of Southern India. Vol. III. Madras. p. 268.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
• Francis, E. (1902). Census of India, 1901. Vol. XV. Madras, Part I: Report. Madras. p. 161.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
• Laeequddin, Muhammad (1937). Census of Mayurbhanj State 1931. Vol. I. Calcutta: Caledonin Printing Company. p. 211. JSTOR saoa.crl.25352830. OCLC 496724918. Archived from the original on 17 January 2017.
• District Census Report, 1891; Orissa Division, Cuttack District. p. 14.