The Jatav caste is also known as Jatava, Jatan, and Jhusia. The Indian community is categorized as SC. They come in a broader category of Dalit and are associated with the Chamar community. Historically, they are associated with leatherworking, but later, they adopted the caste “Jatav” in the 20th century, which claims the Kshatriya status. They are prominently centered in Agra or the surrounding regions and are politically empowered under Dr BR Ambedkar.
Facts to know about the Jatav community!
Origin and identity!
- Their roots
They are historically identified as a subgroup of the Chamar caste. In 1931, they officially adopted the name Jatav to replace their original name, Chamar. They claim they are descendants of the Yadu dynasty or Kshatriya ancestry.
- Geographical area
The community is found across northern India, with a higher concentration in western Uttar Pradesh, especially in Agra.
- Category
The charter community is recognized officially as the scheduled caste by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in various states like Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi, and Punjab.
- Occupational transformation
Traditionally, they were associated with leather work. But during the early 20th century, many of them shifted away from their traditional leather tanning work. They have opted for occupations to enhance their social status, such as manufacturing, trading, and farming.
Their social and political influence!
However, the caste was initially associated with leather work, but later, with high levels of mobilization, it became a politically active and influential Dalit community, especially in Uttar Pradesh.
- Knowing their 20th-century mobility
During the early 20th century, the community adopted Sanskritisation. The community adopted it to improve their social status. Later, they shifted their focus towards politics, showing their strength in terms of political participation.
- The political platform
The community gained a major national platform through the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). Kanshi Ram founded the party and was later led by Mayawati, who became the first Dalit CM in UP. Various new leaders have come to the party, like Chandrasekhar Azad, who seem appealing to the Jatav Youth.
Talking about the legislative power of the Jatav community, in 1937, the Jatav caste won the 20% of the total reserved seats. They become an important vote bank that the mainstream parties like to appeal to.
Jatav Evolution!
Now, the Jatav community is one of the socially progressive and politically influential groups of Dalits located primarily in North India, including Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Haryana. The caste has been identified as the Chamar community through decades of political mobilization.
- Kingmaker community in UP
They form the core electoral base of BSP in Indian politics, especially in Uttar Pradesh.
- Occupational transformation
Since they were linked to the leatherwork once upon a time, but now they have left their traditional work and can be seen in various sectors like government jobs, authority posts, business, trading, manufacturing, and almost all industries.
Also, the caste has significantly improved its literacy rate and has become good at various posts.
Conclusion!
In the end, Jatav has successfully transformed from a marginalized traditional occupation to a political and social uplifting community. With education, urbanization, and mobilization with the support of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, they have uplifted their social status and can be seen working in all the sectors of the fields.