Found in the union territory of Dadra and Nagar apart from Indian states like Goa and Maharashtra, the Jagtaps are the hindu Marathas. The Socially backward community falls under the OBC category according to the government census.
Jagtaps interchangeably used jugtap-koli which also represents their gotra or sub division. The Maharashtrian residents speak English, Hindi, Marathi and koli as their mother tongue. The koli clan Community worships the usual Hindu Gods and Goddesses like any other caste category. They celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi as their prominent festival and participate in the usual religious and social activities.
Jagtap origin
With more than 95 clans existing in the Marathas, there are four major vanshas that include Yaduvanshi, Chandravanshi, Suryawanshi and nagavansi. All the clans are Hindus and have their own Kuldevi and Devta. The Jagtaps mainly belong to the Yaduvanshi category who were involved in warships and battles during the ancient time. They had a role to play in the military and serving the army of the kings. The jagtap kunbi caste of Maratha is mostly an agricultural group. They were the Banjara and were ardently Marathi speakers.
Hence, one can say that Jagtap is a mix of military and agricultural groups. They have a Marathi background which makes them fall under the category of Maratha Kunbi class.
The Maratha Obc-current position
Earlier, the position of Jagtap Caste members was absolutely vulnerable because of poor ancestral background and social economic status. The Marathas mostly fell under general caste categories and were not recognised as scheduled caste tribes and other backward classes at all. In recent surveys, the government recognised different caste backgrounds and took steps towards their protection.
Jagtaps are recently issued with the special Kunbi caste certificates from the Maharashtra government. The certificate lists them under the OBC caste category respectively. It is meant to facilitate their reservations and maintain political equilibrium. Earlier, The community members were exposed to a number of social and economic malpractices. Eventually, they were recognised and given the due status by the government to maintain their positions.
The current Maratha OBC quota is helpful in providing the best education opportunities to the current generation. It is also a step towards providing a brighter tomorrow by bringing heard of job opportunities for the clans. The special certificates issued on submission of an affidavit by the applicant helps to create recognition of the caste members.
Final Words
The position of Jagtaps has been a matter of confusion ever since the time of the britishers. Some of them considered them as a general caste category whereas the rest gave them the position of backward classes because of their economic status. In the present time, the caste members are enjoying plenty of government perks and amenities. The hindu OBC caste of Maharashtra is now found involved in government jobs and high-class education facilities. They are political leaders, doctors, educationalists and entrepreneurs. They are no longer devoid of basic facilities. The scenario of caste members is evolving and becoming better with passage of each decade.