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Turaiha (also spelled as Turai) is a Hindu fishing caste found in Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.

Origin

Detailed Information about the Turaiha Community: 1. Background and Origin: The Turaiha tribe is a traditional community settled in the Terai region of North India, known for its agriculture, fishing, and animal husbandry. The name "Turaiha" is believed to have originated from the word "Terai," symbolizing their fertile lowland habitat. The community is deeply connected to its cultural and social values, preserving its historical heritage. However, over time, invasions by Central Asian conquerors and migrations and occupations by other castes significantly impacted this community. The Turaiha people, once masters of their land, were gradually displaced and treated as slaves. Their numbers dwindled, and they found themselves confined within their own country. Despite these adversities, their struggles only made them stronger. 2.Population: The Turaiha community constitutes only 0.08% of Uttar Pradesh's total population. The state's estimated population in 2011 was approximately 23,15,02,278. Assuming that 0.08% of this population belongs to the Turaiha community, their estimated population (2011) would be around 1,85,202. Even though their numbers are smaller compared to other castes, this data is based on overall population estimates and caste percentages. 3.Lifestyle and Culture: The Turaiha tribe's lifestyle is entirely based on harmony with land and water. They primarily engage in farming, fishing, and animal husbandry. The community worships the banyan and peepal trees and considers Lord Shanishwara (Saturn) as their family deity, symbolizing the cultural unity and social bond within the tribe. Their respect for nature and traditional practices keeps their cultural heritage alive. 4.Beliefs: The Turaiha community holds strong religious beliefs. They worship the banyan and peepal trees and regard Lord Shanishwara as their family deity. These beliefs and worship practices are integral parts of their lives, reinforcing their cultural values and providing a sense of identity and unity. 5. Inclusion in Scheduled Castes List: The Turaiha community is listed among the Scheduled Castes of Uttar Pradesh, granting them access to social and economic benefits. The Turaiha were granted Scheduled Caste status in 1952, but the benefits of this status were largely utilized by more populous Scheduled Castes. This listing enables the Turaiha community to avail government schemes and reservations, although the impact has been limited. 6.Challenges: The Turaiha tribe has historically faced numerous challenges, including being displaced from their lands and subjected to exploitation by outsiders. Separated from the mainstream, they struggle with inadequate education, healthcare, and job opportunities, leading to significant social and economic difficulties. 7.Current Challenges: The Turaiha community continues to face several contemporary issues: • Educational Backwardness: The community's children are being deprived of educational opportunities due to the non-issuance of caste certificates. • Economic Insecurity: Over-reliance on traditional occupations and lack of access to modern agricultural techniques have kept their economic condition weak. • Social Marginalization: Lack of social rights and exclusion from the mainstream have left the community struggling for their place in society. 8. Climate and Geographical Conditions of the Terai Region: The climate and geographical conditions of the Terai region have deeply influenced the physical appearance and lifestyle of the Turaiha tribe. The region's tropical monsoon climate, with dry winters and a humid subtropical environment, has resulted in a dusky and reddish complexion among the people. On average, Turaiha men have a height of about 5 feet 5 inches, adapted to the Terai environment. The region, located at the foothills of the Himalayas, is fertile and rich in river resources, making it ideal for agriculture and fishing. 9. Social and Economic Status: The life of the Turaiha community has changed dramatically over time. Today, they face major issues such as unemployment, lack of education, and poverty. They are mostly landless laborers living in makeshift homes. About 98% of the Turaiha population lives below the poverty line. Only 0.1% of the people are educated, and the community's overall socio-economic status is highly deplorable. 10.Political Situation: Caste plays a critical role in the Indian political landscape. However, due to being a minority, lack of organization, and internal divisions, the Turaiha community has not been able to establish a strong political base. Although they were granted Scheduled Caste status in 1952, the benefits were mainly utilized by more populous Scheduled Castes. Despite these ongoing challenges, the Turaiha community continues to preserve its cultural heritage, natural resource-based lifestyle, and social unity. They are continuously striving to protect their culture and fight for their rights within society.

Belief

The Turaiha are Hindu. They belong to Shiva and Baghwat Sects. Their deities are siloman Baba, Amna Bhawani, Biratiya, Bhairo, Pancho Peer, Ghatoria Baba, Maadho Baba and Kalu Dev. They follows themselves to Guru Machchhendar Nath. They accept Mata Shabari and Veer Eklavya as their ancestors and regards them to frame their pictures in their houses. They celebrate their main festival in the month of Sawan held on last Saturday with offering seven chief grains (Wheat, Rice, Gram, Urd, Barley, Peas and Til) with Bread and Kheer (Jenar). Many people scarifie goats to Sanichar Raja (Sanichara Baba) (Kalaiyan Baba) (Kalu Baba). Sanichar Raja (Kalu Baba)(Kalaiyan Baba) is the chief deity (kul Devta) of Turaihas. They have an impermanent panchayat which consists of the whole biradari. The Chaudhri presides and act as the executive officer of the community. Stern action is taken against anyone who fails to obey the panchayat which does not hesitate to order Hukka-Pani band.

Contemporary problems

6.Challenges: The Turaiha tribe has historically faced numerous challenges, including being displaced from their lands and subjected to exploitation by outsiders. Separated from the mainstream, they struggle with inadequate education, healthcare, and job opportunities, leading to significant social and economic difficulties. 7.Current Challenges: The Turaiha community continues to face several contemporary issues: • Educational Backwardness: The community's children are being deprived of educational opportunities due to the non-issuance of caste certificates. • Economic Insecurity: Over-reliance on traditional occupations and lack of access to modern agricultural techniques have kept their economic condition weak. • Social Marginalization: Lack of social rights and exclusion from the mainstream have left the community struggling for their place in society. 8. Climate and Geographical Conditions of the Terai Region: The climate and geographical conditions of the Terai region have deeply influenced the physical appearance and lifestyle of the Turaiha tribe. The region's tropical monsoon climate, with dry winters and a humid subtropical environment, has resulted in a dusky and reddish complexion among the people. On average, Turaiha men have a height of about 5 feet 5 inches, adapted to the Terai environment. The region, located at the foothills of the Himalayas, is fertile and rich in river resources, making it ideal for agriculture and fishing. 9. Social and Economic Status: The life of the Turaiha community has changed dramatically over time. Today, they face major issues such as unemployment, lack of education, and poverty. They are mostly landless laborers living in makeshift homes. About 98% of the Turaiha population lives below the poverty line. Only 0.1% of the people are educated, and the community's overall socio-economic status is highly deplorable. 10.Political Situation: Caste plays a critical role in the Indian political landscape. However, due to being a minority, lack of organization, and internal divisions, the Turaiha community has not been able to establish a strong political base. Although they were granted Scheduled Caste status in 1952, the benefits were mainly utilized by more populous Scheduled Castes. Despite these ongoing challenges, the Turaiha community continues to preserve its cultural heritage, natural resource-based lifestyle, and social unity. They are continuously striving to protect their culture and fight for their rights within society.

Population

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  • India about 609,000
  • Uttar Pradesh 175,000
  • Bihar 248,000
  • West Bengal 96,000
  • Uttaranchal 10,000
  • Delhi 55,000
  • Jharkhand 25,000
  • Maharashtra 10,000

References

  1. "तुरैहा समाज को अनुसूचित जाति में करें शामिल". Hindustan (in Hindi). Retrieved 26 May 2024.
  2. "लाल बहादुर बने भारतीय तुरैहा समाज के युवा जिला अध्यक्ष - Ballia News - बलिया समाचार, Ballia खबर, Breaking News on Crime, Politics & more by बलिया LIVE". 20 August 2023. Retrieved 26 May 2024.

Notes

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