Rautia


The Rautia is a caste found in the states of Jharkhand,
Chhatishgarh and Odisha in India. They are also known as the Rautas.

History and origin

According to their traditions, the community helped and protect Rajput prince, who as a reward was given lands in Lohardaga, Jashpur territory.
Their chief were estate holder from king of Chhota Nagpur. They held favorable tenure on the condition of military service. The name Rautia is related to Rawat. Rawat means prince and is also a title borne by relatives of kings. They speak the Sadri dialect of Hindi. They have titles like Ganjhu, Baraik, Kotwar, Sai and Singh.

Present circumstances

The Rautia are divided into three sub-groups, the Bargohri or pure Rautia, the Majhgohri and chhot gohri. This is also divided into gotras Baghel, Jogi, Khrakhwar, Khumbhoj, Kumhar, Lathoor, Katwar, Nag, Majhi and Rikhi etc. These groups are endogamous, with the former considering itself superior over the other. It is said that the Majhli and Chhotki were the descendants of Rautia fathers and mothers of other castes. Traditionally and primarily they are cultivators. They also gather fruits and tubers from the jungles nearby. A small number have begun to emigrate to towns and cities such as Ranchi.

Culture

The traditional festivals of Rautia are Karam Jitia, Nawakhani and Diwali. The traditional dances of Rautia are Painki, Jhumar, Domkach and fagua.

Official classification

Rautia are included in list of Other Backward Class in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Odisha. In 2016, The Dr Ram Dayal Munda Tribal Research Institute recommend inclusion of Rautia caste in Schedule Tribe list. According to TRI, Rautia have primitive features, distinctive culture and are backward in social, educational and economical aspects. The Government of Jharkhand had sent the proposal to the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India. But the proposal have not approved yet by Government of India.