Khatik

The Khatik (Hindi: खटीक, Urdu: کھٹیک), are an ethnic tribe found in the Indian subcontinent, mainly modern-day India, Pakistan and Nepal. They are one of the most widespread community in South Asia. Khatik have a population of approximately 10 millions and are located mainly in New Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh.

For people with the name, see Khatik (surname).

Khatik
ReligionsHinduism, Jainism
Languages
Country
Populated statesUttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Haryana, Andhra pradesh, Punjab, Maharashtra, Delhi, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Gujarat and Karnataka.
SubdivisionsSuryavanshi

History

Origin

The Khatik are widely distributed community in North India, and originated from Kutekars.[1] Russel (Vol. III, 1916, p. 453)[2] both agree in calling them a cultivating and vegetable selling caste.

Etymology

Khatik is derived from the Sanskrit (Indic ancient language) word, "Khatik" means " killer or Hunter" and Hindi word "Khatt" Means immediate killing. There is also a belief of there origins from Treta Yuga and claims to be descendent of King Khatwanga of Ikshavaku dynasty.[1]

Religion

Hinduism

Most of the modern-day Khatiks are Hindus and believe there origins from Khatwanga from Ramayana and revered Hindu saint Durbalnath.[3][4]

Islam

A minority of Khatiks are also Muslims and have mainly converted during the time of Muslim rule in India.[5]

Jainism

Khatik in Rajasthan inspired by Jain guru and adopted Jainism and terned Veerwal and now identified as Veerwal Khatik.[6]

Subdivisions

Hindu Khatik caste has divided into various subgroups based on their livelihood. These include:

  1. Suryavanshi – They claim to be descendent of Khatwanga of Ikshvaku clan and are traditionally Tanga driver.
  2. Suryavanshi Are katika – They claims to be descendents of Are Brahmins.

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References
  1. William Crooke (1896). The Tribes and Castes of the North-western Provinces and Oudh. Harvard University. Office of the superintendent of government printing.
  2. "The Tribes and Castes of Bengal (Vol-II)". INDIAN CULTURE. Retrieved 1 October 2020.
  3. Shastri 2014, p. 98.
  4. Narayan, Badri (2006). Women Heroes and Dalit Assertion in North India: Culture, Identity and Politics. SAGE Publications. pp. 45. ISBN 978-0-7619-3537-7.
  5. Shastri 2014, p. 76.
  6. Shastri 2014, p. 68.

Sources
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