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The Rajput Bhamti community of Maharashtra stands at a complex intersection of history, identity, and survival. Currently the subject of ethnographic documentation by the Anthropological Survey of India (An.S.I.), this community's story illustrates the broader struggles faced by India's de-notified and semi-nomadic peoples,. While they are now a settled community found primarily in the Nagpur and Wardha districts, their narrative is one of migration, lost royalty, and a persistent battle against social stigma.
Royal Origins and the Exodus
The Rajput Bhamti claim a prestigious ancestry, tracing their lineage back to the Rajput clans of the Great Maha Rana Pratap of Rajasthan. Their history is defined by a dramatic exodus; popular community narratives recount that during the Mughal invasion of the Mewar region, these clans were forced to flee their kingdom to find hideouts in neighboring states.
This displacement severed their connection to their ancestral land and status. During this difficult transition, the community fractured economically. While some members adopted wage labor, others turned to "immoral activities" like theft and robbery merely to survive the harsh conditions of displacement.
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| The Rajput Bhamti: From Mewar to Migration |
The Burden of a Name
The transition from royalty to refugees gave rise to a label that haunts them to this day. The term "Bhamti" or "Bhamtiya" denotes "thief" in the local vernacular of Maharashtra. This label was applied due to the survival tactics some members were forced to adopt during their historical migration.
Despite this, the community clings to its heritage, preferring the name Rajput Bhamti to emphasize their origin over the derogatory label. They are also sometimes referred to as "Hindi Bhamti" because their spoken language is a distinct mix of Gujarati and Marwari, differentiating them from the local Marathi-speaking population.
Livelihood: From Jute to Service
Historically, the Rajput Bhamti found a legitimate economic niche in mending jute bags, which eventually became their traditional occupation. Today, they continue to engage in the manufacturing, stitching, and selling of jute bags, alongside running other petty businesses.
However, the community is modernizing. Influenced by urban lifestyles, there is a progressive trend in formal education among them. Many members have moved beyond traditional trades to secure employment in the service sectors, both in government and private roles.
The Identity Dilemma: Dignity vs. Benefits
One of the most striking aspects of the Rajput Bhamti is an internal identity crisis driven by the desire for social dignity versus the need for state support. The community is split into two distinct groups regarding their legal status:
- The "Rajput" Group: To escape the social stigma of the "Bhamti" label, many families have legally changed their caste identity to "Rajput" by filing affidavits with notaries. While this restores their social dignity, it comes at a cost: they forfeit the government benefits reserved for Vimukt Jatis (De-notified Tribes), as Rajputs fall under the "General" category.
- The "Bhamti" Group: Another section of the community retains the "Bhamti" identity and seeks enrollment under the Vimukt Jati category to access welfare schemes. However, many fail to succeed due to a lack of proper supporting documents.
Current Status and Demands
Currently, the Rajput Bhamti are enrolled in the national list for the OBC (Other Backward Classes) category. However, they are actively advocating for inclusion in the national list of Vimukt Jati to access greater privileges and protections. This aligns with the broader observations of the Idate Commission, which notes that the specific "tribal identity" of such communities has often been eclipsed by changing nomenclatures, affecting their constitutional safeguards.
The situation of the Rajput Bhamti is like possessing a tarnished royal sword. To the outside world, the rust (the "Bhamti" label) obscures the blade's steel (the Rajput lineage). The community is currently faced with a difficult choice: polish the sword to reveal its glory but lose the support needed to maintain it, or keep the rust to prove they need help, at the cost of their pride.