Samipya 1992 Vol 09 Ank 01 02

Author(s): Pravinchandra C Parikh, Bhartiben Shelat
Publisher: Bholabhai Jeshingbhai Adhyayan Sanshodhan Vidyabhavan

Page 57

During Vedic and post-Vedic periods hunters were known by different names in different parts of the country, viz (1) Shikari, (C18121), (2) Śwāniyo, (4111) hunters of dogs, (3) Mrugaya, (45141) hunters of deer, (5) Vyadh (414) hunters of tiger and (5) Paradhi, (417EN) bird catchers.
As per the Persian historian Al-Biruni, there were two categories of hunters : (i) hunters of wild animals, and (ii) hunters of birds during 1030 A. D.
It is further observed throughout the world that the sex-wise division of labour is the same, the men do the hunting and the women do most of the gathering. This tendency is also reflected in Vaghari community of Gujarat whose ancestors were hunters and lastly the bird catchers, now partially settled one.
Race
Racially they seem to be of Aryan origin but in fact it is not so. On the other hand, no sign of Proto-Austroloid or Proto-Dravidian race is traced. Their dresses and ornaments indicate nothing. No traditional cultural elements are found preserved. In this respect they are totally aculturised. The only source is their primitive way of worship of Goddesses and sexwise division of labour. No major change in their belief in superstitions and animal sacrifice has taken place since ages. Bardic-Records
No ancestorial or genealogical record is found regularly maintained by bards. Of course, it is learnt that a 'Turi Barot' at Gondal is assigned to maintain records of ancestors of Dataniya Vagharis of Saurashtra area. Surprisingly, 'Turi Barot belongs to Scheduled Caste and maintains records of ancestors of Vankar and Chamar communities since generations. Historical Records
As per Al-Biruni's history, these hunters were not treated as sadras. They were falling under the higher category of Antyaja, living on the outskirt of the villages but away from the Antyaja of lower categories engaged in dirty work.
Charcateristics
Some of the Vagharis were found involved in Anti-Social activities, like pocket lifting, house-breaking, house-theft, crop-lifting, cattlelifting etc. during the British rule. With a view to check their anti-social activities they were compelled to report to the police station at mid-night. Further, as a reformative measure, some of them and their children were admitted in the special settlement camps.
Their involvement in anti-social activities was partly because of their associations with Criminal Tribes viz Baraiya, Dharalas, Sansias, Bagris, etc. They were also sponsored by odd states to harass their neighbouring states in Saurashtra territory.
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[Samipya : April, '92-September, 1992