Samipya 1992 Vol 09 Ank 01 02

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

Page 87

Vagharis of Kutch are very backward as compared to those of Saurashtra region.
They were given houses in the year 1956 and thereby Government intended to amelirate their conditions. So many houses were constructed but none came forward to stay in those houses. On inquiry, it was learnt that the Goddess did not give consent and to disregard her 'will' may provocute Goddess and her wrath would invite catastrophy for them. Thus the whole scheme met with failure. However, in the year 1986 Vagharis came forward to get the housing aid and they have started occupying new houses. Thus, there is some slow and steady change amongst the Vagharis of Kutch. They have also started sending their children to schools and colleges but the progress is very negligible.
Vagharis of Gujarat mostly the Patnis are also not in a position to abandon their ageold customs. But a few persons have occupied higher positions in the government service though the number is negligible a sign of steady progress is marked recently.
Vagharis of Saurashtra have made a little progress but it cannot be said as a social change. This is just a beginning with a slow speed.
New Trends
It is surprising to note that the I. Q. level of the people of this community is higher than that of the advanced communities. Still they are backward. It is believed that the Vaghari vendor will never fail to give less quantity to the customers, particularly the vegetable vendors. They always weigh little less in quantity by showing the incorrect weight. They are experts like other traders in adopting such tactics in such trades. On the other hand, their role as a vendor is very important in supplying vegetables in the street. Their service as a vendor is a boon to society, particularly to house-wives.
Characteristics
It is learnt that the Vagharis are not only the best drum beaters but also singers and dancers and some of them have cultivated these hobbies to suit the present days' demand. Some of the Rang-mandalies have come forth to stage their dances and dramas. Initially they were encouraged by other advanced communities four decades back when no forward class people were coming forth for dancing in Gujarat. It is learnt that some of them have also visited foreign countries, like France, U.S.A., U.K., etc. to perform dances. Of course undue advantages are taken by so-called dancing groups of non-Vaghari association for arranging foreign trips for their relatives under the pretext of Vaghari dancers.
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[ Samipya : April, '92-September, 1992