Samipya 1992 Vol 09 Ank 01 02

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

Page 89

developed a separate identity. They are earning enough and have progressed well. They have abandoned the old traditional customs degrading Vaghari community. Similarly, those Vagharis who have gone to Delhi have developed a separte identity and they are identified as Gujarati in Rajendranagar and other areas, a few of them own shops in Palika Market (Delhi) but they do not disclose themselves as Vaghari. They have got rid of few ridiculous customs.
Temperament
On investigation, vast difference is observed in their temperaments of both Patni group and the rest of the Vagharis. The Vagharis of Patni groups are found comparatively more aggressive while the rest of the Vagharis, particularly, in rural areas are more mild and amicable. They can tolerate insult, to some extent but in no case, they tolerate any insult directed to their religious sentiments or their Goddesses. In the past, some of the elements prevented them beating the drums. But now-a-days the position is reverse and nobody can dare to face Vaghari communities. Communalists of nearby areas have realised the defensive as well as aggressive nature and other daring capacities of Vagharis. Thus, the Vagharis are no more remained as a suppressed community in maintaining self-respect. Thus, a change has taken place during the last 40 years. However, Vagharis in rural areas of Saurashtra are still simple, mild, unassuming and are being suppressed by the local communities. They are exploited and offer very poor wages for agricultural work. Whereas in city areas, the situation is totally different. Of course, some of the unemployed youths are engaged in anti-social activities like pick-pocketing, minor thefts, housebreaking, etc. But it cannot be generalised and the entire Vaghari community cannot be blamed as pick-pocketer. In fact, Vaghari youths have acquired skill in many fields viz. white-washing of building, pipe-fitting, fitting of glass windows and other jobs. They have acquired mastery in various technical jobs of this type of works.
Panchayat
The traditional panchayat has played a great role in moulding the social life. The decision arrived at by their Panchayat is final and binding to all, and its noncompliance leads to ex-communication. Of course, there is some provision to re-enter into the community by undergoing specific punishment and by paying some amount of money as penalty fixed by the Panchayat. Here, the Panchayat is found more powerful than any court of law. Of course, under the law of the land no corporal punishment can be imposed on any person. But here there is no ban on this traditional Panch which do impose such penalties.
The Nature of offences referred to the Panch are largely of both civil as well as criminal nature pertaining to petty quarrels, illicit relations with women, widow, forcible marriage, kidnapping of girls, love affairs of boys and girls, thefts within the
34]
[Samipya : April, '92-September, 1992