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A few of them follow Baba Faqir (a disciple of [[Shiv Brat Lal]]) or Dayal Faqir Mat which has been highlighted by [[David C. Lane]] in his book 'The Unknowing Sage'.<ref>{{cite web |
A few of them follow Baba Faqir Chand<ref>http://www.babafaqirchand.com/</ref> (a disciple of [[Shiv Brat Lal]]) or Dayal Faqir Mat which has been highlighted by [[David C. Lane]] in his book 'The Unknowing Sage'.<ref>{{cite web |
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|title=THE UNKNOWING SAGE: The Life and Work of Baba Faqir Chand |
|title=THE UNKNOWING SAGE: The Life and Work of Baba Faqir Chand |
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The Megh (Hindi:मेघ) are a people who live primarily in northwest India with a small population in neighboring Sindh in Pakistan. As of 2008, their total population was estimated at 2,807,000, of whom 2,760,000 lived in India. The Megh speak Marwari (659,000), Hindi (663,000), Dogri (230,000), Punjabi (175,000) and various other regional languages. Most are Hindu by religion, with Ram Devji and Bankar Mataji their chief gods. As a scheduled caste, their traditional occupations were weaving, tanning hides and leatherwork. Their major and minor subgroups include Meghwal, Arya Megh, Bhagat, Ganeshia, Kabirpanthi, Meghbansi, Mihagh, Rakhesar, Rakhia, Rikhia and Rishia [1]
Origins
Alexander Cunningham in his book Archaeological Survey of India propounded that Meghs were Pre-Aryans who came to Punjab from Assyria and settled in Sapta Sindhu (the land of seven rivers) much earlier than the Aryans. Under Aryan pressure, they may have migrated to the Maharashtra and Vindhyachal region during the Megalithic period (1400-1200 BCE) and later to Bihar and Orissa.[2]
Social status
In Modern India the stigma of untouchability is still attached to the Meghs in remote and backward areas. Hence, they were included in Scheduled Castes and given reservation in government jobs. It improved their living conditions a bit. They have also been categorized as other backward castes in states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, etc. in India. The Government of India, it seems, is persuading private sector to provide them reservation in jobs.[3][citation needed]
Religion
Most of the Megh are Hindu. Like all other communities in the Jammu region and nearby places, Meghs also worship their ancestors at 'Deri' or 'Dera' (encampment for worship). They mainly follow Sant Mat i.e. Kabir Panth, Radha Soami Mat, Sant Nirankari Mission, Guru Gaddis (royal seats of Guru's) etc. inclusive of other minor sects which stand for respect, coexistence and betterment of humanity, and then Arya Samaj.[citation needed]
Baba Faqir
A few of them follow Baba Faqir Chand[4] (a disciple of Shiv Brat Lal) or Dayal Faqir Mat which has been highlighted by David C. Lane in his book 'The Unknowing Sage'.[5]
Kabir panth
The Kabir panth are the followers of Bhagat Kabir (1488 - 1512 AD) who was said to have born in Benaras (Varanasi in India) and adopted by a Muslim Julaha during the reign of Sikandar Lodhi. Kabir's doctrine and precepts are embodied in the 'Sukh Nidhan Granth', the Bijak and other books and also incorporated in the holy book Guru Granth Sahib of Sikhs, literature of Radhasoami Mat, literature of Baba Faqir (Dayal Faqir Mat) etc. During the 19th Century, it was said that the Meghs were generally Kabirpanthi and described themselves as Hindus.
Christianity
A few of them have faith in Christianity. Some others go to Church as citizens of secular India.
Islam
Some of the Megh people have adopted the Islamic religion, such as the Metha or Medh Balochi boatmen, and the Medho Gujar or Gujjar clan found in Amritsar during the 19th century.[citation needed]
Occupations
During the twentieth century, the Meghs in Punjab have adopted new professions in the small-scale industries like sports, hosiery, surgical and metal goods, etc. after learning the requisite skill sets. Since the implementation of successful land reforms in the J&K , many of them have become petty agriculturists, but a few are still agricultural laborers. With reservation in the services some of the people among Meghs and their associated communities are engaged in government jobs. A very few among them have been serving in higher positions in the Indian Administrative services (IAS), Indian Police services (IPS) etc., medicine, engineering, bank management and other class-I services. Many of them have glorious achievements due to their highly professional attitude. Recently, some are also placed in the multinational companies and other private jobs. A negligible number of them are running micro-business units or the small-scale manufacturing enterprises.[citation needed]
Megh Women
The Megh women from Jummu and surrounding areas rarely participate in cultural activities except religious ones.[citation needed] In villages, they wear traditional Punjabi suits and in cities an Indian 'sari' as well as modern dresses of western styles are becoming popular with them. They are becoming socially more aware and culturally vibrant. They wear different types of ornaments as per local traditions, festivals, occasions and conventions. In cities they skillfully prepare sports goods, woolen shawls etc. In villages they work as farm laborers. Their income generating activities include sewing, stitching etc. They prepare various utility and artistic items using wheat straw. With the present day life styles, women empowerment and education, Megh women have made a beginning in performing arts and politics.[citation needed] At least one of them namely Ms. Suman Bhagat rose to the level of a Minister in the government of Jammu and Kashmir.[6] Ms Vimla Bhagat was the first Megh Bhagat lady to become Class-I officer in Indian Administrative Services (IAS). She retired as Chairperson, Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission.[7]
References
- ^ "Megh, Hindu of India". Joshua Project. Retrieved 2009-08-13.
- ^ Alexander Cunningham (1871). Archaeological Survey of India. Government Central Press.
- ^ http://www.financialexpress.com/news/job-reservation-in-private-sector/107037/
- ^ http://www.babafaqirchand.com/
- ^ DAVID CHRISTOPHER LANE Ph.D. "THE UNKNOWING SAGE: The Life and Work of Baba Faqir Chand". Retrieved 2009-08-13.
- ^ "Suman Bhagat lauds the role of Dr. Ambedkar for upliftment of downtrodden". zestcaste. April 25, 2005.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|accessdate}=ignored (help) - ^ [1]
External links
- Singh, Kumar Suresh (2008). People of India. India: Anthropological Survey of India. p. 2268. ISBN 0195633547,9780195633542.
{{cite book}}: Check|isbn=value: invalid character (help) - Paswan, Sanjay (2002). Encyclopaedia of Dalits in India. India: Gyan Publishing House. p. 198. ISBN 8178350343,9788178350349.
{{cite book}}: Check|isbn=value: invalid character (help) - Harish K., Puri (2000). Social and Political Movement:readings on Punjab. India: Rawat Publication. p. 105. ISBN 8170336333,9788170336334.
{{cite book}}: Check|isbn=value: invalid character (help) - Pandita, K.N. (2003). Jammu & Kashmir. India: Anthropological Survey of India. p. 134. ISBN 8173041180.
- Mamta, Rajawat (2004). Encyclopaedia of Dalits in India. India. p. 135. ISBN 8126120843.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) - The Punjab, North-West Frontier Province and Kashmir. India: Asian Educational Service. 2003. p. 107. ISBN 8120616138.
- Aggarwal, Partap Chand (1983). Halfway to equality. India: Manohar. p. 102.
- Prakash Narayan, Pimpley (1985). Strugle for status. B.R.Pub.Corp. p. 96.
- Office of the Registrar General, India (1962). Census of India. India: Manager of Publications. p. 13.
- The Jammu and Kashmir Territories: A geographical account. E.Stanford. 1875. p. 55.
- Economic and political weekly. India: Sameeksha Trust. 1971. p. 2324.
- Rose, H.A. (1996). Glossary of the Tribes and Castes of the Punjab and North West Frontier Province. Asian Educational Service. p. 67,68,148,182,246,419. ISBN 8120605055.