Kurmi
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| Kurmi ; कुर्मी | |
|---|---|
| Classification | Hindu |
| Religions | Hinduism |
| Languages | Kurmali, Hindi, Chhattisgarhi, Marathi, konkani, Gujarati, Oriya, Telugu, South Indian languages and dialects |
| Populated states | Northern India, Western India, Central India, South India |
| Subdivisions | Kurmi, Singraur, Umrao, Awadhiya, Kochyasa, Gangwar, Kanbi, Kapu, Katiyar, Kulambi, Jaiswar, Kulwadi, Kutumbi, Patel, Singhror, Choduary, Sachan, Verma, artarvavanshi,(Niranjan) |
Kurmi (Hindi: कुर्मी) or Kunbi is a Jāti (castes) of the Hindus in India. Kurmi is known as the chief ancient agricultural caste of India.
History
Kurmis used to be governing bodies in Gujrat, Maharashtra, Sindh, Kashmir, eastern Afghanistan plains, Indus valley and parts of Pakistan and some part of Central Uttar Pradesh before invasion of Central Asian non-Aryans. Then were owners of bulk of land and gave that for farming in pattas. They have very strong and powerful presence near all the ancient capitals or cities of India and they are one of the most original Kshatriyas (Suryavanshi) (in many places called as numberdar) in the land.[original research?]Kurmis are supposed to be decedents of Lava (son of Lord Rama).
According to the Rev. Sherring, “The Kurmi has a strong, bony hand, natural to a man of his employment. He is frequently a tall and powerful man, outspoken and independent in manner, and is altogether free from cringing obsequiousness.”[1] Colonel Edward Tuite Dalton regards them as the descendants of some of the earliest Aryan colonists:
a brown tawny coloured people, of an average height, well proportioned and with [fair] amount of good looks. They show well-shaped heads and high features and except when they have obviously intermixed with aborigines, they are unquestionable Aryans in looks. Grey eyes and brownish hair are sometimes met with amongst them. The women usually have small and well formed hands and feet.[2]
Etymology
Kurmi translates to “I do”, “I am able”. “Kuru” in Sanskrit means “do”. “Kurmi” in Sanskrit, which is frequently used in the Ramayana, literally translates as “I can” or “I am able”, or “within my power to act”.[citation needed]
Politics
In 1894 the Kurmi formed their first association in Lucknow which was named as “Sardar Kurmi Sabha” to protest the British decision to cut their numbers in the military forces. In its 5th conference in 1909, this sabha changed its name to “All India Kurmi Kshatriya Association”. The Kurmi was one of those few castes which did suffer the least atrocities of the British as Kurmi people were mostly zamindars or farmers and would timely pay taxes or grains. In the era of independence,[when?] Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel lead the Kurmi and is arguably regarded as the greatest leader of the Kurmi. Today, most of the Kurmi are wealthy and land owners with strong political affiliations.[citation needed]
Language
The Kurmi of Jharkhand, Orissa, West Bengal and Assam use to speak Kurmali language. Kurmi of other state speak their native and regional languages. In Bihar, Kurmi people speak Magahi and Angika while in Uttar Pradesh the Kurmi speak Hindi.