(43) Dhangar Caste

Other Spellings / Synonyms :

Dhangars are known by different names in different regions of the country namely, Andar, Ahiyaru, Bharavadaru, Doddi, Gowda, Gaddi, Gadri, Gollavadu, Gowda, Halumatha, Heggades, Idyar, Kuruba, Kuruba Gowda, Kurumba, Goundar, Kurumbar, Kalavar, Kuruma, Kurumavaaru, Kurkhi, Kurupu, Naikers, Palaru, Paalakyatriya, Poduvar, Yadavalu 

Varna :

Kshatriya

Clans :

Dhangars have 32 Clans

Subcastes :

Main Dhangar subcastes in Maharashtra are Ahir, Hatkar, Khutekar, Sengar/Shegar, Sangar, Bande, Konkani, Khatik, Zende, Dange, Zade, Jade (derived from Yadu), Dhanawar, Kuruba, Lad Mendhe, Pal, Gadari, Kurbar, Khatik, Gadhariya, Metkari, Gadge, Gawali, Kambar, Kshitri, Khillari, Bhillari, Kuktekar, Mhaskar, Shirotya and Utekar.

Language :

Hindi and its dialects, Punjabi, Gujarati, Marathi and Kannada

Regional Spread :

Northern India, Western India mainly Maharashtra, Southern India, and Central India. 

Traditional Occupation :

Dhangars traditionally have been warriors, shepherds and farmers.

Related Communities :

The Rajputs and Marathas

Marriage Preference :

Prefer matrimonial alliances within their own community. In present times, however, the community has also become open to inter-caste marriages.

Famous Personalities:

Prominent Dhangars have been Hakkaraya and Bukkaraya, founders of Vijayanagara Empire, Pallavas, Hoysalas, Rathore, Holkars, Sids, Sangolli Rayanna etc. Great poets like Kalidasa, Kanakadasa are Dhangars.

History and Origin :

The Dhangar community is one of the oldest existing communities of India. The community traces its history to Mahabharata times. 

About Dhangars :

The Dhangar caste is primarily located in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Most Dhangars are shepherds. The literal translation of the name 'Dhangar' is "Who is wealthy". Dhangars are said to be descendants of Yadavas.

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