The Aghariya, or Agariya is a title of Chunvalia Kolis who are salt farmers in Kutch district of Gujarat, India.[1] in 2019, Koli Agariyas faced the great loss of salt trade because of the trade war between China and the United States of America.[2]
They produce the 30% of the salt of all of India.[3][4] they were listed as a Criminal Tribe under the Criminal Tribes Act of 1871 by British Indian government because of their rebellions against British rule in India.[5]
The Aghariya's were landowners of the land of Little Rann of Kutch but in 1978 this area was declared as Wild Ass Sanctuary by Government of Gujarat and their lands were captured by Gujarat government.[6] The Aghariya's demanding recognition as farmers and an assurance that they have a legal right on Little Rann of Kutch land for salt farming to get the benefit like agriculture farmers such as money package and relief for natural calamities like flood.[7]
Clans
editHere are some of the clans used by Agariya title holder Kolis of Kutch,
Classification
editThe Aghariya community, part of the Scheduled Caste (SC) category, is a small yet dynamic group known for their resilience and cultural heritage. While traditionally associated with the Waghri or Devipujak community, they have adapted to modern socioeconomic changes, often migrating from rural areas to cities in search of better educational, professional, and business opportunities. This shift has contributed to their growing presence in urban centers, where they are making strides in various fields while maintaining their cultural roots.
Organisations
edit- Agariya Hitrakshak Manch[3]
References
edit- ^ Chandra, Kavita Kanan (24 February 2017). "The salt farmers of wild ass country". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
- ^ "Gujarat Salt Industry Hit By US-China Trade War". Forbes India. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
- ^ a b Kaur, Ravleen. "Gujarat's plan to build Asia's biggest freshwater lake is a threat to Agariya salt workers". Scroll.in. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
- ^ Schooneveld, Inge van (15 February 2018). "The salt farmers of Little Ran of Kutch". Sinchi Foundation. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
- ^ "Education in the Desert: Field Notes from the Little Rann of Kutch, Gujarat - Bhavna Harchandani". Doing Sociology. 10 April 2022. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
- ^ Deepak, Sharanya. "Will election change fate of the Agariyas of Gujarat?". www.aljazeera.com. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
- ^ "Research sweetens deal for saltpan workers". The Indian Express. 26 July 2011. Retrieved 8 October 2022.
- ^ "Lok Sabha polls: Post-Rahul Gandhi visit, Congress all set to hand over salt-pan workers to BJP on platter". Counterview. Retrieved 23 July 2022.