Kunbi is a prominent caste that is engaged in the occupation of agriculture. Earlier, Kunbi did not exist as a caste . Anyone engaged in agriculture was purportedly referred to as Kunbi . In fact, Sant Tukaram is known to identify himself as a Kunbi when he used to say ‘बरे झाले, कुणबी झालो ।’ While Kunbi caste in found prominently in Maharashtra, it is also exists in the states of Gujarat, Goa Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka. In Maharashtra, it is estimated to comprise 15% of the population.
Origin of the Term Kunbi
Kunbi is said to have originated from the combination of two words – Kuna (कुण) and Bi (बी). Kuna refers to Soil. Kuna is also known as people. Bi is on the other hand, refers to seed. Thus, a Kun-bi may simply mean anyone who is involved in the activity of sowing seeds in soil to cultivate produce . It may also mean anyone who is involved in any occupation associated with seeds.
Various agricultural communities in various parts of the country are known by different names. for example, Kurmi are found mostly in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar and in small proportion in Madhya Pradesh. Kirar are found in Madhya Pradesh and nearby Nagpur region.
Communities in Kunbi
Kunbi community in Maharashtra is known to have 13 sub-communities. They are mentioned below;
- Dhanoje
- Tirle
- Khaire
- Zade
- Ghatole or Pahade
- Khetule
- Hendre
- Jadhav
- Leva Patil
- Lonare
- Manva or Maana
- Baavne
- Waandhekar
Most of the sub-castes names have been derived basis their geographical origin or the crops that they grow. However, the origin of Dhanoje sub-caste is considered to be somewhat different. Dhanoje name itself contains Dhan, which by and large implies that this caste has generally been a prosperous community (Source: Gazetteer, District Chandrapur).
This community is based in the fertile lands sandwiched between east of Wainganga and west of Wardha river. The community is seen mostly found in the districts of Nagpur, Chandrapur, Yavatmal, Wardha and Gadhchiroli. Small populations also reside in Bhandara and Gondia. Likewise, they also reside in few adjoining districts of Madhya Pradesh and pockets of Chinndawara.
Livelihood
The community has traditionally been associated with agriculture. The primary crops grown by the community have been Jowar, Oilseeds, Chilli and Sesame (Til). But in addition, the community has started growing cash crops such as cotton, soyabean and turmeric. The region of Vidarbha and Central India is also rich in minerals and ores. With advent of industrialization and mining activities in the region, community members started diversifying into jobs offered by various companies. Thus, transportation, paper industry, refineries, ordinance, cement, power industry started offering more and more employment opportunities to the members of the community. Many of the families had their land holdings going under mining activities. This bought money and jobs to a large segment of population in this community.
To achieve the goal of rural and agriculture development, Maharashtra government encouraged and promoted the cooperative movement in 1950s and 60s. Even Vidarbha region benefited from the movement and led to formation of large number of cooperative banks in the region. Kunbi community was very well helped by this movement and many in community are employed by this sector. Similarly, agriculture was helped by access to credit.
The rise of educational institutes in Vidarbha region was a big incentive to the community. Many in the community understood the importance of good education and sent their children for higher studies. As a result, the new generation is employed in large numbers in new-age industries (such as software) and newer work profiles (management, civil services and business). The community is also exploring newer frontiers by going to foreign countries for education and employment related activities. Several of the community members have been working and settled in countries/regions such as USA, Singapore, Australia, United Kingdom and Middle East. This also acts as a catalyst and inspiration for the youngsters in their families and society.
Social Practices
The community is largely religious in nature and worship many gods including Maruti, Mahadev, Ganesh and Vithoba. Given the close association with agriculture and forest, they have a place of respect for Nagdev and Tiger (वाघ). They also have several Kuldaivats including Bhavani and Waghoba. They participate in all the commonly celebrated Hindu festivals throughout the year. Marriages are done within communities and partners are mostly from nearby towns. The ceremonies are mostly simple and are deeply influenced by the agricultural background of the community. For example, most marriages take place in the months of summer. This is because, most farmers are relatively free during these months from agricultural activities and also have received payments from selling their recent Rabbi crops.
Epilogue
Poet and Dramatist Kalidasa wrote that “विकार खलु परमार्थ तो ज्ञात्वानारंभ प्रतिकारच: ॥”, which means, the society that wants to progress cannot grow without learning about its historical, social, religious, economic and political past. Without this knowledge, how can a society think about future?
To enable a wholesome development of our community, we need to heed to advice of Kalidasa.
Membership Progress
DKVS community is growing across the world, with new members joining and actively contributing to the cause in their own way. We have over 300 active members.
