Kathi Darbar

Kathi Darbar(Kshatriya)

The Kathi Darbar (Gujarati: કાઠી દરબાર) is a Kshatriya caste found in Saurashtra region of Gujarat, western India.^[1] Kathi Kshatriya are popularly referred as Kathi Darbar.^[2]

History and origin

The Kathi are said to have given their name to the Kathiawar region and to be mythologically descended from the Sura, an ancient race of sun worshipers found in western India. Kathi are said to be one of the 36 rajput clan ^[3] Colonial British historians consider the Kathi to be an invading foreign Scythian tribe that settled in the Kathiawar region in the second century BC.^[4] During the time of Sikandar's attack on Punjab, Kathis manfully opposed him, in this conflict, he was wounded badly and that wound became the reason of his death. Because of their bravery, Kathis put up the strongest opposition to the Marathas.^[5]

Present circumstances

The Kathi have two divisions, the Sankhyavat and Auratia. These divisions are hierarchical in nature, with the former considered royalty. There are three clans found among the Sankhyavat namely the Vala,Khachar and Khuman. and Auratiya namely Dhakhada, Varu, Kotila, Patgir, Basiya, Bala, Dhadhal, Shekhva, Boricha, Khavad, Gida, Jebaliya, Manjariya, Khada, Mala, Jalu, Babariya, Bhicharia and many more. Strict exogamy is maintained between the Auratia and Sankhyavat. They are found in Kathiawar of Gujarat.^[6] Kathi darbar are horse lovers and they have Kathiawari horses, which are known worldwide.^[7] It is noted that the Kathi Darbar will never forget an enemy as shown in the proverb "કાળ છોડે પણ કાઠી નહિ" (Time (Death) Forgets But Not Kathi)".

People

Devotee of Swaminarayan, Darbar Shri of Gadhada Dada Khachar was born into this caste. The Kathi Darbar community is connected much of the history of Gujarat. Noted warriors such as Jogidas Khuman, Ram Vala, Chapraj Vala and also the saints Aebhalji Vala, Aapa Giga, Danbapu Chalala, Vihalanath Paliyad, Apa Goarkha, Apa Jadara Songadh and Apa Ratabapu Moladi were born into this Kshatriya caste.

Kathi kshatriya and kathiyawari breed

The Kathi are said to have given their name to the Kathiawar region and to be mythologically descended from the Sura, an ancient race of sun worshipers found in western India.^[8] kathiyawari horse derive its name from region kathiyawar. There is no more trustworthy account of the origin of the Kathiwari horse than there is of the Kathi kshatriya themselves.kathi kshatriya have contributed well in development of kathiyawari breed like rathore contribution in development of marwari. It is probable that they brought mares with them when they migrated from the north.The best horse-breeding district is Panchal in the heart, of the province, mostly ruled by kathi kshatriya including Chotila, Paliyad, Anandpur, Bhimora, and Jasdan. Every requirement to successful horse-breeding is found in the PanchAl, favourable soil for the formation of the foot, hilly ground for the development of muscle, running streams of pure water, most nourishing grasses, and a dry and hot climate. From early times this tract has been visited by agents of Rajputana chiefs and others anxious to secure the Kathi blood.^[9] so proud are the kathi kshatriya of their horse that they rarely sold them.^[10] captain Grant write in his letter that when kathi kshatriya were on outlaw, while outlaws slept their mare watched by their side, and on hearing a suspicious sound tugged at their owner's sleeves, and horses has been favourate theme of their charan singers.^[11]kathi kshatriya are known for best horsemanship and horse breeding.Kathi Kshatriya are horse lovers and they have Kathiawari horses, which are known worldwide^[12]

References