Cheetah Mehrat
चीता मेहरात
Total population
1 million
Regions with significant populations
Ajmer, Bhilwara, Pali, and Rajsamand districts of Rajasthan, India
Languages
Rajasthani, Hindi
Religion
Hinduism, Islam
Related ethnic groups
Rajasthani people, Chauhan Rajput

Cheetah Mehrat is an ethnic group in the state of Rajasthan, India.[1] They are spread across Ajmer, Bhilwara, Pali, and Rajsamand districts of Rajasthan.[2] The estimated population of Cheetah Mehrat is approximately one million people.[3] The community is known for its harmonious coexistence between Hindus and Muslims. They practise both religions.[4] Cheetah Mehrat is classified as an Other Backward Class.[5]

History and culture

The origin of the Cheetah Mehrat community lacks documented historical accounts, making it difficult to ascertain their exact roots. The Cheetah Mehrat community claims its origins back to the Chauhan rulers and adopted Islam approximately 700 years ago while preserving their Hindu customs and practices. Despite practicing different religions, the community maintains a strong cultural identity. Their names, marriage rituals, and dressing styles reflect the religion they follow, be it Hinduism or Islam.[2]

According to local legend, they claim descent from the Chauhan Rajputs, specifically Rao Anhal Chauhan and his brother Rao Anoop Chauhan. As per the folklore, these brothers established a small kingdom in the region known as Magra Merwara after successfully defeating the Gujjars.[4]

The Cheetah Mehrat are notable for their harmonious coexistence between Hindus and Muslims, exemplified by families with members of both religions living together. This cultural diversity is deeply ingrained in their heritage, and the community takes pride in their longstanding tradition of unity.[6]

In Ajaysar Village, Ajmer village in Ajmer district, a prominent location for the Cheetah Mehrat community, a temple and mosque coexist within the same compound, symbolizing unity and understanding. During their weddings, it is customary for the procession to visit both the temple and mosque, honoring the traditions of both religions.[2]

Present circumstances

The Cheetah Mehrat community faces challenges in accessing government schemes and obtaining necessary documents such as ration cards due to their unique identity. Officials sometimes lack understanding of their situation, leading to difficulties in receiving support. However, the community is gradually becoming more aware of its distinctive identity and striving for recognition and equal opportunities.[7][8][9]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "A Rajasthani Community With Unique Traditions". Hindustan Times. 16 July 2009.
  2. 1 2 3 "Rajasthan's Cheetah Mehrat community: Hindus, Muslims in same family; water scarcity main poll issue". The New Indian Express. 28 April 2019.
  3. ↑ "अनोखा है राजस्थान का चीता मेहरात समुदाय" (in Hindi). Live Hindustan. 28 April 2019.
  4. 1 2 "Puja & namaaz, part of this community". The Times of India. 2 October 2010.
  5. ↑ "BJP walks out over conversion charges". Times of India. 8 March 2022.
  6. ↑ "हिंदू-मुस्लिम दोनों धर्म मानने वाला राजस्थान का अनोखा समुदाय:नाम रामा खां, लक्ष्मण खां...ईद-दीवाली मनाते हैं, निकाह से पहले गणेश स्थापना" (in Hindi). Dainik Bhaskar. 27 December 2022.
  7. ↑ "इन 10 लाख वोटरों ने राजनीतिक दलों को किया कन्फ्यूज, ये हिंदू भी हैं और मुस्लिम भी" (in Hindi). Zee News. April 2022.
  8. ↑ Rebbapragada, Pallavi (22 April 2019). "In Rajasthan's Chita Mehrat community, Narendra Modi's schemes on toilets, bank accounts leave an impact on voters". Firstpost.
  9. ↑ "ब्यावर: मुस्लिम होने के बाद भी अधिकारी नहीं बना रहे हैं अल्पसंख्यक प्रमाण पत्र !" (in Hindi). Janmanas. 4 December 2021.
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