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Home , Ahir, Bhats, Golla (caste), Kshatriya, Yadav, Yadav (surname)

THE ECONOMIC WEEKLY August 29, 1964 and the Indian Army M S A Rao In Independent caste has been gaining influence in many fields of social activity. The part it has played in representative political institutions is now widely recognized. An attempt is made here to show how caste is extending its influence to the Indian Army organization. This will be discussed in the particular context of a demand made by a caste association, the All-India Maha Sabha for the formation of a separate or Yadav regiment in the Army, The Sabha is at present agitating and making representations to the Government of India in order to realize its aim. I shall describe the origin and development of the Sabha before considering its demand for a Yadav regiment. [I thank M N Srinivas for his comments and criticisms.]

I Bengal. Among other denominations provide an instance where had HE term 'Yadavas', literally mean­ Gwal, Dhanpal, , and risen to military and political power in T ing decendants of the Yadu dyna­ Dhinderd may be noted. Each of these pre-British India. It should be noted sty, is used as a blanket one to include is further divided into several that such a strategic position of tradi­ several localized but allied castes found endogamous sub-castes. , for in­ tional dominance was of great import­ all over India. The first attempt to stance, are divided into Yaduvansis, ance to the Yadavas to make advances trace the 'history' of the Yadavas was Nandavamsis and Gwalvamsis. Gowlis in different fields of social activity made in the last quarter of the 19th of are divided into Dabho- both under British rule as well as in century by Vithal Krishnaji Khedkar lis and Cheolis. Thus different localiz­ Independent India. of Ratnagiri District, in his work on ed castes and sub-castes speaking dif­ II ferent languages are included among the "Yadavas of Devagiri". His son During British rule economic and Yadavas. Dr Raghunath Vithal Khedkar, a dis­ educational opportunities were avail­ tinguished surgeon of Bombay revised Dominant Position able to the people where considerations and enlarged his father's work in 1924, of caste did net always loom large. but it was not until 1959 that it was Diversity among Yadavas obtains not only on the basis of linguistic and cul­ Yadavas like other castes sought to published under the title, "The Divine exploit these opportunities. One of the Heritage of the Yadavas", The authors tural differences but also stems from differences in economic and political pioneer organizers of the Yadavas, of this hook include among Yadavas Vithal Krishnaji Khedkar, who hailed status. While in some areas such as four different categories of castes and from a family with a tradition of mili­ , , U P, Maharashtra and ruling dynasties: In the first category tary service started life as a teacher- , Yadavas are owner-cultivators, are included all ruling dynasties men­ He was a social reformer and one of in some others they are only cowherds tioned as Yadavas in the Hindu Scrip­ the founders of in and miIk-sellers. Again, in some regions tures. It may be noted that , Bombay. His wife, once again 'he they are large estate holders but else­ the God incarnate, belonged to the daughter of a sardar, was the chief- where they are small . Except Yadu dynasty. Secondly, all ruling medical officer at Bhavnagar. Raghu­ in a few States (e g Punjab), they are families claiming themselves to be Vithal Khedkar. son of V K Khed­ generally included under the Backward Yadavas such as the Rashtra-Kutas, kar qualified himself in medicine and Hoysalas and Wodeyars constitute an­ Classes. Similarly in some parts of surgery from Edinburgh and Glasgow, other category. Ahirs and Go pas who India Yadavas had risen to political and was practising medicine in New are said to have been admitted to the dominance. For instance, Ahirs built a Castle-on-Tyne for some years. At the fold at some period in 'history' Kingdom in which continued outbreak of the World War I, he re­ form the third category. The last cate­ upto the middle of the 19th century turned to India and served in his pro­ gory includes those royal families who A D, The Ahir rulers rendered military fession with distinction at Bombay, were once included among the Yadavas help to the Moghul Emperors of Delhi Kolhapur and . but later seceded from them for differ­ and widened their area of political in­ Dr Khedkar was not only a noted ent reasons, Jats, Marathas, Bhatias, fluence through the grants of Districts physician but also a leader of Backward Prabhus, the ruling houses of Kolhapur, they obtained in return to their military Classes. He headed a deputation of Baroda, Bharatpur, and Bikaner services. The Marathas overthrew the the Backward Classes to represent their are given as examples of this category. Moghuls in Delhi whereupon the Ahir case for political rights before the Joint Thus one may discern in the extensive rulers of Rewari served the former and Select Committee of Parliament in coverage of castes coming under the obtained a big grant of twelve paraganas London in 1920. He also presided fold of Yadavas, two related principles in 1758 A D. Whereas the rulers of over the Non- Conference held of integration: common descent from Rewari thus served the different over at Sholapur. He was the president of the mythical Yadu dynasty and simila­ at Delhi and expanded their area the Poona Board of the Hindu Mission­ rity of occupation either as cowherds of political control, they were hostile ary Society which admitted followers or as sellers of milk and its products. to the British. Tejram, the then ruler of other creeds into the Hindu fold. or both. of Rewari sided with the Marathas in their battle against the British, When The foregoing description of Dr Yadavas thus comprise different al­ the latter won the battle, the size of lied castes of several denominations, Khedkar's activities is highly relevant Tejram's kingdom was reduced to to our discussion because he was one such as Ahirs in Punjab, Delhi, U P, eighty-seven villages. Eater, Rao Tula Bihar and , Thetwars and Raots of the founder members of the All- Ram mutinied against the British and India Yadav Maha Sabha which was in M P, Gowlis or Gopals in Maharash­ lost even this small principality. tra, Idaiyans in Tamilnad, Gollas in inaugurated in 1924 at . Andhra and Mysore, and Gopas in Thus the Ahirs of Rewari (Punjab) While Dr Khedkar brought to bear 1439 August 29, 1964 THE ECONOMIC WEEKLY on the Yadava Caste Movement his of the regional or local Yadava associa­ as a '' in the British Indian modern organizational skills, Duleep tions are more specific and intensive. Army. As the British had an unhappy of Rewari later known as Swami For instance, the Ahirs of Rewari experience with Rao Tularam, who re­ Krishnandji, further popularized the started a high school in 1925, and an- volted against them in the Indian Sepoy term Yadava and launched a vigorous other an 1935. The school later deve­ Mutiny, they were against recruiting campaign for sinking regional differ- loped into a college. At present there Ahirs in their Army. But by 1904, the ences in denominations. Thus there are about twelve schools and colleges, British changed their attitude towards was a calculated effort to bring to­ and about six hostels for the students Ahirs and started recruiting them. gether allied castes of different names of the caste in the Rewari region alone. However, Ahirs were recruited to the found all over India under the single The Ahir leaders of Rewari arc now artillery and not to infantry or , name of Yadavas. Among others who making attempts to establish Rao Tula- and it was not until World War I that were associated with the Sabha, men­ ram Memorial College in Delhi. Besides they were recruited as soldiers in the tion should be made of a reputed en­ providing educational facilities in terms infantry. Rao Balbir Singh, the second gineer of Bombay, who was connected of schools and hostels, the regional descendant of Rao Tularam acted as with the Sabha for about sixteen years Yadava associations have also establish­ a recruiting agent of the British Gov­ in various capacities until 1944 when ed charity trusts and scholarship funds. ernment, and since then many Ahirs he severed his connections with it due Mention may be made of Alakiram have joined the Army in increasing to certain differences of opinion. He Rawat Scholarship Fund which was numbers. There are a few military then founded another association founded in Bengal twenty-seven years villages in the Punjab where at least named Bharatiya Yadav Sangh which is ago, and Maharashtriya Yadav Charity one member of each of the Ahir house­ now functioning effectively with its Trust established in Bombay eighteen holds was or is in the Army. Mention headquarters at Bombay. years back. Thus an important activity should be made of an Ahir village, of the regional and local Yadava asso­ , in Rohtak district where there Sabha's Activities ciations seems to be that of providing are as many as about seventy senior The Sabha has gained in strength educational facilities for the students commissioned officers and about one and popularity during its life of forty of the caste. The Sabha has not, hundred and fifty junior commissioned years. Before the formation of the however, contested the General Fle­ officers. Military pensioners number Sabha there were in existence many ctions in Independent India acting one hundred, a few of them being re­ caste associations at the regional level. either as a political body or as cipients of different military honours For instance, in U P there was the Ahir an electoral machine. But this does during British rule. Mahasabha, The Sabha affi­ nor mean that the Yadava caste as liated such regional caste associations such has not played any part in in­ Case for a Yadava Regiment and further encouraged the formation fluencing the voting behaviour of its Thus Ahirs have built up a tradi­ of new local and regional bodies. members. In U P and Bihar where tion of military service in the British Indian Army over the past sixty years, The Sabha, in its earlier staues of Ahirs are in larger numbers, many Ahir candidates have returned as and the bravery that the Ahir soldiers development introduced certain reforms exhibited in Rejangla has further con­ of caste customs. It advocated inter­ M L As. The Bihar State Assembly has about thirty-three Ahir M L As. But firmed their military virtues. They between hitherto separate en- fought not only for the honour of the dogamous units. Although this has re­ it may be noted that the activity of the Sabha in the realm of representa­ country but also for the prestige of mained still a wish, the sub-caste mem­ their caste. Hence it is claimed that bers do not, however, now object to tive political institutions is not one of direct participation. it is only fair that the Ahirs or Yada­ such . The Sabha banned vas should have a separate regiment in child marriages and the practice of the Army. Let me formulate their ar­ dowry, and recommended shortening With certain events that happened gument behind the demand more fully. of the duration of the marriage cere­ during the Chinese aggression in 1962, mony from three days to one day. It there has been a dramatic change in Firstly, Yadavas have had a military launched a vigorous drive among its the character of the Sabha's activities. tradition in some parts of pre-British members for wearing of sacred thread, The Chinese attacked the Indian post India where they had risen to military and this was an occasion of intense at Rejangla in Ladakh on November and political power. Therefore, they conflict especially between Bhoomihars 18, 1962. The 13th Kumaon Company claim themselves to be one of the and Yadavas in Bihar. The Sabha also which fought the Chinese at this post 'martial races'. Secondly, the Ahirs of asked its members to abstain from wholly consisted of Ahirs. One hund­ Rewari fought against the British in liquor and meat. Besides these refor­ red and fourteen soldiers laid down the Sepoy Mutiny as a result of which mative measures pertaining to Yadavas, their lives in an attempt to defend the the former were not recruited in the the Sabha took a keen interest in the country gallantly against the over­ Army till 1904. Meanwhile, other mar- removal of launched by whelmingly large force of the Chinese. 1 Mahatma Gandhi. It played (and is This event evoked allround sympathy Another parallel all-India asso­ playing) a significant part in the Back­ and admiration in the press, but for ciation of the Yadavas, the Indian ward Classes Movement. Ahirs it was more personal, and it Yadav Association (Bharatiya Ya­ dav Sangh) also holds its annual 1 triggered off an agitation for the for­ The Sabha propagates its aims and conferences separately and pub­ objectives by holding annual confer­ mation of a separate Yadav or Ahir regiment in the Indian Army. lishes its own monthly journal ences in several parts of India, and by called Yadavesh from Bombay. I running a monthly journal called Yadav Ill am more concerned in the present which is being published from Yadavas, in some parts of India and article with the Sabha because of since forty years. especially in Punjab had a tradition the active part it is playing in the While the activities of the Sabha are of military service. They had all along agitation for the formation of a thus more general and extensive, those cherished a desire to enlist themselves separate Yadav regiment. 1440 THE ECONOMIC WEEKLY August 29, 1964

tial castes such as Jats and M Ps met the Prime Minister and sub­ tus. Yadavas were greatly influenced were not only recruited in greater mitted a memorandum to him. by the Movement in many places. They advocated marriages bet­ numbers to the Army but separate Besides such attempts to persuade ween different sub-castes within the caste regiments were established for the Government through democratic castes coming under the fold of Yada­ them. These caste regiments were well- means, the Sabha is further seeking vas. Although in practice this reform established by the time the British the support of all over the did not lead to many inter-sub-caste revised their policy in favour of re­ country. It is organising regional con­ marriages, it helped, to some extent, cruiting Ahirs to the Infantry. Thirdly, ferences as a step towards holding a after India attained her Independence, to reduce the exclusiveness of sub- larger all-India conference. Thus the Ahirs entertained a hope that at least castes and castes of different denomi­ Sabha has launched a vigorous cam­ the Indian Government would undo nations. paign on two fronts; it is persuading the injustice done by the British to the Government through negotiations Such an ideological framework pro­ them. The attitude that was expected on the one hand, and is seeking the vided Yadavas the necessary basis for of the Congress Government was simi­ support of its caste members and of organisational activities at the local, lar to the one hoped for by the poli­ the general public on the other. regional and national levels. Whereas tical sufferers during the Independence the ideological argument was formu­ struggle. Fourthly, caste regiments al­ IV The foregoing account of the origin lated by the castemen well versed in ready exist in the Army, and the de­ the Hindu sacred texts, the skills of and development of the Sabha and its mand for the formation of an Ahir or organisation of the Yadava caste attempts to press the demand for the Yadav regiment is only based on esta­ movement were provided by the intel­ formation of a Yadav regiment in the blished precedents and policies. Ahir lectual and professional who Army brings to the fore certain broad soldiers now are not only found in larg­ grew in cities and towns during Bri­ features of the dynamics of caste asso­ er numbers in the Indian Army but they tish rule. These elites not only spon­ ciations. are also to be found in the higher sored the cause of the movement by ranks. Lastly, the present Kumaon re­ The traditional political organisation identifying their interests with it but giment already consists of a certain in pre-Bridsh India was characterised, also brought to bear their modern proportion of Ahir soldiers. Even among others, by the rise and fall of organisational skills which they had though Ahirs fight bravely the name several political powers all over the acquired under Westernised urban en­ goes to Kumaon and not to their country. It was common for any caste vironment. For instance, they made use caste of which they are proud. If,, on group which wielded political power of mass communication media to reach the other hand, they have a separate to raise its in the the wider public and employed new regiment, it gives them the best oppor­ hierarchy, Since kingship or chieftain­ techniques of forming an association tunity to exhibit their martial talents ship and military occupations were with a constitution. They were also and to fight in the honour of both the associated traditionally with the Ksha- convinced that the progress of their country as well as the caste and the triya varna, it was only imperative caste, as that of any other, lay in edu­ Yadu dynasty to which they belong. that they adopted the Kshatriya model cating their children under the West­ It is remarked; "Caste loyalty evokes of . Further, 'royal' ern system of education. Hence charity greater emotional appeal than national families of the newly rising political (rusts and scholarship funds were or­ loyalty". and military powers claimed descent ganised again on modern lines. Memorandum to Prime Minister from the established mythical dynas­ Financial Support Soon after the occurrence of the ties such as the Sun and the Moon Rejangla incident in November 1962, dynasties. The and Carans or The proliferation of activities of the the Sabha got active and organised a Jogis, the traditional caste of geneo- Sabha and of the local Yadava caste conference in January 196? in Delhi logists and were only too glad associations required financial resour­ and resolved to press the demand for to praise the glory of the descent of ces. Here the part played by the busi­ a Yadav regiment in the Army. A de­ the rulers they served, and to accord ness of the caste is significant. legation one hundred strong met the them a high rank among the notable With the growth of employment oppor­ Defence Minister and presented the Kshatriya dynasties. Thus, varna and tunities in towns and cities under Bri­ case for favourable consideration by mythological Kshatriya dynasties pro­ tish rule, many Yadavas emigrated the Government. However, the reply vided the necessary framework for from villages. Those families whose of the Defence Minister was not in those castes which attained political traditional status was high (such as favour of the demand of the Sabha. power to raise their social status. the royal families or Zamindars) were But undeterred by this reply, the Yadavas claimed descent from better able to develop contacts with Sabha continued its agitation. In Nov­ Krishna, the God who belonged to the the British bureaucracy. Men of such ember 1963, it organised a conference Yadu dynasty. They also found another families took government contracts in in Hyderpur an Ahir village near Delhi. vertex of integration in the same the Railways and elsewhere. Besides Again in December another conference, Krishna mythology, viz, Krishna's these men of influence, other enter­ on a larger scale, was held in Suredha. association with cows and cowherds. prising Yadavas also entered trade and The Suredha conference was not only Those castes that tended or raised commerce. The business elite which well attended but many Yadav M Ps cattle and sold milk and milk products thus grew in cities and towns, patron­ took part in it. One of the highlights were also integrated in the fold of ised the programmes of their caste of this conference was the spirited Yadavas. In this attempt Yadavas also associations. They gave liberal dona­ speech made by a M P from felt the need to reform some of their tions to build schools, colleges, hostels, Mysore. People showed great enthu­ caste customs in order to achieve a hospitals and temples, to scholarship siasm and urged the Sabha to make higher ritual status and to promote funds and towards the expenses of fresh efforts to press their demands, territorially a wider level of integra­ running caste journals and of holding One of the prominent organisers and tion. Thus, they began to wear sacred conferences and meetings. For instance, spokesmen of the Sabha and two Yadav threads to affirm their Kshatriya sta­ an Ahir in Delhi 1441

THE ECONOMIC WEEKLY August 29, 1964 save as much as Rs 50,000 to the Thus it is clear that the part played to recruit Indians to their Army, they building fund of a High School in by caste politicians in righting an issue looked for martial talents that were Rewari. Another Rai Sahib of Rewari of their caste association is vital. in evidence among different sections financed the publication of caste jour­ The different kinds of elites among of Indian population. They identified nals for many years. He had also Yadavas—and these are not mutually and designated certain caste and reli­ given a free land grant to the school. exclusive—have interacted with one gious groups as 'martial races', and Similarly a leading businessman of another at different levels of partici­ gave preference to them over others Bombay has given Rs 21,000 for the pation in the life of the Yadava Caste in recruitment to the Army. Among Maharashtriya Yadav Charity Trust. Movement. Another type of elite these 'martial races' were Rajputs, Jats, Thus the business elite rendered, to a which is of particular importance in Marathas, , Dogras, Gurkhas and certain extent, financial help for the the context of the agitation of the Mahars. Caste considerations were not implementation of the programmes of Sabha for the formation of an Yadav only evident in the formation of cer­ the Yadava caste associations. But it regiment in the Army is the military tain regiments in the Army but were must be noted that the business elite one. Over a period of sixty years seen in a few other aspects of military among the Yadavas is not relatively Yadavas have enrolled themselves in organisation. For instance, barbers, developed. the Army, as noted earlier, in increas­ washermen and sweepers in the mili­ tary were usually recruited from their During British rule there were only ing numbers, and many of them have also risen to senior officers' ranks. respective castes of Nais, Dhobis and a few men of importance among Yada­ Bhangis; and some labour corps were There are also retired military officers vas in politics and administration. In raised in the military, which mostly, if and soldiers as well. While the latter Independent India, however, there has not wholly, consisted of Harijans. come into existence a political elite have settled down in their villages and among them. towns, the former maintain regular Thus the British not only encouraged Sources of Power contacts with their native villages. Al­ caste considerations but fostered the though the Ahir military officers are idea of 'martial races' in India, and Yadavas enjoy numerical preponde prohibited from taking an active part incorporated it in the organisation of ranee in many parts of U P and Bihar in the Yadava regiment agitation, their the British Indian Army which Inde­ und the State Assemblies there consist informal contacts with the other types pendent India inherited. The question of a sizeable group of Yadava M L As. of elite prove to be of great value. whether 'martial races' existed in the There is an Ahir Minister in the Union, However, the situation in respect of past is a historical one and therefore and about twelve Yadava M Ps from the retired Yadava soldiers and milt- beyond my competence to answer. But U P, Bihar, Andhra, Mysore, Maha­ tary officers is different for, they can the fact of the matter is that the mili­ rashtra, Delhi and Punjab. Thus the take a more active part. They are men tary, as any other aspect of social emergence of a political elite among of knowledge about the details of mili­ structure, reflects the dominant fea­ the Yadavas is an event of crucial im­ tary organisation and the past occa­ tures of , just as it portance in the life of the Caste Move­ sions on which Yadava soldiers have influences the social structure by de­ ment. The Yadava politicians not only exhibited courage and discipline. Some termining the distribution of power wield influence and power to sponsor of them also provide living examples and the ability to use it. the activities of the caste association, of these instances, the narration of but also bring the Yadavas in the vil­ which evokes emotional appeal and car­ lages closer to the Movement. They ries convictions to their audience. If the Housing and Slum Clearance form the legitimate contactmen with caste politicians take an active part in their respective constituencies which THE Union Ministry of Works and leading delegations and organising Housing has asked the State presumably consist of a significant pro­ other aspects of the agitation, the portion of Yadavas. Governments to conduct sample sur­ military elites provide the necessary veys to assess the impact of the low Besides this advantage, the caste direction with their knowledge of the and middle income group housing politicians develop a net-work of rela­ army organisation. Thus there exists scheme and the slum clearance pro­ tions both within the Ministry and a division of labour among the diffe­ gramme. Government bureaucracy as well as out­ rent types of elites—the and professional, business, political It has been found necessary to col­ side them. They are in a position to lect the data before proposals for make others, who need not be their and military. They are bound by com­ mon interests and serve in different Fourth Plan housing programme are castemen, obliged to them in several finalised. The surveys are expected to ways. These ties form the bases to exert capacities to achieve their desired goal. give a clear picture of the implemen­ pressures and pulls. For instance, the tation of housing programmes in diff­ Yadava politicians may approach a Caste Claiming New Ground erent States. non-Yadava Deputy Minister in the The agitation of the Sabha for the centre asking for co-operation or sup­ formation of an Ahir regiment in the The surveys, among other things, port on the issue of Yadav regiment. Army shows how caste in Indepen­ will cover the number of houses ac­ The basis of seeking such a support dent India is claiming new grounds. tually occupied by owners and the is that the Deputy Minister won the However, this does not mean that number of houses sublet to other ten­ because of the active support considerations of caste have come up ants. of Yadavas who formed a single major for the first time now in the Indian The survey of the slum clearance caste group in the constituency from Army. Caste was very much part of programme will indicate the number which the former contested. Now in its organisation when India inherited of pucca, kachcha and uninhabitable case the Deputy Minister refuses to it from the British, and this position or dilapidated houses; and the total co-operate with the Yadavas on their has been since then maintained. Al­ number of house-holds in different in­ issue, it might be difficult for the for­ though the British organised and dis­ come groups occupying one room, to get the co-operation of the ciplined the Army on lines different two rooms, three rooms and more latter in the next General , from the traditional, in their attempt than three rooms, 1443