Khap

A Khap is a community organisation representing a clan of different North Indian Castes, majorly found among Jat caste They are found mostly in northern India, particularly in the states of Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh Commonly among Jat Villages , but also amongst states like Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh although historically the term has also been used among various communities. A Khap Panchayat is an assembly of Khap elders, and a Sarv Khap is an assembly of many Khap Panchayats.

Khaps are not affiliated with the formally elected government bodies and are instead concerned with the affairs of the Khap it represents. It is not affiliated with the democratically elected local assemblies that are also termed Panchayat. A Khap Panchayat has no official government recognition or authority but can exert significant social influence within the community it represents. The Baliyan Khap was led by Mahendra Singh Tikait until 2011 is one that has gained particular media attention. Dahiya Khap is another major khap of in Haryana.