Maldhari
| Maldhari માલધારી | |
|---|---|
| Term, or title of Pastoralist and animal husbandry castes in Gujarat | |
Maldhari grazing buffaloes | |
| Language | |
| Religion | |
The Maldhari is a occupational term or title used by several herdsmen or animal husbandry castes.
Most Maldhari live in Kutch district in Gujarat and the Maldharis are spread over 48 hamlets that are organized into 19 Panchayats. Their populations have increased to around 25,000 with 90 per cent belonging to the Muslim community and 10 per cent to the Hindu community. Other caste such as the Koli, Kathi, Charan, Rabari and Bharwad reside in Kutch district of Gujarat, India. The Gir Forest National Park is home to around 8,400 Maldharis as of 2007.
The Maldhari Muslim tribes in Kutch include Halepotra, Raysipotra, Mutva, Jat, Hingorja, Node, Sumra, Juneja, Jiyenja, Theba, Saiyyad, Korad, Khaskeli, Bambha, Pathan, Sameja, Bafan, Bayad, Ker, Meta Qureshi, Mutwa, Node, Raysipotra, Royma, Hingora, Chakee, Samma, Sanghar, Soomra, Baloch and Munjavar. While the Hindu Maldhari are from the Meghwal and Vadha Koli communities.