Hatkar
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Hatkar [pronounced as हटकर in Marathi] is a Hindu Kshatriya caste found in the Deccan region of India. Their home language is Marathi.Hatkars, from the Marathwada region, Hatkar Kshatriya and trace their ancestry to warrior lineages.
Hatkar (हातकर) is also a surname used by Saraswat Brahmins in Maharashtra, which is entirely different from the Hatkar (हटकर) caste.
Most Hatkars from the Marathwada region are regarded as Kshatriya and historically served as soldiers and warriors under various Deccan and Maratha rulers, reflecting their martial heritage. Some members of the Hatkar community practised pastoral occupations and agriculture. Hatkar caste members primarily reside in the Marathwada and Vidarbha regions of Maharashtra.
Medieval Era
The Ain-i-Akbari describes Hatkars as being "a proud, refractory and domineering race of Marathas, living in the Basim Sircar and, with numerous armed forces, occupying the forts and controlling the surrounding districts".[1][2] Furthermore, It mentions a Hatkar force of 1,000 cavalry and 5,000 infantry.[3][4]
Hatkars were in the army of Shivaji in large numbers and were known for their bravery in the Maratha Empire. "Naik" and "Rao" were the titles given to them.[5]
Syed Siraj-ul-Hassan describes them as "strong built and vigorous frame, generally of dark complexion, with a bold and haughty demeanour and are the stuff of which good soldiers are made". Moreover, They show a marked difference from Kunbis.[6]
The Hatkar Rebellion of 1819
Under the leadership of Novsaji Naik, the community of Hatkars had captured a number of strongholds in Nanded and Berar, which was under the Nizam of Hyderabad. They were a dread to the Nizam – they started a rebellion which was going on for 20 years. After the Third Anglo-Maratha War, Nizam called on British Indian Army to retake the possessions. Novsaji put up a strong resistance with the assistance of 500 Arab soldiers and a siege ensued. The Siege of Nowah continued for 23 days before it was put down. British force consisted of 3782 soldiers and 252 artillery. The siege was of such considerable significance that the word Nowah was displayed on the badges of the regiments which participated in the siege.[7][2][5][8]