Julaha
Community in the Indian Sub-Continent
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Julaha are a community within the Indian subcontinent, which adopted the profession of weaving.[1] The caste is considered Socially and Educationally Backward. Known under many names, the Julahas have been practising this art for ages.[2] Both Hindu and Muslim Julaha (and even Sikh[1]) groups exist.[3] For the Julahas who are Sikhs, they are known as Ramdasia Sikhs.[1]
Etymology
The term Julaha may derive from the Persian julah (ball of thread).[4]
Statistics
Although reliable statistics are old, as per survey done in 1990s, the total population of Julahas in India was around 12 million.[citation needed] As per Caste Based Survey of Bihar 2022, the total number of Julahas in Bihar was 4.6 million.[5]
Prominent Figures
Prominent figures from the weaver community include:
Related groups
Other prominent weaving and handloom communities of the Indian subcontinent include the Salvi, Panika, Ansari, Devanga, Padmasali (caste), Koshta and the Kashmiri Kani weavers.[6]
