Caste, known as Jati or Zat in Punjabi, is a pervasive social structure in the Punjab region, existing across all major religious communities: Sikhs, Hindus, and Muslims.
While the Sikh and Islamic faiths formally reject caste hierarchy, the social practice of endogamy (marrying within one’s caste/sub-caste) and social stratification based on traditional occupation and land ownership remain significant.
The castes are broadly divided into landowning, mercantile, service/artisan, and Dalit groups.
1. Landowning / Dominant Castes
These groups traditionally held the most land, giving them significant economic and political influence, particularly in rural areas.
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Jat (Jatt) 🚜:
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Dominance: The most populous and dominant caste in the Punjab region, found as Sikhs, Hindus, and Muslims.
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Traditional Role: Historically agriculturists and landholders.
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Jat Sikhs (Jatt Sikhs): Form the majority of the Sikh population and are politically and economically powerful in Indian Punjab.
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Rajput:
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Traditional Role: Historically warrior and ruling class. They are found as Hindus, Sikhs, and Muslims (often known as Ranghar in Pakistani Punjab).
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Saini / Mahaton:
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Traditional Role: Traditionally agriculturist castes known for market gardening. They are highly regarded among the farming communities.
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2. Mercantile / Urban Castes
These groups were historically associated with trade, commerce, and clerical work, and are often concentrated in urban areas.
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Khatri:
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Traditional Role: Merchants, traders, and administrators. The Sikh Gurus hailed from this caste. They are prominent among Punjabi Hindus and Sikhs.
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Arora:
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Traditional Role: Similar to Khatris—merchants, traders, and clerks. They are also prominent among Punjabi Hindus and Sikhs.
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Brahmin:
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Traditional Role: Priestly and educated class, adhering to the traditional Hindu Varna system. They are generally found among Punjabi Hindus.
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Bania (Agarwal, etc.):
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Traditional Role: Merchant and trading community, prominent among Punjabi Hindus, especially in certain regions like Malwa.
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3. Artisan and Service Castes (OBCs)
These groups traditionally engaged in skilled trades and services, and many are now categorized as Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
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Ramgarhia (Ramgharia) 🛠️:
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Traditional Role: A collective of artisan sub-castes that converted to Sikhism, primarily Tarkhan (carpenters), Lohar (blacksmiths), and masons. They hold a respected position, particularly among Sikhs.
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Ahluwalia:
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Traditional Role: Originally associated with the Kalal (brewers/distillers) trade, but they are now a distinct and influential group, especially among Sikhs.
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Chhimba, Darzi, Sunar, Kumhar, Nai:
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These are other common service castes, traditionally including cotton-printers/tailors, goldsmiths, potters, and barbers.
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4. Dalit / Scheduled Castes (SCs)
Historically known as “untouchable” castes, these groups perform ritual and labor considered polluting under the Hindu caste hierarchy. They form a significant portion (over 30%) of the population in Indian Punjab.
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Chamar / Ravidassia / Ramdasia:
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Traditional Role: Leather workers, weavers, and agricultural laborers. Followers of Guru Ravidas formed the Ravidassia community. Many are also referred to as Ramdasia Sikhs.
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Balmiki / Mazhabi / Chuhra:
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Traditional Role: Sweepers and sanitation workers. Mazhabi Sikhs are those from this background who converted to Sikhism.
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Ad-Dharmi:
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A group that rejects the caste hierarchy and asserts an independent religious identity separate from both Hinduism and Sikhism, often associated with the Dalit movement.
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5. Punjabi Muslim “Tribes” (Pakistan)
In Pakistani Punjab, the term is often Qabila (tribe) rather than caste, but a similar social hierarchy exists, with many groups having the same ethnic roots as their Indian counterparts.
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Jutt (Jat): The largest and most dominant landowning group.
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Arain: A respected agricultural community, particularly prominent around Lahore.
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Shaikh: Used for Muslim merchant groups or those claiming Arab/Persian ancestry.
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Awān: A prominent tribe often claiming Arab or Persian descent, historically associated with landholding.