An Ethnographic Study on the Nishad Community...

An Ethnographic Study on the Nishad Community of Prayagraj District in Uttar Pradesh

Author Name : Sonam Chandra, Prof. (Dr.) Alam Ara

ABSTRACT

The word ‘ni’ means water and ‘shad’ means ruler. Hence Nishads are the ‘rulers of waters’. Nishad word comes from Sanskrit. The Nishads are a Hindu caste found in the Indian states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. It has been one of the oldest activities of human race and an important human activity in many countries. Nishad communities whose traditional occupation has remained water-centric including Sand dredging, Boating and Fishing. Since 1930s various caste organisation claiming to represent these communities under the umbrella term “Nishad”. Various organisations like Rashtriya Nishad Sangh, Nishad Kalyan of Uttar Pradesh were hosting numerous Ekta Rally to unify these caste group... Fishing was regarded as the major source of income of the traditional fishermen but occasionally they undertook a variety of non-fishery related activities, which constituted a substantial part of their annual income. They appear to be aware of their understanding about current events and are very vigilant towards their rights. After research one can say that they have came a long way in terms of socio and economic status. The present study suggested that there is a clear need to legalize fishing profession and their settlement as well as traditional fishing communities should be given priority in getting necessary supports from all concerns.

Keywords: Current events, Nishad, Organization, Rally, Socio-economic condition, Uttar Pradesh