Chhipi

Chhipi (alternatively called Chhipa/Chimpa) is a caste of people with ancestral roots tracing back to India.[1] They are found in the states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh of India.[2] Chhipa are also found in Pakistan.

Chhipa
Chhipa, a cloth printer from Tashrih al-aqvam (1825)
Regions with significant populations
India and Pakistan
Languages
Gujarati, Kutchi and Marwari
Religion
Hinduism, Islam
Related ethnic groups
Chhimba

History
A traditional stencil used to block print fabrics

The word chhipa is derived from the Gujarati word chhapa, which means to print. The community was originally found in Nagaur in Rajasthan. After their settlement in Rajasthan and Gujarat, the community took up the occupation of dyeing and printing clothes. The community speak Marwari, and are found mainly in Rajasthan and in north Gujarat, in the districts of Ahmedabad, Nadiad, Baroda and Bharuch. Most Chhipa also speak Gujarati. They are converted from Cloth Printer Clan of Khatri Community.[2]

Present circumstances

India

The Chhipa community is divided into a number of clans, known as ataks, the main ones being the Rao, Tak, Bhati, Doera, Chauhan, and Molani. Each of these clans are of equal status, and intermarry. But the community not has a marked preference for cross cousin and parallel cousin marriages.[2]

The community is still mainly involved in its traditional occupation of dyeing and printing clothes. Many in the community have taken up trade, or are employed in the local textile mills.[2]

The community is classified as an OBC caste in the Indian states of Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh.[3][4][5][6][7]

Pakistan

Chhipa community is settled in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan.

See also

References
  1. K.S. Singh (1996). People of India: Delhi. p. 138. ISBN 9788173040962. The Chhipi are commonly known as Chhipil , Chhipa or Chhimba in northern India and Raugari in Maharashtra . The word chhipi is derived from chhapna , meaning to print
  2. People of India Gujarat Volume XXI Part Three edited by R.B Lal, P.B.S.V Padmanabham, G Krishnan & M Azeez Mohideen pages 1181-1184
  3. Haryana OBC list
  4. Delhi OBC list
  5. Rajasthan OBC list
  6. Madhya Pradesh Obc list
  7. UP OBC list
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