The Sorathia are a sub-group of the Ahir caste found in the state of Gujarat in India. According to prof Bhagwan Singh Suryavanshi they are the descendents of Abhira chief Navaghana of Junagadh.[1]
Origin
The Sorathia Aheer is branch of Yaduvanshi Aheers in Gujarat. The community derives its name from the Sorath region of Saurashtra. The population of Sorathia subcaste is in majority in comparison of other branches of Gujarati Ahirs. Sorathia Ahirs has a total of 484 surnames, which is more than any other branches of Gujarati Ahirs. According to their traditions, they migrated from Mathura along with god Krishna. They are now found mainly in Porbandar, Jamnagar, Junagadh, Kutch and other all District of Saurashtra Prant. The Sorathia speak Kutchi and Gujarati.[2]
Present circumstances
Each Sorathia clan is of equal status and intermarry. Like neighbouring Hindu communities, the community practices clan exogamy. The Sorathia are a community of farmers and landlords; they are involved mainly in transport and heavy construction machinery business. Some of them earn a living as contractors.[2]
Notable Person
• Devayat Bodar, an Ahir who saved Ra Navghan[3]
See also
References
- ^ SurvaVanshi, Bhagwansingh (1962). Abhiras their history and culture. p. 84.
- ^ a b Singh, K. S. (1995). The Scheduled Castes. Oxford University Press. p. 133. ISBN 978-0-19-563742-7.
- ^ Desai, Shambhuprasad Harprasad (1972). Junagadh and Girnar. Sorath Research Society.