The Geographical Identity of Jats

[Ambijat]

Here is an idea of project,where all the interested can participate.
Every community has some characteristics that define its identity. Can we define certain specifics that can define the JATs as a kind of social group. Are we in functional terms a unified group, or is there a common political economy that gives us identity. Then how does a cultural element unites us though the fact is that even marriages in rural areas is not more than within 40-50 kms radius.
Please dont quote any historic origin which is the most controversial thing without any archaeological evidence. The another fact is that the Khap system. What is the geographical spread of the khap system? The Jats of Rajasthan do not reveal and Khap systems and how religous conversion has affected the khap systems if any in Punjab.
I hope this will bring out the extreme plural nature of JATS. and we should indeed discover the plurality within ourselves that's going to be our strength.
Thanks!

[jattejram]

Dear Ambarish,

Jats are defined as a cast as well as a community based on the characteristics of gegraphic location, cultural identity, socialisation, intent, belief, sharing of resources and envorinment.

Its good that you raised that issue. Thanks.

[Ambijat]

The Jats of PEPSU had been ruled by Mughals and later British. And, at one time they had their sway under Maharaja Ranjit Singh upto Peshawar. The Jats of Rajasthan and Gujrat served as peasantry under the Rajputs. The jats in Pakistan had been nomads and farm labourers of Baluch. And, in Afghanistan they have been a socially stigmatised as bardic singers and nomads.
So, the political economy determines the status but still an identity upholds against the strong divisions. Any ideas about the basis of this common identity, any sort of primordial nation-ness in these people called, the Jats!

[drssrana2003]

Here is an idea of project,where all the interested can participate.

Every community has some characteristics that define its identity. Can we define certain specifics that can define the JATs as a kind of social group. Are we in functional terms a unified group, or is there a common political economy that gives us identity. Then how does a cultural element unites us though the fact is that even marriages in rural areas is not more than within 40-50 kms radius.
Please dont quote any historic origin which is the most controversial thing without any archaeological evidence. The another fact is that the Khap system. What is the geographical spread of the khap system? The Jats of Rajasthan do not reveal and Khap systems and how religous conversion has affected the khap systems if any in Punjab.
I hope this will bring out the extreme plural nature of JATS. and we should indeed discover the plurality within ourselves that's going to be our strength.
Thanks!

Ambrish Ji,
The term Jat itself has varied connotations if we cover he whole gamit of its geographical spread. These variations may be obsrved in the spheres of status, social customs, religious practices,spread of marriages and level of education. In this respect the Jat migrants (even recent) are to be taken as a different lot all together. I am quite doubtful of the prevalence of the khap sysem in the western parts of today's Punjab and Rajasthan. Your mention of the religious conversions needs to be underlined and its effects on Jat identity studied in the context of struggle for political power. There too Islam and Sikhism may present different parametes. It is known that the Jat identity of the Muslims of Sindh has almost been buried under the all encompassing Muslim identiy in Pakistan. This process has gone on with greater speed as in their old identity as Jats they did not enjoy a respectable status.
The geographical spread of marriages among the Jats is an interesting aspect of their life. You may like to read a small piece at my blog at the following URL;

<www.jatculture.blogspot.com?

s.s.rana