Dumal is a caste in western Orissa with members distributed through the Boudh, Phulbani, Balangir, Sonepur, Bargarh, Sambalpur, Angul and Debgarh districts. This caste is categorised as a socially and economically backward community in both State and Centre (Oct 1994) list. The main occupation was agriculture, although the community members also serve in the Indian military
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Origin
The caste originally came from Orissa. Its name was derived from the village of Dumba Hadap in the former Athmallik state.
Another explanation of its origin is that Dumal is derived from Duma, the name of the gateway in Baudh town, which they lived near. Sir H. Risley wrote, “The Dumals or Jadupuria seems to be a group of local formation. They cherish the tradition that their ancestors came to Orissa from Jadupur, but this appears to be nothing more than the name of Yadavs/Jadavas, the mythological progenitors of the Yaduvanshi caste transformed into the name of an imaginary town."
Another legend states that when Lord Rama was wandering in the forests of Sambalpur, he met three brothers and asked each one to bring him a cup of water. The first brother brought water in a clean brass pot, his name was Sudh (well-mannered). The second brother made a cup out of leaves and drew water from a well using a rope, his name was Dumal, from dori-mal (a coil of rope). The third brother brought water in a hollow gourd, and his name was Kolta, from ku-rita (ill-mannered). This shows Kulta, Dumal, and Sudh have some connections.
Migration
In 1901, Dumals and other caste members, were enumerated, in the central provinces (now Madhya Pradesh), but only a few are now remaining.
Surnames
Surnames found among the Dumals include Chhanda, Amat, Baghar, Bastia, Bhoi, Behera, Dang, Danta, Deheree, Ghusri, Karna/Karan, Kanta, Karmi/Karmee, Khamari, Kheti, Kampa,Khandagiri, Khilari, Khilar, Mahar, Majhee/Majhi, Mahakhud, Mahakul, Mahakur, Mahakud, Mendali, Melli, Mendily, Nayak, Palia, Pardia, Pradhan, Patra, Gaigaria, Garnayak, Barik, Kalta, Palta, Gurhandi, Thati, Gadua, Singh, Bagh, Naik, Mesua, Gejo,tadi.