The Node (Sindhi: نُود) are a Muslim community found in the state of Gujarat in India and a province of Sindh in Pakistan. They are one of a number of communities of pastoral nomads found in the Banni region of Kutch. The community is also known as Nodi or Nodhi
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History and origin
Prior to their settlement in Kutch, they spent some time in Sindh, a few members of this community are still found there. Among the Banni Maldharis, they are unique in not claiming Rajput ancestry.
Present circumstances
The community is found mainly in Kutch District, with few also found in the Jamnagar District of Saurashtra. They speak a dialect of Kutchi, with substantial Sindhi loan words. The community is endogamous, but does marry with other Samma communities, such as the Sameja. They are divided into a number of clans, the main ones being the Palli, Uttal, Moora, Rav, Arbab, Deshar, Saad, Hola, Amar, Bavu, Visa, Dora, Jaras, Borath, Bhooth, Bambia, Numria and Otha. They do not practice clan exogamy as rule, but each clan is of equal status, and do intermarry.
The Node are a community of Maldhari cattle breeders. In addition to cattle breeding, the Node are also cultivators, and landless agricultural labourers. Like other Kutchi communities, many of them have migrated to other parts of India in search of employment. Like many Gujarati Muslims, they have a caste association, the Node Jamat, which is responsible for the welfare of the community.