Classification Ramdasia Languages Punjabi,Hindi Subdivisions Kabirpanthi, Julaha | Religions Hinduism, Sikhism Populated states The Punjab region | |
The Ramdasia are a Sikh sub-group that has originated from the Hindu caste of weavers known as Julaha.According to Paul Ghuman, Ramdasias are also Chamars who have converted to Sikhism.
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Terminology
H. S. Singha says that "Ramdasia is a term used in general for Sikhs whose ancestors belonged to backward classes. Originally it meant the descendants and followers of Ramdas who belonged to the weaver (Julaha) community". Julaha Sikhs are also known as the Khalsa biradar (brother of the Khalsa).
Ramdasia Chamars
Gerald Parsons says that "Ravidasis are to be distinguished from the Ramdasias who also belonged to the Chamar caste in Punjab but who were converted to the Sikh community, according to tradition, during the guruship of Ram Das". Kalsi notes that some Chamar's claim to have been Julahas but then reverted to be Chamar. "We are all Chamars (landless labourers andleather workers) - some families chose to take up weaving, they were known as Julahas. My ancestors were weavers, but they reverted to shoe-making during the war. We have common gets_ and our houses are located on one side of the villages."
He further notes that Julaha social status is higher than that of Chamars and that Julahas do not marry outside of their endogamous group.
Caste Status
Ramdasia's are a Scheduled Caste. and prefer to be called Sikh only.
Other uses
The word Ramdasia, has also been associated with masands or preachers that were appointed by the Sikh Guru Ram Das.