Introduction / History

The Dhanka are an Adivasi group in India. They number slightly over 400,000 people. Over half of the Dhanka live in Gujarat state with smaller populations in Maharashtra and Rajasthan and a small population in Madhya Pradesh.

Over 90% of the Dhanka are Hindus, but small numbers are Muslims or Christians.

The Dhanka are a sub-division of the Bhil, distributed in Jaipur, Alwar, Ajmer and Sirohi districts in Rajasthan as well as other states. The Dhanka are also known as Dhankia. The population of Dhanka in Jaipur is nearly 100,000 people.

In the past, the Dhanka were forest hunters or engaged in the services of jagirdars / landowners as farmers or soldier guards. After the abolishing of jagirdari nearly 70% of the Dhanka migrated to cities by 1960. The Dhanka often work in elecricity and waterworks departments. They no longer have any land for agriculture and after migrating into the cities, they no longer have farming skills. Dhanka only marry within their caste.

The literacy of the Dhanka is 65%, one of the highest of the tribes of Rajasthan. Although the Dhanka are known as hard workers, they are often very poor. The Dhanka need a proper share of reservation land.