Introduction / History

Takankar is the name of a small occupational offshoot of the Pardhis in Berar. They are a low caste of wandering fowlers and hunters.

Where Are they Located?

They numbered about 15,000 persons in the Central Provinces and Berar in 1911 and are found scattered over several Districts.

What Are Their Lives Like?

They travel from village to village and roughen the household grinding-mills when they have worn smooth. The word is derived from takna, to tap or chisel. The caste appears to be a mixed group made up of Bawarias or other Rajput outcastes, Gonds and social derelicts from all sources.

The Pardhis perhaps belong more especially to the Maratha country, as they are numerous in Khandesh and many of them talk a dialect of Gujarati. In the northern Districts their speech is a mixture of Marwari and Hindi, while they often know Marathi or Urdu as well.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Major religion of Pardhi's is Hindu, as well some follow Christianity and very few from Marathwada region of Maharashtra follow Muslim culture, as the followers of Muslim religion are found in Takankars (Takara/Takari). The Takankars following Muslim philosophy came under influence of Sardar Ibrahim Khan Gardi.

References

1. The Journal of Military History
2. Russel V