Salvi (caste)

The Salvi are found in the states of Gujarat and Rajasthan in India.[1]

Salvi
Total population
51,000
Regions with significant populations
 India
Languages
Gujarati • Mewari • Marathi
Religion
Hinduism 100%
Related ethnic groups
Kori • Koshti • Sadh • Dhagi

History and origin

The Salvi trace their origin from the word Sal, which means a loom. They are said to have migrated from Gujarat to Malwa in the Middle Ages. The community is traditional associated with the art of weaving. They speak Mewari among themselves.[2]

While in Gujarat, the Salvi who are also known as the Patliwala or Patua, claim to have been brought from Maharashtra in the 11th Century by the Rajput rulers to Patan. They have been traditionally associated with silk weaving.[3][4] As per the census of India,1921 approximately 6.88 laks sale or salve people were living in Madras, Hyderabad and Bombay provinces.

Present circumstances

The community speak Mewari among themselves and Hindi with outsiders. They have two sub-divisions, the Marwari Salvi and Mewara Salvi, which are further sub-divided into smaller clans.

With the decline in there traditional occupation of weaving, they are now mainly a community of landless agricultural labourers. A small number are still involved with weaving, and make thick cotton clothes and turban. The Salvi are a Hindu community, their family goddess is Chamund Devi.[5]

The Salvi of Gujarat are split into two distinct groupings, the Jain Salvi and the Vaishnav Hindu. Each of these groups restrict their marriages within their respective religious groups. They have exogamous clans such as the Sanghvi, Tapadia, Kapadia, Dhara and Rawalia. These clans regulate the matrimonial alliances. The Gujarat Salvi consider themselves of Vaishya status. Most of the Gujarat Salvis have abandoned their traditional occupation and are now engaged in a number of trades. As small number continue with their traditional occupation which is silk weaving. The Gujarat Salvi speak Gujarati.[6]

See also

References
  1. "National Handloom Day | The handloom communities of India". The Statesman. 2018-08-07. Retrieved 2020-05-14.
  2. People of India Rajasthan Volume XXXVIII Part Two edited by B.K Lavania, D. K Samanta, S K Mandal & N.N Vyas pages 859 to 861 Popular Prakashan
  3. People of India Gujarat Volume XXI Part Three edited by R.B Lal, P.B.S.V Padmanabham, G Krishnan & M Azeez Mohideen pages 1232-1235
  4. Haseeb, Ahssanuddin. "The 'Fashioning' Of 'Gujarati Patola Saree' – A Priceless Heirloom | #KhabarLive Hyderabad | Breaking News, Hyderabad News, Telangana News, Andhra Pradesh News, Business, Analysis,". Retrieved 2020-05-14.
  5. People of India Rajasthan Volume XXXVIII Part Two edited by B.K Lavania, D. K Samanta, S K Mandal & N.N Vyas pages 859 to 861 Popular Prakashan
  6. People of India Gujarat Volume XXI Part Three edited by R.B Lal, P.B.S.V Padmanabham, G Krishnan & M Azeez Mohideen pages 1232-1235
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