Dher

Dher or Dhera are one the backward classes and scheduled caste of India.^[1] They were one the lowest and despised section of Hindu out-caste society, degraded by the slavery imposed on them by the Hindus for many ages.

They are primarily found in Andhra Pradesh,^[2] Karnataka,^[2][3]Maharashtra and Gujarat. In Southern India, among Dhers there were three principal class of slaves called Holiyas, Yemaru and Paleru.^[4]

In British India, the Dhers live in scattered groups, occupying wretched hovels of foliage, and depending on the chase, fishing, and the carcases of dead animals. Some worked as leather tanner and mostly used to work as slave labor.

References

1. ^ Dher Empowerment of scheduled castes,By R.V.K. Naidu
2. ^ ^{a b} [1] Encyclopaedia of backward castes, Volume 2 By M. L. Mathur
3. ^ [2] The castes and tribes of H.E.H. the Nizam's dominions, Volume 1,By Syed Siraj ul Hassan, Page:409
4. ^ [3] Indian Encyclopaedia, Volume 1 By Subodh Kapoor, Page 5504.