Maiya

The Maiya are a Hindu caste found in the state of Gujarat in India. They are also known as Mahia Rajput and Maiya Darbar.^[1]

History and origin

The community claim to have been settled along the banks of the Mahi river in Kheda District, so they came to be known as Maiya. They are believed to be descended from the Jadhav Rajputs. The community settled in Gujarat during the rule of Sultan Mahmud Begada, and moved into Saurashtra in the 16th Century. Their they established states in Wankaner and the small states of Kuwadva and Than near Rajkot. A section of the some cast Maiya converted to Islam, and are now known as the Miyana.and other rajput cast covert known as MAHIYA now they are staying in junagadh District. They rebelled against the Nawab of Junagarh in 1882, and were suppressed. As a result of the rebellion, they lost much of their land.^[2]

Present circumstances

The community is concentrated in Saurashtra. They are divided into a number of clans known as ataks, the main ones being the Babariya, Dayatar, Makka, Dangar, Paderi, Dave, Dhana and Chalavada.They are located mostly in Shergadh,Ajab,Kaneri,Mesavan,Avaniya,Gangecha,Rangpur,Pikhor,Gelana,Kalwani and other villages in Junagadh disctict.Many of them have relocated for their job and business in Rajkot or other urban areas.The community is mainly made up of small and medium sized farmers, and have customs similar other landowning castes such as the Khati and Khant. There claim to be Kshatriyas is generally accepted by other Hindu castes.

Kuldevi for the community as whole is Mata Nagbai at Shergadh-Ajab.

See also

• Mers
• Kathi
• Manka
• Thakore

References

1. ^ People of India Gujarat Volume XXI Part Two edited by R.B Lal, P.B.S.V Padmanabham, G Krishnan & M Azeez Mohideen pages 812-817
2. ^ People of India Gujarat Volume XXI Part Two edited by R.B Lal, P.B.S.V Padmanabham, G Krishnan & M Azeez Mohideen pages 812-817