Noongar (caste)

The Noongar are a Hindu caste found in the states of Haryana and Punjab in India.^[1]

Origin

The word Noongar is derived from the Hindi word nun or salt, and literally Noongar means a manufacturer of salt. They are one of a number of communities that were involved in the manufacture of salt. According to their traditions, the community were Sisodia Rajputs, who migrated to Haryana during the 15th Century, and took up the occupation of salt manufacturing. The community are found mainly in the districts of Faridabad, Gurgaon, Karnal, Ambala, Jind and Sonepat. They speak Khari boli and Haryanvi.^[2]

Present Circumstances

The Noongar are an endogamous community and practice clan exogamy. There main clans are the Katariya, Neytari Katariya, Do Gaon Satavat, Mandur, Chandaliya, Anneka Nimgawal and Panwar. They live in close proximity to the Shorgir, another community of salt manufacturers, but there is no intermarriage between the two groups. Like other artisan groups, the Noongar have seen a decline in their traditional occupation. Most Noongar are now daily wage labourers. A small number are farmers.

See also

• Shorgir

References

1. ^ People of India Hayana Volume XXIII edited by M.L Sharma and A.K Bhatia pages 385 to 389 Manohar
2. ^ People of India Hayana Volume XXIII edited by M.L Sharma and A.K Bhatia pages 385 to 389 Manohar