The Ravidassia Community and Religious Identity Demand

The Ravidassia Community and Religious Identity Demand

#GS-1 #History #Medieval India #Culture #Heritage #GS-2 #Indian Society #Vulnerable Sections #GS-3 #Current Events #National #Ravidassia Community #Guru Ravidas #Bhakti Movement

Why in News

  • Thousands of members from the Ravidassia community recently gathered in **Phagwara, Punjab**. They demanded recognition as a separate religion in the upcoming **Census**.

Who Are the Ravidassias?

  • The Ravidassias form a distinct socio-religious Dalit community. They follow the spiritual teachings, egalitarian philosophy, and mystic poetry of **Guru Ravidas**, a celebrated saint of the **Bhakti Movement** from the **15th and 16th centuries**.

Habitat and Demographics

  • Around **12 lakh** members of this community live in the **Doaba region of Punjab**. This region includes the four districts of **Jalandhar**, **Hoshiarpur**, **Kapurthala**, and **Nawanshahr**.
  • Together with the related **Ad Dharmi movement**, the community counts over **30.95 lakh members**. They make up more than **11%** of Punjab's total population and form a major part of the state's **32%** Dalit population.

History and Key Turning Points

  • **Baba Sant Pipal Das** established **Dera Sachkhand Ballan**. It became the primary institutional and religious hub for the Ravidassia community.
  • An armed attack on a Ravidassia gathering took place in **Vienna** in **2009**, which led to the death of **Sant Ramanand** and injured many devotees. This incident triggered huge protests across Punjab.
  • In **2010**, **Dera Sachkhand Ballan** officially declared the Ravidassia sect as an independent religion, establishing its unique spiritual identity.

Key Features of the Ravidassia Faith

  • The sacred text of the community is **Amritbani Guru Ravidas Ji**, which contains **200 hymns** composed by Guru Ravidas.
  • Guru Ravidas conceptualized **Begampura**, meaning a city without sorrow. He envisioned it as an equal, caste-free society without fear, discrimination, or exploitation.
  • The community has its own worship places, religious greetings, and holy symbols such as the **Har** emblem.
  • The birthplace of Guru Ravidas at **Seer Goverdhanpur** in **Varanasi** serves as the main pilgrimage site for the community, drawing lakhs of followers every year.

Significance of the Demand

  • A separate category in the **Census** would ensure accurate population counting, prevent official misclassification, and give formal recognition to their distinct identity.
  • The community holds strong voting power in the **Doaba region**, giving it a significant role in **Punjab** politics and in discussions regarding Dalit representation.