Caste census identifies micro communities, 398 unrecognised groups

BENGALURU: The caste census report has revealed new statistics from a 2015 survey, including 398 previously unrecognized castes and data on castes with very small populations. These castes that were found during the survey. Another major issue is that 398 castes that were not identified so far were found.

The report mentions castes with population of less than 200 people, including some with as few as five and 11 individuals. Some information is available on castes with micro-communities in categories 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B. The survey highlighted that in about 47 castes, the population is less than 200. There are also castes with population of 3, 4, 5, 11, 13 individuals.

Many people refused to disclose their caste during the survey. Some individuals claimed not to belong to any caste. In all 2,53,954 people refused to state their caste. Also, 1,34,319 people reported that they did not belong to any caste.

Castes with less populationare as follows:

Category 1A

Kelkari- 151 people

Category 1B

Maruthuvar- 5 people

Rawala- 11 people

Dhanagargauli- 13 people

Kanjir- 107 people

Category 2A

Osta-4 people

Pattunulkar- 4 people

Kottia- 7 people

Shilpi- 4 people

Nambeeshan – 6 people

Mallar- 41 people

Category 3A

Jeerige Kunchitiga- 67 people

Category 3B

Lingadar- 3 people

Veerashaiva Mallawar- 9 people

Veerashiva Jangam – 11 people

Jangam- 47 people

Lingayat Gowda/Gowda Lingayat- 22 people.