Baghel Samaj:Gotra List

Dhangar

The Dhangar (Sanskrit / Devanāgarī: धनगर) caste is primarily located in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The literal translation of the name Dhangar is "Wealthy". ^[1] The Dhangars of the Northern or Southern India are reasonably considered to belong to the same race.^[2] The word Dhangar is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Dhenu' or Cow. They are called by different synonyms like Dhangar, Dhangad and Dhanpal.^[3] Dhang also means a hill or a mountain. During the times of hardship some Kshatriyas went to the mountains and hills with their sheep and cows and stayed in the forests: these people are called Dhangars. ^[4]
The “Ain-i-Akbari” describes them as being a proud, refractory and domineering race of Rajputs, living in the Basim Sircar and, with numerous armed forces, occupying the forts and controlling the surrounding districts. ^{[2][5] [6]} Their original home is said to be Gokul Vrindavan near Mathura. From Gokul they are said to be moved to Mewar and from Mewar to have spread into Gujarat and Maharashtra.^{[7] [8]}

See also: Category:Chhatis Rajkul and Rajput clans

Lord Krishna was Dhangar. ^{[9] [10] [11]} Nand Meher, the foster father of Lord Krishna, also belonged to this caste. ^{[7][12] [13]} Lord Krishna, Prophet Muhammad and Jesus Christ were all Shepherds.^[14] Metaphorically, the term Shepherd is used for God.
Initially there were twelve tribes of Dhangar and they had a Division of labour amongst brothers of one family. This later formed three sub-divisions and one half division (3.5). These three being Hatkar (Shepherds), Ahir (Cowherds) or Mhaskar (Gujar)(Buffalo keepers), and Khutekar (Wool and Blanket weavers) / Sangar. The half division is called Khateek or Khatik (Butchers). All sub-castes fall in either of these divisions. All sub-divisions emerge from one stock and all sub-divisions claim to be a single group of Dhangars. Studies have revealed that they are genetically the closest. ^{[15] [16]} The number three and a half is not a random selection but has a religious and cosmological significance


Gotra List

* Bamania
* Tomar
* Segar
* Sisodia
* Becholia
* Katrya
* Kachwaha
* Ahir
* Bhindwar
* Chandel
* Spah
* Kokende
* Rotella
* Hiranwar
* Baniaa
* Thanmbar
* Fulsungha
* Raraya
* Reyar
* Mohaniya
* Nigote
* padariya
* Sriswar
* Pindwar/Pandwar
* Kunwar
* Suraha

* Hans
* Kumiya
* Padriya
* Sagr
* Dugele
* Parihar