On Jats and Jutts
Posted in Blogs (Articles) on January 31st, 2021 by Rajesh Kochhar – Be the first to commentJats are a land-owning agriculturist caste spread over West UP, Haryana, and Rajasthan. There are Jutts in West and East Punjab. They are also land-owners and tillers. Jutts in West Punjab are predominantly Muslim, those in East Punjab Sikhs. The ethnic relationship between Jats and Jutts is not clear ( Needs genetic study). Social Rajasthan is dominated by Rajputs, with the result that Jats are pushed down in caste hierarchy. But in West UP, Haryana, and Punjab, they are the dominant caste groups.
Jat-land has produced three eminent leaders in recent times: Sir Chhotu Ram, Charan Singh, and Devi Lal.
As move to the east we come across land-owning castes (Thakurs and Bhumihars) who are absentee landlords, oppressive and feudal.
Jat/Jutt’s prestige and self-esteem come from his landholding. Professions of Brahmins, Banias, Kayasths, etc are part of a flexible economy., and therefore amenable to bargaining, pressures, etc. In contrast since land is a fixed asset, landed castes are invariably confrontationist.
