Jaat

Jaat, often transliterated as Jat, is a large and diverse agrarian community in South Asia. It is not a single caste but a socio-ethnic group comprising Hindu, Sikh, and Muslim adherents who share historical ties to landholding and farming. The Jaat populations are concentrated in India, particularly in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, with significant numbers in Delhi, and in Pakistan’s Punjab region. Traditionally, Jaats have been associated with agriculture, though contemporary members pursue a wide range of occupations.

Social organization among Jaats is often clan-based, with numerous lineages or gotras. Endogamy within the community is common, while exogamy may occur between certain clans. Religious and regional differences influence customs and practices, but a sense of Jaat identity remains a unifying factor across Hindu, Sikh, and Muslim segments. Jaats have historically been noted for their martial reputation in local folklore and, in modern times, for participation in regional and national armed forces as well as in politics.

Cultural expressions vary by region. In Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh, Jaat communities contribute to folk music and dances such as bhangra and gidda, while in Rajasthan there are distinct styles and dress. Languages associated with Jaat communities include Punjabi, Haryanvi, and Rajasthani, often with Hindi or Urdu as a lingua franca in broader interactions. Economic life centers on agriculture, though urbanization and education have diversified livelihoods.

In the contemporary period, Jaat communities have been politically mobilized around agricultural policy, land, and social reservation issues in India, influencing regional politics and social dynamics. The Jaat presence also extends to diaspora communities worldwide.