Bazigars of Punjab: A Socio-Economic Study (An Old Book)

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The Bazigars are a nomadic community residing in villages and in the peripheries of various towns of the Punjab. Numbering about half a million, they follow archaic customs and traditions in their social and cultural life. The present publication is the outcome of a study which analyses various aspects of Bazigar community in respect of social and demographic structure occupations and income levels, attitudes and aspirations, awareness of various socio-economic measures taken up by the government for them, and to suggest suitable programme for improving their lot.
The study highlights the social and economic hardships the Bazigars are facing today. Most of the Bazigar families are poor and they mainly work as agricultural labourer. On the basis of commensal relationship the status of Bazigars is higher than the other scheduled castes. They are strictly endogamous in marriage and follow the rules of clan exogamy. Number of children in a family is quite high, which may go up to seven. Also, the Infant mortality is quite high. Their community panchayat is very strong and it plays a significant role in solving disputes and conflicts within the community.

Dr. P.C. Deb (1928-1986) was Professor of Rural Sociology at the Punjab Agricultural University. Ludhiana. He had extensively researched on various aspects of rural population in the Punjab during the last 21 years. This is reflected through a large number of publications. Some of his outstanding publications are: Rural Leadership in Green Revolution (1974). Social Stratification and Mobility in Rural Setting (1975). Liquor in a Green Revolution (1977), Rural Sociology: An Introduction (1981) and Green Revolution: An Assessment (1983).

The action-cum-research project entitled "Upliftment of Bazigars in Punjab", financed by the International Labour Organization, was taken up in the beginning of 1981. When the formal approval was received and the fund was made available to the Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana by the ILO Office in Delhi. Two investigators belonging to the Bazigar Community were recruited in February 1981 and the field work for the socio-economic survey of the Bazigars in five districts of Punjab commenced shortly thereafter.
The present report provides information about the Bazigars' socio-cultural life as well as their present economic status. This will serve as a base line study and facilitate the action programme being undertaken among the Bazigars.
The author is thankful to Dr. D.S. Sidhu, Professor and Head of the Department for the facilities made available to us for conducting the study.