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Harijans
In Haryana, the Harijans constitute roughly about one fifth of the population
of the state. The several categories of Harijans (schedule castes) are
the Chamars, Chhuras, Dhanaks and Julahas. As a single community the Chamars
are the most predominant. In earlier times, the Chamar was the village
shoemaker, the Chhura its scavenger and the Dhanaks and Julahas were village
weavers. They all took a hand in the agricultural operations by contributing
their labour. But now, these Harijans are occupying the positions of even
legislators, ministers, senior government officials and some of them have
entered into competition with the other classes in small trade and cottage
industries.
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