Introduction

Pasi is a Dravidian occupational caste mainly found in the northern region of the country. Their hereditary employment is tapping of date, Palmyra palm tree and other palm trees for their juice. They are mostly distributed over Bihar, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. A small number of Pasi people are distributed over the Terai region of Nepal. Pasis are also called as Paswan and they are scheduled caste under Government of India. Their name has been derived from the Sanskrit term “Pashika,” which means “one who uses noose”. Interestingly, when Pasis first entered Gujarat, they adopted the job of tapping palm trees. This occupation became a generational livelihood for Pasi people.

Origin of Pasi Community

Pasis claim their ancestry from Bhrigu, a Vedic sage and the creator of the Bhargavas. Further, there are several legends associated with their origin. The Pasi community also traces their origin from Parashuram, an incarnation of Vishnu. One of the legends says that once a man was about to kill a number of cows and at the same time Parashuram was practicing austerities in the forest. On hearing the howls of the sacred animals, he reached the place for their rescue. As the cow killer was accompanied by his friends, Parashuram created 5 men out of kusha grass and made them alive by letting his sweat drops fall on them. Thus, they were called Pasi which came from the Hindi word “Pasina” meaning sweat.

History of Pasi Community

The Pasi community is regarded by many as one of the ancient ruling groups of India and is often associated with the Nagvanshi or Naga Dynasty. Indian nationalist narratives have supported claims that a Pasi kingdom once ruled regions that now form parts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar during the 11th and 12th centuries. Among the prominent rulers associated with this legacy were Maharaja Bijli Pasi, Maharaja Lakhan Pasi, and Maharaja Satan Pasi. Their influence is believed to have extended across areas such as Kheri, Hardoi, Sitapur, Lucknow, Sandila, and Unnao. Ramkot, presently located in Bangarmau in Unnao district, is considered one of their principal strongholds. 

Historically, the Pasi caste is described as a ruling community of the Awadh region in North India until the 12th century. Over time, repeated invasions by Muslim rulers and Rajputs reportedly weakened their authority, leading many members of the community to retreat into forested regions where they established smaller forts and settlements. During this period, they came to be identified as rebels and warlords. 

By the 17th and 18th centuries, many members of the Pasi community began serving in the armies of Indian rulers. The community also earned recognition for its participation in revolutionary activities, particularly during the Indian Rebellion of 1857 against British rule. Several notable figures emerged during this period, including Madari Pasi, a leader of the peasant Eka Movement; Makka Pasi, a soldier in the contingent of Awadh ruler Wajid Ali Shah; and Uda Devi Pasi, who is remembered for her role as a fighter and sniper at Sikandar Bagh during the uprising of 1857.

In 1871, the British administration introduced the Criminal Tribes Act, which categorized nearly 200 communities under restrictive provisions, including the Pasi caste. According to historical accounts, this law led to the confiscation of property and the imprisonment of many young members of the community, severely affecting their social and economic condition. Amendments to the law were later introduced in 1924.

Sub-Groups in Pasi Community

The composition of the Pasi caste is considered of a mixed nature. Like the other migratory castes, Pasis are also split into small numbers and their composition is not very definite. In the central province of the country, their principal sub-castes are the Rajpasis, Kaithwas or Kaithmas, Trisulia, Chiriyamar, Khatik, Hujar, Mangta and Ghudchadha. They have several exogamous clans namely Jamdagni, Parswa, Amlak, Bhargav, and Piplak.

Society of Pasi Community

Pasis generally avoid marriage with blood relations. In their society, widow marriage and divorce are freely allowed. They either burn or bury the dead and funeral rites are followed. Generally, for a deceased man mourning for ten days are observed and for a deceased woman nine days are observed. Pasi people are religious and they worship all the Hindu deities. Brahmins generally perform marriage and other auspicious ceremonies. Pasi community has a caste council that mainly deals with divorces and other criminal offences like disregard of any traditional social norm.

Religious Practice of Pasi Community

The Pasi community is predominantly Hindu, although some members also follow Buddhism. Deeply rooted in religious traditions, the community places great importance on the worship of their kul deity. The kul deity is a Hindu deity believed to have been revered within families for generations.

Occupational Evolution of Pasi Community

Apart from their traditional occupation of extraction of juices of palm trees, some of them also go for hunting. Like the Pardhi tribes, Pasis also mend grindstones and are engaged in agricultural activities. In some of the villages Pasis are commonly employed as watchmen in return for which they receive either a plot of land or some other consideration.