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Other Spellings / Synonyms: Kachhi,
Kachchhi, Kutchchi, Cuchi, Kutchie, Kachi
Religion: Hindu / Jain / Ismaili Muslim
Varna: Kutchis are the Brahmins (Rajgor Ganyathy –
Bhuj), Megvals, Visa Oshwal and Dasa Osval (Oshwal) Jains, Lwanas
followers of Satpanth and various Muslim communities in the region.
Language: Kutchi (also spelled Kachchhi). Most Kachhis
living in India also speak closely-related languages such as
Gujarati and Hindi, especially those living in cosmopolitan cities
such as Mumbai.
Regional Spread: The Kutchi people traditionally reside in
the Kutch region of the western Indian state of Gujarat. Modern day
Kachhis have moved out of Kutch to nearby commercial cities such as
Ahmedabad, Baroda and Mumbai, and to neighboring states such as
Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Punjab.
Traditional Occupation: Kutchi people are mainly into
business of building and construction and can be referred to as
either Bhimji, Khimji or Lalji.
Population: 866,000 approximately
Food Habits: Most Kutchis are vegetarian due to their
religious background. Kutchi diet consists of a single healthy meal
for all the daily meal times and is commonly known as "Kitchiri".
It consists of a soggy mixture of rice and lentils and is
nutritionally adequate to consume several times a day for the
duration of the year.
Marriage Preference: Prefer marriage in their own community
but these days Kutchi people have become open to matrimonial
alliances with people of other communities.
About Kutchi People:
Local people of Kutch are closely attached to Kutch culture and
tradition. The traditional life for many Kutchi people was one of
being nomadic or semi-nomadic pastoralists. Although most have now
settled into villages, the agricultural and pastoral cycles still
dominate the structure of their working lives. Kutchi women are a
very strong force within the social structure. |
