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Dhanka

The Dhanka are a tribe of India who believe themselves to be aboriginal, although they are unable to assert from whence they came. They are historically neither Hindu nor Muslim and their occupations have changed over time, as circumstances have dictated for survival. Although similar groups in India are often referred to as adivasi, the Dhanka generally reject this term.

They are a sub-division of the Bhil tribe. Dhanka do craft work on bamboo and prepare different items of basketry, winnowing fans, bow-arrows, sticks, and guns. Dhanka females make strings and ropes of forest grass, jute and similar materials.

Historically, Dhanka were soldiers and forest hunters of the northwestern part of India. Since they used to prepare bows ( Dhanush) they are called Dhanka. Another interpretation about its origin is that the word Dhanka consists of 'Dhan' which means ‘Paddy’ and the person who grows paddy is known as ‘Dhanka’. In the pre-independence period, some Dhanka were engaged in the services of jagirdars / landowners as farmers and cultivators in paddy fields. They used to do agricultural activities and cattle breeding. Some were soldiers too.