UNVEILING JOLAHA: INSIGHTS INTO THE POLLUTION CHALLENGES FACED BY A MUSLIM CASTE

Abstract : This study will elucidate the characteristics of the caste system prevalent among the Muslims of Bangladesh, specifically focusing on the Jolaha community. The data for this research was gathered using the anthropological technique of participant observation in a hamlet in Bangladesh where the Jolaha, a dominant occupational group, resides. The weavers of South Asia are categorised into two categories based on their religious beliefs. Tanti is the name used to designate to Hindu weavers, whereas Muslim weavers are known as Jolha, Jolaha, Julaa, and so on. However, one common characteristic between them is that they both belong to the bottom echelons of our hierarchical South Asian society. Regarding the Jolahas, there is strong evidence to suggest that they were members of a marginalised Hindu caste known as Tanti, who collectively converted to the Islamic faith. However, after their religious conversion, the Jolahas continue to be regarded as a socially disadvantaged occupational caste. They are seen as tainted and stigmatised by Muslims in general because to their inherited profession. The contemporary perception of the Jolaha occupation no longer deems it as unclean. There has been a certain degree of shift in the pattern of movement in recent years. However, it is regrettable that even after many generations, people continue to identify them as Jolaha despite their mobility. The non-Jolaha Muslims see them as individuals belonging to inferior castes. Keywords: Caste system, Jolaha community, Anthropological research, Occupational groups, South Asian weavers, Tanti (Hindu weavers), Jolha, Jolaha, Julaa (Muslim weavers), Social hierarchy, Marginalized Hindu caste, Stigmatization, Occupational caste, Social mobility, Identity, Inferior castes.