Rapid Fire
Siddi Community
- 28 Nov 2024
- 1 min read
Recently released film Rhythm of Dammam highlights the marginalised Siddi community in India.
- Origin: They are descendants of African slaves brought by the Portuguese in the late 17th century during the trans-Indian Ocean slave trade.
- They exhibit Negroid physical traits.
- They are also known by different synonyms such as Habshi and Badsha.
- Present-Day Location: They mainly reside along the western coast of India, particularly in the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.
- ST Status: In India, the Union government in 2003, classified Siddis under the list of Scheduled Tribes.
- They are also included in the Centre’s list of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups.
- Family System: The community follows a nuclear family system, although extended families exist.
- Cultural Expression: The Siddis are known for their folk music and dances, such as Dhamal and Rasda, with men performing the Dhamal dance.
