Boria (caste)

The Boria, also known as Baurasi, are a Hindu community found primarily in North India. They are regarded in community traditions as a Bharshiv Nagvanshi Kshatriya Rajpasi subclan.

According to traditional accounts, the Boria/Baurasi trace their lineage to the Bharshiv Nagvanshi Kshatriya heritage. The community has historically been associated with agriculture and is also described in oral traditions as possessing a martial background.

Traditionally, members of the community were engaged in farming and agrarian activities, while also maintaining martial skills as part of their cultural identity.

The community primarily follows Hinduism, with strong influence of Shaivism.

The Boriya are a sub-group of the Pasi community. Although of Pasi origin, the two communities are now quite distinct and do not intermarry. They are found mainly in the Awadh region, mainly in the districts of Gonda, Faizabad, and Barabanki. The Boria speak the Awadhi dialect.^[1]

The Pasi are endogamous and in their native places in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar their sub-groups are also endogamous but here in Nagpur only three, namely, the Baurasi, Kaithwas, and Gujar sub-groups are found, who have migrated from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The Baurasi Pasi are locally known as Bahoriia which is used as their surname. They are reported to have higher social status and are economically well off. The other two sub-groups in the social hierarchy are the Kaithwas and the Gujar. They do not have surnames in their native place but they have adopted various surnames such as Baharla, Gujar, etc., which are in fact their sub- caste names. They also have titles like Choudhury, Vikal, Raahi, etc. The sub-castes were endogamous initially, but later on due to non-availability of suitable spouses in their own sub-caste locally and the involvement of big expenditure in bringing a wife from the native place, the three sub-groups have started inter-marrying with each other. They are considered Kshatriyas in the varna order.

In contemporary times, the Boria (Baurasi) community resides across various districts in northern India, where members participate in a wide range of livelihoods. Agriculture remains a significant occupation, with many families continuing to engage in farming and related activities.

Alongside traditional livelihoods, members of the community are increasingly involved in diverse professions including business, services, education, and government employment. Access to formal education has expanded over recent decades, and younger generations are pursuing opportunities in urban centers, professional fields, and the public sector.

Social and cultural activities within the community today reflect both historical traditions and modern influences. Community organizations often work to promote education, preserve cultural heritage, and support economic development.

Like many other traditional communities in India, the Boria (Baurasi) navigate contemporary challenges such as access to quality education, employment opportunities, and socio-economic mobility, while also maintaining cultural practices and communal identity.