Valmiki caste


The Valmiki is a large cluster of castes, and local groups from India. The Valmikis can be classified as a caste or Sampradaya. In terms of being classified as Sampradaya, the Valmikis trace their tradition to the Hindu sage Valmiki who is traditionally ascribed as the writer of the epic Ramayana.

North India

In North India Valmiki are considered Dalit. There they have historically faced exclusion and oppression in society, and are frequently affected by anti-Dalit violence and repression by members of other castes.
According to the 2001 Census of India, the Valmikis formed 11.2 per cent of the Scheduled Caste population in Punjab and were the second-most populous Scheduled Caste in Delhi National Capital Region.
The 2011 Census of India for Uttar Pradesh showed the Valmiki population, which was classified as a Scheduled Caste, as 1,319,241.

South India

In South India they are considered as Backward castes.
According to the Indian Census of 2011, the Valmikis represent 0.7 per cent in Andhra Pradesh and are mainly concentrated in Anantapur, Kurnool and Kadapa districts of Andhra Pradesh. They also built a temple of Valmiki in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh. In Andhra Pradesh they are known as Boya Valmikis or Valmikis.

Other countries

In the UK, the Council of Valmiki Sabhas UK claims to represent the Valmiki.