Chhipa

The Chhipa (alternatively spelled Chippa) are a community or clan of people with ancestral roots tracing back to India. They are a Muslim community found in the state of Gujarat, India.[1] A few Chhipa are also found in the city of Karachi in Pakistan.

This article is about the artisan community in India. For for the Newar caste in Nepal, see Ranjitkar.
Chhipa
Chhipa, a cloth printer from Tashrih al-aqvam (1825)
Regions with significant populations
India and Pakistan
Languages
Gujarati, Kutchi and Marwari
Religion
Islam, Hinduism
Related ethnic groups
Chhimba

History
A traditional stencil used to block print fabrics

The word chhipa is derived from the Gujarati word chhapa, which means to print. The community was originally found in Nagaur in Rajasthan. After their settlement in Rajasthan and Gujarat, the community took up the occupation of dyeing and printing clothes. The community speak Marwari, and are found mainly in Rajasthan and in north Gujarat, in the districts of Ahmedabad, Nadiad, Baroda and Bharuch. Most Chhipa also speak Gujarati.[1]

Present circumstances

India

The Chhipa community is divided into a number of clans, known as ataks, the main ones being the Rao, Tak, Bhati, Doera, Chauhan and Molvi. Each of these clans are of equal status, and intermarry. But the community has a marked preference for cross cousin and parallel cousin marriages.[1]

The community is still mainly involved in its traditional occupation of dyeing and printing clothes. Many in the community have taken up trade, or are employed in the local textile mills.[1]

Pakistan

Chhipa community is settled in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan. The Chhipa Welfare Association is funded by the Chhipa community of Pakistan. It is based in Karachi.[2] Aamir Liaquat Hussain has given abandoned infants from Chhipa Welfare Association to parents who wanted to adopt babies in Amaan Ramazan show.[3]

gollark: --choose 1000 C Rust
gollark: SERIOUSLY? Why does it keep DOING that?
gollark: This is pretty neat, no?
gollark: --choose 1000 helloboi gollark lyricly palaiologos
gollark: It only runs in potatOS with a connected MP chatbox.

See also
  • Block printing

References
  1. People of India Gujarat Volume XXI Part Three edited by R.B Lal, P.B.S.V Padmanabham, G Krishnan & M Azeez Mohideen pages 1181-1184
  2. Chhipa Welfare Association
  3. Abandoned babies given away on Pakistani TV programme
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