The Arain community is a prominent ethnic group in Pakistan, with a population of over 3 million people. Historically, the Arains have played a significant role in the country’s agriculture and economy. Renowned for their agricultural proficiency, they have a historical connection to the cultivation of rice. Yet, their standing remains intricate and layered, influenced by diverse historical and social factors. This article will explore the history, culture, and current status of the Arains in Pakistan.
History
The Arains have their roots in the Indian subcontinent and moved to Pakistan during the Mughal era. Their expertise in rice cultivation, introduced to the region by the Mughals, has gained them recognition. British colonialism introduced new agricultural practices, creating a wealthy class of Arains with extensive landownership. Identifying themselves as ‘Zamindars,’ this group played a crucial role in early post-independence Pakistani politics.
Khan Bahadur Abdul Hakim, a prominent Arain leader, excelled as a politician and philanthropist in the British colonial era. He served in the Punjab Legislative Council and presided over the All India Muslim Educational Conference. Abdul Hakim’s legacy inspires contemporary Arain community in its pursuit of positive societal contributions through education and community service.
Culture
The Arains possess a cultural wealth evident in their traditional attire, music, and dance. Men typically wear a white shalwar kameez (traditional Pakistani clothing) with a turban or a hat called a pagri. Women wear brightly colored salwar kameez or sarees (traditional Indian clothing) with dupattas (scarves). The Arains also gain recognition for crafting intricate embroidery on clothes and home textiles.
The Arain Community is famous for its folk music and dance traditions. Their music features traditional instruments like dholak, sarangi, and shehnai, defining the Arain cultural sound. The Arains perform the most famous dance known as the “Arain Fandan” during weddings and festive occasions. The dance involves men and women dancing in circles while holding hands or playing musical instruments.
Current Status
The current status of the Arains in Pakistan is complex and multifaceted. While they continue to play an important role in the country’s agriculture and economy, they also face significant challenges related to poverty, education, and political representation. According to a report by the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), the poverty rate among rural Arains is around 40%, which is significantly higher than the national average of 35%. This high poverty rate is due to several factors, including landlessness, lack of access to credit, and poor agricultural practices.
As per the 2018-19 Pakistan Education Statistics report, enrollment in primary schools for rural Arain children aged 5-9 stands at only 45%. This low enrollment rate is due to several factors, including poverty, distance from schools, and cultural barriers that prevent girls from attending school. As a result, many Arain children drop out of school at an early age, which limits their educational and economic opportunities in adulthood.
Political representation is another major issue facing the Arains in Pakistan. Despite having produced prominent political leaders in the past, such as Khan Bahadur Abdul Hakim and Chaudhry Ziaur Rehman, they remain underrepresented in today’s politics. According to data from the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), only 12 out of 342 members of parliament (MPs) are from minority communities like the Arains. This underrepresentation limits their ability to advocate for their rights and interests at the national level.
The history, culture, and current status of the Arain community in Pakistan are complex and multifaceted. While they have produced several prominent political leaders in the past and continue to play an important role in the country’s agriculture and economy today, they also face significant challenges related to poverty, education, and political representation. To address these challenges holistically, it is essential to provide targeted interventions that address their specific needs and concerns. This could include initiatives to promote access to education for rural Arain children, provide credit facilities for landless farmers, and increase political representation for minority communities like the Arains at all levels of government.
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