Kanjarbhat

The Kanjarbhat are a nomadic community primarily residing in the state of Maharashtra, India. They are part of the Kanjar ethnic group, which is also found in parts of North India and Pakistan. One of the most controversial practices associated with this community is the virginity test conducted on brides during wedding ceremonies. They have faced social stigma and marginalisation due to their classification as a “criminal tribe” under British colonial rule, a label that persisted until its repeal in 1952.

 Controversial custom 
One of the most controversial customs associated with the Kanjarbhat is the “virginity test,” a ritual practiced during weddings where a bride’s purity is assessed based on physical evidence of virginity, typically involving a white bed-sheet inspected after the wedding night. The practice, defended by some elders as a 400-year-old tradition preserving family honor, has drawn criticism for its misogynistic and unscientific nature. Failure to “pass” the test can result in public humiliation, fines, or punishment, though specifics vary by family and region.

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Category:Indian culture