Khap

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A Khap is a community organisation representing a clan or a group of North Indian castes or clans.^[1] They are found mostly in northern India, particularly among the village people of Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh, especially Jats and Gurjars. But also amongst states like Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh^[2] although historically the term has also been used among other communities. A Khap Panchayat is an assembly of Khap elders, and a Sarv Khap is an assembly of many Khap Panchayats and usually of different castes.^[3][4]

Khaps are not affiliated with the formally elected government bodies and are instead concerned with the affairs of the Khap it represents.^[5] It is not affiliated with the democratically elected local assemblies that are also termed Panchayat. A Khap Panchayat has no official government recognition or authority but can exert significant social influence within the community it represents.^[6] The Baliyan Khap of Jats as led by Mahendra Singh Tikait until 2011 is one that has gained particular media attention.^[7] Dahiya Khap is major khap of Jat community in Haryana.^[8][9]