The Lonia are a Hindu other backward caste, found in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar adjoining areas, who were traditionally involved in salt-digging[1] and salt-making activities.[2] The Lonia are listed as extremely backward caste, along with the Mallaah, Bind and Beldar communities, by state governments.[3][4] The community leaders have been seeking Scheduled Tribe status for the socially deprived community.[5][6] It is also spelled as Lunia, or Nonia.
Lonia | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Total population | |
| 70 Lakhs | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 India | |
| Bihar | 2.0 percent of Bihar's population[7] |
| Languages | |
| Religion | |
 Hinduism | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Noniya • Lonia • Lonari • Beldar | |
- ^ Russell, Robert Vane (28 September 2020). The Tribes and Castes of India By Robert Vane Russell. Library of Alexandria. ISBN 9781465582942. Retrieved 31 March 2022.
- ^ "A Lunia, salt-digger". Science Photo Library. Retrieved 7 March 2022.
- ^ "List of OBCs". National Commission for Backward Classes. Retrieved 7 March 2022.
- ^ "Extremely backward castes seek ST tag". The Economic Times. 14 June 2018. Retrieved 14 June 2018.
- ^ "Bihar seeks ST status for Noniya caste". The Times of India. 20 June 2020. Retrieved 20 June 2020.
- ^ Abhay Singh (18 March 2021). "Demand for ST status for Nonia, Mallaah communities". News18. Retrieved 18 March 2021.
- ^ Noniya, Chauhan. "https://m.thewire.in/article/caste/bihar-caste-survey-the-whos-who-in-the-data-noniya".
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