Article Title: Birth anniversary of Shri Harichand Thakur
02-04-2025
History & Art and Culture Prelims Plus
Context
ThePrime Ministerpaid tribute toShree Harichand Thakur (1812-1878)on his214thbirth anniversaryand extended best wishes for theMatua Dharma Maha Mela 2025
Harichand Thakur:
ABengal-based social reformer, he founded theNamasudras (Matuas) sect,areformist Vaishnavite movementopposing caste oppression, attractingmarginalized communitieslikeNamasudras, Malis, and Telis
Born inOrakandi, Bangladesh,into aScheduled Caste (SC)peasant family, he was revered as anavatar of Vishnu/Krishna
His sonGuruchand Thakurlater worked with missionaryCecil Silas Meadto reclassifyChandalas (lower caste) as Namasudras
Matuas:
Asocio-religious grouporiginally fromEast Pakistan (now Bangladesh), manymigrated to Indiaafter theBangladesh Liberation War 1971due to religious persecution
The Matuas make up17.4% of West Bengal’s SC population, second toRajbanshis.
TheMatua Dharma Maha Melacelebrates their heritage.
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