Kureel

The Kuril, Kureel are members of Jatav caste and mainly populated in the Central Doab and Lower doab regions of the state. They are predominantly members of the Dominant Scheduled Castes in Uttar Pradesh. Some Kureels were militant groups as well as traders of leathers and clothes. The Kureel community were Landlords near Kanpur, Fatehpur and Unnao Region Under the Nawab of Awadh and Also Dominants in Chamar Regiment Under British Rule. The British also recognised them as a martial caste because many Kureel were suppressed by so-called upper caste community but they somehow managed to save their status by joining the army under Mughal and British rule. The Kureel community proved their martial status by defeating Japanese during the Burma campaign; that is why the British were impressed with them and formed their army regiment. Kureels also took part in industrial revolution during the British era; they sell large amounts of leather and related products. During the Mughal era they also made leather armour, water bottles, and other leather products; that is why some Kureels gained status by owning land with the help of business profits. Many rich Kureels moved to other countries like UK, US, and Australia.

Roles

Agriculture:
The Kureel community, like many other rural communities, has been traditionally involved in agricultural activities. Many Kureels worked as farmers, cultivating crops and tending to livestock. This occupation has been central to their livelihood.

Military and Warrior Roles:

In some regions, the Kureels are believed to have had a historical association with the Kshatriya varna, and some members of the community might have been involved in warrior or military roles in the past. This could include positions as soldiers or local protectors.

Artisans and Craftsmen:

In some areas, the Kureel community may have also been involved in artisan work, such as pottery, carpentry, or other traditional crafts. This would have been in line with many other communities that traditionally practiced skilled trades.

Trade and Commerce:

In urbanized regions, some members of the Kureel community might have been involved in trade and business, particularly as small-scale traders, merchants, or shopkeepers.

Other Menial Jobs:

Like many communities historically considered Other backward, some members of the Kureel community might have also been involved in menial or lower-status jobs in society. This could include work like laborers, daily wage earners, and other non-skilled labor.

Modern Occupations:
In contemporary India, members of the Kureel community, like many other OBCs, have diversified into various sectors due to educational opportunities and affirmative action policies. Today, many Kureels are found in a variety of professions, such as:

Government Jobs: Many members of the Kureel community have moved into government service, taking advantage of reservation policies for in education and employment.

Private Sector Jobs: With increased education, some have found employment in the private sector, including roles in business, administration, engineering, and technology.

Education and Healthcare: Due to increased access to education, more individuals from the Kureel community are entering professions such as teaching, healthcare (doctors, nurses), and law.

Conclusion:
The Kureel community has traditionally been involved in agriculture, military, and skilled labor occupations. Over time, with changing societal structures, many Kureels have diversified into a wide range of professions in modern India, thanks to increased educational and social opportunities. The shift from traditional occupations to more diversified roles is a reflection of broader social mobility and the impact of affirmative action programs.

History

The history of Kureel clan is still unknown that how they came into existence but historically they were part of leather tanning community of Uttar Pradesh.

Kureels saw a tremendous growth after British Raj and Kanpur being a hub of tanneries gave a chance to a lot of local Mochi communities to engage directly in such business at large scale. A lot of Kureels were also in British Indian army and took part in Burma campaign. In 1943, the Chamar Regiment was raised which consisted many Kurils from Kanpur, Unnao, and Allahabad regions but it was disbanded in 1946.

The Kureels/Kurils have origin in Awadh region of Uttar Pradesh and primarily speak Awadhi and are spread in various states.

Kureels have been forefront runners of social reforms in Central U.P and have been associated with many movements, e.g. - Adi Hindu movement of Swami Achootanand or Ravidasia movement and later they adopted Kanbir panth by leaving menial works. Kureel Mahasabha was established in Kanpur which later got dissolved into Scheduled Castes Federation which was founded by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

Notable people

* Mohan Lal Kureel, British Indian Army officer from politician
* Pyare Lal Kureel, Indian Politician
* Pramod Kureel, Indian Politician
* Baijnath Kureel, Indian Politician
* Shiv Narain Kureel, Indian Surgeon
* Jwala Prasad Kureel, Indian Politician
* Saroj Kureel, Indian Politician

References

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Ethnic groups in India