Bhupendra Yadav, Oct 31, 2010, 04.31am IST
All of us play but we are not athletes. We are homo ludens (Latin for play) and our playfulness is unproductive. But athletes play for profit and contest for prizes. It is the transformation of our play and games into athletics that leads to medals. What makes Haryana such a fine place for athletics in India? With barely 2% of India's population, people from Haryana won around 40% of the gold medals in the recently concluded CWG 2010.
People in Haryana tend to count the gold medals of the Hyderabadi shuttler, Saina Nehwal and the Delhi wrestler, Sushil Kumar, in their tally. This is because both of them are Jats. People of this dominant caste form more than 20% of Haryana's population and, therefore, in popular perception, Haryana is Jat-land. All sports are oriented towards the Olympic slogan 'higher, faster, stronger'. But the ones in which Haryana got medals stand for plain force and aggression like wrestling, boxing and shooting. Anthropologists call them contact sports because the opponents have bodily contact in them. Shooting is a combative sport because opponents use a combat weapon. Such sports are a substitute of war or training for it.
Haryana is India's pride in contact and combative games. I can think of three reasons for it, viz. historical geography, peasant culture of perseverance and a feeble government policy. Firstly, the province has a volatile history of continuous aggression due to its geographical location on the frontier. Secondly, the people of Haryana have valued physical strength and perseverance due to its peasant culture. Thirdly, the sports policy since 2006 has honed the killer athletic spirit in Haryana. The half-hearted policy does not create achievers but supports the successful ones among them. Punjab was divided on religious lines in 1947. The non-Sikh majority parts of this truncated Punjab were constituted as Haryana in 1966. Like a horseshoe, Haryana encircles Delhi from three sides and the culture of both is similar. At the popular level, people are rough and tough - meaning 'rough by tongue and tough in body'. In the medieval times, Haryana flourished when weak rulers ruled Delhi.
Most of the area remained under Delhi's tutelage but small principalities also dotted the arid landscape of Haryana. Mostly, people of the region joined the Mughals and Marathas in repulsing invaders. But the same locals did not mind plundering Delhi or looting the retreating armies sometimes. The British colonialists expanded from the east. They conquered most of India with the help of soldiers from western UP and Bihar. But, in the late 19th century, the colonial strategists honoured ordinary peasant castes by calling them 'martial races' in united Punjab. This was a clever way of taming the aggression in this frontier region.
This smart move was also to recruit Punjabi ruralites in the colonial army so that they could be used to thwart the southward expansion of Tsarist Russia. There is a family resemblance between military/hunting activities and wrestling, shooting, races, riding or archery. For the military serving population of Haryana, therefore, such sports come easily. Secondly, before the advent of machinery, agriculture was a backbreaking occupation. The size of agricultural income had a direct relation with the quantity of sweat produced during one's toil.
Even after the wide use of machines, peasants have to rough it out in the open and do a lot of physical labour for long hours. Haryana stands in the midst of India's Green Revolution belt. Its peasant culture values strength and perseverance. Being less than four hectares, 83.5% of the landholdings in Haryana are uneconomical. Unable to hire agricultural labour, such small farms are cultivated by family labour.
Family members slog on and on till their field has been sown, weeded or harvested. The stamina of ordinary people is thus built in their everyday routine. A liking for sports among such people is natural. Consequently, the physical training instructor is the pivot of rural life in Haryana. S/he has the same place in the normal school in Haryana that the dance, drama or music teacher has in Bengal. Finally, this love of aggression and liking for physical culture had to be channelized to competitive championships. This is the task of sports federations.
Sports federations have to enforce the rules of every sport and also keep the performance records of member athletes. The sports federations monopolize government support at other places. The government of Haryana, since 2006, has chosen to directly help its athletes, instead. The athletes who excel get cash rewards and government jobs in the sports quota. This is not the best policy because it does not help create champions or a sports culture. The policy only celebrates the famous and supports the successful.
The writer is a fellow, Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, New Delhi
Source:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/sunday-toi/all-that-matters/Why-Haryana-is-Indias-mine-for-medals/articleshow/6844460.cms#toreply2415591
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Sahrawat (Gurgaon) replies to Sudesh Yadav
06 Nov, 2010 07:09 PM
06 Nov, 2010 07:09 PM
Bhai Sudesh , i personall appreciate Yadav community of Haryana %26 indeed they are very part of Southern Haryana, but frankly tell u want to fact that: Main Haryane ka Jaat , pyaar tai haami bhar lunga , ghani tin-paanch mat kariye ,godde neeche dhar lunga. So better not discriminate & root out the hatred for jaats from your heart
Diwan (Delhi) replies to ajay
03 Nov, 2010 08:45 PM
03 Nov, 2010 08:45 PM
do we really need these words to describe ourselves! I do not think so.Letting our performance talk is the best manner.If u had seen wrestler Anil Kumar talking on NDTV, he said that its rule that we wrestlers keep humble and not talk about our performance. I liked that.And it applies to everyone.
Haryana is one of the wealthiest states of India and has the third highest per capita income in the country at Rs. 67,891,[6] including the largest number of rural crorepatis in India.[7] Haryana is also one of the most economically developed regions in South Asia and its agricultural and manufacturing industry has experienced sustained growth since 1970s.[8] Haryana is India's largest manufacturer of passenger cars, two-wheelers, and tractors.[9] Since 2000, the state has emerged as the largest recipient of investment per capita in India.[10] The city of Gurgaon has rapidly emerged as a major hub for the information technology and automobile industries. Gurgaon is home to Maruti Udyog Limited, India's largest automobile manufacturer, and Hero Honda Limited, the world's largest manufacturer of two-wheelers. Yamunanagar, Panipat, Panchkula and Faridabad are also industrial hubs, with the Panipat Refinery being the second largest refinery in South Asia. There are also long established steel, plywood, paper and textile industries in the state.
06 Nov, 2010 10:31 AM
I AM FROM SURAT AND LIVED AMONG PEOPLE FROM DELHI,HARYANA,PUNJAB AND THEY PROSPERED VERY WELL AND THEY HAVE THEIR OWN NEWSPAPER.THEY ARE HARD WORKING AND AMBITIOUS BUSINESSMAN AND VERY RICH.THEY CHANGED THE SURAT OF SURAT AND MADE THE CITY KHUBSURAT.ALL THE BEST WISHES TO STATE OF HARYANA AND I WISH WHOLE INDIA FOLLOWS THE SUCCESS STORY OF ANY STATE AND COMPETE FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE AND CORRUPTIONFREE PUBLIC SECTOR.USE HARSH PUNISHMENT.
Umesh (Delhi) replies to rak$ (jaat)
04 Nov, 2010 09:02 AM
04 Nov, 2010 09:02 AM
Actually development of Haryana is out of defalult- it is because it is close to Delhi and government policy to allow the industries in sharp contrast to UP which could not take this advantage due to poor law and order situation.villages in Haryana are backward and socially underdeveloped. Gender pariety hardly exists.There are draconian panchayats in many villages governed by 18th century thinking. People are well built and hard working and given a chance they can excel as they do from time to time.
Amar (San Jose, Calif.) replies to rak$ (jaat)
02 Nov, 2010 05:32 AM
02 Nov, 2010 05:32 AM
the story is not complete without Jindals, Subhash Chander, and creator of Haryana Chaudhary Bansi Lal.
Mita dahiya (Melbourne ) replies to rak$ (jaat)
02 Nov, 2010 04:56 AM
02 Nov, 2010 04:56 AM
Champion lead those people with example. JATs live with pride. 80% Arjun Award winners are JAT. Jats contribution in army. Most happy and who love to laugh. Allover Jat is greatest amoung everyone. 16*2=8 yeah ha jat ka thath.
Why Jats are good in sports has nothing to do with being farmers. India is a land of farmers and not much difference is there in the hard life of farmers whether its from Haryana or West Bengal. If you look closely, the physical structure of Jats are different from other Indian communities. They are more muscular. Just compare the leg of a normal Jat with someone from eastern UP, you will see the difference in the muscular structure.
NIRAJANUJ7779 (RUDRAHASMUKHCHUDASAMALANE,UK) replies to Amit
07 Nov, 2010 07:16 AM
07 Nov, 2010 07:16 AM
PEOPLE NEED BALANCED DIET OF 2000 CALORIES PER DAY.WHERE EVER IN THE WORLD PEOPLE HAVE SUFFICIENT FOOD AND ENOUGH PHYSICAL EXERCISE AND OR TRAINING ARE SUCCESSFUL.CHINESE ARE NOT REALLY BIG BUT ARE WELL NOURISHED WITH PROTEIN AND OTHER DIETS AND ARE TRAINED BY UNCORRUPT STATE FUNDED COACHE AND THEY WIN TOO MANY GOLD MEDALS.WE IMPORT GOLD FROM DUBAI TO SHOW THE WEALTH OR AS AN INVESTMENT.WE HAVE FOOD BASKET STATES AND BASKET CASE STATES IN INDIA.LET US HOPE THAT ALL THE STATES BECOME FOOD BASKETS AND RESULTS WILL BE EVIDENT IN 50 YEARS WITH HEIGHT AND WEIGHT OF CHILD.THEY WILL LOOK IMPRESSIVE LIKE CHILDREN OF WELL NOURISHED COUNTRIES.HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL INDIANS IN INDIA AND OVERSEAS.
Amit replies to NIRAJANUJ7779
11 Nov, 2010 07:04 PM
11 Nov, 2010 07:04 PM
I have closely observed the physical structure of many communities.Certain physique are suited for certain sports. There is something call genetic makeup. No doubt we can make it up to a certain aspect with diet and practice. For example people with fast twitching muscle with long legs are good sprinters. Question is at the International level its about first among equals.
gaurav (fresno,ca) replies to Amit
02 Nov, 2010 06:40 AM
02 Nov, 2010 06:40 AM
Your assesment is right but wrong. Jats(me) are good because we have a very egoistic mind set regarding winning. We work hard, we eat good, we fight for rule of land, and moreover you will never find a JAT cheating to another JAT which makes you fit mentally. :)
The article smacks of casteism and jealousy. I do not understand the logic of land holdings. The laborers from Bihar work so hard in the field and construction sites that they should been leading the world in medal tally. The CWG success of Haryana has to do with a sporting culture since ancient times. Though this culture is not restricted to jats, but if jats show its effects more than others than they need to be appreciated, not castigated. I am a Brahmin and proud to belong to a village of Delhi and proud of CWG success of this region. Yogeshwar Dutt , a CWG Gold medalist wrestler is a Brahmin but I attribute his success not to his caste but the sporting culture in this region. Unfortunately, by default or purpose, a political line is being drawn between the region of Delhi, Haryana and West U.P. I am sure, if there had been a non-jat instead of Sushil or Saina, the CM of Haryana would have honored him or her as well. Certainly, in that case, the author of this article would not have gone to the extent of making insinuation of caste favoritism at the CM of Haryana. I find that Jats show least caste fundamentalism. It starts with their names.; you can not guess from their names whether one is a jat, Brahmin or dalit. But look at the author of this article who miss no chance to show his caste. He has appended his caste to his name. He could have just appended Kumar, Singh or his gotra, as most do; but he has preferred to show what caste he belongs to. Himself occupied wit
Amar (San Jose, Calif.) replies to Parmod Bhardwaj
02 Nov, 2010 05:37 AM
02 Nov, 2010 05:37 AM
when you will live sorrounded by wrestlers it certainly change your mindset. it is effect of society, and Health is certainly admired in our society. and your rate of survival are increased in that society only if you are powerful or healthy,
This to the writer of the article. Did you ever even go to school? Do you have any sensibility? I guess you should join place wherein they teach how to write articles in english and what kind of words to be used. what do you mean by the use of word "peasant" this word is offensive. You could have used something like farmers which atleast sounds like occupation and not like daily wagers. Peasants my foot Perphaps you dont have an idea how rich are jats in haryana, what you probably earn in month they spend it as petrol money for their luxury cars. I am from haryana and a jat. One of the gold medal winner girl in CWG in wrestling is my first cousin.
Sudesh Yadav (CAn) replies to manoj
03 Nov, 2010 10:14 PM
03 Nov, 2010 10:14 PM
You do not know the meaning of peasant nor u know the history of jats.Being born in a jat family whats ur contribution? Jat is a peasant caste and never fought a war and plunder only the defeated army. U know gaon me fasal nikalne ke baad kuchh bach jata hai to kuchh poor people dane le jate hai. jat vohi karte hai, hari hui sena ko lutte hain
Vinay22 (Moscow , Russia) replies to manoj
03 Nov, 2010 05:15 PM
03 Nov, 2010 05:15 PM
Peasant word is okay , author has not used in bad sense at all.
Amar (mr.amarjit@yahoo.com) replies to manoj
02 Nov, 2010 05:40 AM
02 Nov, 2010 05:40 AM
and like the wrestlers "Jaat" are one of the most humble creatures found on the face of the earth, but yes only until you agree with "him".
piyush dagar (gurgaon) replies to manoj
01 Nov, 2010 04:51 PM
01 Nov, 2010 04:51 PM
jat is a casteist cast.Writer is correct Jat are normal farmer cast and nothing else.You are hurt because this article is written by yadav a rival caste of jat and nothing else.Just as some jats have become rich after selling their agricultural land doesn't mean they were not peasant cast.Grow up
manoj replies to piyush dagar
03 Nov, 2010 09:56 AM
03 Nov, 2010 09:56 AM
take a hike, u sound one of the sidelined ones, u need to grow up. n yadav's are not rival caste even if they are i dont know about it. i am hurt cz of the choice of words i would have been hurt equally if these words are used for any caste. this is degradation, anyways u wont know cz most people think just they went to english schools know english. we are probably one of most insensitive people when it comes to writing. if you wanna see how to write with sensitivity read some international newspapers
Diwan (Delhi) replies to piyush dagar
01 Nov, 2010 10:46 PM
01 Nov, 2010 10:46 PM
nothing wrong with being peasants. After all they work hard and feed the rest of population. But in this case, the word is wrongly used for Jats. Jats are land owning people who work on their fields. The author of the article need to update his vocabulary. Jats, Rodes,Gujjars, Yadavs, Brahmins, Tyagis, Rajputs are all land owning communities in Haryana and engage in agriculture.The author seems to occupied with casteism and probably would like to call Yadavs the leading caste and create the most rosy picture for self.
Diwan Singh (Delhi) replies to Sahrawat
03 Nov, 2010 08:33 PM
03 Nov, 2010 08:33 PM
Politics harm sports. I wish a multi party or non political function was organised to felicite these sportsperson.Some well known ex-sportsperson could be named for distributing prizes.
The people of India By Herbert Risley, W. Crooke
ReplyDeletePage 332
"All castes are God's creatures , but three castes are ruthless- The Ahir, The Bania, The Whore; When they get a chance they have no shame."
http://books.google.com/books?id=QA2OKK0-bdcC&pg=PA332&dq=ahir+caste+are+sudra&hl=en&ei=5HzVTNSfIoi6vQOc4LytCQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=9&ved=0CE4Q6AEwCA#v=onepage&q=ahir%20caste%20are%20sudra&f=false