Pahetiya or Pahetia is the largest village in the Pahetia Panchayat, located in the Vaishali district of Bihar, just 9 kilometres from the district headquarters, Hajipur. It is a fascinating settlement rich in history, culture, and traditions. Known predominantly as a Bhumihar caste village, its social structure, historical roots, and diversity make it a unique and vibrant community.
Pahetiya
Pahetia | |
|---|---|
Gram Panchayat | |
  Pahetiya Location in bihar, India  Pahetiya Pahetiya (India) | |
| Coordinates: 25°45′35.2″N 85°14′19.0″E / 25.759778°N 85.238611°E | |
| Country |  India |
| State | Bihar |
| District | Vaishali |
| Assembly Constituency | Hajipur Assembly Constituency (AC.123)[1] |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Hindi, Bajjika, Maithili, Bhojpuri and English |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
| ISO 3166 code | IN-BR |
History
editThe history of Pahetiya is rooted in the legacy of the Bhumihar community. Mythology and local lore recount the story of three brothers, Kashyap Gotriya Mahahwariya Bhumihar, who first settled in this fertile land, laying the foundation for the village. Their descendants, now divided into three ancestral groups—10 Bhaiya, 8 Bhaiya, and 4 Bhaiya, carry forward their legacy with pride. The Bhumihars, traditional landowners and farmers, have shaped Pahetia’s identity for generations. Their title, Thakur symbolises their historical role as custodians of the land and leaders of the community. Their dedication to agriculture transformed Pahetia into a thriving village, cementing their influence and ensuring prosperity. Despite the passage of time, the unity among the Bhumihar families and their connection to their ancestral roots remain unbroken. Pahetia stands as a beacon of heritage and harmony, its history a testament to the strength of tradition and community. Some bhumihar also use their surnames Mishra, Singh, and Sharma.
Other communities
editWhile Bhumihars are central to Pahetia’s identity, the village thrives on its vibrant diversity. Communities like the Dusadh or Paswan, Mallah or Nishad, Chamar, Dhobi, Kanu, Tanti or Tatwa, and Koeri also call Pahetia home, contributing to its social and cultural fabric. The Dusadh, forming the largest population group, are known for their resilience and dedication. The Mallah, skilled in aquatic trades, are the second-largest group. Together, these communities, despite their varied roles and traditions, coexist harmoniously, adding depth and vitality to Pahetia’s identity. This unity in diversity enriches Pahetia, making it a model of coexistence and shared progress.
Geography and land use
editThis panchayat is located at 25°45′35.2″N 85°14′19.0″E / 25.759778°N 85.238611°E and considerable area, making it the largest village in the Panchayat in terms of both population and land area. The village's fertile lands are suitable for agriculture, which is the mainstay of its economy. The Bhumihar community, being the majority landowners, engages extensively in farming, with others working as labourers or in subsidiary agricultural roles.
Cultural and social aspects
editPahetia’s residents celebrate various festivals with great fervour, showcasing their deep-rooted cultural traditions. Festivals like Chhath Puja, Holi, Devothani, and Diwali are celebrated collectively, cutting across caste lines to a large extent. However, caste identities remain a significant part of the village’s social interactions, as is common in many rural areas of Bihar. The presence of a shared ancestry among the Bhumihars adds a layer of unity and collective pride to their community, even amidst the divisions of the 10 Bhaiya, 8 Bhaiya, and 4 Bhaiya groups. Specially Devothani or Devuthani is only celebrated among Bhumihars.
Nearest city/town
editLocated just 9 kilometres from Hajipur, the district headquarters of Vaishali, Pahetia, benefits from its strategic location. The proximity to Hajipur ensures access to better education, healthcare, and market facilities for the villagers. This close connection with the district hub has also brought some modern influences to the otherwise traditional village lifestyle.[2]
Nearest major road highway or river
editNational highway 22 (nearest highway)[3]
Compass
editVillages in panchayat
editThere are villages in this panchayat[5]
| s.n | villages | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pahetia | ||
| 2 | Salempur Kishundas | ||
| 3 | Salempur Kishundas | ||
| 4 | Nonpur | ||
| 5 | Chak Bhatandi | ||
| 6 | Bhatandi | ||
| 7 | Malikpur Pipra Urf Panapur | ||
| 8 | Birra | ||
| 9 | Mirnagar Arazi | ||
References
edit- ^ The Chief Electoral Officer of Bihar official, hajipur pdf
- ^ village profile census government official website State: Bihar, District: vaishali, Sub District: Hajipur
- ^ Map—Vaishali district official government website Archived 4 November 2014 at the Wayback Machine file type: image/jpeg, size:13.9 MB
- ^ The Chief Electoral Officer of Bihar official, hajipur pdf
- ^ Reports of National Panchayat Directory Ministry of Panchayati Raj Government of India List of Census Villages mapped for PAHETIYA Gram Panchayat, HAJIPUR, VAISHALI, BIHAR Archived 2014-11-03 at the Wayback Machine Report printed on 26/09/2014 National Panchayat Portal, Panchayat Informatics Division
