The Hanjis are known as ‘dwellers of water’ and are a peculiar ethnic group attached to water. Historians agree they belong to one of the ancient racial groups who were essentially boatmen or Nishads. Some of them also claim descent from Prophet Noah. They are believed to have been Kshatriyas before their conversion to Islam.
The Hanjis live mainly along the Jhelum River in Kashmir valley. They are divided into sub groups by occupation and social status. Demb- Hanz (vegetable growers), Gari-Hanz (water-nuts gatherers), Gad-Hanz (fishermen), Mata-Hanz (who deal in wood), Dunga-Hanz (owners of passenger boats), Haka-Hanz (collectors of wood from water bodies), Bahatchi-Hanz (who live in Bahatch boats), Shikara-Hanz (who ply Shikara boats), and House-boat Hanz. The type of boat the Hanji uses or the product he deals with decides his social status.
