https://indianpedia.org/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=MadvalMadval - Revision history2026-07-31T01:58:11ZRevision history for this page on the wikiMediaWiki 1.45.4https://indianpedia.org/index.php?title=Madval&diff=451442&oldid=prev2fa at 14:16, 31 August 20252025-08-31T14:16:35Z<p></p>
<p><b>New page</b></p><div>{{Short description|Washerman community in Konkan region}}<br />
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'''Madval''', sometimes also known as ''[[Dhobi]]'', is a washerman community of [[Goa]] and rest of the [[Konkan]]. They claim to be ''Rajaka''s.The occupation of washermen is hereditary. The services of washermen are essential for the people of the urban as well as rural areas alike.<ref name=mad>{{cite book|title=Gazetteer of the Union Territory Goa, Daman and Diu: district gazetteer, Volume 1|year=1979|publisher=Gazetteer Dept., Govt. of the Union Territory of Goa, Daman and Diu}}</ref> They have their own localities which are sometimes gifted to them by the temples for the services they render and agriculture farmers.{{citation needed|date=February 2018}}<br />
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Maddval refers to a traditional community life and cultural practices observed in the Mahad region of the [[Konkan]] in western India. The traditions reflect a blend of Hindu and Muslim influences, with both groups living in close association.<ref name="Vishwakosh1999">{{cite wikisource |last1=Navelkar |first1=V. R. |editor-first1=Tanaji |editor-last1=Halarnkar |editor-link1=Tanaji Halarnkar |others= |title=Konkani Vishwakosh |trans-title=Konkani Encyclopaedia |wslink=Page:Konkani Viswakosh Vol3.pdf/518 |type= |edition= |series= |volume=3 |year=1999 |publisher=[[Goa University]] |location=Goa |language=gom |wslanguage=gom }}</ref><br />
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==Daily life and traditions==<br />
The people of Mahad are described as leading a simple and content lifestyle. They value honesty and place importance on community harmony. Folk songs known as ''barya barop'' are sung in rhythm with swords and shields. Village leadership is associated with a figure called the ''mahalkar''. Marriage customs are modest, with ceremonies involving a ''bhak'' (feast) and ''devan'' (worship). Newly married couples are often given a house, and the ''mahalkar'' plays an active role in the process. Festivals are occasions for communal gathering, including the Diwali dance known as ''Halkhakkol''. Local religious life also includes the worship of the deity ''mahaddevakka''.<ref name="Vishwakosh1999" /><br />
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==Social structure==<br />
The community includes a variety of castes and sub-castes such as Dholak, Chandkar, and Lingayat, each with distinct occupational associations. Despite caste divisions, social relations among the groups are generally cooperative. Communal feasts are a notable practice, where people from different backgrounds share food and resources.<ref name="Vishwakosh1999" /><br />
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==Religious practices==<br />
The religious life of the community is marked by devotion to multiple deities. These include Bahiroba, Khandoba, Mhasoba, Bhavani, and other village deities (''gramdevatas''). Worship involves rituals such as ''ghadyacha'' and ''paydhach''. Sacred spaces like ''devghar'' (temples) and ''devraan'' (sacred groves) are constructed and maintained by the community. Traditions such as ''halka hakkol'' are also associated with local religious observances.<ref name="Vishwakosh1999" /><br />
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==Community values==<br />
The people of Mahad are noted for their hospitality and willingness to assist others. Festivals and religious observances often reinforce this communal spirit. The traditions of Maddval thus highlight cooperation, shared resources, and respect for longstanding customs.<ref name="Vishwakosh1999" /><br />
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==Notes==<br />
{{reflist}}<br />
{{Ethnic and social groups of Goa and Konkan}}<br />
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[[Category:Hinduism in Goa]]<br />
[[Category:Social groups of Goa]]</div>2fa