Criminal Tribes Act 1871 and Pakhiwars of the Punjab
Author(s): Sona Singh
Abstract: The Criminal Tribes Act of 1871 played a significant role in labeling certain nomadic communities as hereditary criminals under British colonial rule in India. One such community was the Pakhiwaras of Punjab, a group characterized by their nomadic lifestyle and use of reed shelters, believed to be a Muslim offshoot of the Sansi tribe. The British viewed their mobility and non-sedentary ways with suspicion, ultimately categorizing them as a criminal tribe. Historical records reveal that the Pakhiwaras were subjected to harsh surveillance, restricted movement, and forced settlement at places like Kot Mokal. Despite occasional integration efforts such as the Salvation Army’s involvement in industrial training and weaving initiatives, they remained marginalized. The portrayal of the Pakhiwaras as "irreclaimable thieves" was more a reflection of colonial anxieties and administrative failures than of any inherent criminality. Contemporary assessments suggest that, given economic opportunities and social inclusion, the Pakhiwaras showed potential for settled, lawful lives. The colonial misreading of indigenous nomadism as criminality contributed to long-standing stigmatization that continues to affect their descendants. This paper reexamines colonial narratives, challenges the imposed identity of criminality, and highlights the socio-economic conditions that shaped the experiences of the Pakhiwaras under British rule.
