Jogi: A Traditional scheduled old Caste in Sindh
Sindh, a land of diverse cultures and deep-rooted traditions, is home to many unique communities. Among them is the Jogi caste, a group with a rich spiritual past, distinct cultural identity, and evolving social role. Though often marginalized, the Jogis have contributed significantly to the folk culture of Sindh and continue to carry forward their unique legacy.
Joggi Daro
In the heart of Umerkot lies Joggi Daro, a small village where snakes and humans coexist peacefully, bound by centuries-old traditions. At the center of this remarkable heritage stands Ustad Misri who is by caste Jogi, a revered chieftain and master snake charmer. Dressed in a vibrant orange turban and robe, Misri Jogi isn’t just a performer—he is the last torchbearer of a vanishing art form.
Inside his humble courtyard, he conducts rare classes for the colony’s children. With nothing but a murli (snake charmer’s flute), brass lota, and a dry goat bone, he demonstrates the intricate care snakes require in captivity—feeding cobras water by hand, showing their molted skins, and teaching ancient techniques that have been passed down orally for generations.
Ustad Misri believes snake charming is more than entertainment; it’s a sacred connection with nature, built on trust, skill, and inherited wisdom. Every child in the colony grows up around serpents, learning to respect rather than fear them. Misri even claims their immunity to snake venom is established from birth by giving newborns a drop of venom, creating a mystical bond between jogi and snake.
Despite facing neglect and a lack of basic amenities like clean water, roads, and education, Misri remains committed to preserving Joggi cultural identity. While many from the Jogi caste have abandoned their traditional lifestyle for modern jobs, Misri continues to teach those who stay, ensuring the art does not die with him.
Awarded the “Award of Excellence” by the President of Pakistan, Misri has become a national symbol of cultural resilience. His efforts to protect this ancient Sindhi heritage have made Jogi-Daro not just a home—but a living museum of a mystical, fading tradition.
Historical Background
The Jogi caste has ancient origins in the Indian subcontinent. Traditionally associated with asceticism, mysticism, and spiritual practices, they were once known as wandering monks or sadhus. In Sindh, the caste developed its own identity, blending Hindu, Sufi, and local Sindhi influences.
Historically, they were seen as spiritual seekers, often renouncing material life and living in isolation or traveling from village to village. Some were known as Nath Jogis, followers of the Nath tradition, while others adopted elements of Sufism after converting to Islam.
Religious and Cultural Identity
In Sindh, this caste includes both Hindu and Muslim members. Hindu continue their ancient practices, including rituals, spiritual music, and traditional healing, while Muslim are often associated with Sufi shrines, spiritual healing, and snake charming.
Jogis are often recognized by their distinctive appearance, including turbans, beaded necklaces, and musical instruments like the been (snake charmer’s flute). They are frequently invited to perform at fairs, shrines, and rural gatherings.
Occupations and Livelihood
Snake charming has long been the traditional livelihood of this community in Sindh. They earn their living by performing snake shows in public spaces, showcasing mystical skills with cobras and flutes. Alongside this, they engage in fortune-telling, ear-cleaning, and playing ancient street games like Dharo to attract and entertain people.
جوگي هڻي تون ڌاڙو
Many use spiritual tricks and symbolic items to impress or influence their audience, often blending mysticism with showmanship. This art is passed down through generations and remains a vital part of their identity. Despite societal changes, they strive to preserve this cultural heritage as both a profession and a legacy.
Music and street performances are integral to the community’s livelihood. They captivate audiences with rhythmic tunes played on traditional instruments like the been (flute), alongside snake charming and spiritual acts. These performances not only entertain but also serve as a source of income, preserving cultural heritage through generations.
Over time, many charmers have moved away from their ancestral occupation of snake charming due to modernization and societal changes. As a result, many have turned to agricultural labor, small-scale trade, construction, and daily wage work to sustain themselves. While these changes offer some alternative livelihoods, the community still faces significant challenges.
Economic hardship and social exclusion continue to affect many snake charmer families, with limited access to education, healthcare, and basic infrastructure. Despite these difficulties, a strong connection to their cultural roots remains, with many charmers still practicing traditional arts, though on a smaller scale, to preserve their heritage.
Geographical Presence in Sindh
This snake charmer community is primarily found in various districts of Sindh, with a notable presence in Tharparkar, Mirpurkhas, Umerkot, Badin, Sanghar, Tando Allahyar, and Nawabshah (Shaheed Benazirabad). These areas have historically been home to many snake charmers, where they continue their traditional practices while also adapting to modern economic opportunities.
Despite the challenges of urbanization, the community maintains its cultural heritage, contributing to the rich cultural fabric of these regions. The snake charmers’ presence in these districts highlights the enduring legacy of their traditions, including snake charming and other cultural performances, passed down through generations.
They usually live in rural settlements, nomadic tents, or on the outskirts of towns. Their housing and access to education and healthcare often remain limited.
Social Status and Challenges
The community faces significant challenges, including discrimination and social exclusion, which hinder their access to education and employment opportunities. Limited resources contribute to poor health and sanitation facilities within their settlements.
Additionally, many lack proper legal documentation and identity papers, further marginalizing them and restricting their ability to access basic rights and services. These issues continue to perpetuate the cycle of poverty and social isolation, making it difficult for the community to improve their living conditions and integrate fully into mainstream society.
Despite these hardships, the community remains resilient, preserving their cultural heritage while navigating these systemic barriers. Several NGOs and human rights groups in Sindh have started working with Jogis to uplift their living standards and provide educational and health services.
Contribution to Sindhi Culture
Despite being marginalized, they have played an important role in Sindhi folklore, music, and spiritual traditions. Their performances at melas (fairs) and Sufi shrines, as well as their storytelling and rituals, are a part of the living heritage of Sindh.
Conclusion
This caste in Sindh is a community with a deep cultural and spiritual heritage. While they continue to face many social and economic challenges, their traditions, beliefs, and contributions to Sindhi society remain significant. There is an urgent need for greater social inclusion, policy support, and community empowerment to ensure that the Jogis of Sindh can live with dignity, opportunity, and respect.