Kuilta

Kuilta is a caste or community of the Hindus belonging to the Western Odisha region of India. It is believed to be a Jāti of the Kshatriya Varna.

Origin

Kuilta is a sub-branch of a major social group migrated from the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh. Many similarities are found in the culture of Kullu Valley with that of the Kuiltas. For example, goddess Ramachandi who is the principal deity of the Kuiltas is also worshiped in Kullu Valley.

Due to geographical isolation and historical factors they have developed their own social identity. They have adopted some cultural elements from the local tribes. With the help of the local tribes, they have developed the agriculture of the area. They have the greatest role in increasing the cultivable area out of the forest cover of the region.

For their peace-loving nature some writers are of the opinion that Kuilta people might have followed Buddhism in the past.

Oral Tradition

It is said that the Kuiltas migrated from Ayodhya to Boudh. Their ancestors were employed by the king Dasharatha. They accompanied Rama, Lakshman and Sita in their exile and settled in Boudh. Sarsara and Jagati of Boudh are considered to be the main centres of the Kuiltas.