### Overview of the Kalbi Caste in Rajasthan
The Kalbi caste, also known as Anjana Chaudhary or Patel, is a Hindu community primarily found in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh[1][2][3]. In Rajasthan, they are recognized as a backward class and are involved mainly in agriculture, with a history tied to farming and land cultivation[4][5].
### Historical Origins
The Kalbi trace their roots back to ancient times, possibly emerging from Ksatriya groups who shifted to farming during periods of peace[2][6][7]. Some traditions suggest they originated from Kurmi farmers who settled in Mewar around the 12th century, while others link them to Brahmin women seeking refuge with Rajputs in Udaipur, leading to intermarriages[5].
- Migration patterns indicate they moved from Gujarat to Rajasthan, establishing settlements in regions like Jalor, Pali, Sirohi, Jodhpur, Barmer, Udaipur, and Chittor[2][6][5].
- They are said to have derived their name from "Kulbi," evolving from "hali Ksatriya" (plough-wielding warriors) influenced by Persian terms like "kulba" for plough[2][8][7].
- Historical accounts describe them as descendants of groups that formed a community after fleeing conflicts, such as during the Mahabharata era, and later establishing petty chiefdoms[6][9].
By the medieval period, they had spread across Rajasthan, adopting agriculture as their primary occupation and integrating into local societies[2][6].
### Social Structure and Customs
The Kalbi community follows a clan-based system with gotras (clans) such as Parmar, Solanki, Sisodia, and Chauhan, divided into sub-clans like Fak, Kadli, Silan, and Kurad[6][5]. They practice gotra exogamy, meaning marriages occur outside one's clan to maintain social ties[5].
- Their chief deity is Ajani Mata, with a shrine at Mount Abu, and they revere figures like Saint Shri Rajaramji Maharaj[1][3].
- Traditionally, they are small peasant farmers, though some have diversified into trade, government jobs, and business across India[2][7].
- A caste council historically resolved disputes over land and marriage[5].
### Present Status in Rajasthan
Today, the Kalbi are listed under Other Backward Classes (OBC) in Rajasthan, alongside similar groups like Kanbi, Patel, and Patidar[4][10]. They reside in various districts and have adapted to modern livelihoods while preserving cultural practices[2][6]. Despite historical challenges like land disputes, they maintain a strong community presence in agriculture and beyond[5][7].
Sources
[1] History of Anjana Chaudhary http://pankajanjana.blogspot.com/2016/08/history-of-anjana-chaudhary.html
[2] Kalbi Patel Samaj Ka etihas- कलबी पटेल समाज का इतिहास https://anjana-samaj.blogspot.com/2015/04/kalbi-patel-samaj-ka-etihas.html
[3] Anjana Samaj History (आंजना समाज इतिहास) https://akhilanjanamahasabha.com/history
[4] List of Caste OBC - SJE Rajasthan https://sje.rajasthan.gov.in/Default.aspx?PageID=67
[5] Kalbi - Alchetron, The Free Social Encyclopedia https://alchetron.com/Kalbi
[6] कुलबी / पटेल समाज की कुलदेवियां | Kalbi / Patel / Anjana / Patidar Samaj ... https://www.missionkuldevi.in/2019/04/kalbi-patel-anjana-patidar-samaj-ke-gotra-kuldeviya/
[7] आँजणा समाज का इतिहास - Patel Aanjana https://patelaanjana.blogspot.com/2019/07/blog-post.html
[8] Village Survey Monographs, 1 Janvi, Part VI-C, ... https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/32796/download/35977/47228_1961_JAN.pdf
[9] Koli people https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koli_people
[10] CENTRAL LIST OF OBCs FOR THE STATE OF RAJASTHAN https://ncbc.nic.in/Writereaddata/cl/rajasthan.pdf
[11] Ajna in India Profile https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/print/16194/IN
[12] Tribes of Rajasthan - RajRAS | RAS Exam Preparation https://rajras.in/ras/pre/rajasthan/tribes/
[13] Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan, vol. 3 of 3, by James Tod https://www.gutenberg.org/files/57376/57376-h/57376-h.htm
[14] List of Muslim Other Backward Classes communities in India https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Muslim_Other_Backward_Classes_communities_in_India
[15] [PDF] 81 - National Commission for Backward Classes https://ncbc.nic.in/Writereaddata/AddRaj-33.pdf