The Halpati claim that they were Rathore Rajputs, who acquired this nickname on account of their taking to cultivation.
[6] They are classified as scheduled tribes in 4 states and 2 union territories: Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.
[1] The community consist of twenty sub-divisions, the main ones being the Talavia, Rathodia, Vohariya, Damaria, Valsadia, Olpadia, Mandavia, Umberia, Ghanghodia, Khodia, Choria, Ukharia, Baramia, Baria, Narda, Haevia, Thakura, Karcha, Watal, Parsi rathod and Laldatwala rathod.
They also possess buffaloes, cows and goats and are often involved in selling milk, which is a subsidiary occupation.
Many Halpati have also moved to Surat and Ahmadabad, where they are employed in the diamond cutting industries.