In Haryana, the Harijans constitute roughly about one fifth of the population of the state. The several categories of Harijans (schedule castes) are the Chamars, Chhuras, Dhanaks and Julahas. As a single community the Chamars are the most predominant. In earlier times, the Chamar was the village shoemaker, the Chhura its scavenger and the Dhanaks and Julahas were village weavers. They all took a hand in the agricultural operations by contributing their labour. But now, these Harijans are occupying the positions of even legislators, ministers, senior government officials and some of them have entered into competition with the other classes in small trade and cottage industries.