The Dhobi community is also known as Dhoba, Rajaka, and Madiwala. In the olden times, the community practised agriculture and cleaning clothes as a profession for a living. The word dhobi is derived from the Hindi word dhona, which translates to 'to wash'.
The Dhobi community comprises families that follow Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam. The community is vast in number and is dispersed across various parts of India and the world today. Apart from India, they inhabit Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. In India, the community inhabits the states of Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
Today Dhobi Matrimony matches can be found in varied careers such as engineering, law, journalism, philanthropy, and politics, among many others. Believers and followers of simplicity, optimism, hard work and staying close to elders, family and loved ones- the community fosters a strong sense of brotherhood and helps each other in times of need and good deeds. People involved in Dhobi matrimony are progressive and hence, not orthodox about marrying within the Dhobi community only.