Chambhar

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Chambhar
Regions with significant populations
• Maharashtra • Karnataka • Goa
Languages
• Marathi • Konkani • Varhadi dialect
Religion
Hinduism, Ravidasia, Lingayatism, Sikhism and Buddhism

Chambhar, are Dalit caste traditionally involved in leather work.[1]

History[]

According to myth of their caste, they belong to the progeny of Hindu god, Shiva and have been Shaivites since ancient times. Chambhars are also Lingayat, since after reform movements of Basava.[2]

Chambhars are staunch follower of Guru Ravidass a prominent saint of Bhakti Movement. Sikh Community too follow Guru Ravidass as their holy saint Bhagat. His 41 Hymns are incorporated in Sikh Scripture Shri Guru Granth Sahib ji. There are around 100 Shrines outside India dedicated to Guru Ravidass.

Chambhars have many contributions in religious and reform movements, e.g Santbai by chambhar.[3]

Chambhars were also part of Bara Balutedar system of Maharashtra and also worked as hereditary servicing castes of villages.[4] Historically, Chambhars are related to leather work but gradually they also moved towards midwifery, peasantry, poultry and industrial labour.[5]

Social status[]

Chambhars enjoyed better position unlike their counterparts in the state, e.g – Mangs, Mahars etc. Even they were part of mainstream business of local markets and economically well-off.[6]

Currently, Chambhars are in different fields and after the introduction of the reservation policy in India it helped a lot of them to improve their lifestyle.

They fall under Scheduled Caste category in the states of Maharashtra and Karnataka.[7]

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ Sharma, C. L. (1996). Social Mobility Among Scheduled Castes: An Empirical Study in an Indian State. M.D. Publications Pvt. Ltd. ISBN 978-81-7533-015-3.
  2. ^ Hassan, Syed Siraj ul (1989). The Castes and Tribes of H.E.H. the Nizam's Dominions. Asian Educational Services. ISBN 978-81-206-0488-9.
  3. ^ Nadkarni, M. V. (18 June 2019). Socio-Economic Change and the Broad-Basing Process in India. Taylor & Francis. ISBN 978-1-000-08477-1.
  4. ^ Deshpande, Arvind M. (1987). John Briggs in Maharashtra: A Study of District Administration Under Early British Rule. Mittal Publications.
  5. ^ Sinha, Surajit (1993). Anthropology of Weaker Sections. Concept Publishing Company. ISBN 978-81-7022-491-4.
  6. ^ Sadangi, Himansu Charan (2008). Emancipation of Dalits and Freedom Struggle. Gyan Publishing House. ISBN 978-81-8205-481-3.
  7. ^ DH News Service (13 January 2018). "The rising Dalit anger". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
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