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One of the most decorated regiments of the [[Indian Army]] is the [[Sikh Light Infantry]], which is composed mostly of Chamar and [[Mazhabi]] Sikhs. |
One of the most decorated regiments of the [[Indian Army]] is the [[Sikh Light Infantry]], which is composed mostly of Chamar and [[Mazhabi]] Sikhs. |
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== Famous Chamars == |
== Famous Chamars == |
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Revision as of 21:22, 20 July 2007
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Chamar (tanner; from the Sanskrit Charmakara) is a prominent occupational Dalit caste in India. Also associated with the Madiga in South India.
Background
Chamar is a Dalit sub-caste of the Hindu Religion mainly found in the nothern states, such as Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar; whose traditional occupation is leather-working, tanning and shoemaking.
The Religion they mainly belong to is that of the Hindu Religion, however many have converted to Sikhism, Islam, Buddism and Christianity. Chamars belonging to Sikhism refer to themselves as Ravidasia Sikhs due to the verses of Guru Ravidas being available in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh Holy Book).
It is quite common for Hindu Chamars and Sikh Chamars to form marriage alliances with each other despite being of different religions. Despite being a Dalit caste they maintain they're status as that of the highest of all the Dalit sub-castes and discourage against the formation of marriage alliances with members of other Dalit castes.
Chamars in the Punjab
Chamars are among the biggest castes in India. The most politically and socially influential Chamars are from the state of Punjab with Dalits comprising 27% of the population. In the Punjab they are divided into various groups such as Ad-Dharm, Ramdasias and Ravidasis. They are highly concentrated in the Doaba region of Punjab (India).
The Chamars of Doaba are rich and educated. Due the influence of Sikhism and the preference of the British for Sikh soldiers, many Chamar Sikhs, were able to serve in the military and thus improve their social and economic status. Basically, they are the major beneficiaries of affirmative actions programs similar to blacks in America.
One of the most decorated regiments of the Indian Army is the Sikh Light Infantry, which is composed mostly of Chamar and Mazhabi Sikhs.
Famous Chamars
- Guru Ravidas - Contributed 40 shabads (hymns) and one Shalok (verse) to the Sikh Holy book.
- Jagjivan Ram - Deputy Prime Minister of India
- Meira Kumar - Social Justice Minister and Member of Parliament (India)
- Kanshi Ram - Founder of the Bahujan Samaj Party
- Mayawati - Leader of Bahujan Samaj Party
- Samsher Singh Doolan - President of the Congress Party
- Chaudhary Jagjit Singh - A prominent Politician in the Doaba district of Punjab
- Palwankar Baloo - Cricketer and Social Activist
- Amar Arshi - Punjabi Singer
- Lal Chand Yamla Jatt - Punjabi Singer
- Chamkila - Punjabi Singer
- Kaler Kanth - Punjabi Singer
- Lembher Hussainpuri - Punjabi Singer
- Surinder Heera - Punjabi Singer
- Bhujangy Group & Anari Sangeet - First UK Bhangra bands (70's)
- Sant Ram Udassi - Punjabi Poet
- Bhulla Ram Chann - Punjabi Poet
- Charan Singh Safri - Punjabi Poet
- Dev Jassal - Punjabi Poet
- Balbeer-O - Sarpanchni
- Tejinder Sandhu - Veterinary Clinic Manager
- Gurkamal Singh Kandhola - Fought legal battle against caste discrimination
- Sushil Kumar Shinde - (1941- )Indian Minister of power , former Chief Minister of Maharashtra
- Kailash Kher
- Rameshwar Chamar - A famous painter of Muzaffarnagar
- Seth Munshi Ram Bhatia - Famous Industrialist
- Baba Ruda Ram
- Naomi Rabidas - Fastest runner for girls under-15 UK