Kalwar (caste)

Kalwar
Classification	Somvanshi Kshatriya

The Kalwar (Hindi: कलार or Kalar) are a subcaste of distillers of alcohol within the Indian caste system. Many of them are in iron ore and iron scrap processing and mercantile businesses. In modern times, they may follow any occupation. Kalwar are Haihayavanshi; they are classified as Somavamshiya Sahastrarjun Kshatriyas. They claim lineage from king Rajeshwara Sahastrarjuna, also known as Kartavirya Arjuna, one of the Chakarvarti Samraats of India.

Distribution

They number an estimated 35,000,000 worldwide and mostly live in Western and Northern India, South India, Nepal, Eastern Afghanistan, and Germany. Kalwar also reside in Central and Western Pakistan, and are Muslims. There are populations in Kishmore, Ghotki, Mirpur Mathelo, Panoaqil, Sukkur, Shikarpur, Jacobabad, and Larkana of Sindh province. They have been living in Pakistan since Independence (1947).

Subdivisions

Within the Kalwars there are variety of subgroups, such as Savjis, Maratha Kshatriya Kalar, Pardeshi Kalar, Jain Kalar, and others.

Maratha Kshatriya Kalar

Maratha Kashtriya Kalars are concentrated in the border districts of Maharashtra (Bhandara, Nagpur, Akola, Gondia) and Madhya Pradesh (Balaghat, Chhindwara, Seoni, Betul, Bhopal). Kalars are also found in Bihar in large numbers. They celebrate functions in the months of September and October, such as "Byahut Sabha". A lot of people gather at that ceremony.

Maratha Kashtriya Kalars in this region were Zamindars or landlords before and during British rule. In some areas they work as goldsmiths. They have a unique dialect, which is a combination of Marathi, Hindi, Bhojpuri, and Rajasthani.

Zaria/Jharia Kalar

Zaria/Jharia Kalar are concentrated in the border districts of Maharashtra (Bhandara, Nagpur, Gondia) and Madhya Pradesh (Balaghat, Chhindwara, Seoni, Betul, Bhopal). Mostly Backward. But nowadays they are getting cultured through education.

Common surnames are Borikar, Sonbhadre, Sarvey, Malghate, Bajanghate, Kekate, Baghmar(Waghmare), Bagresh, Dhodarmal, Dhanushban, Udaybhan, Dudhare, Mahurkar, Ghorpade, sonwane, Sonbarase, Sonekar, Hirwane etc.

Borikar is the most Prominent name in the community and most cultured through education and observed in all walks of life. The origin of Zaria kalars is observed in Jharkhand and Up. The name of the branch itself indicates it. Sonbhadre surname is derived from Sonbhadra, a district in UP.

Culture

They are normally farmers and are engaged in some small trades. Educationally and economically, most are backward. They follow the Sanatan Hindu religion.