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Chamar

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This article is about the Indian caste. For the mountain in Nepal, see [[:Chamar (mountain)]].

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

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