Darzi

In the Indian subcontinent, the term Darzi is not a caste but a professional designation for tailors, used among both Hindus and Muslims. According to the Marwar Census Report of 1891, compiled by Denzil Ibbetson, it was explicitly stated that "The Darzi, or tailor, is not a caste, but a professional designation; and it would be socially degrading to those Rajputs who are of the Pipawanshi stock to be called Darzis."^[1] In addition, within the Hindu Darzi community, a distinct group known as the Pipavanshi is recognized. The Pipavanshi are said to be the descendants of 52 Rajput disciples, attendants, and followers of the Rajput saint Shri Pipa Ji Maharaj. Inspired by the teachings of Saint Pipa Ji, these Rajputs adopted agriculture and tailoring as their primary occupations. Shri Pipa Ji Maharaj himself, a Rajput by birth, is also regarded as an originator of the indigenous Chhapamar Yudhakala (guerrilla warfare techniques). The Pipavanshi followers, while maintaining their Rajput lineage, became known as Hindu Pipavanshi Darzi due to their association with tailoring.^[2][3]Darzi are known as Idrisi^[4] in the Muslim community. The people of idrisi originally came as soldiers from the Khorasan, Turkmenistan regions of Central Asia during the Sultanate period. They belonged to different clans or tribes of their respective areas. Later, due to their involvement in different professions, they were socially given professional names and they started being identified by their professions or occupations instead of their origin, as seen in Turk Jhojas and Turk Darzis of Uttar Pradesh and bihar. The main reason for this is the Indian caste system which is based on professions and occupations, which also affected Muslims.

Darzi

Regions with significant populations
• India • Pakistan (Indian subcontinent)
Languages
• Hindi • Gujrati • Urdu • Punjabi
Religion
• Hinduism • Islam
Related ethnic groups
• Indians • Shaikh

Apart from Idrisi, these groups are also identified with many other occupational groups who add their occupation to their surnames instead of their origin, which can be seen in the Muslims of North India and Gujarat, who are originally from Central Asia but their occupation is their surname.

These groups of Muslims involved in business or profession adopted different professions due to the deterioration of economic conditions, and over time they started being identified by their profession. In many areas of North India, they are also known as Turk Darzi or Turk Jamaat.

Darzis are primarily involved in business while some still own lands in surrounding areas of Delhi and are still engaged in farming. In the Muslim community, the Darzi caste is known as Idrisi, though many do not use this surname. According to the data of National Commission of Backward Classes, Darzi castes are listed as Other Backward Class (OBC).

"Tailoring" is the English translation of Darzi. In the Indian tradition, it was customary to wrap clothing over the body rather than wear stitched clothes. Used in Hindi and Urdu, the word Darzi comes from the Persian language.^[5][6]

History and origin

The word Darzi (दर्ज़ी درزی) literally means "business of tailor". The Darzis adopted the name Idrisi from Idris (Enoch), a Biblical and Koranic prophet. According to their traditions, Idris was the first person to learn the art of sewing. It is said to be derived from the Persian word darzan, which means "to sew".^{[citation needed]} This is also the commonly accepted derivation of the name of the non-related religion Druze. The Darzi are said to have settled in South Asia during the early period of the Sultanate of Delhi. They are also divided on a linguistic basis, with those of North India speaking various dialects of Urdu,^[7] while those of Punjab speaking Punjabi.

In India

Hindu Darzi

The Hindu Darzi have various synonyms as well as legends about their community origins. The legends vary according to the Indian states in which they reside.

In the desert state of Rajasthan, the Darzi trace their descent from their legendary hero Shri Peepa Ji Maharaj,^[8] who later became saint during the Bhakti movement in India,^[9] who was the Great Spiritual Scholar of Swami Ramanada.^[10] Swami Ramananda was a 14th century Vaishnava devotional poet and saint who lived in the Gangetic basin of Northern India. Over time, people from this community shifted from their originating place to their place of work to the other cities, and can be found all over India.^[11]

Other clans of Hindu Darzi live in parts states of India including Kakusth, Damodar Vanshi, Tank or Tak, Juna Gujrati, (these are living in Gujrat, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi NCR, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Karnataka). In Karnataka, the Darzi community is known as Pisse, Wade, Kakade and Sanyasi. In Odisha, they are known as Maharana and Mahapatra, which are also used as surnames.

Why is an Emblem Important for the Pipa Kshatriya Rajput Community?

Every community draws its identity from its history, culture, and values. A powerful emblem and motto:

Strengthens social unity.

Awakens memory of traditions and heritage.

Empowers political, cultural, and social presence.

Inspires self-respect, awareness, and pride among the younger generation.

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Key Elements of the Proposed Emblem and Their Meanings:

1. Central Image of Sant Pipa Ji

Symbol of spirituality, dharma, harmony, and guidance.

Represents the perfect balance of strength and devotion — the highest interpretation of Kshatriya dharma.

2. Two Lions – One Roaring, One Calm

Roaring Lion: Signifies resistance against injustice and courage.

Calm Lion: Embodies discipline, justice, and balanced power.

3. A Falcon (Garuda-Eyed Vision):

Symbol of foresight, freedom, and goal-oriented action.

Reflects leadership, vigilance, and readiness of the community.

4. Two Crossed Swords:

Represent the strength to protect dharma and justice.

Stand for bravery, dignity, and honor.

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Official Motto of the Pipa Kshatriya Rajput Community:

"Vayam Kshatriyāḥ, Vayam Dharmarakṣakāḥ, Vayam Raṇabhūmeḥ Siṃhāḥ, Vayam Pīpadāsāḥ."

Meaning:

> "We are Kshatriyas, protectors of dharma, lions of the battlefield, and devoted followers of Sant Pipa."

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Combined Impact of the Emblem and Motto:

Revives both spiritual and historical memory.

Connects the new generation with its culture and legacy of struggle.

Builds social unity and organizational strength.

Embodies balance of faith, tradition, valor, and self-respect.

Muslim Darzi

There are Muslim Darzi converts originating from various origins, mostly from Rajput and Jats. Some Hindu Rajputs switched to the sewing profession during the time of PipaJi Maharaj. Eventually, these Hindus converted to Islam, and maintained their gotras while ascribing to their new faith. Darzis in villages such as Pavi Sadakpur and Loni are mostly Chauhan, while those in Gautam Budh Nagar come from the Panwar clan. There are also Rathore Darzis in the Western UP belt.

The Turk Darzis are said to have settled in South Asia during the early period of the Sultanate of Delhi. They are also divided on a linguistic basis, with those of North India speaking various dialects of Urdu,^[7] while those of Punjab speak Punjabi.^{[citation needed]}

During the Mughal period, some units of Mughal soldiers who were Ilbari Turks used to protect the borders of Delhi. In the beginning of the 18th century, with the weakening army of the Mughals and the increasing rebellions and internal wars of the Jats and Sikhs took away the power of the Mughal forces and these soldiers left their areas around Delhi and left for Awadh.^{[clarification needed]}

This was the first military exodus from Delhi to Awadh in the early 18th century. These military families were settled in Ismailganj village by the Nawab of Awadh, A few decades later, in the war of 1857, these Ilbari soldiers fought with British power at a place called Chinhat, where there was a caravan saraaen, and in the village of Ismailganj, Ilbari and Sayyad were victorious. There was heavy loss of life and property to the British Cantonment where the British lived with their families.

After the end of the revolution, the revolutionaries were searched and action was taken against them. The houses were demolished. The Ilbari and Sayyid revolutionaries were hanged, and their bodies were left hanging on the trees.

The jagirs of Sayyads were confiscated and the Ilbaris had to leave the village and take refuge in other areas like Barabanki, Satrikh, Kanpur, Faizabad, and Rudauli. Due to the brutality and barbarism of the British soldiers, they had to change their hideouts again and again, but due to the rebels, they could not get any help, permanent shelter from the zamindars. Due to this, they had to change their surnames from Ilbari to Idrisi to hide their identity.

The Punjabi Darzi is said to be converted from the Hindu Chhimba caste, and have several territorial divisions. These include the Sirhindi, Deswal and Multani. The Punjabi Darzi (Chhimba Darzi) are almost entirely Sunni.^[12]

The Idrisi of Jharkhand have a common origin with those of Bihar, and intermarry. The community speak the Angika dialect of Hindi. Most Idrisis are still engaged in tailoring, but many Idrisis, particularly in Jharkhand, are now farmers. Their customs are similar to other Bihari Muslims.^[13]

In Pakistan

In Pakistan, the Darzi are two distinct communities, the Delhiwal Idrissis, who are found among the Muhajir ethnic group, and the Punjabi Darzi, who are ethnically Punjabi. The former are immigrants from Delhi and Uttar Pradesh in India. They are concentrated in the port city of Karachi. Like their North Indian kinsmen, many have now opened small shops and businesses, although many other members of the community work for other Idrissis. They remain divided by sectarian divisions, with the Sunni Idrisi not marrying into Shia Idrisi families. The community claims itself to be of Shaikh status.^{[citation needed]}

In Punjab, the Punjabi Darzi are immigrants from East Punjab. Many in rural areas of Punjab have taken to cultivation, while those in urban areas have opened up small businesses. The Punjabi Darzi claim to belong to the Muslim Rajput community. They are entirely Sunni, and many belong to the orthodox Deobandi sect.^[14]

See also

• The Druze heterodox Muslim community of Syria also derived their name from the word Darzi.