Lohar (caste)

Not to be confused with Lohar dynasty.

Lohar is considered to be a caste among Hindus and a clan among Muslims and Sikhs in the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand, and in Nepal.^[1][2] They form traditionally artisanal castes.^[3] Writers of the Raj period often used the term Lohara as a synonym for blacksmith, although there are other traditional smiting communities, such as the Ramgarhia and Sikligar, and numerous non-traditional communities, including the Kayastha, Rajput and Brahmin.^[4]

Lohar
Religions	Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism
Languages	Hindi-Urdu, Awadhi, Bhojpuri, Maithili, Nepali, Punjabi, Gujarati
Country	India, Nepal, Pakistan

Distribution

Uttar Pradesh

Lohar are one of the most widespread communities in Uttar Pradesh. They are divided along religious lines, with Hindu Lohars known as Vishwakarma, Sharma, Panchal and Karmakar. Hindu Lohars are further divided into a number of exogamous groupings, the main ones being the Kanaujiya, Purbia, Bahai, Moulia and Magajia.

Most Lohar are still engaged in their traditional occupation of metal fabrication, although the majority of those in western Uttar Pradesh are cultivators. The assimilated Lohar speak Hindi and its various dialects such as Awadhi;^{[citation needed]} other speak the Ho language.^[5]

Bihar

In Bihar, Lohar caste comes under Other Backward Class . As per a ruling by Supreme Court of India, ‘Lohara or Lohra’, which belongs to the Schedule Tribe (ST) category in several districts.

Jharkhand

Lohar in Jharkhand are locally known as ,(obc)vishvkarma.sharma. They speak regional language such as Hindi.^[6] They are classified as ST in lohra Jharkhand.lohra alag hai^[7]

Muslim Lohar

Muslim Lohar are divided in two castes Multani Lohar and Deshwal Lohar.

Multani Lohar, Muslim blacksmith community originally from Multan and widely spread all over the World. Mostly found in the state of Gujarat and Western Uttar Pradesh in India.

Deshwal Lohar, or sometimes pronounced Muslim Barhai are Muslim community, found in North India. They are also known as Saifi. which denotes the Muslim sub-caste of blacksmiths and carpenters. A small number are also found in the Terai region of Nepal.

See also

• Kuchband