Chamar
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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.
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[edit] Background
Chamars are mainly artisans, labourers, cobblers and peasants, some of them are traditionally engaged in professions such as Leatherworking. However, many Chamars living in rural areas have branched out into other occupations such as weaving. The Chamars are considered to be untouchables (Dalits) in the Indian caste system.
[edit] 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-dharmis, 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.
One of the most decorated regiments of the Indian Army is the Sikh Light Infantry, which is composed mostly of Chamar and Mazhabi Sikhs.
The Dalit/Shudra political party, the BSP is a powerful force in the UP political environment, acquiring votes by pandering to caste interests.
[edit] Famous Chamars
- Jagjivan Ram - Deputy Prime Minister of India
- Meira Kumar - Minister of Parliament (India)
- Kanshi Ram - Founder of the BSP
- Mayawati - Leader of BSP
- 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
- Lembher Hussainpuri - Punjabi Singer
- Kaler Kanth - Punjabi Singer
- Surinder Heera - Punjabi Singer
- 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
- Sant narayan dass village - kasiyara, post charthawal,district-muzaffarnagar U.P.
Sushil Kumar Shinde
[edit] External links
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Sushil Kumar Shinde
