Multani Lohar

The Multani Lohar are Muslim community found in the state of Gujarat in India. [1]

History and origin

The community claims to be Rajputs who converted to Islam. They were originally settled in the city of Multan, and were brought to Jodhpur by its ruler to manufacture cannonballs. Over time, these Multani Lohars immigrated to Gujarat. Their dialect of Gujarati still contains substantial Seraiki loanwords. The community claims to be distinct from the other Lohar communities of Gujarat on account of its Rajput ancestry.[2]

Present circumstances

The community's traditional occupation was that of blacksmithy, but as with other artisan groups, they have seen a decline of their traditional occupation. Many now earn their living as day labourers. Like other Gujarati Muslim groups, they have a caste council, the Multani Lohar Jamat, which is responsible for the welfare of the community. They are strictly endogamous community, and practice gotra exogamy. All their clans have equal status, and intermarry.[3]

See also

References

  1. ↑ People of India Gujarat Volume XXI Part Two edited by R.B Lal, P.B.S.V Padmanabham, G Krishnan & M Azeez Mohideen pages 781-784
  2. ↑ People of India Gujarat Volume XXI Part Two edited by R.B Lal, P.B.S.V Padmanabham, G Krishnan & M Azeez Mohideen pages 781-784
  3. ↑ People of India Gujarat Volume XXI Part Two edited by R.B Lal, P.B.S.V Padmanabham, G Krishnan & M Azeez Mohideen pages 781-784
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