Lohar


Lohar are considered to be a caste among Hindus and Sikhs and a clan among Muslims in the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand, and in Nepal. They form part of a loose grouping of traditionally artisanal castes known as Panchals. Regional synonyms include Vishwakarma and Saifi.
Writers of the Raj period often used the term Lohar as a synonym for blacksmith, although there are other traditional smithing communities, such as the Ramgarhia and Sikligars, and numerous non-traditional communities, including the Yadavs, Kayasthas, Rajputs and Brahmins.

Uttar Pradesh

The Lohar are one of the most widespread communities in Uttar Pradesh. They are divided along religious lines, with the Hindu Lohar known as Vishwakarmas and Muslim Lohars known as Saifis. They 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; other speak the Ho language.

Jharkhand

The Lohar in Jharkhand are locally known as Lohra or Lohara. They speak regional language such as Nagpuri, Khortha and Kurmali. They are classified as Scheduled Tribe in Jharkhand.