Kamangar

The Kamangar is a Muslim community, found in North India, Dist. Chiniot, South Punjab, North Sindh and South Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan.

Etymology

The name of the community is derived from the two Persian words Kamaan, which means a bow, and Gar which means maker. Thus Kamangar means bow-makers or weapon-makers. Kamangar must not confused with Kamboh.

History and origin

Kamangar Originated from Turkic and Pashtun communities. They migrated into Sindh, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh from Rewari in Haryana, accompanying the Mughal armies.

The Kamangars were originally believed to be Turkic and Pashtun soldiers who ended up as Lohar (Blacksmith).

Present circumstances

The Kamangar found throughout North India, with communities in Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat. They are also found in Pakistan, particularly in the province of Sindh and South Punjab.

In North India

The traditional occupation of the Kamangar was the making of bows and arrows. They now manufacture toys made of bamboo, as well as Ta'ziya for Ashura. The community is urban and semi-urban, and many are now wage labourers. Many have also been involved in drawing pictures of Hindu gods and goddesses. They have other Backward caste status. The community in Uttar Pradesh are found in Fatehpur, Ferozabad, Budaun, Agra, Varanasi, Sultanpur and Eta, while in Gujarat they are found in Kutch, Mandvi, Bhuj,and Mundra. In Uttar Pradesh, the community speak Urdu and various local dialects like Braj Bhasha and Khari Boli. They have a caste council that deals with disputes within their community. The community belong to the Sunni sects of Islam.