The contested history of a community once defined by leather

Cultures · Published 1 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Traditionally identified as India's leatherworkers, the Chamar community has spent decades rewriting its own narrative. From claims of royal Kshatriya descent to the rise of powerful political movements, this is a story of navigating identity, caste-based oppression, and global migration.

The Chamar community, also known as Jatav, has long been associated with the hereditary occupation of tanning and shoemaking, a role derived from the Sanskrit word 'charmakara'. Because this work involved handling dead animals, they were historically categorized among the 'untouchables'. However, some historians, such as Ramnarayan Rawat, suggest this association may have been constructed, positing that the community were historically agriculturists instead.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the community engaged in significant efforts to reclaim social prestige. Some groups, like the Jatavs, claimed Kshatriya descent through lineages linked to the deity Krishna. Others, influenced by the anti-Brahmanical Adi Hindu movement led by Swami Achutanand, viewed themselves as the original inhabitants of India. This period also saw the rise of religious identities, such as the Ravidassia sect, which follows the teachings of the 16th-century poet-saint Guru Ravidas.

The community's trajectory has been marked by both extreme hardship and political ascent. In regions like Bihar, Dalit women faced severe systemic violence and exploitation by upper-caste landlords. Conversely, the 20th century saw the rise of influential leaders like Mayawati, who became Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, and the emergence of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), which unified various Dalit groups. Today, the term 'Chamar' is legally recognized by the Supreme Court of India as an offensive slur when used to insult.

Beyond the Indian subcontinent, a vast Chamar diaspora has established itself globally. From the Ravidassia community in Italy to significant populations in Canada, the UK, and the USA, the community has transitioned from traditional trades to a global presence. In places like British Columbia, the community's history is even tied to the foundation of early Canadian Gurdwaras.

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