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Shimpi is an umbrella term for the Indian caste traditionally involved in the business of clothing and tailoring. Saint Namdev of the Bhakti movement is revered as the patron of the community.

Shimpi Caste Category in Maharashtra

The Shimpi caste has several subgroups, including:

1. Maratha Shimpi
2. Namdev Shimpi
3. Saitwal Shimpi
4. Rangari Shimpi
5. Meru Kshatriya Shimpi
6. Kshatriya Ahir Shimpi
7. Vaishnav Shimpi
8. Bhavasar Shimpi

The Shimpi caste is divided into Jain, Marathi, and Telugu Shimpis:

1. Jain Shimpis: Belong to the Setval caste
2. Marathi Shimpis: Are often Lingayats
3. Telugu Shimpis: Usually comprise Vaishnavas
4. Shimpi OBC Reservation in Maharashtra (Shimpi, Bhavgar, Shiv Shimpi, Namdev, JainShimpi, Shravak- Shimpi, Shetwal, Saitwal,Saisutar)

Occupation

The "Shimpi" community, also known as "Chimpi"or Tailors, The traditional occupation of the community is tailoring or cloth printing, and textiles, primarily tailoring, cloth dyeing, and embroidery. These roles have been an integral part of the community's identity across Maharashtra and other regions in India.

Here are some traditional and modern occupations of Shimpi people

1. Tailoring and Garment Making: Many Shimpis historically worked as tailors, designing and stitching clothes, a skill that continues to be valued in the community.
2. Cloth Dyeing and Textile Printing: Shimpis have also been known for their expertise in dyeing and textile printing, often using traditional techniques.
3. Embroidery and Handicrafts: Some Shimpi artisans specialize in intricate embroidery, adding fine details to garments and textiles.
4. Small Business and Trade: In modern times, many members of the Shimpi community have diversified into small businesses, including owning Tailor shop, garment stores, fabric shops.
5. Professional Fields: With educational advancements, Shimpis are also involved in various professional fields, including engineering, medicine, education, and government services.

The community continues to preserve its traditional skills while adapting to modern occupations, making a significant contribution to both the traditional and contemporary textile industries.

Government classification

The Shimpi are included in the central list of Other Backward Classes (OBC) by the government of Maharashtra.

The Shimpi caste was listed at serial number 153 in the OBC category list of October 13, 1967. The sub-caste "Idrisi/Darji" has also been identified with the Shimpi caste.

The Shimpi community is divided into exogamous groups based on surnames, known as *adnao*, which prevent marriage within the same surname. These surnames, often derived from village names, include Namdevwar, Rapatwar, Yannawar, Wadettiwar, Shriramwar, Kellewar, Setelwar, and Chanderwar.

Varna

According to Christian Lee Novetzke, other communities consider followers of Sant Namdev Maharaj from the Shimpi community to belong to the Kshatriya varna within the Hindu caste system. However, many Shimpi followers of Sant Namdev claim Vaishnavism lineage.

Sant Namdev Maharaj's birthplace is debated, with some traditions placing it in Narsi Bahmani on the Krishna River in Marathwada, while others suggest a location near Pandharpur on the Bhima River. The Shimpi community, which reveres Sant Namdev Maharaj, is well-represented throughout Maharashtra, with 30 to 50 families in most mid-sized cities. Historical references notably link Sant Namdev Maharaj to Narsi in the Hingoli district.

Notables

• Namdev - revered 14th-century saint of the Bhakti movement and Varkari sect
• Chandrakant Mandare - Marathi actor
• Shashikala - Indian actress
• Wamanrao Mahadik - First Shiv Sena legislator in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly

References

1. "Namdev", Misplaced Pages, 25 August 2024, retrieved 27 October 2024
2. "Namdev", Misplaced Pages, 25 August 2024, retrieved 27 October 2024
3. National Commission for Backward Classes, NCBC (27 October 2024). "CENTRAL LIST OF OBCs FOR THE STATE OF MAHARASHTRA" (PDF). CENTRAL LIST OF OBCs FOR THE STATE OF MAHARASHTRA. 1: 11 – via National Commission for Backward Classes.
4. Murphy, Anne (12 March 2012). Time, History and the Religious Imaginary in South Asia. Asia: Routledge. p. 122. ISBN 978-1-136-70729-2.
5. "Central List of OBCs For the State of Maharashtra" (PDF).
6. A.S., Chandurkar (6 April 2023). "Chinmay S/O Dilip Chavda vs The State Of Maharashtra,". indiankanoon.org. Archived from the original on 6 April 2023. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
7. Novetzke, Christian Lee (2013). A Cultural History of Saint Namdev in India (1st ed.). Columbia University: Columbia University Press. p. 55. ISBN 978-0-23151-256-5.
8. Murphy, Anne (12 March 2012). Time, History and the Religious Imaginary in South Asia. p. 122. ISBN 978-1-136-70729-2.
9. S. R., Sharma (31 December 1989). Sant Namdev: His Life and Philosophy. Punjabi: Punjabi University. p. 135. ISBN 978-906831-107-5.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
10. Anne Murphy (12 March 2012). Time, History and the Religious Imaginary in South Asia. Routledge. p. 122. ISBN 978-1-136-70729-2.

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