Kumhar

Kumhar is a caste or community in India. Kumhar literally means potter in Indian languages. It is also known by the names Kumbhara, Kubhara, Kumar, Kumor, Kubar and Khubar.

The Kumhar community is found throughout India and is found in both Hindu and Muslim religions. Depending upon the subgroup or region they are classified as both Other Backward Class and the Scheduled Caste. Additionally, there is a proposal under process in Indian Parliament that the caste Prajapati (Kumhar) be declared as Scheduled caste and as Scheduled tribe in the states of Bihar and Orissa respectively.

Etymology

The Kumhars derive their name from the Sanskrit word Kumbhakar meaning earthen-pot maker. Dravidian languages also confirms to the same meaning of the term Kumbhakar.The term Bhande used as synonym for the Kumhar caste also means the Pot. The potters of Amritsar are called Kulal or Kalal, the term used in Yajurveda to denote the potter class.

Mythological origin

A section of Hindu Kumhars honorifically call themselves Prajapati after Vedic Prajapati, the Lord, who created the universe.