Sunar (alternately Suniar(eh), Sonar or Swarnkar) is a Hindu caste in India and Nepal referring to the community of people who work as goldsmiths. Though the community is primarily Hindu, some members in the states of Haryana and Punjab are Sikh.
Though they are the traditional goldsmiths of North India, now many are also landowners, involved in cultivation, as well as selling grocery. But their main occupation remains the manufacture and selling of jewellery. Members of the community are also involved in pawnbroking and moneylending.
The term Sunar may derive from the Sanskrit suvarna kār, "worker in gold".
In Haryana, Sunars are divided into two segments, the Hindu Sunar and the Sikh Sunar. These two groupings are further divided into the Baari Sunar and the Shudre Sunar. Some Khatris also adopted this occupation and were called Khatri Sunars. All these groups are strictly endogamous, and practice clan exogamy. These divisions are further divided into clans, known as gotras. There are said to be fifty two gotras within the Sunar community. Some of them are the Gund, Bhole, Kuhal, Vaid, Mai, Bhulan, Odhera, Naali, Deo, Masoun, Vatash, Kushal, Kashyap, Dhir, Turar, etc. They believe themselves to be Kshatriya. The Sunar are still involved in their traditional occupation, that is being goldsmiths. There is however a steady process in taking up other occupations, and the community in Haryana as whole is fairly successful, having produced several professionals.
Sinner
Down in the old castle out in the swamps
Darkness drops all over the land
The clock strikes twelve
The midnight masked-ball ... is about to begin
[Chorus:]
Masquearde
Living in a masquerade
In the middle of all those people (people)
I couldn't believe what I saw
Cat's eyes behind a silver mask
She was the one ... I was searching for
[Chorus (2)]
With her eyes flashing she runs away
A stranger grabs me
He screams "Just wait and see"
But I found the girl, ripped off her silver mask
[Chorus (2)]