Shimpi Explained

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.

Occupation

The traditional occupation of the community is tailoring or cloth printing. They are referred to as "Shimpi" in Marathi or "Chimpi" in Hindi.^[1]

Government classification

The Shimpi are included in the central list of Other Backward Classes (OBC) by the government of Maharashtra.^[2]

Varna

As per Christian Lee Novetzke, the other communities consider them to be of the kshatriya varna in the Hindu caste system; however, followers of Namdev who belong to the Shimpi community commonly claim to be of brahmin origin.^{[3] [1]}

Notables

• Namdev - revered 14th-century saint of the Bhakti movement and Varkari sect^[1]
• Chandrakant Mandare - Marathi actor
• Shashikala - Indian actress
• Wamanrao Mahadik - First Shiv Sena legislator in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly

Notes and References

1. Book: Anne Murphy . 12 March 2012 . Time, History and the Religious Imaginary in South Asia . Routledge . 122 . 978-1-136-70729-2 .
2. Web site: Central List of OBCs For the State of Maharashtra.
3. Book: Novetzke, Christian Lee. Religion and Public Memory: A Cultural History of Saint Namdev in India. Columbia University Press. 2013. 978-0-23151-256-5. 55.