Saiqalgar
TheShikalgarare a Muslim community found in the state ofMaharashtrain India.[1]
Origin
[edit]The term Saiqalgar is derived from thePersianword صیقلگر saiqalgar, which means a polisher. They were traditionally involved in the polishing and furbishing of metals. Little is known as to the origin of this community, other than that they are one of a number ofMuslimartisan groups found inMaharashtra.The Saiqalgar may be converts from theHinduSikligarcommunity. They speak theDakhanidialect ofUrduamong themselves, andMarathiwith outsiders. The Saiqalgars are found mainly in the districts ofKolhapurandSangli.They are an extremely small community, with their settlements containing only a few families.[1]
Present circumstances
[edit]The Saiqalgar are now divided into groups, those who are now mainly small to medium-sized farmers, and a smaller groups who are still involved with the polishing and furbishing of metals. Among the latter groups, a small number have taken to the manufacture of fireworks.[1]
The Saiqalgar generally marry within the community, but there are instances of marriage with neighbouringMuslimgroups such as theAttar,Maner, Patwager and Tamboli. Like most Muslim artisan groups, the Saiqalgar have acasteassociation, the Sqailgar Jamaat. This organizations acts both as a welfare organization, as well as an instrument of social. They are entirelySunni,but incorporate some folk beliefs.[citation needed]