TheShikalgar are a Muslim community found in the state ofMaharashtra in India.[1]
The term Saiqalgar is derived from thePersian word 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 ofMuslim artisan groups found inMaharashtra. The Saiqalgar may be converts from theHinduSikligar community. They speak theDakhani dialect ofUrdu among themselves, andMarathi with outsiders. The Saiqalgars are found mainly in the Maharashtra districts ofKolhapur andSangli. They are an extremely small community, with their settlements[vague] containing only a few families.[1]
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 neighbouringMuslim groups such as theAttar, Maner, Patwager and Tamboli. Like most Muslim artisan groups, the Saiqalgar have acaste association, 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]
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