Kamangar

For other uses, see Kamangar (disambiguation).

Kamangar, a bowmaker – Tashrih al-aqvam (1825)

The Kamangar is a Muslim community in North India, Dist. Chiniot, South Punjab, North Sindh and South Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan.

Etymology

The name of the community is derived from the two Persian words Kamaan, which means a bow, and Gar which means maker. Thus Kamangar means bow-makers or weapon-makers. Kamangar must not confused with Kamboh.

History and origin

Kamangars trace their ancestry from a man by the name of Bani Saad. They migrated into Sindh, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh from Rewari in Haryana, accompanying the Mughal armies. Some sections claim to belong to the Quraishi community.

Present circumstances

The Kamangar found throughout North India, with communities in Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat. They are also found in Pakistan, particularly in the province of Sindh and South Punjab.

In North India

The traditional occupation of the Kamangar was the making of bows and arrows. They now manufacture toys made of bamboo, as well as Ta'ziya for Ashura. The community is urban and semi-urban, and many are now wage labourers. Many have also been involved in drawing pictures of Hindu gods and goddesses. They have other Backward caste status. The community in Uttar Pradesh are found in Fatehpur, Ferozabad, Budaun, Agra, Varanasi, Sultanpur and Eta, while in Gujarat they are found in Kutch, Mandvi, Bhuj, and Mundra. In Uttar Pradesh, the community speak Urdu and various local dialects like Braj Bhasha and Khari Boli. They have a caste council that deals with disputes within their community. The community belong to the Sunni sects of Islam.

In Pakistan

The Kamangar community is found in the districts of Sukkur, Shikarpur, Dadu, Multan, Vehari (Fatehpur Mailsi), and Bahawalpur (Khairpur) across the provinces of Sindh and Punjab, Pakistan.

A well-known Kamangar family resides in Chiniot District, Punjab. According to family history, they migrated from Afghanistan during the 17th century and permanently settled in Mohallah Kamangran, Chiniot. Over the past century, this family has earned a reputation as one of the city’s most educated and prominent landowning families.

Many members of the family have served in key positions within the Government of Pakistan, particularly in the fields of education, Pakistan Railways, and the legal sector. Notable individuals include Chaudhry Muhammad Hussain, Rana Ghulam Shabbir, Chaudhry Altaf Hussain, Chaudhry Iqbal Hussain, and Chaudhry Mehboob Elahi, all of whom held important positions in various government departments.

The family has also produced several distinguished legal professionals, including Chaudhry Asif Naveed (Advocate), Chaudhry Imran Mehboob (Advocate), Chaudhry Waseem Ahmad (Advocate), and Chaudhry Badar Munir (Advocate). Chaudhry Nayyer Mehboob is also a well-known landlord in the region. These individuals are recognized for their contributions to the legal profession and public service.

In West Iran

Kamangar is a tribe in Iran. Living in the West, Kurdistan province (Kavana; Pirmogha, Voshtrml village) and Kermanshah province (Gharavays and Satyari village), kamyaran City (Koreh Dare olya and sofla, Afrian olya and sofla, Marab, Gorgan, Masan, Kolasara, Taa, Tfen, Hane man, Sarchi, Dolaw, Kalateh village) and Marivan (Dadane Kamangar Village)

In Iraq

There is some evidence that a branch of this family are living in Klar, Sharazor (in Kani Hamza and Darah Shiish village), Kfri (Ashtokan), Dozkormato, Darbandikhan city (Plis village).

Religion and Sect

Sunni Islam is dominant following Deobandi and Salafi School of Thoughts.

See also

• Mughal
• Khan Mughalchiniot Punjab
• Farzad Kamangar

References

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