Sikligar (Sikh traditions) in India

Introduction / History

There was a time when the Sikligar Sikhs were extremely successful as weapon designers and manufacturers. They are traditionally known as Lohar (ironsmiths or blacksmiths) and once ruled the weapon making industry with their elaborate swords, spears, shields, and arrows. What is known as Damascus steel, used in forming some of the best swords known to man, was manufactured by Indian Lohar and shipped off to other parts of the world. The advent of contemporary weaponry hit their economy and lifestyle very hard. They were also prevented from making weapons during late colonial days. Their skills in weapon making have brought them under suspicion by India's government as well.
Sikligar are divided into three religious communities: Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs. Sikh Sikligar live in Punjab, Haryana, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.

What Are Their Lives Like?

They spend most of their time roaming about in small groups, selling small handmade wares such as knives, buckets, toys, and betelnut cutters. They are illiterate and do not own land. Today, most Sikh Sikligar are very poor, and some are dependent on charity. They often live as nomads, roaming from village to village seeking customers. Their children work with parents in their craft.
They marry within their own Sikh community. Families and clans are important just as they are for other rural South Asian communities.

What Are Their Beliefs?

They show their devotion to Sikhism by their dress and social customs. For example, they put their newborn children through a special dedication ceremony with relatives and friends gathered. They are some of the most seriously dedicated Sikhs despite the fact that they are routinely despised and overlooked in the provision of aid that is given to other poor classes. Sikligar are said to be some of the happiest, most positive-minded Sikhs.

What Are Their Needs?

Sikh Sikligar need to learn new job skills so they can compete in the modern Indian economy.

Prayer Points

Pray for a "Book of Acts" type of movement to Christ among the Sikh Sikligar communities.
Pray God will have mercy on Sikh Sikligar people, doing whatever it takes to place them in a position to receive him.
Ask God to give them dreams and visions that will lead them to the cross.
Pray for an unstoppable movement to Christ among them.

Text Source:   Joshua Project