The Chamars are a tribe found in
Uttar Pradesh,
Madhya Pradesh,
Haryana and
Maharashtra. They are also known as Chamari, Chambar Boli and Chambari. They speak the language Chamari.
Chamars are the tanner and leather workers of north-western India and the western parts of Punjab. The name Chamar is derived from the Sanskrit word 'charmakira' which means 'worker in hides'. But to the east of Punjab, they are far more than leather workers. They are the general coolies and field laborers of the villages. They do miscellaneous work such as cutting grass, carrying wood and bundles and acting as watchmen. They take the hides of all the dead cattle and the flesh of all cloven-footed animals. They make and mend shoes, thongs for the cart, whips and other leather work. A share of the produce in the fields is given to them in return for the work done. The Chamars are by and large weavers in the eastern and south eastern parts of Punjab. The Chamars will eat food prepared by any tribe except the Khakrob, Kanjar, Sansi and Nat. The Chamars are by religion Hindus or Sikhs.