Shimpi

Shimpi is an umbrella term for the Indian caste traditionally involved in the business of clothing and tailoring. Saint Namdev of the Bhakti movement is revered as the patron of the community.

Occupation

The traditional occupation of the community is tailoring or cloth printing. They are referred to as "Shimpi" in Marathi or "Chimpi" in Hindi. ^[1]

Government classification

The Shimpi are included in the central list of Other Backward Classes (OBC) by the government of Maharashtra. ^[2]

Varna

Shimpis are classified as being of shudra varna in the Hindu caste system. ^{[3] [1] [4]}

Notables

• Namdev, revered 14th-century saint of the Bhakti movement and Varkari sect ^[1]

References

1. Anne Murphy (12 March 2012). Time, History and the Religious Imaginary in South Asia. Routledge. p. 122. ISBN   978-1-136-70729-2.
2. "Central List of OBCs For the State of Maharashtra" (PDF).
3. Novetzke, Christian Lee (2013). Religion and Public Memory: A Cultural History of Saint Namdev in India. Columbia University Press. p. 55. ISBN   978-0-23151-256-5.
4. Francesca Orsini; Katherine Butler Schofield. Tellings and Texts: Music, Literature and Performance . Retrieved 20 April 2025.