Soni (caste)

Two Soni men

The Soni are a Hindu, Sikh,Jain and Muslim caste of goldsmiths found throughout India in the states of Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh. ^[1]

Present circumstances

The Soni are essentially still goldsmiths, with a few also involved in the manufacture of other items of jewellery. Historically they where under shudra caste of metal workers but because of their access to gold and trade, they also claim vaishya caste. ^[2] . They follow Vaishnavism, and many belonging to the Swaminarayan sect.^{[ citation needed ]}

Shrimali Soni

This caste is mostly found in Gujarat. ^[3]

See also

• Sunar

References

1. Perez, Rosa Maria (2004). Kings and Untouchables: A Study of the Caste System in Western India. New Delhi, India, Asia: Orient Blackswan. p. 79. ISBN   978-81-8028-014-6.
2. Others (1991). Reader In Urban Sociology. New Delhi, India, Asia: Orient Blackswan. p. 189. ISBN   978-0-86311-152-5.
3. Habib, Irfan; Panikkar, K. N.; Byres, T. J.; Patnaik, Utsa (2002). The Making of History: Essays Presented to Irfan Habib. New Delhi, India, Asia: Anthem Press. p. 196. ISBN   978-1-84331-053-2.