The Lohars of Punjab
Introduction
Punjabi history is well acquainted with warriors, poets, and rulers - but it is yet to discover the artisans who supported armies, revolutions, and even farmers.
Lohar - derived from the sanskrit word for iron - Loha. Is a caste located mainly in Punjab, but also found in other areas of the Indian Subcontinent. Known for their metal work, they are the blacksmiths of society, and carry a legacy as heavy as the iron they shape.
From forging armour for empires to crafting the essential agricultural tools for every farmer, the Lohar craftsmanship sustained Punjab’s economy and military strength for centuries, until it was pushed into the shadows.
Origins and Historical Background
Lohar have existed in Punjab for centuries, working with metals to create weapons, tools, and everyday household items. During the Mughal and Sikh periods, Lohar were highly valued artisans. Historical texts mention their expertise in crafting swords, spears, and shields which were essential for armies, warriors, and the many revolutions the Punjab region has seen. The Sikh Gurus also recognised their importance, as they forged iron bangles and swords that hold spiritual significance in Sikhism.
Lohars and Warfare: The Makers of Punjab’s Weapons
Punjab’s history is full of battles, and behind every warrior was a skilled blacksmith. Lohar played a crucial role in equipping Mughal and Sikh forces.
The Mughal era: Lohar supplied swords, armour, and cannons for Mughal armies. Their expertise made them vital for successful warfare.
The Sikh Empire: Ranjit Singh’s kingdom relied on skilled artisans, including Lohar, to maintain its military strength. Some of the best weapons of the era, including intricately designed swords and matchlock guns, were crafted by the Punjabi Lohar.
The Ramgarhia Misl: Lohars Turned Leaders
One of the most significant examples of Lohar rising beyond their traditional roles is the story of Jassa Singh Ramgarhia - leader of the Ramgarhia Misl. Born into a Lohar family, Jassa Singh became one of the most powerful Sikh military leaders. His skills in engineering, fortifications, and artillery were key to the Sikh Confederacy's success. The Ramgarhia Misl stood out because of their superior metalwork. Lohar within the misl crafted their own weapons and even supplied arms to other Sikh forces. They were also known for building nearly impenetrable forts and developing mobile artillery, which played a crucial role in the success of Punjabi military campaigns.
Note: Jassa Singh’s leadership of the Ramgarhia Misl challenged the status quo, as the Lohar caste was traditionally considered lower in the caste hierarchy. People from the Lohar caste were seldom given leadership positions due to the deeply ingrained caste system in Punjabi culture, even though both Islam and Sikhism rejected such distinctions.
Sikhism, which promotes equality and rejects caste distinctions, played a crucial role in challenging the rigid caste system in Punjab. While Islam also emphasised equality, it did so within a broader South Asian context.
A depiction of Jassa Singh Ramgarhia standing in front of the Ramgarhia Misl Army. This is also the opening photo of the Ramgarhia Misl blog post.
Lohars Beyond the Mughal Army: Resistance and Independence
Muslim Lohar initially worked for the Mughal military, crafting weapons for the Mughal Empire. However, after Banda Singh Bahadur’s revolution and continued Mughal oppression of Punjab, many Lohar began to work for Punjabi/ Sikh forces which supported an independent Punjab. Lohar provided weapons, fortifications, and tactical engineering support to Punjabi resistance fighters and the growing Punjabi Confederacy. Some operated in covert workshops, as openly supplying arms to anti-Mughal forces risked severe punishment.
What If There Were Fewer Lohars in Punjab?
Had Lohar been fewer in number or absent from Punjab, the region’s history would have been greatly different to that which we look back on today.
Weaker Military Strength: the Sikh Confederacy and later the Sikh Empire would have lacked the advanced weaponry and fortifications needed to withstand external invasions.
Slower Fortification Development: fortresses - like Qila Ramgarh, which was crucial to the Ramgarhia Misl’s defence, may not have been as effective.
Dependence on External Blacksmiths: Punjab would have likely relied more on imported weapons, limiting self-sufficiency and increasing vulnerability to trade, or more powerful leaders.
Jassa Singh Ramgarhia: without the expertise of a Lohar background, the rise of the Ramgarhia Misl may have been hindered, altering the power balance among the Sikh misls.
Delayed Industrialisation: the advancements in cannon-making and artillery that aided Ranjit Singh’s empire may have taken longer to develop, affecting Punjab’s military capabilities, and the resistance/ rise of power in Punjab.
Agriculture and Daily Life: The Backbone of Punjab’s Economy
Beyond warfare, Lohar were the silent force behind Punjab’s agriculture-driven economy. Their work was essential for farming communities, who depended on tools such as:
Ploughs - hal: Essential for tilling Punjab’s fertile fields.
Sickles - darati: Used to harvest wheat and other crops.
Spades and axes: Necessary for construction and daily life.
Traditional Lohars passed their skills down generations, ensuring that villages remained self-sufficient. However, the rise of factory-made tools, has shown their craft a sharp decline.
Decline and Modern Challenges
The industrial revolution changed everything. Machine-made tools replaced handmade ones, and Lohars struggled to compete. The demand for their work declined, and many were forced to abandon their craft. In the modern day:
Traditional blacksmithing is a dying art in Punjab.
Many Lohars have shifted to other professions, such as welding or metal repair.
Some artisans still work in small towns and villages, but their numbers are few and dwindling.
Conclusion
The Lohars of Punjab may no longer hold the status they once did, but their legacy remains. They forged the tools that built Punjab, the weapons that defended it, and the traditions that continue today. As industrialisation erases traditional crafts, recognising and preserving their history is more important than ever. Whether through historical documentation, cultural revival, or artisan support, Punjab’s forgotten blacksmiths deserve their place in history.
A depiction of an elderly lohar - blacksmith in his workshop.
To the Lohar who shaped both iron and the destiny of Punjab, may your legacy echo with the strength of every strike. With lasting respect - TrishSaab.