Chhimba

Not to be confused with the Chhimba Darzi a Muslim community.

The Chhimba Punjabi: ਛੀਂਬਾ are an ancient group of the Kshatriyas caste. They are the Mair Rajputs/Tank Kshatriyas.^[1] community in India .^[2]

Notable members

• Sant Namdev, whose gurbani is included in the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of the Sikhs, was a chhippa by profession from Maharashtra. He spent the last part of his life at Ghuman in District Gurdaspur, Punjab.

• Bhai Nanu, resident of Delhi, a Sikh contemporary of Guru Teg Bahadur and Guru Gobind Singh, who reclaimed the severed head of Guru Teg Bahadur from Chandni Chowk, the site of Guru's execution in November 1675, and, accompanied by Bhai Jaita, also of Delhi, carried it to Anandpur. Bhai Nanu became Nanu Singh after taking the rites of the Khalsa. He laid down his life in the battle of Chamkaur on December 7, 1705. His two sons also laid down their lives at Anandpur.

• One of the Panj Pyaras ("Five Chosen Ones"), Bhai Mohkam Singh of Burya village near Ambala was a calico printer/tailor.

• Mahan Kavi Bhai Santokh Singh, the writer of Gur Partap Suraj Parkaash was from this community.

Chhimbas, who are Kashatryas by caste, are also known as Tonk Kashatryas.

People from this profession/caste are found among Sikhs, Hindus and Muslims. Bhagat Namdev Gurudwaras all over India and abroad are run by this community of Kashatryas.

REFERENCES: 1. Adi Sri Guru Granth Sahib pages 733, 1375. 2. Mahan Kosh, Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha, page 492. 3. Sri Guru Granth Sahib Kosh, Bhai Vir Singh page 262.