Shimpi is an umbrella term for the community involved traditionally in the eponymous business of clothing, tailoring and designing. Saint Namdev of the Bhakti movement is revered as the patron of the community.They are present all over India and known by different names like Khatri in North India, Meru/Chippolu in South India, Bhavsar in Gujarat, Shimpi in Maharashtra and Chhipa in Rajasthan.
History
The origins of the community, according to the sources, can be traced to the Saurashtra region of the Gujarat. As per the legend, Parshuram, who was said to be an avatar of Vishnu, had vowed vengeance against the Kshatriyas and had wiped most of the kshatriyas off the earth. This scenario had worried two young princes Bhavsingh and Sarsingh from Saurashtra who had foreseen their dynasty meeting its end. The princes had been directed to appeal to the Hindu Goddess Hinglaj at the holy shrine situated on the banks of the Hingol River in semi-desert coastal strip of Makran, Baluchistan in present-day Pakistan, where the Hindu goddess assured protection of their dynasty by compelling Parshuram to leave them alone. Therefore, it is believed that historically they have been of Kshatriya status. Over a period of time, they took up stitching and dyeing clothes which enabled them to develop their skills as professional artisans. This ensued travelling to different parts of the country where they eventually settled down. Hence, they can be found all over India.
Tradition
The community has adopted different traditions like Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Sikhism. But most of them adhere to the noble Varkari sect.
Because they settled in different parts of the country, they adopted to the cultures of the areas. Bhavsars in Gujarat have retained the original name whereas others refer themselves as Shimpi in their respective languages. Most notable offshoot is the Namdev Shimpi sect of Maharashtra which follows the teaching of Bhakti Movement saint Namdev. Some other divisions include: Maheshwari Shimpi, Maratha Shimpi, Telugu Shimpi, Saitwal Shimpi, Rangari Shimpi, Meru Kshatriya Shimpi, Kshatriya Aahir Shimpi, Vaishnav Shimpi, Lingayat Shiv Shimpi
Notable
Namdev - 14th century revered saint of the Bhakti movement and Varkari sect.
