Twashta Kasar


Twashta Kasar is a Hindu artisan caste of coppersmiths, predominantly residing in the Indian state of Maharashtra. In Goa, they call themselves Twashta Kasar Brahmin. According to Herbert Hope Risley, they are a branch of the Suvarna Banik, who became degraded because they took to working in metal.
They are included in the Other Backward Class category by the Government of Maharashtra.

Etymology

The word Tambat comes from "tamba" in Marathi or copper in English. The community claims descent from Twashta, third son of Vishwakarma, divine architect of universe.

Traditions

To make water pots of copper and brass is the hereditary business of this community. Over time the artisans refocused their business on making fancy designer showpieces of copper and brass.
The primary religion of Twashta Kasar is Hindu. The community worships Kalika as a guardian deity. They have established "Twashta Kasar Samaj Samstha Kalika Mandir" in every city wherever they have a sizable population. The Samaj Samstha is a community center where they organize events. In Pune, the community has been celebrating Ganeshotsav since 1893.
Twashta Kasar follow the Brahmins rituals, they have a custom of Upanayana, a threading ceremony as a Sanskar. They possess Brahminisitic gotras.
Although Kokani is their mother tongue, most of them converse in marathi. Traditionally, they are non-vegetarian.