Gaduliya Lohars : The nomadic Blacksmiths

The nomadic blacksmiths
The Gaduliya Lohars derive their name from their beautiful bullock carts or gadis that have taken them wandering from their original land Mewar (Udaipur), to different parts of India. Legend has it that they were committed to fight on behalf of Maharana Pratap of Chittaurgarh, who battled bravely against the Mogul emperor Akbar.

When Maharana Pratap was ousted from Chittaurgarh and he fought the historic battle of Haldi Ghati, the Gaduliya Lohars were a clan of warring Rajputs who swore to enter the Mewar stronghold of Chittaur only after the victory of their Maharana Pratap. As the guerilla warfare continued, Maharana died on the battlefield. This loyal clan was compelled to become nomad i.e. blacksmiths, travel and thus seek their living.

Despite the efforts of former Prime Minister Nehru to take a procession of Gaduliya Lohars back into Chittaur fort in an effort to settle them in their homeland, most of them preferred to keep their vow to their brave Maharana.

Bhils | Minas | Lohars | Garasias | Sahariyas