The Meghwal (also known as Megh and Meghraj) people live primarily in northwest India, with a small population in Pakistan. Their traditional occupation was agricultural farming, cattle-herding and weaving. Meghwals are known for their contribution to embroidery and the textile industry. Most are Hindu by religion, with Rishi Megh, Kabir, and Ram Devji, and Bankar Mataji their chief gods. Synonyms The Meghwal community is known by various names, depending on location. Examples include Balai, Menghwar, Bhambhi ,meghwar, meghwanshi, Kamad, Rikhia. Origins They claim to have descended from Rishi Megh, a saint who had the power to bring rain from the clouds through his prayer. The word Meghwar is derived from the Sanskrit words megh, meaning clouds and rain, and war (Hindi: वार), meaning a group, son and child. (Sanskrit: वार:) Literally, then, the words Meghwal and Meghwar connote a people who belong to Megh lineage. However, it is theorized that at the time of Muslim invasion of India, many people of high castes including Rajputs, Charans, Brahmins, and Jats joined or were recruited in the Bhambhi caste. Due to this, there came 5 main divisions in the community: Adu or unmixed Bhambis, Maru Bhambis comprising Rajputs, Charaniya Bhambis including Charans, Bamnia Bhambis comprising Paliwal Brahmins Jata Bhambis including Jats Some Meghwals are associated with other social groups. Shyam Lal Rawat refers to the Meghwals of Rajasthan as "one of the dominating backward castes ...", a connection also made by Debashis Debnath. The Balali and Bunkar communities have also begun using the Meghwal name. A mathematician and social worker Sahiram G. Inkhiya refer that some people who use Chamar surname for a long time but now they want to adopt Meghwal surname for dignified lifestyle. Culture There exists cultural differences among these sub-caste groups of Meghwal. For example: the Meghwal like Jata Bhambis, Bamnia Bhambis and Charania Bhambis in Rajasthan do not inter marry within other sub-castes. These sub-groups being more conscious about their previous identities maintain their old customs and traditions. Furthermore, there were also considerable diversity in dressing habits between different sub-groups. In 1891, when Hardyal Singh wrote about the Bhambi, Meghwal caste of Marwar states, he observed:"The first two divisions (The Adu or unmixed Bhambis and the Maru Bhambis) are very closely connected and inter-marry, while the last two divisions only marry in their own communities respectively. The Bhambis are not allowed to wear gold and silver ornaments,