Shimpi is an umbrella term for the Indian caste traditionally involved in the business of clothing and tailoring. Namdev of the Bhakti movement is revered as the patron of the community.
Occupation
The traditional occupation of the community is tailoring or cloth printing. They are referred to as "
Shimpi" in Marathi or "
Chimpi" in
Hindi.
Government classification
The Shimpi are included in the central list of Other Backward Classes (OBC) by the government of
Maharashtra.
Varna
Shimpis are classified as being of
shudra varna in the Hindu caste system.
Notables
