What is soni caste?

Soni Caste, also known as Sunar or Swarnakar, is an Indian caste categorized as ‘Other Backward Classes’ (OBC) under the Indian government system. They are skilled goldsmiths and jewelry makers by profession and are recognized for their exceptional handiwork. The word “Soni” derives from the Sanskrit word “Suvarnakar,” which means “worker in gold.”

The Soni community members are found mainly in the northern and western regions of India, including Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh. The caste has an age-old history of specialized skills in gold and silver crafts, making it their primary profession. They also specialize in enamel artistry and precious stone setting.

Soni community members follow the Hindu religion and celebrate most Hindu festivals. They speak several languages, including Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, Punjabi, and Rajasthani.

Despite being recognized by the Indian government as OBC, the Soni caste still faces social and economic challenges, including lack of access to education, poor living conditions, and limited professional opportunities outside of traditional crafts. However, in recent years, efforts have been made to promote their traditional crafts and support their socio-economic advancement.