The Sadh, also referred to as Satnami, are a Hindu community, found mainly in North India, traditionally associated with textile dyeing and calico printing. They are found mainly in Uttar Pradesh, concenterated in Farrukhabad District, with small numbers also found in Saharanpur, Mirzapur. Meerut and Bareilly districts.[1]
The term Sadh is derived from sadhu, which means a mediator. There are two sub-divisions in the community, the Shamme, and Vidhi.[1] The Shamme are those who strictly follow their religion, while members of the Vidhi division do not adhere religious sanction.[1] The sect is said to have been founded by Birbhan Sadhji in Bijesar, a village near Narnaul, Haryana in the year 1543 CE. They use the name Satnami to call upon the God. Hence, they call themselves as Satnamis.[2] According to M. A. Sherring, he may have been influenced by the teachings of Ravidas.[3] This sect is thought to be an offshoot of Ravidasi sect and composed of lower strata of the Hindu society, particularly farmers, carpenters, goldsmiths, etc.[3]
The Sadh specializes in printing on colour and silk cloth. The community is now involved in the retail side of this industry.[4]
The Sadh have traditional caste councils, and these councils resolve any disputes within the community. They are an endogamous community, and follow the principle of gotra exogamy, a practice common among all North Indian Hindu communities.
The Sadh are Hindu, and followers of the Satnami sect. They are a vegetarian community.[1]