Lohar is a social group in India, Nepal and Pakistan. They are associated with iron smelting work. They form part of a loose grouping of traditionally artisanal castes known as Panchals. Lohars worship Lord Vishwakarma and other Hindu gods and claim to be Vishwakarma's descendants. Lohar caste is included in OBC in different parts of India. Regional synonyms include Vishwakarma and Saifi/Tarkhan (for Muslims).