The Lonaria (or Lonari, Lonmali, Lonkar) are an Indian caste historically associated with saltmaking, as well as production of lime, charcoal, and cement. [1]
They are slightly lower than the Mahar caste in Indian society, being described as a "Lower Caste" along with the Garshi (drummers) and Kumhar (potters). [2]
In Belgaum ( Karnataka), the caste has two subsets named for their professional product: Mith (salt) and Chune (lime). [3]