Mahar is an Indian caste found largely in the state of Maharashtra and neighboring areas. They are considered original inhabitants of Maharashtra and are also known as "Kathiwale" (Men with sticks), Bumiputera (Sons of the Soil), and Mirasi (Landlords) . Historically, Mahar were landlords and were part of the armies of the Maratha king Shivaji in the 17th century. They were also employed as village watchmen, messengers, wall menders, adjudicators of boundary disputes, street sweepers, and removers of carcasses. In the mid-20th century, the Mahar began to migrate in large numbers to urban centers where they were employed as masons, industrial laborers, railway workers, mechanics, and bus and truck drivers. Most of the Mahar community followed B. R. Ambedkar in converting to Buddhism in the middle of the 20th century. As of 2017, the Mahar caste was designated as a Scheduled Caste in 16 Indian states.

It is important to note that "Maher" is also a term used in Islamic law to refer to a contractual dowry to be paid by the husband to his wife in the event of divorce or death. However, this is not related to the Mahar caste in India.