A potter, someone who makes pottery.

Origin: The word 'कुम्हार' (kumhār) originates from the Sanskrit word 'कुम्भकार' (kumbhakāra), which is a compound of 'कुम्भ' (kumbha) meaning 'pot' and 'कार' (kāra) meaning 'maker'. The phonetic shift from 'कुम्भकार' to 'कुम्हार' involves simplification and contraction typical in the evolution of Sanskrit to Hindi.
Historical and Cultural Context: The term 'कुम्हार' has been historically significant in India as pottery is one of the oldest human crafts, dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization. Pottery was not only a craft but also a crucial part of daily life, used for storage, cooking, and rituals.
Evolution: As the Hindi language evolved from Sanskrit through Prakrit and Apabhramsha, many Sanskrit compound words were simplified. 'कुम्भकार' became 'कुम्हार' in Hindi. Similar terms exist in other Indo-Aryan languages, such as 'কুমোর' (kumor) in Bengali and 'کمہار' (kumhār) in Urdu.
Modern Relevance: Today, 'कुम्हार' not only refers to traditional potters but also symbolizes the cultural heritage and artisanal skills in India. The word is often used in discussions about rural economy and sustainable crafts.

In traditional Indian society, the kumhār caste is known as one of the Panchal castes, which are traditionally involved in crafts and trade.