The Sikh Tarkhans refer to the class of craftsmen who, according to researchers, were descendents of the early Kushanas, Huns and most importantly the Sakas. The Manu Smriti has attributed the Sakas as being descendents of the Hindu Kshatriyas. The Sikh Tarkhans are commonly known as the "Ramgharias" after Jassa Singh Ramgharia (1723-1803), a renowned Tarkhan Sikh chieftain who belonged to the Ramgharia Misl. Jassa Singh Thoka assumed the title Ramgharia after the seizure of the Fort of Ram Rauni in Amritsar in the latter half of the 18th century. The term Thoka meant carpenter and it refers to a member of the Tarkhan clan. Some other sources opine that "Tarkhan" referred to individuals who practiced woodwork. According to evidences, the Sikh Tarkhans were proficient in martial arts, agriculture, science though their traditional occupation was carpentry.

In the 18th century, India was seething in discontentment under the domination of the British colonisers. Various revolutionary groups were taking shape in the different sections of its territory. In Punjab, the Sikhs were united under warrior groups called "Misls". These Misls were headed by the "Misldar" or Baron who had supreme authority. Jassa Singh Ramgharia was the Baron of the Ramgharia Misl from which the Sikh Tarkhans have derived name "Ramgharia Sikhs". Various references to Sikh Tarkhans have also been found in the accounts of the "Janam-sakhis". A prominent example is the mention of a Tarkhan Sikh carpenter Bhai Lalo in one of the anecdotes concerning Guru Nanak. According to certain legends, in Rajasthan, the Sikh Tarkhans assumed the title "Ramgharia" from their leader, Guru Ram Singh. Ram Singh was a carpenter of the Tarkhan Sikh clan who came to be known as Ram Singh upon embracing Sikhism. These Ramgharia Sikhs have been subdivided into two main groups: the "Khiti" and the "Thawan" which in their turn are composed of various clans, namely, Kalsi, Birdi, Kher, Tanjor, etc.

The Sikh Tarkhans have consolidated their position as artisans and their proficiency and excellent enterprise in agriculture and small-scale industries have contributed greatly to the economic prosperity of the Tarkhan Sikh community. The artistic excellence of the Tarkhan Sikhs can be observed predominantly in the paintings and artistry that adorn the Golden Temple in Amritsar. Similar to the Hindu Tarkhans, a section of the Sikh Tarkhans worship Lord Vishwakarma, the deity attributed to be the architect of the universe. This can be observed recurrently in the artistic creations of the Sikh Tarkhans which more often depict the images of this deity. The Sikh Tarkhans or Ramgharia Sikhs adhere to the traditional religious doctrine propagated by the illustrious lineage of the ten Sikh Gurus and uphold the values instilled in the "Guru Granth Sahib". They follow the traditional "panchayat" system and possess a council known as the "samaj" which is represented by a headman who governs Ramgharia Sikh society. Theirs is a patriarchal society and the position of women is more or less subdued and they are essentially concerned with domestic activities. Women have no right to inheritance. Upon the death of the head of the family, the eldest son is conferred the headgear of the father through the “pagdi rasam” or ceremony of succession. Child marriage is non-existent and widow-remarriage is common. Familial bonds are based on strong foundation and joint family systems are prevalent. Their food habits are mostly non-vegetarian with curd and milk being regular requisites. The Sikh Tarkhans celebrate Baisakhi, Holi and the traditional Sikh festivals. During the festive season, preparation of indigenous sweet dishes is extremely common. The birth of a child is celebrated with great aplomb and the ceremony of "amrit chakhana" or christening takes place after thirteen days of its birth. A significant feature of the Sikh Tarkhans is the practice of establishing "dharma bhais" which is signified by the swapping of their headdress or turbans. They have extensive associations with different Hindu communities as well as Sikh clans. The primary occupation is carpentry, though a section of their population is also devoted to agriculture.