->ProcrastinatingReader: Reverted edits by Eavesbrook (talk): original research (HG) (3.4.10)

2020-06-11T15:41:55Z

Reverted edits by Eavesbrook (talk): original research (HG) (3.4.10)

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The Kahar are a [[Muslim]] community found in north east [[India]] and [[Bangladesh]]. They are a community of palanquin bearers and agriculturists, and are [[Muslim]] converts from the [[Hindu]] [[Kahar]] [[caste]]. The Kahar are also known as Sardars, especially in [[Murshidabad District]].<ref>Marginal Muslim Communities in India edited by M.K.A Siddiqui pages 331-344</ref>

==Origin==

The Muslim Kahar claim to be descended from [[Pashtun people|Pashtun]] settlers, who came to [[Bengal]] in the early [[middle ages]]. They were traditionally a community of palanquin bearers, an occupation no longer practiced by the community. The word Kahar is said to be derived from the [[Sanskrit]] word shandha kara, meaning those who carry things on their shoulders. They are fairly widely distributed in [[West Bengal]] and [[Bangladesh]], in particular in the districts of [[Murshidabad District|Murshidabad]], [[24 Parganas]] and [[Nadia District|Nadia]]. The community speak [[Bengali language|Bengali]] and are [[Sunni]] [[Muslim]]s.<ref>Marginal Muslim Communities in India edited by M.K.A Siddiqui pages 331-344</ref>

==Present circumstances==

The Kahar have now abandoned their traditional occupation of palanquin bearing, and are now mainly a community of agriculturists. They now cultivate paddy, wheat, jute and vegetables.

A significant numbers are also employed as daily wage labourers.<ref>Marginal Muslim Communities in India edited by M.K.A Siddiqui pages 331-344</ref>

The Kahar live in multi-caste villages, occupying their own quarters, known as sardar paras. They are strictly endogamous, and marry within the community. Each Kahar settlement has an informal caste council, known as a [[panchayat]], which acts as an instrument.

==References==

{{reflist}}
{{Indian Muslim}}

[[Category:Social groups of West Bengal]]
[[Category:Muslim communities of India]]
[[Category:Social groups of Bangladesh]]

Muslim Kahar - Revision history

->ProcrastinatingReader: Reverted edits by Eavesbrook (talk): original research (HG) (3.4.10)