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The Mal Muslims are a [[Muslim]] community found in north east [[India]] and [[Bangladesh]]. They are a [[Muslim]] converts from the [[Hindu]] [[Mal (caste)|Mal]] caste. The community is also known as Besati Mal or Churiwala. | {{Short description|Muslim group of India and Bangladesh}} | ||
Mal Muslim are listed as [[Other Backward Classes]] by the Government of India and Government of West Bengal. | The '''Mal Muslims''' are a [[Muslim]] community found in north east [[India]] and [[Bangladesh]]. They are a [[Muslim]] converts from the [[Hindu]] [[Mal (caste)|Mal]] caste. The community is also known as Besati Mal or Churiwala.<ref>Marginal Muslim Communities in India edited by M.K.A Siddiqui pages 357-370</ref> | ||
Mal Muslim are listed as [[Other Backward Classes]] by the Government of India and Government of West Bengal.<ref>{{cite web|title=Other Backward Classes State |url=http://www.anagrasarkalyan.gov.in/htm/obc_list.html|website = anagrasarkalyan.gov.in}}</ref> | |||
==Origin== | ==Origin== | ||
The community is traditionally associated with selling bangles and other traditionally jewellery. Little is known about the circumstances of their conversion to [[Islam]], although according to traditions took place some nine centuries ago. There relation to the [[Bisati]] community of [[North India]] is also unclear, although both groups are traditionally involved in peddling and hawking. The community is found mainly in the districts of [[Malda District|Malda]], [[Murshidabad District|Murshidabad]], [[24 Parganas]], [[Midnapore District|Midnapore]], [[Birbhum District|Birbhum]] and [[Howrah District|Howrah]]. They speak [[Bengali language|Bengali]] and belong to the [[Sunni]] sect. The Mal are also found in western [[Bangladesh]]. | The community is traditionally associated with selling bangles and other traditionally jewellery. Little is known about the circumstances of their conversion to [[Islam]], although according to traditions took place some nine centuries ago. There relation to the [[Bisati]] community of [[North India]] is also unclear, although both groups are traditionally involved in peddling and hawking. The community is found mainly in the districts of [[Malda District|Malda]], [[Murshidabad District|Murshidabad]], [[24 Parganas]], [[Midnapore District|Midnapore]], [[Birbhum District|Birbhum]] and [[Howrah District|Howrah]]. They speak [[Bengali language|Bengali]] and belong to the [[Sunni]] sect of Islam. The Mal are also found in western [[Bangladesh]].<ref>Marginal Muslim Communities in India edited by M.K.A Siddiqui pages 331-344</ref> | ||
==Present circumstances== | ==Present circumstances== | ||
The Besati Mal are a landless community, involved mainly in hawking. Smaller groups have taken to agriculture. The community buys its wares from [[Kolkata]], and then sells in the local markets. The Mal Besati live in multi-caste villages, although they occupy their own quarters known as paras. They are strictly endogamous, but have so system of clans. Each settlement includes a [[panchayat]] or [[caste]] council, that deals with community issues. | The Besati Mal are a landless community, involved mainly in hawking. Smaller groups have taken to agriculture. The community buys its wares from [[Kolkata]], and then sells in the local markets. The Mal Besati live in multi-caste villages, although they occupy their own quarters known as paras. They are strictly endogamous, but have so system of clans. Each settlement includes a [[Panchayati raj|panchayat]] or [[caste]] council, that deals with community issues.<ref>Marginal Muslim Communities in India edited by M.K.A Siddiqui pages 331-344</ref> | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
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[[Category:Muslim communities of India]] | [[Category:Muslim communities of India]] | ||
[[Category:Ethnic groups in Bangladesh]] | [[Category:Ethnic groups in Bangladesh]] | ||
[[Category:Bengali Muslims]] | [[Category:Bengali Muslims]] | ||
[[Category:Social groups of Bangladesh]] | |||
[[Category:Indian castes]] | |||
[[Category:Other Backward Classes of West Bengal]] | |||
Revision as of 15:15, 28 November 2025
The Mal Muslims are a Muslim community found in north east India and Bangladesh. They are a Muslim converts from the Hindu Mal caste. The community is also known as Besati Mal or Churiwala.<ref>Marginal Muslim Communities in India edited by M.K.A Siddiqui pages 357-370</ref>
Mal Muslim are listed as Other Backward Classes by the Government of India and Government of West Bengal.<ref>"Other Backward Classes State". anagrasarkalyan.gov.in.</ref>
Origin
The community is traditionally associated with selling bangles and other traditionally jewellery. Little is known about the circumstances of their conversion to Islam, although according to traditions took place some nine centuries ago. There relation to the Bisati community of North India is also unclear, although both groups are traditionally involved in peddling and hawking. The community is found mainly in the districts of Malda, Murshidabad, 24 Parganas, Midnapore, Birbhum and Howrah. They speak Bengali and belong to the Sunni sect of Islam. The Mal are also found in western Bangladesh.<ref>Marginal Muslim Communities in India edited by M.K.A Siddiqui pages 331-344</ref>
Present circumstances
The Besati Mal are a landless community, involved mainly in hawking. Smaller groups have taken to agriculture. The community buys its wares from Kolkata, and then sells in the local markets. The Mal Besati live in multi-caste villages, although they occupy their own quarters known as paras. They are strictly endogamous, but have so system of clans. Each settlement includes a panchayat or caste council, that deals with community issues.<ref>Marginal Muslim Communities in India edited by M.K.A Siddiqui pages 331-344</ref>