Molesalam Rajputs
| Total population |
|---|
| 87,000 |
| Regions with significant populations |
| India |
| Languages |
| Religion |
|
• Islam 100% • |
| Related ethnic groups |
|
• Rajputs of Gujarat • Muslim Rajput• Malik • Miyana • Nayak |
The Molesalam are a Muslim Rajput community found in the state of Gujarat in India. They also refer to themselves as Molesalam Thakur and sometimes Molesalam Girasia.[1]
History and origin [edit]
The word Molesalam comes from the word Mohrae Islam, which in Arabic means a Seal of Islam. They are descended from Rajputs who were converted to Islam during the rule of Mahmud Begada. The Molesalam were rulers of nineteen states, mainly in Kathiawar, during the British rule. They have a number of clans, the main ones being the Rathod, Rana, Mahida, Vaghela, Sindhia, Rawal, Bhalavat, Solanki, Parmar, Chauhan and Chavda. Mainly Molesalam Garasiyas are found in Napad and Napa villages in Anand District with the surname the "Rathod". [2]
Present circumstances [edit]
The Molesalam are found throughout Gujarat, by have concentrations in the following talukas, Savli and Bardoda in Vadodara District, Amod and Vaghva talukas of Bharuch and Kheda District. They are essentially a community of small landowners and cultivators. The community have their own caste association, the Molesalam Garasiya Pragati Mandal. Like other Muslim Rajput groups, they maintain the custom of gotra exogamy. There customs are similar to other converted Rajput groups of Gujarat, such as the Malik, Miyana, and Nayak.[3]
References [edit]
- ^ People of India Gujarat Volume XXI Part Two edited by R.B Lal, P.B.S.V Padmanabham, G Krishnan & M Azeez Mohideen pages 958-964
- ^ People of India Gujarat Volume XXI Part Two edited by R.B Lal, P.B.S.V Padmanabham, G Krishnan & M Azeez Mohideen pages 958-964
- ^ People of India Gujarat Volume XXI Part Two edited by R.B Lal, P.B.S.V Padmanabham, G Krishnan & M Azeez Mohideen pages 958-964
