Muslim Dhagi
| Regions with significant populations | |
|---|---|
•  India | |
| Languages | |
| • Urdu • Khari Boli • Hindi | |
| Religion | |
| •Islam 100% • | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| • Dhagi • Momin Ansari • Sadh • Kori |
The Muslim Dhagi are a Muslim community found in the state of Uttar Pradesh in India. They were also known as the Julahas.[2]
Origin
The Muslim Dhagi are converts from the Hindu Dhagi caste. They get their name from the Hindi term dhaga, which means a thread. The Dhagi were traditionally involved in the manufacture of thread. Their area of traditional habitation is the north-western part of the Indo-Gangetic plain. They are an Urdu speaking community, but are also conversant in Hindi. The Dhagi are entirely Sunni Muslim, and perceive themselves of Shaikh status.[3]
Present circumstances
The community consist of two sub-groups, the Ansari and Bhauhanan. Each of these two sub-divisions are endogamous. They marry close kin, and practice both cross-cousin and parallel cousin marriages.[4]
Their traditional occupation was, and to some extent still is weaving. But like other Muslim artisan communities, they have seen a severe decline in their traditional occupation, as a result of mechanism. Some Dhagi also work as masons and others bring wood from the forest and sell it. A small number have also become petty businessmen. Like other artisan groups, they have a traditional caste council, which acts as an instrument of social control. The caste council deal with issues of intra-community disputes such as elopement and divorces.
See also
References
- ^ http://www.joshuaproject.net/peoples.php?peo3=16652
- ^ People of India Uttar Pradesh Volume XLII Part Two edited by A Hasan & J C Das page 1025 to 1028 Manohar Publications
- ^ People of India Uttar Pradesh Volume XLII Part Two edited by A Hasan & J C Das page 1025 to 1028 Manohar Publications
- ^ People of India Uttar Pradesh Volume XLII Part Two edited by A Hasan & J C Das page 1025 to 1028 Manohar Publications