Maimal

The Maimal are a Muslim community found in the state of Assam in India. They are a community of inland fishermen found in lower Assam. A few are also found in the Sylhet District of Bangladesh.^[1]

Origin

According to the traditions of the community, the word Maimal is a corruption of the Persian word mahi, which means a fisherman. The Maimal are said to have converted to Islam at the hands of the famous Sufi saint of lower Assam, Hazrat Shah Jalal. They are found along the banks of the Sonai and Barak rivers. The community are found mainly in the districts of Cachar, Karimganj and Hailakandi, and speak the Sylhet dialect of Bengali.^[2]

Present circumstances

The Maimal were a community of inland fishermen, but most are now settled agriculturists. They are mainly marginal farmers, growing paddy and vegetables. A small number of Maimal have taken petty trade. The Maimal live in multi-caste villages, occupying their own quarters, referred to as paras. They are strictly endogamous, and marry close kin. Historically, the community practiced village exogamy, but this is no longer the case.

The Maimal have set up a state wide caste association, the Maimal Federation, which deals with issues of community welfare. They are Sunni Muslims, and have customs similar to other Assam Muslims.

See also

• Assamese Muslims

References

1. ^ Marginal Muslim Communities in India edited by M.K.A Siddiqui pages 223-234
2. ^ Marginal Muslim Communities in India edited by M.K.A Siddiqui pages 223-234