Malik (Julaha)

For other uses, see Malik (disambiguation).

The Malik (Urdu: ملک) or Malik Julaha are ethnic community found in the Punjab province of Pakistan. They are one of many communities found in South Asia associated with weaving.^[1]

History and origin

The Malik were traditionally associated with weaving, and are a community of Muslim weaver found in the Punjab region. They were historically known as Julaha in East Punjab and Pawali in the western districts. The word is said to originate from the Persian word "jolah", which means a ball of thread. There are a number of different traditions as to the origin of this community. Early British scholars were of the opinion that they were of aboriginal extraction, probably descended from the earliest human settlers of North West India. They claim no connection with the Momin Ansari community found in North India, who are also associated with weaving. Approximately 92% of the Julaha had converted to Islam, while remaining 8% belong to the Ravidasi and Ramdasia communities.^[2]

The Malik Julaha tended to be concentrated in districts that now form part of East Punjab, and had to emigrate from their traditional areas to Pakistan, as a result of the partition of India..

Sub-divisions

The community has numerous sub-divisions, and generally came from the poorer ajlaf sections of Muslim society. They have two large territorial groupings, the Deswale who originate in what is East Punjab and the Multani, who are said to originate in from the city of Multan. Some places in India, Hindu community is called julaha, Tanti, Tantwa. Their traditional occupation is weaving. They are very poor because their traditional occupation is occupied by large companies. They do not have agricultural lands.

Present circumstances

The Malik Julaha have benefited from the growth of the textile industry in central Punjab. They were traditionally connected with the manufacture of course country cloth. Many have now bought power looms, and play an active role in the textile industry in the city of Faisalabad. The community, especially those of Faisalabad now form a prosperous community of small and medium sized businessmen.^[3]

See also

• Malik (disambiguation)
• Malik
• Malik (tribe), a social group found in the state of Bihar, India and Pakistan.
• Malik (Jat), a Jat clan found in the state of Haryana, India.
• Malik (clan), a Gujarati Muslim community.
• Malik (Clan), a Kashmiri kram or tribe.
• Ravidasi
• Ramdasia
• Momin Ansari

References

1. ^ A Glossary of the Tribes & Castes of Punjab edited by H. A Rose pages 413 to 416 Low Price Publications
2. ^ A Glossary of the Tribes & Castes of Punjab edited by H. A Rose page 413 to 416 Low Price Publications
3. ^ Justice in Practice: Legal Ethnography of a Pakistani Punjabi Village by Muhammad Azam Chaudhary pages 8 to 10 Oxford University Publications