Muslim Dhagi

Dhagi

Total population
106,000[1]
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

• Dhagi
• Momin Ansari

References

1. ^ http://www.joshuaproject.net/peoples.php?peo3=16652
2. ^ People of India Uttar Pradesh Volume XLII Part Two edited by A Hasan & J C Das page 1025 to 1028 Manohar Publications
3. ^ People of India Uttar Pradesh Volume XLII Part Two edited by A Hasan & J C Das page 1025 to 1028 Manohar Publications
4. ^ People of India Uttar Pradesh Volume XLII Part Two edited by A Hasan & J C Das page 1025 to 1028 Manohar Publications