Nanbai

Nanbai

Total population
70,000[1]
Regions with significant populations
•  Pakistan •  India
Languages
• Urdu • Hindi • Awadhi
Religion
• Islam 100% •
Related ethnic groups
• Bhatiara • Muslim Halwai • Shaikh

The Nanbai are a Muslim community found in the state of Uttar Pradesh in India.^[2] Many members of Nanbai community have migrated to Pakistan after independence and have settled in Karachi, Sindh.

History and origin

They specialize in baking fermented loaves, and are known to be experts in preparing tandoori breads, known as naans. This special type of baked bread is referred to as a Nan. The word Nanbai is from Persian نانوا Nānvā, meaning baker. The community is said to have evolved from the families of the cooks at the courts of the various Muslim rulers of North India.^[3]

Present circumstances

The Nanbai specialize in cooking and baking. Many are also involved in the running of tea stalls, while some have taken to rickshaw pulling, an activity in which a good number of Muslim artisan communities are now involved in.^[4]

The Nanbai are an endogamous community, but have no system of gotras. They perceive themselves to be forming part of the Shaikh community. The Nanbai are Muslims of the Sunni sect. They are found mainly in the districts of Lukhnow, Faizabad, Barabanki, Kanpur, Aligarh and Moradabad, mainly found in urban areas. They speak Urdu and Hindi.

See also

• Hajjam
• Manihar
• Saifi
• Muslim Halwai
• Muslim Raibhat

References

1. ^ http://www.joshuaproject.net/peoples.php?peo3=17759
2. ^ People of India Uttar Pradesh Volume XLII edited by A Hasan & J C Das pages 1076 to 1079
3. ^ People of India Uttar Pradesh Volume XLII edited by A Hasan & J C Das pages 1076
4. ^ People of India Uttar Pradesh Volume XLII edited by A Hasan & J C Das pages 1078