Faqir (caste)
Encyclopedia
The Faqir are a Muslim
ethnic group
found in India
. They are also known as Shah Alvi or Sain in North India
, which is now their preferred self-designation and in West Bengal
, they are known as Sahajia. A few are also found in the Terai
region of Nepal
.
or faqir ( (noun of faqr); fəˈkɪər) is derived from the word faqr is a Muslim
Sufi ascetic in Middle East
and South Asia
and the Faqirs were wandering Dervish
es teaching Islam
and living on alms
. In India
, they are a community of mendicant
s who belonged to a number of Sufi orders. Over time their descendents have formed a distinct endogamous
community. In Uttar Pradesh
, the Faqir have eight divisions, of which the Sain
and Jogi Faqir
now form distinct communities. The six remaining divisions are as follows; the Jalalia, Zinda Shahi, Chishti, Qalandari
, Pakhiya and Rifai. Among the Faqir of Uttar Pradesh
, there is an hierarchy of sorts, with the Jalali
claiming precedence, on account of the fact the order started in Iran
, and then arrived in India
. While the Zinda Shahi are followers of a Sufi known as Zinda Shah, who according to traditions would sleep for six months at a stretch. On a particular occasion, his followers buried him, as they mistook him for being dead. The word zinda in Urdu
means alive, on account of the Zinda Shahi belief that spiritual guide is still alive. Both the Jalali and Zinda Shahi are Shia, as distinct for the other four groupings who are Sunni.
The Chishti are well known Sufi order, the Chishti Faqirs outnumber the other three Sunni groupings, and are followers of the famous Sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti
. While the Qalandari are followers of Bu Ali Qalander, and the Pakhiya and Rifai are well known Sufi orders. In additions to these four groupings, the Sain
now form a distinct grouping, and are no longer considered as Faqirs, while the Jogi Faqir
, as a community of Muslim Rajputs also consider themselves distinct from the larger Faqir community.
The Faqirs of Gujarat consist of five divisions, the Junhasha, Madari, Rafai, Jalili and Sarbadi. They are distributed all over Gujarat, and many now live in settlements around tombs of famous Sufi saints. Some are employed as caretakers at the various shrines, while others are beggars. The Faqir speak Gujarati
, with many now understanding Urdu
.
In Maharashtra
, the word Faqir is a general term for a class of Muslim beggars. The Maharashtra
Faqirs claim descent from Abu Bakar, the first caliph
and Ali
the fourth caliph
of Islam
. They are further divided into two groupings, the Ba-shara, who follow the rules of Islam
, and Be-shara, who do not follow the shariat. Many of the Be-shara lead a nomadic existence.
, the bulk of the Faqir are landowners and cultivators, with poultery being an important secondary occupation. In Rohilkhand
, and in particular in Bareilly District
, the community were and are large zamindars. But there is a stigma of being Faqirs, and this has meant the community has suffered societal discrimination. Only a small number of Faqirs are still involved in their traditional occupation of begging at various Sufi shrines. They are found throughout Uttar Pradesh
, and speak Urdu
, as well as local dialects of Hindi
, such as Khari boli and Awadhi. Most Faqir live in multi-caste and multi-religious villages, although they occupy their own quarters. Each sub-division has its own caste council, which deals with and resolves any intra community problem.
Like other Uttar Pradesh Muslim
s, they are strictly endogamous. The two Shia groups, the Jalali and Zinda Shahi intermarry. While the Chishti intermarry with the Rifai and Pakhiya, but not with the Qalandari. Marriages tend take place within close kin, and they prefer parallel cousin marriages.
The Faqir are now leading demands for the inclusion of their community within the Scheduled Caste category. As part of their political mobalisation, the community now prefer the self-designation Shah Alvi. Like other Muslim occupational castes, they have now set up a state wide caste association, to act as a communal preasure group.
Their traditional occupation is begging, while others are employed at various Sufi shrines. A majority of the community are now employed as daily wage labourers. The Faqir are one of the most marganalized Muslim
community in Gujarat. They are Sunni Muslim
s, but incorporate many folk beliefs.
communities in Maharashtra
speak both Urdu
and Marathi
. They are distributed in the districts of Amravati
and Nagpur
. The community consist of five endogamous sections, the Banua, Madari, Jalal Shahi, Rafai, and Jalali. Marriages tend to be contracted with in these groupings, with the community practising both cross cousin and parallel cousin marriages.
The traditional occupation of the Faqir remains begging, although there is a gradual movement towards other occupations. Many are now involved in the selling of baskets, crockery and other crafts. A great majority are now wage labourers, especially those settled in Nagpur
city. The community has now been given Other Backward Classes status, which entitle them to qoutas in jobs and education. But they remain an extremely marginal Muslim community.
are also known as Sahajia, and were once a community of mendicants and beggar. They are said to have acquired the name Sahajia on account of the fact that they were followers of Sher Ali Sahaji, a well know Bengali
Sufi saint. Most Faqir consider the famous Sufi Abdul Qadir Jillani as their mentor, and most Faqir in Bengal
thus belong to the Qadriyah Sufi order. A smaller number belong to the Chishti, Madariya, Mojadidi, and Naqshbandia. orders Like in other parts of India
, the Faqir have evolved from what was originally a community of Sufi mendicants into an endogamous caste
grouping. They are found mainly in the districts of Nadia
, Howrah, Murshidabad
, Malda
, Bankura
, Birbhum
and Purulia
. The majority of the West Bengal
Faqir are now cultivators, living in multi-caste villages, in their own quarters known as Faqir paras. They cultivate paddy, jute, mustard and tilli seeds. A small number are also landless agricultural labourers. The Faqir speak Bengali
and follow the Sunni sect of Islam
. But they practice a number of folk beliefs, collectively referred to as faqirmat. This involves paying special reverence to a number of Sufi saints. A significant number of Faqir are also involved in the production of cooking oil, an activity traditionally associated with the Teli
caste
in other parts of India
.
Muslim
A Muslim, also spelled Moslem, is an adherent of Islam, a monotheistic, Abrahamic religion based on the Quran, which Muslims consider the verbatim word of God as revealed to prophet Muhammad. "Muslim" is the Arabic term for "submitter" .Muslims believe that God is one and incomparable...
ethnic group
Ethnic group
An ethnic group is a group of people whose members identify with each other, through a common heritage, often consisting of a common language, a common culture and/or an ideology that stresses common ancestry or endogamy...
found in India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
. They are also known as Shah Alvi or Sain in North India
North India
North India, known natively as Uttar Bhārat or Shumālī Hindustān , is a loosely defined region in the northern part of India. The exact meaning of the term varies by usage...
, which is now their preferred self-designation and in West Bengal
West Bengal
West Bengal is a state in the eastern region of India and is the nation's fourth-most populous. It is also the seventh-most populous sub-national entity in the world, with over 91 million inhabitants. A major agricultural producer, West Bengal is the sixth-largest contributor to India's GDP...
, they are known as Sahajia. A few are also found in the Terai
Terai
The Terai is a belt of marshy grasslands, savannas, and forests located south of the outer foothills of the Himalaya, the Siwalik Hills, and north of the Indo-Gangetic Plain of the Ganges, Brahmaputra and their tributaries. The Terai belongs to the Terai-Duar savanna and grasslands ecoregion...
region of Nepal
Nepal
Nepal , officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, is a landlocked sovereign state located in South Asia. It is located in the Himalayas and bordered to the north by the People's Republic of China, and to the south, east, and west by the Republic of India...
.
History and origin
The word fakirFakir
The fakir or faqir ; ) Derived from faqr is a Muslim Sufi ascetic in Middle East and South Asia. The Faqirs were wandering Dervishes teaching Islam and living on alms....
or faqir ( (noun of faqr); fəˈkɪər) is derived from the word faqr is a Muslim
Muslim
A Muslim, also spelled Moslem, is an adherent of Islam, a monotheistic, Abrahamic religion based on the Quran, which Muslims consider the verbatim word of God as revealed to prophet Muhammad. "Muslim" is the Arabic term for "submitter" .Muslims believe that God is one and incomparable...
Sufi ascetic in Middle East
Middle East
The Middle East is a region that encompasses Western Asia and Northern Africa. It is often used as a synonym for Near East, in opposition to Far East...
and South Asia
South Asia
South Asia, also known as Southern Asia, is the southern region of the Asian continent, which comprises the sub-Himalayan countries and, for some authorities , also includes the adjoining countries to the west and the east...
and the Faqirs were wandering Dervish
Dervish
A Dervish or Darvesh is someone treading a Sufi Muslim ascetic path or "Tariqah", known for their extreme poverty and austerity, similar to mendicant friars in Christianity or Hindu/Buddhist/Jain sadhus.-Etymology:The Persian word darvīsh is of ancient origin and descends from a Proto-Iranian...
es teaching Islam
Islam
Islam . The most common are and . : Arabic pronunciation varies regionally. The first vowel ranges from ~~. The second vowel ranges from ~~~...
and living on alms
Alms
Alms or almsgiving is a religious rite which, in general, involves giving materially to another as an act of religious virtue.It exists in a number of religions. In Philippine Regions, alms are given as charity to benefit the poor. In Buddhism, alms are given by lay people to monks and nuns to...
. In India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
, they are a community of mendicant
Mendicant
The term mendicant refers to begging or relying on charitable donations, and is most widely used for religious followers or ascetics who rely exclusively on charity to survive....
s who belonged to a number of Sufi orders. Over time their descendents have formed a distinct endogamous
Endogamy
Endogamy is the practice of marrying within a specific ethnic group, class, or social group, rejecting others on such basis as being unsuitable for marriage or other close personal relationships. A Greek Orthodox Christian endogamist, for example, would require that a marriage be only with another...
community. In Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh abbreviation U.P. , is a state located in the northern part of India. With a population of over 200 million people, it is India's most populous state, as well as the world's most populous sub-national entity...
, the Faqir have eight divisions, of which the Sain
Sai (caste)
The Sai or sometimes pronounced Sayee are a Muslim community found in the states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh in India. They are also known as the Sain.-Origin:...
and Jogi Faqir
Jogi Faqir
The Jogi Faqir or Faqir are a Muslim community, found in North India. They are also known as Madariya Faqir. The Jogi Faqir are Muslim converts from the Hindu Jogi caste, and are one of the two sub-divisions of the Faqir found in Uttar Pradesh....
now form distinct communities. The six remaining divisions are as follows; the Jalalia, Zinda Shahi, Chishti, Qalandari
Qalandar (caste)
The Qalandar are a Muslim community, found in North India . They are also known as Qalander Faqir. A few Qalandar are also found in the Terai region of Nepal.-History and origin:...
, Pakhiya and Rifai. Among the Faqir of Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh abbreviation U.P. , is a state located in the northern part of India. With a population of over 200 million people, it is India's most populous state, as well as the world's most populous sub-national entity...
, there is an hierarchy of sorts, with the Jalali
Jalali
Jalali is a town and a nagar panchayat in Aligarh district in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.-Geography:Jalali is located at . It has an average elevation of 178 metres .- History :...
claiming precedence, on account of the fact the order started in Iran
Iran
Iran , officially the Islamic Republic of Iran , is a country in Southern and Western Asia. The name "Iran" has been in use natively since the Sassanian era and came into use internationally in 1935, before which the country was known to the Western world as Persia...
, and then arrived in India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
. While the Zinda Shahi are followers of a Sufi known as Zinda Shah, who according to traditions would sleep for six months at a stretch. On a particular occasion, his followers buried him, as they mistook him for being dead. The word zinda in Urdu
Urdu
Urdu is a register of the Hindustani language that is identified with Muslims in South Asia. It belongs to the Indo-European family. Urdu is the national language and lingua franca of Pakistan. It is also widely spoken in some regions of India, where it is one of the 22 scheduled languages and an...
means alive, on account of the Zinda Shahi belief that spiritual guide is still alive. Both the Jalali and Zinda Shahi are Shia, as distinct for the other four groupings who are Sunni.
The Chishti are well known Sufi order, the Chishti Faqirs outnumber the other three Sunni groupings, and are followers of the famous Sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti
Moinuddin Chishti
Sultan-ul-Hind, Moinuddin Chishti was born in 1141 and died in 1230 CE. Also known as Gharīb Nawāz "Benefactor of the Poor" , he is the most famous Sufi saint of the Chishti Order of the Indian Subcontinent. He introduced and established the order in South Asia...
. While the Qalandari are followers of Bu Ali Qalander, and the Pakhiya and Rifai are well known Sufi orders. In additions to these four groupings, the Sain
Sai (caste)
The Sai or sometimes pronounced Sayee are a Muslim community found in the states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh in India. They are also known as the Sain.-Origin:...
now form a distinct grouping, and are no longer considered as Faqirs, while the Jogi Faqir
Jogi Faqir
The Jogi Faqir or Faqir are a Muslim community, found in North India. They are also known as Madariya Faqir. The Jogi Faqir are Muslim converts from the Hindu Jogi caste, and are one of the two sub-divisions of the Faqir found in Uttar Pradesh....
, as a community of Muslim Rajputs also consider themselves distinct from the larger Faqir community.
The Faqirs of Gujarat consist of five divisions, the Junhasha, Madari, Rafai, Jalili and Sarbadi. They are distributed all over Gujarat, and many now live in settlements around tombs of famous Sufi saints. Some are employed as caretakers at the various shrines, while others are beggars. The Faqir speak Gujarati
Gujarati language
Gujarati is an Indo-Aryan language, and part of the greater Indo-European language family. It is derived from a language called Old Gujarati which is the ancestor language of the modern Gujarati and Rajasthani languages...
, with many now understanding Urdu
Urdu
Urdu is a register of the Hindustani language that is identified with Muslims in South Asia. It belongs to the Indo-European family. Urdu is the national language and lingua franca of Pakistan. It is also widely spoken in some regions of India, where it is one of the 22 scheduled languages and an...
.
In Maharashtra
Maharashtra
Maharashtra is a state located in India. It is the second most populous after Uttar Pradesh and third largest state by area in India...
, the word Faqir is a general term for a class of Muslim beggars. The Maharashtra
Maharashtra
Maharashtra is a state located in India. It is the second most populous after Uttar Pradesh and third largest state by area in India...
Faqirs claim descent from Abu Bakar, the first caliph
Caliph
The Caliph is the head of state in a Caliphate, and the title for the ruler of the Islamic Ummah, an Islamic community ruled by the Shari'ah. It is a transcribed version of the Arabic word which means "successor" or "representative"...
and Ali
Ali
' |Ramaḍān]], 40 AH; approximately October 23, 598 or 600 or March 17, 599 – January 27, 661).His father's name was Abu Talib. Ali was also the cousin and son-in-law of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, and ruled over the Islamic Caliphate from 656 to 661, and was the first male convert to Islam...
the fourth caliph
Caliph
The Caliph is the head of state in a Caliphate, and the title for the ruler of the Islamic Ummah, an Islamic community ruled by the Shari'ah. It is a transcribed version of the Arabic word which means "successor" or "representative"...
of Islam
Islam
Islam . The most common are and . : Arabic pronunciation varies regionally. The first vowel ranges from ~~. The second vowel ranges from ~~~...
. They are further divided into two groupings, the Ba-shara, who follow the rules of Islam
Islam
Islam . The most common are and . : Arabic pronunciation varies regionally. The first vowel ranges from ~~. The second vowel ranges from ~~~...
, and Be-shara, who do not follow the shariat. Many of the Be-shara lead a nomadic existence.
In Uttar Pradesh
In Uttar PradeshUttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh abbreviation U.P. , is a state located in the northern part of India. With a population of over 200 million people, it is India's most populous state, as well as the world's most populous sub-national entity...
, the bulk of the Faqir are landowners and cultivators, with poultery being an important secondary occupation. In Rohilkhand
Rohilkhand
Rohilkhand is a region of northwestern Uttar Pradesh state of India.Rohilkhand lies on the upper Ganges alluvial plain and has an area of about 25,000 km²/10,000 square miles...
, and in particular in Bareilly District
Bareilly District
Bareilly district is one of the districts of Uttar Pradesh state in northern India. City of Bareilly is the district headquarters. The district consists of six tehsils. These are: Aonla, Baheri, City of Bareilly, Faridpur, Meerganj and Nawabganj. Bareilly district is a part of Bareilly Division....
, the community were and are large zamindars. But there is a stigma of being Faqirs, and this has meant the community has suffered societal discrimination. Only a small number of Faqirs are still involved in their traditional occupation of begging at various Sufi shrines. They are found throughout Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh abbreviation U.P. , is a state located in the northern part of India. With a population of over 200 million people, it is India's most populous state, as well as the world's most populous sub-national entity...
, and speak Urdu
Urdu
Urdu is a register of the Hindustani language that is identified with Muslims in South Asia. It belongs to the Indo-European family. Urdu is the national language and lingua franca of Pakistan. It is also widely spoken in some regions of India, where it is one of the 22 scheduled languages and an...
, as well as local dialects of Hindi
Hindi
Standard Hindi, or more precisely Modern Standard Hindi, also known as Manak Hindi , High Hindi, Nagari Hindi, and Literary Hindi, is a standardized and sanskritized register of the Hindustani language derived from the Khariboli dialect of Delhi...
, such as Khari boli and Awadhi. Most Faqir live in multi-caste and multi-religious villages, although they occupy their own quarters. Each sub-division has its own caste council, which deals with and resolves any intra community problem.
Like other Uttar Pradesh Muslim
Muslims of Uttar Pradesh
Muslims in Uttar Pradesh number about 30,740,158 , and form the largest religious minority in the state. They are also known as Urdu speakers, on account of Urdu being their native language, and have also been referred to as Hindustani Musalman. In the strict sense, the Uttar Pradesh Muslims do not...
s, they are strictly endogamous. The two Shia groups, the Jalali and Zinda Shahi intermarry. While the Chishti intermarry with the Rifai and Pakhiya, but not with the Qalandari. Marriages tend take place within close kin, and they prefer parallel cousin marriages.
The Faqir are now leading demands for the inclusion of their community within the Scheduled Caste category. As part of their political mobalisation, the community now prefer the self-designation Shah Alvi. Like other Muslim occupational castes, they have now set up a state wide caste association, to act as a communal preasure group.
In Gujarat
The Faqir practice community endogamy and marriages mostly take place with in the community. Both parallel cousin and cross cousin marriages are practiced.Their traditional occupation is begging, while others are employed at various Sufi shrines. A majority of the community are now employed as daily wage labourers. The Faqir are one of the most marganalized Muslim
Muslim
A Muslim, also spelled Moslem, is an adherent of Islam, a monotheistic, Abrahamic religion based on the Quran, which Muslims consider the verbatim word of God as revealed to prophet Muhammad. "Muslim" is the Arabic term for "submitter" .Muslims believe that God is one and incomparable...
community in Gujarat. They are Sunni Muslim
Muslim
A Muslim, also spelled Moslem, is an adherent of Islam, a monotheistic, Abrahamic religion based on the Quran, which Muslims consider the verbatim word of God as revealed to prophet Muhammad. "Muslim" is the Arabic term for "submitter" .Muslims believe that God is one and incomparable...
s, but incorporate many folk beliefs.
In Maharashtra
The Faqir, like many other MuslimMuslim
A Muslim, also spelled Moslem, is an adherent of Islam, a monotheistic, Abrahamic religion based on the Quran, which Muslims consider the verbatim word of God as revealed to prophet Muhammad. "Muslim" is the Arabic term for "submitter" .Muslims believe that God is one and incomparable...
communities in Maharashtra
Maharashtra
Maharashtra is a state located in India. It is the second most populous after Uttar Pradesh and third largest state by area in India...
speak both Urdu
Urdu
Urdu is a register of the Hindustani language that is identified with Muslims in South Asia. It belongs to the Indo-European family. Urdu is the national language and lingua franca of Pakistan. It is also widely spoken in some regions of India, where it is one of the 22 scheduled languages and an...
and Marathi
Marathi language
Marathi is an Indo-Aryan language spoken by the Marathi people of western and central India. It is the official language of the state of Maharashtra. There are over 68 million fluent speakers worldwide. Marathi has the fourth largest number of native speakers in India and is the fifteenth most...
. They are distributed in the districts of Amravati
Amravati district
Amravati district is a district of Maharashtra state in central India. Amravati is the administrative headquarters of the district.The district is situated between 20°32' and 21°46' north latitudes and 76°37' and 78°27' east longitudes. The district occupies an area of 12,235 km²...
and Nagpur
Nagpur
Nāgpur is a city and winter capital of the state of Maharashtra, the largest city in central India and third largest city in Maharashtra after Mumbai and Pune...
. The community consist of five endogamous sections, the Banua, Madari, Jalal Shahi, Rafai, and Jalali. Marriages tend to be contracted with in these groupings, with the community practising both cross cousin and parallel cousin marriages.
The traditional occupation of the Faqir remains begging, although there is a gradual movement towards other occupations. Many are now involved in the selling of baskets, crockery and other crafts. A great majority are now wage labourers, especially those settled in Nagpur
Nagpur
Nāgpur is a city and winter capital of the state of Maharashtra, the largest city in central India and third largest city in Maharashtra after Mumbai and Pune...
city. The community has now been given Other Backward Classes status, which entitle them to qoutas in jobs and education. But they remain an extremely marginal Muslim community.
The Sahajia Faqir of West Bengal
The Faqir of West BengalWest Bengal
West Bengal is a state in the eastern region of India and is the nation's fourth-most populous. It is also the seventh-most populous sub-national entity in the world, with over 91 million inhabitants. A major agricultural producer, West Bengal is the sixth-largest contributor to India's GDP...
are also known as Sahajia, and were once a community of mendicants and beggar. They are said to have acquired the name Sahajia on account of the fact that they were followers of Sher Ali Sahaji, a well know Bengali
Bengali people
The Bengali people are an ethnic community native to the historic region of Bengal in South Asia. They speak Bengali , which is an Indo-Aryan language of the eastern Indian subcontinent, evolved from the Magadhi Prakrit and Sanskrit languages. In their native language, they are referred to as বাঙালী...
Sufi saint. Most Faqir consider the famous Sufi Abdul Qadir Jillani as their mentor, and most Faqir in Bengal
Bengal
Bengal is a historical and geographical region in the northeast region of the Indian Subcontinent at the apex of the Bay of Bengal. Today, it is mainly divided between the sovereign land of People's Republic of Bangladesh and the Indian state of West Bengal, although some regions of the previous...
thus belong to the Qadriyah Sufi order. A smaller number belong to the Chishti, Madariya, Mojadidi, and Naqshbandia. orders Like in other parts of India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
, the Faqir have evolved from what was originally a community of Sufi mendicants into an endogamous caste
Caste
Caste is an elaborate and complex social system that combines elements of endogamy, occupation, culture, social class, tribal affiliation and political power. It should not be confused with race or social class, e.g. members of different castes in one society may belong to the same race, as in India...
grouping. They are found mainly in the districts of Nadia
Nadia District
Nadia district is a district of the state of West Bengal, in the north east of India. It borders with Bangladesh to the east, North 24 Parganas and Hooghly districts to the south, Bardhaman district to the west, and Murshidabad district to the north....
, Howrah, Murshidabad
Murshidabad district
Murshidabad district is a district of West Bengal in eastern India. Situated on the left bank of the river Ganges, the district is very fertile. Covering an area of 5,341 km² and having a population 5.863m it is a densely populated district and the ninth most populous in India...
, Malda
Malda district
Malda district is a district of West Bengal, India. It lies 347 km north of Kolkata, the state capital. Mango and silk are notable products of this district. The special variety of mango produced in this region, popularly known by the name of the district, is exported across the world and...
, Bankura
Bankura District
Bankura district is one of the seven districts of Burdwan Division in the Indian state of West Bengal. The district has been described as the “connecting link between the plains of Bengal on the east and Chota Nagpur plateau on the west.” The areas to the east and north-east are low lying alluvial...
, Birbhum
Birbhum District
Birbhum district is an administrative unit in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is the northernmost district of Burdwan division—one of the three administrative divisions of West Bengal. The district headquarters is located at Suri...
and Purulia
Purulia District
Purulia district is one of the nineteen districts of West Bengal state in eastern India. The town of Purulia is the administrative headquarters of the district.-History:...
. The majority of the West Bengal
West Bengal
West Bengal is a state in the eastern region of India and is the nation's fourth-most populous. It is also the seventh-most populous sub-national entity in the world, with over 91 million inhabitants. A major agricultural producer, West Bengal is the sixth-largest contributor to India's GDP...
Faqir are now cultivators, living in multi-caste villages, in their own quarters known as Faqir paras. They cultivate paddy, jute, mustard and tilli seeds. A small number are also landless agricultural labourers. The Faqir speak Bengali
Bengali language
Bengali or Bangla is an eastern Indo-Aryan language. It is native to the region of eastern South Asia known as Bengal, which comprises present day Bangladesh, the Indian state of West Bengal, and parts of the Indian states of Tripura and Assam. It is written with the Bengali script...
and follow the Sunni sect of Islam
Islam
Islam . The most common are and . : Arabic pronunciation varies regionally. The first vowel ranges from ~~. The second vowel ranges from ~~~...
. But they practice a number of folk beliefs, collectively referred to as faqirmat. This involves paying special reverence to a number of Sufi saints. A significant number of Faqir are also involved in the production of cooking oil, an activity traditionally associated with the Teli
Teli
Teli is a business caste of oil pressers in India and Pakistan. Members may be either Hindu or Muslim; Muslim Teli are called Roshandaar or Teli Malik....
caste
Caste
Caste is an elaborate and complex social system that combines elements of endogamy, occupation, culture, social class, tribal affiliation and political power. It should not be confused with race or social class, e.g. members of different castes in one society may belong to the same race, as in India...
in other parts of India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
.