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Bihari Muslims

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Bihari Muslims
बिहारी मुसलमान
بہاری مسلمان
Muslim men praying in Siwan district, Bihar, 1910
Total population
c. 24,538,379 Million
Regions with significant populations
 India (Bihar only)23,138,379[1][2][3][4]
 Pakistan1,000,000[5]
 Bangladesh400,000[6]
Languages
Urdu, various Bihari languages[7]
Religion
Islam
Majority Sunni

Minority Shia

Related ethnic groups
Other Biharis

Bihari Muslims (Urdu: بہاری مسلمان) are adherents of Islam who identify linguistically, culturally, and genealogically as Biharis. They are geographically native to the region comprising the Bihar state of India, although there are significantly large communities of Bihari Muslims living elsewhere in the subcontinent due to the Partition of British India in 1947, which prompted the community to migrate en masse from Bihar to the dominion of Pakistan (both West Pakistan and East Pakistan).[8][9]

Bihari Muslims make up a significant minority in Pakistan under the diverse community of Muhajirs (lit. 'migrants'), and largely began arriving in the country following the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, which led to the secession of East Pakistan from the Pakistani union as the independent state of Bangladesh.

The majority of Bihari Muslims adhere to the Sunni branch of Islam and the adoption of the religion by Biharis traces back to the 14th century, when Afghan traders and Sufi missionaries began to arrive in the region a century prior to the Mughal Empire's conquest of the subcontinent.[10] There are also a significant minority of Biharis who adhere to the Shia branch of Islam, largely residing in Patna and Gopalpur in Siwan, tracing their religious descent to Shia Muslim settlers of distant Persian ancestry from Lucknow in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh, who arrived in the region during the 19th century.[11]

History

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Sher Shah Suri Tomb in Sasaram. He was the founder of the Sur Empire and was born in Bihar to Pashtun parents.

Early modern times

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The large-scale arrival of Muslims in Bihar began in the 14th century, when Turk traders and Sufi saints-warriors settled in the South Bihar plains and furthered the process of agricultural colonisation while also spreading Islam among the local populace. Muslims were not the only new immigrants to Bihar during this period. Inscriptions in Bihar Sharif tell of a Sufi warrior by the name of Malik Ibrahim Bayu who came to Bihar and defeated the non-Hindu Kol tribe who had been oppressing the local Muslims. He conquered many Kol chiefdoms.[12]

Some of the kings and chieftains of medieval Bihar were Muslim. The chieftaincy of Kharagpur Raj in modern-day Munger district was originally controlled by Hindu Rajputs. In 1615 after a failed rebellion by Raja Sangram Singh, his son, Toral Mal converted and he changed his name to Roz Afzun.[13]

The Faujdars of Purnea (also known as the Nawabs of Purnea) created an autonomous territory for themselves under the leadership of Saif Khan and ruled in parts of Eastern Bihar in the early 1700s. They were engaged in a protracted conflict with the neighbouring Kingdom of Nepal.[14]

Pakistan

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Many Bihari Muslims migrated to West Pakistan and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) after the partition of India in 1947.[9][15] In the context of the 1971 war in Bangladesh, Biharis were seen as collaborators of the Pakistan Army and submitted to violence of all sorts. They then sought refuge in Pakistan. While the 1973–74 Delhi Agreement facilitated the repatriation of some refugees, only 144,800 non-Bengalis were repatriated to Pakistan, with over 258,000 left awaiting relocation. In Pakistan, many settled in Karachi's low-income neighborhoods such as Orangi Town, Korangi Town, Musa Colony, and others. However, these communities remained vulnerable, particularly during ethnic conflicts like the Qasba-Aligarh Colony Massacre in 1986. Repatriation efforts slowed significantly after 1982, with only 15,000 Biharis resettled in Pakistan by then. A brief resumption in 1993 resulted in the transfer of just 53 families before protests halted the process again.[16]

In 2021, a commemorative ceremony was held at Malir Cantonment in Karachi to honour veterans from the Bihari community and retired officers who had served during the 1971 war. The event aimed to recognize the bravery and sacrifices of soldiers, particularly those from the Bihari community who were part of the Civil Armed Forces of former East Pakistan. Over 250 individuals, including veterans and their family members, attended the event and were presented with awards. According to a statement from Pakistan's military media wing, a number of Bihari veterans have been honoured in various cities across the country: 21 in Peshawar, 250 in Lahore, 660 in Karachi and Hyderabad, and 63 in Rawalpindi. Plans were also announced to invite members of the Bihari community to a national event on December 16 to further acknowledge their contributions during the 1971 conflict.[17]

Bangladesh

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Many Biharis, who had initially migrated to East Pakistan during and after the 1947 Partition, were viewed as collaborators by the new Bangladeshi state due to their perceived loyalty to Pakistan during the 1971 war. This led to their denationalisation by Pakistan and non-recognition by Bangladesh, rendering many stateless. At its peak in 1972, approximately one million Biharis resided in refugee camps across Bangladesh, including the Geneva, Kurmitola, and Murapara camps in Dhaka. In Bangladesh, Biharis faced legal and social barriers to citizenship. It was not until a 2008 Supreme Court ruling that Biharis born after 1971, or who were minors at the time, were granted Bangladeshi citizenship and voting rights. Despite this, 116 refugee camps still exist across Bangladesh, underscoring the continued liminality and exclusion of the community.[18]

According to the 1951 census, approximately 671,000 Biharis were living in East Pakistan. Various sources estimate that up to 20 percent of this population may have been killed during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, allegedly by members of the Mukti Bahini. While the official historical narrative in Bangladesh has often focused on atrocities committed by the Pakistani military, it has been criticized for downplaying or overlooking violence perpetrated against non-Bengali communities, including Biharis, during the conflict. Reports indicate that incidents of violence against Biharis occurred even prior to the launch of Operation Searchlight in March 1971. These included acts of arson, looting, mass killings, and sexual violence. Some accounts describe entire colonies being set on fire with residents trapped inside. Targeted attacks on non-Bengalis, particularly the Bihari community, have been documented in both contemporary reports and later scholarship. Historian Yasmin Saikia, in her book Women, War, and the Making of Bangladesh, documents the experiences of Bihari women who were subjected to rape and torture during the conflict.[19]

Distribution by district

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The following table shows the Muslim population of Bihar by district:[20][dead link]

Number District Population (2001) Muslim population Percentage
1 Kishanganj 1,796,348 1,123,456 68%
2 Katihar 2,392,638 1,024,678 43%
3 Araria 2,158,608 887,972 42%
4 Purnia 2,543,942 935,239 38%
5 Darbhanga 3,295,789 748,971 23%
6 Sitamarhi 2,682,720 568,992 21%
7 West Champaran 3,043,466 646,597 21%
8 East Champaran 3,939,773 755,005 19%
9 Bhagalpur 2,423,172 423,246 18%
10 Madhubani 3,575,281 941,579 18%
11 Siwan 2,714,349 494,176 18%
12 Gopalganj 2,152,638 367,219 17%
13 Supaul 1,732,578 302,120 17%
14 Sheohar 515,961 80,076 16%
15 Muzaffarpur 4,746,714 752,358 15%
16 Saharsa 1,508,182 217,922 14%
17 Begusarai 2,349,366 313,713 13%
18 Banka 1,608,773 190,051 12%
19 Gaya 3,473,428 403,439 13%
20 Jamui 1,398,796 170,334 12%
21 Nawada 1,809,696 204,457 11%
22 Madhepura 1,526,646 173,605 11%
23 Aurangabad 2,013,055 221,436 11%
24 Kaimur 1,289,074 123,048 10%
25 Khagaria 1,280,354 131,441 10%
26 Rohtas 2,450,748 246,760 10%
27 Samastipur 3,394,793 355,897 10%
28 Saran 3,248,701 337,767 10%
29 Vaishali 2,718,421 259,158 10%
30 Jehanabad 1,514,315 124,149 8%
31 Munger 1,337,797 98,791 7.4%
32 Patna 4,718,592 366,164 8%
33 Bhojpur 2,243,144 163,193 7%
34 Nalanda 2,370,528 176,871 7%
35 Sheikhpura 525,502 37,755 7%
37 Buxar 1,402,396 86,382 6%
38 Lakhisarai 802,225 35,378 4%

Sum total of this table is 14,780,500 Muslims out of 83.0 million total population in 2001 census, hence Muslims were 16.5% of total population in Bihar. In 2011 census, total population grew to 103.9985 million, of which 16.9% or 17,557,809 were Muslims.[21] During 2001–2011, Muslims grew by 33.433%, while non-Muslims grew by 23.537%. District-wise break up by religions for 2011 is not available.

Kishanganj is the only district in Bihar with a Muslim majority.

Muslim communities

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In common with the rest of India, the Muslims in Bihar are largely descendants of native converts from various castes.[22] The rise of the Indian Muslim population can be traced back to the early 12th century, with many conversions to Islam taking place during the rule of the Sur Empire, which had established its capital in Sasaram.[23]

Statistics

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As per the 2022 Bihar caste-based survey, the population of major Muslim castes in Bihar was as follows:

Caste Categorization Population Population as a percentage of total population of Bihar
Shaikh General 4995897 3.821675389
Momin (Muslim) (Julaha/Ansari) EBC 4634245 3.545025061
Surjapuri Muslim ( except Sheikh, Syed, Mallick,Mirza,baig, Mughal, Pathan) (Only for Purnea, Katihar, Kishangunj & Araria District) BC 2446212 1.871261196
Dhuniya (Muslim) EBC 1888192 1.444396651
Rayeen or Kunjra (Muslim) EBC 1828584 1.398798748
Shershahbadi EBC 1302644 0.99647421
Kulhaiya EBC 1253781 0.959095832
Pathan (Khan) General 986665 0.754762027
Sai/Faqeer/Diwan/Madar (Muslim) EBC 663197 0.507321038
Dhobi (Muslim) EBC 409796 0.313478698
Idrisi or Sarzi (Muslim) EBC 329661 0.252178404
Syed General 297975 0.227939792
Chudihar (Muslim) EBC 207914 0.159046477
Thakurai (Muslim) EBC 147482 0.112818245
Qasab (Qasai) (Muslim) EBC 133807 0.102357378
Bhat (Muslim) BC 89052 0.068121468
Madariya (Muslim) (Only for Sanhaul block of Bhagalpur and Dhoriya block of Banka) BC 86658 0.066290147
Daphali (Muslim) EBC 73259 0.05604041
Mehtar, Lalbegi, Halalkhor, Bhangi (Muslim) EBC 69914 0.05348161
Morshikar EBC 66607 0.050951878
Pamaria (Muslim) EBC 64890 0.049638437
Nat (Muslim) EBC 61629 0.047143893
Gaddi BC 57617 0.044074862
Mukairi (Muslim) EBC 56522 0.043237228
Cheeq (Muslim) EBC 50404 0.038557185
Jat (Muslim (Madhubani, Darbhanga, Sitamadhi, Khagaria & Araria) BC 44949 0.034384313
Rangrez (Muslim) EBC 43347 0.033158843
Bakho (Muslim) EBC 36830 0.02817358
Bhathiyara (Muslim) EBC 27263 0.020855181
Saikalgarg (Muslim) EBC 18936 0.014485336
Qadar EBC 18121 0.013861891
Miriyasin (Muslim) EBC 15415 0.011791902
Nalband (Muslim) EBC 11900 0.009103057
Madari (Muslim) EBC 11620 0.008888868
Abdal EBC 11433 0.00874582
Itfarosh/Itafarosh/Gadheri/Itpaz Ibrahimi (Muslim) EBC 9462 0.007238078
Qalandar EBC 7873 0.006022552
Qaghzi BC 2360 0.001805312

The Iraqi/Kalal was counted as a subset of Bania caste. Prominent members of the Kalal community had protested against the state government and demanded a separate categorization.

Notable Bihari Muslims

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Khan Bahadur Khuda Bakhsh

References

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  1. ^ Joy, Shemin. "Caste survey in Bihar: OBCs, EBCs make up 63.13% of population; Gen Category 15.52%". Deccan Herald.
  2. ^ "Bihar Caste Census Population, Religion-wise Population & more". RajNeetPG. 3 October 2023.
  3. ^ "India's religions by numbers". The Hindu. 26 August 2015. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 4 January 2020.
  4. ^ "Census of India Website : Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India". censusindia.gov.in. Retrieved 4 January 2020.
  5. ^ Arshad, Sameer (5 November 2012). "Will Nitish's visit boost Biharis in Pakistan?". Times Of India. Abdul Kadir Khanzada, who represents Orangi Town in Pakistan's parliament, said he would like to welcome Nitish to his constituency, where a majority of over a million people have their roots in Bihar.
  6. ^ "The neglected 'Bihari' community in Bangladesh". Deutsche Welle. 14 January 2019. According to local NGOs working for Bihari welfare, around 400,000 members of the community live in camps in Bangladesh.
  7. ^ "Case of Bhojpuri and Hindi in Mauritius". lexpress.mu. 27 July 2007. Archived from the original on 27 September 2016. Retrieved 26 September 2016.
  8. ^ Khan, Engr Imtiaz Alam (15 December 2019). "HISTORY: THE FALL OF DHAKA FROM BIHARI EYES". Dawn. Retrieved 4 May 2021.
  9. ^ a b Sajjad, Mohammad (13 August 2014). Muslim Politics in Bihar: Changing Contours. Routledge. ISBN 978-1-317-55981-8. Others got attracted to the supposedly greener pastures in West Pakistan. Hence, in Karachi, a separate Bihari colony of construction labourers came into existence even before Pakistan was formally created. ... Moreover, some of the wealthier Biharis migrated towards West Pakistan. In order to induce further migration, Maulana Abdul Quddus Bihair, Chairman of the Bihar Relief Committee (Karachi) and also of the Jamiat-ul-Ulema-e-Islam began propagating that there was a better scheme of land and flats to be given to them in Karachi by January 1947. Quddus presented the province of Sindh as a destination that offered openings for traders, cultivators, labourers, contractors, manufacturers, weavers and professionals, and therefore was the 'best substitute for Bihar'.
  10. ^ Prasad, Ram Chandra (7 November 1983). "Bihar". National Book Trust, India – via Google Books.
  11. ^ Chaturvedi, Ritu (7 November 2018). Bihar Through the Ages. Sarup & Sons. ISBN 9788176257985 – via Google Books.
  12. ^ Gyan Prakash (30 October 2003). Bonded Histories: Genealogies of Labor Servitude in Colonial India. Cambridge University Press. pp. 63–65. ISBN 978-0-521-52658-6.
  13. ^ Yogendra P. Roy (1992). "Tahawar Singh-A Muslim Raja of Kharagpur Raj (1676 - 1727)". Proceedings of the Indian History Congress. 53: 333–334. JSTOR 44142804.
  14. ^ P. J. Marshall (2 November 2006). Bengal: The British Bridgehead: Eastern India 1740-1828. Cambridge University Press. p. 50. ISBN 978-0-521-02822-6.
  15. ^ Ghosh, Partha S. (23 May 2016). Migrants, Refugees and the Stateless in South Asia. SAGE Publishing India. ISBN 9789351508533 – via Google Books.
  16. ^ Ahmer, Harmain (28 July 2024). "The Endless Wait: The Biharis' History of Exile". Dawn. Retrieved 31 May 2025.
  17. ^ Shehzad, Rizwan (16 December 2021). "Biharis see end to their state of limbo". The Express Tribune. Retrieved 31 May 2025.
  18. ^ Ahmer, Harmain (28 July 2024). "The Endless Wait: The Biharis' History of Exile". Dawn News. Retrieved 31 May 2025.
  19. ^ Shehzad, Rizwan (16 December 2021). "Biharis see end to their state of limbo". The Express Tribune. Retrieved 31 May 2025.
  20. ^ "Error Value". www.censusindia.gov.in. Archived from the original on 8 April 2016. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  21. ^ Singh, Vijaita (25 August 2015). "Bihar elections among factors in religious data of Census 2011 release". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 30 December 2017 – via www.thehindu.com.
  22. ^ "Bihar Information". Director, Public Relations. 7 November 1984 – via Google Books.
  23. ^ Alam, Mohd Sanjeer (27 January 2012). Religion, Community, and Education: The Case of Rural Bihar. Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780199088652 – via Google Books.
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