The Muslim Kayasths (Urdu: مسلمان کائستھ), also known as Siddiqui,[1] are descendants of the Kayasth community of North India, mainly modern Uttar Pradesh, which embraced Islam during medieval period. They are now mostly concentrated in Pakistani provinces of Punjab, Sindh as well as northern India. [2]
| Regions with significant populations | |
|---|---|
| India • Pakistan | |
| Languages | |
| Urdu • Hindi • various Indic languages | |
| Religion | |
 Islam | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Kayastha • Shaikh of Uttar Pradesh |
History and origin
editOrigin
editMuslim Kayasths consider themselves part of the Shaikh community and claim descent from Abu Bakr, the first Sunni Caliph, and a close companion of Muhammad.[3][4]
However, their historical roots trace back to the Kayasth community, traditionally known for their roles in administration, land record-keeping, and governance. In Hindu mythology, Kayasths are believed to be descendants of Chitragupta, the registrar of the dead. This association with record-keeping and governance made Kayasths a distinct social group, distinct from priestly Brahmins and warrior Kshatriyas.
History
editThe Kayasths historically played a significant role in administration, particularly in maintaining land records, taxation, and governance. Kayasths were distinct from Brahmins, as they focused on secular knowledge like administration rather than religious scriptures. Their adaptability allowed them to thrive under changing political landscapes. Over time, some Kayasths converted to Islam, particularly during the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Empire, while continuing to work in administrative and bureaucratic roles.[1] Today, Muslim Kayasths primarily speak Hindustani (Hindi in India[5] and Urdu in Pakistan). During Islamic rule, they served as scribes, officials, and administrators, quickly adapting to Persian, Arabic, and Turkish—the languages of governance. Their expertise in economics, taxation, and administration made them valuable.[6][full citation needed]
Distribution
editIndia
editMuslim Kayasths primarily reside in the Hindi belt in India.[7]
Pakistan
editAfter the partition of India in 1947, many migrated to Pakistan, primarily settling in the provinces of Punjab and Sindh. [citation needed]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b Jahanara (1 January 2003). "The Muslim Kayasthas of India". The Oriental Anthropologist. 3 (1): 48–51. doi:10.1177/0976343020030106. ISSN 0972-558X. S2CID 220082119.
- ^ Khanam, Azra (30 August 2013). Muslim Backward Classes: A Sociological Perspective. SAGE Publications India. ISBN 9788132116509. Archived from the original on 3 February 2022. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
- ^ Sharma, Satish Kumar (1987). Reform, Protest, and Social Transformation. Ashish Publishing House. p. 224. ISBN 978-81-7024-098-3.
They are converts from Kayastha caste among the Hindus but today they claim to be the descendants of Abu Bakr Siddiqui.
- ^ Gupta, Dipankar (1992). Social Stratification. OUP India. p. 223. ISBN 978-0-19-563088-6.
- ^ Venkatesh, Karthik (14 September 2016). "How Hindi Fought a Tough Battle to Emerge as an Official Language". TheQuint. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
- ^ Endogamy and Status Mobility among Siddiqui Shaikh in Social Stratication edited by Dipankar Gupta
- ^ Muslim Kayasthas of India by Jahanara KK Publications ISBN 978-81-675-6606-5
Notes
edit- Jahanara (2003-01-01) The Muslim Kayasthas of India Journal. The Oriental Anthropologist. pp. 48 volume_3 (Issue 1)