Halalkhor

2022-11-14T16:57:38Z

2402:3A80:B5C:CFA:C041:7FE1:E945:EC0C:

{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2019}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2019}}
The '''Halalkhor''' are a Muslim community, found in the states of [[Bihar]] and [[Uttar Pradesh]] in [[India]] . The Halalkhor are also known as '''Shaikhra''' or '''Shahani''' in [[Bihar]] and '''Muslim and in [[Uttar Pradesh]].<ref>People of India Uttar Pradesh Volume XLII Part Two edited by A Hasan & J C Das pages 588 to 591</ref>

==History and origin==

The word ''halal khor'' is from Persian حلال‌خور and literally means those who eat [[halal]] food. The community is traditionally associated with mazdoori and are descended from the [[Hindu]] community who converted to [[Islam]]. Initially they were [[Sunni]]s, but are believed to have converted to the [[Shia]] sect in the 18th century. In some states in [[North India]], they have [[backward caste]] status. They are divided into two sub-groups, the Kampu and Shaikada. The community are found throughout [[Uttar Pradesh]], and speak various dialects of [[Hindi language|Hindi]] such as [[Awadhi language|Awadhi]].<ref>People of India Uttar Pradesh Volume XLII edited by A Hasan & J C Das page 589</ref>

The Halalkhor of [[Bihar]] are [[Muslim]] sweepers, and are also known Halalbegi. They are found throughout [[Bihar]], and speak a number of dialects. According to traditions, they are [[Muslim]] converts from the [[Hindu]] [[caste]]. The Halalkhors of [[Bihar]] are split on sectarian lines between [[Shia]] and [[Sunni]]. There is no intermarriage between these two sects. Many Halalkhor in [[Bihar]] are employed as sweepers by the various municipalities in [[Bihar]]. Many have also emigrated to [[Mumbai]] and [[Kolkata]], where they are employed as day labourers.<ref>People of India Bihar Volume XVI Part One edited by S Gopal & Hetukar Jha pages 382 to 385 Seagull Books</ref>

The Halalkhor often face discrimination from the other Muslim castes, and are one of the most marginalized [[Muslim]] group in [[Uttar Pradesh]]. Like other communities, they have a traditional caste council, known as the biradari panchayat. This caste council is involved in resolving disputes within the community. There are now growing demands for the community to be granted [[Scheduled Caste]] status, which is currently restricted to [[Hindu]] only.<ref>People of India Uttar Pradesh Volume XLII edited by A Hasan & J C Das page 590</ref>

==See also==
* [[Muslim Shaikh]]
* [[Shah Khel]]
* [[Bhangi]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Indian Muslim}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Dalit Muslim]]
[[Category:Social groups of Pakistan]]
[[Category:Social groups of Uttar Pradesh]]
[[Category:Muslim communities of India]]
[[Category:Dalit communities]]
[[Category:Muslim communities of Uttar Pradesh]]

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Halalkhor