Muslim Wagher

The Wagher are a Muslim Rajput community found in the state of Gujarat in India. They are Muslim converts from the Wagher caste.[1]

History and origin

The Muslim Waghers are principally found in Okha taluka of Jamnagar District. They are to have converted to Islam at the hand of Sufi. The community is distributed in the villages of Bedi, Jodiya, Sikka, Salayaa, Wadinar,Soyal And Sachana. They speak Kutchi among themselves, and Gujarati with outsiders. The community are Sunni Muslims, but incorporate a number of folk beliefs.[2]

Present circumstances

The Muslim Wagher are an endogamous community. They are divided into a number of clans, the mains ones being the Mepani, Chamdia, Notiyar, Chawra, Sodha, Chauhan, Manek, Sumbhania, Juneja and also Kero, Bhatti, Buchad, Gajia, khichadi, Koda and Ruchcher. All these clans are of equal status, and intermarry. Occasionally they marry neighbouring Muslim communities like the Miyana or Soomra. Their traditional cccupation was either Seafaring, fishing or agriculture, depending on the locality they were settled. Many Wagher have started to migrate to the cities, and now work in factories. Their customs and traditions are similar to other Rajput convert communities such as the Miyana, organization.[3]

See also

References

  1. ↑ People of India Gujarat Volume XXI Part Three edited by R.B Lal, P.B.S.V Padmanabham, G Krishnan & M Azeez Mohideen pages 1454-1457
  2. ↑ People of India Gujarat Volume XXI Part Three edited by R.B Lal, P.B.S.V Padmanabham, G Krishnan & M Azeez Mohideen pages 1454-1457
  3. ↑ People of India Gujarat Volume XXI Part Three edited by R.B Lal, P.B.S.V Padmanabham, G Krishnan & M Azeez Mohideen pages 1454-1457
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