| Total population |
|---|
| 31,000[1] |
| Regions with significant populations |
| • Pakistan • India |
| Languages |
|
• Urdu • Khari Boli • Awadhi • Bhojpuri |
| Religion |
|
• Islam 100% • |
| Related ethnic groups |
|
• Kabaria • Arain • Arain of Delhi • Baghban •Rayeen • Rayee |
The Kunjra (pronounced as Kunjrda or Kunjda ) are a Muslim community found in North India, Central India and Pakistan.[2]
Contents |
The Kunjra are a community associated with green grocing, who sell mainly vegetable and fruits. The name of the community is derived from arabic word kunj, which means a group of warrior . The now prefer to call themselves Rayeen, and claim their migration from the Rayee mountains in Arabia.[3] This claim is rejected by the Rayeen community, who also found in Uttar Pradesh.
There are social divisions with in the community, such as Jaunpuria, Mirzapuria and Purbia. In Awadh, the Kabaria Kunjra now form a distinct endogamous group. Unlike other Kunjra groups, the Kabaria are largely a community of peasent cultivators. The Kunjra are strictly endogamous.
The community is urban based, and buys vegetables from other communities such as the Murao and Kachhi. They are included in the Other backward caste category in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Delhi.[4]
The Kunjra are a landless community, although some have settled in villages, and have marginal land, growing fruits and vegetables. They have a traditional community council, headed by a choudhary. This community council resolves social issues such as disputes with in families, and issues such as divorces.
They are Muslims of the Sunni sect, and also follow a number of local saints such as Ghazi Mian and Pachon Pir.
The Kunjra are found throughout North India, with large numbers found in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, mainly in Bhopal (old city), Saugor, Jabalpur,Rajasthan mainly in Jodhpur, Udipur, Bhilwara, pali etc and Khurai. In Pakistan, they are mainly settled in Sindh.