Turuk Pasi
| Regions with significant populations | |
|---|---|
| • India • Nepal | |
| Languages | |
| • Hindi • Urdu • Bhojpuri | |
| Religion | |
| • Islam | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| • Pasi |
The Turuk Pasi are a Muslim community found in the state of Bihar in India.[1] Many members of Turuk Pasi Muslim community migrated to Pakistan after the independence in 1947 and settled in Karachi. A small number of Turuk Pasi are also found in the Terai region of Nepal.
History and origin
The Turuk Pasi are converts to Islam from the Pasi. There traditional occupation was tapping toddy from palm trees. They are Sunni Muslims and found in the districts of Patna, Hajipur, Saran and Muzaffarpur. The Turuk Pasi speak Bhojpuri and Urdu. Little is known about the circumstances of their conversion to Islam.[2]
Present circumstances
The traditional occupation of the Turuk Pasi remains toddy-tapping. They are issued licences by the government to collect toddy. Some work on daily wages as labourers. Rearing of cattle and poultry are important subsidiary occupations.[2]