Kunjra

Kunjra

Total population
(31,000[1])
Regions with significant populations
•  Pakistan •  India
Languages
• Urdu • Khari Boli • Awadhi • Bhojpuri
Religion
• Islam 100% •
Related ethnic groups
• Kabaria • Baghban

The Kunjra (pronounced as Kunjrda or Kunjda ) are a Muslim community found in North India, and Central India.^[2]

History and origin

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 kunjas, and claim their migration from the Kunja mountains in Arabia.^[3] According to Gazetteet Punjab, they are known to be the descendants of Raja Kunjpal, the Raja of Kunjah town lies in the Gujrat district of Punjab province, that is now in Pakistan. ^[4]

There are social divisions within 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 peasant cultivators. The Kunjra are strictly endogamous.

Present circumstances

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.^[5]

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 within 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.

Distribution

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.

References