Growth of Muslim Population in Medieval India, A.D. 1000–1800 c21.51

c21.51

It may be generally said that almost the whole of the functional groups such as Julaha and Dhunia and the great majority of Shaikhs, probably nine-tenths in Bengal and possibly half in Bihar, are of Indian origin. The foreign elements may be looked for chiefly in the ranks of the Saiyyads, Pathans and Mughals. Even here there are many who are descended from Hindus, because high caste converts are often allowed to assume high titles. "In Bihar a converted Hindu of the Brahman or Kayasth caste is usually allowed to call himself a Shekh (Shaikh) and to associate and intermarry with genuine Shekhs. A Babhan or Rajput in the same circumstances, becomes a Pathan....In Mymensingh high caste converts are given title of Khan and call themselves Pathans.. (Even) the lower castes...after the lapse of some years...are gradually recognised as Shekh." As Nazmul Karim rightly points out : "The pseudo-Syeds have been on the increase not only in India but throughout the Muslim world, even from the beginning of Islamic history", and the high titles among Bengal Muslims do not necessarily point to their foreign extraction.