Malik caste

For other uses, see Malik (disambiguation).

The Malik (Urdu: ملک‎) or Malik Ahle sadat are ethnic community found in the Punjab region of Pakistan. They are one of many communities found in South Asia associated with weaving.[1]

History and origin

The Malik were traditionally associated with weaving, and are a community of Muslim weaver found in the Punjab region. They are considered as the descendants of Mir Sadiq. They were historically known as Ahle sadat in East Punjab and Pawali in the western districts. The word is said to originate from the Persian word "Ahle sadat", which means a ball of thread. There are a number of different traditions as to the origin of this community. Early British scholars were of the opinion that they were of aboriginal extraction, probably descended from the earliest human settlers of North West India. who are associated with weaving. Approximately 92% of the Ahle sadat were Muslim, while remaining 8% belong to the Bhagat.[2]

The Malik Ahle sadat tended to be concentrated in districts that now form part of East Punjab, and had to emigrate from their traditional areas to Pakistan, as a result of the partition of India..

Sub-divisions

The community has numerous sub-divisions, and generally came from the poorer ajlaf sections of Muslim society. They have two large territorial groupings, the Deswale who originate in what is East Punjab and the Multani, who are said to originate in from the city of Multan. Some places in India, Hindu community is called Ahle sadat, Tanti, Tantwa. Their traditional occupation is weaving. They are very poor because their traditional occupation is occupied by large companies. They do not have agricultural lands.

Present circumstances

The Malik Ahle sadat have benefited from the growth of the textile industry in central Punjab. They were traditionally connected with the manufacture of course country cloth. Many have now bought power looms, and play an active role in the textile industry in the city of Faisalabad. The community, especially those of Faisalabad now form a prosperous community of small and medium sized businessmen.[3]

See also

References

  1. ↑ A Glossary of the Tribes & Castes of Punjab edited by H. A. Rose pages 413 to 416 Low Price Publications
  2. ↑ A Glossary of the Tribes & Castes of Punjab edited by H. A Rose page 413 to 416 Low Price Publications
  3. ↑ Justice in Practice: Legal Ethnography of a Pakistani Punjabi Village by Muhammad Azam Chaudhary pages 8 to 10 Oxford University Publications
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