Milki

The Milki (Hindi:मिल्की, Urdu:ملکی ) is a Jatt clan in the state of Uttar Pradesh in India. They assumed the name Milki when the Hindu community converted to Islam. The clan originated in the Awadh region. A few of the Milki were also founded in Karachi in Pakistan.[2] They kept the same surnames used in the Hindu Jatt community. In Northern India, the community speaks Urdu and its dialects (Awadhi and Khari Boli). In Pakistan, the community speaks Punjabi. The Milki, together with the Qidwai, Malik, and Chaudhary, is one of the four sub-groups of a community that collectively form the Jatt Muslims. The Jatt Muslims were once a community of substantial landowners in the Awadh region.[3]

For the town in India, see Milki, Malda.

Milki
Total population
1,000[1]
Regions with significant populations
•  India •  Pakistan
Languages
• Urdu • Punjabi
Religion
• Islam 100% •
Related ethnic groups
• Kayatha Musalman • Qidwai • Siddiqui • Shaikh of Uttar Pradesh • Manihar

Origin

The Milki get their name from the fact that their ancestors received revenue-free grants (milk in Persian) of land during the Delhi Sultanate period. They were given land as an incentive to settle it. In Unnao District, they were substantial landowners and played an important role in the history of that district.

The Milki were also appointed to the position of clerks and official record keepers by the state in the Awadh region. As part of their duties, they learned Turkish and Arabic, economics, administration, and taxation. They successfully adapted themselves as scribes and functionaries under the new colonial British rule. The Milki have many things in common with the neighbouring Muslim community, the Kayatha Muslims, and Manihar with whom they share many traditions and customs.[4]

Present circumstances

The Milki of Unnao District claim to be Siddiqui Shaikhs, while those of Azamgarh and Ballia claim to be of Turkish origin. All groups of Milki practice intermarriage, and there are also instances of intermarriage within the Qidwai, Manihar, and Kayastha Muslim communities. The Milki are also found in the districts of Faizabad, Pratapgarh, Barabanki and Allahabad. Some Milki are Sunni, while others are Shia. They speak standard Urdu, although most also have an understanding of the Awadhi language of Hindi.[5]

See also

References
  1. http://www.joshuaproject.net/peoples.php?peo3=17583
  2. Tribes and castes of Northwestern Provinces and Oudh by William Crooke
  3. People of India Uttar Pradesh Volume XLII Part One edited by A Hasan & J C Das pages 968 to 972 Manohar Publications
  4. Tribes and castes of Northwestern Provinces and Oudh by William Crooke
  5. People of India Uttar Pradesh Volume XLII Part One edited by A Hasan & J C Das pages 968 to 972 Manohar Publications
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