Faqir (clan)
The Faqir (ethnic group in India.
History and origin
The word Sufi ascetic in Middle East and South Asia and the Faqirs were wandering Dervishes teaching Islam .[1]
Shahji Faqir of West Bengal
The Faqir of
Purulia. The majority of the West Bengal Faqir are now cultivators, living in multi-caste villages, in their own quarters known as Faqir paras. They cultivate paddy, jute, mustard and tilli seeds. A small number are also landless agricultural labourers. The Faqir speak Bengali and follow the Sunni sect of Islam. But they practice a number of folk beliefs, collectively referred to as faqirmat. This involves paying special reverence to a number of Sufi saints. A significant number of Faqir are also involved in the production of cooking oil, an activity traditionally associated with the Teli caste in other parts of India.[2]
References
- OCLC 1005612295.
- ISBN 978-81-85205-81-6.