Abdal (caste)
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 58,000 | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 India •  Pakistan •  Nepal
|
|
| Languages | |
| Urdu • Maithili • Gujarati • Bengali | |
| Religion | |
 Islam 100% |
|
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Jogi Faqir • Faqir • Qalandar • Rawal • Sai |
The Abdal are Muslim community found in North India. They are a sub-group within the Faqir community. They are unrelated to the Abdal of Turkey, the only thing common between the two groups is an itinerant lifestyle.
The Abdal are one of a number of Muslim semi-nomadic community, traditionally associated with begging at shrines of Sufi saints. They are likely to be a division of the Domba community. The word Abdal is the plural form of the Arabic word Abdul, which means slave or follower. According to the traditions of the Abdal, they acquired this name on account of the fact that they were followers of various Sufi saints. The Abdal of Bihar speak the Maithili language, and are found mainly in the district of Purnea, while other Abdal communities speak the language of the region they reside in.
In Gujarat, the Abdal are a community of beggars, who are also known as Dafalis and Nagarchis. Their traditional occupation was beating drums at Muslim shrines. The community is found mainly in Ahmedabad city.
In West Bengal, according to the traditions of the community, the community is known as Abdal, as they are true slaves of God, and the word Abdal means a servant of God. Little is known when the community emerged in West Bengal, but presently form a distinct Muslim community.
The Abdal of Bihar are now mainly a land owning community. A significant number are involved in the manufacture of horse shoes. They are Sunni Muslims, with a small number are employed as village imams. The Abdal have a well-organized caste association, the Panchayat Jamiate Hashima.
...
Wikipedia