Muslim Teli
| Regions with significant populations | |
|---|---|
 Pakistan •  India
|
|
| Languages | |
| Urdu • Sindhi • Marwari • Punjabi | |
| Religion | |
 Islam 100% |
|
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Teli • Mansoori • Muslim Dhobi• Ghanchi • Shaikh • Chaki-Solanki• Ghori• Chail-Chohan• Soomrah• Khilji• Panwar• Sau |
The Muslim Teli are an ethnic group found in Pakistan and India. The word Tel means oil (cooking oil) and Teli means person dealing with manufacture and sale of cooking oil in Urdu. Related to the Muslim Teli are the Ghanchi, a community found in Gujarat, who are also involved in the manufacture of cooking oil.
The members of this community converted from the Hindu Teli caste to Islam. They are found in North India and Pakistan. In North India, the community is also known by the name Shaikh Mansuri, while in Pakistan, they are known as Teli Malik.
The word Teli is derived from the Sanskrit word tailika or tails, which means oil pressed from mustard or sesame. The community are thus manufacturers of mustard or sesame oil. In North India, the community speaks Urdu, and its dialects, Awadhi and Khari Boli. In Pakistan, the community speak Punjabi. They were among a number of artisan communities, that were converted to Islam. The Muslim Teli of Punjab claim descent from a Baba Hasu, who is said to have invented the kolhu or oil press. According to their traditions, their ancestor Luqman was apprenticed to the King David. Luqman attempted extract oil, but failed until taught by an old woman who suggested mixing water with the oil press. After Luqman came Baba Budhu, and after him Mina and Baba Jasu or Baba Hasu, who was ancestor of the Punjab Telis.
In India, they are found throughout North India, with concentrations in the states of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The community depend on land. Their traditional occupation of oil pressing has now been replaced with the growing of cash crops and business. Many are now successful businessmen. The commuynity perceives itself to be of Shaikh status, as they are converts from Vaish community.
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