Miyana

For the city in Iran, see Meyaneh.

The Miyana are a Muslim Rajput community found in the state of Gujarat in India.^[1]

History and origin

The Miyana are Rajputs who were converted to Islam during the rule of Allauddin Khilji in the thirteenth century. According to other traditions, they were Rajputs of Sindh who immigrated to Kutch during the period of Jadeja rule.^[2]

Present circumstances

The Miyana are found throughout Kutch and Saurashtra. They speak both Kutchi and Gujarati. The community is sub-divided into a number of clans, the main ones being the Manek, Bhati, Dhona, Kathia, Mour, Ladhani, Malani, Samani, Musani, Jain, Kher, Makwana, Sadhwami, nd Baidmulla. Unlike other Muslim Rajput groups such as the Molesalam Rajput and Nayak in Gujarat, the Miyana do not practice gotra exogamy. Both parallel cousin and cross cousin marriages are preferred. The Miyana subsist by fishing and agriculture. Fishing is an important activity for the Kutch Miyana. They have their own caste association, the Sunatae Jamaat Maliya Miyana.^[3]

See also

• Molesalam Rajput
• Muslim Nayaks

References

1. ^ People of India Gujarat Volume XXI Part Two edited by R.B Lal, P.B.S.V Padmanabham, G Krishnan & M Azeez Mohideen pages 938-943
2. ^ People of India Gujarat Volume XXI Part Two edited by R.B Lal, P.B.S.V Padmanabham, G Krishnan & M Azeez Mohideen pages 938-943
3. ^ People of India Gujarat Volume XXI Part Two edited by R.B Lal, P.B.S.V Padmanabham, G Krishnan & M Azeez Mohideen pages 938–943