Bihari people

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Bihari
Total population
Regions with significant populations
Flag of India India 82,878,796[1] [2]
Flag of Pakistan Pakistan 11,000,000 approx[citation needed]
Flag of Bangladesh Bangladesh 886,000[3]
Languages
Bhojpuri, Hindi, Urdu
Religions
Hinduism, Islam, Christianity
Related ethnic groups
Indo-Aryan peoples, especially of East India

Biharis (Bhojpuri/Hindi: बिहारी, Urdu: بِہاری) are an Indo-Aryan ethnic group originating from the state of Bihar in India with a history going back three millennia[citation needed]. Biharis speak Hindi, Urdu, Bhojpuri, Maithili and other local dialects. They can trace their ancestry to the early Indo-Aryans, as well as Austro-Asiatic Munda inhabitants of the region[citation needed]. Besides Bihar, Biharis can be found throughout North India, West Bengal, Maharashtra and also in the neighbouring countries of Bangladesh and Pakistan. During partition of India in 1947, many Biharis of the Islamic faith migrated to East Bengal (later East Pakistan and subsequently Bangladesh).[4][5] Bihari people are also well represented in Pakistan's (formerly West Pakistan) Muhajir population as a result of the partition of India,[6] as well as the recent repatriation of some Bihari refugees from Bangladesh to Pakistan.[7]

Contents

[edit] Cuisine

Main article: Cuisine of Bihar
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Further information might be found on the talk page or at requests for expansion.


[edit] Clothing

The traditional dress of Bihari people includes the dhoti, kurta-pyjama, and sari.[8] Nevertheless, Western shirts and trousers are becoming popular among the urban population.[8] Muslim, Christian, and Sikh Biharis use attar, a perfume. Jewelry such as rings for men and bangles for women are popular.[8]

[edit] Religion

Hinduism is the majority religion of the Bihari people although a large Muslim and a smaller Christian minority exists among the ethnic group.[9] Among the Hindus, the Bhumihars, Brahmins, Rajput, Banias, and Kayastha castes are well represented.[10] In India, Bihari Muslims are found in the Purnia, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur and Champaran districts of Bihar.[11] The Bihari population living in Pakistan and Bangladesh is also predominantly Muslim as well.[5] Christian Biharis are significant in the Ranchi, Singhbhum, and Santhal districts of the Indian state of Bihar.[12]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Census Statistics for Bihar. Government of Bihar (India). Retrieved on 2007-01-24.
  2. ^ Bihar. India Travel. Retrieved on 2007-01-24.
  3. ^ Bihari Muslim of Bangladesh. The Joshua Project. Retrieved on 2007-01-24.
  4. ^ Bangladesh: Stateless Biharis Grasp for a Resolution and Their Rights. Refugees International. Retrieved on 2007-02-16.
  5. ^ a b Stateless in Bangladesh and Pakistan. Stateless People in Bangladesh Inc.. Retrieved on 2007-02-16.
  6. ^ Pakistan under attack!. The Tribune. Retrieved on 2007-02-16.
  7. ^ Assessment for Biharis in Bangladesh. Center for International Development and Conflict Management. Retrieved on 2007-02-16.
  8. ^ a b c Bihari Clothing. Web India 123. Retrieved on 2007-02-16.
  9. ^ Religion of Biharis. Web India 123. Retrieved on 2007-02-16.
  10. ^ The People. Web India 123. Retrieved on 2007-02-16.
  11. ^ Muslim Biharis. Web India 123. Retrieved on 2007-02-16.
  12. ^ Christian Biharis. Web India 123. Retrieved on 2007-02-16.
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