Kutchi people facts for kids
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| c. 1 million | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| India, Pakistan | |
| Languages | |
| Kutchi Additionally: Gujarati, Hindi, or Sindhi |
|
| Religion | |
| Hinduism, Islam, Jainism | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Indo-Aryan peoples |
The Kutchi people are a group of people who traditionally come from the Kutch district in western India. This area is part of the state of Gujarat. Some Kutchi people also live in the Sindh region of Pakistan.
They speak the Kutchi language. This language is related to Gujarati and Sindhi. Many Kutchi people also speak Gujarati, Hindi, or Sindhi. They follow different religions, including Hinduism, Islam, and Jainism.
History
Some Kutchi people in India changed their religion from Hinduism to Islam around the 15th century. This happened mostly because of the efforts of a person named Saiyid Abdullah.
Many Kutchi people, especially those who became Muslim (called Kutchi Memons), were encouraged to move to different parts of India. However, many of them chose to stay in Kutch.
Kutchis have also moved to other countries, forming what is called a "diaspora." This means they live outside their original homeland. Even when living abroad, they have worked hard to keep their traditions alive. For example, in 1928, Kutchi Hindus in Nairobi held a special religious procession. About 1200 people attended this event.
Notable Kutchi people
Here are some well-known people who are of Kutchi background:
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- Abdul Qadir Patel: A Pakistani politician and a member of the National Assembly of Pakistan.
- Azim Premji: A famous industrialist, known for his work in business.
- El-Farouk Khaki: A Canadian human rights activist.
- Fahmida Mirza: The first female Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan.
- Faisal Devji: A historian and professor.
- Gulgee: A well-known Pakistani artist.
- Hussain Shah: A Pakistani boxer who won an Olympic medal.
- Harish Bhimani: An Indian voiceover artist.
- Ian Iqbal Rashid: A Canadian filmmaker and writer.
- Janvi Chheda: An actress, director, and model.
- John Nuraney: A Canadian politician.
- Anandji Virji Shah: A Bollywood music director.
- Kalyanji Virji Shah: Another Bollywood music director, brother of Anandji.
- Laxmichand "Babla" Virji Shah: A musician and percussionist.
- Naheed Nenshi: The 36th mayor of Calgary, Canada.
- Omar Sachedina: A Canadian television news broadcaster.
- Salim Merchant: A music composer and singer.
- Shafique Virani: A scholar of Islamic studies.
- Shekhar Ravjiani: From the music duo Vishal–Shekhar.
- Shyamji Krishna Varma: A revolutionary, lawyer, and journalist who fought for India's freedom.
- Sulaiman Merchant: A music composer, brother of Salim.
- Viju Shah: A music director.
- Vipul Amrutlal Shah: A Bollywood director and producer.
