Muslim Patel

The term Muslim Patel applies to Muslim converts from the Hindu Patidar caste who are found mainly in the state of Gujarat in India. They are distinct from the Sunni Bohras, another Gujarati Muslim community that also uses the surname Patel. Common surnames include Gangat, Dalal, Desai and Munshi.

History and origin

According to the community’s tradition, they were originally Hindus of the Kurmi caste who were converted to Islam by the Sufi saint Sahawa Sindh. They are found mainly in Bharuch, where they live in close proximity with the Sunni Bohras, with whom they share many traditions. They are an endogamous community, but there are cases of marriages with the Sunni Bohra. Cross and parallel cousin marriages are quite common.

Present circumstances

The Muslim Patel are traditionally dependent on agriculture. They grow wheat, cotton and pulses. Some of the poorer members of the community are agricultural labourers. They also rear buffoloes and sell milk to the Bania community who then retail it in the towns. The Patel have a caste association, the Musalman Patel Jamat, which deals with the welfare of the community. They are a Sunni Muslims, with many belonging to the reformist Deobandi sect and Barelvi School.

• Sunni Bohra
• Vora Patel

Munaf Patel, Indian cricketer is also from Bharuch and of same community