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Urdish or Urdaman (Urdu-speaking people)

Urdish or Urdaman, often referred to as Muhajirs in Pakistan, are a distinct cultural and linguistic group. They predominantly reside in the urban centers of Sindh, Pakistan—especially in Karachi and Hyderabad—and include those who migrated from various parts of India during the 1947 partition and afterward. This group represents migrants from Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Central Provinces, Bihar, Hyderabad (India), Gujarat, Haryana, and Bengal, who brought with them a rich Urdu-speaking heritage.

History and Migration The term Muhajir (meaning "migrant" in Arabic) was originally used to describe Muslims who migrated from India to Pakistan in 1947. This group has since developed a distinct identity, with deep cultural and linguistic ties to Urdu.

Many Urdish or Urdaman in Pakistan trace their roots to: Delhi and Uttar Pradesh: Cultural centers of Urdu language and literature. Hyderabad (Deccan): Known for its unique Urdu dialect and cultural practices. Bihar, Bengal, Gujarat, Haryana, and the Central Provinces of India. Cultural Identity and Transformation With time, Urdish or Urdaman began identifying as such instead of Muhajir, reflecting a shift from a migratory identity to one centered on language and culture. Today, this community has developed specific culinary practices and clothing styles, which mirror their North Indian heritage.

Clothing: Traditional dress includes kurta shalwar for both younger and older individuals, with formal wear like the black sherwani paired with a Jinnah cap for special occasions, symbolizing cultural pride. File:Https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Young Urdish Attire 2.jpg Young Urdish Man in Kurta Shalwar: A young man wearing a light-colored kurta shalwar with subtle embroidery on the button-up area, representing youthful cultural pride. Young Urdish Woman in Shalwar Suit: A young woman in a vibrant shalwar suit, reflecting traditional style. Elderly Urdish Man in Sherwani and Jinnah Cap: An older man wearing a black embroidered sherwani with a Jinnah cap, symbolizing traditional elegance. Older Urdish Woman in Lucknow-style Ghagra and Kurta: An older woman in a traditional Lucknow-style ghagra paired with a kurta and a dupatta.

Cuisine:

The cuisine reflects North Indian and Decani influences, with a fondness for dishes like:

Biryani: Particularly popular in Karachi, with variants adapted from Hyderabadi and Lucknow styles. Qorma, and Nihari: Rich, slow-cooked dishes often associated with Mughal cuisine:

Kebabs and Koftas: Common in North Indian and Urdish households. Traditional Food Spread: A variety of traditional dishes, including biryani, qorma, naan, and kebabs.

Demographics:

Urdish populations are primarily found in Pakistan, though significant communities exist in India and in the global diaspora. Approximate population estimates include: Pakistan: Around 20-25 million, concentrated in Sindh's urban areas. India: Approximately 50 million, especially in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Hyderabad. Global Diaspora: Urdish speakers are also found in South Asian communities in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, the Middle East, and South Africa. Language and Evolving Identity There is a growing movement among Urdish intellectuals to redefine their identity beyond the term Muhajir to reflect their rich linguistic and cultural heritage on a global scale.

References For historical and statistical context, the following resources provide additional insights:

Wikipedia: Partition of India

Wikipedia: Urdu

Wikipedia: Muhajir People

World Population Review: Urdu Speakers Worldwide References:

For historical and statistical context, the following resources provide additional insights: