Muslim Khatris

Muslim Khatri

A Khatri nobleman, in Kitab-i tasrih al-aqvam by Col. James Skinner in (1778–1841)
Total population
(8,000,000)
Regions with significant populations
• India • Pakistan • Europe • United States • Canada • Australia • Dubai • Saudi Arabia • United Kingdom
Languages
• Punjabi • Kutchi• English • Urdu
Religion
Islam 100%
Related ethnic groups
Khatris • Kamboj/Kamboh/Kamboja • Punjabi Sheikh

Muslim Khatris are originally from Hindu Khatri community of Punjab who had converted to Islam. In western districts of the Punjab (Sargodha, Mianwali, Murree, , Chakwal, Rawalpindi and Gujrat, Gujranwala), converted Khatri traders called themselves "Sheikh", a family title or surname which is carried on up to their current generations throughout Pakistani Punjab.

Khatri's have an extensive military tradition and have excelled in the armed forces, having received many honors and gallantry awards for their service.khatri word is punjabi version of kshatriya in sanskrit or the warrior class. Khatri's have sometimes expanded into agriculture(these khatri's were often called Jutts). Although a large majority of Khatris are Muslims. The conversion started in 12th century. In western districts of the Punjab (Sargodha, Mianwali, Multan, Jhang, Chakwal, Rawalpindi and Faislabad) converted Khatri traders called themselves "Khoja". Some time they are called "Khoja Shaikh". With the advent of Islam following conquests by Turkic tribes from Central Asia from the 11th century on wards, there were conversions of Hindus to the faith from among various Punjabi communities, including Khatris. Generally they retained their tribal and clan affiliations as has been the norm in the region. Similarly, the Khatris who converted to Islam continue to retain a strong social identity and are known as Punjabi Shaikh.

Members of the Khatri caste, after converting to Islam, adopted the title Khawaja Shaikh (Arabic: خواجہ شيخ‎‎) and to this community belong many prominent Muslim trading families of South Asia.