Karnataka caste census: Discontent over omission of Muslim sub-castes
In the community-wise classification under Category 2B, the report includes only the overall population figure for Muslims without listing specific sub-castes
Karnataka’s non-Muslim communities have expressed dissatisfaction with the social and educational survey report of the Backward Classes Commission, which has provided consolidated data for the Muslim community without disaggregating sub-castes.
In the community-wise classification under Category 2B, the report includes only the overall population figure for Muslims without listing specific sub-castes. While other communities have been listed along with their respective sub-castes, Muslims under Category 2B have been grouped together. This has sparked questions — was this an attempt to project Muslims as a homogenous group without internal caste divisions?
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Muslims constitute over 75 lakh people in Karnataka’s total population, making them the third-largest group after Dalits. Although Muslim leaders have often stated that caste doesn’t exist within their community, the same survey report lists 95 Muslim sub-castes — raising questions about this contradiction.
Separate page
The caste census data released by the Karnataka government includes a separate page showing that the total population of the Muslim community is 59,51,038. However, when including the 95 Muslim sub-castes, the total rises to 75,25,880.
Among the prominent sub-castes are: Sayyid Muslims – 1,78,541; Mahdavia Muslims – 41,687; Beary Muslims – 32,650; and Nairi Muslims – 25,685.
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Despite having detailed caste and sub-caste breakdowns for all other groups in the classification tables, the 2B category for Muslims does not reflect these sub-castes. Instead, only a total population figure is presented.
The Commission has released a separate list of sub-castes, which includes names like Attari, Athari, Baig, Bangadi Wala, Bhangi, Chappar Band, Dakhni, Darji, Darvesu, Daverawale, Dhobi, Fakir, Phool Mali, Gawandi, Fyaare, Gawli, Gawndi, Gawandi — making up a total of 95 Muslim sub-castes.
Opposition to reservation hike
The previous BJP-led government had withdrawn the 4 per cent reservation granted to Muslims on March 27, 2023. The Union government had also considered rolling back the reservation extended to Muslims. Following petitions by Muslim leaders in the Supreme Court, the status quo on reservations was maintained.
The Congress-led state government, which had strongly opposed the withdrawal of Muslim reservation, has now recommended increasing the quota from 4 per cent to 8 per cent in the new Backward Classes Commission report. However, the BJP and its allied parties have opposed this report. The Commission has defended its recommendations, stating that the increase in reservation is proportionate to the population.
(This article was originally published in The Federal Karnataka)