IRANIAN COMMUNITY

Around 687 years ago, the Iranians entered the Indian subcontinent for the purpose of selling horses and that was when they decided to settle down here. More Iranians were invited by Ahmad Shah Bahmani for their craft. The entire delicate handicraft of Bidar has been evolving since then. They were treated well until the Mughals arrived, who did not set a community for them. Thus the journey began for the Iranians of struggle and Iinding a place for themselves in the country. Their living conditions and their reputation deteriorated drastically as the people rejected them and they were constantly travelling for survival. This went on for decades, Iighting injustice from the government and the society. It was only until 1982 when the Government Iinally decided to allot them three acres of land to set up their own community in Bidar. Initially, this place was a thick forest, thriving with scorpions and snakes, which troubled them daily. Even the police never spared them to live in peace. But year after year, they sparingly managed without efIicient amenities until Fatimah Anwar Ali stood for elections and became the Mayor of Bidar. She is a boon to the community of 150 families and because of her, the community developed immensely in terms of roads, water and electricity. Till date, she takes up the responsibly for allotting houses to her people and she is the connection between the community and the Government.

But then again, there still exist problems of unemployment. They are known in Bidar for selling spectacles. It happens to be their main occupation and even a few women take up this job as well. Other works include mechanics,

semi stones etc. But sadly, there are also thieves and because of this, the entire community is framed as unsafe. But in reality, they are very sweet, open and welcoming people, another side which the society does not see because they are too afraid. They are building a mosque out of their own expense since no one is contributing anything for them. They are replicating the structure of Abul Faslil Abbas, a beautiful mosque in Iran. They also built a small primary school for their children.

 

The Iranians in general speak Iluid Pharsi though it not taught in their schools. What’s interesting about them is that, they are only descendants of the Iranians in terms of caste but they consider themselves as Indians and prefer Indian food, music and movies.

The Iranians are actually wonderful people with a beautiful culture but it’s time the people of the society accepted them for who they are and maybe, this would change their conditions and refrain themselves in performing crimes. 

Anupa Joshy

Nikita Deshpande

Shivangi Agarwal

Waivasvata Manu 
Samresh  Shrivastava