The Economic Life of the Nashya Sheikhs of Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar Districts: A Study of the Historical Perspective

Abstract

The economic condition of the Nashyas is miserable and deplorable in compared to the other Muslim communities. ,Gradually under the pressure of a big culture and lack of consciousness their (Nashyas) own culture, tradition, beliefs, rituals etc. were pushed to the verge of endangerment rendering them socially, economically, culturally, educationally extremely backward. This paper we will attempt to show the economic life of the Nashya Sheikhs of Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar districts. Their main occupation is cultivation, but cattle farming, small scale business, selling of fish, mutton, chicken etc. are also other source of their income. Nashyas are mostly interested in cow trading. They were always a subject of subjugation and hatred by the higher class Muslims. The literacy rate among the Nashyas, especially among the women is a matter of grave concern. Superstition and lack of consciousness is another impediment to the growth of this community.