Siddis

A community fading into obscurity

Made by- Aaryak Singh Rathore

Submitted to- Sir Debrata Baral
 INDEX
1. Introduction
2. Historical Background
3. Fascinating Story of Malik Ambar
4. Janjira State
5. Culture of Siddi’s
 Language
 Music and Dance
 Cuisine
 Religion
6. Prominent Siddis
 Introduction

In this vibrant diverse country with over a billion souls living, where every
community is thriving and growing with acknowledgment but yet there
lives a community who is considered an alien in its own land. With a
cultural odyssey of more than 500 years ago from Africa, comes the
“Siddi” community living in insolation and solitude from the rest but does
this community ask for this? Does it ask for this plight and condition?
Then what does it ask for?

Through rigorous discrimination, unrecognition, and racism this

community has still astonishingly preserved their culture, heritage and
traditions. In this ever restless country they adapted to our language and
culture but have still maintained their unique distinction. They don’t ask
for money, property and name, all they ask for is the help from government
to give them recognition in the constitution and give them the rights they
deserve.

Is it the colour of their skin? Or their racial background that is preventing

them from inter mingling into the society. Is Article 15 really effective for
these marginalised communities? Or is just some random unrighteous
words written in the constitution?

This research will act as a lantern illuminating light on this very

vulnerable ethnicity, talking about their struggle throughout the history
and the struggle they face even today. The research will delve deeper into
how this community faded into irrelevance though once considered highly
valuable in the medieval era in India.
 Historical Background

The Siddi tribe, also known as Siddis or Habshis have a long rich history
which spans across hundreds of years. The Siddis are descended from the
Bantu tribe of Southeast Africa and have their origins from countries such
as Mozambique, Tanzania and Kenya. Many inscriptions and historical
records state that their arrival in South Asia dates back to the medieval
period, with first of Siddis being brought here by the Portuguese and Arabs
traders. Though they were brought as slaves to work in the farms and do
manual labour but over time some Siddis rose to importance as Skilled
warriors, Army generals and Administrators in the various kingdoms of
Indian subcontinent.

One of the significant periods in the Siddi History happened in the

medieval era when the Deccan region witnessed the rise of Abyssinian
Sultanate. In the 15th and 16th centuries, Siddis had a stronghold in the
areas such as Gujrat, Maharashtra and even in
parts of Karnataka. The most notable ruler was
Malik Ambar.

Many Siddis were incorporated into the military

structures, serving as soldiers and guards in
various kingdoms throughout South Asia. Their
physical strength, loyalty and martial skills
made them reliable and useful in medieval era.1

Apart from military roles the Siddis were

involved in trading particularly in the coastal
region as some of them were also settled in the
coastal region of Janjira in Maharashtra. They
also enjoyed businesses such as selling fishing.

(Siddis of Bombay)

1
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3135801/#:~:text=The%20first%20documented%20record
%20of,Siddis%20settled%20in%20Western%20India.&text=By%20the%20thirteenth%20century%2C
%20substantial,serve%20as%20soldiers%20and%20slaves.
From Chains to Sovereignty: The Extraordinary
Story of Malik Ambar

Malik Ambar was a well-known and significant character in medieval

Indian history. Malik Ambar was born in Harar, Ethiopia, in 1548. His birth
name was Chapu but was converted to Islam by one of his slave owner
and was given a traditional Muslim name. Having been sold as a young boy
by his parents and being sent as a slave to the Indian subcontinent, he
finally rose to prominence as one of the most renowned and powerful
generals and administrators.

Malik Ambar's journey to prominence began when he was brought to the

south region of India by the European slave traders, where he was
purchased by the ruler of Ahmednagar, a part of the Deccan Sultanates in
present day Maharashtra, India. Slowly and steadily, he broke away from
the shackles of slavery. The king observing his intelligence, wittiness, and
leadership skills, quickly rose him in the ranks of the Ahmednagar
Sultanate. He built a cavalry that
quickly grew from 150 to 7000
soldiers, and by installing puppet
sultans to fight off Northern Mughal
raids, he restored the Ahmednagar
sultanate.

The story of Malik Amber gets even

more interesting when the mighty
Mughal king Jahangir was defeated
by him. Over the course of time
Jahangir would make attempt to t
capture his kingdom but everytime
was defeated by him. Jahangir
considered Malik as his arch nemesis
and had expressed his strong hate
(Portrait of Malik Ambar)
towards him and had called him “black fated”.
Jahangir despised Malik so much so that he even had a painting drawn in
which Jahangir is depicted shooting arrows at the severed head of Malik
Ambar.
Malik Ambar's military skill is arguably what makes him most famous.
Especially under Emperor Akbar's rule, he expertly commanded
Ahmednagar’s armies against the formidable Mughal Empire. Malik Ambar
gained a formidable reputation through his use of guerilla warfare
techniques. He finally died at the age of 77 leaving a legacy behind him.

Janjira State

(Flag of Janjira State)

Introduction:
Located in what is now the state of Maharashtra, Janjira State, also called
the Sultanate of Janjira, was a princely state on the western coast of
India and it was ruled by the Siddis rulers for a very long time. For the
most of the colonial era, it was one of the few sovereign princely states
that escaped the direct rule of the British East India Company.

History:
The Siddi dynasty founded Janjira State in the fifteenth century, marking
the beginning of its history. The Siddis originated in what is now modern-
day Ethiopia and were of African descent.
As the region's rulers changed over time, the Siddis gained prominence as
administrators and naval leaders. In due course, they founded the
Sultanate of Janjira, an independent kingdom.
The Siddi kings of Janjira were expert navigators and strategists who
were also proficient in marine trade and warfare. They were able to repel
multiple attempts at conquest by opposing powers and kept control of
their coastal areas.

Geography:
Janjira State was a state in Maharashtra that borders the Arabian Sea on
the Konkan coast. Its major area was made up of various islands, the most
important and largest of which was the island fort known as Murud-
Janjira.
Due to its rocky topography and seaside location, the island fort of Murud-
Janjira was ideally situated to offer natural defense against attackers.
Fort of Murud-Janjira:
The capital and main bastion of Janjira
State was the island fortification known
as Murud-Janjira, which was considered
to be its crown jewel.
The fort, which was constructed in the
fifteenth century, was well-known for its
strong defenses, which included
towering walls, bastions, and cannons.
Being nearly unassailable, it gained the
distinction of being the only unoccupied fort on the Konkan coast.
Murud-Janjira remained unconquered throughout its history, despite
multiple attempts by European colonial powers like the British and the
Dutch, as well as by regional powers like the Marathas and the
Portuguese.

Naval Power:
Janjira State had a powerful navy, with a number of ships crewed by
expert navigators and fighters.
The Siddi kings protected their coastal domains, conducted marine
trade and exercised influence over adjacent areas by means of their naval
might.
Janjira's ability to withstand external assaults and preserve its
sovereignty for centuries was largely due to its maritime capability.

Relationship with British East India Company:

During the colonial era, Janjira kept diplomatic ties with the British East
India Company while being a sovereign state.
The Siddi kings signed treaties with the British, frequently in return for
recognition of their autonomy and defense against outside threats.
Janjira was a crucial ally for the British in preserving control over
maritime trade routes along the western coast of India because of its
advantageous location and naval might.

Seige of Janjira:
One of the most important military campaigns carried out in the late 17th
century as part of the Maratha Empire's attempts to extend its territory
along the Konkan coast was the Siege of Janjira, led by Sambhaji, Shivaji
Maharaj's son and heir. In 1689, Sambhaji launched a serious attack on
Janjira's fort after realizing the strategic significance of the island base.
With a powerful Maratha army under his command, Sambhaji began a
siege of Janjira, cutting off the fortress's supplies and putting it under
constant artillery fire. Determined to breach the walls and take Janjira,
Sambhaji's soldiers continued with their assault despite the strong
resistance of the Siddi lords and the fortress's unbreakable walls. But in
the end, the siege was unsuccessful since the the Siddis resisted the
Maratha violence, displaying their resilience and the strong defenses of
the fortress.

Integration into Independent

India:
Janjira State joined the Dominion of India
after India gained its independence in 1947,
and the two states later combined to
become the Republic of India.
Nawab Sidi Muhammad Khan III, the final
ruler of Janjira, legally incorporated the
region into independent India by signing the
Instrument of Accession.
Janjira State's medieval fortress, which
continues to stand as a testament to the
rich historical and cultural past of the area,
serves as a symbol of the state's legacy
today. (One of the ruler or Janjira)
 Culture of Siddi’s
It’s interesting to know that despite being soo blended into the Indian
culture the Siddi community has still preserved their old culture and
traditions even though it is not as intact and unwavering as it used to be
but let us look at how it is now.

Language:
Many Siddi languages, which are dialects with a distinctive fusion of
African and Indian linguistic features, are spoken by the Siddi community
in India.
Centuries of interaction between African slaves and Indian populations—
especially in the areas where Siddis settled—led to the development of
these languages.
Siddi languages combine vocabulary, grammar, and structure from Indian
languages like Gujarati, Konkani, and Urdu with African languages like
Swahili and Bantu languages.
As time has gone on, Siddis have also adapted to and mastered the
regional tongues of the places they call home, including Hindi, Marathi,
Kannada, and others.

Music and Dance:

Siddi music and dance, which draw inspiration from both Indian and
African traditions, are essential components of their cultural expression.
In music, traditional instruments like the flute, dholak and ektara are
frequently used, along with rhythmic drumming.
Dance styles such as the Dhamal are vivacious and energizing, with
elaborate hand and foot moves and group engagement.
A sense of community and celebration is fostered by the performance of
traditional Siddi songs and dances at festivals, marriages, and social
events.

Cuisine:
African and Indian culinary traditions have been blended together to
create the distinctive and tasty Siddi cuisine.
Grains such as rice, millet, and maize, as well as lentils, vegetables, and
meats, are examples of staple foods.
Siddi cuisine heavily relies on spices and herbs, with meals frequently
showcasing robust and fragrant flavors.
To make a range of curries, stews, and rice-based foods, common
ingredients include coriander, cumin, turmeric, ginger, garlic, and chili
peppers.
In coastal regions, where Siddis live, seafood is important, although inland
places are more likely to serve beef dishes.

Religion:
Islam is practiced by the majority of Siddis in India; they embraced it
through their interactions with Arab traders and rulers.
Siddi rituals frequently combine aspects of indigenous African and Indian
spiritual beliefs with Islamic rites, creating a harmonious version of Islam.
But some Siddis also adhere to Christianity and Hinduism, especially in
areas where these faiths are widely practiced.
Rituals, ceremonies, and festivals that are representative of Siddi
religious diversity and multicultural background may be included in their
traditions.

Festivals and Celebrations:

In accordance with the diversity of their cultural and religious customs,
Siddis celebrate a combination of secular and religious holidays.
Islamic celebrations include prayer, food, and get-togethers to
commemorate holidays such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
Hindu holidays like Navratri, Diwali, and Holi are celebrated with rituals,
festive meals, and pujas.
Festivals dedicated to siddis may feature community feasts, traditional
rituals, music and dance performances, and cultural events.
These celebrations provide opportunities for intergenerational sharing of
customs, social connection, and cultural identity reaffirmation.
 Challenges faced by the Siddi Community
Despite being recognized by the Government of India and their history
being written and documented by several organisations, Siddis somehow
still face a lot of hardships due to their appearance and heritage. They still
face a lot of discrimination in their own country and by their own
countrymen. This has led to them being marginalized and often being
rejected from several professional fields. Let us walkthrough some of the
problems and obstacles faced by the Siddi community:-

Socio Economic Marginalization:

Several Siddis still experience socioeconomic marginalization along with
restricted access to jobs, healthcare, and educational opportunities. Their
socioeconomic issues are worsened by economic inequality and resource
scarcity, which in certain Siddi villages results in poverty and substandard
living circumstances.

Discrimination and Social Exclusion:

Siddis frequently experience prejudice and social exclusion as a result of
their minority status and African heritage. Stereotypes and prejudice
might limit their involvement in mainstream society, social acceptance,
and access to opportunities. They are often ill treated and sometimes
even harassed in public for their looks

Lack of Recognition and Representation:

Siddis are frequently underrepresented in mainstream media and decision-
making processes, despite their historical contributions and cultural
heritage. Attempts to address their needs and concerns may be hindered
by their lack of visibility, which can further marginalize them. Even in
recent times there has hardly been any event or occasion in which the
government or the mainstream media has taken up the duty to give them
recognition or award them, The award could be better job opportunities,
better living conditions or representation.

Cultural Identity and Preservation:

It is difficult for the Siddi community to promote and preserve its own
cultural identity and legacy. The Siddis traditional rituals, dialects, and
customs are under threat due to rapid socio-cultural changes,
urbanization, and globalization and their inter mingling with other Indian
cultures. This raises concerns about fading culture and identity loss.
Access to Education and Empowerment:
In order to help marginalized groups like the Siddis, education is essential.
However, a number of Siddi kids encounter obstacles to schooling, such
as societal stigma, poverty, and inadequate infrastructure. Their
socioeconomic advancement depends on initiatives to increase access to
high quality education and skill development.

Land and Livelihood Issues:

In Siddi communities, land ownership and access to livelihood
possibilities are major issues, especially for those involved in agriculture
and traditional occupations. The absence of other livelihood options, land
disputes, and landlessness are factors that increase their socio-economic
issues and economic vulnerability.

We see that the Siddis have major ongoing problems going on within their
community and from the outside world and the even sadder fact is that
they receive almost no help from anyone. These years of misery doesn’t
seem to stop as most of the Siddi families lives in extreme poverty. The
Siddis neither have a representation in the Parliament where they can be
vocal about their problems an can be heard.
 How can we help them as a Society
There would be absolutely no use of mentioning those problem if we can’t
come up with the immediate solutions for it. A fading and vulnerable
community like the Siddis should be on immediate radars of the
government and everyone as they are on the brink of becoming broken
fragments. This community adds a vibrant colour to India’s diversity and
communities like these is what makes India so different from the rest of
the world. Let us discuss the steps that can be taken to help them.

Promoting Education and Skill development:

Establishing and enhancing libraries, schools, and career training facilities
in Siddi-populated communities. Giving Siddi students financial aid,
benefits, and scholarships will improve their access to high-quality
education and promote higher educational success. Putting in place
focused initiatives to raise literacy rates and improve Siddi children's and
youth's educational achievements.
Working in collaboration with educational establishments, non-
governmental organizations, and community groups to create culturally
appropriate curriculum and learning materials that embody the history,
culture, and experiences of the Siddi people.

Enhancing Healthcare Services:

Constructing clinics, hospitals, and mobile health units to improve the
healthcare infrastructure in Siddi communities and increase accessibility
to necessary medical services.
Implementing outreach initiatives and health awareness campaigns
to child health, disease prevention, and preventive healthcare practices.

Empowering Siddi community Economically:

Encouraging programs for capacity-building, skill development, and
vocational training to improve Siddi youth and adult employability and
economic empowerment.
Encouraging programs that support eco-tourism, handicrafts, agriculture,
animal husbandry, and other sustainable livelihoods that make use of the
distinctive natural resources and cultural legacy of Siddi communities.
Promoting public and private sector investment in Siddi-populated areas in
order to promote job creation, infrastructure development, and economic
progress.
Combating Discrimination and Promoting Social
Inclusion:
Implementing anti-discrimination legislation and regulations that
safeguard the rights and dignity of Siddi people and communities, as well
as making sure they are properly enforced.
encouraging projects for social cohesion, community involvement, and
intercultural discussion that build mutual respect, understanding, and
unity between Siddi and non-Siddi groups.
Encouraging Siddi people and community leaders to participate in
governance structures, public institutions, and decision-making processes
to guarantee their interests are reflected and their opinions heard.

Preserving and Promoting cultural Heritage:

Supporting projects related to documentation, research, and archiving
that document and celebrate the history, language, music, dance, food,
and customs of the Siddi people.
Creating cultural hubs, museums, and historical places devoted to Siddi
history and culture, offering chances for learning, travel, and cross-
cultural interaction.
Encouraging training programs, workshops, and festivals to support the
revival of traditional performing arts, crafts, and arts among Siddi
communities. Integrating Siddi cultural legacy into festivals, events, and
curriculum in mainstream culture to encourage appreciation of their
contributions to Indian culture and to create awareness of it.

Conclusion
This community immediately popped up in my mind when I was told the
topic for research paper. To my surprise most of my classmates haven’t
even heard of them which makes it even more interesting to take up this
community. I, myself learned so many new things when studying about
this community. It gave me an insight on how a community like Siddis on
whom many documentaries, journals and research papers made upon, still
fell into misery and obscurity. The challenges they face is hardly talked
about or shown to people. In this research paper I try my best to cover
everything and delve deep inside into their history, problems and solutions
etc. I’m also thankful to my professor Mr. Debrata Baral for giving me this
opportunity. I am truly am grateful for this research paper to teach me and
to teach others about this community.
Thank You