Mukeri, also known as Makrani, is a Muslim community and subcaste of the Sheikh caste primarily found in parts of India, Pakistan, and historically across the western Indian subcontinent. Traditionally, they have been associated with trade and transport, particularly in timber, grain, and cattleas well as Mercenary works.The community traces its origins to Arab settlers, with a historical presence in the Makran region of present-day southern Balochistan, Iran, and Pakistan.
Community traditions hold that the name Muker is derived from the Arabic word makeri, meaning “those who assisted in the construction of Mecca.” Early members were reportedly called Makkai, meaning residents of Mecca, which gradually evolved into Makeri and later Muker or Mukeri. Bihar Tradition
In U.P & Bihar, the Muker trace their ancestry to early Arab settlers who are said to have entered South Asia through the Makran region (present-day southern Iran and Pakistan). According to this tradition, they settled in Bihar during the Khilji dynasty in the 13th century CE. Also referred to as Makrani, their name gradually evolved into Muker..[1]
The community divided into two main endogamous groups:
Each subgroup maintains its own distinct oral tradition. For instance, the Makrani subgroup claims Baluch ancestry, tracing their roots to the Makran coast in Balochistan, a historically important region for Arab migrations into South Asia.
Despite their nomadic and trading lifestyle, the Muker are not genealogically related to other Indian nomadic tribes such as the Lambhani (Lamani) or Banjara. These groups have distinct ethnic and linguistic backgrounds, although they may have shared trade routes or similar occupations historically. The confusion may stem from the Muker's occupational overlap with mobile merchant groups, but they are regarded as a culturally and historically separate community.
Language and Culture
The Muker generally speak Urdu, Hindi and English as their primary language, with regional dialects like Angika in Bihar. In Uttar Pradesh, many also speak Hindi, Bundelkhandi or local Bhojpuri dialects.
Religiously, the Muker are Sunni Muslims, observing mainstream Islamic practices and festivals, including Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and Milad-un-Nabi, while also incorporating regional customs into life-cycle rituals such as weddings and funerals.
Traditional Occupations
Historically, the Muker have been long-distance traders, particularly in:
Timber and wood transport
Cattle and livestock trade
Grain trading
Ox-cart and caravan transport
These occupations placed them within the network of Muslim merchant communities across northern and western India. In this context, they have maintained cultural and occupational ties with other trading castes such as the Qureshi, though they are distinct in origin.
Modern Developments
In recent decades, the Muker community has undergone significant socio-economic change. While they were historically known for their roles as long-distance traders and transporters of timber, grain, and livestock, many members of the community have now settled in urban areas across India.
With improved access to education and employment, a growing number of Mukers have entered professional fields such as:
Medicine
Law
Engineering
Business
Information Technology (IT)
This shift reflects broader trends within Indian Muslim communities, where traditional caste- or occupation-based identities are increasingly intersecting with modern economic aspirations and urban migration.
Notable people
Mohd Faisal – A prolific author with over 100+ published works across various subjects. His writings have been circulated and translated internationally
Yasir Mujtaba (also known as Motozoomer) – A well-known motorcycle vlogger and social media personality, recognized for his travel content and influence in the South Asian moto-vlogging community.
Mohd Inayat: An Indian architect and interior designer based in Sagar and Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, known for his contemporary and culturally rooted design work
Nimrah Eram - a hotelier‑turned entrepreneur whose current position is CEO of the Indian jewellery brand Banafsha Jewellery.
Shadab Ahmed - An Executive Engineer at Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL), working in the state's energy and infrastructure sector.
Akbar Ali Mikrani (Ali Akbar Mikrani) – A former Chief Justice of the Appellate Court of Nepal and a current member of the Supreme Court Bar Association of Nepal. He is one of the most prominent legal figures of Muker/Mikrani heritage.
Ruhi Naze Mikrani: A Nepali politician and member of the House of Representatives.
Kadu Makrani (c. 1841–1887): A 19th-century revolutionary who resisted British rule in Kathiawar, Gujarat, and was known for his opposition to the British and support for the poor.
Natiq Makrani: A 13th-century Baloch writer, mystic, and poet who wrote in Balochi and Persian.
↑ Tracy, James D., ed. (2010). The rise of merchant empires: long-distance trade in the early modern world, 1350 - 1750; [essays originally prepared for distribution and discussion at a conference on "The Rise of Merchant Empires" in October 1987]. Studies in comparative early modern history (Transferred to digital print. 1999 - [im Kolophon: Milton Keynes: Lightning Source, 2010]ed.). Cambridge: Cambridge Univ. Press. ISBN978-0-521-45735-4.
↑ Singh; N. K.; Mishra; A. P. (2008). lobal Encyclopaedic Ethnography Of Indian Muslim. Global Vision Publishing House. ISBN978-81-8220-297-9.
↑ Jha, Hetukar (2009), "Need for an Ideological Struggle: Society and Law in Bihar", Gender Discrimination in Land Ownership: Land Reforms in India Volume 11, B-42, Panchsheel Enclave, New Delhi 110 017 India: SAGE Publications India Pvt Ltd, pp.18–40, retrieved 18 October 2025{{citation}}: CS1 maint: location (link)
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