They are a Sunni Islamic community that has its roots in the Deccan region including Hyderabad. Like the most communities in Kochi, they don’t have a written history that points out the possible period and reasons for their migration into Kochi. However, the oral account of the community members suggest that they could have settled in during Tippu Sulthan’s multiple invasions of Kerala. Most of them believe that their forefathers were soldiers in the Sulthan’s army. The community has four sub communities which are Sayyeds, Mugals, Pathans, Shiekhs. Dakhni dilect of Urdu is what the language they use at home and within the community. It was the community that introduced musical traditions such as Gazals and Qawalis to Kochi. Music, in fact plays a significant role in the social and religious life of the community. It boasts of singers Qawali, Gazal and Playback singers.
