Affinity Bloc: South Asian Peoples

Overview: The Mallah are the traditional boatmen and fishermen communities of India and Pakistan. They are also known as Nishad, Malso or Mallahi and include numerous subgroups such as Chain, Dhawa, and Kewat. Fishing is the primary occupation those some also pursue agriculture. The Mallah are primarily Hindu but there are sizeable Muslim Mallah communities.

  -- K. S. Singh, People of India, Volume V. India's Communities H-M. Delhi: Oxford University Press (1998), pp. 2164-2166

Peoples within this cluster: Banpar; Chain; Gonrhi; Jalari; Jalia Kaibarta; Jhalo Malo; Kaibaratta; Kaibartta; Keot; Mallah, Hindu

Countries where they are found: India; Nepal