The caste survey in Bihar has emphatically dispelled the myth of a casteless society among Muslims of the State. Almost all respondents from the community shared their caste identity during the survey, thus underlining the presence of social demarcation based on birth among Muslims, much like the majority community.
While the Sheikhs are the highest in percentage among general category Muslims, the Ansaris occupy the top slot in the Pasmanda category. Over all, Muslims make up 17% of the population of Bihar. Within the community, 73% are Pasmanda Muslims.
Of the total Muslim population, 3.82% are Sheikhs who fall in the privileged Ashraf category while Ansaris who are part of the Pasmanda community, make up 3.54%. The Surjapuri Muslims, who are concentrated in and around Kishanganj, and are economically and educationally weak, bring up 1.87%. The Dhuniyas or Mansooris, who fall in the OBC category, are a little behind at 1.42%.
