The Huliyas of Gauripur

In an age of competitive puritanism, there was a Muslim community in Assam which challenged popular stereotypes about Muslims.



The historic town of Gauripur at the western end of Assam is a microcosm in itself. Caught at the crossroads of culture and geography, this small town is home to a diverse population. One such is the huliyas or the bepari (businessman) community. They had migrated from parts of South 24 Parganas in West Bengal as early as the mid 19th century. Many fa…