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TheThakurai are aMuslim Rajput community found in the state ofBihar in India. They are mostly concentrated around East and West Champaran District and the surrounding region.[1][2] A small number are also found in theTerai region ofNepal.[citation needed]
The Thakurai are said to have originated inRajasthan, and converted to Islam during the rule of theMughal EmperorAurangzeb. They were soldiers in the Mughal army that was sent to pacifyBihar. Their ancestor was Mahabat Khan, (Ashfaque Ahmad (mukhiya) from his family) who was aSisodiaRajput ofMewar, who converted to Islam. They are now found in fifty three villages in Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, East and WestChamparan District, and also have a presence in neighbouringTerai region ofNepal. The word Thakurai literally means lord, and originates from theHindi termThakur. Informed members of the community claim they use Thakurai to differentiate themselves from local Hindu Rajputs.[1]
Unlike, other Muslim communities, they maintain good relations with Hindu Rajputs who live in the same villages, likely due to a common heritage.[1]