Halalkhor

The Halalkhor are a Muslim community, found in India. The Halalkhor are also known as Shaikhra or Shahani in Bihar and Muslim Bhangi and in Uttar Pradesh, and are traditionally associated with manual scavenging.^[1] As a result they suffer from discriminatory practices like untouchability along with similarly situated Hindu communities like Helas, Doms, and Valmikis.^[1]

In the 1500s, a group from the Halalkhor tribe migrated to Iran. They settled in the northern region, specifically in Barforush (now Babol) city, within the Band Pey district. The tribe played a significant role during the Qajar dynasty. Initially, they collaborated with Agha Mohammad Khan Qajar, but over time, conflicts arose between them and the king.