Siddi
Muslim Siddi community in India | |
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 1,300,000 (estimated) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Pakistan | 250,000 to 1 million |
| India | 25,000–70,000 |
| Karnataka | 10,477 (2011 census) |
| Gujarat | 8,661 |
| Daman and Diu | 193 |
| Goa | 183 |
| Languages | |
| Currently spoken: Various South Asian languages Traditional: Sidi language Also: English (in both India & Pakistan) | |
| Religion | |
| Predominantly: Sunni Islam Minority: Christianity & Hinduism | |
The Siddi (pronounced [sɪdːiː]), also known as the Sheedi, Sidi, or Siddhi, are an ethno-religious group living mostly in Pakistan. Some Siddis also live in India. They are primarily descended from the Bantu peoples of the Zanj coast in Southeast Africa, most of whom came to the Indian subcontinent through the Indian Ocean slave trade. Others arrived as merchants, sailors, indentured servants, and mercenaries.