Majumdar

Mazumdar

Mazoomdar

Mazumder

Now that I have seen all the probable answers for my caste on Quora by “experts”, (ranging from Brahmin to Muslim and even Baniya) let me tell you what I as a “Majumdar” know.

Someone was right to point out that Majumdar isn’t a surname; its a title. Like Doodhwala (in Gujarat i.e. Milkman), Ghariwala (potter), Havildar (constable). It doesn’t indicate the region or the caste where we are from. It’s largely based on the occupation our ancestors were in.

Undivided Bengal was ruled by Muslim Rulers and my ancestors were the Majumdars i.e. the Tax collectors of the state.

The occupationary nature of this title gives space for people from different backgrounds to be fit under this umbrella term. You have Brahmin Majumdars, Muslim Majumdars, Kayastha Majumdars etc.

You even have Majumdars who aren’t Bengalis at all. Assamese Majumdars also exist.

It’s not that hard to distinguish occupationary surnames. Next time you cross paths with a random Chirag Engineer, or a Vikas Vakil, you know what to do: don’t assume ;)

My caste?

What do you think? xD