The town of Kishanganj has been referred to as ‘Little Iran’ due to the presence of a small community whose ancestors traces back to Iran.

According to historical information, there has been contact between India and Persia for centuries. This was due to trade between these two regions, particularly in the Arabian Sea and through Central Asia. This has created an economic and cultural link between these two regions.

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Over time, there has been an influx of traders, travelers, and settlers from Persia in various parts of the Indian subcontinent. Some of these settlers have managed to form communities that have some Persian culture.

Iranian-origin settlement in Kishanganj

A part of this population has come to settle in a region called Kishanganj in Bihar, which is now referred to as “Little Iran.” The population is believed to have migrated generations ago and has come to settle in clusters of neighbourhoods that are referred to as “Irani Bastis.”

The population is primarily Shia Muslims and has come to settle in areas such as Motibagh Karbala within the region.

Though they are of Persian descent, they now refer to themselves as Indians. They have come to embrace various traditions over the years while still retaining some of their cultural practices that are related to their Iranian heritage.

A blend of cultures and traditions

The Iranian families in Kishanganj have a mix of Indian and Persian culture.

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Though people live their lives in accordance with the culture of the region, there are remnants of Persian culture in terms of language, rituals, and traditions.

The blending of culture in these families has helped in building the reputation of Kishanganj as a region where a small yet unique community of people of Iranian origin live and are associated with their historical heritage.