Bihar's 'Little Iran': Kishanganj's Unique Iranian-Origin Community Faces Citizenship Scrutiny

• Kishanganj, Bihar, hosts a unique Iranian-origin community, often called 'Little Iran,' tracing roots to Persian migrants.
• Settled in 'Irani Bastis,' primarily Motibagh Karbala, they arrived in Kishanganj in the early 1980s from Purnia.
• Initially nomadic horse traders, their occupations evolved to trading everyday items and gemstones sourced from Kolkata and Jaipur.
• The Shia Muslim community preserves Persian-influenced dialect, cultural traditions, and a blend of Bihari-Persian cuisine.
• Recently, members faced citizenship verification notices ahead of Bihar Assembly elections, raising concerns.