Kutchi Memons (Urdu: کچھی میمن) are a part of larger Memons, a Muslim community of Pakistan and India, who speak the Memon language and are original residents of Kutch region.
Transliteration of name of this Memon community has not been standardized. Hence popular usage is Cutchi and Kutchi.
Nevertheless, Kutchi Memons are Sunni Muslims who migrated from Sindh to Kutch in Gujarat, a state of India, after their conversion to Islam in 1422 CE . Historically, Kutch was a princely state and this kingdom included Bhuj, Anjar, Lakhpath, Mandvi, etc. The Kutchi Memons are now spread all over the globe. Though Kutchi Memons historically spoke Kutchi, use of this language has sharply declined, and many Kutchi Memons (particularly those who reside in urban areas) have adopted Urdu and other more dominant tongues. Scholars have conducted detailed studies about the origin and development of this community. Scholarly contributors include, Dr. Asghar Ali Engineer: Dr. Mohamed Taher, etc.
Kutchi Memons are a highly endogenous community, where marriages are arranged within their own ethnic group. Humeirah- a Novel written by Sabah Carrim, is about the Kutchi Memons. The story is set on the island of Mauritius.
Kutchi Memons are a predominantly business community and are known for their Philanthropy. The Kutchi Memons are spread all over the globe and have erected many mosques all over the world.
Kutchi Memon Masjid, Mangalore
The Kutchi Memon Masjid, Mangalore (also known locally as the Katchi Palli) is located opposite the famous Bombay Lucky Restaurant in Mangalore. It was built in 1839 by Kutchi Memon spice traders from Gujarat. In 1930, this mosque was the first to get electric supply and the fourth to get electrified in Mangalore, during the British rule. It was also the first to use loudspeakers to call for Azan, and the first in Mangalore where the Friday sermon was delivered in Urdu.