I am Raymond S. Chickrie, son of Esar and Zabeida (Suriname) Khan of Maida Estate, grandson of Esau Khan of 78 Village and Maryam Singh of Nickerie, great-grandson of Furkan Khan of Vergenoegen and Batul Sankar of 78 Village, great-great-grandson of Sakina Khatoon of Baranas and Khuda Baksh Shiv Shankar (Sankar), and Jahangeer and Meenath Khan of Kanpur, India and Leguan, Guyana.
This paper focuses on my maternal ancestry, with a follow-up to explore my paternal lineage, the Chickeries.
The Legacy of Sankar and Dukhi
Sankar and Dukhi (spelling varies) were two pioneering brothers from 78 Village, Guyana. Their mother, Khadam, was a key figure in the early days of Skeldon during the 1850s and one of the founders of the original 78/79 Masjid, dating back to 1863. Their father, Ramessar, re-migrated with the family to Guyana from India in 1880.
Together with their cousins—the Rahamans, the Deens, and the Kabil Khans—this family played a significant role in the social and economic development of Guyana. They were entrepreneurs, educators, doctors, lawyers, accountants, and shopkeepers. Despite their contributions, many were forced to flee Guyana due to the dictatorial regime of Burnham, which confiscated businesses and ancestral properties, offering no compensation and barring wealth from leaving the country.
Preserving Our History
With my mother’s stories and a collection of scribbled notes, I created a digital family tree to honor and understand the lives of my ancestors. From India’s history to indentureship, from 78 Village, Leguan, and Nickerie to Maida and Main Street, I retraced their lives and decided to compile these findings into a family book.
This project celebrates their entrepreneurial spirit, courage, and resilience, while also shedding light on the Hindu-Muslim assimilation that characterized their lives, defying the modern divides in India. My goal is not just to preserve my family’s history but also to protect it from being written by others who might distort or ignore the contributions of the Sankars and Dookies to Guyana and beyond.
A Call for Justice
The contributions of these families to Guyana’s GDP and society should not be overlooked. Many of them were ripped apart by political upheaval. Their lands, homes, and livelihoods, such as Hope in Guyana and Waterloo in Suriname, were confiscated without compensation. With Guyana and Suriname now emerging as oil and gas giants, it is time to initiate a conversation about reparations and acknowledgment for these injustices.
Cultural Pride and Decolonization
Our ancestors’ culture was deeply rooted in Islam, inspired by the life of the Prophet Muhammad (SWS), a compassionate and honest entrepreneur who worked alongside his beloved wife, Khadijah (RA). Today, in a world grappling with Islamophobia and bigotry, it is crucial to follow the advice of thinkers like Sandew Hira: to “decolonize the mind,” embrace our heritage, and celebrate our rich traditions and civilizations.
Dedication to Indomitable Women
I dedicate this research to the remarkable women in our family tree: Khadam Amaa, Goolmani Amaa, Sakina Amaa, Shehzaadi, and Zainab Nanis. Their strength and sacrifices paved the way for future generations. May Allah (SWT) grant them the highest ranks in Jannat ul Firdaus.
This story is not just personal—it belongs to the larger narrative of Guyana. It’s a tribute to those who endured, contributed, and thrived despite unimaginable challenges. Through this research, we honour their memories and their indelible impact on our heritage.
The family tree is downloadable by clicking here Sankar & Dookie Family Tree
