historically the sayyids of up were substantial landowners, often absentees, and this was especially the case with the awadh taluqdars. in the urban townships, sayyid families served as priests, teachers and administrators, with the british colonial authorities given the community a preference in recruitment. though they are less than 3% of muslim population, they control a majority of economic resources. the community also has a very high literacy rate.the independence and partition of india in 1947 was traumatic for the community, with many families becoming divided, with some members moved to pakistan. this was followed by the abolishment of the zamindari system, where land was redistributed to those who till the land. many sayyids who remained on the land are now medium and small scale farmers. while in the urban areas, there has been a shift towards modern occupations.