Jat people
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Maharaja Churaman, Bhagat Singh, Gurdas Maan, Bobby Deol.
Dhanna Bhagat, Foolabai, Maharaja Kishan Singh, Simi Garewal
The Jat people (Jat: जाट, also spelt Jatt: जट्ट), are a 31 million strong ethnic group of people[1][2] native to South Asia in mainly the Punjab region of India and Pakistan. Other regions include Balochistan, NWFP, Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra. They are a ethnic group, race, tribe and a people.[3][4][5]
The Jat people are considered to be the merged descendants of Indo-Aryans, Indo-Scythian tribes of the region, merging to form the Jat people.[6]
The Jat people were designated by the British Empire as a Martial Race. Martial Races were races & peoples that were naturally warlike and aggressive in battle, and possess qualities like courage, loyalty, self sufficiency, physical strength, resilience, orderliness, hard working, fighting tenacity and military strategy. The British Empire recruited heavily from these Martial Races for service in their Armies. A strategy that is still used today (21st century) in Armies of South Asian countries e.g. The famous Jat Regiment & the Gurkhas.
Many uneducated people think Jat means farmer-caste (caste = social group) but Jat really means race (race = ethnic group), which is very different. There are over 900 million farmers in south Asia and if Jat meant farmer then all of them would call themselves Jats but they don't. The reason why this is because Jat means race/ethnic group. In order to be a Jat you have to have the Jat DNA markers in your genetics highlighted in the (see Jat DNA Genetics section). Therefore, now you know Jat means race/ethnic group, if someone says "Jat means farmer-caste" correct them and their ignorance on the subject by telling them, "Jat means race/ethnic group not farmer-caste".
The Jat people follow different faiths and are engaged in different professions. They have a discrete and distinct cultural history that can be historically traced back to ancient times.[7][8]
Some have moved to Western countries for economic and family reasons. There some have risen to prominence among the immigrants in the West.
Before reading further it is important to understand core concepts about educating yourself about Jat people culture & history. Read Learning Jat people history to understand why Jat people regard it is so very important to understand their culture & history.
People
The Jatt people are an ethnic people[9][10] spread over Northern India and Pakistan (mainly the Punjab region) including large populations living in the EU, US, Canada, Australia and UK. Historically, most South Asians have been farmers and even today (two-thirds) 66% of Indians are farmers.[11] The Jat people have traditionally been no different to other South Asians and have been mainly agriculturalists (landlord farmers) and members of the military as soldiers and officers serving in the Jat Regiment and most other regiments in India & Pakistan. However, in modern times (last 40 years) they are mainly a professional class e.g. Doctors, engineers, politicians and etc. The Jat Regiment is one of the longest serving and most decorated regiments of the Indian Army.[12] The Jat people have also produced many prominent politicians and political leaders in India including (Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh & Deputy Prime Minister Chaudhary Devi Lal). This includes many Senators/ministers in the US and Canada, including American Senator Satveer Chaudhary (the first South Asian senator in American history).[13]
People Demographics
The census in 1931 in India recorded population on the basis of ethnicity. In 1925, according to Professor Qanungo[14] the population of Jatts was around nine million in South Asia and was made up of followers of three major religions as shown below.
| Religion | Jat Population % |
|---|---|
| Hinduism | 47% |
| Sikhism | 20% |
| Islam | 33% |
Professor B.S. Dhillon, states by taking population statistical analysis into consideration the Jatt population growth of both India and Pakistan since 1925, Professor Quanungo's figure of nine million could be translated into a minimum population statistic (1988) of 30 million.[15]
According to earlier censuses, the Jati or Jat people accounted for approximately 25% of the entire Sindhi-Punjabi speaking area, making it the one of "largest single socially distinctive group" in the region.[16]
Hukum Singh Pawar (Pauria) states, adequate statistics about Jat people population are available in the Census Report of India of 1931, which is the last and the most comprehensive source of information on the Jat people, who were estimated to be approximately ten million in number at that time.[17] From 1931 to 1988 the estimated increase in the Jat people population of the Indian subcontinent
including Pakistan respectively is 3.5% Hindu, 3.5% Sikh and 4.0% Muslim.[18] Dr Sukhbir Singh estimates that the population of Hindu Jatts, numbered at 2,210,945 in the 1931 census, rose to about 7,738,308 by 1988, whereas Muslim Jatts, numbered at 3,287,875 in 1931, would have risen to about 13,151,500 in 1988. The total population of Jatts was given as 8,406,375 in 1931, and estimated to have been about 31,066,253 in 1988.
The region-wise break-up of the total Jatt people population (including the Jat Hindu, Jat Sikh and Jat Muslim) is given in the following table. The Jat people, approximately 73%, are located mainly in the Punjab region:[19]
| Name of region | Jat Population 1931 | Jat Population 1988 | Approx Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Punjab region | 6,068,302 | 22,709,755 | 73 % |
| Rajasthan | 1,043,153 | 3,651,036 | 12 % |
| Uttar Pradesh | 810,114 | 2,845,244 | 9.2 % |
| Jammu & Kashmir | 148,993 | 581,477 | 2 % |
| Balochistan | 93,726 | 369,365 | 1.2 % |
| NWFP | 76,327 | 302,700 | 1 % |
| Bombay Presidency | 54,362 | 216,139 | 0.7 % |
| Delhi | 53,271 | 187,072 | 0.6 % |
| CP & Brar | 28,135 | 98,473 | 0.3 % |
| Ajmer-Marwar | 29,992 | 104,972 | 0.3 % |
| Total | 8,406,375 | 31,066,253 | 100 % |
Military & Political People
A large number of Jatt people serve in the Indian Army, including the Jat Regiment, Sikh Regiment, Rajputana Rifles and the Grenadiers, where they have won many of the highest military awards for gallantry and bravery. Jat people also serve in the Pakistan Army especially in the Punjab Regiment, where they have also been highly decorated. The Jat Regiment is an infantry regiment of the Indian Army, it is one of the longest serving and most decorated regiments of the Indian Army[20]. The regiment has won 19 battle honours between 1839 to 1947[21] and post independence 5 battle honours, eight Mahavir Chakra, eight Kirti Chakra, 32 Shaurya Chakras, 39 Vir Chakras and 170 Sena medals[22] Major Hoshiar Singh of Rohtak won the Paramvir Chakra during Indo-Pak war of 1971. Rohtak district, which has a high density of Jat people, has the distinction of producing the highest number of Victoria Cross winners of any district in India.
The Jat people were designated by British officials as a "Martial Race". "Martial Race" was a designation created by officials of British India to describe "races" (peoples) that were thought to be naturally warlike and aggressive in battle, and to possess qualities like courage, loyalty, self sufficiency, physical strength, resilience, orderliness, hard working, fighting tenacity and military strategy. The British recruited heavily from these Martial Races for service in the colonial army.[23]
Traditionally they have dominated as the political class in Punjab.[24]
A number of Jat people belonging to the political classes have produced many political leaders, including the 6th Prime Minister of India, Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh. Moreover, there have been many Jat Kings and warriors throughout history.[25]
The Jat people are one of the most prosperous groups in India on a per-capita basis (Punjab, Haryana, and Gujarat are the wealthiest of Indian states).[26]
People Background
Origin & lineage
The Jat people are considered to be the merged descendants of Indo-Scythian tribes of the region, merging to form the Jat people.[27] DNA studies have proved that Jat people are Indo-Scythian (see Jat DNA Genetics section). The original home of the Jats was in Central Asia near the country we now call Ukraine. Many recent DNA studies have provided scientific confirmation & proof that the Jats came from Ukraine, due to them having many Ukrainian DNA markers & Genes.[28][29] DNA studies have proved that Jat people are Indo-Scythian (see Jat DNA Genetics section).
Indo-Aryan lineage
Main article: Indo-Aryan origin of Jats
The Indo-Aryan origin of Jats has been advocated on the basis of ethnological, physical and linguistic standards by many historians like E.B.Havell,[30] Qanungo,[31] C.V.Vaidya,[32] Sir Herbert Risley,[33] Thakur Deshraj,[34] Mangal Sen Jindal[35]etc.
The Sinsinwar Jat rulers of Bharatpur have been recorded as Yadav, by Prakash Chandra Chandawat.[36] Historian UN Sharma has mentioned the chronology of Krishna in which starting from Sindhupal in 64th generation of Krishna to Bharatpur ruler Maharaja Brijendra Singh (1929-1948) all the rulers are mentioned as Yaduvanshi Jats.[37] Sidhu Jats are also Bhatti Rajput in origin, and thus Yaduvanshi in origin.
Indo-Scythian lineage
- Main article: Indo-Scythian origin
World famous Jatt scholar Professor B.S. Dhillon states Jat people are Indo-Scythians from historical evidence and DNA genectic research studies & proof.[38] Colonel Tod agreed in considering the Jats to be of Indo-Scythian Stock.[39] Alexander Cunningham considered the Jats to be of Indo-Scythian stock. Sir Alexander Cunningham, (Former Director-General of the Archeological Survey of India) wrote: The Xanthii (a Scythian tribe) are very probably the Zaths (Jats) of the early Arab writers. As the Zaths were in Sindh to the west of the Indus, this location agrees very well with what we know of the settlement of the Sakas (Scythians) on the Indian frontier.[40]
Arthur Edward Barstow wrote: "Greeks of Bactria (partly modern Afghanistan), expelled by the hordes of Scythians, entered India in the second and first centuries BC and are said to have penetrated as far as Orissa (an Indian province in south-east). Meanwhile the Medii, Xanthii, Jatii, Getae and other Scythian races, were gradually working their way from the banks of the Oxus (River valley in Central Asia) into Southern Afghanistan and the pastoral highland about Quetta (a Pakistani city), whence they forced their way by the Bolan Pass, through the Sulaiman Mountains into India, settling in the Punjab about the beginning of the first century AD. It is from these Scythian immigrants that most of the Jat tribes are at any rate partly descended."[41] A.H. Bingley wrote: "It is from these Scythian Immigrants that most of the Jat tribes are at any rate partly descended."[42] Professor J. Pettigrew wrote: "Another view holds that the Jats came from Asia Minor and Armenia in the successive invasions during the period 600 B.C. to A.D. 600."[43] Professor H.S. Willliams wrote: "The extent of the Scythian invasion has been variously estimated. Some scholars believe that they virtually supplanted the previous population of India (means Punjab), and there seems little doubt that by far the most numerous section of the Punjab population is of Scythian origin."[44] U.S. Mahil wrote: "Jat were called Scythians; because they were the inhabitants of the ancient country of Scythia. The Jats who invaded the Punjab and conquered India up to Benares were called Indo-Scythians."[45]
I. Sara wrote: "Recent excavations in the Ukraine and Crimea. The finds points to the visible links of the Jat and Scythians."[46]
S.M Latif wrote: "A considerable portion of the routed army of the Scythians settled in the Punjab, and a race of them, called Nomardy, inhabited the country on the west bank of the Indus (river). They are described as a nomadic tribe, living in wooden houses, after the old Scythian fashion, and settling where they found sufficient pasturage. A portion of these settlers, the descendants of Massagetae, were called Getes, from whom sprung the modern Jats."[47]
According to Hukum Singh Panwar (Pauria) the theory of Indo-Scythian origin of Jats was under heavy fire with the advent of 20th century. Investigations in the field of philology, anthropology and history armed the critics like Trump, and Beames, Miller and Grierson, Risley and Russel. Elliot and Haddon, Havell and Nesfield, C.V. Vaidya and Vidyalankar, Qanungo and Thakur Deshraj, Y.P.Shastri and Ram Pande, etc to controvert the theory vehemently. [48]
Jat People Genetics
- Main article: Indo-Scythian origin
A recent study of the people of Indian Punjab, where about 40% or more of the population are Jat people, strongly shows that the Jat people are Indo-Scythians. The study involved a genealogical DNA test which examined single nucleotide polymorphisms (mutations in a single DNA "letter") on the Y chromosome (which occurs only in males). Jats share many common haplotypes with Ukrainian people, Germanic people, Slavic people, Baltic peoples, Iranian people, and Central Asian groups.[49] This strongly indicates they originate from near or in Ukraine.[50] It found Jat people share only two haplotypes, one of which is also shared with the population of present-day Turkish people, and have few matches with neighbouring Pakistani populations.[51] This haplotype shared between the two Jat groups may be part of an Indo-Aryan (or Indo-European people) genetic contribution to these populations, where as the haplotypes shared with other Eurasian populations is due to the strong DNA contributions of Indo-European Scythians (Saka, Massagetae) and White Huns.[52] (These groups may of course all have been branches of a larger ethnic complex). However using the same database Jats share many haplotypes (within the R1a haplogroup) with Southern Indians. Hence it seems as far as haplogroup R1a is concerned Jats, many Europeans and Southern Indians, but not non-Punjabi Pakistani populations, share a common recent history (based on R1a1 haplotypes).[53] The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) female DNA, Jats contain haplogroups typical of Northern India, Pakistan, and West Asia. This indicates that for the female mtDNA, there is very little connection with Central Asian and northwest European populations, even though Jats share many Y-SNP markers with these populations. Therefore, this DNA Study proves that there has been male DNA into the Jat people from Ukrainian Scythians (Saka, Massagetae) and White Huns.[54]
MAIN POINT IMPORTANT: Jat People Genetics
The highlighted DNA Study proves that there has been male DNA into the Jat people from Ukrainian Scythians (Saka, Massagetae) and White Huns.[55]
IMPORTANT POINT: The Jat people's FATHERS were Scythians (Saka, Massagetae) and White Huns.
Noun Etymology of Jat
Main article: Etymology of Jat
Central Asian Etymology of Jat
The Central Asian Etymology about the origin of the word, 'Jat' is that it has originated from Jeat. Professor J. A. Leake states Jat is dervied from the old Central Asian and Gothic word from Jaet.[56][57] The Gothic etymology is futher stated & agreed by other scholars such a Bhim Singh Dahiya who state, Jeat (also spelt Geat) was the names of Central Asia tribes.[58]
Religious Etymology of Jat
The Religious Etymology about the origin of the word, 'Jat' is that it finds mention in most ancient Indian literature like Mahabharata and Rig Veda. Over sixty clans are named in the Rig Veda.[6] In the Mahabharata as they are mentioned ‘Jartas’ in ‘Karna Parva’. The famous Sanskrit scholar Panini (traditionally dated 520-460 BCE, with estimates ranging from the 7th to 4th centuries BCE) has mentioned in his Sanskrit grammar known as Aṣṭādhyāyī in the form of shloka as जट झट संघाते or “Jat Jhat Sanghate”.[59] This means that the terms 'Jat' and 'democratic federation' are synonymous. He has mentioned many Jat clans as settled in Punjab and North west areas. They are mentioned in the grammar treatise of Chandra of the fifth century in the phrase sentence अजय जर्टो हुणान or “Ajay Jarto Huṇān”, which refers to the defeat of Huns by the Jartos under the leadership of Yasodharman. The inscriptions of Mandsaur and Bijayagadh theorise on phonetic grounds that Yasodharman, the ruler of Malwa, may have been a Jat of the Virk gotra ( clan).[60][61][62] Thus Jat is derived from 'Gyat' meaning a federation.
Political History in South Asia
Ancient Jat People Kingdoms
Main article: Jat Kingdoms in Ancient India
Some Jatt historians and other writers have mentioned in various references about the ancient Jat kingdoms. Some of them are listed below and the reference with each name indicates source where it is written :
Prof. Maheswari Prasad of Banaras Hindu University has written that one reason for non–occurrence of word Jat as such in ancient literature may be that they were formerly known by other names i.e. their clan names also. Change of nomenclature is a part of the historical process. With the branching of community, its several branches known by different names and when one of them is distinguished by its achievement, other groups also take its name as a general designation. It is therefore quite expected that descendants of many old communities are still present among Jats. A study of Jat gotra names reveals that Jat is a general term for number of cognate clans formerly known by different names.[97]
Note: There are more Ancient Jat People Kingdoms in main article please do not add any new ones to this summary paragraph.
Jat People in the pre-Aurangzeb period
Main article: Jat People in the pre-Aurangzeb period
We do not have the means to form an accurate and comprehensive view of their past, from the early medieval times to commencement of the reign of Aurangzeb when their brethren of Mathura and Bharatpur step by step rose to political prominence. Our sources contain incidental and meager information about the Jats. [98]
It needs no stress that the mind of the people is better and more correctly revealed by their own writings. In case of the Jat people who generally do not have a respectable tradition of history writing, the paucity of any systematic and complete history from their side causes difficulties to a student of their history. The non-Jat sources do provide facts about the Jat activities. The sources consulted include such as Majmal-ut-Tawarikh, Tabkai-i-Akbari, Kamil-ut-Tawarikh, Tarikh-us-Subuktigin, Malfuzat-i-Timuri,Tarikh-i-Sher Shahi etc.
The history of pre-Aurangzeb period reveals that they (the Jats) have shown in all times – whether against Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni, or against Nadir Shah and Ahmad Shah Abdali – the same propensity to fall upon the rear of a retreating army undeterred by the heaviest odds, or the terror-inspiring fame of great conquerors. When encountered they showed the same obstinate and steady courage unmindful of the carnage on the field or of the miseries that were in store for them after defeat". [99][100]
Jat People Kingdoms in Medieval India
Main article: Jat Kingdoms in Medieval India
Gohad
Main article: Gohad
According to the Rajputana Gazetteer, the Jagir of village Bamrauli near Agra, was transferred to the Chauhan and Kachwaha Rajputs of Bairath (near Alwar), during the rule of the Tomar Rajputs in Delhi in the 11th century. During Firuz Shah Tughluq's regime, his satrap in Agra, Muneer Mohammad, forced the Jats of Bamrauli to leave the village in 1367. The Bamraulia Jats moved to the region of Gwalior beyond the Chambal River.
According to Cunningham and William Cook, the Bamraulia Jats founded the city of Gohad near Gwalior in 1505. Later it developed into an important Jat State that continued till Indian Independence. The Jat rulers of Gohad were awarded the title of Rana.
Singhan Deo was the first Jat ruler of the state of Gohad. The chronology of Jatt rulers of Gohad has 17 names: Singhan Deo I, Singhan Deo II, Devi Singh, Udyaut Singh, Rana Anup Singh, Sambhu Singh, Abhay Chander, Ratan Singh, Uday Singh, Bagh Raj, Gaj Singh, Jaswant, Bhim Singh, Girdhar Pratap Singh, Chhatar Singh, Kirat Singh.
The British Government concluded a treaty with Jats and with their help defeated Marathas and won back Gwalior and Gohad from them. The British kept Gwalior with them and handed over Gohad to Jats in 1804.[101]
Gohad was handed over to Marathas under a revised treaty dated 22 November 1805 between Marathas and Britishers. Under this treaty Gohad ruler Rana Kirat Singh was given Dhaulpur, Badi and Rajakheda in exchange with Gohad. Rana Kirat Singh moved to Dhaulpur in December 1805.[102] Sindhias could take over Gohad on 27 February 1806 with the help of Britishers. Thus the Rana Jat rulers of Bamraulia gotra ruled Gohad for 300 years from 1505–1805. [103]
Dholpur
Main article: Dholpur
The present town of Dholpur, which dates from the 16th century, stands somewhat to the north of the site of the older town built in the 11th century by Raja Dholan (or Dhawal) Deo, a Tomara Rajput chieftain; it was named as Dholdera or Dhawalpuri after him.Modern research says in 10 th century Jats took over the control of Dhaulpur. Before jats The Yadav were ruler in buddha time. After that Tomer of Gwaliar Win Dhaulpur but Jats remain there Emperor.
In 1450, Dholpur had a Raja of its own. However, the fort was taken by Sikander Lodi in 1501 and transferred to a Muslim governor in 1504. In 1527, after strenuous resistance, the fort fell to Babur and came under the sway of the Mughals along with the surrounding country. It was assigned by Emperor Akbar to the province of Agra. A fortified sarai built during the reign of Akbar still stands in the town, within which is the fine tomb of Sadik Mohammed Khan, one of his generals.
During the dissensions which followed the death of emperor Aurangzeb in 1707, Raja Kalyan Singh Bhadauria obtained possession of Dholpur. His family retained it until 1761, after which it was taken successively by the Jat Maharaja Suraj Mal of Bharatpur; by Mirza Najaf Khan in 1775; by the Scindia ruler of Gwalior in 1782; and finally, by the British East India Company in 1803. It was restored by the British to the Scindias under the "Treaty of Sarji Anjangaon", but in consequence of new arrangements, was again occupied by the British. Finally, in 1806, the territories of Dholpur, Ban and Rajakhera were handed over to Kirat Singh of Gohad, in exchange for his own state of Gohad, which was ceded to the Scindias.
From this point begins the history of the princely state of Dholpur, a vassal of the British during British Rule. After Independence, it was incorporated into the newly-formed state of Rajasthan.
The rise of Jat People power
Main article: Expansion of the Jat power (1680-1707)
The rise of Jat power has always taken place against tyranny, injustice, economic and social exploitations and was never overawed by claims of racial or tribal superiority. They have always stood in ancient as well as medieval times like rock in the face of invaders seeking to ravage the motherland. Whenever the occasion arose they beat their ploughshares into swords and taking advantage of decrepit political structure, they laid the foundations of political power under several tribal chiefs. [104]
They have shown in all times – whether against Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni, or against Nadir Shah and Ahmad Shah Abdali – the same propensity to fall upon the rear of a retreating army undeterred by the heaviest odds, or the terror-inspiring fame of great conquerors. When encountered they showed the same obstinate and steady courage unmindful of the carnage on the field or of the miseries that were in store for them after defeat. [105]
In 1669 this race of warrior-agriculturists, the Jats, rose against the narrow and over-centralised despotic regime of Aurangzeb. The Jat power under the leadership of Churaman took a big leap forward during the rule of the imbecile successors of Aurangzeb.[106]
The Jat People Uprising of 1669
Main article: The Jat Uprising of 1669
The Jat uprising of 1669 under Gokula in region around Mathura occurred at a time when the Mughal government was by no means weak or imbecile. [107] In fact this period of Aurangzeb’s reign witnessed the climax of the Mughal Empire.[108], [109] during the early medieval period frequent breakdown of law and order often induced the Jats to adopt a refractory course. [110] But, with the establishment of the Mughal rule, law and order was effectively established and we do not come across any major Jat revolt during the century and a half proceeding the reign of Aurangzeb. [111]
Historians have generally ascribed the said Jat rebellion to Aurangzab’s religious discrimination and the oppression of local officers. [112], [113]. [114] These, however seem to have been the contributory causes but neither the sole nor the dominant factors which precipitated the revolt. The real cause of the Jat rebellion of 1669 lay deeper than have been assigned to it so far. [115]
The Jat rebellion of 1669 was essentially the result of the political provocation aggravated by the economic discontent and set ablaze by the religious persecution. [116]
Once their combined efforts proved fruitful under later leaders and bright future prospects appeared ahead. Their circumstantial union assumed a little fixed character. Consideration of common benefit might also have been instrumental in leading the tribal and democratic Jats to prefer, accept and finally adopt the institution of kingship. To such circumstances may be traced the genesis of the Jat state of Bharatpur and the eventual emergence of the principalities of Patiala, Nabha and Jind which were the Jat republicans until India's independence. [117]
Jat people kingdoms in Early modern Era
Bharatpur
- Main article: Bharatpur & Main article: Maharaja Suraj Mal
In the disorder following Aurangzeb's death in 1707, Jat resistance resumed, organized under the leadership of Churaman (1695–1721). The Jat power under the leadership of Churaman took a big leap forward during the rule of the imbecile successor of Aurangzeb. Aurangzeb left behind a host of serious problems for his weak successors to deal with people highly agitated like Jat people. [118] Churaman's nephew, Badan Singh (1722–1756), established a kingdom centered at Deeg, from which he extended his rule over Agra and Mathura.
Badan Singh's eldest son and successor was Maharaja Suraj Mal (1707–1763) . Suraj Mal, described as the "Jat Plato" and the "Jat Ulysses", extended his kingdom to include Agra, Mathura, Dholpur, Mainpuri, Hathras, Aligarh, Etawah, Meerut, Rohtak, Farrukhnagar, Mewat, Rewari and Gurgaon. He was described as the greatest warrior and the ablest statesman that the Jatts had ever produced. The author of Siyar says, Suraj Mal had in his stable twelve thousand horses, mounted by so many picked man, amongst whom on horseback and then wheeling round in order to load under shelter, and these men had by continual and daily practice become so expeditious and so dangerous marksmen, and withal so expert in their evolutions, that there were no troops in India and could pretend to face them in the field. Nor was it thought possible to wage war against such a prince with any prospect of advantage. [119][120]
Suraj Mal moved the capital from Deeg to Bharatpur after 1733. Rustam, a Jat king of the Sogariya clan, had laid the foundation of the modern city of Bharatpur. After him, control passed to his son, Khemkaran and then to Suraj Mal. Khemkaran was a warrior. He was awarded with the title "Faujdar", which is still used by all Sogariyas. The beautiful palace and gardens at Deeg and the Bharatpur fort, both built by Suraj Mal, symbolised the coming of age of the Jat state. Suraj Mal died on 25 December, 1763.
The chronology of Sinsinwar Jat clan rulers of Bharatpur is as under:
- Gokula (? - 1670],
- Raja Ram (1670 - 1688),
- Churaman (1695 - 1721),
- Badan Singh (1722 - 1756),
- Maharaja Suraj Mal (1756 - 1767),
- Maharaja Jawahar Singh (1767 - 1768),
- Maharaja Ratan Singh (1768 - 1769),
- Maharaja Kehri Singh (1769 - 1771),
- Maharaja Nawal Singh (1771 - 1776),
- Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1776 - 1805),
- Maharaja Randhir Singh (1805 - 1823),
- Maharaja Baldeo Singh (1823 - 1825),
- Maharaja Balwant Singh (1825 - 1853),
- Maharaja Jaswant Singh (1853 - 1893),
- Maharaja Ram Singh (1893 - 1900) (Exiled),
- Maharani Girraj Kaur (1900-1918) (regent),
- Maharaja Kishan Singh (1900 - 1929),
- Maharaja Brijendra Singh (1929-1947) (Joined the Indian Union)
During British Rule, the state covered an area of 5,123 sq.km. Its rulers enjoyed a salute of 17 guns. The state acceded unto the dominion of India in 1947. It was merged with three nearby princely states to form the 'Matsya Union', which in turn was merged with other adjoining territories to create the present-day state of Rajasthan.
Dholpur(धोलपुर)
The present town of Dholpur, which dates from the 16th century, stands somewhat to the north of the site of the older town built in the 11th century by Raja Dholan (or Dhawal) Deo, a Tomara Rajput chieftain; it was named as Dholdera or Dhawalpuri after him. +
In 1450, Dholpur had a Raja of its own. However, the fort was taken by Sikander Lodi in 1501 and transferred to a Muslim governor in 1504. In 1527, after strenuous resistance, the fort fell to Babur and came under the sway of the Mughals along with the surrounding country. It was assigned by Emperor Akbar to the province of Agra. A fortified sarai built during the reign of Akbar still stands in the town, within which is the fine tomb of Sadik Mohammed Khan, one of his generals.
During the dissensions which followed the death of emperor Aurangzeb in 1707, Raja Kalyan Singh Bhadauria obtained possession of Dholpur. His family retained it until 1761, after which it was taken successively by the Jat Maharaja Suraj Mal of Bharatpur; by Mirza Najaf Khan in 1775; by the Scindia ruler of Gwalior in 1782; and finally, by the British East India Company in 1803. It was restored by the British to the Scindias under the "Treaty of Sarji Anjangaon", but in consequence of new arrangements, was again occupied by the British. Finally, in 1806, the territories of Dholpur, Ban and Rajakhera were handed over to Kirat Singh of Gohad, in exchange for his own state of Gohad, which was ceded to the Scindias.
From this point begins the history of the princely state of Dholpur, a vassal of the British during the British Raj. After Independence, it was incorporated into the newly-formed state of Rajasthan.
Kuchesar
Main article: Kuchesar
In the mid-eighteenth century the Dalal Jats of Mandoti, Haryana, built the mud fort of Kuchesar in Uttar Pradesh.Mud fort of kuchesar famous for tourism now a days.
Ballabhgarh
Main article: Ballabhgarh The founders of the princely state of Ballabhgarh were Tewatia Jats, who had come from village Janauli, which is more than 2000 years old. The Tevatia Jat Sardar Gopal Singh left Janauli in 1705 (in Palwal) and got settled at Sihi, a village of Tewatia Jats in Ballabgarh at a distance of about 5 km from Ballabhgarh. Charan Das's son, Balram Singh, rose to a powerful king in this dynasty. Princely state of Ballabgarh is after his name. He was brother in law of Maharaja Suraj Mal and mama of Jawahar Singh. Raja Nahar Singh (1823–1858) was a notable King of this princely state. The forefathers of Jat Raja Nahar Singh had built a fort here around 1739 AD. The small kingdom of Ballabhgarh is only 20 miles from Delhi. The name of the Jat Raja Nahar Singh will always be highly regarded among those who martyred themselves in the 1857 war of independence.
Patiala
Main article: Patiala
Patiala was a state of Siddhu Jatts ancestry in Punjab.[121][122] Its area was 5932 sq. mile and annual income Rs 1,63,00,000/-. The rulers of the erstwhile states of Patiala, Nabha and Jind trace their ancestry to Jat sardar Phul of Siddhu ancestry.[123] Apparently the appellation of dynasty "Phulkian" is derived from their common founder. One of sons of Phul, Ram Singh had son Ala Singh, who assumed the leadership in 1714 when Banda Bahadur was engaged in the fierce battle against the Mughals. Ala Singh carved out an independent principality from a petty Zamindari of 30 villages. Under his successors, it expanded into a large state, touching the Shivaliks in north, Rajasthan in the south and upper courses of the Yamuna and Sutlej rivers while confronting the most trying and challenging circumstances.
Nabha
Main article: Nabha
Nabha was a state of Siddhu Jats.[124][122] founded by grandson of Chaudhary Phul Singh. Chaudhary Phul Singh had six sons namely, 1.Tiloka 2.Ram Singh 3.Rudh 4.Chunu 5. Jhandu and 6.Takhtmal. Annual income of Nabha state was Rs 1,50,000/-.[125] Phul, was Chaudhri (Governor) of a country located at the south east of Dihli. Phul’s descendants founded 3 States: Patiala, Jind and Nabha. Nabha was founded by the great-grandson of Phul in 1755.[126]
Jind
Main article: Jind
Jind state in Haryana was founded by descendants of Phul Jatt of Siddhu ancestry.[127][122] Jind was a state of Siddhu Jats founded by grandson of Chaudhary Phul Singh. Chaudhary Phul Singh had six sons namely, 1.Tiloka 2.Ram Singh 3.Rudh 4.Chunu 5. Jhandu and 6.Takhtmal. Tiloka had two sons namely, 1. Gurudutta 2. Sukh Chain. Sukh Chain's descendants ruled Jind state and Gurudatta's descendants ruled Nabha state.Area of the state was 1259 sq mile and annual income of Jind state was Rs 30,00,000/-.[128] According to another version stating descent from Jaisal, founder of the State of Jaisalmer in 1156, the founder of this Sikh dynasty, Phul, was Chaudhri (Governor) of a country located at the south east of Dihli. Phul’s descendants founded 3 States: Patiala, Jind and Nabha.
By the nineteenth century, Jats ruled the states of Bharatpur, Dholpur, Gohad, Kuchesar, Ballabhgarh, Patiala, Nabha and Jind. The Jats established a reputation of being determined and sturdy.
Faridkot (फरीदकोट)
Faridkot state was founded by Jat Sikh of Barar gotra during Akbar's rule. Area of the state was 643 sq mile and annual income was Rs 18,00,000/-. Their ancestor was Rao Khewa.
Mursan
Mursan state of Thenua Jats was located in the Hathras (Mahamaya Nagar) district in Uttar Pradesh. The most well-known ruler of this estate was the Jat nobleman, Raja Mahendra Pratap (1886–1979), who was popularly known as Aryan Peshwa. The third son of Raja Ghansyam Singh, he was adopted by Raja Harnarayan Singh of Hathras.
Mahendra Pratap married a lady from a Jat Sikh family based in the princely state of Jind in Haryana.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh (Punjab)
Maharaja Ranjit Singh (Punjab) (1780–1839) was from Sandhawalia[129] Jat clan of Punjab and became the Sikh emperor of the sovereign country of Punjab and the Sikh Empire. Ranjit Singh's father Maha Singh was the commander of the Sukerchakia misl and controlled a territory in west Punjab based around his headquarters at Gujranwala.
Ranjit Singh succeeded his father at the young age of 12. After several campaigns, his rivals accepted him as their leader, and he united the Sikh factions into one state. He conquered vast tracts of territory on all sides of his kingdom. From the capture of Lahore in 1799, he rapidly annexed the rest of the Punjab and became undisputed ruler of northern India and the land of the five rivers. And even then, to secure his empire, he invaded Afghanistan, and severely defeated the Pathan militias and tribes. Ranjit Singh took the title of Maharaja on April 12 1801 (to coincide with Baisakhi day). Lahore served as his capital from 1799. In 1802 he took the city of Amritsar. In the year 1802, Ranjit Singh successfully invaded Kashmir.
Other states
- Saidpur (Bulandshahar)[British sources of 1857 Revolt]
- Peshawa (now in Aligarh)[Now a Days Royal family live in this fort,famous in world for exporting hourse]
- Nanda Devi in Garhwal Nandraj Jat built temple of Nanda Devi. Jat of Garhwal called as Nanda jats
- Dungarpur of Rajasthan - it was jat state in ancient times
- Firojbad, UP - in 1739, Jats of Mahavan attacked on Firojabad and killed the faujdar of Firojabad then rooled over it more than 30 years.
- Alwar - In the age of Maharaja Surajmal, Jawahar singh (son of Maharaja) won the fort of Alwar for a brief period.
- Gwalior - Jatt rulers Maharaja Bhim Singh Rana (1707-1756) and Maharaja Chhatar Singh Rana (1757-1782) occupied the Gwalior fort twice, Maharaja Bhim Singh Rana from 1740 to 1756, and Maharaja Chhatra Singh Rana from 1780 to 1783. During this period they constructed historical monuments in the Gwalior Fort
- Agra- Many years Jats ruled Agra. After a seize of one month Maharaja Suraj Mal captured Agra Fort on 12 June 1761 and it remained in the possession of Bharatpur rulers till 1774. [130] After Maharaja Suraj Mal, Maharaja Jawahar Singh, Maharaja Ratan Singh and Maharaja Kehri Singh (minor) under resident ship of Maharaja Nawal Singh ruled over Agra Fort. There is a haveli in the name Maharaja Nawal Singh in Agra Fort and also a Chhatri of Maharaja Jawahar Singh built in right side of Khasmahal near the Chhatri of Rosanara-Jahanara.[131],[132]
Jat people in Religious history
Jat People in Islamic History
Main article: Jats in Islamic History
Jat people & their history have been intertwined with Islam, starting from the 7th Century. It has been mentioned of Jats were living in Arabia and being the earliest people of South Asian origin to become Muslims. They were in Muhammad's army in all the battles he fought. They were later appointed as guards of the treasury of the Islamic Caliphate. However, the largest period of integration and conflict began from the 11th century onwards.[133][134] These factors have affected and influenced the Jat people, their history and their culture. These influences include periods of conflict and periods of integration with Jat people, their social institutions and their culture.
Jat people in Shāhnāma
Main article: Jat people in Shāhnāma
According to Dr S.M. Yunus Jaffery, Jatt people have been mentioned in Shāhnāma ("The epic of kings") [135], the national epic of Persia (modern Iran), by Hakīm Abul-Qāsim Firdawsī Tūsī (Persian: حکیم ابوالقاسم فردوسی توسی ), more commonly transliterated as Firdowsi (935–1020), the most revered Persian poet. The Shāhnāma tells the mythical and historical past of Iran from the creation of the world up until the Islamic conquest of Iran in the 7th century. The Shâhnameh recounts the history of Iran, beginning with the creation of the world and the introduction of the arts of civilization (fire, cooking, metallurgy, law) to the Aryans and ends with the Arab conquest of Persia. The scene that has been drawn by Firdowsi in his Shahnama is in the legend of Rostam and Sohrab. Sohrab was in search of Rostam, his father. Both, the father and son had heard the heroic deeds of each other, but none of them wanted to disclose his identification. Sohrab while being in search of his father leads his army to the White Castle (Dazh-e-Safid) in Iran. Hujir, guardian of the castle, sees the army come and goes to meet them. Sohrab asked Hujir about the heroes and war champions of Iran as under:[136][137][138]
Jat People in Majmal-ut-Tawarikh
Majmal-ut-Tawarikh, the first Persian account of the 11th century (1026), refers an interesting legend about the Jat people and Meds. It says that both these people, the descendants of Ham, lived in Sind on the banks of the river Bahar. They indulged in mutual warfare. It so happens that the Jats overpowered the distressing Meds. But realizing the futility of continuous struggle both the Jats and the Meds begged King Dajushan (Duryodhan) to appoint a King to rule over them and thereby ensure perpetual peace. The King nominated his sister Dassal (Duhsala), who governed them with wisdom. But despite its riches, dignity and greatness, there was no Brahman or wise man in the country. Hence from all over Hindustan thirty thousand Brahmans along with their families were sent there by her brother. Perhaps the name of the famous city Brahmanabad points to the place where the Brahman immigrants first settled. [139]They settled there and in time Sind became flourishing. The queen later on made over small portion of her realm to the Jats and appointed one of them, Judrat, as their chief. She made a similar provision for the Meds also. [140] This narrative involving the mythological figures can not be regarded as a historical fact but would imply that the people designated as Jatts were present at the time of war of Mahabharata.[141]
Jat People in Hindu History
Shiva's Locks Legend of Jat people
Main article: Origin of Jats from Shiva's Locks
The mythological account of Origin of Jats from Shiva's Locks was propounded by the author of Deva Samhita. Deva Samhita,[142], [143], [144] is a collection of Sanskrit hymns by Gorakh Sinha during the early medieval period. Devasamhita records an account of the Origin of the Jats in the form of discussion between Shiva and Parvati expressed in shloka (verses). Pārvatī asks Shiva, O Lord Bhutesha, knower of all religions, kindly narrate about the birth and exploits of the Jat race. Who is their father? Who is their mother? Which race are they? When were they born? Having read the mind of Parvati, Shiva said, "O mother of the world, I may tell you honestly the origin and exploits of the Jats about whom none else has so far revealed anything to you.
There is mention of Jats in Deva Samhitā [145] in the form of powerful rulers over vast plains of Central Asia. When Pārvatī asks Shiva about the origin of Jats, their antiquity and characters of Jats, Shiva tells her like this in Sanskrit shloka-15 as under:
- महाबला महावीर्या, महासत्य पराक्रमाः Mahābalā mahāvīryā, Mahāsatya parākramāḥ
- सर्वाग्रे क्षत्रिया जट्टा देवकल्पा दृढ़-व्रता: Sarvāgre kshatriyā jattā Devakalpā dridh-vratāḥ || 15 ||
- Meaning - "They are symbol of sacrifice, bravery and industry. They are, like gods, firm of determination and of all the kshatriyā, the Jats are the prime rulers of the earth."
Shiva explains Parvati about the origin of Jats in Shloka –16 of Deva samhita as under:
- श्रृष्टेरादौ महामाये वीर भद्रस्य शक्तित: Shrishterādau mahāmāye Virabhadrasya shaktitaḥ
- कन्यानां दक्षस्य गर्भे जाता जट्टा महेश्वरी Kanyānām Dakshasya garbhe jātā jatta maheshwarī. || 16 ||
- Meaning – "In the beginning of the universe with the personification of the illusionary powers of Virabhadra and daughter of Daksha's gana's womb originated the caste of Jats."
Pārvatī asks, in the shloka-17 of 'Deva Samhitā' about the origin and exploits of the Jats, whom none else has so far revealed, Shiva tells Parvati that:
- गर्व खर्चोत्र विग्राणां देवानां च महेश्वरी Garva kharchotra vigrānam devānām cha maheshwarī
- विचित्रं विस्मयं सत्वं पौराण कै साङ्गीपितं Vichitram vismayam satvam Pauran kai sāngīpitam || 17 ||
- Meaning - "The history of origin of Jats is extremely wonderful and their antiquity glorious. The Pundits of history did not record their annals lest it should injure and impair their false pride of the vipras and gods. We describe that realistic history before you."
Jat People in Mahabharata period
Main article: Jat people in Mahabharata period
Jat people find a mention in most ancient Indian literature like Mahabharata and Rig Veda. Over sixty clans are named in the Rig Veda.[6] In the Mahabharata as they are mentioned ‘Jartas’ in ‘Karna Parva’. The famous Sanskrit scholar Panini (traditionally dated 520-460 BCE, with estimates ranging from the 7th to 4th centuries BCE) has mentioned in his Sanskrit grammar known as Aṣṭādhyāyī in the form of shloka as जट झट संघाते or “Jat Jhat Sanghate”.[146] This means that the terms 'Jat' and 'democratic federation' are synonymous.
Jat People today in South Asia
Today, besides agriculture, Jats are engaged in blue and white-collar jobs, trade and commerce. Though they continue to be a rural populace, their presence in towns and district headquarters can be noted due to migration, which undoubtedly explains their distance from agriculture and animal husbandry.[147]
Jat people are considered a Forward class in the vast majority of states in India, with a few exceptions in a small number of areas were they are Other Backward Class (OBC). In Rajasthan, the Jats are classified as OBC, except in Bharatpur District and Dhaulpur District.[148] In Rajasthan the Jat people are a wealthy & rich section of society but the BJP in 1999 in order to win their votes gave them OBC for political reasons.[149] Some specific clans of Jats are classified as OBC in some states. Eg. Muslim Jats in Gujarat[150] and Mirdha Jats (except Muslim Jats) in Madhya Pradesh.[151] Land reforms, particularly the abolition of Jagirdari and Zamindari systems, Panchayati Raj and Green revolution, to which Jat people have been major contributors, have immensely contributed to the economic betterment of the Jat people. Despite this propsperity they who are mostly farming dominant social group and would not normally regard them to be inferior to anyone have been demanding OBC status.
Adult franchise has created enormous social and political awakening among Jats. Consolidation of economic gains and participation in the electoral process are two visible outcomes of the post-independence situation. Through this participation they have been able to significantly influence the politics of north India. Economic differentiation, migration and mobility could be clearly noticed amongst Jats.[152]
Life and culture of Jat People
 A Jat Chaupal in Uttar Pradesh |
 Jat Chaupal in Rajasthan |
 Ghud Chadhi ceremony of Jat marriage |
 Rajasthani woman's dress, Pomachā and khārā ghāgharā |
 The ceremony of 'Manda Ropana' on the marriage ceremony at bride's house |
 The ceremony of 'Haldi Rasm' on the marriage ceremony at bridegroom's house |
 The ceremony of 'Jhol Ghalna' on the marriage ceremony at bride's house |
 Jat women in tradional dress performing bhāt ceremony |
 Jat women performing 'Chak Poojana' ceremony, at both bride and bridegroom's houses |
 Toran ceremony |
 Neem jhunwari ceremony |
 Thapa lagana ceremony after sat fere |
The Jat people's lifestyle was designed to foster a martial spirit.[153] Whenever they lost their kingdoms, Jat people retired to the country-side and became landed barons and the landlords with their swords girded round their waists.[154] They would draw the sword out of the scabbard at the command of their panchayat to fight with the invaders. Jat people have a history of being brave and ready fighters.[155] They are fiercely independent in character and value their self respect more than anything, which is why they offered heavy resistance against any foreign force that treated them unjustly. [156] They are known for their pride, bravery and readyness to sacrifice their lives in battle for their people and kinsmen.[157] In the government of their villages, they appear much more democratic. they have less reverence for hereditary right and a preference for elected headmen.[158]
Jat People Organizations
Main article: Jat Organizations Main article: Khap
The Jats have always organized themselves into hundreds of patrilineage clans, Panchayat system or Khap. A clan was based on one small gotra or a number of related gotras under one elected leader whose word was law. [159]The big Jat clans now are so big that individual in them are only related to each other by individual that lived typically hundreds years ago. Mutual quarrels of any intensity could be settled by orders of Jat elders. In times of danger, the whole clan rallied under the banner of the leader. The Jat Khap or Panchayat "system is territorial and highly democratic. District and a number of Khaps form a 'Sarva Khap' embracing a full province or state. Negotiations with anyone were done - at 'Sarva Khap' level.
In addition to the conventional Sarva Khap Panchayat, there are regional Jat Mahasabhas affiliated to the All India Jat Mahasabha to organize and safeguard the interests of the community, which held its meeting at regional and national levels to take stock of their activities and devise practical ways and means for the amelioration of the community.[160]
Social customs of Jat People
Main article: Jat social customs
All Jats, irrespective of their official or financial positions in life, have equal social status (except the royal family of Patiala who are Sidhu/Bhatti Rajput in origin).
The only criterion of superiority is age. The Jat people are ethnically and culturally required to MUST marry within their community. With the advancement of modern civilization, as people are becoming less dependent upon and more tolerant towards each other, the joint family system is going out of vogue. It is still prevalent in the less advanced areas
Religion
Main article: Jat Religions
Jat people follower many religions, these include Islam, Hinduism and Sikhism. Jat Hindus only believe in that they are a ethnic group and race. All DNA studies confirm this.
Jat Sikhs and Jat Muslims believe they are a ethnic group and race. If a Jat does not follow a religion and is atheist then the Jat is also a ethnic group and race. All DNA studies confirm this.
Language
Main article: Jat languages
Jat people usually speak Punjabi, Hindi and its dialects (Rajasthani, Haryanvi, Malvi) and Sindhi or Gujarati. Jat people who