Political and Social History of the Jats

Political and Social History of the Jats

by Bal Kishan Dabas

Publisher - Sanjay Prakashan, January 2001

291 p., $28. ISBN 81-7453-045-2.

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Contents:

• Introduction.
• 1. The Jat uprising under Aurangzeb.
• 2. The state formation under the Jats.
• 3. Decline of the Jat power.
• 4. Social life of the Jats.
• 5. Socio-political institution of the Jats.
• Conclusion.
• Appendices:
  • 1. Ahmad Shah Abdali and Sarv-Khap Panchayat.
  • 2. Some important meetings of Sarv-Khap Panchayat. Mandate No. 1 to 7. Bibliography.

"The present work is an analytical study of the political and social history of the Jats. Second half of the 17 century witnessed the rise of Jat power in the vicinity of Delhi and Agra, i.e. in the very heartland of the Mughal Empire. By the first half of the 18 century the Jats were not only able to carve out an independent state for themselves but also emerged as a political force to reckon with. The rise and consolidation of the Jat state is a significant historical development which had far reaching impact on the contemporary political and socio-economic orders.

"The second part of the work focuses on the social life of the Jats. The social history of the Jats has been studied both from structural as well as functional aspects of the social organization of the Jat and in the broader perspective of the structure of medieval Indian society. The position of the Jat zamindars and the cultivators, their customary practices, standard of living, etc. have been discussed.

"The third section of this book gives descriptive-cum-analytical account of the evolution, functioning and role of the socio-political and administrative institutions evolved by the Jats, particularly the institution of sarva khap panchayat. The panchayat system had great bearing on all aspects of the Jat society. The social and political activities of the Jats were regulated and governed by the customs of the panchayat. The working of the panchayat system helps us in understanding the nature of developmental processes in the Jat society."

Ahmad Shah Abdali and Sarv-Khap panchayat

As recorded by Pandit Kanha Ram of the Haryana Sarvkhap, a contemporary of the times and a witness to the entire episode. This was researched and forms part of the Book by Prof B K Dabas.- Political and Social History of the Jats.- 2001, Sanjay Prakashan, New Delhi.

This is put forward for research and discussion.

It was Samarth Guru Ramdas who brought the Marathas in contact with Jat community and the Haryana Sarv-Khap Panchayat. Later, when Peshwas wanted to make India a one whole sovereign state they furthered this contact.

About in V.S. 1813 Sardar Dattaji, deputed by Marathas, drove out Najib Khan to Shukartal from Delhi. Jats, Gujars and many other brave people of Haryana shared this battle. All those fought this battle abreast with Marathas. Dattaji stayed for some three years in a mud-fort at Shukartal. The Jats were a part of his army. They fought shoulder to shoulder with Marathas to defeat his enemies. In these three years Dattaji eliminated Najib's rule over all the Hindu places of pilgrimage. The Sarv-Khap panchayat always supported Dattaji in subduing Najib.

When Najib felt helpless he invited emperor Abdali of Kandhar for his help. Dattaji was given the responsibility to protect Delhi, Thaneswar and the land between Ganga and Yamuna.

In V.S. 1816 Abdali marched towards India. Dattaji left Shukartal and marched to defend Delhi with his complete Maratha army and 5,000 brave soldiers of Haryana. Datta's army fought with Abdali at Badli. [About 12 kilometers NW of Delhi] The battle lasted for four days. The advance soldiers of Dattaji compelled Abdali to retreat. Abdali was just intending to slip away. In the meantime armies of Najib and Nawab of Lucknow reinforced Abdali. At this hour in addition to Maratha army a force of some ten thousand Sarv-Khap Panchayat Jat soldiers joined Datta. Abdali was attacked on three sides and he suffered a serious loss.

At such a crucial time Najib instigated the Balochs who migrated and settled down in the fifteenth century, and were hawkers and laborers by profession, and they began to trouble the villagers. At this occasion the Sarv Khap Panchayat members of Brij, land between Ganga and Yamuna, reminded Datta that if he had not forgiven Najib, being persuaded by his flattery and display of happiness, he would not have had to face such days, and that it was his own emotion of mercy that proved his enemy. Dattaji retorted, "It is not my fault. I was so directed by Peshwa. According to Peshwa's direction Najib was to be set free, not to be killed." Datta further reminded the Panchayat members that they had asked him not to free Najib, but if he acceded to their request the Peshwa would be angry.

The power of Sarv -Khap Panchayat was divided in three camps-one to maintain peace in the villages, the second to assist Dattaji and third to keep an eye on Abdali's accomplices so that they might not loot the villages. Yet they acted boldly.

In V.S. 1816 in the battle of twelve days Dattaji was struck by a bullet in his stomach and passed away. The Maratha army retreated and assembled at Thaneswar. The new Maratha Commander Jankoji came from Narnaul and Holkar also arrived. This joint army drove back Abdali and his army by guerilla warfare.

The Marathas' immeasurable power was involved against Najib in South.

Unable to overcome the guerrilla warfare tactics of Marathas and their Jat allies Abdali was making his mind to return his homeland. At this hour Najib and his associates begged him not to leave and showed their helplessness to the extent that they told him he was their only protector.

In the south the Peshwa after getting free from the Nizam convened a conference of the Marathas and decided to take revenge of Dattaji's death. He also decided to subdue Abdali and outlined a program for a fresh war.

The Maharastra Council deputed Sadashiv Rao Bhau and Bisbas Rao to avenge Datta's death. An army of 200,000 soldiers, 200 huge cannons and 80 small cannons were given to them to confront Abdali. At this occasion the Peshwa exhorted his brother Sada Shiv Rao Bhau, :"Promote your contact with all the Indian kings and the Sarv-Khap Panchayat of Haryana."

As per the Peshwa's advice Bhau wrote letters to all of them and invited them for support.

Most of the Rajput Rajas of Rajasthan were jealous of the Marathas and they did not support them.

The Jats, Gujars, Ahirs and other people selected Suraj Mal their leader.

In V.S. 1817 a conference was held at Chauhana, an old fort near Delhi. The advisers proposed their own strategy. The small as well as very powerful chiefs of Jats left their decision to be made by five Panchas (the council of five)- Harsahai Pandit, Ramsahai Jat, Bhola Ram Gujar, Ramjas Ahir and Surj Rajput. The Jat panchas of Hathras and Mursan with the above five panchas proceeded to Suraj Mal and all of them accepted Suraj Mal as their commander as he was intelligent and also a skilled man of warfare. Later the Raja of Landtora also joined him.

A meeting (conference) was held in the camp of Raja Bhau in which 551 delegates participated. Bhau was made the chairman. After this Ramrai, an old Pandit of Haryana blessed the conference after enchanting Veda mantras.

In this conference the delegates expressed their notions as under:

"Raja Bhau is born in the house of Chitpawan Brahmins who are staunch followers of religion and true patriots. All the Hindus of northern India should follow them. Whether Hindus or Muslims all will be benefited by our victory in this battle. A foreigner can never be good to us. Beware of split and division. Live united, union is strength. The Indians always were divided so they could not face foreigners and were defeated. Foreigners were not stronger or more virtuous than Indians were. The only cause of the defeat of the Indians was that they never fought as a united force. They were always in divisions. This very evil brought them to subjection. Now the Rajas of Rajasthan do not join Marathas who are the true followers of India's religion and culture, Abdali is foreigner and is the follower of a different faith. Formerly, Abdali was a commander of Nadir Shah who looted a booty of million of rupees. Is there somebody to ask these kings, what benefit they had from that battle? Now after nineteen years Abdali has not returned to offer you any thing. Instead he invades us to seize out wealth, and the remaining limited wealth of the Mughal and the lives of thousand of people. The Rajas of Rajasthan will not be with you, rather they are rejoicing to see you entangled with Abdali. Their blood prefers to be subjected by foreigners than offer cooperation to their own brethren."

The Council appealed to Sujan Singh (Maharaja Suraj Mal) to express his views. He stated:

"Honourable Chairman! The principality of our country is in the hands of Peshwa in these days. The Mughals are nominal emperors. Their court has become as arena of clowns and jokers. This time you come here as a leader of Maharastra Mandal sent by Peshwa. You have passed a distance of thousands of miles to save the country and religion. All our wealth and lives are dedicated to you. Do not fear Abdali. We stand for the prestige of Peshwa. These days Peshwa is like a sheet (Chadar) to cover the Hindu faith. You are his brother and you have a keen desire to strengthen India. You are our representative. We, on behalf of all the Hindus of India, offer you respect equal to the Peshwa. In the first instance you are a Brahmin and besides you are a crown of Hindus. We shall sacrifice our everything on you. My 25,000 soldiers, 60 cannons and all the army of Sarv-Khap panchayat of Haryana will be in your service. Think a little over my views, and the rest is up to you to accept it or not. You are elder and elders may only be beseecher. My suggestions are as under:

1. Before the battle provisions should be accumulated in a safe place like Brij or Bharatpur.

2. To accompany ladies in the battles our strength will be divided. They should therefore be kept in the fort of Deeg.

3. Establish the centre for heavy weapons and other articles at a distant place, and fight the battle with guerilla strategy.

4. Involve Abdali's army in a battle till summer falls, and in the summer make a vigorous attack

5. Do not harm a place of Mohammedan worship. Call a council in the court and choose a Mughal Prince as your chief and thus gain their sympathy. Do not touch precious articles kept in the fort so the Mohammedan may not use this opportunity to make propaganda against us. Invite as many Chiefs as possible to join you and no divide should occur in the organization.

6. All Mohammedan of India will remain with Abdali. Courtiers of Mughals are involved in conspiracy. You must not trust them, yet you must listen to them.

7. It is my special appeal to your chief commandant Ibrahim Gardi that he should consult me for war strategy. For five to six months, guerilla attacks should be only be made, that too only now and then. Keep your contact with Delhi.

8. The heavy loss in the battle of Kunjpura has familiarized Abdali of our power. For some time Abdali had been collecting provisions and troops from the Rohilla State. So the battle is to be fought decisively. Victory or loss is in the hand of God."

Raja Bhau was a great warrior and a brave person. He had won many battles but he was proud. Inexperienced and young fellows accompanied him, and he had no experience of fighting in the plains.

After listening to all the chiefs he called a separate meeting of his associates.

He then removed the silver plates from the ceiling of Red Fort he distributed them among his soldiers. He humiliated the Mughal emperor by selling his precious articles.

He held a meeting in Diwan-i-am and offered the principal rank to his nephew Bisbas (Visvas) Rao. He did not seat Mughal emperor besides him, but seated him but below him, and also insulted many other Mohammedan. This instigated many Mohammedan chiefs.

The women were not kept away from battlefield and the need for edible provisions were not attended to. Equally proud his chief artillery incharge Ibrahim Gardi said,

" I shall roast the army of Abdali like Holas (green grams roasted in fire), for is only the matter of one raid."

Raja Bhau attacked with a joint army of Marathas, Sarv-Khap Panchayat, Maharaja Suraj Mal and the army of Holkar of Indore, and suffering little loss he advanced up, as far as Panipat. All Mohammedan kings, chiefs and nawabs were inclined to join with Abdali. The envoys of kings of Rajasthan advised Abdali and Najib, with the message that they must not doubt their favour and they would not remain with Bhau. The words of Rajputs created a hope in Abdali and subsequently he left Rohilkhand and installed his army in the battlefield of Panipat and disconnected Marathas from Delhi.

On finding the Bhau in adverse circumstances King Suraj Mal, Malhar Rao Holkar and Solal, the General of Jat soldiers of the Sarv-Khap panchayat approached Bhau and requested him to work on the suggestions made formerly by Suraj Mal.

The associates of proud king Bhau replied,

"We are sure that when an encounter takes place we will play like as at Holi. We will send our reply after a two days consultation."

When the meeting was over the Bhau said to his councilors,

"Attack the camp of Bharatpur king, loot it, and capture them before they reach here."

When it was known in the camp of Bharatpur and Indore that the camp was to be raided the next night, the two leaving a few soldiers, went away to some distant place overnight. The two had an army of 50,000.

A few soldiers of Raja Bhau's army instigated the Bhau saying,

"Sujan, Jat of Bharatpur, is only a peasant's son. What knowledge of war he has got? He has known farming only."

Bishbas Rao presented to Sujan on behalf of Peshwa a turban, a note and hundred and one gold coins. An irresponsible chief said as much as, "Return our presents containing the turban and other articles.'" The king of Indore was called a shepherd and about him it was said, "One who earns his livelihood by a herd, getting it to wander over pastures. What can he know of a battle?" These irresponsible associates of Bhau insulted the two kings and also made mockery of them. Noting, this attitude the two kings went away from Bhau's camp to some safe place.

A few fighters of Sarv Khap panchayat also pitched their tents at some distance. The commander Solal, chief of the warriors of the Sarv-Khap panchayat said to his fighters,

"We will get our provisions from villages and we will remain calm. These Maratha associates of Bhau have lost their wisdom and they do not listen to anybody. At such an occasion their indecent behavior has separated the allies."

Solal went to the camp of Bhau with four other Pandits. One of who was Kanha Ram and he requested the Bhau to accept the suggestions of Sujan Singh (Suraj Mal) since his views were right. But Bhau's associates did not allow anything to move.

Abdali came to know of this malice through the envoy of Rohillas' and he blocked the way of Marathas. All the provisions of king Bhau were exhausted. The elephants, horses, camels went hungry. The soldiers ate just half rations. The Sarv-Khap panchayat sent some store of grains and straw but for such a big army this was insufficient. The king Bhau said to some of his associates who in a fit of drinking were uttering unmindfully, "It is better to die while fighting instead of dying hungry." Everybody decided to break through the frontiers of Abdali's army and go to Brij or Delhi. All the chiefs were directed to take a charge of their command and make an expedition next morning to break the siege, Ibrahim Gardi was directed to remain in the forefront.

Raja Bhau's army made its expedition early before the dawn. Raja Bhau and Bishbas Rao were mounted on an elephant. The soldiers of Ibrahim Gardi were provided with guns and cannons. In the early hours of the morning about 5,000 hornpipes began to blow on the side of king Bhau and the Marathas rushed at the Afghan army like hungry wolves. The artillery of Ibrahim was emitting fire and the guns' bullets were being showered like rains. The shell showering by Ibrahim was almost roasting the army of Abdalli; about 17,000 soldiers of Rahmat Khan Ruhella also met the same fate. In this battle about 5,000 soldiers of Maratha army were wounded or killed. After defeating the army of about 18,000 soldiers fighting under the command of two chiefs and breaking the line, Ibrahim advanced. King Bhau and the Malls (Warriors) of the Sarv-Khap panchayat made a sudden attack on the army of 40,000 soldiers of Abdali and split them. About noon the victory in the favour of Marathas was almost decided.

Unfortunately after midday Ibrahim Gardi, the chief Commander of Bhau, a very sincere brave and an expert on French Warfare, was shot with three bullets and he was sent for a treatment behind in the camp. With his absence the army was dispossessed of its real strength. Within no time a small shell fell in the Howdah of Bishbas Rao which burnt him badly and by one of his special messengers he informed his uncle that he should see him in his last hours. Raja Bhau was shocked and was impatient to meet the nephew. But as the situation of the battle was critical, his mates did not allow the Bhau to leave the field. But Bhau under the excessive impatience dismounted from his elephant and rode on his horse and made his way to know the plight of Bishbas Rao.

On the way he was informed by a maiden that 'the camp of his women had been raided by Afghans, the tents had been set ablaze and the ladies were wandering for shelter. The Mohammedan soldiers who were appointed to guard the camp themselves had set the camp afire. 'Save them.' The king Bhau sent a troop in that direction and himself went to Bishbas Rao who was struggling with death and he took his last breath as the Bhau approached him.

The Afghans soldiers of Abdali had full knowledge of this incident and they made a fresh attack on Maratha army after the noon. As Raja Bhau was absent the Maratha army lost its courage, it left the field and the victory changed into the defeat.

In this battle the Marathas met a very heavy loss. There was no household in Maharastra, from which a man did not lose his life in this battle. The power and progress of Marathas shattered. It appeared as if a storm had come, and snatched away all the wealth of the Marathas. Mules laden with silver and gold coins were wandering about without their drivers.

In V.S. 1818 (1761 A.D.) the Marathas lost the field at Panipat but it was solely by ill fate. Otherwise there was no apparent cause of this defeat. The survivor Marathas from this battle moved to the various villages of Haryana. In every village panchayat of Haryana it was decided that every survivors of Bhau's army whether soldier, serf or a chief, if he happened to reach any village must be provided maximum facilities.

What happened to Raja Bhau?

Raja Bhau lost the battle through his own faults.

He did not go back to his mother state Maharastra. Instead he resided in Haryana until his passing away during the V.S. years 1818-1825 (1761-68 A.D.). He lived in the disguise of a hermit in an Ashram (Retreat) of the Nath Panth movement near Rohtak. He met the people, survivors and fighters of the battle, in fairs at Haridwar, Rishikesh and Garh-Ganga. He also stayed at Sisauli, Baraut, Dhakauli, Sanga (Sanwga), Chhaprauli, Harsauli and Kurdi and requested his acquaintances not to reveal any thing about himself. He called himself Bhavaniram (Bhawanand). He passed way at the age of and died at the age of 119. [3]

The Marathas who reached the lands of Haryana and Brij were sumptuously served and greeted. Milk and butter were provided to them in abundance. Physicians were provided to treat the wounded soldiers. After getting cured they were generously provided with way fare and other provisions.

The queen of Bhau, Parvati Bai, with other fifteen ladies stayed at Ailum (now in Muzaffarnagar district, U.P.) for about six months. Later, she was sent, across the Yamuna River.

There were several thousands of wives of Bhau's chiefs, many of whom perished; Afghans and many others committed suicide and some were eaten by beasts or drowned in the rivers kidnaped some.

Raja Sujan Singh proclaimed in his state that the survivors of the battle of Panipat whether soldiers of chiefs, wherever they reach, should be looked after generously. Their homes are distant, they should be looked upon as family members and looked after them in the best possible manner.

The expenditure made on their behalf would be borne by the state and in the entire state of Haryana the Marathas were greeted more than hermits and saints. Raja Sujan Singh himself spent as much as one million rupees on them. In all the public chambers (Chaupals) of Haryana roasted grams and gur (molasses) were kept to be provided to them. Butter and milk were amply offered. Although Ahirs and Gujars of Haryana left no service un- rendered, the Jats led them all.

For this offering, sheltering and service to the Marathas, Abdali looked upon the people of Haryana as his enemies and he marched to destroy Bharatpur and Brij. The men and women of Haryana bound with weapons divided themselves in-groups whom the survivor Marathas also joined. An army of 15,000 soldiers from Bharatpur under the command of Jawahar Singh proceeded beyond Mathura. Latter different groups of Nagas, Gosains and Vairagis also joined them, which made the number of fighters as big at 25,000. In this battle near Mathura a heavy loss on both sides occurred. A group of Sikhs also joined the army of Jats.

They fought and killed about 5,000 soldiers of Abdali, 1,000 horses and 500 camels were captured and cash of about 80,000 rupees was recovered. The next night a troop of 4,000 Gujars and Ahirs looted the one thousand soldiers of Abdali who were busy in cooking their meals in their camp. The soldiers were killed and Abdali's mules, donkeys and horses laden with gold and silver were looted.

Then the summer came about. Cholera broke out in the army of Abdali. Consequently changing his intention of destroying Brij, Abdali moved towards his homeland. On the way he was attacked and raided at least three times. It was on account of the cholera that the Brij could be freed such a great disaster.

References

1. It is an original but translated copy of Ft. Kanha Ram's manuscript Pt. Kanha Ram, who had established his camp at Issopur Teel at the time of third battle of Panipat, saw all the events happening before his eyes. He also helped the Maratha army by sending foodgrains.

2. About 12 km. Northwest of Delhi.

3. The people of Haryana erected a shrine (a samadhi) in honour of the Bhau at, an annual fair (a mela) is still held there today.

4. For a photograph of the original letter of the Bhau to the Haryana Sarv Khap see http://groups.yahoo.com/group/JatHistory/files/ sadashiv bhau.doc

External links

• f https://www.vedamsbooks.com/no25246.htm

References

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