- For other uses, see Jat (disambiguation)
| Jat people جاٹ जाट ਜੱਟ |
|---|
 | Maharaja Churaman • Bhagat Singh • Gurdas Mann • Bobby Deol Bhagat Dhanna • Foolabai • Maharaja Kishan Singh • Simi Garewal |
| Total population |
31 million[1] |
| Regions with significant populations | •  Pakistan •  India •  Europe •  United States •  Canada •  Australia •  United Kingdom
|
| Language(s) | • Punjabi • Rajasthani • Hariyanavi • Balochi • Sindhi • Gujarati • Hindi • Urdu • English | Religion(s) | • Hinduism • Vedic religion • Islam • Sikhism | Related ethnic groups | • Indo-Aryans • Indo-Iranians • Indo-Scythians • Indo-European • Punjabis • Baluchis • Sindhis |
The Jat people (IAST: Jāṭ, Urdu: جاٹ, Hindi: जाट, Punjabi: ਜੱਟ جاٹ Jatt), are an ethnic group of people[2][3] native to Northern India and Pakistan that have attributes of an ethnic group, tribe and a people.[4][5] The Jat people are considered to be the merged descendants of the original Indo-Aryans and a later addition of Indo-Scythian tribes of the region, merging to form the Jat people.[6] The Jat people of India and Pakistan are not to be confused with the peripatetic Jats of Afghanistan, who are a distinct ethnic group.[7] 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.[8][9] Some have moved to Western countries for economic and family reasons. There some have risen to prominence among the immigrants in the West.
People
The Jat people are an ethnic people[10][11] 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.[12] 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.[13] Historically, there have been many Jat kings and other leading figures in history.[14] The Jat people have also produced many prominent politicians and political leaders in Pakistan & India including (Choudhary Charan Singh and Chaudhari 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).[15]
People Demographics
The census in 1931 in India recorded population on the basis of ethnicity. In 1925, according to Professor Qanungo[16] the population of Jats 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 Jat 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.[17] 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.[18] According to Hukum Singh Pawar (Pauria), 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.[19] 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.[20] Dr Sukhbir Singh estimates that the population of Hindu Jats, numbered at 2,210,945 in the 1931 census, rose to about 7,738,308 by 1988, whereas Muslim Jats, numbered at 3,287,875 in 1931, would have risen to about 13,151,500 in 1988. The total population of Jats 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 Jat 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:[21]
| 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 Jat 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[22]. The regiment has won 19 battle honours between 1839 to 1947[23] and post independence 5 battle honours, eight Mahavir Chakra, eight Kirti Chakra, 32 Shaurya Chakras, 39 Vir Chakras and 170 Sena medals[24] 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. Traditionally they have dominated as the political class in Punjab.[25] A number of Jat people belonging to the political classes have produced many political leaders, including the 6th Prime Minister of India, Prime Minister Choudhary Charan Singh. Moreover, there have been many Jat Kings and warriors throughout history.[26] 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).[27]
Background
Origin & lineage
The Jat people are considered to be the merged descendants of the original Indo-Aryans and a later addition of Indo-Scythian tribes of the region, merging to form the Jat people.[6] The Jat people of India and Pakistan are not to be confused with the peripatetic Jats of Afghanistan, who are a distinct ethnic group.[28]
Indo-Aryan lineage
The Indo-Aryan origin of Jat people has been advocated on the basis of ethnological, physical and linguistic standards by many historians like E.B.Havell,[29] Qanungo,[30] C.V.Vaidya,[31] Sir Herbert Risley,[32] Thakur Deshraj,[33] Mangal Sen Jindal[34]etc. The Sinsinwar Jat people rulers of Bharatpur have been recorded as Yadav, by Prakash Chandra Chandawat.[35] 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 Jat people.[36]
Indo-Scythian lineage
Alexander Cunningham considered the Jat people to be of Indo-Scythian stock. He thought that the Manhábari (perhaps = Mer, Med, Mand, Mind) and the Saminagar (perhaps = Sammâ) tribes were Indo-Scythians. He says "their name is found in Northern India from the beginning of the Christian era." These people were apparently considered by some of the early Muslim writers to have descended from Med and Zat, "two descendants of Ham, the son of Noah", and to be "the progenitors of the people of Sindh prior to the Mahâbhârata." Cunningham believes they "were in full possession of the valley of the Indus towards the end of the seventh century. We hear of no Semitic origins in India before the advent of Islam. Thus is the traditional approach of many Muslims to Semitize Hindu India. "[37]
Shiva's Locks Legend of Jat people
The mythological account of Origin of Jats from Shiva's Locks was propounded by the author of Deva Samhita. Deva Samhita[38][39][40] 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 Jat people about whom none else has so far revealed anything to you.
Jat people through history
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”.[41] This means that the terms 'Jat' and 'democratic federation' are synonymous.
Jat people in Shāhnāma
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According to Dr S.M. Yunus Jaffery, Jat people have been mentioned in Shāhnāma ("The epic of kings") [42], 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:[43][44][45]
Jat people in Majmal-ut-Tawarikh
Majmal-ut-Tawarikh, the first Persian account of the 11th century (1026), refers an interesting legend about 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 Jat people overpowered the distressing Meds. But realizing the futility of continuous struggle both the Jat people 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.[46] 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.[47] This narrative involving the mythological figures can not be regarded as a historical fact but would imply that the people designated as Jat people were present at the time of war of Mahabharata.[48]
Noun Etymology of Jat
The most common view about the origin of the word, 'Jat' with regards to Jat people, is that it has originated from the Sanskrit language word “Gyat” . The Mahabharata mentions in chapter 25, shloka 26 that Lord Krishna founded a federation ‘Gana-sangha’ of the Andhak and Vrishni clans. This federation was known as ‘Gyati-sangh’. Dr Natthan Singh, a Jat historian theorises, that over a period of time ‘Gyati’ became ‘Gyat’ and it may have changed to Jat.[49]
Jat people in Islamic History
Jat people & their history have been intertwined with Islam, since the first intersection of Islam into South Asia and the Indian Subcontinent, starting from the 7th Century. However, the largest period of integration and conflict began from the 11th century onwards.[50][51] 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.
Ancient Jat people Kingdoms
Jat rulers in Kaikan
Kaikan was a province in Sind. Kikania is the name of a mountain. When the Arab invaders first time came to Kaikan mountains, the Jat people repelled them. Professor K.R. Kanungo[52] writes that when Muhammad bin Qasim invaded Sind, Kaikan country was in independent possession of Jats. The country of Kaikan was supposed to be in south-eastern Afghanistan[53], which was conquered from Jat people by the Arab general Amran Bin Musa in the reign of the Khalifa Al-Mutasim-bi-llah, (833-881 AD).[54] During the same reign another expedition was sent against the Jat people who had seized upon the roads of Hajar (?)...and spread terror over the roads and planted posts in all directions towards the desert. They were overcome after a bloody conflict of twenty five days. 27000 of them were led in captivity to grace the triumph of victor. It was a custom among these people to blow their horns when Marshalled for battle.[55][56][57] D.N.Jha & Shrimali wrote in Ancient History of India [Delhi University Publication]-"Jats of Kikkan fought very bravely and defeated the Arabs very badly again & again". Therefore, an Arab attack on India by Kikkan was routed [Page no 350].
Panwar rulers in Omarkot
Umerkot or Omarkot (Urdu: عمرکوٹ) is town in the province of Sindh, Pakistan. It is also referred to as Amar Kot as per old histories, "Amar Kot Itehas" by Tej Singh Solanki. Once, it has been Capital of Greater Sindh Province, including some parts of present Rajasthan state of India. According to Thakur Deshraj, Panwar clan Jats were rulers here prior to Mughal ruler Humayun. Jame Todd tells it to be a Rajput state confusing Panwar with Rajputs, but it was denied by Cunningham, who wrote it to be a Panwar Jat state referring to the author of Humayun Nama.[58][59]
Other Jat people rulers in Sind
Thakur Deshraj mentions about rule of other Jat named Chandra Ram of Hala clan. He was ruler of Susthan but he lost it to Muslims. He wandered for some time but later he attacked the fort and occupied it. When Muhammad bin Qasim learnt it he sent 1000 sawar and 2000 footsoldiers to suppress Chandra Ram. He fought bravely but was killed. His state was known as Halakhandi.[56][60]
Maharaja Shalinder
After the fall of Kushan Empire country was divided in to small states. There is no information of any important Jat state in a period of two centuries following Kushan rule. In the beginning of fifth century we find Jat ruler Maharaja Shalinder with his rule extending from Punjab to Malwa and Rajasthan. This is proved from the Pali inscription obtained from village Kanwas in Kota state in year 1820 AD. We get following information from this inscription: [61] Shalinder was the ruler Shalpur, known in the present by the name Sialkot. He established this state on his own power, which indicates that he was a monarch emerged from chieftain ship of a republic state. He had a powerful army full of strong warriors amongst whom he felt proud of glory of his ethnicity. He had many small states under him and a rich treasury. He was a Kashyapvanshi (Suryavanshi) Taxak clan Jat. He had left Buddhism and adopted puranic religion and started vedic culture like performing yagyas etc.[62]
Kartik Jat people ruler of Bundi
James Tod obtained a Pali inscription about Jit (= Jat?) tribe at village Ramchandrapura 3 kos (6 miles) east of Bundi state, which he sent to Asiatic Society London. The inscription reveals that there was a king Thot born in Uti vansha. His son was Raja Chandrasain, a powerful and beloved of his subject. The son of Chandrasain was Kartik, renowned for his prowess. His wife was Gunaniwas, who gave birth to two sons Mukund and Daruk. Daruk produced son named Kuhal. Kuhal produced son named Dhunak, who achieved great works. He had war with Hill Meenas tribes and defeated and destroyed them. He along with his brother Dok worshipped gods and brahmanas. They founded a temple. Kuhal had founded this temple and a Maheshwar temple in east. The popularity of this was spread by Achal son of Mahabali Maharaja Yashovarma.[63]
Jat republics in Rajasthan
Jat republics in Jangladesh
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Jangladesh was the name of a region of northern Rajasthan state in India.[64] It included the present-day districts of Bikaner, Churu, Ganganagar, and Hanumangarh. These districts are predominant districts of the Jat people. It corresponds to the former princely state of Bikaner, which was founded in the 15th century and persisted until shortly after India's Independence in 1947. The principal towns of Jangladesh at present are Bikaner, Churu, Rajgarh, Ratangarh and Reni. There is mention of this province in Bhisma Parva of Mahabharata.[65] At every stage of invasion to India the foreign invaders had to encounter with the Jats of this region. At what period the Jat people established themselves in the Indian desert is not known. By the 4th century they had spread up to Punjab in India.[66] The north-eastern and north-western Rajasthan, known by the name Jangladesh in ancient times[67] was inhabited by Jat clans ruled by their own chiefs and largely governed by their own customary law.[68] Whole of the region was possessed by six or seven cantons namely Punia, Godara, Saran, Sihag, Beniwal, Johiya.[69] and Kaswan.[70] Besides these cantons there were several clan of Jat people, simultaneously wrested from Rajput proprietors for instance Bagor, Kharipatta, Mohila or Mehila,[71] Bhukar, Bhadu, Chahar. [72] According to History of Bikaner State and by the scholars, the region was occupied by Jat people with their seven territories. It is said about Jat territories that Saat Patti Sattavan Majh (means seven long and fifty-seven small territories).[73] Following are the main clans and their heads with capital and number of villages in each territory.[74][75]
Jat republics in United province
- Garhwal - the rulers of Garhmukteshwar
- Kaliramna - A king of this gotra was the ruler near Mathura, on the banks of Yamuna River. The ancient fort of Kaliramna is in ruins near Mathura. His fort was known as fort of Kalidheh.
- Khirwar - Raja Khir was the son of Aniruddha, the grandson of Sri Krishna. Khirwars are the descendants of Raja Khir. Khirwar Jats were the rulers of the Brij area of Uttar Pradesh. From here they moved to Madhya Pradesh, where they occupied good land for cultivation on the banks of the Narmada and founded the city of Narsinghpur in Madhya Pradesh where they ruled for a long period.
- Nauhwar - Rulers in ancient times at Noh lake area near Mathura.
- Koīl - In the ancient times the people of Kampilya were later known as Koil. The Koīl people came from Kampilya and founded the city known as Kampilgarh, situated south east of Ganges. The town of Kampilgarh later became popular as Koil which is now Aligarh.
- Hala
- Kuntal
- Pachar
- Thenua
- Toout
- Thakurele - (Aligarh, In 18th century they defeated the Hada Rajputs & had their strong hold in Khair & Inglash tahsil]
Jat republics in Malwa
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 Jat people.[76] 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 Jat people) 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".[77][78]
Jat People Kingdoms in Medieval India
The Jat People 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.[79] In fact this period of Aurangzeb’s reign witnessed the climax of the Mughal Empire.[80][81] during the early medieval period frequent breakdown of law and order often induced the Jat people to adopt a refractory course.[82] 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.[83] Historians have generally ascribed the said Jat people rebellion to Aurangzab’s religious discrimination and the oppression of local officers.[84][85][86] 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.[87] The Jat people rebellion of 1669 was essentially the result of the political provocation aggravated by the economic discontent and set ablaze by the religious persecution.[88] 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.[89]
The rise of Jat people power
The rise of Jat people 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.[90] 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.[91] In 1669 this race of warrior-agriculturists, the Jat people, 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 successors of Aurangzeb.[92]
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 Jat people of Bamrauli to leave the village in 1367. The Bamraulia Jat people moved to the region of Gwalior beyond the Chambal river.
According to Cunningham and William Cook, the Bamraulia Jat people 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 Jat 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 Jat people 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.[93] 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.[94] 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. [95]
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 Jat people took over the control of Dhaulpur. Before Jat people the Yadav were ruler in buddha time. After that Tomer of Gwaliar Win Dhaulpur but Jat people 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 the Raj. After Independence, it was incorporated into the newly-formed state of Rajasthan.
Bharatpur
In the disorder following Aurangzeb's death in 1707, Jat people resistance resumed, organized under the leadership of Churaman (1695–1721). The Jat people 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. [96] 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 Jat people 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. [97], [98] 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 Jashwant 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 the Raj, 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.
Kuchesar
In the mid-eighteenth century the Dalal Jat people of Mandoti, Haryana, built the mud fort of Kuchesar in Uttar Pradesh.Mud fort of kuchesar famous for tourism now a days.
Ballabhgarh
The founders of the princely state of Ballabhgarh were Tewatia Jat people, 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 Jat people 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
Patiala was a state of Siddhu Jats ancestry in Punjab.[99][100] 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.[101] 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
Nabha was a state of Siddhu Jats.[102][100] 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/-.[103] 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.[104]
Jind
Jind state in Haryana was founded by descendants of Phul Jat of Siddhu ancestry.[105][100] 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/-.[106] 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, Jat people ruled the states of Bharatpur, Dholpur, Gohad, Kuchesar, Ballabhgarh, Patiala, Nabha and Jind. The Jats established a reputation of being determined and sturdy.
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
ca. 1835-40
Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780–1839) was from Sandhawalia[107] Jat clan of Punjab and became the Sikh emperor of the sovereign country of Punjab and the Sikh Empire.Without any doubt he was the most powerful ruler of northern India during his times who was held in great awe and reverence by all the other kingdoms including those of Rajputana. 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
Other Jat states have included.
- Gwalior - Jat 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 Jat people 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. [108] 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.[109],[110]
Jat people and Rajputs
- Jat people and Rajputs are similar in many traditions and gotras such as Chauhan, Solanki, Tomar, Rana, Parmar, Sikarwar (Madhya Pradesh)], and many more. In Rajasthan Jat republics existed before Rajput states. Jats also came into power in the 18th century. Mahadji Sindhiya was of a kunbi family but now the Sindhiya family of Gwaliar call themselves Rajputs. Chauhan of Ajmer was a Brahmin in origin. Later his family called themselves Rajputs. Similarly, Raja Ranjeet Ringh of Punjab was variously called a Rajput, but his father, Maha Singh, was a Hindu Jat as also his family lineage Ranjit Singh remained a Jat. Captain Amrindra Singh of Patiala, one of the states established by the Phulkia clan of Chaudhry Sandhu and Phul Singh, was a Hindu Jat. The Rajput sabha also celebrates the birthday of Raja Mahendra Pratap of the Mursan state in western UP, which was a Hindu Jat state..Besides , the word Rajput also has mythological connotations. So we find "Rajput" as a broad term used loosely in various contexts with separate meanings and seldom for an ethnic group or race.
People Genetics
A recent study of the people of Indian Punjab, where about 40% or more of the population are Jats, suggest that the Jat people are similar to other populations of the Indus Valley. 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 German, Slavic, Baltic, Iranian, and Central Asian groups. It found Jat people share only two haplotypes, one of which is also shared with the population of present-day Turkey, and have few matches with neighbouring Pakistani populations.[111] This haplotype shared between the two Jat groups may be part of an Indo-Aryan (or Indo-European) genetic contribution to these populations, where as the haplotypes shared with other Eurasian populations may be due to the contribution of Indo-European Scythians (Saka, Massagetae) or White Huns.[112] (These groups may of course all have been branches of a larger ethnic complex). However using the same database Jat people share many haplotypes (within the R1a haplogroup) with Southern Indians. Hence it seems as far as haplogroup R1a is concerned Jat people, many Europeans and Southern Indians, but not non-Punjabi Pakistani populations, share a common recent history (based on R1a1 haplotypes). The R1a marker on it own or in its entirety is not indicative of the spread of Indo-European/Scythian populations.[113] The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), Jat people contain haplogroups typical of North India, Pakistan, and West Asia. This indicates that for the female mtDNA, there is very little connection with Central Asian or northwest European populations, even though Jats share manyY-SNP markers with these populations. Hence this may indicate that there has been male migration in or out of the Jat population in 'historical' times.
Jat people today
Today, besides agriculture, Jat people 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.[114] 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 Jat people are classified as OBC, except in Bharatpur and Dhaulpur districts.[115] 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.[116] Some specific clans of Jats are classified as OBC in some states. Eg. Muslim Jats in Gujarat[117] and Mirdha Jat people (except Muslim Jats) in Madhya Pradesh.[118] 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 ethnic people 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 Jat people. 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 .However since demise of Charan Singh and Devi Lal and rise of OBC and BSP their influence is on decline . Economic differentiation, migration and mobility could be clearly noticed amongst Jats.[119]
Life and culture of Jat people
The Life and culture of Jats is full of diversity and approaches most closely to that ascribed to the traditional Aryan colonists of India.[120][121] The Jat lifestyle was designed to foster a martial spirit.[122] 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.[123] 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.[124] 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. [125] They are known for their pride, bravery and readyness to sacrifice their lives in battle for their people and kinsmen.[126] In the government of their villages, they appear much more democratic. they have less reverence for hereditary right and a preference for elected headmen.[127]
Food habits
In Gujarat, Rajasthan and part of Haryana Jat people are mostly non-meat eaters as a result of Arya Samaj Sect of Hinduism. Their staple food is wheat or bajra, vegetables and plenty of milk and ghee.[128] In Punjab, the Jats usually eat meat, especially goat meat. Punjabi Jat people are also fond of saag and makki roti. However, food habits within individual families can be completely different so no major specific food habit can be given for millions of Jats. Mathura's Jat people are pure vegetarian. Their Foods are Dal, Milk Ghee, Matha, Bajri ki rootia and etc. A portion of Jats consider non-vegetarian food undesirable but many of Jats, and particularly the ones who belonged to the martial/warrior stock and defied Brahmin orthodoxy, usually took it (non-vegetarian food) quite liberally e.g. it is part of regular diet for Jat Sikhs as also segments of Warrior clan Hindu Jats now lying scattered in parts of Haryana and U.P. who formed part of erstwhile Jat royalty/aristocracy/nobility. No doubt meat consumption was essential for sustained war fare and only the purely agrarian Jats of peaceful farming habits who did not have much to do by way of taking to martial ways and adversities of wars, could remain purely Vegetarian. In some proportions it can be said that incidence of meat consumption increases directly with the influence/dominance levels exerted by a particular regional grouping of Jats during medieval /aristocratic periods e.g. It is particularly high in areas of Punjab (including modern day Haryana) where the king was a Jat and is almost non existent in areas of Rajasthan (except Bharatpur and Dholpur where Jat king was est.) whereby it may be noted that the social condition of Rajasthan (except as stated) Jats was not very high in pre-independence days.
Jat people Organizations
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. [129]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.[130]
Social customs of Jat people
