In this post, I show the number of Muslim castes counted for the Punjab by the four censuses of India, namely the 1901, 1911, 1921 and 1931. The census of Punjab in 1901 listed 153 castes that were wholly or partially Muslims with population over a 100 persons; the lists of 1911 only showed 133, and 1921, it was reduced to 109, and further reduced to 37 for the 1931 Census. This reduction was partly due to a process called as Ashrafization, a term coined by Imtiaz Ahmad, a sociologist at the JNU in Delhi. This process includes groups lower in the caste hierarchy adopting upper-caste Muslim practices to achieve social climbing as well as changing their names. The 1931 census was the last to count to caste on territory that became Pakistan.
The largest caste per percentage and population among the Punjab Muslims were the Jats, and in 1901 made 16% of the total. In every census up to 1931, the Jats remained the largest caste, accounting to 20% in 1931. The top five castes in terms of percentages remained fairly constant over the three decades, with the Rajputs (11% in 1901, 10% in 1911, 10.5% in 1921 and 12% in 1931) forming the next largest group. Among three other castes, Arains remained in third place (8% in 1901, 8% in 1911, 8.5% in 1921 and 9% in 1931), while the Julaha (Ansari) or weavers were in fourth place up to 1921 (5% in 1901, 5% in 1911, 4.5% in 1921 and 4% in 1931). In 1931, the Julaha had fallen to fifth place. The Baluch, who were settled mainly in south-west Punjab were the fifth largest caste up to 1921 (4% in 1901, 4% in 1911, 4% in 1921 and 4% in 1931), then moved up to fourth place in 1931. The next five castes also roughly remained the same. The Gujjars were the sixth largest caste in 1901, 1911 and 1921, and seventh largest group in 1931 (4% in 1901, 4% in 1911, 4% in 1921 and 4% in 1931). While the Awan were the seventh largest group in 1901, 1911 and 1921, and switched places with the Gujjars to become the sixth largest group in 1931 (3.5% in 1901, 3.5% in 1911, 3% in 1921 and 4% in 1931). In eight place were the Mochi (cobblers / leather workers), who kept that position throughout the four censuses (3% in 1901, 3.4% in 1911, 3% in 1921 and 3% in 1931). The ninth largest in 1901 were the Kumhars (potters), who were tenth largest in 1911, 1921 and 1931 (3% in 1901, 3% in 1911, 3% in 1921 and 3% in 1931). In 1901, the Shaikh were the tenth largest caste, but slipped to 11 in 1911, 15 in 1921, and back to 11 in 1931 (3% in 1901, 3% in 1911, 2% in 1921 and 3% in 1931). In ninth place for the rest of the three census years were the Mussali (Muslim Shaikh), who in 1901 stood at 34 (0.5% in 1901, 3% in 1911, 2% in 1921 and 3% in 1931). This drastic change was likely as the results of both conversion by the Hindu Chuhra caste to Islam in the western districts and re designation by the Census of certain castes as Mussali such as the Kutana.
Just a brief note on groups are known as “peripatetic nomads“. These are various itinerant populations who move among densely populated areas to offer specialized services (crafts or trades) to their residents—external consultants, for example. There were several groups among Punjabi Muslims who fell within this category such as the Abdal, Aheri (Thori), Changar, Kangar and Kanjar. None of these were counted in the 1931 Census. There is an excellent account of these communities in Punjab by late American anthropologist Joseph C. Berland, in his book No Five Fingers Are Alike: Cognitive Amplifiers in Social Context.
1901 Census
In 1901, the total population in Punjab was 24,754,737, of which Muslims were 12,183,345 (49%). The Muslim castes with population over 100 were:
[3] Included within the Lilari in subsequent census
[4] Not counted in any subsequent census. The Sudhan were very likely included within the Rajput category. They were found mainly in Rawalpindi District.
[10] Not counted in any subsequent census. The Muslim Kayasth of the Ambala Division were slowly being absorbed in the Shaikh caste, and were probably included in that caste
According to the 1911, the total population in Punjab was 24,187,750, of which Muslims were 12,215,477 (50.5%). The Muslim castes with population over 100 were:
[18] Not counted in subsequent census. Most Muslim Arora were likely included among the Khoja, a Muslim caste which was partly Khatri and partly Arora.
[1] Not counted in the 1931 Census. Please read my post on the Khoja.
[2] Not counted in the 1931 Census. Please read my post on the Dogar.
[3] Not counted in the 1931 Census. The Khokhars claimed to be Rajputs, so were likely included in that category for the 1931 census.
[4] Not counted in the 1931 Census. Please read my post on the Bharai.
[5] Not counted in the 1931 Census. This is the caste from which village watchmen were recruited.
[6] Not counted in the 1931 Census. Another group of peripatetic nomads.
[7] Not in the 1931 Census. The Lilari were dyers of clothes and claimed to be Shaikhs. Very likely included in the Shaikh category in the 1931 Census.
[8] Not in the 1931 Census. The Dhund were found in Rawalpindi District and claimed to be Abbasi.
[9] Not in the 1931 Census. Traditionally labourers, and claimed a connection with Hindu Jogi orders.
[11] Not counted in the 1931 Census. See my note on the Kalwar.
[12] Not counted in the 1931 Census. Please read my post on the Khatiks.
[13] Not counted in the 1931 Census. Very likely included in the Qureshi caste in the 1931 census. The rulers of Bahawalpur State belonged to this caste.
[20] Not counted in the 1931 Census. All Pacchada claim to be Rajputs, and were found in Hissar District.
[21] Not counted in the 1931 Census. The Kakkezai name was being slowly adopted by the Kalwar, those who called themselves Kalwars in 1921 were likely to be living in the rural areas.
[22] Not in the 1931 Census. Most Makhdum families claimed to be Qureshi, so likely included in the Qureshi category in the 1931.
[23] Not in the 1931 Census. Claimed to be Alavi, so likely included in the Shaikh category in the 1931 census.
[24] Not counted in the 1931 Census. Another group of peripatetic nomads
[25] Not counted in the 1931 Census. Another group of peripatetic nomads.
[26] Not counted in the 1931 Census. Another Muslim group that claimed Brahmin ancestry.
[27] Not counted in the 1931 Census. A caste involved in the sale of vegetables, so may have been included within the Arain.
[28] Only counted in the 1911 and 1921 census. Claimed to be Farooqi Qureshi, so likely included in the Qureshi category.
[30] Not counted in the 1931 Census. Found mainly in Hissar and Rohtak districts. Their place in the Haryanvi speaking districts was taken by the Banjara. Traditionally associated with the salt trade, but most Labana were farmers.
[31] Not counted in the 1931 Census. Mainly found in Haryana. The much larger community is found in western Uttar Pradesh
[32] Not counted in the 1931 Census. Claimed to be Shaikh Siddiqui, and were probably included in the Qureshi category
[33] Not counted in the 1931 Census. Another group of peripatetic nomads.
[34] Not counted in the 1931 Census. Traditional manufacturers of salt, as opposed to the Banjara and Labana who were salt traders.
[35] Not counted in the 1931 Census. Found mainly in Hissar and Rohtak districts. Their place in the Punjabi speaking districts was taken by the Labana. Traditionally associated with the salt trade.
[36] Not counted in the 1931 Census. Found mainly in Gurgaon District and claimed to be Rajput.
[37] Only counted in the 1911 and 1921. Claimed to be Qureshi, were likely counted as Qureshi in 1931
[38] Not counted in the 1931 Census. Found mainly in the North-West of mixed Arora and Khatri ancestry. Probably included among the Shaikhs.
[39] Not counted in the 1931 Census. A caste found in the Baluch inhabited south-west of Punjab, likely absorbed into the Baluch. Generally descended from prisoners of war.
[40] Not counted in the 1931 Census. Another group of peripatetic nomads.
[41] Not counted in the 1931 Census. Another group of peripatetic nomads.
[42] Not counted in the 1931 census. A sub-group with the Lohars, some claimed an Afghan origin.
[43] Only counted for the 1911 and 1921 Census. Were masons and brick makers, and claimed to be Rajputs
[44] Not counted in the 1931 Census. The Kharrals claim to be Panwar Rajputs, and wereprobably added within the Rajputs for the 1931 Census
[62] Only counted for the 1911 and 1921 Census. They are found in much larger numbers in Uttar Pradesh and claim to be Gaur Brahmins. In Punjab, they were found mainly in what is now Haryana.
[64] Only counted in the 1911 and 1921 Census. They were a community of peripatetic nomads
[65] Only counted in the 1901 and 1921 census. They were a sub-group within the Mirasi caste
[66] Only counted for 1901 and 1921 Census. They were peripatetic nomads and have no connection with Bengal. They claimed to be Pathans, and maybe connected with the Afghan Powinda.
[67] Not counted in the 1931 Census. The Saiqalgar were a sub-group of Lohars, and claimed to be Mughals
[69] Only counted for 1901 and 1921 Census. They were found mainly in Karnal and eastern Ambala, and closely connected to much larger Jhojha caste of western Uttar Pradesh
[70] Only counted for the 1911 and 1921 censuses. A sub-group of Muslim Brahmins, likely absorbed into the Shaikh caste
[72] Only counted for 1901 and 1921 Census. The Bohra are a community of Muslims from Gujarat, those listed here were likely immigrants
1931 Census
The number of castes for this Table has been reduced to fifty-six from 109.
According to the 1931, the total population in Punjab was 28,490,857, of which Muslims were 14,929,896 (52%). The Muslim castes with population over 1,500 were:
In this post, the sixth in my third series on the 1901 Census of on the Punjab census of 1901, I will look at the distribution of the Sunars, sometimes spelt as Sonars. The term Sunar is likely derived from the Sanskrit suvarna kār, i.e., a “worker in gold”. They are the traditional gold and silver smiths of the Punjab. In 1901, the total Sunar population in 1901 was 177,225, which was about 0.7% of the total population of Punjab. In terms of religion, Hindus numbered 129,418 (73%), the overwhelming majority, with Muslims coming next at 28,565 (16%), then Sikhs at 19,235 (11%). Many Hindu and Sikh Sunars in Punjab used the surnames Soni and Verma. In 1901, there were only 7 Sunars who practiced the Jain faith. H. A Rose, the British colonial ethnographer of the Punjab wrote the following about the Punjab Sunars:
The Sunar is very generally a Hindu throughout the Eastern Plains and the Salt Range Tract, though in the Multan division and on the frontier he is often a Muslim. In the central division there are a few Sikh Sunars. The Sunar prides himself upon being one of the twice-born, and many of them wear the janeo or sacred thread
While Pundit Hari Kishan Kaul, author of the 1911 Census of Punjab described them as follows:
SUNARS are Hindus, Sikhs and Muslim (only 8 Jains and 1 Buddhist) and have been returned from all parts of the province. They are the gold and silver smiths, as well as the jewellers of the province. Sunar (Swarnakalr) is no doubt a functional term, although for generations the group has been treated as a separate caste. The members are, however, trying now to obtain Rajput and Khatri status.
There are two distinct sub-divisions of the Punjab Sunar, the Mair and Tank, both of whom claim to be Rajput. Indeed, almost all the Muslim Sunar claim a Rajput status and are converts from the Mair sub-caste. About 52% of the Sunar were found in the Lahore and Jalandhar Divisions, and the adjoining Phulkian States, and were largely of the Mair subgroup. In this region, 15% were Muslim, 17% were Sikhs, and remaining 68% were Hindu. About 16% were found in the Ambala Division, roughly the present state of Haryana, and were divided between both Tank and Mair section, and were largely Hindu. About a third were found in the Rawalpindi and Multan division, which had a slight Mair majority. In Multan District, the Mair Sunars had almost all converted to Islam, as well the neighbouring Montgomery District (mainly Sahiwal and Okara districts). However, even in this region, almost 69% of the Sunar were Hindu, 21% were Muslim, while the remaining 10% were Sikh. The Tank of Multan and Rawalpindi divisions, like the Khatris were divided into two groups, the Bari and Bunjahi, and were culturally close to the Khatri caste. The last census that counted the Sunar population was the 1931 Census, when their total population was 159,655, of which Hindus were 99,026 (62%), Muslims were 34,558 (22%) and Sikhs were 26,071 (16%).
Map of Punjab Circa 1911 Source Wikipedia
In 1901, Punjab consisted of the following districts, divided into five divisions, plus a number of princely states.
In this post, the fifth in my third series on the 1901 Census of on the Punjab census of 1901, I will look at the distribution of the Suds, sometimes spelt as Sood. Like the castes looked in the previous three posts, namely the Khatri, Arora and Bhatia, the Suds were largely traders. In 1901, the total Sood population in was 20,836, which was around 0.08% of the total population of Punjab, and 98% were Hindu. But unlike the three, they had no presence in western Punjab, and were almost entirely Hindus. The Sud were divided into pahari (hill) Sud who lived in present day Himachal Pradesh and maidani (plains) Sood found in Indian Punjab, the later are also known Punjabi Soods. In 1901, about one-third were pahari, mainly found in Kangra, while remainder were largely found in Doaba (in Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur districts) and Malwa (in Ludhiana District and neighbouring territories of Patiala state) regions. In Shimla, they were 1% of the total population, Kangra 0.8%, Ludhiana 0.4%, Hoshiarpur 0.2%, Jalandhar 0.2% and 0.2% of Patiala State. The last census that counted the Sood was the 1921 Census, when they numbered 19,064.
In this post, the fourth in my third series on the 1901 Census of on the Punjab census of 1901, I will look at the distribution of a caste traditionally associated with trade in Punjab, namely the Bhatia. In terms of distributions, almost 95% of the Bhatia were found in territory that is now the Pakistani province of Punjab. I also include the numbers and territorial breakdown of the Bhatia population in the then North West Frontier Province (NWFP), now known as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. These Bhatias were closely connected with the Bhatia population of west Punjab. The Bhatia had much in common with the Arora and Khatri, with very similar customs and traditions.
Bhatia in Punjab
Map of Punjab 1901 Source Wikepedia
In 1901, the total Bhatia population was 23,527, of which Hindus were 16,949 (72%) and remaining were Sikh 6,365 (17%). About 55% of the Bhatia population was found in a contiguous territory in northern Punjab in the districts of Sialkot, Gujrat, Jhelum and Gujranwala. About 45% of these Bhatia were also Sikh. A second cluster, about 20%, largely Hindu, were found in southern Punjab in the districts Multan, Muzaffargarh, Jhang and the state of Bahawalpur. There was also a community found in Amritsar District, the only one in Indian Punjab. Pundit Hari Kishan Kaul, author of the 1911 Census of Punjab described them as follows:
BHATIAS are Hindus and Sikhs with 18 Muhammadans and 10 Jains, and are found mainly in the Lahore, Rawalpindi and Multan Divisions. They are a class of Rajputs who originally came from Bhatner, etc., but have taken to commercial pursuits. Bhatias are in this Province engaged for the most part in petty shopkeeping.
The last census that counted the Bhatia was the 1921 census, where they numbered 11,370, of which Hindus numbered 8,613 (76%) and Sikhs were 2,757 (24%).
In 1901, Punjab consisted of the following districts, divided into five divisions.
In terms of percentage of the total district population, they were as follow:
Rawalpindi Division
Gujrat 0.7%
Shahpur 0.4%
Overall, the Rawalpindi Division was home to 38% of the total Bhatia population, and their population in the Division was 8,980 of which Hindus were 4,465 (50%) and Sikhs were 4,515 (50%).
Multan Division (including the Bahawalpur State)
Multan 0.4%
Bahawalpur State 0.1%
Overall, the Multan Division, including the Bahawalpur State was home to 25% of the total Bhatia population, and their population in the Division was 5,822 of which Hindus were 5,544 (95%), Muslims numbered 194 (3%) and 84 Sikhs.
Like in Punjab, the Bhatia populattion was concentrated in the south of the province, almost entirely in the Bannu districts, where 80% lived. In 1901, the total Hindu population in the NWFP was 134,252, with the Bhatia population being 2,053 (1.5%). Together with the Khatri and Arora, the Bhatia were indigenous to the province. According to the 1931 Census, the total Bhatia population in the NWFP was 6,632, of which Hindus were 6,047 (91%) and Sikhs were 585 (9%).
This is my third post in my third series on the 1901 Census of Punjab, which looks at the distribution of the Arora caste. I also include the numbers and territorial breakdown of the Arora population in the then North West Frontier Province (NWFP), now known as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. These Aroras were closely connected with the Arora population of west Punjab. The total Arora population in 1901 were 652,624, of which Hindus numbered 587,115 (90%) and Sikhs 65,307 (10%). In Punjab, they were the nineth largest caste in terms of distribution, making 3% of the total population. The Arora population was heavilly concentrated in West Punjab, more so then even the Khatris. In 1901 almost 87% of the Aroras lived in territory that became Pakistan. Firozpur, Amritsar and Hisar were the only regions that had indigenous Aroras communities in Indian Punjab and Haryana, with the Multan Division and neighbouring Bahawalpur State home to almost half the total population. While Khatris were concentrated in the north west, the Aroras were concentrated in the south west of British Punjab. Overall, about 10% of the Aroras were Sikh, but in some districts it was much higher. In Amritsar, 40% were Sikh, in Gujrat 35%, in Shahpur (modern Sargodha) and Jhelum 25% and in Montgomery 14%. Pundit Hari Kishan Kaul, author of the 1911 Census of Punjab described them as follows:
ARORAS are mostly Hindus and Sikhs with only 286 Muhammadans. They are scattered over the whole Province, but are found mainly in the Multan, Rawalpindi and Lahore Divisions, the Firozpur District and the Bahawalpur State. Their traditional occupations are trade and money lending, but some of them own and live on land. The Aroras occupy very nearly the same social position as Khatris. Their custom s and traditions strongly point to a Khatri origin. The Arora or Rora is evidently connected with Arorkot near Rohri (Sukkur), the ancient capital of Sindh.
In 1931, the last census that counted caste, the total Arora population had increased to 775,734, of which Hindu Aroras numbered 661,268 (85%) and Sikhs were 114,329 (15%). The remaining Aroras were either Christian or Jain. In 1901, Punjab consisted of the following districts, divided into five divisions.
In terms of percentage of the total district population, they were as follow:
Multan Division (including Bahawalpur State)
Multan 13%
Jhang 13%
Bahawalpur State 9%
Dera Ghazi Khan 9%
Muzaffargarh 9%
Chenab Colony 3%
In the figures for the Multan Division, I included Bahawalpur State, whose territory lay within the division. The division was home to 47% of the total Arora population in the province. The total population in the division was 307,344, of which Hindus were 301,282 (98%) and Sikhs were 5,981 (2%).
Rawalpindi Division
Mianwali 10%
Shahpur 8%
Gujrat 4%
Rawalpindi 2%
Jhelum 2%
The total Arora population in this division was 140,600, which was 22% of the total Arora population in the province. Hindus numbered 112,828 (80%) and Sikhs were 27,593 (20%), and this region had the highest proportion of Sikhs, with the Sikhs making Gujrat 35%, in Shahpur (modern Sargodha) and Jhelum 25% of the Aroras.
Lahore Division
Montgomery 11%
Gujranwala 5%
Lahore 3%
Amritsar 2%
Sialkot 2%
The total Arora population in this division was 167,907, which was 26% of the total Arora population in the province. Hindus numbered 140,690 (83%) and Sikhs were 28,182 (17%),
District / State
Hindu
Sikh
Total
Multan
88,293
613
88,987 (including 81 Muslims)
Bahawalpur
65,300
545
65,845
Montgomery
43,937
7,257
50,194
Jhang
46,685
2,747
49,432
Dera Ghazi Khan
43,210
131
43,341
Shahpur
32,437
10,243
42,860
Mianwali
40,096
1,787
41,883
Lahore
34,649
3,363
38,052 (including 40 Muslims)
Gujranwala
31,481
5,749
37,230
Muzaffargarh
35,520
35,520
Chenab Colony (Lyallpur)
22,274
1,945
24,219
Gujrat
18,434
10,362
28,796
Firozpur
22,214
1,324
23,569 (including 30 Muslims)
Amritsar
13,618
8,691
22,309
Sialkot
15,818
2,882
18,695
Rawalpindi
12,973
2,223
15,195
Jhelum
8,888
2,978
11,866
Hisar
3,848
145
4,007 (including 14 Muslims)
Faridkot
2,218
587
2,805
Patiala
2,396
Gurdaspur
1,187
240
1,427
Kapurthala
917
85
1,002
Jalandhar
615
385
1,000
Nabha
489
161
650
Ludhiana
367
28
405 (including 10 Jains)
Hoshiarpur
149
193
342
Ambala
147
118
265
Total in Province
587,115
65,307
652,624 (including 189 Muslims and 13 Jains)
Arora Population in NWFP
Map of the NWFP Source: 1931 Census of the NWFP
Like in Punjab, the Arora populattion was concentrated in the south of the province,in the Dera Ismail Khan Division (Bannu and D.I. Khan districts), where 54% lived. In 1901, the total Hindu population in NWFP was 134,252, with the Arora population being 67,730 (50%). By 1931, the last that counted caste, the Arora population had dropped to 61,402, of which Hindus were 54,490 (89%), and Sikhs were 6,912 (11%).
This is my second post in my third series on the 1901 Census of Punjab, which looks at the distribution of the Khatri caste. I also include the numbers and territorial breakdown of the Khatri population in the then North West Frontier Province (NWFP), now known as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. These Khatris were closely connected with the Khatri population of west Punjab. In Punjab, they were the 13th largest caste in terms of distribution, and numbered 436,472, which was 2% of the total population, and they were 4% of the Hindu population. The word khatri in the Hindi Language comes from the Sanskrit word “Kshatriya” according to the Śabdasāgara Lexicon by Shyamasundara Dasa. According to BN Puri, a philologist, the terms “Khatri” and “Kshatriya” are synonymous, and refer to the traditional warrior caste. Pundit Hari Kishan Kaul, author of the 1911 Census of Punjab described them as follows:
KHATRIS are Hindus and Sikhs and are found almost all over the province. It is a well-known caste of high status among the Hindus. Their chief occupation is trade. But many of them take to Government and private service. Sodhi, Bedi and certain other sub castes of Khatris act as priest and gurus of the Sikhs
In 1901, the Khatri population was heavily concentrated in west Punjab, about 215,124 (49%) being found in that region. In territory that forms the Indian state of Punjab, we find about 160,832 (37%), the remaining were found in Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. The city of Delhi was home to 5,116 Khatris, who ancestors had settled there during the time of the Mughals. However, the greatest concentration of Khatris in 1901 was in north westerm Punjab. In percentage terms, in Rawalpindi, they made 5%, and was also the district with the largest population, and in Jhelum they accounted to for 6% of the total population and Gujrat 3%. In western Punjab, from the medieval times till the end of the British Raj, Khatris were employed as shopkeepers and merchants, almost every village having a few families.Khatris have also provided many significant religious figures and teachers, such as all the Sikh Gurus. Overall, about 13% of the Khatri were Sikh, with the numbers much higher in the north west. In Rawalpindi, almost 40% of the Khatris followed Sikhism, and about 26% in Jhelum. In 1931, the last census that counted caste, there population had increased to 516,207, of which Hindus were 460,851 (89%) and Sikhs were 55,114 (11%). The remaining 242 were either Jain or Christian. After the division of Punjab in 1947, almost all the Khatris in Pakistani territory migrated to India.
According to 1901 Census, the largest Khatri clans by population were as follows:
Kapoor 17,715
Malhotra 17,293
Khanna 12,642
Bedi 4,902
Seth 3,936
Kakkar 3,792
Top 40 Khatri clans by population, according to the 1911 Census:
Clan
Hindu
Sikh
Total
1.
Bunjahi
86,388
53,976
140,364
2.
Sareen
50,514
3,513
54,027
3.
Babbar
23,197
2,078
25,275
4.
Kapoor
10,548
696
11,244
5.
Mahrotra
2,475
6,313
8,788
6.
Sahni
7,263
171
7,434
7.
Kakkar
6,728
6,728
8.
Khanna
5,617
277
5,894
9.
Malhotra
5,376
207
5,583
10.
Bhandari
5,079
5,079
11.
Duggal
4,110
58
4,168
12.
Vohra
622
3,606
4,228
13.
Char-Ghar
3,542
91
3,633
14.
Chopra
3,197
377
3,574
15.
Sahgal / Saigal
2,705
255
2,960
16.
Mehta
991
1,967
2,958
17.
Bedi
938
2,012
2,950
18.
Puri
2,531
117
2,648
19.
Uppal
1,884
240
2,124
20.
Dombir
1,929
5
1,934
21.
Sodhi
805
967
1,772
22.
Bhallan
1,340
325
1,665
23.
Kohli
1,272
181
1,453
24.
Dhaun
1,105
74
1,179
25.
Kaushal
1,159
19
1,178
26.
Sona
1,090
168
1,258
27.
Sethi
851
181
1,032
28.
Chadha
812
95
907
29.
Beri
727
36
763
30.
Talwar
703
65
768
31.
Handa
701
701
32.
Bhalli
662
18
680
33.
Nanda
531
47
578
34.
Sial
544
19
563
35.
Khosla
548
8
556
36.
Mehra
554
554
37.
Vij
472
79
551
38.
Thapar
462
462
39.
Kochar
264
119
383
40.
Sabharwal
317
21
328
Map of Punjab 1911 source Wikipedia
In 1901, Punjab consisted of the following districts, divided into five divisions.
In terms of percentage of the total district population, they were as follow:
Rawalpindi Division
Jhelum District 6%
Rawalpindi District 5%
Gujrat District 3%
Shahpur District 3%
Mianwali District 0.5%
Overall, the Rawalpindi Division was home to 28% of the total Khatri population, and their population in the Division was 119,993 of which Hindus were 87,289 (73%) and Sikhs were 33,683 (28%).
Lahore Division
Lahore District 4%
Amritsar District 3%
Gujranwala District 3%
Sialkot District 2%
Gurdaspur District 2%
Montgomery District 1%
Overall, the Lahore Division was home to 33% of the total Khatri population, and their population in the Division was 141,846 of which Hindus were 127,954 (90%) and Sikhs were 13,892 (10%).
Jalandhar Division
Jalandhar District 3%
Hoshiarpur District 2%
Ludhiana District 2%
Kapurthala State 2%
Firozpur District 1%
Kangra District 1%
Overall, the Jalandhar Division, including the Kapurthala State was home to 20% of the total Khatri population, and their population in the Division was 85,855 of which Hindus were 82,985 (96%) and Sikhs were 3,289 (4%).
Multan Division
Jhang District 4%
Multan District 2%
Chenab Colony (Lyallpur) 1%
Overall, the Multan Division, including the Bahawalpur State was home to 9% of the total Khatri population,and their population in the Division was 39,469 of which Hindus were 38,404 (95%) and Sikhs were 1,996 (5%).
Phulkian State
Nabha State 1.4%
Patiala State 1%
Jind State 0.2%
The Phulkian States, were three Sikh ruled states, which got their name from the Phulkian Dynasty, who were descended from the Sidhu Jats. Families of the dynasty ruled Patiala, Jind, and Nabha. They were home to 5% of the total Khatri population, and numbered 22,833, of which Hindus were 20,786 (91%) and Sikhs were 2,098 (9%).
District / State
Hindu
Sikh
Total
Rawalpindi
28,817
20,372
48,199
Lahore
38,610
3,411
42,021
Jhelum
25,807
9,378
35,185
Amritsar
30,826
2,889
33,771
Jalandhar
24,902
638
25,540
Gujranwala
21,174
3,828
25,002
Hoshiarpur
19,810
844
20,654
Sialkot
17,446
1,029
18,775
Gujrat
15,792
2,689
18,492
Patiala
16,392
1,695
18,138 (including 51 Muslims)
Gurdaspur
16,050
1,178
17,228
Shahpur
14,810
1,184
15,994
Ludhiana
15,354
373
15,727
Jhang
15,087
157
15,244
Multan
10,669
204
10,873
Firozpur
9,348
1,273
10,641 (including 20 Muslims)
Chenab Colony (Lyallpur)
6,392
628
7,020
Kapurthala
6,628
131
6,759
Ambala
5,942
593
6,535
Kangra
6,493
30
6,534
Delhi
5,069
47
5,116
Montgomery
3,848
1,194
5,049
Nabha
4,049
176
4,225
Mandi
3,219
3,219
Dera Ghazi Khan
2,944
64
3,008
Mianwali
2,063
60
2,123
Muzaffargarh
1,680
1,680
Bahawalpur
1,632
12
1,644
Faridkot
1,470
144
1,614
Chamba
1,491
Karnal
1,181
180
1,361
Bilaspur
1,320
1,320
Hisar
776
72
848
Malerkotla
738
738
Jind
345
125
470
Shimla
428
32
460
Kalsia
369
25
394
Gurgaon
263
24
287
Rohtak
159
12
171
Other Districts / States
Total Population
381,576
54,724
436,472 (including 11 Jains and 211Muslims)
Map of NWFP in 1901
In the NWFP, the Khatri population was concentrated in the Hazara region, and the Peshawar valley, where 75% were found. They were closely related to the Khatri population in neighbouring Rawalpindi. In 1901, the total Hindu population was 134,252, with Khatri population being 28,261 (21%). By 1931, the Khatri population had risen to 35,046, of which Hindus were 32,791 (93%) and Sikhs were 2,255 (7%).
This is my third set of posts on the 1901 Census of Punjab, which I will start with the Brahmins community. I would ask the reader to look at my post on the Kamboh population and its distribution according to the 1901 census, which gives some regional perspctive. Brahmins, overall accounted for 4.5% of the total population of Punjab in 1901, and were concentrated in south east (modern Haryana – about 35%) and north east (modern Himachal Pradesh – about 25%). This is understanable as both these regions had a Hindu majority. The teritory of West Punjab, however, was home to about 12% of the total Brahmin population. Sialkot, and districts of Jhelum and Rawalpindi in the Pothohar region had large communities of agricultural Brahmins, with the Mohyals being interesting sub-group. Pundit Harikhisan Kaul, author of the 1911 Census Report of Punjab describes the Brahmins of Punjab briefly as:
BRAHMAN – (the priestly caste of the Hindus) – are scattered all over the province. They now follow various professions from priesthood, teaching and Government service, to cultivation and service as cooks. Brahmans belonging to certain localities are enlisted in the army.
He then adds the following about their distribution:
In Punjab, the distribution of Brahmans, who are found in every district and state. In Dera Ghazi Khan alone, their proportion insignificant. The shortage may to some extent be due to the migration. cis-Indus, of the Brahmins along with other castes, owing to the disappearance of the town of Dera Ghazi Khan into the river. The Himalayan Natural Division is the stronghold of the caste, owing to the preponderance of the Hindu element. Next to the Himalayas, they abound in the districts and states of the eastern Punjab, viz Hisar (5 percent), Rohtak (10 percent), Gurgaon (7percent), Delhi (9 per cent.), Karnal (8 percent), Ambala (5 percent), Loharu (7 percent), Dujana (9 percent), Pataudi (12 percent), Jind (10 percent). Patiala (6 percent), Nahan (6 percent) and Hoshiarpur (8 percent). The proportion decreases in the central districts which have 2 to 5 percent of them, and in the western Punjab, the proportion sinks to 1 percent, except in Rawalpindi, where the strength of the Mohials raises the percentage to 8.
Most Punjab Brahmins belonged to the Saraswat branch, however there was a sizeable community of Pushkarnas in what is now Haryana. There were also small number of Gaur in both Haryana and the Punjab Hils (the modern Himachal Pradesh).
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Map of Colonial Punjab: Source Wikipedia
In 1901, the total Brahmin population was 1,111,635, of which Hindus accounted for the overwhelming majority at 1,105,952, followed by Sikhs at 5,287. There were still remarkably about 386 Muslim Brahmins, mainly found in the city of Delhi. Several Muslims groups such as the Bhat, Rawal nd Padha also claimed a Brahmin origin, as well as several Shaikh families. Sikh Brahmins were found mainly in Jhelum and Rawalpindi (the Potohar region), where they formed an important class of landowners.
Punjab Hill States: Source Wikepedia
The greatest concentration of the Brahmins was in the Punjab Hill States, what is now Himachal Pradesh, where the Brahmins formed between one-third and one-tenth of the total populations in the various states. In Bilaspur State, it was 27%, 27% in Baghal State, 17% in Keonthal, 14% in Kangra, 13% in Chamba State, 12% in Suket State, 12% in Nalagarh State and 11% of the total population in the Mandi State. About the Hill Brahmins, A. H Bingley, the cearly 20th Century British ethnologist wrote the following:
The Dogra Brahmin may thus be roughly divided into two ‘praying’ Brahmins and ‘ploughing’ Brahmins. The former, called Padha, are generally sacredotal in their functions; they caste horoscopes, officiate at marriages, expound the Sanskrit Scriptures and explain all points of ritual. Associated with them are Parohits, or household priest. The latter are called zamindars, are simply cultivators.
In the Delhi Division, which roughly covers present day Haryana, the Brahmins accounted for around 10% of the population. In Rohtak, they were 10%, in Delhi 9%, in Karnal 8%, in Gurgaon 7% and Hisar 6%. One more point, the Punjabi way to pronounce Brahmin is Bahman.
This post will look at the breakdown by religion and castes of the Jammu Province of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. I would ask my reader also to look at my post Tribes and Castes of Mirpur District, which gives some additional information on this region. This post will focus on the Jammu province, a region now partitioned between Indian and Pakistani administered Jammu and Kashmir. The 1931 census gives a snapshot of the region just before the tumultuous events of 1947, which saw the beggining of the Kashmir conflict, and large scale exchange of population.
According to the census reports of 1911, 1921 and 1931, the administration was organised as follows:
Map of Jammu and Kashmir Princely State in 1941 Showing districts Source Wikepedia
Map of Jammu region showing Tehsils in 1931
In 1931, the Jammu province bordered Ladakh and Kashmir regions of the State, and externally with the the Hazara district of the North Westetn Frontier Provinces in the west and the Punjab districts of Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Gujrat, Sialkot, Gurdaspur, and the Chamba State. Culturally the western district of Mirpur and the Poonch Jagir had much commonalities with the Hazara region and the Punjab districts of Rawalpindi and Jhelum, while the eastern districts of Jammu and Kathua much in common with the Punjab districts of Sialkot and Gurdaspur and the Chamba state. The Chenab river formed a boundary, the region to the west was more Muslim and was referred to as the Chibhal, while lands east and south of the river were caled the Dugar. This region had a larger Hindu population, but it is important to remember both religious communities were mixed. Udhampur and Reeasi had historic linkages with the Kashmir valley.
Each of the districts of Jammu were sub-divided into tehsils, many of which are districts in their own right. The table below gives the breakdown:
District
Tehsil
Jammu
(1) Jammu, (2) Samba,(3) Ranbirsinghpura (RSpura) (4) Akhnoor, the last two are still tehsils of Jammu
Religious Map of Jammu and Kashmir: Source 1931 Census of Jammu and Kashmir State
In 1931, Jammu region had a Muslim majority of around 61%. This changed in a rather dramatic fashion with the demographic changes brought about by partition of South Asia and subsequent Jammu massacres. The result was the movement of most of the Muslim population out of Jammu and Kathua distrcts, while the Hindu and Sikh population was driven out areas of Mirpur and the Poonch Jagir that were under Pakistani control.
By Language
Language
Speakers
Largest District Language Spoken
Dogri
547,534
Jammu 234,071
Pahari
417,863
Poonch Jagir 313,912
Punjabi
306,835
Mirpur 203,810
Gojri
208,933
Poonch Jagir 48,426
Kashmiri
121,481
Udhampur 76,404
Pothohari
51,035
Mirpur 50,881
Chibhali
44,460
Mirpur 34,314
Bhadarwahi
20,828
Udhampur 19,899
Kishtwari
12,428
Udhampur 12,460
Gaddi
9,798
Udhampur 6,209
Hindi
2,204
Mirpur 1,246
Kohistani
1,249
Jammu 353
Urdu
1,036
Jammu 990
Tibetan (Bhotia)
682
Udhampur 554
Pashto
406
Jammu 198
Other Languages
41,669
Total
1,788,441
Dogri
Dogri was spoken by the 547,534, about 31% of the total population, and the majority in the districts of Kathua and Jammu, with significant numbers in Udhampur. Currently, it is chiefly spoken in the Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir and the neighbouring state of Himachal Pradesh, and in northern Punjab region, other parts of Jammu and Kashmir, and elsewhere.Pundit Anant Ram, the author of the 1931 census describes the language as such:
It is a dialect of the Punjabi spoken in the jammu Province and adjoining parts of the Punjab. Closely resembling the standard dialect it differs mainly in the forms used in the diclension of nouns and in vocabulary which is influenced by Lahanda and Kashmiri.
The Gojari a dialect of the Rajasthani is the language of ubiquitous Gujjars who normally a pastoral people have settled in certain parts of the State adjoining rich pastures. Tne number of speakers is 317,762 (in the entire Jammu and Kashmir state) against 289,482 of 1921. Under it have been returned the dialects Labani 2,357 and Marwari 226.
The Lahnda languages: Pothohari and Chibhali
Also known as Lahndi or Western Punjabi, is a group of north-western Indo-Aryan language varieties spoken in Pakistani Punjab and in parts of the neighbouring Kashmir and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. These terms are exonyms and are not used by the speakers themselves. The emerging languages of this dialect area are Saraiki, Hindko and Pothohari. The author of the census describes the langaugas as such:
a Punjabi word meaning the ‘Sun setting’ or the west and consequently is a synonym of Western Punjabi which is divided into a large number of dialects the Southern Group of which includes dialects spoken south of the salt range in the Rechna and Jech Doabs, i.e., in the districts of Shahpur, Jhang, Gujranwala and Gujrat . From this the influence that this dialect has upon the parts of the State adjoining these tracts of the Punjab is self-evident. The Chabhali is the principal dialect of Lahanda spoken in Mirpur where the speakers numbered 44,460 in 1931 against 86,050 of the last Census. The fall is no doubt, considerable and is due to most of the people having been recorded under Punjabi without observing the distinction of Lahanda. The dialects of Lahanda as recorded by the Census are Pothwari 51,062, Hazari 649 and Poonchi 12.
The speakers of these dialects in Pakistani administerd Jammu and Kashmir now self-designate the language as Pahari-Pothwari.
The language Chibhali was in particular associated with what is now Bhimber District, and while in Mirpur and Kotli, the term Pothohari was more widely used.
Punjabi
The boundary between Punjabi and the Lahnda dialects, and Punjabi and Dogri did create issues for as census takers:
in the State it is confmed to Jammu and Mirpur, the total number of speakers recorded at this Census being 329,201 against 241,439 of 1921. This incidentally explains the fall under Lahanda.
However in both Kathua, and southern tehsils of Jammu and Mirpur, the language spoken is very close to Punjabi dialects of Gujrat, Sialkot and Gurdaspur. Most of speakers of Punjabi now either call their language Pothwari in the Mirpur region, or Dogri in Kathua.
Pahari, Bhadarwahi and Gaddi
The Western Pahari languages are a group of Northern Indo-Aryan languages spoken in the western parts of the Himalayan range, predominantly in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, but also in parts of entire Jammu. The Pahari heartland is the region of the modern region of Poonch-Rajouri-Reeasi-Udhampur region. The western dialects of Pahari merge into Pothowari of the Mirpur region, but in Udhampur and Doda, the dialects are closer to Himachali.
The Western Pahari is a congregation of a large number of dialects spoken in the hill country around Simla. These dialects have no standard form and beyond a few folk epics, no literature. The districts of Muzaffarabad, Reasi and Udhampur and the Jagir of Poonch fall predominantly under its influence. The number of Pahari speakers is 633,036 against 536,069 of the 1921 Census.
Bhaderwahi and Gaddi, both dialects of Pahari are spoken in Doda district. The name Bhadarwahi can be understood either in a narrow sense as referring to the dialect, locally known as Bhiḍlāi, native to the Bhadarwah valley, or in a broader sense to cover the group of related dialects spoken in the wider region where Bhadarwahi proper is used as a lingua franca. Gaddi is close to Bhadarwahi, but is associated with the Gaddi commuity.
this language has its home fixed in the Valley of Kashmir and the contiguous valleys beyond which it is neither spoken nor easily understood by outsiders. Besides slight variations in the valley itself it has one distinct dialect- Kishtwari in the south-east while in the south there are some dialects (Poguli, Siraji of Doda, Kishtwari, Rambani and Reasi dialects) leading into Punjabi.
Kishtwari or Kashtwari is a highly distinctive and conservative dialect of the Kashmiri language spoken in Kishtwar Valley in Jammu and Kashmir, India. Kishtwari has been classified as a dialect of Kashmiri by scholars such as George Abraham Grierson. It is one of the two main allegedly Kashmiri dialects (the other being Poguli, perhaps a Western Pahari language) that are spoken outside of the Kashmir Valley. In 1931, most Kishtwari speakers were found in Udhampur.
Caste-wise
Below is the breakdown by castes of the population of the Jammu region.
Jammu Muslims in general share a distinct regional identity with their non-Muslim neighbours (Dogra\Pothowari\Pahari\Punjabi), with additional cultural and linguistic linkages with the Muslims of Punjab and the Hazara region. However, those living in the contiguous areas of Pir Panjal like Sabzian and Mandi in Poonch, and certain areas of Doda, and Kishtwar also speak Kashmiri along with their respective mother tongues and share cultural links with Kashmiri Muslims. The largest single caste of Muslims were the Gujjars who made one-third of the Muslim population, followed by the Rajputs who were about 15%, Kashmiris at 11%, Jats at 11%, Sudhan at 6% and Bafinda at 3%. Below is a brief description of the larger Muslim castes, starting with the Gujjars:
Gujjarand Bakarwal
The largest Muslim caste in Jammu were the Gujjars, making up almost a third of the total population of Muslim population. The Gujjars and related Bakerwals, are predominantly Muslim nomadic pastoralists living in parts of Poonch, Rajouri, Doda, upper reaches of Udhampur districts, parts of Kathua and Jammu districts. About three quarters of the Gujjars spoke Gojri in 1931, but those of Mirpur spoke Pothwari. In the old Mirpur District, the Gujjars were largely farmers, with very similar is customs to their Jat neighbours, while in Udhampur and Kathua many were nomadic. In the Reeasi, Gujars made up of 30% of the total population, in Poonch Jagir, 20%, in Jammu 17%, in Kathua 11%, in Udhampur 9%, and Mirpur 8%. The Gujjars were divided into almost a hundred clans, the larger ones being the Awana, Badhal, Badhana, Bajar, Bhumla, Chak, Chauhan, Chech, Dodhi, Jangla, Kasana, Kattaria, Poswal and Thakuria. Closely related to the Gujjars were the Bakkarwals, a nomadic group involved in the rearing of sheep and goats. They were found mainly in Reeasi, Poonch and Udhampur, in the alpine valleys of the Pir Panjal.
Rajputs
Rajputs that practised Islam were found mainly in Poonch and Mirpur, but there were also large communities in Reeasi, Udhampur and Jammu. They accounted for 12.5% of the total Muslim population. For reasons unknown, some Rajput tribes were seperately counted such as the Bhatti (8,240), Domal (6,933) and Badhan (5,013). If we add these, the number of Muslim Rajput rises to 156,965, accounting now for almost 15% of the total. In the Poonch Jagir, Muslim Rajputs (including Bhattis, Badhans and Domals) made 16% of the total population, while in Mirpur 14%, Reeasi 9%, Jammu 4%, and Udhampur 3%. The Muslim Rajputs in Udhampur were mainly Thakkars, while those in Jammu and Kathua were Dogras, mainly of the Minhas and Sulehria clans, while there were also several Khokhars in Jammu and Kathua. In Mirpur district, the Rajputs were mainly Ghakkars in Mirpur Tehsil, Mangral and Thakyal in Kotli and Bhao and Chib in Bhimber. In Reeasi, the Jarals were the largest clan, although there was a presence of Domaals and Ghakkars. In Poonch, the Tezyal branch of the Khakha Rajputs, and the Domaal and Mangral had a presence, with smaller groups of Janjua Rajputs. Most of the Rajputs either spoke Lahnda languages, or Dogri.
Kashmiri Muslims
Kashmiri Muslims had a long history of immigrating to the regions of the Poonch Jagir and Mirpur, which was home to about 25% of their population. However, over half the Kashmiri population was found in the Chenab valley region, which comprises the modern districts of Doda, Ramban and Kishtwar districts of Jammu. Most of this region was part of Udhampur District in 1931. These Kashmiri spoke Kashmiri or the related Kishrwari language. Distinct from these Kashmiris were those of the Poonch Jagir, Mirpur and Jammu, who were either Dogri or Pothwari speaking communities. In total Kashmiri Muslim formed 11% of the total Jammu Muslims. In terms of the districts, Kashmiris were 24% of the population of Udhampur, 7% of Reeasi, 5% of the Poonch Jagir, 3% of Mirpur, 2% of Kathua and 1.3% of Jammu. The largest Kashmiri Muslim clans were the Bhat (18,362), Mir (11,920), Wyne or Wani (9,211), Lone (8,572), Shaikh (5,847), Dar (5,275), Rather (3,304), Tantre (2,585) and Ganai (1,932).
Jat
Muslim Jats were heavily concentrated in Mirpur, almost 85%, with a smaller presence in the Mendhar region of the Poonch Jagir and the Samba tehsil of Jammu. There customs were similar to the Muslim Rajputs, and like them they were divided into a large number of clans. Muslim Jats made up 30% of the total population in Mirpur District, and if we add Hindus and Sikhs, then Jats made 36% population. The Muslim Jats made 3% of the total population of Jammu, and all Jats accounted for 5% of the district population. In the Poonch Jagir, Muslim Jats made 1% of the total population. In Reeasi, the Muslim Jat also made 1% of the total population.
In Mirpur, there main clans were the Aasar, Bangial, Badhan, Dhamial, Kalyal, Kanjial, Kanyal, Karyal, Khabal, Mandial, Manjaal, Matyal, Nagyal, Nathyal, Rachyal, Ranyal, Rupyal, Thathaal, Pakhreel and Punyal. While in Jammu, the Muslim Jats were mainly Nagras and Randhawas. The Muslim Jats of Jammu are now found largely in Sialkot.
Sudhan
The majority (around 95%) of the Sudhan were and are still found in the Sudhnoti Tehsil. The remainder were found in the Kotli Tehsil of Mirpur. In the Poonch Jagir, thy made 17% of the total population, and clear majority in the Sudhanoti tehsil. In Mirpur District, they accounted 0.7% of the total population.
The Sudhan have multiple origin story, and this is simply a brief description, so I will not go in greater detail. The Sudhans claim their origin from Afghanistan and they consider themselves to be descendants of a common ancestor Jassi Khan Saddozai, who was an Afghan chief and had earned the name of Sudhan (from Sanskrit, meanings “justice, fair and honest”) as a compliment to his valour as he 500 years or so ago landed in Western parts of Poonch. However there are equally stong traditions of Brahman origin. They are culturally close to the Poonchi Sikhs, who are also Brahman. Despite claims to Pathan ancestry, the Sudhan were quite distinct from groups that called themselves Pathan in Jammu.
Bafinda
The name Bafinda, or Bafand, is derived from the Persian word baften, meaning cotton dresser. When cotton cultivation stopped in Jammu and Kashmir with the advent of foreign-made fabrics, they largely shifted to carpet weaving but now are engaged in many vocations. In 1931, they were still village artisans, practising there traditional occupation of weaving. About a third of the Bafinda were found in the Poonch Jagir, the remainder were split between Mirpur and Kathua. Most spoke either a Lahnda dialect or Dogri. The Bafinda formed 4% of the population of Kathua, 3% in the Poonch Jagir, 3% in Mirpur, and 1% in Reeasi. The Kathua Bafinda are now found largely in Sialkot.
Malik
The author of Tarikh-i-Hassan is of the view that Malik is not any ethnic name but a title which was conferred by Muslim rulers on courtiers, high ranking army officers and Jagirdars etc. However, in Jammu the Maliks were a distinct community, with those in the Kotli Tehsil (about one-third of the Maliks in Jammu) of Mirpur being largely Lahnda speaking, while communities in Reeasi and Udhampur speaking Kashmiri. However, the heartland of the Maliks was the Darhal region of Rajouri. The Maliks are said to be descendents of soldiers settled by the Mughal Emperor Akbar, on the various passes of the Pir Panjhal, after the conquest of the Kashmir valley. In Udhampur, Maliks made 3% of the total population, in Reeasi 3%, Mirpur 2%, and the Poonch Jagir 1.5%.
Sayyadsor Syeds
Sayyad (UK: /ˈsaɪɪd, ˈseɪjɪd/, US: /ˈsɑːjɪd/; Arabic: سيد [ˈsæjjɪd], Persian: [sejˈjed]; meaning “Mister“; Arabic plural: سادة sādah; feminine: سيدة sayyidah) is an honorific title denoting people accepted as descendants of the Islamic prophetMuhammad and his cousin and son-in-law Ali (Ali ibn Abi Talib) through his grandsons, Hasan ibn Ali and Husayn ibn Ali, sons of Muhammad’s daughter Fatimah and Ali. Almost two-thirds of the Sayyads were located in the Poonch Jagir, with the remaining split between Mirpur and Jammu. The Jammu Sayyads were found largely in the city, and belonged to the Jafiri clan. In Poonch and Mirpur, there were several families of Bukhari, Gilani and Mashadi Sayyads. Almost all the Sayyads were Lahnda speaking, except the Andarabi of Poonch town, who were Kashmiri speaking. In the Poonch Jagir Syeds made 4% of the total, in Mirpur 1.5%, in in Reeasi 1% and in Jammu 0.7%.
Arain
The Arain are a well known caste from the Punjab and in the Jammu province the majority were found in Jammu and Kathua region (over 70%). They were connected through marriages with the Arain of Gurdaspur, and many claimed to have immigrated from that region. The Arain of Mirpur were almost a distinct group, and like others from the Mirpur region, spoke a Lahnda dialect. In 1931, the Arain made 4% of Jammu’s population, 2% of Mirpur, and 1.3% of Kathua.
Tarkhan
The Tarkhan were the traditional carpenter caster of the Jammu region, the majority of whom were found in Mirpur. They claimed a diverse origin, although increasingly many were claiming to be Mughals. Almost half of the Tarkhan population was found in the Poonch Jagir and Mirpur. In Mirpur, the Tarkhan were 2% of the total population, 1% of Poonch, 1% of Reeasi and 0.5% in Jammu.
Shaikhs
The word sheikh (/ʃeɪx/SHAYKH, /ʃiːk/SHEEKH; Arabic: شيخ šayḫ[ʃajx], mostly pronounced [ʃeːx], plural شيوخ šuyūḫ[ʃuju:x])—also transliteratedsheekh, sheik, sheyikh, shaykh, shayk, sheikh, shekh, shaik and shaikh—is an honorific title in the Arabic language. It commonly designates a chief of a tribe or a royal family member. It is also commonly used to refer to a Muslim religious scholar. The term can be literally translated to “Elder“. In the Jammu region, they were a very diverse group, the about 55% were found in Poonch. Th Shaikh formed 3% of the total population in Poonch, 1% in Reeasi, 0.8% in Udhampur, 0.7% in Jammu, and 0.6% in Mirpur. In Poonch, the Shaikh of Haveli are Brahman by origin, as were many of the Shaikh families in Reasi. While the Gorkha Shaikh of Poonch town are descended from Nepali Chhetris. Another interesting group of Shaikhs are the Kakkezai, also known as Maliks, who were found mainly in Kotli in Mirpur District, and in Poonch town. Many were wealthy merchants trading with Chinese and Russian Turkestan.
Mughal
The term Mughal refers to anyone claiming descent from Central Asian Turkic and Mongol tribes. Almost 42% of the Mughal population was found in the Poonch Jagir. They belonged to several tribes, the main ones being the Douli, Hoteel, Janhal and Maldyal. While in Jammu, the Mughals claimed to be Chaghtai. Jammu city was also home to several Kashmiri Mir families that also claimed a Mughal origin. In the Poonch Jagir, Mughal made 2% of the total population, 2% in Mirpur, 1.5% in Reeasi and 0.3% in Jammu.
Awan
Like the Arain, the Awan are a well-known caste of the Punjab and Hazara region. Almost half the Awan were found in the Poonch Jagir, and were closely connected with the Awan of Hazara. The remaining Awan population was found in Mirpur and Jammu, the former were connected with the Awan of Rawalpindi. In Jammu District, the Awan were found mainly in Samba and RS Pura tehsils, and were connected with the Awans of Sialkot, with whom they intermarried. In terms of percentage of the total population, they were 3% of the Poonch Jagir, 2% of Mirpur and 0.5% of Jammu. Like other Jammu District, most Awan are now found in Sialkot District. The Awans of Jammu District spoke Dogri, while those in the west spoke Lahnda dialects, very close to the Pothohari spokem in Rawalpindi and Jhelum.
Teli
The Teli were the traditional oil presser caste of the Jammu region, although many Teli were agriculturalists. About 60% of the Teli were found in Jammu and Kathua districts, and were a Dogri speaking community. In Jammu city, the Teli were the largest Muslim community, while Telis were also found in several villages in Samba, RS Pura and in neighbouring Kathua District. A second group were found in Mirpur, who had close links with large Teli community in Rawalpindi. In terms of percentage of the total population, Teli were 2% of Jammu, 2% of Kathua and 1% of Mirpur. Confussingly, most Teli now refer to themselves as Maliks, but they have no connection with the Malik caste.
Lohar
The Lohar were a Muslim community, with the traditional ocupation as blacksmiths. Almost two-thirds of the Lohar were found either in Mirpur and Poonch, where many had taken to agriculture. The Lohar tended to be found in most Rajput villages. In terms of percentage of the total population, the Lohar were 1% in the Poonch Jagir, 1% in Mirpur and 0.5% in Jammu. Like other communities in the Chibhal, the Lohar were Lahnda speaking.
Hajjam (Nai)
The Hajjam are the traditional barber caste of the Jammu region, and Muslim Hajjam were found distributed throughout the region. About 60% of the Nai were found in Mirpur and the Poonch Jagir. The barbers were hereditary village servants, very closely associated with the Rajput landowning community. Almost every Rajput village had a section inhabited by the Nai, and the where the Rajput had converted to Islam, the Nai usually followed them. They were a Lahnda speaking community. In terms of percentage of the total population, the Nai were 1% in the Poonch Jagir, 1% in Mirpur and 0.6% in Jammu
Dhund
The Dhund were a community of landowners, found almost entirely in the Bagh Tehsil of the Poonch Jagir. They had close relationships with much the larger Dhund communities in Muree and Hazara. Most Dhund now claim an Abbasi background, and this is now their self-designation. Uniquely, they speak their own dialect of Lahnda called Dhund Kairali language which is half way house between the Pahari of Poonch and the Hindko language of Hazara. They made 3% of the population of the Poonch Jagir.
Kumhar (Ghumiar)
The Kumhar were the traditional potters of the Jammu region. Three-quarters of Kumhar were found in Mirpur and Poonch, with the remaining in Jammu. Like other castes, the Kumhar were sub-divided into a number of clans, the larger ones being the Bhatti, Chang, Parey and Shaikh. Most of the Poonch Jagir Kumhars belonged to the Shaikh section. In terms of percentage of the total population, Kumhar were 1.3% of Mirpur, 1% of the Poonch Jagir, 0.5% in Reeasi and 0.3% in Jammu.
Pathans
About half of the Pathan population was found in the Poonch Jagir. Most belong to the Afridi Malik Din tribe, and are found in villages near Forward Kahuta, while the Yousafzai are in Poonch city. In Jammu, the Pathan population was in the city or villages such as Treva Pathana in RS Pura. Most Jammu Pathans are now found in Sialkot. The Pathans of Poonch and Mirpur spoke one of the Lahnda languages, while those in Jammu were Dogri speaking. In terms of percentage of the total population, Pathan were 1.3% of the population of the Poonch Jagir, 0.5% of Jammu and 0.4% of Mirpur.
Mochi
The Mochi were traditionally associated with leatherwork, and were converts from the Hindu Chamar caste. The majority of the Mochi population was found in the Muslim majority western districts of Poonch and Mirpur, in the eastern districts the Chamar had remained Hindu. They had clans such as the Janjua and Khokhar, which showed close association with the Rajputs, in whose villages they lived in. In terms of percentage of the total population, Mochi were 1.3% of the population of Mirpur and 1% of the Poonch Jagir.
Bhatti
The Bhatti of the Jammu region were found mainly in Poonch and Reeasi regions. They are a sub-group within Muslim Rajput community.
Mirasi
The Mirasi were a caste of geneologists, closely connected with the Rajput and Jat communities. In 1931, they were found mainly in the Poonch Jagir, Mirpur and Jammu, speaking various dialects of Pahari. They are also known as Raah. In terms of percentage of the total population, Mirasi were 0.8% of the Poonch Jagir, 0.4% in Jammu and 0.4% of Mirpur.
Domal
The Domal are a Rajput tribe, found mainly in Reasi and the Poonch Jagir. There customs are similar to other Muslim Rajputs.
Badhan / Wadhan
Like the Domaal, the Badhan are a clan of Muslim Rajputs, found mainly in Poonch and Reeasi.
Dhobi
The Dhobi were a caste associated with washing of clothes, and were very likely converts from the Hindu Dhobi caste. They were found mainly in Jammu and Kathua, and spoke Dogri. Most Dhobi are now found in Sialkot. In terms of percentage of the total population, Dhobi were 0.8% of Jammu and 0.6% of Kathua.
Mussali / Muslim Shaikh
The Mussali, meaning those who perform the salaat the Muslim prayer, were Muslim converts from the Hindu Chuhra caste. Almost half of their population was found in Mirpur district, where many were employed as agricultural labour. In terms of percentage of the total population, Muslim Shaikh were 0.6% of Mirpur and 0.6% of Reeasi.
Khoja (Shaikh)
The Khoja, who also called themselves Shaikhs, were Muslim converts from the Hindu Khatri caste. Accordding to Khoja traditions, their ancestors migrated from Gujrat and Sialkot to the hill country of the Pir Panjal. Most were found in Reeasi and the Poonch Jagir, where they took the place of the Hindu Mahajan. They also had a presence in the town of Chenani. I would ask reader to look at my article on the Khoja of Punjab. The Khoja were further divided into four clans, namely Badwa, Chawla, Kathoria and Mahinderatta. In terms of percentage of the total population, Khoja were 1% of the Chenani Jagir and 0.8 of Reeasi.
Jogi
In other parts of India, the word jogi refers to a Hindu ascetic. However in Jammu region, Jogis, both Hindu and Muslim were a caste of farm labourers. In the Hindu dominated eastern districts, the Jogi tended to be Hindu, but in Mirpur they were almost entirely Muslim. In Mirpur, they accounted for 0.4% of the total population.
Beldar or Odh
The Beldar also known as Odh were found mainly in Jammu and Kathua, and were the traditional masons. They were semi-nomadic, travelling as far north as Gilgit, to be employed as builders. The Beldar were very likely recent immigrants from Punjab, where there they are found in large numbers. The Beldar speak their own language called Odki, which shares features with Gujarati and borrowings from Marwari and Punjabi. This suggest there original homeland was either Gujarat and Rajasthan. In Punjab and Sindh, many Odh are Hindu, but in the Jammu region they were all Muslims. In terms of percentage of the total population, Beldar were 0.7% of Kathua and 0.5% of Jammu.
Darzi
The Darzi or also known as Chhimba were an occupational caste traditionally associated with tailoring but also cloth printing. They were found mainly in Mirpur, and claimed to be Rajput.In terms of percentage of the total population, the Darzi were 0.5% of Mirpur and negligible in other districts.
Jhinwar / Jheer
Found mainly in Mirpur and the Poonch Jagir, they were traditionally fishermen and water carriers of the Jammu region. They were also known as Mashqi. They were settled largely along the banks of the Jhelum river. Like the Darzi, they also claimed a Rajput origin. In terms of percentage of the total population, the Jheer were 0.5% of Mirpur and negligible in other districts.
Darvesh (Faqir)
The Faqir were a caste associated with shrines, where they often keepers of the shrine. Some Faqir were wondering Muslim ascetics. They were Dogri speaking found mainly in Jammu and Kathua.
Bazigar
Found mainly in Kathua and Jammu, although also with a presence in Mirpur, the Bazigar are a community of peripatetic nomads. Peripatetic nomads are mobile populations moving among settled populations offering a craft or trade. Like other nomads, they have no fixed abode and as such the Bazigar were very likely undercounted. They are traditionally magicians who show magic, and feats done by their pet animals like monkeys, dogs, goats and bears. The Bazigar are likely to have immigrated from Punjab, which where the majority of the community is found. In Punjab, they can be both Hindu and Muslim, but the Bazigar of Jammu were all Muslim.
Jammu (1,063), Kathua (609), Reeasi (390) and Udhampur (282)
Sadhu
1.751
Jammu (822), Kathua (365), Reeasi (252) and Mirpur (157)
Arora
1,625
Jammu (1,242), Reeasi (141) and Mirpur (129)
Chuhra
1,588
Poonch Jagir (1,264) and Jammu (225)
Labana
1,268
Reeasi (485), Jammu (296), and Poonch Jagir (317)
Rattal
488
Udhampur (196), Reeasi (193) and Kathua (92)
Gurkha
357
Mirpur (234) and Jammu (73)
Chhimba
245
Mirpur (91), Jammu (86), and Udhampur (45)
Dosali
146
Jammu (82) and Poonch Jagir (40)
Ghirath
125
Kathua (125)
Julaha
40
Reeasi (40)
Others / Not stated
26,826
Total Hindu Population
665,246
The Hindu population was concentrated in the eastern regions of Jammu, although both the Poonch Jagir and Mirpur were home to large Hindu communities. Almost half belonged to the Brahmin and Rajput castes, which are collectively refered to as Dogras. About 25% were castes that now self-designate as Dalit such as the Megh, Chamar and Doom. The remainder included Jats at 3.5%, Mahajan at 3%, Khatri at 3% and Gaddi at 2%.
Brahmins
The largest Hindu caste in the Jammu region were the Brahmin or Dogra Brahmins, who accounted for 28% of the total Hindu population. The Dogra Brahmins were distributed throughout the Jammu population, with almost 20% living in areas such as the Poonch Jagir and Mirpur that are now under Pakistani administration. In 1931, Hindu Brahmins made 22% of the population of Kathua, 16% of Jammu, 12% in Udhampur, 11% in Reeasi, 5% in the Poonch Jagir, and 4% in Mirpur. They were roughly divided between ‘praying’ Brahmins and ‘ploughing’ Brahmins, the former were known as Padha or Parohits, and the later as zamindar. Both groups came from Saraswat branch of the Brahmins. Important Dogra Brahman surnames include Acharji, Bhat, Bhadyal, Bhanotri, Gosain, Khajuria, Mangotri, Pandit, Parohit, Sarotri and Raina. Most spoke Dogri, although the western Brahmins spoke various dialects of Pahari and Lahnda.
Rajputs
The second largest Hindu caste were Rajputs, who were also referred to Dogra Rajputs, or just Dogra. They accounted for around 24% of the total Hindu population. Almost 80% were found in the three districts of Kathua, Udhampur and Jammu, with Reeasi and Mirpur home to the rest. In 1931, Hindu Rajputs made 22% of Kathua’s total population, 21% of Udhampur, 9% of Reeasi, 8% of Jammu and 2% of Mirpur. The Hindu Chibs and Minhas of Mirpur were concentrated in the Deva Batala region of Bhimber tehsil of Mirpur. The royal family of Jammu and Kashmir belonged to the Jamwal clan, which was concentrated in Jammu, and were a sub-clan of the Minhas. In addition to the Jamwal proper, the Jasrotia and Mankotia were also branches of this clan. Important clans were the Charak and Sulehria in Jammu, Jaral in Reeasi and Andotra in Kathua, with several other clans Ambarai, Bajju, Bhadwal, Bhalwal, Bhatyal, Bhao, Jaj, Lalotra, Langeh, Rakwal and Saroch . Most of the Rajputs in Udhampur belonged to the Thakkar sub-division. They spoke Dogri, or one of the Pahari dialects.
Megh
The Megh accounted for 11% of the Hindu population, with the majority found in the eastern districts of Jammu, Kathua and Udhampur. They are the traditional weaving caste of the Duggar and are also known as Kabirpanthi. The Megh have now been granted Scheduled Caste status. They are mainly a Dogri speaking community. In 1931, the Megh were 11% of the total population in the Chenani Jagir, 9% in Udhampur, 8% in Jammu, 4% in Kathua, and 0.5% in Mirpur.
Chamar
The Chamar were also found in the eastern district, making up 10% of the total Hindu population. About 15% of the Chamar were however found in Mirpur, where they suffered heavily in 1947 at the start of the Kashmir conflict. It is believed that the name Chamar is a distortion of the Sanskrit word Charmakara or a worker in hides. Most Chamar however were agricultural labourers in 1931. In 1931, Chamars made up 5% of the population of Kathua, 4% of Jammu, 3% of the Chenani Jagir, 2% of Udhampur, 2% of Mirpur, and 2% of Reeasi. There prefered self-designation of Ramdasia now. Like the Megh, the Chamar have now been granted Scheduled Caste status.
Doom
The Doom now prefer the self-designation Mahasha. Literally the word Mahasha means a great person or religious leader. Like the Chamar, the Doom were mainly agricultural labourers. They accounted for 5% of the total Hindu population and were concentrated in Jammu and Kathua. In Kathua, they made 6% of the total population, 4% in Udhampur, 3% in Jammu, 3% in the Chenani Jagir and 1.3% in Reeasi.
Jat
Like the Muslim Jats, with which they shared many common customs, the Hindu Jat population was concentrated in Mirpur (61%). The remaining Jat population was found in Jammu and Kathua, around 37%. In Mirpur District, they made 4% of the total population, 2% in Jammu, and 1% in Kathua. They shared the same clans with the Muslim and Sikh Jats. Important Hindu Jat clans included the Aasar, Aassle, Bhatti, Bhangre, Chahal, Dhoor, Gill, Heer, Jhal, Kjaal, Nagra, Nagyal, Nathyal, Randhawa, Ranyal, Pajhaal, Smotra, Thathaal, and Tohre.
Mahajan
Mahajan or Pahari Mahajan refered to a number of castes traditionally associated with trade and money lending. They were concentrated in the districts of Jammu and Udhapmur. However, 10% of the Mahajan population lived in Mirpur District, especially in the towns of Kotli and Mirpur. They formed 2% of the total population of Jammu, 2% in Kathua, 2% in Udhampur, 1% in Mirpur and 0.5% in Reeasi. Mahajan surnames include Bangwathiya, Beotra, Bharray, Bucche, Chapate, Chogga, Chunne, Chukarne, Gadri, Jandial, Jugnal, Jadyal, Kalsotra, Karmotra, Kankaal, Khadyal, Kanghal Kubre, Lamhe, Langar, Laira, Malguria, Mahotra, Manath, Makhirru, Paba, Parru, Padotra, Phagetra, Rarotra, Rometra, Sadad, Sanghoi, Thapre, Tathyan, Thathar and Vaid. However, most Jammu Mahajan use Gupta as a surname.
Khatri
Khatri is a Punjabi form of Sanskrit word Kshatriya, and is a well known trading caste of Punjab. In Jammu, the Khatris were concentrated in Jammu (39%) and Mirpur (21%) districts. Although, almost 40% of the Khatri in Mirpur had converted to Sikhism. They made 2% of the total population of Jammu, 1% of Mirpur, 1% of Udhampur and 1% of Reeasi.
Gaddi
The word ‘Gaddi’ is likely derived from ‘gadariya’ a term in Hindi use for shepherds. In 1931, this caste was nomadic and pastoral, and found in the hilly districts with the largest number were consequently found in Udhampur district. About 9,798 Gaddi spoke the Gaddi language, which is a unique dialect of Pahari.
Lohar
The Hindu Lohar population was 10,809, and they were concentrated in Jammu, Kathua and Udhampur, regions with large Hindu population, while the Muslim Lohar were found mainly in Poonch and Mirpur. Despite the difference in religious the both groups of Lohar were of common origin, like the Muslims, the Hindus were also still tied to there traditional occupation of blacksmiths.
Jhinwar (Jheer)
The Jhinwars or Jheer were an occupational caste who were the traditional the water-bearers and Palki-bearers by occupation. Their largest number was found in the Jammu district, about 70%, the remainder were split between Kathua, Mirpur and Udhampur. Most claimed to be Rajputs, and they were often referred to as Dogra Jheers. In Mirpur and Poonch, the majority of the caste had converted to Islam, and now formed a distinct group of Muslim Jheers.
Tarkhan
The Hindu Tarkhan population was 9,978, and about 80% were found in Jammu and Kathua. Like the other occupational castes, in regions which were Muslims, most Tarkhans had converted to Islam.
Basith
The Basith were concentrated in Rajouri and Mirpur, almost 96% of their total. At least half of the Basith population was found in Mirpur. The Basith are now known as Vashist Rajput, who are said to have immigrated from Chamba in Himachal Pradesh in the nineteenth century to Poonch. In Mirpur, they formed the majority of the landless agricultural labourers. Like other Hindu communities in the Mirpur region, they became refugees in 1947. They speak Pothohari.
Kumhar
The Kumhar numbered 5,855, and almost all of them were found in Jammu and Kathua. Most were still employed as potters, living mainly in Rajput villages. They spoke Dogri.
Barwala
Almost 80% of the Barwala lived in Jammu, where they were employed as traditional village watchmen. A smaller number were also found in the Bhimber tehsil of Mirpur. They claimed Rajput ancestry and spoke the Dogri language.
Batwal
The Batwal were found mainly in Jammu, where they often bonded labourers working the fields of the Rajput landowners. As they were tied to their Rajput employers, in a slave-like situation, the word for that employment practice in Dogri is bat. The Batwal are therefore those who are in a bond.
Brahmin Muhial
Distinct from the Dogra Brahmins were the Muhial Brahmins, who numbered 4,796. The majority of the Muhial were found in western district of Mirpur (about 31%), Reaasi (21%) and Poonch (20%). The Muhial originate from the broader Saraswat Brahmin group and comprise seven sub-clans named Bali, Bhimwal, Chhibber, Datt, Lau, Mohan and Vaid. They were the Brahmins of the Pothohar rehgion, which culturaly included Mirpur, Reeasi and Poonch. The Muhial of Mirpur were large landowners, suffered much as a consequence of the events of 1948.
Nai
The majority of the Hindu Nai (around 75%) were found in the two eastern districts of Jammu and Kathua. The Nai were the traditional caste of village barbers, and claimed a Brahmin origin. They were a Dogri speaking community, and wetre found in most Rajput villages.
Jogi
Hindu Jogi numbered 3,572, while 2,829 had converted to Islam. About two-thirds of the Hindu Jogi were found in the eastern districts of Jammu and Kathua. Like their Muslim counterparts, Hindu Jogis were largely employed as agricultural labourers.
Sonar / Soni
The Sonar or Soni were traditional goldsmiths of the Jammu region. Almost 40% lived in Jammu, with Mirpur home a further 20%. Like the Aroras, Khatris and Mahajan, the majority of the Sonar were foud in the towns of Mirpur and Bhimber, and had to leave the region as a consequence of partition.
Dhiyar
The Dhyar were found entirely in Reasi district, where there traditional occupation was to extract iron ore from the mines in Sanghad-Kalakot region. They claimed a Rajput origin, and spoke a western Pahari.
Saryara
The Saryara numbered 2,354, and the majority were found in the eastern districts of Jammu and Kathua. They were a landless community in 1931, and employed as agricultural labourers. There is much larger community in neighbouring Himachal Pradesh, and speak Dogri.
Arora
Hindu Arora numbered 1,625, and were concentrated in Jammu, while there were 1,692 Sikh Arora, who were concentrated in Mirpur. Like the Muslim Khoja, with whom they shared a common origin, the Arora had migrated from the Punjab at the start of the 18th Century. They generally spoke Pothohari, and although most were bilingual speaking Dogri as well.
Chuhra
Hindu Chuhra numbered 1,588, almost all of whom were found in the Poonch Jagir. In the Jammu province, the majority of the Chuhra had converted to Islam, and numbered 4,766, and were known as Mussalli. The Hindu Chuhra now refer to themselves as Balmiki.
Labana
The Hindu Labana numbered 1,268, were a minority as the majority of the caste had converted to Sikhism, and numbered 4,358. It was only in Reeasi and Poonch Jagir, where the Labana had remained Hindu.
Sikh Castes
Caste
Population
Population per district
Brahmin
10,820
Poonch Jagir (10,674)
Jat
5,517
Mirpur (4,951), and Jammu (506)
Labana
4,358
Jammu (4,017) and Kathua (308)
Khatri
1,929
Mirpur (1,045) and Jammu (371)
Arora
1,692
Mirpur (1,168) and Jammu (355)
Rajput
601
Jammu (487) and Mirpur (93)
Soni
389
Mirpur (195) Reeasi (152) and Poonch Jagir (40)
Basith
321
Reeasi (315)
Lohar
221
Jammu (214)
Megh
162
Jammu (74) and Udhampur (73)
Mahajan
113
Jammu (60) and Poonch Jagir (23)
Tarkhan
52
Mirpur (23)
Others / Unspecified
107
Total Population
29,282
The Sikh population of Jammu was centred in the western districts of Mirpur and the Poonch Jagir, almost 70% of their total population. This has meant that the Sikhs were very badly affected by the Kashmir conflict, with almost all the western regions falling under Pakistani control in 1947. This led to an exodus of the Sikhs from their traditional homeland, and most of the Sikh population is now found in Jammu, Punjab and Delhi.
Brahmins
The Sikh Brahmin or Poonchi Sikhs were found entirely in the Poonch Jagir and amounted to a third of the total Sikh population. The Poonchi Sikh are Saraswat Brahmins and speak the western Pahari dialects spoken in the Jagir. Some of the larger Poonchi Sikh clans are Sudan, Issar, Raina, Kaul, Dutt and Chibber. The neighbouring Hazara region of the North West Frontier was also home to communities of Hill Brahmans who had converted to Sikhism and were probably related communities.
Jats
The Jats Sikhs were found mainly in the Bhimber tehsil of Mirpur District, particularly in the Chamb Jaurian region. Bhimber region came under Pakistani administration in 1948, but Chamb Jaurian fell much later in 1971. Therefore, the Jat Sikhs had to undergo two migrations, one in 1947 and the second in 1971.The Jat Sikhs shared the same clans with the Muslim and Hindu Jats and intermarried with the Hindus. There were closely connected with Jat Sikhs of Gujrat District of Punjab. A smaller group of Jat Sikhs were also found in the Jammu District. There main clans were the Aasar, Aassle, Bhatti, Bhangre, Chahal, Dhoor, Gill, Jhal, Kjaal, Nagyal, Nathyal, Ranyal, Pajhaal, Smotra, Thathaal, and Tohre.
Labana
The Labana Sikhs were found mainly Jammu District, and were connected them with the large Labana Sikh community of Gujrat. The Labana are one of Sikh castes that were not concentrated in the western region and spoke to the Dogri language. Traditionally connected with carrying trade and peddling, most of the Jammu Labana were farmers or were recruited in the state forces.
Khatri
Khatri Sikhs, like the Jat were concentrated in Mirpur. They were closely connected with the Khatris of the Pothohar region. Most were landowners and many served in both British and state forces. But a substantial number lived in the towns of Mirpur and Bhimber, which led to their exodus, when these cities fell under Pakistani control. Most of the Khatri Sikhs are now found in Jammu, Delhi and Punjab.
Arora
Like the Khatri, the Arora were concentrated in Mirpur, and were closely connected with the much larger community of the Aroras in Pothohar. Both the Khatri and Arora were collectively refered to as the Bhapa Sikhs.
Rajput
The Rajput Sikhs were Dogras, found mainly in Jammu District. Individual Dogra families would take the pahal, the Sikh baptism, but continued with their traditional customs. They were closely connected with Hindu Dogras.
Soni / Sonar
The Soni, the traditional castes of goldsmiths, was the last Sikh community of any consequence in the Jammu region. Most of the Soni were found in Mirpur town, and as such became refugees in 1947.
In this post, I return to the distribution of different castes foound in the Punjab, at the beginning of the 20th Century. In 1901, the total Tarkhan population was 680,517, which about 3% of undivided Punjab. The Tarkhans were the carpenters of Punjab, although in what is now Haryana, the term used was Khati. Unlike the three castes I have looked in the previous posts, the Teli,Julaha and Lohar, the Tarkhan didnot have a Muslim majority, with Muslims only making 21% of the population, Hindus 35% and Sikhs 44%. However, in the last census to count caste was that of 1931, the Tarkhan had a slight Muslim majority. Their total population in 1931 was 654,053, of which Muslims numbered 346,948 (53%), Sikhs were 159,103 (24%) and Hindus were 147,955 (23%).
Map of Punjab 1911
In 1901, Punjab consisted of the following districts, divided into five divisions.
About 30% of the Tarkhan were found in the Lahore Division, about 20% in Jalandhar Division (including the states of Kapurthala and Faridkot), 15% in the Ambala Division (including Kalsia, Pataudi and Dujana States), 13% in the Rawalpindi Division, 10% in the Multan Division (including Bahawalpur State) and 10% in the Phulkian States (Patiala, Nabha and Jind). In terms of distribution of the Tarkhan population, 7% were found in Patiala, 7% in Sialkot, 6% in Lahore, 6% in Amritsar, 5% in Gurdaspur, 5% in Hoshiarpur, 5% in Gujranwala, 5% in Jalandhar, 5% in Firozpur, 4% in Rawalpindi, 4% in Gujrat. 3% in Ludhiana, 3% in Karnal, 3% in Ambala and 3% in Multan. In terms of percentage of district population, they were as follows:
Lahore Division
Amritsar 4%
Lahore 4%
Sialkot 4%
Gurdaspur 4%
Gujranwala 4%
Montgomery 2%
Outside Montgmery, which was culturally quite distinct from the rest of the Lahore Division, Tarkhans formed about 4% of the total population in each district. As I already said, about 30% of total Tarkhan lived here, and this region was the centre of this caste. There total population in the division was 204,280, of which Muslims were 109,688 (54%), Sikh were 67,144 (33%) and Hindus were 27,488 (13%).
Jalandhar Division
Jalandhar 4%
Firozpur 3%
Hoshiarpur 3%
Ludhiana 3%
Kangra 2%
In the Jalandhar Division, outside Jalandhar, where Tarkhans formed 4% of the population, Tarkhans were generally around 3% of the total population. About 20% of the Tarkhan population lived in this division. The total Tarkhan population in this division, including Kapurthala and Faridkot states was 148,977, of which Hindus were 76,396 (51%), Sikhs were 37,340 (25%) and Muslims were 35,241(24%).
Ambala Division
Ambala 2%
Hisar 3%
Karnal 3%
Rohtak 2%
Gurgaon 2%
Delhi 1%
In the Ambala Division, the Tarkhans formed between 2 and 3 of the districts population and was home to 15% of the Tarkhan population. The total population the division, including Kalsia, Dujana and Pataudi states was 98,542, of Hindus, locally known as Khati were 81,882 (83%), Muslims were 13,131 (13%) and Sikh were 3,529 (4%).
Rawalpindi Division
Rawalpindi 3%
Jhelum 3%
Gujrat 3%
Shahpur 3%
Mianwali 2%
Generally, the Tarkhans formed 3% of the population in most districts of the Division. They were also largely Muslims, and the division was home to 10% of the total Tarkhan population. The total Tarkhan population was 88,005, of which Muslims were 85,887 (98%), Hindus were 1,077 (1%) and Sikhs were 1,041 (1%).
Phulkian States
Nabha State 4%
Patiala State 3%
Jind State 2%
The Tarkhans were between 4 and 2 of the total population in the Phulkian States, which were home about 10% of the total population. Many of the Tarkhans in Jind State were Hindu Khatis. The total Tarkhan population 63,704, of which Hindus were 39,132 (61%), Sikhs were 22,432 (35%) and Muslims were 2,140 (4%).
Tarkhans and Sikh History
The Tarkhan played an important role in the rise of Sikhism in the Punjab, with Jassa Singh Ramgarhia, a Tarkhan, founding the Ramgarhia misal. Sikh Tarkhans at the beginning of the 20th Century were almost half the total population. By the time of partition in 1947, a slight majority of the Tatkhan were Sikh. I would ask the reader to look at the book Textures of the Sikh Past: New Historical Perspectives, which has detailed accounts of the evolution of the Ramgarhia community.
Rose, the early 20th Century British ethnologists oberved the following about the Tarkhans:
Like the Lohar he is a true village menial, mending all agricultural implements and household furniture, and making them all, except the cart, the Persian wheel, and the sugarprees, without payment beyond his customary dues.
Like the Lohar, the Tarkhan were in seipi relationship with the other villagers, providing service in kind, in return for payment in wheat and other agricultural produce. Seipi refers to the barter system among Punjabi villagers, where for example a carpenter would exchange their well sought after service for agricultural produce from farmers. This system was particularly strong in villages in central Punjab. Most Tarkhan were found in the central Punjabi speaking districts, stretching from Gujrat to the Phulkian States. Although included with the Tarkhans, the Khati of Karnal, Hisar and Rohtak formed a distinct caste, largely Hindu, although some Khati were Muslim. Muslim Tarkhans, like the Muslim Lohar increasingly now call themselves Mughals.
This is my third post looking at the distribution of castes in Punjab, in this case the Lohar, at the time of carrying out the 1901 Census. In 1901, the total Lohar population was 350,622, about 1.4% of the total population in undivided Punjab. The traditional occupation of the Lohar was that of a blacksmith, but among the occupational groups in Punjab, the Lohar were the most likely to be agriculturists. Unlike the Teli, who were entirely Muslim, and Julaha who were largely Muslim, the Lohar only had a small Muslim majority, around 60%, with Hindus at 32% and the Sikhs at around 8%. In fact in south east Punjab, the modern Haryana state, the Lohar were largely Hindu. The Hindu Lohars of what is now Haryana called themselves as Dhiman. Rose, the British colonial ethnologists wrote the following about the Lohar:
The Lohar of the Punjab is, as his name implies, is blacksmith pure and simple. He is one of the true village menials, receiving customary dues in the shape of a share of the produce, in return for which he makes and mends all the iron implement of agrculture, the material being found by the husbandman. He is most numerous in proportion to the total population in the hills and the Districts that lie immediately below them, where like all other artisan castes he is largely employed in field labour. He is present in singularly small numbers in the Multan division, the Derajat and Bahawalpur; probably because men of other castes engage in blacksmith’s work in those parts, or perhaps becausa the carpenter and the blacksmith are the same.
Like the Tarkhans, the Lohar were in seipi relationship with the other villagers, providing service in kind, in return for payment in wheat and other agricultural produce. Seipi refers to the barter system among Punjabi villagers, where for example a blacksmith would exchange their well sought after service for agricultural produce from farmers. This system was particularly strong in villages in central Punjab by the beginning of the 20th Century. The last census to count caste was that of 1931, when the Lohar population was 333,910, of which Muslims numbered 241,972 (73%), Hindus were 74,761 (22%) and Sikhs were 16,935 (5%).
Map of Punjab 1911
In 1901, Punjab consisted of the following districts, divided into five divisions.
In 1901, about half of the Lohar population was found in the Lahore and Jalandhar divisions. The remainder were in Ambala (about 16%), Rawalpindi (about 12%), Phulkian States (about 9%) and Multan (about 4%) divisions. In terms of percentage of the total district population, they were as follows:
Lahore Division
Lahore 1.4%
Amritsar 2%
Sialkot 2%
Gurdaspur 2%
Gujranwala 2%
Montgomery 1%
In 1901, Lohar formed 2% of the total population of in most districts. The total population in the division was 96,456, of which Muslims were 76,017 (79%), Sikhs were 11,128 (12%) and Hindus were 9,311 (9%).
Jalandhar Division
Jalandhar 2%
Hoshiarpur 2%
Kangra 2%
Firozpur 1%
Ludhiana 1%
The Lahore and Jalandhar Divisions were home to half of the total Lohar population, and Lohar formed between 1 and 2 percent of the total district population in the Jalandhar Division. In the division, including Kapurthala and Faridkot State, their total population was 71,601, of which Hindus were 40,342 (56%), Muslims were 20,683 (29%) and Sikhs were 10,576 (15%).
Ambala Division
Ambala 2%
Karnal 1.5%
Rohtak 1.4%
Hisar 1%
Delhi 1%
About 16% of the total Lohar population lived in the Ambala Division, roughly modern day Haryana. They generally formed between 1 and 2 percent of the total district population. The total Lohar population was 59,647 (including the Kalsia State), of which Hindus were 32,132 (54%), Muslims were 27,017 (45%), and Sikhs were 498 (1%).
Rawalpindi Division
Rawalpindi 2%
Jhelum 2%
Gujrat 2%
Shahpur 1%
Mianwali 1%
About 12% of the total Lohar population lived in Rawalpindi, and they made between 1 and 2 percent of the total district population. The total Lohar population in the district was 51,687, of which Muslim were 51,440, Sikhs 185 and Hindus 62. Outside Rawalpindi city, the entire Lohar population was Muslim.
Phulkian States
Jind State 2%
Patiala State 1.4%
Nabha State 1%
About 9% of the total Lohar population lived in the Phulkian States, they formed between 1 and 2 percent of each states population. The total Lohar population was 30,253, of which Hindus were 12,290 (41%), Muslims were 11,771 (39%) and Sikhs were 6,192 (20%).
Evolving Identity of the Punjab Lohar
At this time, Sikh Lohars were merging with the Sikh Tarkhans to form a single Ramgarhia caste. While Muslim Lohar groups began to call themselves Mughals at around the same time. I would ask the reader to look at Khalid Nadvi’s book The Post-Colonial State and Social Transformation in India and Pakistan, about of the Lohar in Sialkot, and their role in creating the surgical instrutments industry. Sialkot had the third highest number of Lohars, and in the city made up a third of the population. However, in 1901, these trends has just begun, with most Lohar groups still registering themselves as Lohar.
newpakhistorian 