The
'Brahmkhatri' and 'Bhatia' surname has a very interesting origin.
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AILSINGHANI: - Ail Singh.
Nukh:
During the
Arab invasion (711 AD) most of the inhabitants fled to Punjab to escape their
onslaught and later when an earthquake rocked Alor, the remaining people left.
The
Ailsinghani are Sikhs. During the reign of Maharaja Ranjitsingh in Punjab, there
arose a misunderstanding between Ailsinghani’s forefather Lachman Singh and
the Akali Sikhs.
Lachman
Singh left Punjab and came to Sind and settled at village Naichan, a few miles
away from Larkana. He had four sons. M/s. Ail Singh, Gurbux Singh, Hari Singh
and Gurdino Singh.
The Ailsinghani, named after Mr. Ail Singh, prospered and grew into a large
community of 100 homes. Some of them moved to Larkana and other places in search
of work.
In 1946,
around 40 Ailsinghani families lived at Naichan and were zamindars. They, being
Sikhs, did not shave or cut their hair and sported beard and wore Pagri
(turban).
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UTTAMSINGH: - Diwan Uttamsingh.
Nukh: Ch-chra.
Uttamsinghs
are considered cousins of Lalwani Diwans. They are called Lalwani as they lived
in Lalwani Ghitti. Even their Nukh is the same as Lalwanis.
It was
learnt in the year 1915, that Uttamsingh surname did not figure in the Lalwani
Shijro (family tree) and neither their ancestors had any links with the Lalwani
ancestors. It is from then on that they adopted their father Diwan
Uttamsingh’s name as their surname.
Diwan
Uttamsingh had nine sons: Master Idanmal, Diwan Wazirmal Sub. Judge, Master
Kishinchand and others.
Similarly,
Diwan Rochiram’s descendants called themselves Lalwani. But even in their case
they found that they had no links with the forefather of Lalwani, Mr. Lalchand.
Hence they call themselves ‘Girdharimalani’.
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AMARNANI: - Seth Amardinomal.
Nukh: Bodheja.
Amarnanis
roots are connected with Parmar Sodha Rajputs. Their Nukh namesake or Nukh
cousins lived at Navsheri Firoz. Prominent amongst their Nukh cousins are
Phulwanis who lived in village Bheyan District Kotri and in 1947 they were
scattered all over Sind.
The
Amarnanis are named after Seth Amardinomal Tanumal, who was a Bhagat (pious
man). Some of his children were in service with Seth Vishindas (Harchandrai) of
Manjho. Some Amarnanis were traders as well.
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ISRANI: - Diwan Issardas.
Nukh: Makhija.
Isranis are
Arorvanshi. (See Arorvanshi).
Israni's
Nukh cousins lived at Laar, Bharya in district Navsheri Firoz, Kherpur (Mirpur
Khas) and at Hyderabad.
Isranis are
Sikhs. They came to Sind form Punjab during the reign of Aurangzeb.
Five of the
Israni brothers were zamindars and had settled near Larkana, on the opposite
bank of the river Indus.
At the
start of British rule, they felt insecure and moved to the other side of the
bank to village Ilyas. Around the year 1847 they again shifted to Larkana and
lived in a street called Ilyasi Ghitti.
The two
other Israni brothers lived at Gurdaspur (Punjab). They also migrated to Sind
and at first stayed at Khudabad and later shifted to Hyderabad and worked for
the Mirs.
In the year
1793, a division amongst the Mirs took place. These two Israni brothers were
deputed by the Mirs to move to “Bataee” and “Ajari” in district Navsheri
Firoz and given the task to develop the place.
The Murjanis, whose Nukh is also Makhija, also resided at Navsheri
Firoz.
Later, one
of the Israni brothers and his family along with the Murjanis migrated to
Bhargareen, near Kherpur (Mirpur Khas). Both the Isranis and Murjanis served Mir
Sahrab Khan.
Around
1847, Isranis again moved and finally settled in Larkana. Their cousins at
Navsheri Firoz later followed.
Diwan
Issardas, after whom the Isranis are named, had a son named Diwan Santoksingh.
It was Diwan Santoking’s children who had first left Kherpur migrate to
Larkana.
From Diwan
Santoksingh’s roost: Diwan Bahadur Issarsingh Tiloksingh and their close
cousins Diwan Gobindsingh and Diwan Kundansingh. From the same roots came Diwan
Shyamsingh and Diwan Wadhumal.
From Diwan
Tirthdas’ (the other son of Diwan Issardas) roots: Diwan Hazarimal Advocate.
Diwan Hazarimal’s grandson Diwan Sirumal Vishindas Advocate was member of All
India Congress Committee and also member of Sind Legislative Assembly.
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ISRANIS of ILYASI: -
Diwan Tilokchand
Issardas.
These
Isranis who had migrated from village Ilyas, their forefather was Diwan
Tilokchand Issardas.
From Diwan
Tilokchand Issardas’ roots came: Diwan Gobindbux Janjimal Barrister, his
brother Captain Nanikbux Asst. Commander Royal Engineers and his cousin Diwan
Kundandas Tilumal Asst. Public Prosecutor and others. They are all called ‘Ilyasi’.
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BATHIJA: -
Nukh: Bathija.
Bathija are
Nukh cousins of Shahani.
(Please read Chapter 5 where the roots of the Shahanis appear)
Bathijas
lived at Shikarpur and Larkana. Shikarpur Bathija's forefather hailed from
Kandhar.
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BAJAJ: -
Nukh: Bajaj.
Bajaj hail
from Shikarpur and are Arorvanshi.
Alor (Aror),
situated two and a half miles from Rohiri, was in 1947 a small village. During
the Arab invasion (711 AD) Bajaj’s forefathers had fled to Punjab to escape
the Arab onslaught. Later, under the Kalhora and Mir reign some of them returned
to Sind. Bajajs are also found living in Punjab, and at Marwar Rajistan, viz.
Seth Jamnalal Bajaj of ‘The Bajaj Fame’.
In Sind,
Bajaj Nukh namesakes were Pamnani of Rohiri and Bharvanis of Manjho District
Kotri.
Bajaj, who
are self-made, had around 150 homes in Shikarpur (1947) and were engaged in
Shroff (Bankers) profession.
One
instance is that of Seth Jeetmalani. Jeetumal, the forefather of Bajaj, came to
Sind during the Mirs reign and took employment with them as their Modi
(in-Charge of grain warehouse). His children were Shroffs (Bankers).
The Mirs
collected their taxes in kind and not is cash. The Revenue/Tax officers
collected Mir’s share of the harvest and sold it in the market. They then
remitted the proceeds to the Mirs through the Shroffs. The Shroffs charged
commission as their handling fee.
M/s. Seth
Manghomal Lonidasingh & Sons, belonging to Jeetmalani Bajaj, was the most
prominent firm of those days. They contributed their share to charity as well.
Seth Lonidasingh built a Narishala (ladies home) and a Musafirkhano (traveler's
rest house) at Shikarpur named after Seth Satramsingh Manghomal.
Seth
Satramsingh had four sons: M/s. Lonidasingh, Jesasingh, Narainsingh and
Chellasingh.
In Quetta a
dharamshala in Seth Jesasingh’s name was built by them.
Seth
Lonidasingh and his brother Mr. Narainsingh had contributed one-lac rupees each
to a Relief Fund for the benefit of the needy Hindu families and gave
scholarships to the deserving students. Seth
Chellasingh’s family donated one lac rupees to Shikarpur College. Another
Shikarpuri, Seth Sitaldas, also donated one lac rupees to the same College. The
College bore their names.
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BRAHM KHATRI (KSHATARIYAS): -
Creation of
Brahm Khatris is mentioned in the Hindu Puranas. A Brahmin by the name of Ram,
son of Jamdgani, hailing from the family of Bhargo Rishi, always carried a
hatchet (Parsho). He was commonly called Parshram (Parsho-ram) and was
considered sixth reincarnation of Lord Vishnu.
The Hindu
Puranas state that Jamdgani, father of Parshram, had a cow that had Kamdeen
powers. Kamdeen meaning Kaam – Desire. Deen, meaning Giver. Desire Giver.
The cow had the powers to fulfill desires of those who asked.
The King,
on one of his rounds, had witnessed the cow performing the miracle and desired
to have the cow for himself. The King then asked Jamdgani to hand over the cow
but he refused. Just the same, the King seized the cow and took it away.
Parshram was not at home when this transpired. Jamdgani on learning what had
happened lost his temper and confronted the King. In the melee the King was
killed. Parshram then took the cow back to his home and returned it to his
father.
Raja’s
sons seeking revenge raided Jamdgani’s Ashram and not finding Parshram, killed
Jamdgani. Parshram, on his return to Ashram found his father dead. He took a vow
and swore vengeance that he would not rest till he not only killed all the sons
of Raja but all the Khatris as well. The Hindu Puranas state that Parshram
killed all the Khatri members of 21 households.
Cow in
Sindhi means ‘Gau’ or ‘Gaaehn’. But in Sanskrit it has many meanings.
Gau also means Planet Earth or the Globe and Land. European experts of Sanskrit
have also opined that the word ‘Gau’ here means Land.
They, the
European experts further opined that Parshram’s father Jamdgani owned large
parcel of land or estate that the King wanted to grab but Jamdgani would not
submit. The King then forcefully took possession of the estate that led to the
episode of killing of King, his sons and 21 Khatri households. (Ref. History of Rajastan by Mr. Todd)
It is said
that the "Hindu Puranas" mention that Parshram in the spree came to
Sind where during his stay of five days he killed many Khatris.
Sind was
then ruled by a Surayavanshi Khatri Raja Rattansen. As soon as he learnt of
Parshram’s arrival, Raja packed his bags and along with his 5 Ranis:
Chandrasiya, Padmani, Padma, Sokmava and Kishnavati left Sind and escaped under
the cover of darkness and sought refuge at Dadchi’s Ashram in the jungle on
the banks of river Saraswati.
All the
Ranis of Raja Rattansen were pregnant and they delivered sons at the Ashram.
Raja Rattansen’s sons (Raj Kumars) were brought up in the Ashram as Brahmins.
Though the eldest Raj Kumar’s name was Jaysen, he was called Jayasharma.
Sharma, being a title given to Brahmins.
Parshram
tracked Raja Rattansen to the Ashram. On approaching the Ashram he saw Raja
Rattansen hunting. Not having seen him before, Parshram mistook the Raja for a
commoner or an unimportant Khatri and killed him. Parshram then went to the
Ashram in search of more Khatris and met Raj Kumar Jayasharma who was dressed in
a brahmin’s outfit and mistook him for a Rishi. Jayasharma was well versed in
Sanskrit and attracted Parshram’s attention. Parshram made Jayasharma his
shish (student- disciple) and treated him like a son.
The Hindu
Puranas also states that one-day Parshram and his shish Jayasharma went to the
bank of river Saraswati. There was cool breeze in the air. Parshram felt like
lying down and taking a nap. He dozed of with his head on Jayasharma’s lap.
Being close to the river, the place was infested with mosquitoes. Jayasharma was
bit so severely that his skin started to bleed but he dared not to move lest it
awaken Parshram.
When
Parshram felt the bites himself, he awakened and stood up. Seeing blood on
Jayasharma's body, he realized that only a Khatri, who are supposed to be warm
blooded, could bear and tolerate that much pain without moving an inch. The
Brahmins are supposed to be cold blooded and have no tolerance power.
Parshram
confronted Jayasharma and asked him to speak the truth whether he was Khatri or
a Brahmin? Jayasharma confessed and said that he was a Khatri but in the Ashram
he had donned the dress of a Brahmin and learnt Vedas.
Parshram
did not desire to kill a Brahmin and neither wanted to let go a Khatri. But to
kill a man who was so well versed in Vedas would also be a Paap (sin). He had
accepted Jayasharma as his student (shish) and he had served him well. Parshram
pardoned Jayasharma and announced that thereafter Jayasharma would be known as
‘Brahm Khatri’.
Mr.
Anthovan in his book titled 'Races and Castes of Bombay Presidency' has written
that Parshram, on his hunt for the blood of Khatris permitted some pregnant
Khatri women and widows to take refuge with the Brahmins. Children born to those
ladies, under the protection of Brahmins, bore the name ‘Brahm Khatris’.
Mr.
Anthovan has further stated that around five hundred years ago, some Brahm
Khatris left Punjab and migrated to Champaner near Panch Mahal (Now in Gujarat).
In 1484, Muslims invaded the area that forced Brahm Khatris to move again to
Gujarat.
The author,
Diwan Bherumal Advani in the course of his research learnt that the ancestors of
Brahm Khatris had again moved from Gujarat to Kutch, and thereafter from Kutch
they went on to Nagar Thhata and onward to Karachi, Hyderabad and Shikarpur.
Brahm
Khatris are Devi worshippers. The Chorigars of Hyderabad are Brahm Khatris.
The Brahm
Khatris do not have a common Nukh. In Sind they had many Nukhs viz. Arora, Asra,
Bachhra, Tandon, Jaggar, Chhatpar, Dar-ri, Dodya, Dhandha, Sanchar, Sodha,
Sonpar, Sonji, Kathbali, Kako, Karkal, Gana, Mamtora, Madhu, Machhar and Ningo
etc.
The Brahm
Khatris do not marry within the same Nukh and were scattered all over Sind,
Kutch, Kathiawar, Gujarat and Bombay.
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BHAHARNANI: -
MUKHI BAHARDINMAL.
Nukh: Somaiya.
Lohanas
have the same Nukh.
Baharnani
hail from Nasserpur and are named after their forefather Mukhi Bahardinmal who
was son of Mukhi Roopchand.
Mukhi
Bahardinmal was born during the British reign. It was during the lifetime of
Mukhi Roopchand that British conquered Sind. Baharnani’s ancestors, even
before Mukhi Roopchand, were Mukhis of Nasserpur.
During the
reign of Mir Alhyar Khan, after whom ‘Tando Alhyar’ is named, grandfather of
Mukhi Bahardinmal, Seth Devrajmal was Mukhi of Nasserpur and Anbardar (granary
keeper) of the Mirs.
It was
during the Mirs reign that some cousins of Mukhi Devrajmal went to Karachi in
search of better prospects.
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BHAHERWANI: -
SETH BHAHROMAL /BHAHERDINOMAL.
Nukh: Dar-ri.
Balwani, Ramrakhani, Ramchandani, Malkani and Hingoranis share the same Nukh. They all
had migrated from Jaisalmer.
The
forefathers of Bhaherwanis came to Sind from Khanpur in Punjab. They are named
after their elder Seth Bhahromal son of Bhai Tharumal Ailram.
Seth
Bhahromal had accompanied Mir Yaam from Khanpur to Sind. Mir Yaam, along with his cortege and Seth Bhahromal set camp near
Hyderabad and built his own village called ‘Tando Yaam’. As these Mirs had
come from Khanpur, they were called ‘Khanani Mirs’. Seth Bhahromal received
as a gift a parcel of land from Mir Yaam that he cultivated with vigor.
Seth
Bhahromal had four sons: M/s. Rochiram, Kewalram, Tirthdas and Gopaldas.
Seth
Tirthdas and Seth Gopaldas were financially more sound compared to his other two
brothers.
From Seth
Tirthdas’ roots: Rai Sahib Rupchand Seomal, who in 1947 was a zamindar having
large holdings. He also had a Cotton Ginning Mill.
From Seth
Gopaldas’ roots: Seth Tahilram Teckchand. He too, in 1947 was a zamindar with
large holdings, and member of Sind Assembly (Congers party).
Amongst the
Bhaherwanis, many were zamindars and some were traders. Some Bhaherwanis are related by marriage to Bharvanis.
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BALANI: - SETH BALIMAL.
Nukh: Rai Parthor.
Gotar: Kashap.
Balanis are
Chauhan Rajputs. Their forefathers hailed from Delhi. Due to some mis-understanding
between Prithviraj Chauhan and Raja Jaichand, both fought battles with each
other. Balanis being well wishers of Prithviraj had no other option but to leave
Delhi.
It is
understood that the word Rai Parthor (Nukh) meant Prithvi or under the
protection of Prithvi. Rai, meaning Royal (Under the protection of Raja
Prithviraj). Similarly, many Lohanas and Bhatias have the word Rai affixed to
their Nukh as they were under the protection of Rai rulers of Kutch.
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This is from History:
Raja
Prithviraj Chauhan, ruler of Delhi and Ajmer, and Raja Jaichand Kanoj, were very
good and dear friends and had cordial relationship. When Sultan Shahab Aldeen
invaded Delhi, Raja Jaichand went to the rescue of Raja Prithviraj and placed
his army at his disposal. However, their friendship did not last very long, and
became bitter enemies of each other.
In the year
1193, Sultan Shahab Aldeen again invaded Delhi. Raja Jaichand instead of helping
Raja Prithviraj sided with the Sultan. Prithviraj lost and died in the battle.
There after the Hindus lost their hold and rule over Delhi and Ajmer.
In 1194,
Sultan Shahab Aldeen, in an another battle defeated Raja Jaichand Kanoj. Benaras
fell into Sultan’s hands. The Muslim rulers then ruled Bengal, Bihar and Audh.
The entire Northern India was lost to them.
Balani
elders migrated to Sind during the period mentioned above. Sind was then ruled
by Somran.
The name
Balani was derived from Seth Balimal who lived at Navsheri Firoz.
Seth
Balimal had one son: Seth Choithram who sired two sons: M/s. Tejaram and Bejaram.
Children of both these brothers were in 1947, living at Navsheri Firoz.
During the
Mirs reign, Israni and Murjani were in the employment of the Mirs. The Mirs
asked them to shift to Navsheri Firoz to improve the living conditions there.
After completing the assignment Israni and Murjani moved to village Bhargareen
to live in closer vicinity of the Mirs who were then living at Kherpur.
Along with Israni and Murjanis, Seth Chotirmal Balani
and his bradri (family members, cousins’ etc.) also shifted to live at
Bhargareen. In 1947, there were around seventeen or eighteen Balani families
living there. Some of the Balanis were advocates, doctors, schoolteachers and in
govt. service.
In 1947,
Navsheri Firoz had around sixty Balani households. These Balanis were advocates,
doctors, zamindars and traders.
Paramount
amongst the Balanis was Mr. Tolaram. He was a social worker and a novelist. Mr.
Tolaram’s articles were published in magazines and in newspapers.
Dr. Lokumal
Sirumal was the first amongst the Balanis of Navsheri Firoz to become a Doctor.
He was a very friendly and sociable person. He expired during 1946-1947.
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BHATIA: - BHATI.
Bhatias are
Bhati Rajputs hailing from Jaisalmer. Their roots are linked to Lord Shree
Krishna who was a Jadoovaseen from the Chandravanshi sect. Bhatias are also
called Chandravanshi, Jadoovaseen and Krishinvanshi. Under what circumstances
Bhatias went to Jaisalmer and how they came to Sind is explained on the
following pages.
Shree
Krishna was born at Mathura and brought up at Gokul. Before the Mahabharata war,
he along with his Jadoovanshi sect migrated to Dwarka. Shree Krishna is also
called Dwarkanath.
Over five
thousand years ago Shree Krishna lived on this Planet Earth for one hundred and
twenty years. At that time, the Dawapur era was about to end and Kalyuga was to
begin.
After Shree
Krishna, the Jadoovaseen fought amongst each other and thousands were killed.
This is said to be the first chapter of Kalyuga as brothers killed brothers. End
result was that Jadoovanshis lost their control over Dwarka, Indraprastha
(towards Delhi) and Paryag, the places that they had earlier ruled over.
After the
battle, the surviving Jadoovaseens mobilized themselves and went on rampage,
winning and loosing kingdoms. If they won a kingdom on one front, they lost
another on the other front. In the process they built new cities.
A
Jadoovaseen Raja named ‘Gaj’ built a city and named it ‘Gajni’ or ‘Gajnipur’.
The Iranians changed the pronunciation to ‘Gazni’. Raja Gaj was thereafter
killed by the ruler of Kharasan. The remaining Jadoovaseens left Gazni and
migrated to their Punjab strong hold and ruled it in peace for many years.
Thereafter
invaders from Pakhtar/Bakhtar (Bactria) looted Punjab and Sind. Again the Iranians, Unanis (Greeks), and Saak/ Satheen from Turkey came
to loot but instead stayed on. In the process they killed Raja of Jadoovaseen
who was the father of King Salewahan.
The
Jadoovaseens then moved to Lahore and Multan and ruled over that area.
Sind
thereafter was known as Indo Sathya. Later, the Kashans came and overpowered the
Saaks.
Raja
Kanshak of Kashan family propogated Buddhism. After him, Vasdev I and Vasdev II
ruled over Sind.
During
Vasdev I’s era (177-158 B.C.), some monuments located at Mohan and Kahans jo
Daro were re-constructed.
Large
cities existed in North Sind. Archeological finds of 27 such large and 53
smaller cities were found in Sakhar and Larkana district. {Dr.
Sunitikumar Chatterji: Modern Review for December 1924 p. 671}.
The Saak/
Satheens did not leave Jadoovaseens in peace. They fought a battle some 50 miles
away from Multan near ‘Kahror’. Raja Salewahan of Jadoovaseens defeated the
Saaks/Satheens and was called ‘Sakari’ Raja Salewahan. Sak meaning Saak, and
Ari meaning Foe. Foe of the Saaks.
Tables
turned for the Jadoovanshis. To celebrate their victory, they formulated a new
calendar called ‘Saak Sambat’ that carries on even now.
Again the
Saaks went after Jadoonaseens. But Raja Rasal, son of Raja Salewahan, defeated
them. City of Sialkot was built by Raja Rasal. His descendants were called Saak
Rajkumars. Who so ever amongst them was installed as the King was considered
representative of Raja Salewahan, and reincarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Raja
Salewahan's grandson was ‘Bhati’. Bhati Rajputs are named after him. The
word Bhatia originated from Bhati, son of Raja Rasal. Bhatia meaning children of
Bhati.
There are
Bhati Rajputs in Jaisalmer, but they went there much later. For centuries Bhati
Rajputs ruled over Punjab. Thereafter they had to retreat and relocate
themselves near the bank of river Sutlaj but their domain over Punjab continued.
However, many of Bhati Rajputs left Punjab and traveled south and made
‘Tanot’ and later ‘Bhawalpur’ as their capital.
Then came
Raja Devraj, a Bhati (Bhatia) Rajput who was called ‘Raval’. After him all
the rulers of Jaisalmer were called ‘Raval’. Raja Devraj constructed a Fort
at Bhawalpur that was named after him ‘Devgrah’. Today it is called Dherawar
or Devrawar.
It is
believed that during the raids of Mohd. Gazni, many Bhati Rajputs left Bhawalpur
and moved to a city called ‘Ladhrov or Ladhano’ located around 10 miles away
from the present Jaisalmer.
Some time
later, around the year 1156, a Bhati Rajput by the name of ‘Jesal’ built a
new city and named it Jaisalmer. Within the city he constructed a Fort that was
destroyed by Allahvaldeen Badshah and city set to fire.
The ruins
of this old city still stand in the present Jaisalmer. For five centuries
Jaisalmer remained in ruins, forcing the Bhati Rajputs to dwell elsewhere.
In the year
1651, Sabal Singh, a Bhati Rajput, reconstructed the ruined city and christened
it ‘Jaisalmer’ in memory of his ancestors.
Sind was
ruled by Somrans when Sultan Allahvaldeen burnt and destroyed Jaisalmer. Somas
were living in Sind as well.
Prior to
Arab invasion, Hindu Kings ruled over parts of Kutch, Gujarat, Bilk Las Belo (Aram
Belo), and the sea front of Makran. Sind was still ruled by Somras. The Samans
first conquered Kutch, Kathiawar, and later took over Las and Sind.
According
to History of Kutch, King Rai hailed from Jharayjan family. His forefather was
Jharo Valad (valad means son of) Lakhoo, a Samo Rajput hailing from Nagar Thhata.
Tales of
Rai Dhiyach (Rai Diyas) and Surath are well known in Sind.
Rai Dhiyach,
ruler of Jhunagrah was a Chora Samo Rajputs of Sind. He had three great
distinctions to his credit. Fulfillment of Commitment (Sukha = Promise), Bravery
(Veerta) & Living by his word (Vachan Ji Palna = Honour).
It is said
that in the year 1010 A.D., a song sung by Bijal, a peasant female folk singer,
enchanted King Rai Dhiyach. He asked Bijal, “Ask what you desire from me?”
Bijal replied, “Your (King's) head”! King Rai, true to his word, cut his
head.
All elder
Kathiawaris and Sindhis remember this tale till date. Even Shah Abdul Latif,
Sind’s noted poet and writer, had written a poem in his praise, saying “Pasi
Pat Par Thio, Sindu Jadam Jodh”. Shah Sahib has called Rai Dhiyach, Jadam.
Jadam means Jadhoo (Yadhoo). Yadhoo, meaning Yadhoovanshi, descendent of Raja
Yaddhoo. Shah Sahib thus acknowledges that Sama Rajputs were from Yadhoovanshi
family. Shri Krishna was born in this family.
The Somas
lived at Thhata and toward Samoee.
Samorans
ruled from their capital city Wagh Kot and later from a city called Tor. During
the tussle amongst Dodi and Chanesar, not only was their capital city destroyed
but they lost their reign as well.
Samans
gained power and ruled. Samoee, a city on the bank of Indus, became their
Capital, which today is a small village located three miles away from Nagar
Thhata, north of Makli Takri.
Mamoee (Mahmaee)
Faqir, famous for predicting the future was from Samoee. He was also called
Samoee Faqir. He had two sisters. One named Mai Makli after whom “Makli Takri”
(Takri = Hill) is named. She is buried on the Takri.
The other
sister was Mai Bilri. “Balri Sharif”, a village in the district Goni is
named after her. It is here that Shah Abdul Latif’s Great Grand Father Shah
Karim’s Dargah is located.
All this
transpired during the reign of Hakam (ruler) Yaam Tamachi, who married Noori, a
fisher-woman. Both Yaam Tamachi and Noori are buried at Samoee.
The Sindhu
River after changing course flowed via Kalan Kot. Kalan Kot was once a capital
city called Taglaqabad.
Kalan or
Kalyan means salvation. Kot means Fort. Salvation Fort, a place where one
attains salvation. From the name it is apparent that it was constructed by a
Hindu, and later during the Muslim rule it was converted into a Mosque. There is
Kalan Kot at Karachi housing Devi Mata’s (Durga Mata) Temple.
After
Somran, Samans (Jadoovaseens) who were already ruling Kutch and Kathiawar took
over as Rulers of Sind. King ‘Rai’ of Kutch was from Jharayjan family. Jharo,
son of Lakho was inhabitant of Nagar Thhata. Jharo’s (Jharayjan) descendants
call themselves Jhareja, meaning children of Jharo. The name Jhareja, in
Gujarati came to be pronounced as Jadeja.
Ruler of
Girnar Kot, Rai Dhiyach (Rai Diyas) was from Chora Sama Rajput (Jadoovaseen)
family. He was installed as king in the year 1003, and in 1010, he gave up his
life by slitting his head off, for a woman who had brought him enchantment
through her songs.
The author,
Diwan Bherumal M. Advani, in his volume writes that it is understood that after
the forces of Sultan Allahvaldeen destroyed Jaisalmer, the Bhati Rajputs (Bhatias)
relying on the Saman’s (Jadoovanseen’s) hospitality went to Thhata via
Rohiri. Some of them, from Thhata went to Kathiawar.
There is a
large community of Bhatias in Gujarat. The Gujarati Bhatias add a suffix
‘Ji’ or ‘Si’ to their name viz. Premji, Kanji, Nansi, Khetsi and so on.
In Sanskrit ‘Si” means ‘Lion’.
Bhatias are
found not only in India but all over the world, viz. in 1947 they were in Kabul,
Kandhar, Nairobi and Zanzibar. Most of them are worshippers of Shri Nathji.
In Sind,
most Bhatias lived at Rohiri and intermarried within the community only.
Amongst the
Sindhi Bhatias are the Lalas. In 1946 they lived at Rohiri. They are originally
from Jaisalmer and migrated first to Delhi. With their Rajput background they
advanced and during the Mogul Empire they held high posts and were bestowed with
the title of ‘Lala’.
Lala
Parmanand came to Sind as Nawab of Bakhar and soon other Lalas followed. It is
said that a famine gripped Bakhar. Lala Parmanand ordered free distribution of
Government’s stock of grain. Some envious persons complained to the Mirs, who
had him killed. His mutilated body was packed in to a Gunny bag and dumped into
the river.
The bag,
landed at Rohiri’s ‘Sati Astan’. Sati Astan = a spot for self-immolation
by a woman after the death of her husband. The bag burst opened and out came
Lala Parmanand, alive, hail and hearty.
It is said
that Lala Parmanand stood at this Astan and proclaimed that thereinafter all his
descendents shall perform their Munan
(Tonsure – Shaving the hair a child is born with) at that spot. After saying
this, Lala Parmanand jumped back into the river and disappeared forever.
Thereafter, all Lala children preformed their Munan at that spot. As a
remembrance to him, the Lalas sacrificed a lamb at that place and packed the
remains into a gunny bag and offered it to the river. However, as time passed,
sweetmeat and edibles replaced the lamb. (See Lala)
Generally
all Bhatias are vegetarian but some some of them in Punjab and Sind are
non-vegetarian
Prior to
the partition of India, Bhatias held an All India Bhatia Conference every year.
The first Bhatia conference was held at Karachi in the year 1913 with Chief
Judge of Jodhpur as its Patron. The second conference was held at Bombay in
1915, with Rai Sahib Dr. Hiralal of Lahore as its Patron. The third conference
was held at Lahore in 1916, with Rai Sahib Asardas Motaram of Shikarpur as its
Patron. The Forth conference was held in 1917 at Calcutta with Rai Sahib
Kalyanji Morarji Barrister as its Patron. The Sindhi Bhatias held their own
Provincial Conference at Rohiri. This only establishes that the Bhatias are a
closely-knit community.
There were
in 1947 eighty-four Nukhs amongst the Bhatias. Gajaria, Kajria, Udaysi, Babla,
Jela, Parmal, Java (Jaba), Chachea, Soni, Ghaga, Gandhi, Gokul Gandhi, Wando and
so on. In some Nukhs the word Rai is prefixed, viz. Rai Samet, Rai Punchlotia (Lodhia),
Rai Ramia, Rai Padamsi, Rai Panchal and so on.
The Bhatias
in Sind held high and important Govt. posts. There were doctors, advocates,
professors, teachers, merchants and traders amongst them. Amongst the elderly
pensioners in Sind was Mr. Valhabdas Gajaria, retired Deputy Collector.
In
Hyderabad the famous bookseller and stamp vender Mr. Ramchand Murjmal was a
Bhatia and an Arya Samaji. There were also jewelers amongst them and they were
called ‘Jawahari Bhatias’.
TOP
BHATIA
JAWAHARI: -
Nukh: - Naeen Gandhi.
The
Jawahari Bhatias first came to Rohiri from Jaisalmer and Bhawalpur. Later,
during the reign of Mir Fatehali Khan Talpar they moved on to Hyderabad.
Jawahari Bhatias are not connected with the Gandhis of Rohiri and Shikarpur.
Jawahari
Bhatias were jewelers dealing in pearls, jewelry and other related items and had
their shops, Gadhies (kothi-offices) and their houses in ‘Loung Bhagat Ghitti’
at Hyderabad. The street was also called ‘Jawahari Ghitti’. They were called
Jawahari Bhatias due to their vocation.
Jawahari
Bhatias catered to the Mirs and Nawabs, selling them pearls, and jewelry. Even
the Amils and the Bhaibunds were their clients. But as time went by the fashion
changed. Pearls were no longer in vogue.
Jawahari
Bhatias sent their children to English Schools. The younger generation had other
ideas. They opted for Govt. jobs and employment. Some became Advocates.
Amongst the
first Jawahari Bhatias to migrate from Rohiri to Hyderabad was Seth Gobindram
who sired Seth Dokiram.
Seth
Chandumal, son of Seth Dokiram Gobindram, was an exclusive Jeweler to the Mirs.
Seth Dokiram’s other son Seth Vishindas was a cotton merchant. His son Mr.
Rochiram was an engineer working with Hyderabad’s Municipal Water Works.
On April 15th
1906, a bomb exploded in the Fort at Hyderabad. Thereafter, Hyderabad’s
Treasury office and the Court caught fire followed by another fire at
Thhata. Mr.
Rochiram was responsible for extinguishing all the three fires. For
extinguishing Thhata fire, he received an award of Rupees one thousand.
Brother of
Mr. Rochiram Vishindas was Mr. Motiram Advocate. His son Seth Bhagchand Motiram
worked with Karachi Fire Brigade. He was also responsible for extinguishing many
major fires.
Seth
Dokiram’s other son was Seth Ramchand. His son Mr. Mathuradas Ramchand was one
of the first graduates in Sind. He graduated from ‘Elphinstone College’
Bombay in 1886. After doing Law, he joined Diwan Bahadur Hiranand Khemsingh
Advani, Advocate.
One more
popular amongst the Jawahari Bhatias was Seth Mulchand Nandiram son of Seth
Gobindram Udanmal, son of Seth Jagumal Kashiram.
Seth
Mulchand had three sons: M/s. Khatanmal, Sobhraj and Udanmal. Seth Khatanmal had
four sons: M/s. Jethanand, Hassomal, Shamdas and Lilaram.
Seth
Hassomal Khatanmal was born at Hyderabad in the year 1847. Like his father he
was also a jeweler. Both the father and son brought diamonds, pearls and jewelry
from Bombay and Jaipur for sale at Hyderabad. They lived in Loung Bhagat Ghitti.
Seth Hassomal expired during January 1931.
The Amil
ladies and thereafter Bhaibund ladies had stopped buying and wearing pearls much
prior to the death of Seth Hassomal. Lack of business led to Seth Hassomal’s
sons going for higher studies.
Seth
Hassomal’s one son Mr. Pritamdas worked with The Imperial Bank. The other son
Mr. Ghanshamdas was an Advocate. Seth Hassomal’s third son Master Mohanlal,
was Head Master of Navalrai Hiranand Academy's Qilo (Fort) English Medium
branch. The fourth son Mr. Purshotamdas was a merchant.
Mr.
Ghanshamdas Hassomal was born on August 10th 1891 at Hyderabad. Right
from young age, he studied in English Medium School. Mr. Ghanshamdas learnt
Sanskrit at Gidumal Sanskrit Pathshala and in 1906 opted for Sanskrit as second
language in the Matric examination.
Between
1906 and 1915, Mr. Ghanshamdas taught at Nav Kaniya Vidyalaya and worked as
clerk at The Imperial Bank that was then known as the Bombay Bank. In 1915, he
passed Sind Pleaders Examination at Karachi and in 1916 he left the Bank to
practice law.
Mr.
Ghanshamdas had two sons: Mr. Gangaram had passed B. E. and was Sub. Division
Officer. His other son: Mr. Ramchand, in the year 1947, was in College. They all
called themselves ‘Jawahari Bhatias’.
TOP
'The Source of Sindhi Surnames' is a
translation into English, by Mr. Narain Sobhraj Kimatrai from the original
in Sindhi by Mr. Diwan Bherumal Mahirchand
Advani
