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* [[Brigadier]] Raja Fiaz Ahmad [[Janjua]]
* [[Brigadier]] Raja Fiaz Ahmad [[Janjua]]
* Brigadier Muhammad Yousaf of Mandra (Jaskham Rajput) [(Sitara-e-Imtiaz-Military) Dy. DG(r)FWO ]
* Brigadier Muhammad Yousaf of Mandra (Jaskham Rajput) [(Sitara-e-Imtiaz-Military) Dy. DG(r)FWO ]
* Col(r). Ghulam Mustafa (Janjua)[Chakwal]


===Air Force===
===Air Force===

Revision as of 08:09, 9 August 2006

Muslim Rajputs (more commonly known as Musalman Rajputs within India and Pakistan) are Rajputs who practice Islam.

Rajputs (Urdu: راجپوت) were the rulings clans of India during the classical period, i.e. 8-13th century. The term Rajput is traditionally applied to the original Suryavanshi, Chandravanshi and Agnivanshi clans.

Gen.Asif Nawaz. A Janjua Muslim Rajput
Gen.M. Iftikhar Khan. A Minhas Muslim Rajput

The 1931 census of British India was the last to record caste affiliation in a manner that provides reliable information on Rajput demographics. Any present-day estimates are therefore speculative; they also vary widely.

The 1931 census reported a total of 10.7 million people self-describing as Rajput. Of this population, about 8.6 million people also self-described as being Hindu, about 2.1 million as being Muslim and about 50,000 as being Sikh by religion.

Muslim conquest of South Asia

At the time of arrival of Islam, the north and west region South Asia region was ruled by Rajput clans. The Rajputs and Muslim armies fought many battles for the control of South Asia. Mahmud of Ghazni destroyed the power of Rajputs in western South Asia in 1010 CE. Muhammad Ghori in 1191 conquered Delhi after defeating last defense of Rajputs and established the Muslim empire by 1206AD. Qutb-ud-din Aybak declared himself the first Sultan of Delhi.

Muslim Rajput clans such as the Janjua aided the Mughal conquest of India by taking part in the imperial armies. It must also be mentioned here that Hindu Rajputs also took part in these conquests as allies and even took part in marriage with the Mughals such as the Kachwaha Rajput Clan (who gave Rani Jodha Bhai's hand to Emperor Akbar), Raja Man Singh aided Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1568 against the Sesodias.

Conversion to Islam

Many Rajput clans had converted to Islam during the early 12th Century and since conversion have remained loyal to their faith. Many Rajputs were converted to Islam by the Muslim Sufis missionaries of the famed Chistiya, Qadriya orders and many others. Some conversions also took place for political reasons. The Delhi Sultanate and later Mughal dynasty encouraged the martial Rajput clans to convert to Islam. Conversions to Islam continued into the 19th century period of the British Raj.

The Discovery of India by Jawaharlal Nehru no less, (Oxford Uni.Press 1985, p62) puts into context the concept of unifying 'lineal' inherited identity with 'religious' duty, "The fact of subsequent conversion to other faiths, did not deprive them of this heritage; just as the Greeks, after their conversion to Christianity, did not lose pride in the mighty achievements of their ancestors, of the Italians in the great days of the Roman Republic and early empire." (p341), "...Christians, Jews, Parsees, Moslems. Indian converts to these religions never ceased to be Indian on account of a change of their faith...."

Nehru also mentioned his own personal experience with Muslim Rajputs as he grew up, "I grew to know; the Rajput peasant and petty landholder, still proud of his race and ancestry, even though he might have changed his faith and adopted Islam." More importantly he bears testament to the fact that despite his change of faith, a Rajput is still referred to and recognised as a Rajput.(The Discovery of India, 2004, Penguin, p51)

He made mention of Islam's mass appeal, "...The impact of the invaders of the north-west and Islam on India had been considerable. It pointed out and shown up the abuses that had crept up into Hindu society-the petrifaction of caste, untouchability, exclusiveness carried to fantastic lengths. The idea of brotherhood of Islam and of the theoretical equality of its adherents made a powerful appeal, especially those of the Hindu fold who were denied any semblance of equal treatment..." (p265)

He further stated the conversions of Hindu upper castes to Islam, "Some individuals belonging to the higher castes also adopted the new faith, either because of a real change of belief, or, more often, for political economic reasons....though all their social structure was based on the group (caste/social class), in matters of religion they were highly individualistic...It is worth noting as a rule, conversions to Islam were group conversions...Among the upper castes individuals may change their religion...almost an entire village would convert...group life as well as well as their functions continued as before with only minor variations with regards worship etc." (p266)

Sir Denzil Ibbetson (Panjab castes New Delhi, repr.2002, p14, p139, p206, p262, p153-154) records the prominent positions of the Musalmán (Muslim) Rajputs many times, from their courage and valiant martial tradition, to some clans lack of difference from their Hindu counterparts in some regions.

Regarding their rule as Muslim kings and chiefs of multi faith subjects, it is recorded in the Jhelum District Gazetteer (Lahore, repr.2004, p129), "thoroughly convinced of the truth of their own creed, though they are by no means intolerant or fanatical."

The Rajput conversions attracted criticism from their Hindu counterparts. Despite the anger of their Hindu peers, the Muslim Rajputs remained steadfast and loyal to their faiths and there exists no record of any prominent Muslim Rajput clan converting back to Hinduism after accepting Islam.

There is an interesting case of this happening up until the recent British Raj era of India's history which established a precedent in their government. In "Rulers of India, Lord Lawrence and the Reconstruction of India Under The Crown" by Sir Charles Aitcheson, K.C.S.I., M.A., LL.D.(Clarendon Press 1897,V p117) stated that in the state of Rajgarh, the ruling Rajput Chief began to show a tendency towards Islam and got into difficulties with his Hindu caste peers over this. This occurred during the period of Sir John Lawrence’s Viceroy period. His open following of Islamic traditions had infuriated his peers and feelings were so strong against him that he chose to abdicate the royal throne and retire to his new found faith. The subsequent inquiry against him however showed that he was a good ruler and no misgovernment was charged against him and his subjects were satisfied with his rule. A year later this Rajput chief openly declared the Kalima (Muslim affirmation of embracing Islam) and renounced the Hindu faith. His sons also joined him. This case established for the British Raj the precedent that no leader or ruler can be replaced simply because of his change of creed. Regardless of the feelings of his peers, it was the quality of his rule that mattered.

Beliefs and customs of Muslim Rajputs

Muslim Rajputs believe that being a Rajput is a matter of lineal heritage and martial upbringing, which is not exclusive to Hinduism. Islam's ideal of a Mujahid replaces the Hindu Kshatriya ideal. Although proud of their ancestry, they do not overly romanticize their ancestry which is forbidden in Islam. They also renounced the Varna, Indian caste system.

Change of name

A custom during these conversions was to adopt a new name to reflect their change of faith. Many Rajput kings changed their names, but also retained their ancestral/lineal titles such as Raja, Maharaja and Rai as well as tribal names such as Bhatti, Janjua, Minhas, Naru, Kokhar etc. This sense of identity has never been lost and Islam did in fact support and recognize tribal identity.

Marriages

Hindu Rajput code dictates that Rajputs can only marry amongst other Rajputs. According to Islam it was a preferred custom for a Royal to marry within royalty (note: this only applies to ruling royals). However, tradition of marriages into only one group or clan because of caste reasons is not permitted in Islam. This led to a great change in the traditional rajput marital policy. Muslim Rajputs therefore started to marry from other dominant Muslim clans of non Rajput ancestry. This was to continue the tradition of royal/strategic marriages without prejudice to Rajput affiliation. This was further realized when some major Rajput clans of Punjab intermarried into other clans of foreign descent. However, some Muslim Rajputs still follow the custom of only marrying into other Rajput clans only, such as some (not all) branches of the Narus, Bhattis, Janjuas, Jarrals, Chauhans, Kokhars and Rathores.

Geneological Family Trees

This is a strong tradition that exists amongst Rajputs of all faiths, the recording of family names and continuance of the family tree. Muslim Rajputs of prominence hold and continue to record their geneological trees since their Hindu past even after their conversion to Islam, to the present day.

Inheritance

A reference to certain customs of inheritance and marriage of Muhammadan Rajputs is mentioned on this link in relation to Hindu Rajputs and other tribes. [1]

Titles

Many Muslim Rajputs were conferred titles by the Mughal Emperors such as Nawab (Governor), Khan (Grand chief), Malik (Royal), Chaudhry and Mirza i.e. Prince of the blood. It was not uncommon for such titles to continue down the line of descent. Although the majority of Muslim Rajputs use Raja as their ancestral title, some also adopted the Persian title of Mirza instead of Rajput to distinguish their Muslim identity from their previous Hindu one as it is a Persian word meaning prince of the blood.

Rana, Rai, Rao, Raja, Khan,Chaudhry, Khanzada are titles often used by Rajput Muslims. Some Muslim Rajput clans were given imperial titles by the Mughals, such the Jarral Rajputs given the title of Mirza by Shah Jahan and the Tanoli Janjuas of Amb receiving the title of Nawab's of the state.

The title of Chaudhry was conferred on the chiefs of the Muslim Minhas Rajputs in Chakwal by the Mughal Emperor Babur and is used by some clans who were conferred this prestigious office.

The title of Sultan has been also conferred to some Muslim Rajputs such as the Janjua Sultan of Watli.

British Raj References of Muslim Rajputs

During the British era, the English quickly recognised the martial spirit of the Muslim Rajput and conferred great respect on their prominent clans and also documented their presence in the British army, praising their Martial traditions and abilities.

In 1922 there is mention of Muslim Rajputs having their own regiments as well as taking part in other famous regiments;

  • 18th Musalman Rajput regiment[2]
  • 35th Scinde Horse [3]
  • 36th Jacob's Horse [4]
  • 17th Musalman Rajput regiment of Wana, Bengal Army
  • Mauritius 18th Muslim Rajput regiment [5]

The Jhelum District Gazetteer of 1904 (Lahore 2002, p254) states clearly the esteem of the Muslim Rajput tribes of Janjua and Tiwana, "...recruiting ground par excellence for Punjábi Musalmáns...The Janjúas of the Salt Range are considered second to none in martial spirit and tradition, and with the Gakkhars and Tiwánás form the élite of the Punjábi Musalmáns." (NOTE The Gakhars mentioned are not a Rajput tribe but a Punjabi tribe which uses the Raja Kayani title today in Pakistan.)

Sir Lepel H.Griffin in his famous book, Chiefs and Families of note in the Punjab (1909, Lahore, p217) stated, "The Janjuahs furnish excellent Cavalry recruits" The Janjua clan are famous Muslim Rajputs of the Punjab region.

Sardar Bahadur Lieutenant Colonel Raja Atta Ullah Khan Jarral of Rajaur - He served in the Hodson's Horse and 9th and 10th Bengal Lancers. Wounded many a time and was a highly decorated soldier of his time. He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and in the year 1885, became the first ever Muslim to be designated British Envoy (Ambassador) to Afghanistan. He was also conferred the title of Sardar Bahadur by the British Raj. Punjab Chiefs (Lahore 1909, p100) notes, " (he) received Orders of Merit and of British India. In special acknowledgement of his services, a grant of six hundred acres in Rukhanwala, Tahsil Kasur, Lahore, was made to him and his heirs in perpetuity." He was highly respected by the British who further granted him the personal title of Raja also.

Sardar Bahadur Malik Jahan Khan Tiwana - of Jahanabad, established a reputation as valiant, gallant and faithful in his time, being conferred also the titles of, "...Sardar Bahadur for conspicuous bravery and merit..." (Chiefs and Families of Note of the Punjab, L.H.Griffin, Lahore 1909,p189)

Sardar Bahadur Captain Hussain Baksh Khan Janjua - was a decorated and highly respected Chief during the British Raj. He was conferred the title of Sardar Bahadur for his bravery and courage. (Tarikh e Janjua Raja M.A.Khan Janjua, Sahiwal Press)

All above, indicating a strong and continued martial tradition even into the present day with high ranking military officers listed in the below sections.

Major Muslim Rajput clans

  • UP: Malkhana (Gaud and Jayaswal)
  • Haryana: Mev (Laldasi, Khanzade), Toor/Tanwar/Tomar
  • Punjab: Naru, Bhatti, Manj, Punwar, Chauhan, Minhas, Tiwana, Noon, Noor, Joiya-Johiya, Gheba, Jodhra, Janjua, Sial, Chadhar, Wattu, Khokhar, Gehlot, Kasvaal, Ranial, Dhamial, Kerala.
  • Rajasthan: Quayam Khani (Chauhan), Lalkhani.
  • Gujarat: Mole Islam (Girasia)
  • Sindh: Mahar/Maher (Suryavanshi), Bhutto, Deshwali (Agnivanshi), Sama (Bhati), Sodha (Parmar), Tonwar (Bhaiya, Tannu), Sattar (Rathore) etc.
  • Azad Kashmir: Jarral, Kalyaal, Khakha, Chibh.
  • NWFP: Tanoli

The Mughal princes had some maternal Rajput blood. Both Jahangir, Shahjahan and Bahadur Shah Zafar had Rajput mothers.

Distinguished Muslim Rajputs

Pakistani

Politics

Historical

  • Nawab Sir Malik Khizar Hayat Tiwana (Prime Minister of the Punjab 1940's)
  • Zulfikar Ali Bhutto (President/Prime Minister of Pakistan)
  • Sir Malik Feroz Khan Noon, (Prime Minister of Pakistan)
  • Mohammad Khan Junejo (Prime Minister of Pakistan)
  • Mian Mumtaz Daulatana (Chief Minister of the Punjab)
  • Abdul Sattar Laleka Johiya(Federal Minister)
  • Sadique Khan Kanju (Federal Minister)
  • Ghaus Bux Khan Mahar (Federal Minister)
  • Raja Ghazanfar Ali Khan Kokhar (Federal Minister)
  • Raja Muhammed Sarfraz Khan Minhas, Pakistan Movement, MLA 1929-1958
  • Rana Phool Khan (Provincial Minister)
  • Ayub Khan Tanoli (Pakistan Provincial Minister)
  • Jam Sadiq Ali Junejo (Chief Minister of the Sindh)

Contemporary

  • Benazir Bhutto (twice Prime Minister of Pakistan)
  • Raja Zafar ul Haq Janjua (Chairman of Muslim League-Federal Minister)
  • Sardar Ali Muhammad Khan Mahar (Chief Minister of Sindh)
  • Muhammad Tariq Janjua (Federal Minister for Minorities, Culture, Sports, Tourism and Youth Affairs)
  • Sardar Tufial Ahmed Khan Meo (Member National Assembly Pakistan)
  • Khalid Ahmad Khan Kharral (Federal Minister)
  • Raja Lal Khan Janjua (Federal Minister)
  • Sardar Ghulam Muhammad Khan Mahar (Federal Minister)
  • Raja Nadir Pervez, Sitara-e-Jurat {Federal Minister)
  • Raja Lehrasab Khan Janjua (Federal Minister)
  • Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan Alpial Manj (Federal Mininster)
  • Sardar Hanif Ahmed Khan Meo (Member National Assembly)
  • Raja Parvez Ashraf of Gujar Khan PPP (Member of National Assembly)
  • Ch. Zaheerudin Khan (Provincial Minister Punjab)
  • Raja Tariq Khan Janjua - District Nazim Qadian, Gujar Khan
  • Sardar Ghulam Abbass Khan Minhas (Provincial Minister Punjab) District Nazim Chakwal 2002-Present
  • Rana Aftab Ahmad Khan PPP (Leader Of the Opposition, Punjab)
  • Raja Riaz Ahemad Khan Minhas PPP MPA 1993-Present
  • Mian Muhammad Latif Panwar Rajput (Member of Provincial Assembly of Punjab, Bhawalpur)

Army

File:Sawar Hussain Janjua Nishan e Haider.jpg
  • Lieutenant General (retd) Rao Farman Ali Khan
  • General Ahsan Saleem Hyat (Vice Chief of Army Staff)
  • Brigadier Nisar Mahar
  • Brigadier Raja Fiaz Ahmad Janjua
  • Brigadier Muhammad Yousaf of Mandra (Jaskham Rajput) [(Sitara-e-Imtiaz-Military) Dy. DG(r)FWO ]
  • Col(r). Ghulam Mustafa (Janjua)[Chakwal]

Air Force

Nishan-e-Haider

Victoria Cross

Civil

Sports

Cricket

Hockey

  • Col. Zafar Zafri Minhas
  • Ch. Mudassar Ali Khan Minhas
  • Mujahid Rana

Boxing

Academics, Science and Technology

  • Prof. Rao Muhammed Akber
  • Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan Rajput (Vice Chancellor, Mehran University of Engineering and technology)
  • Dr. Gulfaraz Ahmed Minhas, BSc Civil Engineering (Gold Medalist), PhD(Stanford University California, USA) formerly: Chairman OGDC, Chairman NEPRA, Federal Secretary Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Resources, Member Board of Trustees Pakistan Science Foundation, Member National Reconstruction Bureau, Member Sixth National Finance Commission, presently: Regular Visiting Faculty National University of Sciences and Technology, Executive Director International Institute of Peace & Conflict Resolution
  • Dr. Pervez Zamurrad Janjua, Foreign Professor, International Institute of Islamic Economics, Principal Investigator, Centre of Research for Development and Policy Studies, International Islamic University Islamabad, Approved HEC PhD Scholar, Member National Curriculum Committee (Economics) Pakistan
  • Raja Sabri Khan (M.Sc. Aero & Astro, MIT)--Minhas
  • Dr. Muhammad Mohsin Farooq Rana (PMC Faisalabad)--(Toor Rajput)
  • Prof. Dr. F.A.Shams (Late) M.Sc.M.A.(Cantab) President Pakistan Academy of Geological Sciences also former:Director ,Institute of Geology..Dean Faculty of Science, Director Centre for Integrated Mountain Research,Punjab University Lahore.(Naru Rajput)
  • Rana Muhammad Safdar Jang khan. (Naru Rajput),(Ex. D.P.I. Punjab)
  • Lt. General Mohammad Akram Khan (Vice Chancellor, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore.)

North America

  • Riasat Ali Khan (1933 – 2003)
  • Dr. Ali Rajput, O.C., S.O.M.
  • Yasin Janjua - Economist

See also

References

  • A Glossary of the Tribes and Castes of the Punjab and North-West Frontier Province (3 vols)Maclagan Ibbetson, H.A. Rose:
  • Handbook on Rajputs.Bingley, A.H, Delhi: AES, 1986
  • Annals and antiquities of Rajasthan or the Central and Western Rajput States of India by James Tod
  • The early history of Rajputs: (750 to 1000 A.D.)
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