Arain (Delhi)

Arain (Delhi)
Rai, Raen
Religions	Islam
Languages	Urdu and Punjabi
Country	India
Region	Punjab and Uttar Pradesh
Feudal title	Mian, Mehar, Sardar, Chaudhry, Shah and Malik

The Arain of Delhi are an Urdu speaking muslim community found in Delhi, India. They claim their descendant from the Arain community of Punjab and Sindh, however, this claim needs further verification through the annals of history as most of the Punjabi speaking Arain consider themselves the descendant of Arab Generals who arrived with Mohammed bin qasim in the year 711AD, who conquered Sindh after the fall of Raja Dahir. The Rayeen community of Uttar Pradesh also claim common ancestry with this community.

History and origin

The Arain of Delhi claim descent from Rai Jaj, grandson of Lava, the mythical founder of the city of Lahore. This Jaj was the ruler of Sirsa territory, and was thus called Rai, a title used by rulers in ancient Haryana. This was later corrupted to Arain over time. They were converted to Islam during the rule of Mohammed Ghori. However, there are other traditions that claim an Arab origin. The Arain of Delhi are said to have emigrated from Sirsa, during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Akbar.

According to H.A Rose and colonial administrations, Arain of Delhi are descendants of the Rai Jaj, the ruler of Sirsa and grandson of Lawa, himself the founder of lahore. Lawa is the eldest son of Lord Rama.

Sub-Castes and Gotra

Ishtiaq Ahmed notes that: "in the ancient, Mughal and Sikh periods, Arains had held prominent positions, such as governors and army generals. Many gotras, or sub-clans, of the Arains bear names that indicate soldiering as an occupation. For example: Ghalar, Gahgeer and Goheer (ferocious horse of armoured corps), Gatku (fencer), Kavali (soldier patrolling while others rest), Basroo (observation post), Bahman (brave, uncontrollable or insurmountable), Bhaila (alms-keeper who walks with the commander when he is giving away alms after a victory), Daulay (those who got land in return for military services), Khatora (spy), Ramay (archers), Rattay (bloody, red, ferocious fighters), Ramday (red -eyed soldiers), Labanay (an army column equipped with batons), Jatalay (victors), Qutub Shahi: (soldiers or their offspring who accompanied Qutubuddin Aibak), Sappal (marksmen), Bahalwan (driver of a chariot), Mudh (logisticians supplying logistics and reinforcement to the army), Teerandaz (archers), Katarband (users of katar, a weapon used by ancient armies) and Bhutto (dwellers of high places)."

Present circumstances

The community was traditionally involved in Agriculture. Mostly they speak Punjabi, however, some speak Urdu (Hindi) and claim themselves as Arain, their claim needs further verification as for some geo-political benefits they might have changed their castes.

Notable people

• Shah Habib Ur Rehman Ludhianvi (freedom fighter)