Janjua.html



The Janjua Rajput (Punjabi ਜਨ੍ਜੁਅ, Hindi: जंजुआ, Urdu: جنجوعہ) (also spelt Janjuha, Janjuah) is a highly dominant and renowned royal warrior clan of Northern India and Pakistan. They have been referred to as the most Valiant Warriors of Punjab.¹ Their warlike nature and dominant rule of their kingdoms against other tribes earned them a powerful reputation in Western Punjab and the Valley of Kashmir.²

The Battle of Kurukshetra, the greatest battle fought in ancient India. Shown here is the warrior prince Arjun, father of the Janjua dynasty and his charioteer prince Krishna between the two warring armies

The Mughal Emperor Jalaludin Mohammed Akbar's record keeper Abu Fazl celebrated the Janjua Rajputs as among the most renowned Rajputs of India³. Infact, the Muslim Janjua Rajputs were later referred to by researcher Christopher Birdwood as among "the hardest breed in the Continent.." ⁴

They have a recorded history that spans centuries through famous Maharajas, Rajas, Emperors, Sultans, Nawabs and Princes since the Vedic age to the modern era. They were among the earliest Rājput converts to Islam.

Rebelling against the Delhi Sultanate in the early 13th and 16th century, the Janjua princes aided Emperor Babur in his conquest of India. They served as Generals in the Imperial Mughal Army and have played a major part in Punjabi history through the battles, rebellions and alliances with World conquerors.

Under the British Raj of India, they were designated as a Martial Race ⁵ and provided strong numbers to the British Indian Army and fought in both World Wars.

The Janjua Rajput tribe possesses a strong Martial Reputation, and has produced many highly decorated and award winning Military Generals and Officers to the Pakistan Army. They are also distinguished as providing Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the United Nations in the form of Ms Tehmina Janjua, as well as Governors to the Provinces of Pakistan and Ambassadors to the Middle East, Egypt and Nepal.

Famous Indian Freedom fighter and Patriotic National Hero Raja Shah Nawaz Khan who was one of the famous three, who were court martialled at the Red Fort Trial, was a staunch Janjua Rajput of Rawalpindi,⁶ as well as being the maternal godfather of Bollywood Mega star Shahrukh Khan.⁷

Internationally renowned and popular sportsmen such as Olympic medal winning International Boxing sensation Amir Khan and International Cricketer Sajid Mahmood, are indicative of the Janjua's step in the world of sport.

History

The Janjua Rajput tribe are a branch of the ancient Pandava dynasty through the Valiant warrior hero Prince Arjun Pandav, who is the ancestor of the Janjua.

Prince Arjun, known as the Achilles of India,⁸ was famous for his valour, superior military skill and inspiring heroism. He was known as the perfect Kshatriya (Warrior), and was known as the Supreme Archer. He was a renowned conqueror of many powerful kingdoms and was the most fearsome warrior on the battle field of Kurukshetra.

Arjun was well built, extremely handsome and a diligent beloved student of his Martial Art master Drona. Arjun was not only a martial arts hero, but also a romantic hero of the Mahabharata epic⁹ which records his romantic adventures as well as his martial campaigns.

The Pandavas were a Chandravanshi Kuru branch of the ancient Vedic Aryans of India. General Alexander Cunningham of India concluded the Janjua to be of Aryan origin.¹⁰

Arjun was himself first cousin maternally to the famed Krishna and also married Krishna's sister, Subhadra, to extend his dynasty. In fact, it was Arjun who carried out Krishna's funeral rites.

Arjun's great grandson, Maharaja Janamejaya, is an apical ancestor of the Janjuas. Janamejaya was later the ruling Emperor of the Kingdom of Hastinapur, the capital of which was Indraprasta (modern day Delhi). Regarding the Janjuas descent from the Pandavas dynasty, the Bali and Bhimwal generals of Raja Dhrupet Dev of Mathura, recorded that the Janjua Raja Dhrupet Dev was the descendant of Emperor Janamejaya of the Pandava dynasty of Prince Arjun. This reference was recorded in 1195AD.¹¹

Sir Lepel H Griffin K.C.S.I. had also recorded in the early 1900s that the Janjua were Pandavas in origin.¹²

India's other name Bharat or Bharat-Varsh is actually named after a forefather of the Pandava dynasty, Bharat. Bharat-Varsh means "Kingdom of Bharat"¹³ The Mahabharata epic is a narration which records a war between Bharat's later descendants the Pandavas and their cousins the Kauravas for the throne of Hastinapur. This epic is also believed to be the world's longest poem and Emperor Janamejaya was responsible for the retelling of it.

Alexander and the wounded King of the Pauravas

It has been recorded that the Pandava princes ruled the region of Punjab and specifically Jhelum^{14 15} during the era of Alexander the Great. The Janjua Rajputs being Pandava in descent¹⁶ interestingly also claim that an ancestor, Rai Por is the Porus who fought Alexander in Punjab in 326BC.¹⁷ However, there is no known source to confirm Porus's definitive ancestry.

It is said:

According to Arrian, Alexander is said to have asked King Porus "How would you like me to treat you?" to which Porus famously replied "As a Raja (king)". The answer touched Alexander, who in return allowed the Raja to retain his Kingdom and more.^1920212223

The page List of Indian monarchs gives an account of the period of rule of the Bharata-Puru-Pandava-Janjua Shahi phase which began from approx 1600BC to 1026AD.

The Janjua Emperors of the Hindu Shahi Dynasty

From about 964CE, the Janjua chief Parambhattaraka Maharajadhiraja Paramesvara Sri Jayapaladeva (Epithets known from the Bari Kot inscriptions) succeeded the Brahmin Hindu Shahi Emperor Bhimdev. The Janjua Shahiya emperors now ruled from Ghandar (Kandahar of Afghanistan) to the whole of Punjab in what was known as the second phase of the Hindu Shahiya, the Janjua Shahi Dynasty.

Famed ethnologists and Indo researchers Sir Alexander Cunningham,²⁴ Elliot and Dowson²⁵ and Sachau²⁶ led research into the origins of the Pala Hindu Shahiya, the second dynasty that succeeded the initial Brahmin Dev Shahiyas. Through independent research they concluded that the origins of Emperor Jayapala Shah was in fact in the Janjua Rajput. In 1973's Al-Biruni International Congress in Pakistan, Dr Hussain Khan presented a paper in called "An Interpretation of Al-Biruni's Account of the Hindu Shahiyas of Kabul" which also confirmed the same findings. Finally, the Janjuas own genealogy records the names of the Janjua Shahi Jayapala as well as the continued descendants of his House.²⁷

Jayapala was challenged by the armies of Sabuktigin and his son Sultan Mahmud towards the end of his reign as emperor. According to the Minháj ad-Dīn in his chronicle Tabaqát-i Násiri,²⁸ writes a testament to the political and powerful stature of Emperor Jayapala Shah, "Jayapála, who is the greatest of all the ráis (kings) of Hind..." Upon being captured after a fierce battle with Sultan Mahmud, Jayapala was ransomed and upon his release, "he ordered the construction of a funeral pyre. Mounting and setting it alight, he nobly perished in the flames".²⁹ Misra wrote:"Jaypala was perhaps the last Indian ruler to show such spirit of aggression, so sadly lacking in later Rajput kings".³⁰

Anandpal Shah

His son prince Anandapala who ascended the throne (in about March/April 1002CE) already proved an able warrior and General in leading many battles prior to his ascension.

According to Adáb al-Harb³¹ in about 990, "the arrogant but ambitious Raja of Lahore Bharat, having put his father in confinement, marched on the country of Jayapála with the intention of conquering the districts of Nandana, Jailum and Tákeshar." Jayapala instructed prince Anandapala to repel the opportunist Raja Bharat. Anandapala defeated Bharat and took him prisoner in the battle of Takeshar and marched on Lahore and captured the city and extended his father's kingdom yet further.

During his reign many losses were incurred on his kingdom by the Ghaznavids. During the battle of Chach between Sultan Mahmud and Anandapala, it is stated that "a body of 30,000 Gakhars fought alongside as soldiers for the Shahi Emperor and incurred huge losses for the Ghaznavids."³² It is also mentioned in the same text that "the Gakhars (or Khokhars) formed a very significant force in the armies of the Sáhis".³³

Despite the heavy losses of the enemy, he eventually lost the battle and suffered much financial and territorial loss. This was Anandapala's last stand against Sultan Mahmud.

Anandpala eventually signed a treaty with the Ghaznavid empire in 1010CE and shortly a year later died a peaceful death. R.C Majumdar³⁴ compared him ironically to his dynasty's ancient famous ancestor "Porus, who bravely opposed Alexander but later submitted and helped in subduing other Indian rulers." And Tahqíq Má li'l-Hind finally revered Anandapala in his legacy as noble and courageous.³⁵

Tirlochanpal Shah

Tirlochanpála, the son of Anandapala, ascended the throne in about 1011CE. Inheriting a reduced kingdom, he immediately set about expanding his kingdom into the Siwalik Hills, the region of the Rai of Sharwa. His kingdom now extended from the River Indus to the upper Ganges valley.

According to Al-Biruni, Tirlochanpála "was well inclined towards the Muslims" and was honourable in his loyalty to his father's peace treaty to the Ghaznavids. He later rebelled against Sultan Mahmud and was eventually assassinated by some of his own mutinous troops in 1021-22CE, an assassination which was believed to have been instigated by the Rai of Sharwa who became his arch-enemy due to Tirlochanpala's expansion into the Siwalik ranges.³⁶.

He was romanticised in Punjabi folklore as the Last Punjabi ruler of Punjab.

Bhimpala Shah

Bhímapála, son of Tirlochanpala, succeeded his father in 1021-22CE. He was referred to by Utbí as "Bhīm, the Fearless" due to his courage and valour".³⁷ Considering his kingdom was at its lowest point, possibly only the control of Nandana, he admirably earned the title of fearless from his enemy's own chronicle writer. He is known to have led the battle of Nandana personally and seriously wounding the Commander of the Ghaznavid army Muhammad bin Ibrahim at-Tāī³⁸

He ruled only five years after his father before meeting his death in 1026CE.

His remaining descendants, Rudrapal and his brothers Diddápála and Anangapāla had settled in Kashmir and played a major role in the court of Kashmirian king Ananta (1028-63CE). According to the Rājtarahginī,³⁹ Rudrapal proved himself extravagant in personal valour by crushing the rebels of the king, as commander in chief of the Kashmiri royal army.

Al-Biruni, despite living under Sultan Mahmud's grace, praises the house of Jayapala:

Kalhana writes of the Shahis:

The Janjua Rule of Mathura

Raja Dhrupet Dev Janjua ruled Mathura state in the late 12th century. Dhrupet was also the ruler of the Mandu fort of the Shiwalik hills. He was well known for being a Pandava descendant of Janamejaya.⁴⁰

Raja Dhrupet's rule of Mathura ended when Qutb-ud-din Aybak, the general of the Ghorid army, attacked Mathura and exiled the ruling royal family. According to Mohyal historians (Gulshan-e-Mohyali) Raja Dhrupet's younger brother Raja Shripat Dev, accompanied the exile to the Salt Range of Punjab. Shripat Dev later, "established his dominion at Katasraj (old name Namaksar) in Tehsil Pind Dadan Khan, Distt. Jhelum." The Mohyal commanders in chief of the Janjua army at this point were Rai Tirlok Nath Bali and Bam Dev Bhimwal.⁴¹⁴²

Raja Mal Khan

Rai Dhrupet Dev was the father of a famous rebellious king Rai Ajmal Dev Janjua⁴³ who embraced Islam in the 12th century.

Rai/Raja Mal followed the Islamic tradition of change of name after conversion and was then known as Raja Mal Khan. He was among the first Muslim Rajputs recorded in Indian history. This conversion was done before the armies of Shahabudin Ghauri entered into the Indian Plateau to conquer whilst he was very young in his teens and inclined towards Islamic philosophy of the Sufis⁴⁴, whose missionary efforts were gaining popularity in Northern India.^45464748

Conquering for himself a kingdom in the Koh-i-Jud he settled his capital at Rajgarh which he later renamed Malot. He re-conquered the Salt Ranges of Punjab to re-establish the dominion which his tribe lost almost two centuries earlier to the Ghaznavids.⁴⁹ (Malot was originally called Shahghar or Rajghar - meaning home of the Shahis/Kings but was later changed to Malot in recognition of its founder.)

The Tarikh-e-Alfi of the Ghorids mentions the rebellious behaviour of Rai Mal towards the Delhi Sultanate. It records that he excited a rebellion against them and intercepted communications between Lahore and Ghazni.⁵⁰ He then led the revolt to Multan with his Gakhar allies, defeating the Ghorid Governor of Multan before progressing to plunder Lahore and blockading the strategic road between Punjab and Ghazni.⁵¹⁵²

There is still today remnants of an ancient fort in Malot, Chakwal which was initially built by the Shahis and later rebuilt and fortified by Raja Mal Khan. It is also inscribed that the last Hindu Shahi prince Raja Mal embraced Islam at this place.⁵³

Raja Mal Khan was also the first ruler to begin the mining of salt in the Salt Ranges of Kallar Kahar and in the Khewra Salt Mines of Punjab which is currently the world's second largest salt mine.⁵⁴

Many Rajput clans converted to Islam during the medieval period of India's history, for political economic reasons⁵⁵ with continued social functions as before but with variations in worship. However, cases are also recorded of where the Rajput has converted out of a real change of belief⁵⁶, even continuing into the late 19th century (British Raj era) with even Kingdom ruling Rajputs converting to Islam⁵⁷ Muslim Rajputs of all clans are also noted for their strict adherence of the Islamic faith in comparison to other converts of south Asian origin.⁵⁸

Some Hindu Janjuas continued exploring other faiths with some converting even to the Ahmeddiya faith during the early 20th century too⁶⁰ with also many numbers as Sikhs today also⁶¹

Delhi Sultanate and the Janjua Rajputs

The princes of the House of Rai Mal Khan, continued their rebellion against the Emperors of Delhi from whom they held their own against for many centuries⁶² remaining always turbulent, defiant and restless.⁶³

The Main Branches of The Janjua Rajput

The most prominent Hindu and Muslim Janjua Rajputs of today are chiefly represented by the sons of Raja Mal Khan.

The princes were Raja Bhir Khan, Raja Jodh Khan, Raja Kala Khan and Raja Khakha Khan. Jodh and Bhir were born of a Gakhar Rani while Kala, and Khakha were born of another Rajput Rani.⁶⁵

Khakha Rajputs

Raja Khakha Khan was succeeded by three sons, Faggal Khan, Aliya Khan, Mangi Khan who took over from him on his death. The Raja's of the Khakha Janjua of Kashmir and Pakhli became a renowned tribe of the Kashmiri region. Raja Khaka Khan's descendants inhabit Muzaffarabad, Kot Khakha amongst other villages near the Jammu frontier of Kashmir.⁶⁶

The Khakha Rajputs are renowned for being a powerful and warlike Muslim Rajput tribe. During the period of the Afghan overlordship over the region of Kashmir it is recorded that they, "...paid little to their overlord and were practically independent." Even when the Sikh empire tightened their hold over the Jhelum Valley of Kashmir, the Khakha Rajputs retained a privileged position.⁶⁹

The proud and privileged position of the Khakha Rajputs within their kingdom as well as their strong alliance to the Bhambas Sultans is renowned throughout their history in the region. Their power and dominance aided Yakub Shah in his defence of Kashmir, in what was the first defeat of Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1582 on his first incursion into the Kashmir valley. But Akbar eventually returned more powerful and finally conquered the region in 1586.⁷⁰

Sir George Campbell of the British Raj referred to them as "...a curiously handsome people."

The Khakha Rajputs have continued their ancestral tradition of the recording of the family lineal tree. The above all indicate a strong a continuance of the Janjua traditions by the Khakha Rajas, making them a highly successful and powerful branch of the Janjua dynasty. They have always been a force to be reckoned with in the Jhelum Valley and their reputation as a defiantly fierce warlike tribe is well renowned.⁷¹

Raja Jodh and Raja Veer/Bhir

According to Lepel H. Griffin:

The descendants of Raja Jodh had continued to rule this region through various interruptions until the age of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Raja Bhir (also spelt Veer, meaning Brave) meanwhile took over Malot (Rajghar) state in Chakwal from his father. Raja Bhir's son, Raja Acharpal became a famous chief after his father's death. The above mentioned Ahmed Khan was in fact Acharpal, who later changed his name after converting to Islam.

It was particularly these two branches who waged the greatest wars against the Gakhars;

Malik Darwesh Khan

Malik darwesh was a famous warrior king of the Janjua tribe and a celebrated general of Mughal Emperor Jalaludin Muhammad Akbar.

Malik Darwesh Janjua declared war against the Gakhars. This final battle against the Gakhars caused their defeated princes to flee the battlefield, each prince into separate towns. Malik Darwesh Khan now recovered the territory that was taken from his tribe by the Gakhars.⁷⁵

The recovered territories were distributed amongst his tribe, of which one part formed his own Kingdom of Darapur, spreading over twenty two large towns and villages and estates.

Even to day the area is called in Vernacular Bai (22) Deis (land, villages, etc) firstly at Malikpur and then shifted to Darapur (today Malikpur is a small village where no Janjua resides; but almost entire landed property is held by the Janjua Rajas of Darapur. In this area besides Darapur the main villages of Janjua abode are Chakri Dhuman Khan. It has become known as Chakri Rajgaan since the fame of General Asif Nawaz Janjua as Chief of Army Staff. Bajwala Dattan is now known as Bajwala Kalan.

Darapur Janjua Rajputs - Malik Darwesh Khan's later descendant Raja Zaman Mahdi Khan of Darapur, was also distinguished by Sir Lepel H.Griffin as a true noble:

Zaman Mehdi Khan distributed his inheritance equally in four parts between himself and his three brothers, Raja Shakir Mehdi Khan, Raja Abdullah Khan, and Raja Paindah Khan.

Later Raja Shakir Mehdi Khan died issueless (he had two sons had migrated and now their descendants are said to be at Qasur) and his share was reassigned back to Raja Zaman Mehdi Khan, whereupon Raja Zaman Mehdi Khan was admitted as Chief of Family and was conferred the title Malik.

It may be added that as per decision made at the time of Malik Zaman Mehdi Khan (when he was appointed as Chief of Family) only the eldest son of the Chief of Family shall be the decorated as Chief of Family and only he shall use the title of Malik while all others shall be called as Raja.

Nawab Talib Mehdi Khan Janjua

Malik Zaman Mehdi Khan's only son, Malik Talib Mehdi Khan served as Deputy Commissioner, Ambassador to Kabul, and trusted Prime Minister of the Bhawalpur State ⁷⁷. Malik Talib Mehdi Khan was appointed as Nawab with the rank of Major without attachments of any kind. He assumed rulership of the tribe after his father's death. At this point, almost the entire warrior tribe served in the Imperial Army.⁷⁸

Nawab Malik Talib Mehdi Khan Janjua had only one son, the late Nawabzada Malik Afzaal Mehdi Khan Janjua MNA. He was Chief of the family after the death of his father.

The only son of Nawabzada Malik Afzaal Mehdi Khan Janjua is Nawabzada Malik Iqbal Mehdi Khan Janjua, Ex-Provincial Minister, and Member of National Assembly (1988-1999⁷⁹). He succeeded the rule of the Darapur Estate after his father's death and is the current Regal Chief of the Darapur Janjua Dynasty.

Raja Najeeb Ullah Khan Janjua (the paternal nephew of Malik Zaman Mehdi Khan Janjua who in his turn was the father of Nawab Talib Mehdi Khan) was among first Imperial soldiers from Imperial Indian Army to get the King’s Commission. Raja Najeeb Ullah Khan was the first Muslim to receive the prestigious King’s Commission, and he was in the British Battalion.

Raja Ghulam Mehdi Khan Janjua [the paternal nephew of Nawab Talib Mehdi Khan and father-in-law of Nawabzada Iqbal Mehdi Khan Janjua (Current Chief of the Darapur dynasty) was a Provincial Civil Servant at the time of Independence and later on retired as Deputy Commissioner.

Raja Masoud Mehdi Janjua is the first science graduate of Darapur Family; he joined Election Commission of Pakistan and retired as Deputy Election Commissioner.

The Janjua Sultans

'The Janjua Sultan of Watli', Sultan Fateh Muhammad Khan (descendant of Raja Jodh through Raja Sun Pal) who valiantly opposed the Sikhs, holding them off for over 6 months in Kusuk Fort, Watli.For which Ranjit singh gave salt mines of khewra and 40 villages to the Sultan as compensation. His later descendant, Sultan Raja Azmat Hayat , has also served as Member of the Provincial Assembly of Pakistan. Upon his death on 15th February 2003 his son Sultan Raja Azam Hayat succeeded the estate of Kusak fort and was crowned as next sultan of the Watli Dynasty.

The Janjua Sultan of Makhiala, Sultan Firoz Ali Khan was a famous warrior king of his time and from Raja Jodh's line through Raja Rai Pal. He strongly opposed Maharaja Ranjit Singh during his conquest of Punjab. After his death his son Ali Haider Khan was crowned Sultan. But he ruled for a very short period before his own untimely death. His son Ashgar Ali Khan was then crowned the next Sultan of Makhiala⁸⁰

During the 20th century, Watli Sultan Dynasty and the Darapur Dynasty were united through marriage.

The Janjua Dewans

The Dewan Janjua are vigourously known through the district by the valour running in the blood for centuries... Dewan Raja Mohammad Aslam khan being the dewan of Jalalpur cum being the first graduate from the Janjua clan becoming later the prime minister of Jodhpur state...

After His death Dewan Crowned to His elder son Dewan Raja Mohammad Khalid who was the president of Habib Bank and died serving the Nazim of District Jehlum giving the legacy to his capable younger brother Col(retd) Amjad Mehmood Janjua who currently has three worthy successors after His Highness namely Dewan Raja Erij Mehmood Janjua , Dewan Raja Raj mehmood Janjua and Dewan Raja Behram Mehmood Janjua.

The Janjua Dewans tribe possesses a strong Martial Reputation, and has produced many highly decorated and award winning Military Generals and Officers to the Pakistan Army. They are also distinguished as providing Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the United Nations in the form of Ms Tehmina Janjua , as well as Governors to the Provinces of Pakistan and Ambassadors to the Middle Eastern countries especially.===

Raja Sarang Khan - Ruler of Kot Sarang

Raja Sarang Khan was a powerful warlike Rajput king (of the Raja Jodh Janjua line) who's Warrior Life earned him an extraordinary reputation of valour which is still celebrated today. He conquered a vast region in Jhelum and built a strong fort called Kot Sarang Qilla after his name.

His life was spent in adventure and heroic battles. Having lived his life on the battlefield, he ultimately met his death on one, near Makhad fighting the Afghans. His descendants still reside at Kot Sarang descended in a long line of distinguished chiefs such as Raja Muhammad Khan.⁸¹

Bihal Rajputs

Badlial & Bihal Rajputs of Badla, the Dasuya region of district Hoshiarpur, are the Janjua descendants of the conqueror of Makhiala, Raja Jodh. They are the main representative branch of the Hindu Janjua Rajputs.

Raja Sahj Pal (8th in descent from Raja Jodh) left Makhiala during the era when the Janjua were rebelling against the Delhi Sultanate. Although the Muslim Janjuas remained and fought, Raja Sahj Pal sought escape from the rebellion and migrated to and founded Badla and is thought to have given it that name.

Raja Sahj Pal's son and successor, Raja Pahar Singh held 132 villages around the seat of Badla in his hey day.

The Bihals are the Ranas or superior rulers of the Dogras. The Bihal Rajputs were known for remarkable bravery and courage, fending off several armies over the course of history in the region.⁸²

Chief Inauguration Ceremony - The Rajput Tika ceremony is applied to the selected Rana or chief of the family. A red tilak is applied under a banian tree at Barnar or Bah Ata, with other assembled chiefs and Rana's of other clans. These assembled Ranas offer the new Bihal chief a shawl, a fine horse and also some money in Nazar (tribute). The new Raja would then select his new diwans/aides to help his leadership.⁸³

The tribal election of the Sultan of Makhiala up until the mid 20th century is very similar to this tradition.

The Badlial Rajputs are an off shoot of the Bihal Rajas. They are a much smaller tribe in numbers, than the Bihals.

Ranial and Dhamial Rajputs

Ranial Rajputs and Dhamial Rajputs are a branch of the Janjua through Raja Bhir and Raja Jodh respectively. According to Tehreek-e-Janjua⁸⁴ these two Rajas employed a sudden military onslaught to conquer the areas of Ranial and Dhamial. The repute of their military success spread far and wide amongst other dominant clans of the day. Raja Malu took the area Ranial whilst Raja Mubarak took the Dhamial plain. Interestingly, Raja Malu's offspring were known as the Rajas of Ranial and Raja Mubarak's offspring likewise known as the Rajas of Dhamial. This later culminated in the recognition of these two branches as simply Ranial Rajas and Dhamial Rajas. Their influence today is recognised in key roles of administration and as members of local government.

Raja Kala Khan - Sultan Ahmed Sani

Raja Kala Khan became the ruler of Kahuta district in present day Rawalpindi, Pakistan. He became Muslim early on his rule and following tradition, changed his name to Sultan Ahmed Sani. His two sons, Juss Rai and Patt Rai were united in their control of Kahuta. It comprises over sixty villages of various clans including Gakhars, Minhas and Awans. Raja Kala Khan's descendants are in abundance in Kahuta Rawalpindi. Most of his descendants work in the Pakistan Army and are fine sportsmen including Amir Khan and Sajid Mahmood. A Mazhar (Large Tomb) was erected on his death and his descendants congregate every year at this Mazhar to commemorate his life. His descendants refer to as Dada Pir Kala. During Ahmed Shah Abdali's conquest of Northern India, he was allied by Sardar Ameer Khan of Kahuta, the chief of the Kahuta Janjua Rajas.

Sardar Bahadur Noor Khan son of Sardar Baqar Khan was a prominent personality of the Matore Janjua branch of Raja Kala Khan, and was conferred the title of Sardar Bahadur by the British Raj. He was elected as the MLC and Vice Chairman of the District Board Rawalpindi. After his death, his sons, Khan Bahadur Sardar Feteh Khan was elected as MLA from Kahuta and Murree Tehsils in 1937 and Sardar Hassan Akhter contributed in the politics for a long time.

Kharwal Rajputs of Kahuta

The Kharwal or Garwal Rajputs of Kahuta (not to be confused with Garewal which are a distinctly different tribe and settled in India) are a branch of Janjua through Raja Kala Khan. They reside only in the hills of the eastern half of the Kahuta region called the Kahuru ilaka.

They have been recorded by Sir Denzil Ibbetson as: “ ...a fine strong race, decidedly superior to the ordinary (non Janjua) Rájpúts, and socially much the same position as other Janjúas ”'''

Kharwal Rajput chiefs were Sardar Baqar Khan and Sardar Nawab Khan. In the early 1884 as Raja Ali Mardán Khan and Raja Burhán Ali Khan, who were counted in the census as Janjua Rajputs

The Janjua and the Mughal Emperor Babur

There is a handwritten Parwana (letter of gratitude) by the minister of world conqueror Amir Timur to the Janjua Sultan family of Watli, Pakistan for their service to his entourage, which is still held by them to this day.⁸⁵ The Janjua were honoured by Amir Timur for supporting his conquest of India, throughout his campaign.⁸⁶ This formed the foundation for the later alliance between Amir Timur's celebrated descendants, the Mughal Emperor Babur and the Janjua.

Babur as Emperor, receiving a courtier

The Mughal conqueror Babur made overtures to the Janjua, and detailed them in his famous Baburnama:

An important ally of Babur's campaign of Punjab, the Pakhtun warrior prince Langar Khan Niazi was also stated by Babur to be a maternal nephew of the Janjua. The Niazi tribe being amongst the most powerful and leading Pakhtun tribes since ancient times:

The Janjua chief Malik Hast (Asad) was recorded by Babur as, "the lone ruler of the tribes and clans in the Sohan River area." He was invited by Babur to unite with him through Malik Hast's nephew Langar Khan Niazi.⁸⁹

The Timurid letter was brought to Babur by Raja Sanghar Khan and Malik Hast (Asad). Babur honoured this record. The Janjua Rajas were now allies to the House of Babur. Babur allowed the Janjua to continue their rule in their respective Kingdoms as before.⁹⁰

The Baburnama also mentions Malik Hast (Asad) and Raja Sanghar Khan as strong warriors and assigned important roles as reinforcements to important strongholds. Malik Hast's warrior and leadership ability must have been remarkable, considering his young age only 23yrs old according to Babur's estimation.⁹¹

The Janjua Rajputs also took part in the battles against Rana Sangha in 1527AD in which the Mughals famously defeated the Sesodia Rajputs who had allied with the Afghans against him. Raja Sanghar Khan Janjua is stated to have been involved in charging the army of Sangha when they came out of the fortress and after overwhelming them, the Mughal allies put them to flight.⁹²

Emperor Humayun

Upon Humayun's exile from India, the Janjua Rajputs assisted Sher Shah Suri in constructing the Rohtas Fort to keep Humayun out of India ⁹³ as well as crush the Gakhars⁹⁴ who in loyalty to the exiled Humayun began a rebellion against Sher Shah Suri.

It was given possession to the Janjua chief Rai Piraneh Khan who fought off the Gakhars attacks, in attempting to halt it's construction. But upon Sher Shah's untimely death, the Gakhars seized the opportunity to aid the return of the exiled Mughal Humayun. Upon Humayun's return to position as Emperor of Hind, his Gakhar allies sought to now use the Mughals against the Janjuas.

Rai Piraneh fought the combined Gakhar and Mughal forces in a stout battle, but was defeated by the irresistable coalition.⁹⁵ His kingdom was ravaged and finally ransomed to the fallen chief. From the Memoirs of Humayun we learn that the ransom gained from the Janjua king was such, that his entire army gained considerable wealth.⁹⁶

It was at this juncture, that the Gakhar chief Sultan Adam Khan requested his Mughal overlord for a major portion of the kingdom of Rai Piraneh, which Emperor Humayun duly agreed.⁹⁷

Emperor Jalaludin Muhammad Akbar

Upon the ascension of Mughal Akbar, the Mughal policy towards the Janjua underwent a reconciliatory phase. Akbar made overtures to the Janjua princes, winning them over and incorporating them into his empire.

Malik Darwesh Khan Janjua (grandson of Raja Sangar Khan and younger brother of Rai Piraneh) was a distinguished and noted General of the Imperial Mughal Army under Emperor Akbar's reign, notably in a campaign to capture Prince Mirza Hakim in June 1581⁹⁸

His relationship with Emperor Jalaluddin Akbar became a close one. It is noted that when the Emperor visited Malik Darwesh Khan's kingdom at the city of Ghirjak, Malik Darwesh ordained that the city of Girjak will henceforth be renamed to Jalalpur⁹⁹ in honour of the Emperor and the Janjua's relationship. Jalalpur (now Jalalpur Sharif) at this point was a flourishing centre of trade for the region.¹⁰⁰

The Khakha Janjuas however allied with the Kashmiri ruler Yakub Shah's stubborn resistance to Akbar, causing his first defeat in the battle of Bulaysa.¹⁰¹. However, after relations broke down between the Sultan of Kashmir and the Khakha princes, they refused aid to his second defence campaign against Akbar's forces, leading to the defeat of the Sultan and victory of the Mughal Emperor. The Khakhas nominally accepting Akbar's reign thereon.

Janjua and the Sikh Empire

Malik Darwesh Khan Janjua's great-grandson, Raja Shabat Khan, the Raja of Darapur had allied with Sardar Mahan Singh Sukarchakia (father of Maharaja Ranjit Singh) in many campaigns in the late 18th century.

But upon Raja Shabat Khan's death, the Sikh chief Sardar Atar Singh Dhari assassinated his son and successor, Raja Ghulam Muhi-ud-din Khan¹⁰³. Having now realised the Sikh Maharaja's motive to replace the old aristocracies¹⁰⁴ the Janjua naturally rebelled.

The lucrative Salt mines in possession of the Janjua Sultans of Makrach and Khewra proved the territory too important for the Sikh Maharaja to ignore.¹⁰⁵

The Sikh empires expansion now brought them against the rebellion of the powerful Janjua Sultan of Watli. The "The brave Janjua garrison under their gallant leader, Sultan Fateh Muhammad Khan"¹⁰⁶ were fought by Ranjit Singh himself ineffectually for 6 months¹⁰⁷ at the almost impregnable Kusuk Fort in Watli. The Sikh forces "having failed to take the fort by assault and bombardment¹⁰⁸" for such a long period of time, the Maharaja offered terms to the Sultan who due to want of water for his subjects and garrison, finally agreed.¹⁰⁹

The Kala Khan branch of Rawalpindi Janjuas fortunes were also eclipsed by the irresistable rise of the Sikh Empire.¹¹⁰

The fiercely independent Khakha branch of the Janjua Rajput fought against the Sikh expansion into their Kingdom in Kashmir.

The Khakha Sardar Raja Ghulam Ali Khan and his brother Raja Sarfaraz Khan openly revolted against the Sikh Governor of Kashmir Dewan Moti Ram¹¹² resulting in attracting the attention of Hari Singh Nalwa who was deputised to subdue the rebels. Raja Ghulam Ali Khan openly defied the repeated orders to pay revenues¹¹³, leading to a fierce battle with Hari Singh Nalwa known as the Battle of Khakha at Uri¹¹⁴. Both brothers were captured and taken prisoner by Nalwa¹¹⁵ who viewed the united Khakha Bombas uprising as detrimental to their peace and stability in Kashmir¹¹⁶. Both Khakha Rajput chiefs were taken to Lahore under heavy escort, where they were later butchered alive by Nalwa in prison¹¹⁷ for refusing to instruct their tribe to give up the rebellion.

The Khakha lords eventually began to intensify their raids in consequence to the weakening Sikh power after Ranjit Singh's death. Eventually, when Maharaja Gulab Singh assumed rulership of Kashmir, he managed to drive back the Khakhas with great difficulty. But knowing the reputation of the rebellious Khakhas, he immediately installed strong garrisons in the forts guarding the passes.¹¹⁸

Despite facing the most powerful Sikh chiefs attempts to subdue them, they still enjoyed a fairly privileged position ¹¹⁹, paying little if any taxes, openly wearing arms (despite orders banning them) and defying their orders where possible.¹²⁰

In fact their predatorial raids during the Sikh age earned them a localised legend, that mothers would tell their children "..the Khakhas are coming..." to frighten them.¹²¹

By the time the British Raj took an interest in conquering the Sikhs in 1848-49, warlike tribes such as the Janjua, Gakharsand Awans who had lost political control over centuries old ancestral kingdoms, "When offered the opportunity, they were more than prepared to rally to the banner of the British and exact their revenge on the Sikhs...Besides being impressed with their track record, the British saw in them, with their traditional and historical enmity against the Sikhs, an effective counterpoise against the latter "¹²² providing strong numbers and eventually succeeded in removing the Sikhs supremacy over the Punjab. Maharaja Gulab Singh was sold the valley of Kashmir, whilst the scions of the House of Ranjit Singh were exiled to England.

Note:- The rebellion of the Janjua's against the Sikh empire was not a war against the Sikh faith, but a political rebellion, as the Janjua Rajputs were initially keen allies to the Sukerachakia Misl with many Janjuas actually converting to the Sikh faith.¹²³¹²⁴

Forts and Castles of the Janjua

Many forts within Punjab are still remnant of their royal past, such as the Kusak fort, Sohava fort, Khushab fort, Garjaak castle in Makhiala Jhelum, Malot fort in Chakwal District, Nagi fort, Dalowal fort, Dhandot fort, Kath Saghral and Masral fort, Dhak Janjua fort, Akrand fort, Anderana fort, Sialkot Fort (which was given to the Janjua by Sultan Firuz Shah Tughluq who accepted their suzerainty in that region in about late 14th century¹²⁵ and many more. Some of these forts were lost, other's gained as the changing climate of rulers endured.

However, the Kusak Fort is still in control of the Janjua Sultan of Watli. The Watli Sultans were the descendants of Raja Jodh Khan through his second son Raja Sunpaal.

It has been recorded how the Janjua Sultan Alim Khan constructed Kusak fort. In the early 19th century, Sultan Fateh Muhammad Khan of Watli, valiantly opposed Maharaja Ranjit Singh himself who in "...about 1810 besieged it (in person) ineffectually for six months until the want for water by his subjects compelled the Sultan to surrender."¹²⁷ The fort was immediately reinstated to the Sultan.

Characteristics of the Janjua Rajputs

The Janjua Rajputs possess a proud Martial reputation and rank very highly as the aristocracy of the Salt Range. Their pride in their ancestry is renowned and are always addressed by their ancestral title of Raja.¹²⁸

Their exploits and reputation has earned them the regard as the most Valiant Kshatriyas (warlords) in the Punjab.¹²⁹

The tribal system of loyalty to the clan is still adhered, and they tend to only align with other tribes of equally high social rank and reputation.¹³⁰

The Janjua are famed as a restless and warlike Muslim Rājput tribe¹³² and are "doubtless pure Rājputs".^{133 134}

Today a great many Janjua are employed in the Pakistan Army and Navy, as well as the Police Forces in Pakistan and the United Kingdom.

It is interesting to note, that despite the separation of the five major branches of Janjua, all branches appear to have remained equally strong in the regional politics and in retaining their traditional Royal warrior characteristics and defiant sense of independence.

Martial Distinction During the British Raj

During the nineteenth century, the British rulers of India, quickly realised the Martial potential of the Janjua Rajput, and designated them as a Martial Race. The Janjua were heavily recruited into the British Indian Army.¹³⁵¹³⁶

The British held a high regard for the Janjua recruits;

The Janjuas of the Salt range by way of contrast, were held to be among the best Muslim soldiers, and were also 'the only really pure Rajputs in the plains of Punjab'....the British preferred their Martial races to be as socially exclusive as they were themselves

—"Recruiting, Drafting, and Enlisting (Military and Society, 1)" Peter Karsten¹³⁸

Due to their high aristocratic status, Janjua princes refused to serve in any regiment that was not commanded by either a Janjua or another commander of equal social standing, a rule that the British duly honoured when selecting regiments for them.¹³⁹

Janjua contribution to World War I & II

The Janjua also took part in the Allied Forces, during both World War I and World War II, with very high numbers. The tribes of Jhelum and Rawalpindi particularly supplying the largest numbers.¹⁴⁰

Famous Janjua's

Jawan Sawar Muhammad Hussain (Shaheed)

Jawan Sowar Muhammad Shaheed Janjua of the Raja Jodh line of Gujar Khan, received the Nishan-e-Haider from the Pakistani Government, which is known as the Highest Gallantry Award of Pakistan, for sacrificing his life for his country. His ancestral village in now named after him in honour of his valiant memory¹⁴¹

General Asif Nawaz Janjua

General Asif Nawaz Janjua of Chakri Rajgan, of the Raja Darwesh Khan line (see above), was a highly notable General of the Pakistani Army achieving the high grade of Chief of Army Staff in August 18, 1991:

Naik Saif Ali Janjua Shaheed

Saif Ali Janjua of Kashmir received Hilal-e-Kashmir which is equal to Nishan-e-Haider . He fought in the Kashmir sector during the 1948 War and embraced martyrdom. The young soldier hailed from Kashmir.¹⁴³

Major General Shah Nawaz Khan

Raja Shah Nawaz Khan, hailing from Matore, born in January 1914, Raja Kala Khan Janjua side ¹⁴⁴, was a famous freedom fighter for the acclaimed INA of Subhash Chandra Bose. He was a close aide and follower of the legendary Indian Leader. He was one of the three freedom fighters brought to trial by the British Raj in the famous Red Fort Trial of 5 November 1945, charged with "waging war against His Majesty the King Emperor"¹⁴⁵. He famously represented by none other than Jawaharlal Nehru. When the trial began a mass demonstration was going on outside the Red Fort. People gave voice to their resentment on the trials by shouting;

After the partition of India and Pakistan, Raja Shahnawaz decided to stay in India and his descendants still reside in India. He chaired the enquiry into the death of Subhash Chandra Bose in 1956. He later became an Indian Government Central Minister. He was also god father to Mrs Lateef Fatima who is the mother of Bollywood Megastar Shah Rukh Khan.¹⁴⁶ Raja Shah Nawaz Khan died in 1983, with full National Honours, draped in the proud Indian Tri-Colour flag. He was buried in the famous grave yard of Jamia mosque, Delhi. His funeral was also attended by Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi.

Major General Iftikhar Khan Janjua

Major General Iftikhar Khan Janjua of the Jhelum Janjua branch. Known as a National Hero in Pakistan, given the popularly known reference The Hero of Rann of Kutch after his death in the 1971 Indo-Pak War. In National commemoration for his last memorable sacrifice for his country, Iftikhar Khan Janjua Road in Rawalpindi, the road to the Army headquarters (GHQ), is named in his honour.¹⁴⁷

Brigadier Amir Gulistan Janjua

Brigadier Amir Gulistan Janjua served in the Pakistan Army. Upon retirement, his excellency was appointed as Pakistan's Ambassador UAE, Nepal and Saudi Arabia. He also served as Governor of the North Western Province of Pakistan between 16 Jun 1988 to 19 July 1993. He is the current President of the Friends of Nepal Organisation. A highly respected and nationally renowned Raja.

Raja Mohammad Zafar Ul-Haq

His excellency Raja Mohammad Zafar Ul-Haq of Matore, Rawalpindi descended of the Raja Kala Khan Janjua line. He is the Chairman of the Muslim League Party ¹⁴⁸ and also is also the Secretary General of the World Muslim Congress since 1992. He has also served as Pakistan's Ambassador to Egypt from 1985, as well as served as Leader of the House (Pakistan Senate). He was a close associate and minister of information and religious affairs of President Zia ul Haq during his reign. He was also member of cabinet of Prime minister Nawaz Sharif.

Mr. Muhammad Basharat Raja

Mr Muhammad Basharat Raja from janjua rajput family son of Raja Lal Khan was born on August 11, 1951 at Rawalpindi. He obtained the degree of LL.B. in 1976 from University of the Punjab, Lahore. A practising lawyer, who served as Chairman, District Council Rawalpindi from 1979 to 1987 and as a Member District Council Rawalpindi during 1987-90. He has successively been Member, Punjab Assembly since 1990 and also functioned as Minister for Law & Parliamentary Affairs during 1997-99. He has returned to Punjab Assembly for the fourth consecutive term in bye-elections 2003 against the seat vacated by Ch Parvez Elahi, who had won from two constituencies (PP-110 and PP-292); and is functioning as Minister for Local Government and Rural Development with additional charge of Law & Parliamentary Affairs since January 29, 2003. He attended the IULA Conference, held in USA (Ohio) in 1980; participated in the Local Government Conferences held in Sri-Lanka in 1987; in the United Kingdom, Spain and Belgium in 1991. His father remained Member Punjab Legislative Assembly during 1951-55 and Member Provincial Assembly of West Pakistan during 1956-58.

RAJA MUHAMMAD JAVED IKHLAS

Raja Muhammad Javed Ikhlas from bhata janjua rajput, son of Raja Muhammad Ikhlas Khan was born August 10, 1955 at Mohra Noori, Gujar Khan, Distt. Rawalpindi, and is an intermediate. An agriculturist who served as member Union Council from 1979 to 1983; as member District Council from 1983 to 1991; as Chairman Ushar and Zakat CommitteeMohra Noori; and as President Pakistan Muslim League for district Rawalpindi from 1987 to 1990. He has successively beeen member of the Provincial Assembly of the Punjab since 1985, had been elected to it for the fifth term in 1997. He functioned as Parlimentary Secretary for Forestry, Wildlife & Fisheries and Housing & Physical Planning durining 1988 to 1993.From 2005 he is serving as Zilai Naib Nazim/mayor( District Vice Administrator ) District Rawalpindi.

Muhammad Ashraf Janjua

Raja Muhammad Ashraf Janjua, worked in the office of Executive Director for Pakistan at IMF, Washington D.C. before a long and prolific career with the State Bank of Pakistan which culminated in his tenure as Deputy Governor. Among other research work, he is the author of the History of State Bank of Pakistan Volume-III (1977-88) and Volume-IV (1988-2003). He is currently Senior Fellow with the rank of Professor (Economics) and Dean of College of Business Management (CBM), Karachi, Pakistan

Khan Bahadur Shah Nawaz

Khan Bahadur Shah Nawaz was from village Mowara, tehsil Kahuta. He was the first Muslim Subedar Major of Frontier Force Regiment. In 1893, he was ADC to Field Marshal Lord Roberts, Commander-in-Chief in India. He was awarded the title of Khan Bahadur in 1903. His two sons Lt. Sher Ali,OBI and Capt. Faqir Ullah,OBI,MC (also 'Mentioned in Dispatches' three times) fought in the First World War. Capt Faqir Ullah was