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{{Short description|Rajput clan in South Asia}}
{{Cleanup|December 2006}} <!-- see talk -->
{{Use Pakistani English|date=August 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2024}}
{{infobox caste
| caste_name = Janjua
| caste_name_in_local =
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| jati = ]<ref name="auto">{{Cite journal |last1=Saleem |first1=Muhammad |first2=Raja Qaiser |last2=Ahmed
|date=2020 |title=Conceptualizing Democracy in Pakistan: A Rural Perspective |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/344349285 |journal=Pakistan Journal of History and Culture |volume=XLI |issue=1 |pages=1–16 |via=ResearchGate}}</ref><ref name="auto1">{{Cite journal |last=Khan |first=Hussain |date=1991 |title=Janjuas, their Early Life |url=http://ojs.uop.edu.pk/ancientpakistan/article/download/312/290 |journal=Ancient Pakistan |volume=7 |pages=178–185}}</ref>
| gotra =
| religions = ] ], ] ]
| languages = ], ]
| country = {{Flag|Pakistan}}, {{Flag|India}}
| region = ], ]
| ethnicity = ], ]
| India_migration = yes
| population =
| family_names = yes
| feudal_title =
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}}
The '''Janjua''' or '''Janjhua''' is a ] ]<ref name="auto"/><ref name="auto1"/> clan found predominantly in the ] of ], but also in the states of ] and ] in ].<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Jones |first1=Philip Edward |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xliNAAAAMAAJ |title=The Pakistan People's Party: Rise to Power |last2=Jones |first2=Philip |date=2003 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-579966-8 |pages=377, 378, 379}}</ref>


==History and origin ==
] in action]]
The '''Janjua''' ] (] ਜਨ੍ਜੁਅ)]: '''جنجوعہ''', ]: जन्जुआ)(also spelt ''Janjuha, Janjuah'') are one of the most dominant royal warrior ]s of ]. They were the last ] of Punjab before the conquests of ]. They have produced many decorated ]s and high ranking Military Officers to the ] and are also distinguished as providing Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the ] in the form of ''Ms Tehmina Janjua''. Fine internationally renowned and popular sportsmen such ] and ] are further indicative of the rise of the ''Janjua Rajput'' in the International Arena.


===Origin===
They have a recorded history that spans centuries through famous ]s, ]s, ]s, ]s and ]s since the time of the ] to the present age. They were among the earliest Rajput converts to ].


The Janjuas had engaged in a long-running struggle for sovereignty over the ].<ref>{{cite book |title=Journal of the Pakistan Historical Society, Volume 54, Issues 1-2 |date=2006 |publisher=Pakistan Historical Society}}</ref>
Janjuas ]led against the ] in the early 13th century and in the 16th century aided the ] ] ]'s route into ] with other allied mountain ]s and served as Chief Officers in the Mughal armies conquests of ]. They have played a major part in ] through their alliances and rebellions with world conquerors and other neighbouring mountainous ] ]s.
{{Blockquote|The history of this region (the Salt Range) from the thirteenth century onward had been a sickening record of wars between Janjua and Gakhars for political ascendancy.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LRg5NSW1BisC&pg=PA142 |page=142 |title=Advanced History of Medieval India |first=S. R. |last=Bakshi |publisher=Anmol Publ. |year=1995|isbn=9788174880284}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rekhta.org/ebooks/detail/rajpoot-gotain-mohammad-afzal-khan-ebooks|title=Rajpoot Gotain by mohammad afzal khan|website=Rekhta}}</ref>}}


=== Mughal period ===
==Ancient Patriarchs of the Janjua Rajput==
In the 16th century, the ] ] was usurped by the ] king ], who constructed the ] in ] to check Humayun's entry into ], and also to keep a check on the local tribes including ] as well as Janjuas.<ref>''The Life and Times of Humāyūn'' by Ishwari Prasad, Published by Orient Longmans, 1956, p. 36</ref><ref>''Temples of Koh-e-Jud & Thar: Proceedings of the Seminar on Shahiya Temples of the Salt Range, Held in Lahore, Pakistan'' by Kamil Khan Mumtaz, Siddiq-a-Akbar, Publ Anjuman Mimaran, 1989, p. 8</ref>{{request quotation|date=May 2020}}
The Janjua Rajput are a branch of the ancient ] ] through ], who is the ] of the ''Janjua''. He is widely believed by ]s to have been the ideal ]/] and according to Hindu legends was also believed to have been the spiritual son of ] as well as the physical son of ].


=== Sikh period ===
The ] were a ] ] branch of the ancient ] ]s of India descending from the legendary vedic emperor '']rava'' (also known as Puru) and lived in about the 14th century BC. General ] of India also researched and concluded the Janjua to be ]s. (''Panjab Castes'' D.Ibbetson, Delhi 2002, p153)
The expansion of the ], spearheaded by ], was met with a rebellion by the Janjua Sultan of Watli, Sultan Fateh Muhammad Khan. A six-month siege of ] in Watli followed<ref>{{cite book |title=Archaeological reconnaissances in north-western India and south-eastern Iran |first=Marc Aurel |last=Stein |author-link=Aurel Stein |location=London |year=1936 |page=46}}</ref> and this was ended when the inhabitants ran short of water.<ref>''The Land of the Five Rivers and Sindh: Sketches, Historical and Descriptive'' David Ross, Publ.Languages Dept., Punjab, 1970, p. 153</ref> The ''Kala Khan'' branch of ] Janjuas fortunes were also eclipsed by the rise of the Sikh Empire.<ref name="talbot">{{cite book |title=Khizr Tiwana, the Punjab Unionist Party and the Partition of India |first=Ian |last=Talbot |publisher=Psychology Press |year=1996 |isbn=978-0-7007-0427-9 |pages=21–22 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4w0HDZxXvlwC}}</ref>
], the father of the Janjua dynasty and his charioteer ] between the two warring armies.]]
] was himself first cousin to the famed Lord ] (believed by the ]s to be an incarnate of ]). Arjun married Krishna's sister ] to extend his dynasty. It is also mentioned in the ] text, that at one point ], the ] still born son of ] (who was the lone son of ]) was saved and revived by Krishna himself thus saving the sole survivor of this dynasty. Parikshit was the father of the famous ] of ], Maharaja ].


===British period===
] who is the ] of the Janjuas was also known as the ''Serpent Killer'' after the famous mass revenge killing of all snakes and the ''Nagas'' people - a large community of snake worshippers who were rulers of a nearby state responsible for the assassination of his father ] His descendants were also known historically as the ] ] and the ] being patriarchal names of the same dynasty.
By the time the ] took an interest in conquering the ] in 1848–49, they were joined by opportunistic tribes such as the Janjua, ] who had lost control of their centuries-old ancestral kingdoms to the imperial ] and sought revenge. ] says that "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."<ref>{{cite book |title=The Garrison State: The Military, Government and Society in Colonial Punjab 1849–1947 |first=Tai Yong |last=Tan |publisher=Sage |year=2005 |pages=61–62 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=d5ZiMV7rqWUC |isbn=978-0-7619-3336-6}}</ref>


The Janjua rebellion against the ] was a political rebellion, as the Janjua were initially keen allies to the ].<ref name="singh">{{cite book |title=Sikhism and Punjab's Heritage |first=Wazir |last=Singh |publisher=Publication Bureau, Punjabi University |year=1990 |page=160}}</ref>
Regarding the Janjuas descent from the ] dynasty, the ''Bali'' and ''Bhimwal'' generals of ''Raja Dhrupet Dev of Mathura'', recorded that the ''Janjua Raja Dhrupet Dev'' was the descendant of ]. This reference was recorded in 1195AD. Sir Lepel H Griffin K.C.S.I. had also recorded in the early 1900's that the Janjua were ''"Pandus"'' in origin. ('Punjab Chiefs', L.H.Griffin, 1909 Lahore, p213).


During the nineteenth century, they were listed as a ].<ref name=":0" /> During this period, due to their high aristocratic status, the Janjuas refused to serve in any regiment that was not commanded by either a Janjua or another commander of equal social standing.<ref name=":0" /> This preference was honoured by the British when selecting regiments for them.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |title=The Garrison State: The Military, Government and Society in Colonial Punjab 1849–1947 |first=Tai Yong |last=Tan |publisher=Sage |year=2005 |page=75 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=d5ZiMV7rqWUC |isbn=978-0-7619-3336-6}}</ref>
India's other name ] or ''Bharat-Varsh'' is actually named after a ] of the ] ], ]. Bharat-Varsh means "Kingdom of Bharat".The ] epic is a narration which records a war between Bharat's later descendants the ] and their cousins the ] for the throne of ]. Arjuna was the ] of the ]. This also believed to be the world's longest ] and ] was responsible for the retelling of this ].
] and the wounded King of the Pauravas'']]
The Purus also ruled Kekaya which was widely known as the Kingdom of the Puru/] Clan and it was Raja ] (a title meaning ''best of the Purus'') or more popularly known in the west as ] ] who fought ] in ] (in what is now ], ]) in the famed ''Battle of the ]''.
In 'The Horse in the Ancient World' (Ann Hyland, 2002 Sutton Publ.,p161) it is mentioned that '' '''"Unlike ], Porus fought aboard his elephant until the end..In victory Alexander treated Porus with the dignity reserved for a great warrior reinstating him a vassal king and sealing the bond of friendship."'' '''
According to ], ] is said to have asked King Porus ''"How would you like me to treat you?"'' to which Porus famously replied ''"As a ] (king)"''. The answer touched Alexander, who in return allowed the ] of the ] to retain his Kingdom and more. (ref;''The Horse in the Ancient World'' Ann Hyland, 2002 Sutton Publ.,p159, ''Empire of Ashes'' Nicholas Nicastro, Signet 2005, p257,258, 260, 263, ''Alexander the Great'' Nick McCarty, Carlton Books, 2004, p111, ''To the Frontier'' Geoffrey Moorhouse, Phoenix Press, 1998, p190, ''Hannibal's War'' John Peddie, Sutton Publ. 2005, p261)


==Notable people==
The page ] gives an account of the period of rule of the ''Bharata-Puru-Pandava-Pauravas-Janjua Shahi'' phase which began from approx 1600BC to 1026AD.
*], ] ] who served as the Military Governor of ] in ] and later became the first ] from 1972 to 1976, admired in Pakistan as the Victor of the ]
*], ] for the ] from 1991 till his poisoning and death in 1993
*], ] of the ], fought and died in the ]
*], ] of the ], Governor of North West Frontier Province, Ambassador of Pakistan to Nepal, Saudi Arabia & United Arab Emirates.
*], a ] Platoon Commander in the ] who inflicted heavy losses on the enemy and repulsed ventures on his post, posthumously awarded ]
* ], ] ] who fought in the ] Sector of the ], destroyed 16 Indian tanks on a reconnaissance mission or 20% of India's tank losses in the 1971 war and was posthumously awarded ] for highest Military Gallantry
* ], intellectual and writer close to Pakistan's military dictator ]
*], ], he was elected more than multiple times as Member National Assembly of Pakistan from ].
*], ] he was provincial minister of Punjab province & elected more than multiple times as Member National Assembly of Pakistan from ].
* ], (Urdu: ﻇﻬﻴﺮ ﺍﻹﺳﻼﻡ) is a retired Lieutenant-General who served as the 20th Director General of the ISI.
* ] ], Islamic scholar
* ], ] boxer, his paternal grandfather Lal Khan Janjua was in the Pakistan Army
* ], ] broadcast journalist and a co-anchor of the '']'', her uncle was ].
* ], (January 1914 – 9 December 1983) was an Indian politician who served as a General in the ] (INA) during World War II.
* ], ] boxing prospect


==References==
==The Janjua Emperors of the Hindu Shahi Dynasty==
{{Reflist}}{{DEFAULTSORT:Janjua Rajput}}
From about 964AD, the Janjua chief '' '''Parambhattaraka Maharajadhiraja Paramesvara Sri ]deva''' '' (Epithets known from the Bari Kot inscriptions) succeeded the Brahmin Hindu ] Emperor Bhimdev. The Janjua Shahiya emperors now ruled from Ghandar (] of ]) to the whole of ] in what was known as the second phase of the Hindu ]ya, the Janjua Shahi Dynasty.


{{Ethnic and social groups of the Punjab}}
Famed ethnologists and Indo researchers Sir ] (''Coins of Medieval India'' Reprint. Varanasi:1967 p56,p62), Elliot and Dowson (''The History of India'' Indian repr.1962.vol.i, p.22,425-26) and Sachau (''Alberuni's India'' London 1914, vol.ii, p393-94) 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 ] 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 (''Gazetteer of the Jhelum District'', Lahore 1904, p93).
{{Authority control}}


]
] was challenged by the armies of Sabuktigin and his son ] towards the end of his reign as emperor. According to the ''Minháj ad-Dīn'' in his chronicle ''Tabaqát-i Násiri''(Raverty's trans., Vol.1, p.82), 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"'' ''' (''The Last 2 Dynasties of the Sáhis'' Dr Abdur Rehman, Delhi Rennaisance publishing house. p147) Misra wrote:''' ''"Jaypala was perhaps the last Indian ruler to show such spirit of aggression, so sadly lacking in later Rajput kings."'' '''(R.G.Misra, ''Indian Resistance to Early Muslim Invaders Up to 1206 AD'', Anu Books, repr.1992)
]
====Anandpal Shah====
]
His son prince Anandapala who ascended the throne (in about March/April 1002AD) already proved an able ] and ] in leading many battles prior to his ascension. According to ''Adáb al-Harb'' (pp.307-10) in about 990, '' ''' "the arrogant but ambitious ] of ] Bharat, having put his father in confinement, marched on the country of Jayapála with the intention of conquering the districts of Nandana, ] 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 ] and captured the city and extended his father's kingdom yet further.
]
However, during his reign many losses were incurred on his kingdom by the Ghaznavids. During the battle of ] between ] and Anandapala, it is stated that '' '''"a body of 30,000 ] fought alongside as soldiers for the Shahi Emperor and incurred huge losses for the Ghaznavids."''' '' (''The Last 2 Dynasties of the Sahis''p.152) It is also mentioned in the same text that ''"the Gakhars (or Khokhars) formed a very significant force in the armies of the Sáhis"'' (''The Last 2 Dynasties of the Sahis'' p.31). However, despite the heavy losses of the enemy, he lost the battle and suffered much financial and territorial loss. This was Anandapala's last stand against Sultan Mahmud.
]
He eventually signed a ] with the Ghaznavid empire in 1010AD and shortly a year later died a peaceful death. ''R.C Majumdar'' (D.V. ''Potdar Commemoration Volume'', Poona 1950, p.351) compared him ironically to his dynasty's ancient famous ancestor '' '''"], who bravely opposed ] but later submitted and helped in subduing other Indian rulers."''' '' And ''Tahqíq Má li'l-Hind'' (p.351) finally revered Anandapala in his legacy as noble and ].
]

]
====Tirlochanpal Shah====
]
Tirlochanpála, the son of Anandapala, ascended the throne in about 1011AD. Inheriting a reduced kingdom, he immediately set about expanding his kingdom into the ], the region of the ''Rai of Sharwa''. His kingdom now extended from the River ] to the upper Ganges valley. According to ], ''Tirlochanpála'' ''' ''"was well inclined towards the Muslims"'' '''and was ] in his loyalty to his father's ] to the Ghaznavids. He later rebelled against ] and was eventually assassinated by some of his own mutinous troops in 1021-22AD, 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. (''The 2 Dynasties of the Sáhis'' p.166). He was romanticised in Punjabi ] as the ''' ''Last Punjabi ruler of Punjab.'' '''

====Bhimpala Shah====
Bhímapála, son of Tirlochanpala, succeeded his father in 1021-22AD. He was referred to by Utbí as ''' ''"Bhīm, the Fearless" due to his courage and valour"'' ''' (''The Last 2 Dynasties of the Sahis'', p.166). 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-Tāī'' (''Utbi'', vil.ii, p.151.) He ruled only five years after his father before meeting his death in 1026AD.

His remaining descendant, ''Rudrapal'' and his brothers ''Diddápála'' and ''Anangapāla'' had settled in ] and played a major role in the court of Kashmirian king ''Ananta'' (1028-63AD). According to the ''Rājtarahginī'' (vii, p.145), ''Rudrapal'' proved himself extravagant in personal ] by crushing the rebels of the king, as ] of the Kashmiri royal army.

], despite living under ] grace, praises the house of Jayapala:
'' '''"We must say that in all their grandeur, they never slackened in the ardent desire of doing that which is good and right, that they were men of noble sentiment and noble bearing."''' ''

] writes of the Shahis:
'' '''"Where is the Shahi dynasty with its ministers, its kings, and its great grandeur? ... The very name of the splendor of Shahi kings has vanished. What is not seen in dream, what even our imagination cannot conceive, that dynasty accomplished with ease"''' ''

==The Janjua Rule of Mathura==
The later descendant of Rudrapala, Dhrupet Dev gained the rule of ] state in about 1150AD through intermarriage with the daughter of the ] Hukum Ram, King of ], who had no male issue to extend his dynasty. Dhrupet Dev was also the ruler of the Mandu fort of the Siwalik hills. His rule of ] was ended in 1195AD when ], the general of the Ghorid army, attacked Mathura and ousted the ruling royal family. According to Mohyal historians (Gulshan-e-Mohyali) Raja Dhrupet's younger brother Raja Shripat Dev, accompanied the exile back to the ] hills. Shripat Dev later, ''"established his dominion at Katasraj (old name Namaksar) in Tehsil Pind Dadan Khan, Distt. ]."'' The Mohyal commanders in chief of the Janjua army at this point were Rai Tirlok Nath Bali and Bam Dev Bhimwal.

==The Rise of Raja Mal Khan==
''Raja Dhrupet Dev'' was the father of a famous Janjua ] ''Raja Ajmal Dev Janjua'' who embraced ] in the 12th century and rose to become the next rising force of the Janjua Rajput. He followed the ]ic tradition of change of name after conversion and was then known as '''Raja Mal Khan'''. He was among the first ] recorded in Indian history. This conversion was done before the armies of ] entered into the Indian Plateau to conquer whilst he was very young in his teens and inclined towards Islamic philosophy of the ]s brought by the Dervishes of the Chistiya order.

Raja Mal ] migrated from ''Mandu fort'' in the ] to the ''Koh-i-Jud'' and settled at ''Rajgarh'' which he later renamed ''Malot''. He re-conquered the Salt Ranges of Punjab to establish the dominion which his forefathers lost almost two centuries earlier to the Ghaznavids. (''Journal of Central Asia'' Vol. XIII. No.1, 1990,p.78 & ''The last 2 Dynasties of the Sahis'' by Abdur Rehman p.270) (Malot was originally called Shahghar or Rajghar - meaning home of the Shahis/Kings but was later changed to ''Malot'' in recognition of its famous King Raja Mal.)

The ''Tarikh-e-Alfi'' of the Ghorids mentions the rebellious behaviour of ''Raja Mal Khan'' towards the ]. It records that a ''"Rai Mal"'' of the mountains between ] and ] excited a rebellion against them and intercepted communications between ] and ].

There is still today remnants of an ancient ] in Malot, ] which was initially built by the ]s and later rebuilt by ''Raja Mal Khan''. It is also inscribed that the last ] Raja Mal embraced ] at this place.

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

==The Five Branches of Janjua Rajput==
Many prominent Muslim tribes trace their lineage back to the Janjua through the five princes of the House of Raja Mal Khan Janjua. The five princes were Raja Bhir Khan, Raja Jodh Khan, Raja Kala Khan, Raja ] Khan and Raja ] Khan. Jodh and Bhir were born of a ] ] while Kala, ] and ] were born of another Rajput ]. (''Journal of Central Asia'', Vol. XIII, no.1, 1990 p79)

====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 ] of the Khakha Janjua'' of ] and ]'' became a renowned tribe of the Kashmiri region. Sir Lepel H.Griffin writes of them in ''Chiefs and Families of note in the Punjab''v(1909 Lahore, p214)''' ''"Raja Khaka's offspring inhabit Muzaffarabad, Kot Khaka (named after them) and other villages near the Jammu frontier."'' '''

The ''Imperial Gazetteer of Kashmir and Jammu'' records, ''' ''"The Khakhás, who enjoy the proud title of Rájá, are, like the Chibs, ], and trace their descent to Rájá Mal......They regard themselves as belonging to the ] tribe."''' '' (Sang-e-Meel, 2002, p34)

The ] are renowned for being a ''' ''"..powerful and warlike ]."''' '' During the period of the ] overlordship over the region of ] 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 ], the ''Khakha Rajputs'' retained a privileged position. (''Imperial Gazetteer of Kashmir and Jammu'', Sang e Meel, 2002, p9, p34)

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 ] in 1582 on his first incursion into the Kashmir valley. But Akbar eventually returned more powerful and a lot of difficulty, finally conquered the region in 1586. (''Imperial Gazetteer of Kashmir and Jammu'', Sang e Meel, 2002, p24, 34)

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

The ''Khakha Rajputs'' have also continued their ancestral tradition of 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 ]. They have always been a force to be reckoned with in the ''Jhelum Valley'' and their reputation as a''' warlike tribe''' is well renowned.

===='''Raja Jodh and Raja Bhir'''====
According to Lepel H. Griffin, in his famous book ''Chiefs and Families of note in the Punjab'' (Lahore, 1910, ii, p254) he writes ''' ''"On the death of their father they determined to divide the country called, from Raja Mal, the Maloki Dhan between them. Jodh took the Salt Range near about the Makrach, and captured the town of Makshala from a colony of Brahmans (mohyals)...He changed its name to Makhiala and built there a fort and two tanks for rain water..... Wir Khan (also spelt Bhir), took the possession of Khura (also spelt Khewra) near modern Pind Dadan Khan. He had one son, Raja Ahmad Khan, from whom have descended the families of Malot, Badshapur, and Dalwal"'' ''' The descendants of Raja Jodh had continued to rule this region through various interruptions until the age of ]. ''Raja Bhir'' meanwhile took over Malot (Rajghar) state in ] from his father. Raja Bhir's son, ''Raja Acharpal'' became a famous ] after his father's death. The above mentioned ''Ahmed Khan'' was in fact ''Acharpal'', who later changed his name after converting to Islam.

=====''Malik Darwesh Khan''=====
''Malik Darwesh Khan Janjua'' of ''Garjaak/Girjakh ]'' (son of ''Raja Sangur Khan'' mentioned above and descendant of ''Raja Jodh'') had fought '']'' in ] (a valiant Gakhar chief). ''Darwesh Khan'' defeated Hathi Khan famously in a decisive and courageous battle causing him to flee defeated to ''Basal'', while Hathi's cousins ''Adam Khan'' and ''Sarang Khan'' escaped to ''Dangalli''. Malik Darwesh Khan recovered the territory that was taken from his tribe by Hathi ]. (''Gazetteer of the Rawalpindi District 1893-94, Punjab Government'', 2001 Sang-e-Meel Publ., Lahore). ''Punjab Chiefs'' also makes mention of Darwesh Khan as'' '''"...founder of ''Darapur'', a fighting chief, who avenged many of the injuries his tribe had received from the Gakhars."''' ''

'''Mughal Commander''' - ''Malik Darwesh Janjua'' was a distinguished and noted Commander of the Imperial Mughal Army under Emperor ]'s reign, in a campaign to capture Prince ''Mirza Hakim'' in June 1581.

''Malik Darwesh Khan's'' later descendant ''] Zaman Mahdi Khan'' of ''Darapur'', was distinguished by Sir Lepel H Griffin as a true noble, '' '''"he acted up to the traditions of his tribe in honesty of character, loyalty to the authorities, and in unstinted hospitality to the strangers within his gates."'' ''' In 1891 he was already a Provincial Darbari and was granted the title of ] by the British Raj. (''Punjab Chiefs'', Lahore 1909, p216)

Raja Darwesh Khan's great-grandson, ''Raja Shabat Khan'' had fought under ''Sardar Mahan Singh Sukarchakia'' (father of ]) in many campaigns in the late 18th century. But upon Raja Shabat Khan's death his death, the Sikh chief ''Sardar Atar Singh Dhari'' assassinated his son and successor, ''Raja Ghulam Muhi-ud-din Khan.'' The Janjua didn't appear to trust the Sikhs thereafter and rebelled valiantly against their rule.

=====''The Janjua Sultans''=====
The Janjua ] of Watli, ''Sultan Fateh Muhammad Khan'' (descendant of Jodh Khan through Raja Sun Paal) valiantly opposed them, holding them off for over 6 months in Kusuk Fort, Watli.

The Janjua ] 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 opposed ] during his conquest of Punjab. After his death his son ''Ali Haider Khan'' was crowned ]. But he ruled for a very short period before his own untimely death. His son ''Ashgar Ali Khan'' was then crowned the next '']''. (''Punjabi Chiefs'' L.H.Griffin, Lahore 1909 p217)

=====''Ranial and Dhamial Rajputs''=====
] and Dhamial Rajputs are a branch of the Janjua through Raja Bhir and Raja Jodh respectively. According to ''Tehreek-e-Janjua'' (Sahiwal Press, v1, p224) these two ]s 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 '']s 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.

====Tanoli Janjua ====
The first mention of ''Tanolis'' or ''Tanawalis'' entering the ] history is from the early 13th century when a Janjua conqueror ] aided his sons conquest into various regions of Northern India. One of his sons, ''Raja Tanoli'' (also spelt ''Tanawali'') conquered the region of what is today ]. He became Muslim before this conquest. (''The Punjab Chiefs'', Sir L.H.Griffin, Lahore, 1909,p214) (''Journal of Central Asia'' Vol. XIII, No.1, July 1990, p79) (''Chronicles of Early Janjuas'', Dr. Hussain Khan, iUniverse, 2003, p26)

''Raja Tanoli'' was succeeded by his son ]. ''Amir Khan Tanoli'' was succeeded by his two son's, ''Hind Khan'' and ''Pal Khan''. They are also both the ] of the ''Hindwal Tanolis'' and the ''Palwal Tanolis''. These are two most prominent and recognised branches of the ''Tanoli''.

Although today the word ''Tanoli'' denotes a geographical residence (a resident of the ancient state of Tanawal is also referred to as a ''Tanoli''), the historic Janjua presence in the region is very well documented by reputable accounts of the ] contemporary writers (covered in depth below).

There are records of Punjabi Tanolis contribution to the ''91st Punjabi Infantry'' during the British Raj . The link to the Janjuas of some of the Tanoli people has been mentioned by historians of non Janjua backgrounds .
However, beyond the Janjua records of this ancient account, we also find significant proof elsewhere of the ''Tanoli Janjua'' presence in the ''State of Tanawal''.
=====Janjua of Tanawal mentioned by Mughal Akbar;=====
During the reign of ] ''Darband'' (which was the name of the central headquarters of the ''State of Tanawal'') was recorded in the famous book of ''Mughal Akbar's'' reign, ''Ain-i Akbari'' (Abu'l Fazl Allami, Eng Trans, HS JARRET, Delhi repr.1978, II, p327). It records that the Janjua were ]s and inhabitants of ''Darband''. They were under orders to pay the ] a revenue of 3,100,000 dams in money and to maintain a ''' ''"cavalry of 20, Infantry of 500 Janju'as."''' '' The sizeable proportion of their taxed revenue and the size of the Infantry proves a continued legitimately recognised dominance of the Janjua branch of ''Raja Tanoli'' in ''Tanawal'' since it's conquer in the early 13th century until ]'s reign. An interesting point here, is that the word ''Tanoli'' was not used or represented in the ''Ain-i Akbari'' as a name for all resident tribes of ''The State of Tanawal''. It also makes no reference to any ''Barlas Mughal'' or ''Yousafzai'' Pashtun presence in ''Darband''.

=====Rebellious Janjua of Chach mentioned by Mughal Jahangir;=====
The ] makes mention of a large predatory and unruly band of ''Janu'á'' (the recorded name of ''Janjua'' by his script writers) in the ] plain near ''Attock''. This is better understood when one realises that the ''State of Tanawal'' is in the north east of the ] plains, clearly indicating their spread from this region. (''Punjab District Gazetteers'', VOL XXVII, 1904, P93)

All the above prove beyond doubt of a continued dominance and influence of Janjuas in the region of ''Tanawal'' since the 13th century conquer of ''Raja Tanoli''.

The Janjua have been recognised as a ''highly warlike tribe with strong pride of race'' (''Panjab Castes'', Delhi 2002, p149, p154). The powerful ] tribe of ''Kashmir'' (descendants of ''Raja Khakha'', the brother of ''Raja Tanoli'') have retained their Janjua link and titles in true ''Janjua tradition'', as have all the major branches of Janjua. .
The fact that this practice has not fully continued with contemporary ''Tanolis'' would indicate a major shift in tradition. This can be explained by the reference from ''Panjab Castes'' source, where it cites, ''' ''"The remainder of the district (Hazara), that is the northern and central portion, is held by tribes which, whatever their origin, have by long association become assimilated with the ] in language and customs, the Jadún, holding the Dor valley from Bagra upwards to Mángal, the Tanoli holding the Tanawál tract in the west centre of the district between Abbottábád and the Indus, much of which belongs to the semi-independent Nawáb of Amb..."''' '' This provides a plausible explanation to the current ] position. It is later concluded regarding the ''Barlas Mughal'' theory, that ''' ''"...there can be little doubt that they are of ] and probably of Indian stock.'' (Delhi, 2002, p93)

''The Gazetteer of Hazara District 1883-4'' (Sang-e-Meel, Lahore, 200, p71) elaborates this further, '' '''"The Tanaolís are a tribe of whose origin we know little. The ] do not reckon them among their race..."''' '' It conclusively states in Sir Ian Scott's book, ''"A British Tale of Indian and Foreign Service: The Memoirs of Sir Ian Scott"'', that, ''' ''"Amb is mainly occupied by Tanaolis, who, like the somewhat mixed population of ], are not ], and do not speak ]. The small trans Indus state of Amb state is, however, entirely ]."''' '' (Radcliffe, 1999, p66, p67). This proves that the absolute distinction of being Pashtun and being recognised as such is an erroneous claim in itself.

A branch of Tanolis, in the ] and ] regions still claim Janjua descendancy and also continue using their ancestral ] and ] titles.

It appears that with the use of the term ''Tanoli'' by other tribes of ''Tanawal'' has today added a new dimension to the name ''Tanoli''. The ''Janjua Tanolis'' are adamant of their descendancy and legitimacy to their ancestral name of ''Tanoli'', and further strongly disclaim other tribes claims to their ancestral name purely on the grounds of geographical residence of their ancestral ].

Charles Allen in his book ''Men who made the North-West Frontier'' (p138-139) referred to them as'' '''"the extremely hostile and powerful Tanolis of the Tanawal Moutains.....who were brave and hardy and accounted for the best swordsmen in Hazara...Of all the tribal chiefs of Hazara, the most powerful was said to be Jehandad Khan (son of the famed Painda Khan) of the Tanoli...a good looking young man of 26 years, tall and slender, with a remarkably large and fine eyes - surrounded by an escort of horsemen clad in shirts of mail and steel skull-caps, handsomely mounted and equipped, who made a most picturesque display...the bystanders who regarded the chief with great awe..."'' '''proving both the awe inspiring look and reputation of the Tanoli.

The same chief ''Mir Jehandad Khan'' is said to have famously said to have replied to the ''President of the Board of Administration's'' threat to '' '''"...burn your villages and give your country to another"'' ''' with the heroic reply ''' ''"We should consider your presence (in our Kingdom) an honour, but our country is rather difficult one for your army."'' '''(''Men who made the North-West Frontier'' Charles Allen, p204)
The control of ] by the Tanolis finally ended in 1973 with the last ] of ] ''Nawab Salahuddin Khan'', the present day descendant ''of Mir Jehandad Khan.''

Today there are also theories of ] Mughal origin and ] origin of the ]. But with the sources of information stated above, it is clear that the ''Tanoli of Janjua's'' presence in ] cannot be denied. It is therefore important to note that merely being known as a ''Tanoli'' is no proof of Janjua origin unless the respective families indicate thus with verified genealogical trees, an old and much practiced tradition of the ''Janjua Rajput.''

===='''Raja Kala Khan - Sultan Ahmed Sani'''====
''Raja Kala Khan'' became the ruler of ''Kahuta'' district in present day ], ]. 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 of over sixty villages of various clans including ], ] Rajputs and ]. Raja Kala Khan's descendants are in abundance in ''Kahuta'' ]. Most of his descendants work in the Pakistan Army and sports. A ''Mazhar'' (Large ]) was erected on his death and his descendants congregate every year at this Mazhar to commemorate his life. He is referred to by his descendants as ''Dada Pir Kala.''

During ]'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'' 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 ]. After his death, his son, ''] Sardar Feteh Khan'' was elected as MLA from Kahuta and Murree Tehsils in 1937.

=====''Kharwal Rajputs of Kahuta''=====
The ''Kharwal'' or ''Garwal Rajputs'' of ''Kahuta'' (not to be confused with ''Garewal'' Rajputs 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 (''Panjab Castes'' Delhi 2002, p153) as ''' ''"...a fine strong race, decidedly superior to the ordinary (non Janjua) Rájpúts, and socially much the same position as other Janjúas."'' ''' The ''Rawalpindi Gazetteer'' records the ''Kharwal Rajput'' chiefs in the early 1884 as ''Raja Ali Mardán Khan'' and ''Raja Burhán Ali Khan'', who were counted in the census as ''Janjua Rajputs''. (F.Robertson, Lahore 2001,p111)

==The Janjua and the Mughal Emperor Babur==
There is a handwritten ''Parwana'' (letter of gratitude) by the great ] (Amir Timur) himself to the Janjua ] family of Watli, ], ] for their service to his ], which is still held by them to this day. The Janjua were honoured by Amir ] for their joining him in his conquest of India throughout his campaign (''The Punjab Chiefs'' Sir Lepel. H.Griffin, 1909 Lahore) This formed the foundation for the later loyal alliance between ]s future descendants, the ] Emperors and the Janjua.

The ] conqueror ] recorded in his famous ] that the Koh-i-Jud region was divided into two halves. One half belonged to the Janjua, who were the traditional rulers of the peoples and tribes (also consisting of ] and ]s) between ''Nilab'' and ''Bhera.'' He stated '' '''"Their rule, however, is benevolent and brotherly, they do not take whatever they want....The people (subjects) also serve in their army....the chief is called ] and his younger brothers and sons are known as ]"''' '' indicating their subjects support of their just administration and the organisation of titles amongst the Janjua rulers. An important allied Afghan chief of ]'s campaign of Punjab, ''Langar Khan ]'' was also stated by Babur to be a maternal nephew of the Janjua, ''' ''"Langar Khan was sent to Malik Hast (Asad). He hastened there, convinced him of our good intentions and favour and brought him back that night."''' ''(''The ]'', 2002, W.M Thackston p271 ,276)

The Janjua ] ''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 ] (''The Baburnama'', 2002, W.M Thackston p271). The hand written record of Amir Timur was brought to ] by Raja Sangur Khan and Malik Hast (Asad). ] honoured this record. The Janjua ]s were now allies to the ''House of ].'' Babur allowed the Janjua to continue their rule in their respective Kingdoms as before. (''Chronicles of Early Janjuas'' by Dr. Hussain Khan, iUniverse 2003, p.22)

The ] also mentions ''Malik Hast (Asad)'' and ''Raja Sangur Khan'' as able warriors and assigned important roles as reinforcements to important strongholds. ''Malik Hast'' himself being only 23yrs old according to Babur's estimation and yet trusted staunchly with this responsibility. (''The Baburnama'', 2002, W.M Thackston, p278)

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 Sangur 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. (''The Baburnama'', 2002, W.M Thackston, p377)

==Forts of the Janjua==
Many ]s within Punjab are still remnant of their royal past, such as the ''Kusak'' fort, ''Sohava'' fort, ''Khushab'' fort, ''Garjaak'' fort in ''Makhiala'' ], ''Malot'' fort in ], ''Nagi'' fort, ''Dalowal'' fort, ''Dhandot'' fort, ''Kath'' Saghral and ''Masral'' fort, ''Dhak Janjua'' fort, ''Akrand'' fort, ''Anderana'' fort, '']'' fort (which was given to the Janjua by ''Sultan Firuz Shah Tughluq'' who accepted their suzerainty in that region in about late 14th century (''Tarikh-i-Janjua'', p71) 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 ] of ''Watli'' who was mentioned in ''Punjab Chiefs'' (L.H.Griffin Lahore 1909, p217) ''' ''"The Watli family noted for its heroic defence of the fort of Kusak against the Sikhs...Sultan Lal Khan was held in much esteem. The title ] is allegedly to have been bestowed upon the representatives of these two branches (Makhiala and Kusuk) by the ]. It is much prized in the family, being only used by the head."''' ''
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 the fort and how the ''Sultan Fateh Muhammad Khan of Watli'', valiantly opposed ] 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."'' ''' (''Archaeological reconnaissances in north-western India and south-eastern Iran'' by M.A.Stein, London 1936, p46) The fort was immediately reinstated to the ].

==Characteristics of the Janjua Rajputs==
Sir Denzil Ibbetson, in ''"Panjab Castes"'' describes the Janjua Rajput as, ''' ''"The great Janjua tribe...have retained their pride of lineage and their Rájput title....who can be ranked as Míán Sáhu or first class Rájpúts...physically well-looking, with fine hands and feet; much given to military service, especially in the cavalry;...poor agriculturists, and with great pride of race."'' '''(Delhi 2002, p149, p154)

The ''Rawalpindi District Gazetteer'' (Robertson, 2001, Lahore, p105) records the Janjua, ''' ''"they are proud of their ancestry, make good soldiers. They are usually addressed as ']' and stand very high in social rank...The Janjuás are a Rájpút tribe."''' ''

The Janjua, throughout history have been recognised as a ''' ''"dominant warlike clan of proud position"'' ''' as well as ''' ''"Lords of the Salt-range"''' ''
The British Raj also distinguished them as so, stating, ''' ''"...other tribes in no way superior to them in courage or military skill...the Janjuahs furnish excellent cavalry recruits."''' '' (''Punjab Chiefs'' L.H.Griffin, 1909 Lahore, p215-7} (''Panjab Castes'', D.Ibbetson, p102, p132)

Regarding their recruitment into the ''British Army'', they are distinguished, ''' ''"The Janjúas of the Salt Range are considered second to none in Martial spirit and tradition...they make good (horse) riders and good horse masters.... (another tribe) not so intelligent as the Janjúas"'' '''(''The Jhelum Gazetteer'' 1907, Lahore Press, p254)

Their superiority and quality was evidently remarked upon by the British Raj according to ''"Recruiting, Drafting, and Enlisting (Military and Society, 1)"'' where it states, ''' ''"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."''' '' (Peter Karsten, 1998, USA, p119)

The ''Janjua Rajputs'' would not serve in any ] that was not commanded by either a ], a ''Janjua'' or any other tribe of equal social standing. The Janjua Rajas of ] rank highly in social hierarchy and objected to serving any officer of lower social standing. (''The Garrison State'', Tan Tai Yong, Sage Pub.Inc, p75)

'' '''General Asif Nawaz Janjua''' '' of ''Chakri Rajgan'' was mentioned in ''Pakistan's Drift into Extremism'' as, '' '''"August 18 1991, General Asif Nawaz Janjua took over as Chief of army staff. He was cast in a mold entirely dissimilar to any of his predecessors. A tall, handsome, Sandhurst-trained officer, he was straight enough to be brusque. He was easily slighted and would go into a paroxysm of nervous energy at the mere hint of being challenged. With all of this, he had no time for fools and had an enormously long memory. In short, he was not someone that a Pakistani politician would like to see as an army chief."''' '' (by Hassan Abbas, ME SHARPE, p144)

] ] the world conqueror, recognised their military qualities and loyalty and wrote a handwritten letter of gratitude to them in recognition of this.

Babur's mention of the Janjua rule as brotherly and benevolent to their subjects also shows an apparent chivalry that this clan has continued since the ].

In ''Soldier Sahibs'' by Charles Allen, (p122-123) it mentioned of the Hindwal Tanoli Janjuas as '' '''"Extremely hostile and powerful...Of all the tribal chiefs of Hazara, the most powerful was said to be Jehandad Khan of the ], whose fellow-tribesmen were brave and hardy and accounted for the best swordsmen in Hazara."''' ''

The ancestors of the Janjua, The last dynasty of the Janjua ]s were mentioned by '']..'' '''"as noble men of noble bearings...who always did what they said."''' ''

The King of the ], King ], an ancient patri-arch member of the same dynasty was a well known and respected warrior king gaining respect from no less than ] the Great himself.

Prince ] of the ] himself gained the stage of ''Atirathi'' or out standing warrior in his time and his heroic chivalry was well documented.

==Janjuas Today==

Janjuas are spread throughout Punjab both in India and Pakistan. There are ], ] and ] Janjuas, the majority of Muslim Janjuas are in Pakistan and serve in the ] in large numbers. They have spread into ] region of Northern Punjab in Pakistan (due to displacement during the Sikh conquests), ], ] and also ] with ] holding primarily the largest numbers. They hold influential positions in both the Pakistani Govt, Police and army as evidenced below.

The ] Janjua Rajputs are in abundance in Hoshiarpur, Faridkot, Kapurthalla and Fatehghar Sahib of Indian states of ] and Punjab.

==Royal Titles==
Many Janjua Rajputs have different suffixes/titles with their name depending on their descendency. The stronger more dominant branches will hold the mentioned some highly recognised prestigious titles whilst others will retain ancestral titles.

The ''Gazetteer of the Rawalpindi District'' records, ''' ''"They (Janjua) are very proud of their ancestry, make good soldiers...they are usually addressed as "Rája", and stand very high in social rank."''' '' (Sang-e-Meel, 2001, Lahore, p105). ''Panjab Castes'' also confirms, ''' ''"Dominant tribe of proud position, such as the Janjúa, have retained their pride of lineage and their Rájpút title...and always addressed as Rája."'' ''' (Denzil Ibbetson, Delhi, 2002, p132, p149, p154).

Hindu Janjuas use the title of ''Kuwar'' with their names. Whereas ''Muslim Janjuas'' use the title ], and ] with their names in recognition of their royal lineage and is mainly used by ''Jodh'', ''Bhir'', '']'' and ''Kala'' descendants. Although the majority today use the title ] or surname Janjua.

] Janjuas use the surname ''Janjua''.

The ] of the Janjuas of Watli, who also retains control of the Fort of Kusak uses the centuries revered title of ] which was conferred by ] emperor ]. The name of the ''Watli Sultans'' was held in greater esteem after their successful resistance against the ].

A well known Janjua chief of ''Ratala'' tehsil ], ''Mirza Atta Mohammad Khan'' was known by the title of ] (Persian title of ]) and was a renowned ] of ''Ratala'' during the early to mid 20th century. His great grandfather ''Raja Abdullah Khan'' (descendant of ''Raja Darwesh Khan''), being displaced by the upheaval of the Sikh conquest of ''Garjaak'' and ''Darapur'' (''Punjab Chiefs'' L.H.Griffin KCSI, 1909 Lahore, p216) took his remaining army and conquered the region of ''Ratyal'' from a Ratyal chief who was loyal to the Sikh empire. His domain was over seven large villages consisting of ], ] and ]. He defeated the Ratyal Chief and renamed it ''Ratala.''

==Prominent Janjuas of Today==
* ]- Chief of Army Staff of the ] Army.
* ] (retired) Amir Gulistan Janjua - ] of the ] and also Pakistan's ] to the UAE, ] and ]
* ] - the hero of Runn Kutch who is known as the only ] to have died on the front line.
* ] - Professional lightweight boxer, ] silver medalist.
* ] - member of the English Cricket Team.

==External links==
* (from Google Cache)
*

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Latest revision as of 12:02, 25 December 2024

Rajput clan in South Asia

Janjua
JātiRajput
Religions Islam, Hinduism
LanguagesPunjabi, Haryanvi
Country Pakistan,  India
RegionPunjab, Haryana
EthnicityPunjabi, Haryanvi
Migration to Indiayes
Family namesyes

The Janjua or Janjhua is a Punjabi Rajput clan found predominantly in the Pothohar Plateau of Pakistani Punjab, but also in the states of Punjab and Haryana in India.

History and origin

Origin

The Janjuas had engaged in a long-running struggle for sovereignty over the Salt Range.

The history of this region (the Salt Range) from the thirteenth century onward had been a sickening record of wars between Janjua and Gakhars for political ascendancy.

Mughal period

In the 16th century, the Mughal Emperor Humayun was usurped by the Pashtun king Sher Shah Suri, who constructed the Rohtas Fort in Punjab to check Humayun's entry into Hindustan, and also to keep a check on the local tribes including Gakhars as well as Janjuas.

Sikh period

The expansion of the Sikh Empire, spearheaded by Ranjit Singh, was met with a rebellion by the Janjua Sultan of Watli, Sultan Fateh Muhammad Khan. A six-month siege of Kusuk Fort in Watli followed and this was ended when the inhabitants ran short of water. The Kala Khan branch of Rawalpindi Janjuas fortunes were also eclipsed by the rise of the Sikh Empire.

British period

By the time the British Raj took an interest in conquering the Sikhs in 1848–49, they were joined by opportunistic tribes such as the Janjua, Gakhars who had lost control of their centuries-old ancestral kingdoms to the imperial Sikh Empire and sought revenge. Tan Tai Yong says that "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."

The Janjua rebellion against the Sikh Empire was a political rebellion, as the Janjua were initially keen allies to the Sukerchakia Misl.

During the nineteenth century, they were listed as a martial race. During this period, due to their high aristocratic status, the Janjuas refused to serve in any regiment that was not commanded by either a Janjua or another commander of equal social standing. This preference was honoured by the British when selecting regiments for them.

Notable people

References

  1. ^ Saleem, Muhammad; Ahmed, Raja Qaiser (2020). "Conceptualizing Democracy in Pakistan: A Rural Perspective". Pakistan Journal of History and Culture. XLI (1): 1–16 – via ResearchGate.
  2. ^ Khan, Hussain (1991). "Janjuas, their Early Life". Ancient Pakistan. 7: 178–185.
  3. Jones, Philip Edward; Jones, Philip (2003). The Pakistan People's Party: Rise to Power. Oxford University Press. pp. 377, 378, 379. ISBN 978-0-19-579966-8.
  4. Journal of the Pakistan Historical Society, Volume 54, Issues 1-2. Pakistan Historical Society. 2006.
  5. Bakshi, S. R. (1995). Advanced History of Medieval India. Anmol Publ. p. 142. ISBN 9788174880284.
  6. "Rajpoot Gotain by mohammad afzal khan". Rekhta.
  7. The Life and Times of Humāyūn by Ishwari Prasad, Published by Orient Longmans, 1956, p. 36
  8. Temples of Koh-e-Jud & Thar: Proceedings of the Seminar on Shahiya Temples of the Salt Range, Held in Lahore, Pakistan by Kamil Khan Mumtaz, Siddiq-a-Akbar, Publ Anjuman Mimaran, 1989, p. 8
  9. Stein, Marc Aurel (1936). Archaeological reconnaissances in north-western India and south-eastern Iran. London. p. 46.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  10. The Land of the Five Rivers and Sindh: Sketches, Historical and Descriptive David Ross, Publ.Languages Dept., Punjab, 1970, p. 153
  11. Talbot, Ian (1996). Khizr Tiwana, the Punjab Unionist Party and the Partition of India. Psychology Press. pp. 21–22. ISBN 978-0-7007-0427-9.
  12. Tan, Tai Yong (2005). The Garrison State: The Military, Government and Society in Colonial Punjab 1849–1947. Sage. pp. 61–62. ISBN 978-0-7619-3336-6.
  13. Singh, Wazir (1990). Sikhism and Punjab's Heritage. Publication Bureau, Punjabi University. p. 160.
  14. ^ Tan, Tai Yong (2005). The Garrison State: The Military, Government and Society in Colonial Punjab 1849–1947. Sage. p. 75. ISBN 978-0-7619-3336-6.
Ethnic groups, social groups and tribes of the Punjabis
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