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Kharal

Punjabi Bar region tribe From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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Kharal (Shahmukhi: کھرَل) is a Punjabi Jat Muslim tribe predominantly found in Punjab, as well as Derajat.[1][2]

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Origins

The earliest recorded mention of the Kharals appears in the 16th–17th century poetic work of Hazrat Pilu, who described Mirza Kharal as a Jat in the famous romance Kissa Mirza Sahiban.[3][4]

In the 17th century, Sufi poet Hafiz Barkhurdar Ranjha also referred to Mirza Kharal as a Jat in his version of the same folktale.[5]

British colonial records from the 19th and early 20th centuries also recorded the Kharals as Jat Muslims and noted Rajputisation of some of the population over time.[6][7][8][9] The Kharals were also classified as a Martial race by the British, known for their bravery and rebellious spirit.[10]

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History

Rai Ahmad Khan Kharal was the tribal chieftain of the Kharals and a key leader in the 1857 uprising against British rule. He united several tribes in armed resistance and was eventually martyred while offering afternoon prayers on 21 September 1857.[11][12]

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Tomb of Rai Ahmad Khan Kharal in Jhamra

The Kharals are also central to the legendary Punjabi love story of Mirza Sahiban. Mirza, the son of a Kharal chief of Danabad, falls in love with his cousin Sahiban, a member of the Sial tribe. The tale has been immortalized in Punjabi literature and film.[13][14][15][16]

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Subclans

The Kharal tribe has numerous subclans. Some of the main subdivisions are:

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  • Khar (Punjabi: کھر) is a prominent subclan of the Kharal tribe. They are primarily found in the Multan and Sahiwal (formerly Montgomery) districts and are considered influential in Muzaffargarh District.[17][18][19]

Notable people

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References

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