Janjua: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 17:48, 5 July 2006

Latest revision as of 14:44, 8 August 2025

Line 1:

{{pp|small=yes}}

[[Image:Amirkhan.jpg|400px|thumb|right|[[Amir Khan (boxer)|Amir Khan]] is a Janjua Raja]] [[Image:TIKKA.jpg|250px|thumb|right|[[Tikka Khan|General Tikka Khan Janjua]]. The 7th Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan Army]]

{{Short description|Punjabi Rajput Clan in South Asia}}

The '''Janjua''' [[Muslim Rajputs|Rajput]] ([[Urdu]]: جنجوا ) are one of the most dominant warrior [[clan]]s of [[Punjab region|Punjab]] (both [[Punjab (Pakistan)|Pakistani Punjab]] and [[Punjab (India)|Indian Punjab]]). They were the last Punjabi Emperors of Punjab before the conquests of [[Mahmud of Ghazna|Sultan Mahmud Ghazni]]. They have produced many decorated [[General]]s and high ranking Military Officers to the [[Pakistan Army]] as well as fine sportsmen from [[Amir Khan (boxer)|Amir Khan]] to [[Sajid Mahmood]].

{{Use Pakistani English|date=August 2021}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2024}}

The '''Janjua''' or '''Janjhua''' is a [[Punjabis|Punjabi]] [[Rajput]] clan found predominantly in the [[Pothohar Plateau]] of [[Punjab, Pakistan|Pakistani Punjab]], but also in the states of [[Punjab, India|Punjab]] and [[Haryana]] in [[India]].<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><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Khan |first=Hussain |date=1990 |title=Kuh-i-Jud and the Janjuas: From Raja Mal to Babur |journal=Journal of Central Asia |publisher=Islamabad: Taxila Institute of Asian Civilisations, Quaid-i-Azam University |volume=13 |issue=1 |pages=73-88 |issn=2959-4715}}</ref>

They have a recorded history that spans centuries through famous [[Emperor]]s, [[Sultan]]s, [[Nawab]]s, [[Maharaja]]s and [[Malik]]s since the time of the [[Mahabharat]] to the present age. They were among the earliest Rajput converts to [[Islam]].

{{infobox caste

Janjuas [[rebel]]led against the [[Delhi Sultanate]] in the early 13th century and later aided the [[Mughal]] [[conqueror]] [[Babur]]'s route into [[India]] with other allied mountain [[tribe]]s and served as Chief Officers in the Mughal armies conquests of [[India]]. They have played a major part in [[History of the Punjab|Punjabi history]] through their alliances and rebellions with invaders and other mountainous [[warrior]] [[tribe]]s.

| caste_name = Janjua

| caste_name_in_local =

| image =

| image_size =

| alt =

| caption =

| abbreviation =

| varna =

|

| jati = [[Rajput clans|Rajput]]<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 = [[File:Star and Crescent.svg|15px]] [[Islam]] [[File:Om.svg|15px]] [[Hinduism]]

| languages = [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]]

==Ancient Patriarchs of the Janjua Rajput==

| country = {{Flag|Pakistan}}

The Janjua Rajput are a branch of the ancient [[Pandava]] [[Dynasty]] through [[Arjuna]], who is the [[ancestor]] of the Janjua Rajput. He is widely believed by [[Hindu]]s to have been the ideal Kshatriya/[[Warrior]] and according to Hindu legends was also believed to have been the spiritual son of [[Indra]] as well as the physical son of [[Pandu]].

| region = {{flag|Punjab}}

| ethnicity =[[Punjabis|Punjabi]]

| India_migration =

| population =

| family_names =

| feudal_title = [[Malik]], [[Raja]]

| heraldic_title =

| lineage =

| subdivisions =

| related =

}}

== History and origin ==

===Origin===

The [[Pandavas]] were a [[Chandravanshi]] [[Kuru]] branch of the ancient [[Vedic civilization|Vedic]] [[Aryan]]s of India descending from the legendary vedic emperor ''[[Puru]]rava'' (also known as Puru) and lived in about the 14th century BC. General [[Alexander Cunningham]] of India also researched and concluded the Janjua to be [[Aryan]]s. (''Panjab Castes'' D.Ibbetson, Delhi 2002, p153)

[[Image:Kurukshetrawar.jpg|thumb|350px|right|Fought for 18 days, the Battle of Kurukshetra was one of the great battles fought in ancient India. Shown here is [[Arjun]], the father of the Janjua dynasty and his charioteer [[Krishna]] between the two warring armies.]]

[[Arjuna]] was himself first cousin to the famed Lord [[Krishna]] (believed by the [[Hindu]]s to be an incarnate of [[Vishnu]]). Arjun married Krishna's sister [[Subhadra]] to extend his dynasty. It is also mentioned in the [[Mahabharata]] text, that at one point [[Parikshit]], the [[posthumous]] still born son of [[Abhimanyu]] (who was the lone son of [[Arjuna]]) was saved and revived by Krishna himself thus saving the sole survivor of this dynasty. Parikshit was the father of the famous [[emperor]] of [[Hastinapur]], Maharaja [[Janamejaya]].

The Janjuas had engaged in a long-running struggle for sovereignty over the [[Salt Range]].<ref>{{cite book |title=Journal of the Pakistan Historical Society, Volume 54, Issues 1-2 |date=2006 |publisher=Pakistan Historical Society}}</ref>

[[Maharaja]] [[Janamejaya]] who is the [[apical ancestor]] 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 [[Parikshit]][http://www.geocities.com/lakshman/Desh/Mb/node10.html] His descendants were also known historically as the [[Pandava]] [[Dynasty]] and the [[Pauravas]] being patriarchal names of the same dynasty.

{{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 ===

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 [[Janamejaya]]. 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).

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.<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}}

=== Sikh period ===

India's other name [[Bharat]] or ''Bharat-Varsh'' is actually named after a [[forefather]] of the [[Puru]] [[dynasty]], [[Bharat]]. Bharat-Varsh means "Kingdom of Bharat".[http://www.srimadbhagavatam.org/images/familytree-ext2.jpg]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]]. Arjuna was the [[hero]] of the [[war]]. This also believed to be the world's longest [[poem]] and [[Janamejaya]] was responsible for the retelling of this [[Epic poetry|epic]].

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 [[Kusak Fort|Kusuk Fort]] 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 [[Rawalpindi district|Rawalpindi]] 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>

[[Image:Le Brun, Alexander and Porus.jpg|thumb|300px|''[[Alexander the Great|Alexander]] and the wounded King of the Pauravas'']]

The Purus also ruled Kekaya which was widely known as the Kingdom of the Puru/[[Pauravas]] Clan and it was Raja [[Purushottama]] (a title meaning ''best of the Purus'') or more popularly known in the west as [[King]] [[Porus]] who fought [[Alexander the Great]] in [[326 BC]] (in what is now [[Jhelum]], [[Pakistan]]) in the famed ''Battle of the [[Hydaspes]]''.

In 'The Horse in the Ancient World' (Ann Hyland, 2002 Sutton Publ.,p161) it is mentioned that '' '''"Unlike [[Darius]], 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 [[Arian]], [[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]] of the [[Pauravas]] 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)

===British period===

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

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."<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 [[Sikh Empire]] was a political rebellion, as the Janjua were initially keen allies to the [[Sukerchakia Misl]].<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>

==The Janjua Emperors of the Hindu Shahi Dynasty==

[[Image:SpalapatiDeva.jpg|thumb|300px|Coin of the Shahi king Spalapati Deva, circa 750-900]]

During the nineteenth century, they were listed as a [[martial race]].<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>

From about 964AD, the Janjua chief '' '''Parambhattaraka Maharajadhiraja Paramesvara Sri [[Jayapala]]deva''' '' (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 [[Shahi]]ya, the Janjua Shahi Dynasty.

==Notable people==

Famed ethnologists and Indo researchers Sir [[Alexander Cunningham]] (''Coins of Medieval India'' Reprint. Varanasi:1967 p.56,62), 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 [[Jayapala|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.

*[[Tikka Khan]], [[Pakistan Army|Pakistan army]] [[general]] who served as the Military Governor of [[East Pakistan]] in [[Bangladesh Liberation War|1971]] and later became the first [[Chief of Army Staff (Pakistan)|Chief of Army staff]] from 1972 to 1976, admired in Pakistan as the Victor of the [[Operation Desert Hawk|Rann of Kutch]]

*[[Asif Nawaz Janjua]], [[Chief of Army Staff (Pakistan)|Chief of staff]] for the [[Pakistan Army]] from 1991 till his poisoning and death in 1993

*[[Iftikhar Khan Janjua|Iftikhar Janjua]], [[major general]] of the [[Pakistan Army]], fought and died in the [[Battle of Chamb]]

*[[Amir Gulistan Janjua]], [[brigadier general]] of the [[Pakistan Army]], Governor of North West Frontier Province, Ambassador of Pakistan to Nepal, Saudi Arabia & United Arab Emirates.

*[[Saif Ali Janjua]], a [[Lance Naik]] Platoon Commander in the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1947–1948|1947 Indo-Pakistani War]] who inflicted heavy losses on the enemy and repulsed ventures on his post, posthumously awarded [[Nishan-e-Haider]]

* [[Muhammad Hussain (soldier)|Muhammad Hussain Janjua]], [[Pakistan Army|Army]] [[Soldier]] who fought in the [[Zafarwal Tehsil|Zafarwal]] Sector of the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971|1971 Indo-Pakistani War]], destroyed 16 Indian tanks on a reconnaissance mission or 20% of India's tank losses in the 1971 war and was posthumously awarded [[Nishan-e-Haider]] for highest Military Gallantry

* [[Altaf Gauhar]], intellectual and writer close to Pakistan's military dictator [[Ayub Khan (President of Pakistan)|General Ayub Khan]]

[[Jayapala]] was challenged by the armies of Sabuktigin and his son [[Mahmud of Ghazni|Sultan Mahmud]] 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)

*[[Raja Muhammad Afzal Khan]], [[Senator]], he was elected more than multiple times as Member National Assembly of Pakistan from [[Jhelum]].

====Anandpal Shah====

*[[Malik Iqbal Mehdi Khan]], [[politician]] he was provincial minister of Punjab province & elected more than multiple times as Member National Assembly of Pakistan from [[Pind Dadan Khan]].

His son prince Anandapala who ascended the throne (in about March/April 1002AD) already proved an able [[warrior]] and [[General]] in leading many battles prior to his ascension. According to ''Adáb al-Harb'' (pp.307-10) 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 ([[Jhelum]]) 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.

* [[Zaheer-ul-Islam]], (Urdu: ﻇﻬﻴﺮ ﺍﻹﺳﻼﻡ) is a retired Lieutenant-General who served as the 20th Director General of the ISI.

However, during his reign many losses were incurred on his kingdom by the Ghaznavids. During the battle of [[Chach]] between [[Mahmud of Ghazna|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."''' '' (''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.

* [[Mawlānā|Maulana]] [[Zafar Ali Khan]], Islamic scholar

He eventually signed a [[treaty]] 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 '' '''"[[Porus]], who bravely opposed [[Alexander]] 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 [[courageous]].

* [[Amir Khan (boxer)|Amir Khan]], [[British Pakistanis|British-Pakistani]] boxer, his paternal grandfather Lal Khan Janjua was in the Pakistan Army

* [[Amna Nawaz]], [[Pakistani Americans|Pakistani-American]] broadcast journalist and a co-anchor of the ''[[PBS NewsHour]]'', her uncle was [[Asif Nawaz Janjua]].

* [[Shah Nawaz Khan (General)|Shah Nawaz Khan]], (January 1914 – 9 December 1983) was an Indian politician who served as a General in the [[Indian National Army]] (INA) during World War II.

* [[Adam Azim]], [[British Pakistanis|British Pakistani]] boxing prospect

* [[Hamzah Sheeraz]], [[British Pakistanis|British Pakistani]] boxer

* [[Tehmina Janjua]], Foreign Secretary of Pakistan, 2017 to 2019

==References==

====Tirlochanpal Shah====

{{Reflist}}{{DEFAULTSORT:Janjua Rajput}}

Tirlochanpála, the son of Anandapala, ascended the throne in about 1011AD. 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 [[Biruni|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 [[Mahmud of Ghazni|Sultan Mahmud]] 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 [[folklore]] as the ''' ''Last Punjabi ruler of Punjab.'' '''

{{Ethnic and social groups of the Punjab}}

====Bhimpala Shah====

{{Authority control}}

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 it's 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.

[[Category:Rajput clans]]

His remaining descendant, ''Rudrapal'' and his brothers ''Diddápála'' and ''Anangapāla'' had settled in [[Kashmir]] 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 [[valour]] by crushing the rebels of the king, as [[commander in chief]] of the Kashmiri royal army.

[[Category:Jat clans of Punjab]]

[[Category:Social groups of Haryana]]

[[biruni|Al-Biruni]], despite living under [[Mahmud of Ghazni|Sultan Mahmud's]] grace, praises the house of Jayapala:

[[Category:Surnames of Hindu origin]]

'' '''"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."''' ''

[[Category:Surnames of Indian origin]]

[[Category:Social groups of Jammu and Kashmir]]

[[Kalhana]] writes of the Shahis:

[[Category:History of Punjab]]

'' '''"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"''' ''

[[Category:Rajput clans of Punjab]]

==The Janjua Rule of Mathura==

The later descendant of Rudrapala, Dhrupet Dev gained the rule of [[Mathura]] state in about 1150AD through intermarriage with the daughter of the [[Raja]] Hukum Ram, King of [[Mathura]], 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 [[Mathura]] was ended in 1195AD when [[Qutb-ud-din Aybak]], 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 [[Siwalik]] hills. 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.[http://66.249.93.104/search?q=cache:uDsCFRzZmBcJ:www.mohyal.com/gms/m_member.htm+raja+mal+mohyal&hl=en&gl=uk&ct=clnk&cd=5 (Mohyal reference)]

==The Rise of Raja Mal Khan==

''Raja Dhrupet Dev'' was the father of a famous Janjua [[Sardar]] ''Raja Ajmal Dev Janjua'' who embraced [[Islam]] in the 12th century and rose to become the next rising force of the Janjua Rajput. He followed the [[Islam]]ic 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 [[Ghauri|Shahabudin Ghauri]] entered into the Indian Plateau to conquer whilst he was very young in his teens and inclined towards Islamic philosophy of the [[Sufi]]s brought by the Dervishes of the Chistiya order.

Raja Mal [[Khan]] migrated from ''Mandu fort'' in the [[Siwalik Hills]] 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 [[Delhi Sultanate]]. It records that a ''"Rai Mal"'' of the mountains between [[Lahore]] and [[Kabul]] excited a rebellion against them and intercepted communications between [[Lahore]] and [[Ghazni]].

There is still today remnants of an ancient [[fort]] in Malot, [[Chakwal]] which was initially built by the [[Shahi]]s and later rebuilt by ''Raja Mal Khan''. It is also inscribed that the last [[Shahi|Hindu Shahi prince]] Raja Mal embraced [[Islam]] at this place. [http://www.geocities.com/prpakistan_chakwal/archaeological_attractions.htm Chakwal reference]

''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 (Pakistan)|Punjab]] which is currently the world's second largest salt mine. [http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Academy/3308/kallar.html] [http://66.102.9.104/search?q=cache:SmdlXv-YZtkJ:www.virtualtourist.com/m/47624/1401d3/+janjua+salt+mining&hl=en&client=firefox-a] [http://66.102.9.104/search?q=cache:shif_aPrsqUJ:www.pmdc.gov.pk/khewra/+janjua+salt+mining&hl=en&client=firefox-a] [http://66.102.9.104/search?q=cache:8M1Vu7JtTToJ:www.fredskorpset.no/templates/FredskorpsDagbok____19363.aspx+janjua+salt+mining&hl=en&client=firefox-a].

==The Five Branches of Janjua==

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 [[Tanoli]] Khan and Raja [[Khakha]] Khan. Jodh and Bhir were born of a [[Gakhar]] [[Rani]] while Kala, [[Khakha]] and [[Tanoli]] were born of another Rajput [[Rani]]. (''Journal of Central Asia'', Vol. XIII, no.1, 1990 p79)

====[[Khakha|Khakha Rajputs]]====

Raja Khakha Khan's three sons, ''Faggal Khan'', ''Aliya Khan'', ''Sangi Khan'' took over from him on his death. Raja Khakhas descendants,'' the Khakha Chiefs of [[Kashmir]] and [[Pakhli]]'' became a renowned tribe of the Kashmiri region. Sir Lepel H.Griffin writes of them in ''Chiefs and Families of note in the Punjab''(1909 Lahore, p214)''' ''"Raja Khaka's offspring inhabit Muzaffarabad, Kot Khaka (named after them) and other villages near the Jammu frontier."'' '''

Through their history they have retained strong alliances with the ''Bamba/Bumba'' tribe of Kashmir.

A famed Khakha chief was ''Raja Ghashu Khakha Khan''.

The Khakha feudal lords had also allied with ''Yusuf Shah'' against the Mughal army of [[Akbar]] at Bulyasa and were victorious. The Khakhas use the title of [[Raja]] and proudly proclaim their Janjua origin.[http://66.249.93.104/search?q=cache:_W5yECuFZK0J:www.opf.org.pk/almanac/P/people.htm+Gazetteer+of+the+Dera+Ghazi+Khan+District+janjua&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1]

===='''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 [[Maharaja Ranjit Singh]]. ''Raja Bhir'' 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 infact ''Acharpal'', who later changed his name after converting to Islam.

=====''Raja Darwesh Khan''=====

''Raja Darwesh Khan'' of ''Garjaak/Girjakh [[Jehlum]]'' (son of ''Raja Sangur Khan'' mentioned above and descendant of ''Raja Jodh'') had fought ''[[Gakhar|Sultan Hathi Khan Gakhar]]'' in [[Punjab region|Punjab]] (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. Raja Darwesh Khan recovered the territory that was taken from his tribe by Hathi [[Gakhar]]. (''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."''' ''

''Raja Darwesh Khan's'' later descendant ''[[Malik]] 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 [[Khan Bahadur]] 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 [[Maharaja Ranjit Singh]]) 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 [[Sultan]] 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 [[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 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|Sultan of Makhiala]]''. (''Punjabi Chiefs'' L.H.Griffin, Lahore 1909 p217)

=====''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-Janjua'' (Sahiwal Press, v1, p224) these two [[Raja]]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 ''[[Raja]]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]]'''====

Tanolis are now a pashtunised tribe and reside mainly in [[Hazara]]. Their ancestor, [[Tanoli|Raja Tanoli]] (also spelt ''Tanawali/Tanauli'') the younger son of ''Raja Mal Khan'' founded the ''Tanawal state'' in the [[North-West Frontier Province]] corner of [[Hazara]] district. ''The Gazetteer of North-West Frontier Province'' (p138) records that ''' ''"Tanawal state also known as Amb-Darband after its twin capitals, under its founder [[Raja]] Tanawali extended its tentacles across the [[Indus]] to [[Buner]] in [[Swat]] and [[Bajaur]] in Dir.....Its real rulers (Tanolis) are divided into two steps, the Pul-al and Hando-al or Hind-wal. The former held the tract of the Siran, its chief founded Bir when the Mughal empire was decaying, but internal dissensions led to intervention of Kashmir. Meanwhile the Hind-wal spet had gained power and its chief Nawab Khan defied the Durranis, but met his death at the hands of Sardar Azim Khan in 1818. His son Painda Khan, played a considerable part in the history of his time and vigorously opposed the Sikhs, but lost his territory except the tract around [[Amb]]. On his death in 1840 his son Jahandad Khan recovered part of it through favour of Gulab Singh of Kashmir and the British Govt. Thus the present semi-independent estate comprises the territory formerly held by the Hind-wal Tanawalis. It has an area of 204 square miles, with population of (1901) of 31,622.....on the east by the Mansehra tehsil of Hazara District."'' '''

The Hindwal Tanolis were conferred the title of [[Nawab]] during the British Raj era and were famous for their rebellious and warlike behaviour in the history of [[Hazara]] Tanawal until the 19th century through staunch rebellions with the [[Sikhs]s.

The Tanoli [[Khan]]'s initially allied with the [[Abdali]] army in ''The Third Battle of Panipat'' which took place on January 14, 1761 at Panipat (Haryana State, [[India]]) where they famously defeated 250,000 strong army of Marathas with an army of only 60,000 soldiers, from allied tribes. ''Sardaar Mir Zabardast Khan Tanoli'' was granted allied Chiefship of Hazara together with other Chiefs of repute and was conferred the title of ''Suba Khan'' for his bravery against the ''Marathas.''

But when the [[Durrani]] empire began to crumble, the Tanolis successfully broke free of the Durrani control and again became independent. ''Sardaar Azim Khan'' killed the Tanoli Chief ''Nawab Khan Tanoli'' in this struggle.

=====''Mir Jehandad Khan''=====

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 [[Amb]] by the Tanolis finally ended in 1973 with the last [[Nawab]] of [[Amb]] ''Nawab Salahuddin Khan'', the present day descendant ''of Mir Jehandad Khan.''

===='''Raja Kala Khan'''====

''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 of over 60 villages of various clans including [[Gakhars]], [[Minhas]] Rajputs and [[Awan]] Rajputs. Raja Kala Khan's descendants are in abundance in ''Kahuta'' [[Rawalpindi]]. Most of his descendants work in the Pakistan Army and sports. A Mazhar (Large [[Tomb]]) 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.''[[Image:Sardar_Bahadur_Noor_Khan_Janjua.jpg|250px|thumb|right]]

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'' 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 son, ''[[Khan Bahadur]] 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''(The pillars of their branch) 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 [[Tamerlane]] (Amir Timur) himself to the Janjua [[Sultan]] family of Watli, [[Northwest Frontier Province]], [[Pakistan]] for their service to his [[entourage]], which is still held by them to this day. The Janjua were honoured by Amir [[Timur]] 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 [[Tamerlane]]s future descendants, the [[Mughal]] Emperors and the Janjua.

The [[Mughal]] conqueror [[Babur]] recorded in his famous [[Baburnama]] 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 [[Jatts]] and [[Gujar]]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 [[Raja|Rai]] and his younger brothers and sons are known as [[Malik]]"''' '' indicating their subjects support of their just administration and the organisation of titles amongst the Janjua rulers. An important allied Afghan [[Niazi]] chief of [[Babur]]'s campaign of Punjab, ''Langar Khan [[Niazi]]'' 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 [[Baburnama]]'', 2002, W.M Thackston p271 ,276)

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

The [[Baburnama]] 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 [[fort]]s within Punjab are still remnant of their royal past, such as the Kusak fort, Sohava fort, Khushab fort, Garjaak fort 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 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 Janjua [[Sultan]] of Watli who was mentioned in ''Punjab Chiefs'' (L.H.Griffin Lahore 1909, p217) ''' ''"The Watli family noted for it's heroic defence of the fort of Kusak against the Sikhs...Sultan Lal Khan was held in much esteem. The title [[Sultan]] is allegedly to have been bestowed upon the representatives of these two branches by the [[Emperor]] Babur. 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 [[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."'' ''' (''Archaeological reconnaissances in north-western India and south-eastern Iran'' by M.A.Stein, London 1936, p46) The fort was immediately reinstated to the Sultan.

==Characteristics of the Janjua==

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 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)

The Janjua Rajputs would not serve in any [[regiment]] that wasn't commanded by either a [[Gakhar]], a ''Janjua'' or any other tribe of equal social standing. The Janjua Rajas of [[Punjab]] 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)

Regarding their recruitment into the ''British Army'', they are further 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)

'' '''General Asif Nawaz Janjua''' '' of the ''Darapur Janjua Branch'' 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)

[[Amir]] [[Timur]] 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 [[Mahabharata]].

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 [[Tanoli]], 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 [[Shahi]]s were mentioned by ''[[biruni|Al-Beruni]]..'' '''"as noble men of noble bearings...who always did what they said."''' ''

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

Prince [[Arjuna]] of the [[Mahabharata]] 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 [[Sikh]], [[Muslim]] and [[Hindu]] Janjuas, the majority of Muslim Janjuas are in Pakistan and serve in the [[Military of Pakistan]] in large numbers. They have spread into [[Potwar]] region of Northern Punjab in Pakistan (due to displacement during the Sikh conquests), [[Mansehra]], [[Hazara]] and also [[Rawalpindi]] with [[Jhelum]] holding primarily the largest numbers. They hold influential positions in both the Pakistani Govt, Police and army as evidenced below.

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

Hindu Janjuas use the title of "Kuwar" with their names. Whereas Muslim Janjuas use the title [[Rai]], [[Raja]] and [[Malik]] with their names in recognition of their royal lineage and is mainly used by ''Jodh'', ''Bhir'', ''[[Khakha]]'' and ''Kala'' descendants. [[Khakha]] descendants are known to use the [[Raja]].

Uniquely, the Tanoli dynasty which ruled the State of [[Amb]]/Tanawal for almost 8 centuries used the royal titles of [[Nawab]] and Mir. Very few Tanolis who have settled in [[Potohar]] use the [[Raja]] title, however the majority of Tanolis reside in Hazara use title of [[Khan]].

The title of [[Malik]] is used by the descendants of ''Raja Darwesh Khan'', the warrior king of the Janjuas of ''Darapur'', [[Jehlum]] as well as some Janjuas of Malot [[Chakwal]].

[[Sikh]] Janjuas use the surname Janjua and also use titles of Kuwar or Rai/Raja. However there are exceptions to this.

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

A well known Janjua chief of ''Ratala'' tehsil [[Gujar Khan]], [[Rawalpindi]], ''Mirza Atta Mohammad Khan'' was known by the title of [[Mirza]] (Persian title of [[Prince of the blood]]) and was a renowned [[tribal chief]] 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 Sikhs. His ___domain was over seven large villages consisting of [[Kayani|Mughal Kayanis']], [[Jatts]] and [[Gakhars]]. He defeated the Ratyal Chief and renamed it ''Ratala.''

==Famous Janjuas of Today==

====Army====

[[Image:Sawar_Hussain_Janjua_Nishan_e_Haider.jpg|thumb|right]]

* ''Jawan'' Sawar Muhammad Hussain ''Shaheed'' (1949–December 10, 1971) - Awarded [[Nishan-e-Haider]], The highest Military Gallantry award given by the Pakistan Army. Only 10 have been awarded since the creation of Pakistan. He was a brave soldier and a National hero of Pakistan.

* [[Asif Nawaz|General Asif Nawaz Janjua]]- ''Chief of Staff'' of the Pakistan Army.

* [[Tikka Khan|General Tikka Khan]] - ''Chief of Staff'' of the Pakistan Army.

* [[Iftikhar Janjua|Major General Iftikhar Janjua]] - the hero of Runn Kutch who is known as the only general to have died on the front line. Iftikhar Khan Janjua Road of Rawalpindi is named after his nationally honoured bravery.

* Sardar [[Bahadur]] Captn. Hussain Bux Khan Janjua - served as a Captain during the British Raj era.

* [[Brigadier]] (retired) Amir Gulistan Janjua - His excellency, who was the [[Governor]] of the [[North West Frontier Province]] and also Pakistan's [[ambassador]] to the UAE, [[Nepal]] and [[Saudi Arabia]] is a famous and very influential Janjua with a strong back ground in the Pakistani armed forces. [http://66.102.9.104/search?q=cache:H8qLzy_tyZ4J:www.worldstatesmen.org/Pakistan_states.html+amir+gulistan+janjua&hl=en&client=firefox-a][http://66.102.9.104/search?q=cache:QG_jyPJE1_UJ:www.pakdef.info/pakmilitary/army/war/1spfieldart.html+amir+gulistan+janjua&hl=en&client=firefox-a]

* [[General]] (retired) MK Janjua - of Matore, Kahuta District

* [[Lieutenant General]] (retd) Afzal Janjua - Pakistan Army

* [[Lieutenant General]] Afzal Muzzaffar - Pakistan Army

* [[Lieutenant General]] (retd) Ahmed Jamal Janjua - Pakistan Army, from Matore, Kahuta.

* [[Lieutenant General]] Hamid Rabnawaz

[[Image:ASIF.jpg|thumb|right|Gen.Asif Nawaz Janjua]]

* [[Major General]] Muhammad Akram (retd) - is a Janjua of Chakwal. He has served in the Pakistan Army as well as Semi Government Organizations of Pakistan. He is also a very popular welfare worker of Choa Saidan Shah of Chakwal.

* [[Lieutenant General]] Ahmed Kamal - Served under Zia ul Haq of Pakistan Army, of Matore, Kahuta.

* [[General]] (retd) Saeed-u-Zaman Janjua - General of Pakistan Army

* [[Major General]] (retd) - Saleem Arshad of Matore, Kahuta.

* [[Major General]] Khalid Nawaz of Matore, Kahuta.

* [[Major General]] Zaheer-ul-Islam of Matore, Kahuta.

* [[Brigadier]] Akhter Abbas Janjua - of Matore, Kahuta.

* [[Brigadier]] Raja Muhammad Afzal Khan - of Chakri, [[Jhelum]].

* [[Brigadier]] Shahid Hamid - of Matore, Kahuta.

* [[Brigadier]] Ejaz Mehdi - Pakistan Army

* [[Brigadier]] Ghafoor - of Matore, Kahuta.

* [[Brigadier]] Asif Nawaz - of Matore, Kahuta.

* [[Brigadier]] Pervaiz Akber (Retd) of Matore, Kahuta.

* [[Brigadier]] Khalid Mehmood (Retd) of Matore, Kahuta.

* [[Brigadier]] Rab Nawaz (Retd) Of Matore, Kahuta.

* [[Brigadier]] Raja Fiaz Ahmad Janjua (late).

* [[Major]] (retd) Shaukat Nawaz Khan - ''Joint Secretary of Defence'', of Matore, Kahuta.

* Muhammad Fazal Janjua - Air Marshal of [[Pakistan Army]].

====Police====

* [[Khan sahib]] Sardar Muhammad Khan - ''District [[Superintendent]] of Police (retd) of Dheer Kot'', conferred title of ''Khan Sahib'' during British Raj.

* Raja Nusrat Khan - ''District [[Superintendent]] of Rawalpindi Police'' (retd)

* Raja Zar Khan - ''District [[Superintendent]] of Police'' (retd) - was a DSP of [[Faisalabad]] and later of [[Jehlum]]

* Raja Afzal Khan - ''Chief Inspector of [[Jhelum]] District Police'' and younger brother of Raja Zar Khan (above).

* Raja Nasirullah Khan - ''Commissioner of Torach'' (retd)

* Raja Muhammad Sarwar Khan - ''Superintendent Police'' of Matore.

* Raja Fazal Dad - ''District Superintendent'' of Matore.

* Raja Taifoor Akhtar ''District Superintendent Police [[Gujar Khan]]'', of Matore, Kahuta.

* Raja Shahid Nazir ''District Superintendent Police Multan'', of Matore, Kahuta.

====Sport====

* [[Amir Khan (boxer)]] - Pro boxing lightweight sensation Amir Khan of the UK is a Janjua Rajput of Raja Kala Khan, Matore. He is also the [[2004 Summer Olympics|2004 Olympic]] silver medalist as well as 2003 Gold medalist in the Junior Olympics. Role model to thousands of youth.

* [[Sajid Mahmood]] - The England Cricket Team's rising star Sajid Mahmood is also a Janjua from Raja Kala Khan's line of Kahuta.

* Pasha Sheeraz - played for Gloucester country cricket in the 90's and was also a Janjua from Raja Kala Khan of Kahuta.

* Capt (R) Gull Muhammad - Pro basketball for Pakistan Army Team.

====Politics====

* [[Nawab]] Salahuddin Khan [[Tanoli]] - [[Nawab]] of the Princely State of [[Amb]].

* Ms Tehmina Janjua - ''Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the [[United Nations]]''

* Raja Zafar-ul-haq - ''Chairman of Pakistan Muslim League Party'' is a Janjua from Raja Kala Khan.

* [[Sultan]] Azmat Hayyat Khan (late) - The late ''Sultan of Watli'' and ''Member of Punjab Assembly.''

* Muhammad Tariq Janjua - ''Federal Secretary for Minorities, Culture, Sports, Tourism and Youth Affairs in Pakistan''.

* Muhammad Basharat Raja - ''Provincial Minister for Law and Local Bodies''.

* Raja Muhammad Ali - ''Member of Provincial Assembly'', from Matore Kahuta.

* Muhammad Nasir Raja - ''Advisor to Chief Minister of Punjab''.

* Raja Lal Khan - ''Federal Minister of Pakistan Government''.

* Raja Lehrasab Khan - ''Federal Minister of Pakistan Government''.

* [[Khan sahib]] Basheer Ahmed Khan - of Gujranwala, conferred the title of ''Khan Sahib'' during the British Raj.

* [[Khan Sahib]] Mahmood Ahmed Khan - of Sodara Gujrat, conferred title of ''Khan Sahib'' during the British Raj.

* Raja Tariq - ''District Nazim (Mayor) of Qadian'', Tehsil [[Gujar Khan]].

* Hamid Nawaz Raja - ''District Nazim Tehsil Rawalpindi''.

* Muzaffer Ali Khan Janjua - ''District Nazim (Mayor) of Union Council'', Dist. Sanghar (retd)

* Haji Bawa G.Farid(late)twice ''Member District Council Rawalpindi''.

* Sardar Hassan Akhter Khan - Ex ''District Nazim and Chairman of Union Council Matore'', Kahuta.

* Sardar Ilyas Akhtar Janjua - ''District Nazim of Matore'', Kahuta.

* Nadar Ali Khan Janjua - ''Tehsildaar (retd) of Malowal'' [[Gujrat]]

* L.D. Janjua - ''Additional Joint Secretary, Establishment Division of the Government of Pakistan''. He was later fictionalised as the main character (Munir) in Chaman Nahal's book Azadi (published 1979).

* Raja Shahid Hussain of Ratocha - (near Choa Saiden Shah, Chakwal) prominent Politician of the Raja Bhir Line of [[Chakwal]].

====Social Sciences====

* Dr. Pervez Zamurrad Janjua - ''Foreign Professor''at International Institute of Islamic Economics, ''Principal Investigator'' at Centre of Research for Development and Policy Studies, International Islamic University Islamabad, Approved HEC PhD Scholar, Member National Curriculum Committee (Economics) [[Pakistan]]

====Media====

* Kiran Tanoli - daughter of Pakistans Provincial Minister and famous lawyer of [[Hazara]] Ayub Tanoli. She is a rising starlette on TV, and gained a Gold Medal from Prime Minister [[Shaukat Aziz]] for her Youth work. She is now the Youth Co-ordinator of North-west Frontier Province.

* Labh Janjua - famous and successful Punjabi singer hailing from Khanian, Fatehgarh Sahib India. He sang the huge international hit 'Mundian Tho Bachke' in 2003 and was also featured in American Desi movie soundtrack.

* Raja Mohammad Ibrahim - The famous poet from Village Nambal in Kahuta district of [[Rawalpindi]] is a Janjua from Raja Bhir Khan.

* Nadia Janjua - Of USA, a well known architect and engaged in relief work for the Pakistani Earthquake of 2005.

* [[Yasin Janjua]] - rising Pakistani economist contributed a background paper and chapter to 2002 report on Human Development in South Asia: Agriculture and Human development produced by Human Development Centre (HDC) Islamabad, Pakistan and Published by Oxford University Press.

==See also==

* [[Muslim Rajputs]]

* [[List of Indian monarchs]]

* [[Shahi]]

* [[Ranial Rajputs]]

* [[Khakha]]

* [[Tanoli]]

==External links==

* [http://www.sikhrajput.com/ Sikh Rajputs]

* [http://www.geocities.com/menofvalor2001/muhammedhussain.html/Nishan-e-Haider Muhammad Hussain Janjua]

*[http://66.249.93.104/search?q=cache:agY6moTlY-kJ:www.heritage.gov.pk/html_Pages/chapter-IX.htm+janjuas&hl=en&gl=uk&ct=clnk&cd=52|Hindu Shahi reference]

{{Castes and Tribes of the Punjab}}

[[Category:Muslim ruling clans of India]]

[[Category:Ruling clans of India]]

[[Category:Social groups of Pakistan]]

[[Category:Ethnic groups in India]]

[[Category:Pakistani names]]

[[Category:Punjabi tribes]]