Mohyal (Punjabi-Shahmukhi: ﻝﺎﻴﮨﻮﻣ , Punjabi-Gurmukhi: ਮੋਹ੍ਯਾਲ, Hindi: मोहयाल) (alternate spellings include Muhiyal, Muhial, Mhial, Mohiyal or Mahjal) is the name of an endogamous group of seven lineages arising from the Gandhara region. Though numerically very small, the group is especially noted in South Asia for its tradition of becoming distinguished soldiers and administrators^[1]. Chhibber is a famous Brahmin clan from the Punjab. ... Datt or Dutt is a famous Brahmin clan from the Punjab. ... Mohan is a famous Brahmin clan from the Punjab. ... Vaid is a famous Brahmin clan from the Punjab. ... Punjabi (also Panjabi; in GurmukhÄ«, PanjābÄ« in ShāhmukhÄ«) is the language of the Punjab regions of India and Pakistan. ... Shahmukhi (شاہ Ù…Ú©Ú¾ÛŒ) is a script used to record the Punjabi language. ... Punjabi (also Panjabi; in GurmukhÄ«, PanjābÄ« in ShāhmukhÄ«) is the language of the Punjab regions of India and Pakistan. ... The Gurmukhi (ਗੁਰਮੁਖੀ or ਗੁਰਮੁੱਖੀ) script, derived from the Later Sharada script and standardised by Guru Angad Dev in the 16th century, was designed to write the Punjabi (ਪੰਜਾਬੀ) language. ... Hindi ( , Devanagari: or , IAST: , IPA: ), an Indo-European language spoken mainly in northern and central India, is the official language of the Union along with English. ... pertaining to or characterized by the custom of marrying only within the limits of a clan or tribe ... Gandhāra (Sanskrit: गन्धार, Persian; Gandara, Waihind) (Urdu: گندھارا) is the name of an ancient Indian Mahajanapada, currently in northern Pakistan (the North-West Frontier Province and parts of northern Punjab and Kashmir) and eastern Afghanistan. ...

Most Mohyals are Hindus. Many are Sikhs, largely as a result of the role played by Mohyals in the formative days of the Sikh religion and also because of a tradition once popular in Mohyal families of bringing up the eldest male child as a Sikh. A very small percentage are Muslims. This article is about the Hindu religion; for other meanings of the word, see Hindu (disambiguation). ... A Sikh man wearing a turban The adherents of Sikhism are called Sikhs. ... Mohyal (Punjabi-Shahmukhi: ﻝﺎﻴﮨﻮﻣ , Punjabi-Gurmukhi: ਮੋਹ੍ਯਾਲ, Hindi: मोहयाल) (alternate spellings include Muhiyal, Muhial, Mhial, Mohiyal or Mahjal) is the name of an endogamous group of seven lineages arising from the Gandhara region. ... A Muslim is a believer in or follower of Islam. ...

Within the Hindu varna system, they are classified as Brahmins. However, they have a long history of not following the priesthood occupation that was usually associated with Brahmins in the past, and their regional history and specific customs also mark them as a distinct ethnic group. Despite the classification as Brahmins they in fact strictly refrain from working as priests- often to the point of excommunicating those who break that tradition. They also do not adhere to many customs and taboos observed by other Brahmin groups. Young Indian brahmachari Brahmin A Brahmin (less often Brahman) is a member of the Hindu priestly caste. ...

Mohyal Clans

This ethnic group is divided into seven clans^[2] listed below with their gotras (lineages): A gotra is the lineage or clan assigned to a Hindu at birth. ...

1. Bali: Parashar
2. Bhimwal: Kaushal
3. Chhibber/Chibber:Bhrigu
4. Datt: Bharadwaja
5. Lau: Vasishtha
6. Mohan: Kashyap
7. Vaid: Dhanvantri

Chhibber is a famous Brahmin clan from the Punjab. ... Datt or Dutt is a famous Brahmin clan from the Punjab. ... Mohan is a famous Brahmin clan from the Punjab. ... Vaid is a famous Brahmin clan from the Punjab. ...

Courtesy Titles

As an ethnic group, Mohyals have a long military tradition. During Mughal and Sikh rule, Mohyals were bestowed hereditary courtesy titles as for bravery and loyal service. These figure in most Mohyal names even today, and include Bakhshi, Bhai, Chaudhri, Dewan, Malik, Mehta and Raizada and are often indicative of the history of specific families.

Sikhism was established by ten Gurus, teachers or masters, over the period 1469 to 1708. ... The Mughal Empire (alternative spelling Mogul, which is the origin of the word Mogul) of India was founded by Babur in 1526, when he defeated Ibrahim Lodi, the last of the Delhi Sultans at the First Battle of Panipat. ... The Mughal Empire (alternative spelling Mogul, which is the origin of the word Mogul) of India was founded by Babur in 1526, when he defeated Ibrahim Lodi, the last of the Delhi Sultans at the First Battle of Panipat. ...

Numerical Strength and Geographical Distribution

The current strength of the Mohyal community is estimated at about 100,000 persons. This is likely an over-estimation considering that the total number of Mohyals recorded in the 1901 census was 13,413. The census of 1891 placed their strength at 10,871, while a census carried out in 1977 by Mohyals themselves placed their numbers at 35,600. In India’s billion-plus population they constitute a microscopic minority, yet have a disproportionately large presence in various fields, especially the Indian Armed Forces.

The traditional homeland of the Mohyals was the region of Gandhara that corresponds to modern day districts of Rawalpindi, Haripur, Jhelum, Gujrat, Sargodha and Jammu. Once a great centre of Indian learning, Panini, Vasubandhu, Asanga and Charaka hailed from this region. Rawalpindi (Urdu: راولپنڈی) is a city in the Potwar Plateau near Pakistans capital city of Islamabad, in the province of Punjab. ... Location of Haripur District (highlighted in red) within the North West Frontier Province. ... The Jhelum district (Urdu: جہلم) is situated in Punjab province of Pakistan. ... Gujrat (Urdu: گجرات) is a district in Pakistan located in Punjab Province. ... Sargodha (Urdu: سرگودھا) city is located in Punjab province, Pakistan. ... Jammu   (Hindi: जम्मू, Urdu: جموں) is one of the three regions comprising the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. ... Indian postage stamp depicting (2004), with the implication that he used (IPA ) was an ancient Gandharan grammarian (approximately 5th century BC, but estimates range from the 7th to the 3rd centuries) who is most famous for formulating the 3,959 rules of Sanskrit morphology known as the . ... Vasubandhu (Sanskrit. ... Asanga (also called Aryasanga), born around 300 C.E., was a great exponent of the Yogacara. ... For a village in Greece, see Charaka (Laconia), Greece Charaka, sometimes spelled Caraka, (perhaps 1st or 2nd century) is one of the founders of Ayurveda. ...

The river Ravi was regarded as the southern and eastern limit of Mohyal territory. Mohyals continued to live in large numbers in these areas until the creation of Pakistan in 1947, after which a near complete process of brutal religious cleansing emptied their presence in all these areas barring Jammu, which did not become a part of Pakistan. After a loss of many lives, they were forced to move to India - except for the Muslim Mohyals and a few Hindu/Sikh families that stayed on in Pakistan. Ravi may refer to: Ravi, a Hindu solar deity. ...

Comparative Strength

Even among the various ethnic groups of the sub-continent that have a strong martial tradition, Mohyals are numerically very small by comparison. For example, in today's numbers, the Mohyals number only about 1/400th of the Rajput population. Even in pre-partition India’s District of Rawalpindi, where the concentration of the Mohyals was at its highest, the Imperial Gazetteer of India of 1909 indicated the presence of only 1 Mohyal for every 8 persons of the Janjua community, 13 of the Gakhar and 39 of the Awan[1]. The Janjua Rajput (Punjabi ਜਨ੍ਜੁਅ, Urdu: جنجوعہ) (also spelt Janjuha, Janjuah) is a highly dominant royal warrior clan of Northern India and Pakistan. ... The location of Hazara relative to surrounding areas Gakhar (also Gakkhar or Ghakhar or Ghakkar) (Urdu: گاکھر ): An ancient aristocratic and warlike clan now located in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Jhelum, Kashmir, Gilgit, Baltistan (Tibet), Chitral, and Khanpur regions in modern day Pakistan and India (in the latter case the majority are Hindu). ... There are several references to Awan: Awan was an Elamite dynasty of Iran. ...

Due to this fact, their very notable presence in the honors list of the armies they have served in is considered an especially remarkable achievement.

Customs and Values

Mohyals take pride in their traditions of not accepting charity, fighting against religious bigotry and social injustice regardless of consequence. Mohyals have a community tradition that emphasizes maintaining steadfast loyalty to friends and superiors. They take pride in having adapted themselves to the successive rules of the Mughals, the Sikhs and the British with no recorded instance of treachery. At the same time, Mohyals have through history been very selective in choosing rulers to serve, often paying a high price for maintaining a fierce independence[2]. During the British rule they were favored in military recruitment due to their strong martial traditions and their assurance of loyalty. In 1527, a group of Mohyals was slaughtered to the last man in a village named Paniad, refusing to hand over a Khatri (Marwaha) girl who had sought their protection from Babur's army. The Mughal Empire (alternative spelling Mogul, which is the origin of the word Mogul) of India was founded by Babur in 1526, when he defeated Ibrahim Lodi, the last of the Delhi Sultans at the First Battle of Panipat. ... DO YOU WANT THE WIKIPIDIA TO FAIL? WE WISH IT SUCCESS. THE KHATRI (A CASTE OF TRADERS, A FINE ONE) HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE KSHATRIYAS (THE WARRIORS). ...

It used to be customary for Mohyals to teach their children to abhor 3 things: 'the taking of charity', 'the handling of scales(trading)' and 'living a life of laziness'.

Mohyals and Religious Identity

On the one hand, Mohyals take pride in having retained their Hindu/Sikh identity despite living as minuscule religious minorities in predominantly Muslim lands, and in the face of widespread conversions of other groups to Islam. This was generally regarded as a sign of staying unconquered, especially in the backdrop of conversions brought about by force or incentives. On the other hand, many Hindu groups consider them very Muslim-like in their outlook, especially given the Hussaini-Brahmin appellation, and a few other traditions as well. Neither of these perceptions have traditionally caused friction in Mohyal relations with Muslims or other Hindu communities.

Mohyals have been patrons of Hinduism and Sikhism in remote outposts beyond South Asia. In the 1800s, a Mohyal of the Datt clan from Pind Dadan Khan spent nearly all of the meagre savings of his life in order to sponsor repairs at the Atashgah fire temple in Baku, during his stay in Central Asia. The Fire Temple of Baku, known locally as the Atashgah, is a castle-like Hindu temple and monastery complex in Surakhani near Baku in Azerbaijan. ...

Links and Relations with Other Groups

Across the subcontinent, other Brahmins are also believed to switched from the traditional duties of Brahmins in favor of military and administrative ones. In other parts of the sub-continent, outside of Punjab and the Gandhara region they have been known as "brahma-kshatriya" groups. These groups also claim to have descended from Parshuram, such as Tyagis in Western U.P and Haryana, Bhumihars in Eastern U.P. and Bihar, Goud Brahmins in U.P. and Rajasthan, Gaud Saraswat Brahmins in Maharashtra, Anavils/Anawils Anavil Brahmins in South Gujarat, Havyak Brahmins in Karnataka, Namboothiri Brahmins in Kerala. It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Parashurama and Bhargava Rama (Discuss) Parshuram was the brahmin who destroyed many Kshatriyas. ... Tyagi (DevanāgarÄ«: त्यागी) is a common Hindu subcaste and surname, derived from the Sanskrit tyag, meaning to sacrifice or, one who has renounced. [1] Within Tyagi, a number of gotras co-exist, including Vatsa, Bharadwaj, Vashisth, Gautam, Atri, Kaushik, Vatsyayana, Kashyap, Shandilya, Dixit and Parashar. ... Bhumihar Brahmins (भूमिहर ब्राह्मण), also known as Bhumihars (भूमिहार) are an influential Hindu Brahmin sub-caste who have traditionally resided in fertile regions of Indo-Gangetic plains of North India, in the states of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand. ... , Uttar Pradesh (Hindi: , Urdu: , translation: Northern Province, IPA: ,  ), [often referred to as U.P.], is the most populous and fifth largest state in the Republic of India. ... , Bihar (Hindi: बिहार, Urdu: بہار, IPA: ,  ) is a state of the Indian union situated in north India. ... , Rājasthān (DevanāgarÄ«: राजस्थान, IPA: )   is the largest state of the Republic of India in terms of area. ... , Maharashtra (Marathi: महाराष्ट्र , IPA:  , English: ) is Indias third largest state in terms of area and second largest in terms of population after Uttar Pradesh. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Caste. ... , Karnātakā   (Kannada: ಕನಾ೯ಟಕ) (IPA: ) is one of the four southern states of India. ... The Namboothiris (Malayalam :നമ്പൂതിരി) are the Brahmins of Kerala, thought to be the most orthodox brahmins in India. ...

Mohyals have had a traditional affinity with these groups, on account of similar customs and belief in having descended from the same stock. There are known cases of Mohyals who migrated to other parts of the subcontinent, and became accepted as a part of the corresponding "fraternal community" of the new location.

In addition, Mohyals also have a tradition of respecting other groups' martial traditions, transcending any ethnic or religious divides. Various works by Mohyals on their community's history are especially replete with mentions of a relationship of admiration and mutual respect with Gakhars. According to these works and the oral history of Mohyals, the special respect for Gakhars is believed to date back to the times Gakhars played a key role in fighting off foreign invasions under some rulers from whom Mohyals claim descent. This used to be mentioned as a reason why Mohyals especially served with pride under Gakhar chiefs in subsequent centuries and were sought for their services by them as well, particularly in the era before Sikh rule. The location of Hazara relative to surrounding areas Gakhar (also Gakkhar or Ghakhar or Ghakkar) (Urdu: گاکھر ): An ancient aristocratic and warlike clan now located in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Jhelum, Kashmir, Gilgit, Baltistan (Tibet), Chitral, and Khanpur regions in modern day Pakistan and India (in the latter case the majority are Hindu). ...

The community's traditional disdain for the "handling of scales" has meant that few Mohyals used to become traders. It was the custom that anyone subsisting solely on charity was especially despised, even more so if that happened to be a Brahmin. With such Brahmins, Mohyals while admitting a common origin, usually objected to be classed with. At the same time Mohyals do also have a tradition of patronizing and supporting other Brahmins that engage in priestly or any other work.

The traditional respect for hard work in Mohyals also translates into a universal respect for farmers, and being a farmer used to be the expected choice for anyone not serving in the army or administration . For that reason Mohyals often insist on being hereditary agriculturists themselves.

Satbansi Brahmins and other offshoots

Mohyals are believed to be the parent community from which the Satbansi Brahmins arose as an offshoot. The term Satbansi literally means seven lineages, and this is a community of Brahmins that does engage in priestly rituals, unlike Mohyals.

According to Mohyals' written and oral history, when the Arora community of Sind and Multan was ostracized by the Khatris, the latter had disallowed their priests from continuing to perform religious rites for Aroras, causing especial hardships for then at funerals and marriages. Aroras (Hindi: आरॊरा, Punjabi: ਆਰੋਰਾ) (or Aror-vanshis) are an urban mercantile community of the Punjab and Sindh. ...

In this duress a community elder of the Aroras named Sidh Jaichik of Arorkot had appealed to a Mohyal of Thatta named Gosain Bodh Raj Vaid for help. The Mohyal community, after deliberating on the issue had decided to help out by assigning seven families, one from each Mohyal clan, to perform priestly rituals for the Arora community from that point onwards. At the same time, these 7 families theselves got ostracized from the Mohyal clan as the ritual punishment for taking up priesthood.

The seven persons who stepped forward for rendering this assistance at the expense of their own place in the Mohyal community were Chhangi Ram Mohan, Dhanpat Datt, Lalumal Bali, Satpal Chhibber, Sham Lau, Takhatmal Bhimwal along with Bodh Raj Vaid himself. Those seven clans came to be known as Chhangu Potrey, Dhan Potre, Lalrey,Saitpal, Shamu Potre, Takhat Potre and Bhoj Potre respectively.

As per Mohyal history and other sources, this group in turn is believed to have given rise to other branches, like the Wadhwani clan under Wadho Ram , Mangwanis under Mangho Ram, both descendants of Sham Lau, the Ramanandani clan under Rama Nand, a descendant of Gosain Bodh Raj Vaid, and others.

Racial Features

Earlier, the Mohyals were more conscious of their racial features, the typical traits being tall height, fair complexion, wide build, light eye colour and dark hair. Events in the 20th century, such as the Partition of India, migrations to Africa, Europe, North America and the increasing laxity of the caste-system has contributed to a broadening of outlook in the Mohyal community, yet still many Mohyals advocate marriages within the community in a supposed effort to preserve the genetic stock and group identity. They share common features with people of the Gandhara region, Kashmiri Pandits, Khatris and other North Indian groups. No genetic tests have yet been performed on members of the Mohyal community at large. This article is under construction. ... The Kashmiri Pandits (Hindus) are the original inhabitants of the Valley of Kashmir. ... The Khatris is a sub-group of Punjabis and are the original Kshatriya group of the Hindu caste system. ... This article needs to be cleaned up to conform to a higher standard of quality. ...

Mohyal History

Sources

Currently, a documented history of Mohyals is mostly derived from oral history and a few historical records.

The known written works include the following:

• Bali Nama (Persian) by Rattan Chand Bali
• Mirat-ul-Mohyali (Urdu, 1870s.)
• Islah-e-Mohyali (Urdu, 1908) Raizada Rattan Chand Vaid
• Gulshan-e-Mohyali (Urdu, 1920s) Raizada Hari Chand Vaid
• Jang Nama - An account of the Mohans by Har Bhagwan Lau
• Tawarikh-e-Vaidaan - (Punjabi) A history of the Vaids
• The history of the Muhiyals: The militant Brahman race of India (English,1911) by T.P. Russell Stracey
• Mohyal History (English, 1985) by P.N. Bali

There have also been in existence many ballads extolling the feats of Mohyals, for many centuries. The sustained existence through the centuries is attributed to the fact that in the past Mohyals used to patronize bards that were devoted to memorizing these ballads and passing them on from generation to generation.

Both the ballads and some of the written sources contain obvious exaggerations of the feats of Mohyals' ancestors, yet at places are also believed to offer interesting nuggets of history.

A good source of recent history is provided by the journal Mohyal Mitter, one of the oldest published journals of the sub-continent, published since 1891. In addition, a Mohyal Gazzette was also published from 1899 regularly until 1912, from Kala Gujran.

Stracey mentions that the Mohyals are primarily a military class, divided into seven clans that have been prominently associated with the government and sometimes rulership of the country. They have also figured at some early period of history in the affairs of Arabia, Central Asia, Afghanistan and Persia. At the time of his writing he states that they were spread from Afghanistan and Punjab to Bihar. The Arabian Peninsula The Arabian Peninsula is a mainly desert peninsula in Southwest Asia at the junction of Africa and Asia and an important part of the greater Middle East. ... Map of Central Asia showing three sets of possible boundaries for the region Central Asia located as a region of the world Central Asia is a vast landlocked region of Asia. ... For other uses of this term see: Persia (disambiguation) The Persian Empire is the name used to refer to a number of historic dynasties that have ruled the country of Persia (Iran). ... Punjab, 1903 Punjab Province, 1909 Punjab (Persian: ‎, meaning Land of the five Rivers) (c. ... , Bihar (Hindi: बिहार, Urdu: بہار, IPA: ,  ) is a state of the Indian union situated in north India. ...

Origin

The Mohyals are a branch of the bigger Bawanjai Saraswat group. Bawanjai literally means 52 lineages, including 6 that have since converted en masse to Islam (most prominently, the Gakhar community). The Saraswat Brahmins claim descent from a Brahmin caste mentioned in ancient Hindu scriptures as inhabiting the Saraswati River valley, the geographic location of which is unknown. ... The Gakhars ( Gakkhars, Gurkkhars, Gurkhars) have been suggested, by the British archaeologist Sir Alexander Cunningham to have been Indo-Sassanians in origin. ...

When Gandhara witnessed repeated invasions and decline in Hinduism, many Brahmins are said to have become administrators and warriors. Mohyals are believed to be a community that emerged from this larger group, from the grouping together of seven lineages sharing records of distinguished martial and administrative achievements.

Across the subcontinent, other Brahmins are also believed to switched from the traditional duties of Brahmins in favor of military and administrative ones. In other parts of the sub-continent, outside of Punjab and the Gandhara region they have been known as "brahma-kshatriya" groups. These are believed to have descended from Parshuram, such as Bhumihar Brahmins in Eastern U.P. and Bihar, Goud Brahmins in U.P. and Rajasthan, Gaud Saraswat Brahmins in Maharashtra, Anavil Brahmins in Gujarat, Havyak Brahmins in Karnataka, Namboothiri Brahmins in Kerala. It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Parashurama and Bhargava Rama (Discuss) Parshuram was the brahmin who destroyed many Kshatriyas. ... Bhumihar Brahmins (भूमिहर ब्राह्मण), also known as Bhumihars (भूमिहार) are an influential Hindu Brahmin sub-caste who have traditionally resided in fertile regions of Indo-Gangetic plains of North India, in the states of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand. ... Young Indian brahmachari Brahmin A Brahmin (less often Brahman) is a member of the Hindu priestly caste. ... , Uttar Pradesh (Hindi: , Urdu: , translation: Northern Province, IPA: ,  ), [often referred to as U.P.], is the most populous and fifth largest state in the Republic of India. ... , Bihar (Hindi: बिहार, Urdu: بہار, IPA: ,  ) is a state of the Indian union situated in north India. ... , Rājasthān (DevanāgarÄ«: राजस्थान, IPA: )   is the largest state of the Republic of India in terms of area. ... Saraswat Brahmins claim descent from a Brahmin caste mentioned in ancient Hindu scriptures as inhabiting the Saraswati River valley, the geographic location of which is unknown. ... , Maharashtra (Marathi: महाराष्ट्र , IPA:  , English: ) is Indias third largest state in terms of area and second largest in terms of population after Uttar Pradesh. ... Anavil Brahmin is one of the sub-castes of Brahmin caste. ... This article is for the Indian state. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Caste. ... , Karnātakā   (Kannada: ಕನಾ೯ಟಕ) (IPA: ) is one of the four southern states of India. ... The Namboothiris (Malayalam :നമ്പൂതിരി) are the Brahmins of Kerala, thought to be the most orthodox brahmins in India. ...

With most men either in established militaries or mercenaries, the Mohyals developed a warlike culture and reputation over the last millennium. In an essay on the fighting tribes of the northwestern subcontinent, Hamid Hussain said in the Pakistan Defense Journal -

A group of chivalrous Hindus called Muhiyals are very well at par with Pushtuns and Rajputs. Muhiyals have been rulers of territories in the present day Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. They are essentially a military race, which have served as soldiers throughout the centuries. They have a reputation of courage, loyalty and bravery. Muhiyals are composed of seven clans; Datt, Vaid, Chibbar, Bali, Muhan, Lau and Bhimwal. Though small in numbers but all these clans have a rich military history. In India, they are also called ‘Hussaini Brahmins’ as Muhiyals proudly claim that though being non-Muslim, a small number of them fought in the battle of Karbala on the side of Hussain. Muhiyals are very close to Pushtuns in their character. For centuries, they never or seldom paid in their revenue until coerced by a military expedition involving a number of casualties on both sides. On one occasion, they fought three sanguine battles against Babur’s army as they refused to surrender a khatri girl to Mughals who had sought their protection. The testament to their chivalry is the fact that during Muslim rule, they were the only non-Muslim group on whom the title of Khan or Sultan was ever bestowed. During British rule, a number of them were residing in the military belt of Campbelpur, Rawalpindi and Jhelum area. A number of Muhiyals served with distinction in British Indian army especially cavalry. They served in many regiments especially 9th, 11th, 13th, and 19th Lancers, 3rd, 4th and 15th Punjab Cavalry and Guides Cavalry.

Ancient Accounts

Some of the Mohyal clans claim to have descended from certain figures from the Mahabharat. Although the historical veracity of these claims cannot be substantiated, certain other aspects can. Parashurama, Drona, Ashwatthama and Kripa, characters from the epic, stood apart from the typical Brahmins in that along with their intellectual and spiritual teachings, they were masters of the military arts. They occupied the functions of martial gurus to the princes and kings, as well as that of generals and commanders during the war. Whether these figures existed or not cannot be proved, yet Mohyals point to these as indications of the existence of Brahmins that focused on the military arts. Interestingly, the temperaments and personality traits of the martial Brahmins described in the Mahabharata are very similar to those of the Mohyal communities. For the film by Peter Brook, see The Mahabharata (1989 film). ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Bhargava Rama (Discuss) Parashurama Bhargava (Sanskrit: परशुराम भार्गव) or Parasurama (Axe-wielding Rama) is the Sixth avatar of Vishnu, belongs to the Treta yuga, and is the son of Jamadagni & Renuka. ... In the epic Mahabharata, Drona (Sanskrit: द्रोण, droNa) or Dronacharya (द्रोणाचार्य, droNāchārya) is the royal guru to the Kauravas and the Pandavas. ... In the Hindu epic Mahabharata, Ashwatthama (Sanskrit: अश्वत्थाम, ashvatthāma) or Ashwatthaman (Sanskrit: अश्वत्थमन, ashvatthamana) was the son of guru Dronacharya. ... Kripa, also often called Kripacharya, was the chief priest at the court of Hastinapura, in the Mahabharata. ...

The legend of Rahab Sidh Datt

As per Mohyal folklore, a Mohyal of the Dutt clan had fought on behalf of Imam Hussain in the battle of Karbala, sacrificing his seven sons in the process. According to legend, Rahab Sidh Datt (also mentioned as Sidh Viyog Datt in some versions) was the leader of a small band of career-soldiers living near Baghdad around the time of the battle of Karbala. The legend mentions the place where he stayed as Dair-al-Hindiya, meaning “The Indian Quarter”, which matches an Al-Hindiya in existence today. The Dutts have traditionally been referred to as Hussaini Brahmins since times immemorial. Munshi Premchand’s novel ‘Karbala’ also mentions about Hindus fighting for the sake of Imam Hussain, and refers to them as descendants of Ashwatthama, who the Dutt clan considers as it of its ancestors. This legend occupies an important part in the Dutt clan’s oral history and is considered a source of pride for them. Al-Hindiya or Hindiya is a city in Iraq on the Euphrates River. ...

Zameer Hassan Kazmi, in his article "Imam Husain's Hindu Devotees" published in The Illustrated Weekly of India ^[3], documents sacrifices made by Hindus, particularly Dutt Brahmins, while fighting on the side of a descendant of Prophet Mohammad. Please wikify (format) this article or section as suggested in the Guide to layout and the Manual of Style. ... The Illustrated Weekly of India was an English language weekly newsmagazine publication in ndia. ...

Mohyals' own history states the Dutt clan as one of various branches descended from Rahab Sidh Datt's family, which is also consistent with the existence of another set of Brahmins claiming descent from him.

Early History

Mohyals have long claimed a few royal houses of ancient and early medieval times as their own ancestors, including King Dahir and the Hindu Shahi kings of Kabul and the Punjab. According to their oral history, the Kabul dynasty of King Spalapati that reached a glory under his son King Samanta Dev were of the Datt lineage, and whose ancestors in preceding centuries are said to have been displaced as rulers of a small coastal territory called Harya Bunder further towards the Middle-East. Some of the latter Hindu Shahi Kings that were defeated after successive invasions by Ghazni Sultans are claimed to have been of the Vaid clan, which according to Mohyal ballads is said to have nearly been wiped out in the process. Coin of the Shahi king Spalapati Deva, circa 750-900. ...

As per Mohyals' history, King Dahir of Brahmanabad in Sind belonged to the Chhibber clan and was a forefather of Bhai Mati Das. Other oral and written sources talk of the Raja Vishav Rai of the Lau clan having ruled over Bajwara (near modern day Hoshiarpur), and the Mohans ruling over Mamdot. Some of the other royals claimed by Mohyals as their own forefathers are also claimed by other groups, these names include King Porus and Raja Nand of Punjab. Hoshiarpur is a town in Hoshiarpur District, Punjab, India. ...

Recent History

During the Mughal and Sikh rule, they were bestowed with titles like Sultan, Bakshi, Dewan, Mehta etc. in reward for their bravery. Maharaja Ranjit Singh had appointed many Mohyals to his famous Vadda Risala-the Life Guards of the Lion of Punjab. During the British period, fifty percent of the Mohyal commissioned officers, were decorated with awards for their distinguished services. In the self-serving "Theory of Martial Races" propounded by the British after the 1857 mutiny, Mohyals were the only predominantly Hindu community from Punjab included in the classification.

Places named after Mohyals

• Prem Kot - Village near Nankana Sahib, named after Bakhshi Prem Singh Vaid, IOM with 2 bars, OBI
• Mansehra - Town in NWFP, named after Sardar Raja Mahaan Singh "Mirpuria"
• Hitesh Mehta Marg - Road in Malviya Nagar, New Delhi- Named after Capt. Hitesh Mehta
• Ganda Singh Wala - Now a suburb of Amritsar, named after Ganda Singh Datt, IOM, OBI
• Chowk Paraga Das - A landmark of Amritsar, named after Baba Paraga Das
• Raman Bakshi Marg - Road in Jabalpur, named after Capt. Raman Bakshi
• Sudheer Mehta Marg - Road in Yamuna Nagar, named after Capt. Sudheer Mehta
• Vijay Rattan Chowk - Main crossing in Ambala Cantonment, named after Vijay Rattan Choudhry
• Jawahir Pur - Village in Tehsil Shakargarh, District Narowal, Punjab, Pakistan, named after Dewan Jowahir Mal Datt
• Dhok Balian Village in Punjab, Pakistan, once populated with many Bali Mohyals
• Duttian da Bazaar - Tehsil Gardiwala District Hoshiarpur.This bazaar was once owned by Dutt Family of nearby Village Rajjaa Kalan(Jaitanbad)

Mansehra (Urdu: مانسہرہ) is city located in Mansehra District, North-West Frontier Province, Pakistan. ... , Jabalpur (Hindi: जबलपुर, Urdu:جَبَل پُور ) is a city in the state of Madhya Pradesh in India. ... Major Vijay Rattan Choudhry (July 1939 - 13th Dec 1971), was a soldier who served in the 9 Engineers Regiment regiment of the Indian Army. ...

Famous Mohyals

Famous in Early Sikh History:

• Baba Praga

Baba Praga was a Chhibber belonging to the village of Karyala. He was a notable figure in Sikh history, and participated in many battles. Chowk Paraga Das of Amritsar is named after him. His loyalty and spiritual devotion to different Gurus particularly Guru Arjun Dev finds a mention in the book Suraj Prakash.

• Dwarka Das

He was the son of Baba Praga, was Dewan to Guru Har Gobind and successive Gurus until Guru Har Rai.

• Bhai Lakhiya

Also known as Bhai Lakhi Das, he was the son of Dwarka Das. He was appointed Dewan after the death of his father, but did not live long after that himself. He was the first Chhibber of Karyala to be bestowed the title of "Bhai" by a Guru.

• Bhai Dargah Mal

Was the Dewan after Bhai Lakhiya, up to the reign of Guru Har Kishen.

• Bhai Mati Das (main article)

He was a descendant of the same family as Baba Praga and was a disciple of Guru Tegh Bahadur. He preferred a barbaric death instead of a forced conversion to Islam. Bhai Mati Das was sawed in half on 9th November 1675 under the orders of Emperor Aurangzeb for his refusal to convert, and his only last wish was that he be allowed to face his Guru while the execution was being carried out. Portrait depicting the sacrifice of Bhai Mati Das who, along with Bhai Sati Das, was tortured to death in front of Guru Tegh Bahadar Bhai Mati Das is one of the greatest martyrs in Sikh history. ... Guru Teg Bahadur Ji (April 1, 1621 - November 11, 1675) was the ninth of the Ten Gurus of Sikhism and became Guru on March 20, 1665 following in the footsteps of his grand-nephew, Guru Har Krishan Ji. ...

• Bhai Sati Das (main article)

He was the younger brother of Bhai Mati Das, and a scholar of Persian who translated hymns of Guru Tegh Bahadur for the understanding of some of his Muslim followers. He too was executed in a barbaric fashion on 10th November 1675 by being subjected to cuts and later burned alive, for his refusal to convert to Islam. Bhai Sati Das along with his elder brother Bhai Mati Das is one of the greatest martyrs in Sikh history. ...

• Bhai Chaupa Singh Chhiber (main article)

He was a descendant of the same family as Bhai Mati Das, and was tutor and care-taker of Guru Govind Singh. Guru Gobind Singh (Punjabi: , Born in Patna, Bihar, India, on 22 December 1666 as Gobind Rai – 7 October 1708, Nanded, Maharashtra, India) was the tenth and last of the Ten Gurus of Sikhism and became Guru on November 11, 1675 following in the footsteps of his father, the ninth Sikh...

• Bhai Sahib Singh

He was a nephew of Bhai Mati Das, was appointed Dewan by Guru Govind Singh. He is often mistakenly referred to as one of the Panj Pyare, as he shared his name with Bhai Sahib Singh of Bidar. Bhai Sahib Singh was one of the Panj Pyare or the Five Beloved of revered memory in the Sikh tradition, was born the son of Bhai Guru Narayana, a barber of Bidar in Karnataka, and his wife Ankamma. ...

• Bhai Gurbakhsh Singh

He was a son of Bhai Sahib Singh. Bhai Gurbakhsh Singh died defending the Harmandir Sahib during a raid by Ahmad Shah Durrani.

• Bhai Kesar Singh Chhibber (main article)

Bhai Kesar Singh Chhibber was author of 'Bansavalinama Dasan Patshahian Da'. He was the son of Bhai Gurbakhsh Singh.

Many descendants of this extended Chhibber clan of Karyala (Bhai Charan Singh, Bhai Gaj Singh, Bhai Wazir Singh and Bhai Jai Bhan) were entrusted with senior posts during the rule of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, and awarded jagirs and stipends. They were issued certificates of honour, exempted from paying salt-tax and severe punishments were provisioned for anyone disturbing the peace of their families.

Other Historical Figures

Pre-Mughal Era

• Gorakh Rai Vaid

He was the chief of Bhatner and died fighting on the side of Prithvi Raj Chauhan in the second battle of Tarain. According to Mohyals' own recorded history, his son Ganesh Dev subsequently moved East and it was his descendants that also subsequently established the State of Bettiah, as the dynasty of the Jaitheriyas that came to be regarded as a sect of the Bhumihar community. Prithviraj III (1165?-1192) was a king of the Rajput Chauhan (Chahamana) dynasty. ... Bhumihar Brahmins (भूमिहर ब्राह्मण), also known as Bhumihars (भूमिहार) are an influential Hindu Brahmin sub-caste who have traditionally resided in fertile regions of Indo-Gangetic plains of North India, in the states of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand. ...

Under Mughals

• Yakke Khan Datt "Tis Hazari" - was in-charge of the Mughal cavalry.

• Bakhshi Jograj - ruled his estate of Khanuwan in modern day Gurdaspur. Earlier, commanded an army loyal to the Mughals under the Governor Nawab Begh. He was allotted 22 villages, of those he donated 5 villages to a Gurudwara at Pandori.

• Fathejang "Khan" Bali - was in-charge of a Mughal force in Gujarat.

A Gurdwara is the Sikh place of worship. ...

During Sikh rule

• Mehta Radha Kishan - A Bhimwal of Bhaun, was a Governor

• Bakhshi Amar Singh- (Chhibber) of Bhera, Governor of Thal.

• Mehta Kishen Chand - (Chhibber) of Pind Dadan Khan, Governor of the are between the Rivers Ravi and Indus

• Mehta Sukha Nand - A Chhibber belonging to Kala Gujran, was a Governor.

• Bakhshi Gur Narain Datt - Governor of Kohistan and the Potohar, also in-charge of the Privy Seal of Maharja Ranjit Singh. Was widely admired for his absolute loyalty to the kingdom he was a part of and was chosen by the Sikh Durbar for demarcating boundary with Kashmir after the war of 1845. The lands awarded to him included 8 villages near Rawalpindi, including the land on which today’s city of Islamabad stands. Upon conquest of the Punjab by the British, he refused to part with the Privy Seal, and instead destroyed it and committed suicide.

• Mehta Dewan Chand Datt - Governor of the Sind Sagar Doab

• Bakhshi Amrik Rai of Gujrat served as the paymaster of the Sikh army

• Sardar Raja Mahan Singh "Mirpuri" (Bali), was a famous soldier in Maharaja Ranjit Singh's army, who rose to become second-in-command under Hari Singh Nalwa, playing a leading role in the battles of Peshawar and Kashmir, and in defending the Fort of Jamrud in 1837. He was conferred the tile of Raja by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. It is believed that the town of Mansehra in the North West Frontier Province is named after him. His father Data Ram was a counsellor to the Gakhar Subedar of Gurat, Mukkarb Khan.

• Sardar Karam Singh Datt - belonged to the Datt clan of Kanjrur, and was the commandant of the Bodyguards of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

Bhera is a town in the Punjab province of Pakistan. ... Sardar Raja Mahan Singh Mirpuri (also spelled Maan Singh Mirpura/Mirpuria) was a famous General in the kingdom of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, and was the second-in-command to the famous General Sardar Hari Singh Nalwa. ... Hari Singh Nalwa (1791-1837?), an Uppal Khatri born at Gujranwala, was the Commander-in-chief of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. ... Jamrud, located at an altitude of 1512 ft (461 meters) above sea level, is a town located in the North-West Frontier Province of Pakistan. ...

In Afghanistan

• Bakshi Dewan Narain Dass (Chhibber)

He led the army of King Amir Sher Ali Khan in quelling inter-tribal wars. His great-grandfather had migrated to Kabul from the town of Bhera near Pind Dadan Khan.

• Brigadier General Dewan Niranjan Dass

He was Chairman of the State Bank of Afghanistan and Finance Minister of Amir Aman Ullah Khan. He was a descendant of Bakshi Dewan Narain Dass.

Under Dogra Rulers of Kashmir

• Bakhshi Radha Kishen

of Village Thoha Khalsa in Tehsil Kahuta of Rawalpindi District- rose from humble origins to become commander of the army of the Princely State of Kashmir in the reign of Maharaja Gulab Singh. He won laurels for his conquests of Gilgit and Ladakh in 1861.

• Bakhshi Moolraj

He was the son of Bakhshi Radha Kishen. He served as Colonel in the Maharaja’s army and eventually became the Governor of Ladakh.

• Bakhshi Hari Singh (Bhimwal) of Guilana

Starting as a bodyguard of Maharaja Gulab Singh he rose to become a General, played a key role in destroying the Fort of Chilas in 1851 a punitive expedition following a series of attacks by Chilasis, where previous expeditions by others had failed.

• Dewan Bhim Sain Datt of Guliana and Jammu (d. 1844)

He was a minister and the top-most commander of the forces of Raja Suchet Singh, brother of Maharaja Gulab Singh. In 1844, he died fighting on the side of Raja Suchet Singh when their small entourage of 250 persons found itself in an unexpected battle into which they were drawn by treachery. Faced with certain death against a much bigger force of rival Sikh troops of Hira Singh and Pandit Misr Jellah, numbering about 15000 soldiers, most of Raja Suchet Singh's entourage deserted. Dewan Bhim Sen was among about 40 persons who chose to remain on his side and fight, they killed 160 of them before finally being overcome by numbers. Portrait of Gulab Singh Gulab Singh (1792-1857) was the founder and first Maharaja of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir during the British Raj in India. ...

• Dewan Jowahir Mal Datt (d. 1852)

He was the brother of Dewan Bhim Sain Datt, and was a distinguished soldier who was also assigned by Raja Suchet Singh the command of the Dera Charyari, an elite and charismatic Cavalry group under Sikh rule. In the Second Anglo Sikh War in 1848-49 fought between the British-controlled Sikh Durbar and rebellious chieftains, he commanded a major contingent of more than 2000 troops and stayed loyal to the British command, at a time when many others crossed over to the other side. For his bravery, he was awarded a jagir by the British near Kanjrur, which became the village of Jawahar Pur.

• Mehta Sham Das Chhibber (d. 1912)

A descendant of Mehta Sukha Nand, he belonged to Kala Guran and was a representative of the Government of Kashmir in British India.

From the Armed Forces of British and/or Independent India

• 2nd Lt. Puneet Nath Dutt posthumous winner of India's highest gallantry award, Ashok Chakra, in 1997 for his role in a counter-terror operation

• Maj. Vijay Rattan Choudhry (Datt) - posthumously won MVC in Indo Pak war of 1971

• Lt. Col. Rajeev Bakshi - posthumously awarded Sena Medal for his role in a counter insurgency operation that he chose to lead from the front, even when his seniority had allowed him to delegate the task.

• Lt Col. Harbans Lal Mehta (posthumously won MVC in Indo Pak war of 1965)

• Lt. Gen. Kalwant Singh (Datt) (General Officer Commanding during 1948 Indo Pak war)

• Sardar Bahadur Risaldar-Major Bakhshi Ganda Singh Datt, OBI (awarded Order of Merit (IOM) in 1857, saved the life of Sir Robert Sandeman at Lucknow, and later excelled in British Indian Army's wars with China and Afghan Campaigns particularly in the famous march to Kandahar)

• Sardar Bahadur Risaldar-Major Bakshi Prem Singh Vaid, OBI, IOM with 2 Bars

• Sardar Bahadur Risaldar-Major Bakshi Tirath Ram Vaid, OBI, OBE, IOM awarded after battle of Malakand in 1897

• Sardar Bahadaur Mehta Mangat Rai Chhiber, OBI, won numerous medals fought in World Wars I & II, and in Waziristan

• Subedar Major Hony. Capt. Sardar Bahadur Jai Singh Bali, Order of Merit- served with distinction in the Guides Infantry in the British Indian Army, was a special invitee in the Durbars of King Edward VIII (1903), King George V (1913)

• Risaldar-Major Dewan Hukam Singh Datt, Hony. Capt., Hony. Magistrate, ADC to Lord Curzon.

• Raizada Wazir Chand Bali numerous awards from Mesopotamia (1921), Mehmand Operations (1935), Waziristan (1936-38), WW-II including Sardar Bahadur OBI, Hony. Capt., Victory Medal, Iraq Medal, India Service Medal, Burma Star, Britain War Medal.

• Major (Raizada) Madan Lal Vaid, Military Cross in World War II, Jammu and Kashmir Rifles.

• Capt. (Dr.) Prithvi Raj Bali , Military Cross in World War II, one of the very rare cases of a non-combatant getting that award, in the battle of Sidi Birani

• Lt. Gen. Zorawar Chand Bakhshi (Lau) (hero of the capture of the strategic Haji Pir pass in the 1965 Indo-Pak war, and India's most decorated General so far, time having been awarded PVSM, MVC , VrC, VSM and the MacGregor Medal)

• Maj. Gen. Madan Mohan Singh Bakshi - awarded MVC as a Lt. Col. in the 1965 Indo-Pak war, for the capture of Phillora.
• Lt. Gen. Harish Chander Datt, Vr. C, VSM

• Lt. Gen. Dr. Manohar Lal Chhibber, PVSM, AVSM, Padma Bhushan, A key mastermind of India's 1986 Siachen manouvres, was also a Ford Foundation Scholar, Nehru Fellowship Awardee

• Lt. Gen. BKN Chhibber, PVSM, AVSM, VSM (also former Governor of Punjab)

• Lt. Gen. J.L Vaid, Director General of Medical Services

• Air Vice Marshal K.K. Bakshi, born 1935 Vr. C, Vayu Sena Medal (as a Sqn Ldr flying a HF-24 Marut in the 1971 India Pakistan War, he had two confirmed air-to-air combat victories[3] to his credit, both involving superior F-86 Sabre aircraft of the PAF.)

• Air Vice Marshal K.K. Bakshi, AVSM, born 1927

• Air Vice Marshal A. D. Datt, AVSM

• Air Vice Marshal Madan Mohan Datt, Vayu Sena Medal

• Air Vice Marshal Sudarshan Lal Datt, AVSM

• Air Vice Marshal S.D. Mohan, PVSM, AVSM

• Vice Admiral N.P. Datta, PVSM, Padma Shri

• Col. (Dr.) Reoti Raman Bakhshi (After serving as a Doctor in the British Indian Army, was noted for being the only Hindu officer to have served in the Pakistani Army, eventually migrating to India upon retirement in the 1970s)

• Rai Bahadur Bakshi Badri Nath Chhibber (A highly decorated police officer in British and Independent India)

2nd Lt. ... This article is about Ashoka Chakra, an award. ... Major Vijay Rattan Choudhry (July 1939 - 13th Dec 1971), was a soldier who served in the 9 Engineers Regiment regiment of the Indian Army. ... The Maha Vir Chakra medal The Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) is the second highest military decoration in India and is awarded for acts of conspicuous gallantry in the presence of the enemy, whether on land, at sea or in the air. ... The Maha Vir Chakra medal The Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) is the second highest military decoration in India and is awarded for acts of conspicuous gallantry in the presence of the enemy, whether on land, at sea or in the air. ... Sardar Bahadur Risaldar Major Ganda Singh Datt (1830 - July 1903) was a decorated soldier in the British Indian Army, who served in the 19th Bengal Lancers also known as Fanes Horse. ... Order Of British India First Class Order Of British India Second Class // History The Medal was originally instituted by the East India Company on the 18th of April 1837 for long, faithful and honourable service. ... First Class Second Class // History The medal was first introduced by the East India Company in 1837. ... Sardar Bahadur Risaldar Major Bakshi Tirath Ram Vaid (1857 - 1924), O.B.I, O.B.E., Hony. ... British Campaign Medals are awarded to military members participating in specified military campaigns. ... The Burma Star was a campaign medal of the British Commonwealth, awarded for service in World War II. The medal was awarded for service in the Burma Campaign. ... Now serene, Mount Hermon was part of the WWII warzone Raizada Major Madan Lal Vaid won the Military Cross in WWII Raizada Major Madan Lal Vaid (Urdu: رایزاده میجر مدن لال وید) was an officer in the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles regiment of the British Indian Army until the Independence of India in 1947, and... The Military Cross (MC) is the third level military decoration awarded to officers and (since 1993) other ranks of the British Army and formerly also to officers of other Commonwealth countries. ... Jammu and Kashmir Rifles The Jammu & Kashmir Rifles is an infantry regiment of the Indian Army. ... Capt. ... The Military Cross (MC) is the third level military decoration awarded to officers and (since 1993) other ranks of the British Army and formerly also to officers of other Commonwealth countries. ... Lt. ... The Maha Vir Chakra medal The Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) is the second highest military decoration in India and is awarded for acts of conspicuous gallantry in the presence of the enemy, whether on land, at sea or in the air. ... The MacGregor Medal is awarded to Indian Armed Forces personnel for valuable military reconnaissance. ... HAL HF-24 Marut The Hindustan Aeronautics HF-24 Marut (Sanskrit: storm deity) was an Indian fighter-bomber aircraft of the 1960s. ... Rai Bahadur Bakshi Badri Nath Chhibber (1897-1988), was a highly decorated police officer in British and independent India. ...

Other Fields

• Rakesh Mohan (Economist, and Deputy Governor of Reserve Bank of India)

• Bhai Parmanand (Chhibber) (A social reformer in the Punjab, and a descendant of the family of Bhai Mati Das)

• Bhai Balmukand (Chhibber) (Was an active opponent of British rule in India, was hanged in 1915 along with Lala Amir Chand and Awadh Bihari Bose. Was also a descendant of the family of Bhai Mati Das)

• Dr. Bhai Mahavir (former Governor of Madhya Pradesh, son of Bhai Parmanand)

• Dr. Baldev Singh (Vaid) MMBS, MRCP, Hony. Brigadier, Padma Bhushan, Sir Neel Rattan Sircar Oration, General SL Bhatia Oration numerous other achievements and awards.

• Bakshi Ram Dass Chhibber (1850 - 1937) - From the Bhera branch of the Chhibbers, was tutor of Persian and Urdu to the top-most elite of British India, including Lord and Lady Hardinge, Lady Curzon, Lord and Lady Minto, Lady Lansdowne and Field Marshal Roberts. Was a famous philanthropist, and co-founder of the Lady Hardinge Hospital in Delhi, besides being an active reformist in Hindu Society, particularly against female infanticide.

• Chief Justice V.K.Bali (currently Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court)

• Mehta N.N. Mohan (industrialist, founder of Mohan Meakin Breweries)

• Col. V.R. Mohan, Padma Shri - Industrialist, Member of the Indian Parliament, former Mayor of Lucknow

• Brig. Kapil Mohan, VSM - Industrialist, Chairman of Mohan Meakins and Indus Airways[4], Chief Scout of All India Boy Scouts Association, decorated volunteer of India's Territorial Army, also famous for overpowering the hijackers of an Indian Airlines flight on April 10th, 1993 despite getting multiple stab wounds in the process

• Raizada Baldev Bali - Industrialist, and the current elected head of the Mohyal community.

• Prof. V.N Datta - historian

• In the Indian Film Industry- Sunil Dutt, his wife Nargis Dutt (who herself was born half-Mohyal to a Hindu Mohyal father and a Muslim mother), Geeta Bali, Om Prakash, Anand Bakshi, JP Dutta, Gauri Chhibber Khan (wife of Shahrukh Khan), Sanjay Dutt, Lara Dutta (prior to becoming an actor, was also Miss Universe) and Divya Dutta.

Bhai Parmanand was a indian nationalist From a prominent family of the Punjab, descended from the family of the famous Sikh martyr, Bhai Mati Das. ... Portrait depicting the sacrifice of Bhai Mati Das who, along with Bhai Sati Das, was tortured to death in front of Guru Tegh Bahadar Bhai Mati Das is one of the greatest martyrs in Sikh history. ... Portrait depicting the sacrifice of Bhai Mati Das who, along with Bhai Sati Das, was tortured to death in front of Guru Tegh Bahadar Bhai Mati Das is one of the greatest martyrs in Sikh history. ... Dr. Bhai Mahavir is a former governor of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. ... , Madhya Pradesh (abbreviated as MP)   (HindÄ«: मध्य प्रदेश, English: , IPA: ), often called the Heart of India, is a state in central India. ... Asias oldest brewer, Mohan Meakin Limited, traces its history back to the late 1820s, when Edward Dyer travelled from Britain to set up the first brewery in India at Kasauli. ... Sunil Dutt (Hindi: सुनील दत, June 6, 1930 – May 25, 2005), born as Balraj Dutt was an Indian Bollywood actor, producer, director and politician. ... Nargis will always be remembered as Radha in the Magnum Opus Mother India. ... Geeta Bali was born in late 1920s in pre partition Punjab as Harkirtan Kaur, she was a Sikh , her family moved to Bombay and were living in near poverty when she started to get breaks in films. ... Om Prakash (19 December 1919; Lahore – 12 February 1998; Mumbai) was an Indian character actor active starting in 1947. ... Please wikify (format) this article or section as suggested in the Guide to layout and the Manual of Style. ... J P Dutta (born October 3, 1949 in Maharashtra, Bombay) is an Indian Bollywood film producer and director, Mr. ... Gauri Khan (née Chhibbar) born 8 Oct 1970 is the wife of Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan. ... Shahrukh Khan (born November 2, 1965) (Hindi: शाहरुख़ ख़ान, Hindko: شاہ رخ خان) is a highly acclaimed Bollywood actor, producer, and recent host of the game show, Kaun Banega Crorepati. ... Sanjay Dutt (born 29 July 1959) is an Indian Bollywood actor. ... Lara Dutta, (born April 16, 1978) is an Indian actress, UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador and the 2000 Miss Universe. ... Divya Dutta is an Indian actress. ...

Journalists/Writers

• Barkha Dutt

• Kashmiri Lal Zakir (Mohan), Ghalib Award (1985), Nehru Literary Award, (Pakistan's) Naqoosh Award , National Mehdi Nazmi Award (1992)

• Chaudhry Brahm Nath Datt 'Qasir'

• Jamna Das Akhtar

Barkha Dutt in news footage during the Kargil War. ...

See Also

• Brahmins

Young Indian brahmachari Brahmin A Brahmin (less often Brahman) is a member of the Hindu priestly caste. ...

External links

• Mohyals.info
• Mohyals.info/FORUM
• Mohyal
• Mohyals
• Article on 2nd. Lt. Puneet Nath Dutt at Bharat Rakshak, unofficial site of Indian Armed Forces
• Bhai Mati Das
• Bhai Parmanand
• Hindu Followers of Imam Husain
• Article in Pakistan's Defence Journal mentioning Muhiyals.

References