Kharal
Quick facts for kids Kharal |
|
|---|---|
| Jāti | Jat |
| Religions | Islam |
| Languages | Punjabi (Jatki) |
| Country |  Pakistan |
| Region |  Punjab |
| Ethnicity | Punjabi |
| Feudal title | Rai |
| Related groups | Jats |
The Kharal people are a well-known Punjabi tribe. They mostly live in the Punjab region of Pakistan. They are part of the larger Jat Muslim community. The Kharal people have a rich history and culture.
Contents
Discovering the Kharal Tribe
Ancient Roots and Early Mentions
The Kharal tribe has a long history. One of the first times they were written about was in the 16th or 17th century. A famous poet named Hazrat Pilu wrote about a character called Mirza Kharal. He described Mirza as a Jat in a popular love story called Kissa Mirza Sahiban.
Later, in the 17th century, another Sufi poet, Hafiz Barkhurdar Ranjha, also wrote about Mirza Kharal. He too called him a Jat in his version of the same folktale. These stories show that the Kharal name has been important for a long time.
British Records and Brave Spirits
During the 1800s and early 1900s, British officials kept records about different groups in the region. They noted that the Kharals were Jat Muslims. Over time, some Kharals also became known as Rajputs. The British also saw the Kharals as a "Martial race." This meant they were known for being very brave and strong. They were often seen as having a rebellious spirit.
Important Moments in Kharal History
Rai Ahmad Khan Kharal: A Freedom Fighter
One of the most famous Kharal leaders was Rai Ahmad Khan Kharal. He was a tribal chief. He played a big role in the Indian Rebellion of 1857. This was a major uprising against British rule. Rai Ahmad Khan brought many tribes together to fight for freedom. Sadly, he was killed during afternoon prayers on September 21, 1857. He is remembered as a hero.
The Legend of Mirza Sahiban
The Kharal tribe is also central to a famous Punjabi love story. It is called Mirza Sahiban. Mirza was the son of a Kharal chief. He fell in love with his cousin, Sahiban. She belonged to the Sial tribe. This beautiful and tragic tale is very popular. It has been told in many Punjabi books and movies.
Kharal Family Groups
The Kharal tribe includes many smaller family groups, called subclans. Here are a few examples:
- Chaverah
- Basheraky
- Mangera
- Sherakhy
- Gogairah
- Lakherah
- Uperah
- Perokah
- Begekeh
- Randhairah
- Lalhairah
- Ruberah
- Sahi
- Lodikeh
- Dehar
- Churiarah
- Khar
- Bhandrah
- Daulkeh
- Sherkeh
- Baira
- Gogerah
The Prominent Khar Subclan
One important subclan is the Khar (Punjabi: کھر). Members of the Khar subclan mostly live in the Multan and Sahiwal districts. They are also very influential in the Muzaffargarh District.
Famous Kharal People
Many Kharal individuals have achieved great things. They have contributed to politics, literature, and public service.
- Rai Ahmad Khan Kharal – A brave freedom fighter and tribal leader.
- Khalid Ahmed Kharal – An important government official and a leader in a political party.
- Naseem Kharal – A landowner and a talented short story writer.
- Rai Mansab Ali Khan (politician, born 1948) – A government official who worked on social well-being.
- Ghulam Mustafa Khar – A former leader of the Punjab region.
- Ghulam Noor Rabbani Khar – A representative in the national government.
- Hina Rabbani Khar – A former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
- Malik Ghulam Raza Rabbani Khar – A representative in the national government.
- Malik Ghulam Arbi Khar – A representative in the national government.
- Rai Ghulam Mujtaba Kharal – A representative in the national government.
- Rai Usman Khan Kharal – A representative in the provincial government of Punjab.
- Rai Haider Ali Khan Kharal – A representative in the provincial government of Punjab.
- Naeem Ahmed Kharal – A representative in the provincial government of Sindh.
