Muslim Rajputs

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 Muslim Rajputs (more commonly known as Musalman Rajputs within India and Pakistan) are Rajputs who practice Islam.
Rajputs (Urdu: راجپوت) were the rulings clans of India during the classical period, i.e. 8-13th century. The term Rajput is traditionally applied to the original Suryavanshi, Chandravanshi and Agnivanshi clans.

The 1931 census of British India was the last to record caste affiliation in a manner that provides reliable information on Rajput demographics. Any present-day estimates are therefore speculative; they also vary widely.

The 1931 census reported a total of 10.7 million people self-describing as Rajput. Of this population, about 8.6 million people also self-described as being Hindu, about 2.1 million as being Muslim and about 50,000 as being Sikh by religion.

Muslim conquest of South Asia At the time of arrival of Islam, the north and west region South Asia region was ruled by Rajput clans. The Rajputs and Muslim armies fought many battles for the control of South Asia. Mahmud of Ghazni destroyed the power of Rajputs in western South Asia in 1010 CE. Muhammad Ghori in 1191 conquered Delhi after defeating last defense of Rajputs and established the Muslim empire by 1206AD. Qutb-ud-din Aybak declared himself the first Sultan of Delhi.

Muslim Rajput clans such as the Janjua aided the Mughal conquest of India by taking part in the imperial armies. It must also be mentioned here that Hindu Rajputs also took part in these conquests as allies and even took part in marriage with the Mughals such as the Kachwaha Rajput Clan (who gave Rani Jodha Bhai's hand to Emperor Akbar), Raja Man Singh aided Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1568 against the Sesodias.

Conversion to Islam Many Rajput clans had converted to Islam during the early 12th Century and since conversion have remained loyal to their faith. Many Rajputs were converted to Islam by the Muslim Sufis missionaries of the famed Chistiya, Qadriya orders and many others. Some conversions also took place for political reasons. The Delhi Sultanate and later Mughal dynasty encouraged the martial Rajput clans to convert to Islam. Conversions to Islam continued into the 19th century period of the British Raj.

The Discovery of India by Jawaharlal Nehru no less, (Oxford Uni.Press 1985, p62) puts into context the concept of unifying 'lineal' inherited identity with 'religious' duty, "The fact of subsequent conversion to other faiths, did not deprive them of this heritage; just as the Greeks, after their conversion to Christianity, did not lose pride in the mighty achievements of their ancestors, of the Italians in the great days of the Roman Republic and early empire." (p341), "...Christians, Jews, Parsees, Moslems. Indian converts to these religions never ceased to be Indian on account of a change of their faith...."

Nehru also mentioned his own personal experience with Muslim Rajputs as he grew up, "I grew to know; the Rajput peasant and petty landholder, still proud of his race and ancestry, even though he might have changed his faith and adopted Islam." More importantly he bears testament to the fact that despite his change of faith, a Rajput is still referred to and recognised as a Rajput.(The Discovery of India, 2004, Penguin, p51)

He made mention of Islam's mass appeal, "...The impact of the invaders of the north-west and Islam on India had been considerable. It pointed out and shown up the abuses that had crept up into Hindu society-the petrifaction of caste, untouchability, exclusiveness carried to fantastic lengths. The idea of brotherhood of Islam and of the theoretical equality of its adherents made a powerful appeal, especially those of the Hindu fold who were denied any semblance of equal treatment..." (p265)

He further stated the conversions of Hindu upper castes to Islam, "Some individuals belonging to the higher castes also adopted the new faith, either because of a real change of belief, or, more often, for political economic reasons....though all their social structure was based on the group (caste/social class), in matters of religion they were highly individualistic...It is worth noting as a rule, conversions to Islam were group conversions...Among the upper castes individuals may change their religion...almost an entire village would convert...group life as well as well as their functions continued as before with only minor variations with regards worship etc." (p266)

Sir Denzil Ibbetson (Panjab castes New Delhi, repr.2002, p14, p139, p206, p262, p153-154) records the prominent positions of the Musalmán (Muslim) Rajputs many times, from their courage and valiant martial tradition, to some clans lack of difference from their Hindu counterparts in some regions.

 Regarding their rule as Muslim kings and chiefs of multi faith subjects, it is recorded in the Jhelum District Gazetteer (Lahore, repr.2004, p129), "thoroughly convinced of the truth of their own creed, though they are by no means intolerant or fanatical."

The Rajput conversions attracted criticism from their Hindu counterparts. Despite the anger of their Hindu peers, the Muslim Rajputs remained steadfast and loyal to their faiths and there exists no record of any prominent Muslim Rajput clan converting back to Hinduism after accepting Islam.

There is an interesting case of this happening up until the recent British Raj era of India's history which established a precedent in their government. In "Rulers of India, Lord Lawrence and the Reconstruction of India Under The Crown" by Sir Charles Aitcheson, K.C.S.I., M.A., LL.D.(Clarendon Press 1897,V p117) stated that in the state of Rajgarh, the ruling Rajput Chief began to show a tendency towards Islam and got into difficulties with his Hindu caste peers over this. This occurred during the period of Sir John Lawrence’s Viceroy period. His open following of Islamic traditions had infuriated his peers and feelings were so strong against him that he chose to abdicate the royal throne and retire to his new found faith. The subsequent inquiry against him however showed that he was a good ruler and no misgovernment was charged against him and his subjects were satisfied with his rule. A year later this Rajput chief openly declared the Kalima (Muslim affirmation of embracing Islam) and renounced the Hindu faith. His sons also joined him. This case established for the British Raj the precedent that no leader or ruler can be replaced simply because of his change of creed. Regardless of the feelings of his peers, it was the quality of his rule that mattered. There is also recorded instances of recent conversions of Rajputs to Islam in Western Uttar Pradesh, Khurja tahsil of Bulanshahr.

But despite the difference in faith, where the question has arisen of Common Rajput honour, there have been instances where both Muslim and Hindu Rajputs have united together against threats from external ethnic groups.

Muslim Gautama Thakurs.

An interesting example is also of the Gautamana Thakurs of Uttar Pradesh, India. The tribe consisting of both HIndus and Muslims, co exist as a single tribe, supported each other staunchly through the Pre Partition Communal riots and have continued their respect towards one another despite the two distinct faiths of Islam and Hinduism.

Beliefs and customs of Muslim Rajputs Muslim Rajputs believe that being a Rajput is a matter of lineal heritage and martial upbringing, which is not exclusive to Hinduism. Islam's ideal of a Mujahid replaces the Hindu Kshatriya ideal. Although proud of their ancestry, they do not overly romanticize their ancestry which is forbidden in Islam. They also renounced the Varna, Indian caste system. 

Change of name A custom during these conversions was to adopt a new name to reflect their change of faith. Many Rajput kings changed their names, but also retained their ancestral/lineal titles such as Raja, Maharaja and Rai as well as tribal names such as Bhatti, Janjua, Minhas, Naru, Kokhar etc. This sense of identity has never been lost and Islam did in fact support and recognize tribal identity.

Marriages Hindu Rajput code dictates that Rajputs can only marry amongst other Rajputs. According to Islam it was a preferred custom for a Royal to marry within royalty (note: this only applies to ruling royals). However, tradition of marriages into only one group or clan because of caste reasons is not permitted in Islam. This led to a great change in the traditional rajput marital policy. Muslim Rajputs therefore started to marry from other dominant Muslim clans of non Rajput ancestry. This was to continue the tradition of royal/strategic marriages without prejudice to Rajput affiliation. This was further realized when some major Rajput clans of Punjab intermarried into other clans of foreign descent. However, some Muslim Rajputs still follow the custom of only marrying into other Rajput clans only, such as some (not all) branches of the Narus, Bhattis, Janjuas, Jarrals, Chauhans, Kokhars and Rathores.

Geneological Family Trees This is a strong tradition that exists amongst Rajputs of all faiths, the recording of family names and continuance of the family tree. Muslim Rajputs of prominence hold and continue to record their geneological trees since their Hindu past even after their conversion to Islam, to the present day.

Inheritance A reference to certain customs of inheritance and marriage of Muhammadan Rajputs is mentioned on this link in relation to Hindu Rajputs and other tribes.

Titles Many Muslim Rajputs were conferred titles by the Mughal Emperors such as Nawab (Governor), Khan (Grand chief), Malik (Royal), Chaudhry and Mirza i.e. Prince of the blood. It was not uncommon for such titles to continue down the line of descent. Although the majority of Muslim Rajputs use Raja as their ancestral title, some also adopted the Persian title of Mirza instead of Rajput to distinguish their Muslim identity from their previous Hindu one as it is a Persian word meaning prince of the blood.

Rana, Rai, Rao, Raja, Khan,Chaudhry, Khanzada are titles often used by Rajput Muslims. Some Muslim Rajput clans were given imperial titles by the Mughals, such the Jarral Rajputs given the title of Mirza by Shah Jahan and the Tanoli Janjuas of Amb receiving the title of Nawab's of the state.

The title of Chaudhry was conferred on the chiefs of the Muslim Minhas Rajputs in Chakwal by the Mughal Emperor Babur and is used by some clans who were conferred this prestigious office.

The title of Sultan has been also conferred to some Muslim Rajputs such as the Janjua Sultan of Watli.

British Raj References of Muslim Rajputs During the British era, the English quickly recognised the martial spirit of the Muslim Rajput and conferred great respect on their prominent clans and also documented their presence in the British army, praising their Martial traditions and abilities.

In 1922 there is mention of Muslim Rajputs having their own regiments as well as taking part in other famous regiments;

·         18th Musalman Rajput regiment[2]

·         35th Scinde Horse [3]

·         36th Jacob's Horse [4]

·         17th Musalman Rajput regiment of Wana, Bengal Army

·         Mauritius 18th Muslim Rajput regiment [5]

The Jhelum District Gazetteer of 1904 (Lahore 2002, p254) states clearly the esteem of the Muslim Rajput tribes of Janjua and Tiwana, "...recruiting ground par excellence for Punjábi Musalmáns...The Janjúas of the Salt Range are considered second to none in martial spirit and tradition, and with the Gakkhars and Tiwánás form the élite of the Punjábi Musalmáns." (NOTE The Gakhars mentioned are not a Rajput tribe but a Punjabi tribe which uses the Raja Kayani title today in Pakistan.)

Sir Lepel H.Griffin in his famous book, Chiefs and Families of note in the Punjab (1909, Lahore, p217) stated, "The Janjuahs furnish excellent Cavalry recruits" The Janjua clan is a famous Muslim Rajputs of Punjab.

Sardar Bahadur Lieutenant Colonel Raja Atta Ullah Khan Jarral of Rajaur - He served in the Hodson's Horse and 9th and 10th Bengal Lancers. Wounded many a time and was a highly decorated soldier of his time. He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and in the year 1885, became the first ever Muslim to be designated British Envoy (Ambassador) to Afghanistan. He was also conferred the title of Sardar Bahadur by the British Raj. Punjab Chiefs (Lahore 1909, p100) notes, " (he) received Orders of Merit and of British India. In special acknowledgement of his services, a grant of six hundred acres in Rukhanwala, Tahsil Kasur, Lahore, was made to him and his heirs in perpetuity." He was highly respected by the British who further granted him the personal title of Raja also.

Sardar Bahadur Malik Jahan Khan Tiwana - of Jahanabad, established a reputation as valiant, gallant and faithful in his time, being conferred also the titles of, "...Sardar Bahadur for conspicuous bravery and merit..." (Chiefs and Families of Note of the Punjab, L.H.Griffin, Lahore 1909,p189)

Sardar Bahadur Captain Hussain Baksh Khan Janjua - was a decorated and highly respected Chief during the British Raj. He was conferred the title of Sardar Bahadur for his bravery and courage. (Tarikh e Janjua Raja M.A.Khan Janjua, Sahiwal Press)

All above, indicating a strong and continued martial tradition even into the present day with high ranking military officers listed in the below sections

  Major Muslim Rajput clans

·         UP: Malkhana (Gaud and Jayaswal)

·         Haryana: Mev (Laldasi, Khanzade), Toor/Tanwar/Tomar

·         Punjab: Naru, Bhatti, Manj, Punwar, Chauhan, Minhas, Tiwana, Noon, Noor, Joiya, Gheba, Jodhra, Janjua, Sial,
          Chadhar, Wattu, Khokhar, Gehlot, Kasvaal, Ranial, Kerala, Dhamial.

·         Rajasthan: Quayam Khani (Chauhan), Lalkhani.

·         Gujarat: Mole Islam (Girasia)

·         Sindh: Mahar/Maher (Surajvanshi), Bhutto, Deshwali (Agnivanshi), Sama (Bhati), Sodha (Parmar), Tonwar 
          (Bhaiya, Tannu), Sattar (Rathore) etc.

·         Azad Kashmir: Jarral, Kalyaal, Khakha, Chibh.

·         NWFP: Tanoli

The Mughal princes had some maternal Rajput blood. Both Jahangir, Shahjahan and Bahadur Shah Zafar had Rajput mothers.

Historical

·         Muhammad Ali Jinnah   - Founder of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan

·         Fatima Jinnah    - Sister of Jinnah and "Mother of Pakistan

·         Nawab Qaim Khan  - Ameer of the Delhi Sultanate and The Chief of Qaimkhani tribe.

·         Malik Feroz Khan Noon   - Former Prime Minister of Pakistan

·         Chaudhry Aurangzeb Khan -  famous Minhas Rajput during the British era.

·         Rai Bhoe Bhatti  - Founder of Nankana Sahib).

·         Rai Bular Bhatti   - Land lord of over 100,000 acres (400 km2) in modern day

·         Chaudhry Chaku Khan  - founder of Chakwal and the chief of Mair Minhas tribe

·         Raja Muhammed Sarfraz Khan - politician and a member of Pakistan Movement.

·         Raja Ghazanfar Ali Khan Khokhar - one of Pakistan's first Federal Ministers.

·         Raja Habib ur Rahman Khan - Freedom fighter with Indian National Army, Fateh-e-Bhimber (Liberator    of 
          Bhimber) Azad Kashmir.

·         Muhammed Akbar Khan   - The first Muslim to become a General in British Indian Army.

·         Iftikhar Khan - the first local Commander in Chief of the Pakistan Army

·         Rai Rehamat Khan Bhatti, descendant of Rai Bular, and one of the largest landholders.

·         Rai Hussain Khan Bhatti, one of the largest landholdholders in Punjab.

·         Malik Umar Hayat Khan, one of the largest landholders in the Punjab

·         Malik Khizar Hayat Tiwana, Prime Minister of the Punjab province, 1942–47.

·         Sardar Fateh Muhammad Khan Karelvi, fought against the Dogra army

·         Raja Sakhi Daler Khan, fought against the Dogra army

·         Shibli Nomani, Indian scholar on Islam

·         Shah Nawaz Khan, fought in the Indian National Army against the British in World War II

·         General Fateh Naseeb Khan - Chief General of Alwar Army Rajasthan

·         Pakistani politicians

·         Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, President of Pakistan, 1971 - 1973. Prime Minister of Pakistan, 1973 - 1977. Founder of 
          the Pakistan People’s Party

·         Benazir Bhutto, Prime Minister of Pakistan, 1988 – 1990, and 1993 – 1996. First Muslim female Head of state

·         Muhammad Khan Junejo- Former Prime Minister of Pakistan

·         Ahsan Iqbal[Sulehria]-Former minister of Education, Current Member of the national assembly

·         Manzoor Wattoo- Former Chief Minister of Punjab

·         Rana Muhammad Akram Khan Chairman Punjab Bar Council from (2010–11)

·         Mian Mumtaz Daultana - Former Chief Minister of Punjab

·         Allah Bux Soomro - Former Chief Minister of Sindh

·         Arbab Raheem - Former Chief Minister of Sindh

·         Raja Saroop Khan - Former Governor of Punjab

·         Tikka Khan - Former Governor of Punjab

·         Elahi Bux Soomro Speaker National Assembly Pakistan

·         Muhammad Mian Soomro Chairman Senate of Pakistan

·         Raja Mummtaz Hussain Rathore Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir (AJK)

·         Raja Muhammad Zulqarnain Khan President of AJK

·         Sardar Sikandar Hayat Khan- Former Prime Minister and President of AJK

·         Farzana Raja- The Secretary of Punjab Pakistan Peoples Party

·         Raja Pervaiz Ashraf- Minister for Water and Power of Pakistan.

·         Rana Tanveer Hussain- Former Minister of Defence Production

·         Rana Mohammad Hanif Khan- Finance Minister of Pakistan

·         Rao Sikandar Iqbal- Defence Minister of Pakistan

·         Iqbal Tikka- Former Minister for Food & Agriculture Punjab

·         Malik Sultan Ali Khan Noon- chief of the Noon family

·         Malik Anwer Ali Noon- Prominent politician

·         Malik Amjad Ali Noon- Chairman Prime Minister Inspection Commission of Pakistan

·         Rahim Bux Soomro Minister Sindh

·         Nisar Ali Khan - Current opposition leader in the National Assembly

·         Amir Gulistan Janjua - former governor of the North-West Frontier Province

·         Riaz Khokhar - former Foreign Secretary of Pakistan

·         Raja Anwar - Former minister, journalist and writer

·         Raja Nadir Pervez - Politician, former federal minister and former Army officer

·         M. Nawaz Khokhar - Ex deputy speaker of the National Assembly

·         Rana Phool Muhammad Khan -MPA from Bhai Pheru (Phool Nagar)

·         Rana Muhammad Iqbal Khan- Speaker Punjab Assembly -2008

·         Tehmina Janjua - currently Deputy Permanent Representative in United Nations.

·         Tehmina Daultana - Minister for Science and Technology of Pakistan

·         Nawab Sir Malik Khizar Hayat Tiwana (Prime Minister of the Punjab 1940's)

·         Zulfikar Ali Bhutto (President/Prime Minister of Pakistan)

·         Mohammad Khan Junejo (Prime Minister of Pakistan)

·         Mian Mumtaz Daulatana (Chief Minister of the Punjab)

·         Abdul Sattar Laleka (Federal Minister)

·         Sadique Khan Kanju (Federal Minister)

·         Ghaus Bux Khan Mahar (Federal Minister)

·         Mian Manzoor Ahmad Watu (Former Chief Minister Punjab)

·         Raja Ghazanfar Ali Khan Kokhar (Federal Minister)

·         Raja Muhammed Sarfraz Khan Minhas, Pakistan Movement, MLA Chakwal 1929-1958

·         Rana Phool Khan (Provincial Minister)

·         Rana Muhammad Iqbal Khan  - Speaker Punjab Assembly

·         Rana Muhammad Usman Ali  President Of  People Student Federation Of Govt. Degree College More Khunda

·         Rana Muhammad Ahsan Khan Senior Vice President Of  PMLN Youth wing, President Of All Rajput Youth wing 
          Of International

·         Ayub Khan Tanoli (Pakistan Provincial Minister)

·         Jam Sadiq Ali Junejo (Chief Minister of the Sindh)

Contemporary

·         Benazir Bhutto (twice Prime Minister of Pakistan)

·         Mian Manzoor Ahmad Watu (Chief Minister of the Punjab)

·         Raja Zafar ul Haq Janjua (Chairman of Muslim League-Federal Minister)

·         Sardar Tufial Ahmed Khan Meo (Member National Assembly Pakistan)

·         Khalid Ahmad Khan Kharral (Federal Minister)

·         Sardar Ali Muhammad Khan Mahar (Chief Minister of Sindh)

·         Raja Lal Khan Janjua (Federal Minister)

·         Sardar Ghulam Muhammad Khan Mahar (Federal Minister)

·         Raja Nadir Pervez, Sitara-e-Jurat {Federal Minister)

·         Raja Lehrasab Khan Janjua (Federal Minister)

·         Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan Alpial Manj (Federal Mininster)

·         Sardar Hanif Ahmed Khan Meo (Member National Assembly)

·         Raja Parvez Ashraf of Gujar Khan PPP (Member of National Assembly)

·         Ch. Zaheerudin Khan (Provincial Minister Punjab)

·         Raja Tariq Khan Janjua - District Nazim Qadian, Gujar Khan

·         Sardar Ghulam Abbass Khan Minhas (Provincial Minister Punjab) District Nazim Chakwal

·         Rana Aftab Ahmad Khan PPP (Leader Of the Opposition, Punjab)

·         Mian Muhammad Latif Panwar Rajput (Member of Provincial Assembly of Punjab, Bhawalpur)

·         Rana Muhammad Usman Ali  President Of  People Student Federation Of Govt. Degree College More Khunda

·         Rana Muhammad Ahsan Khan Senior Vice President Of  PMLN Youth wing, President Of All Rajput Youth wing 
          Of International

Army
·         General Muhammed Akbar Khan (P.A.1), First Muslim General of British Army & later Pakistan Army

·         General Muhammed Iftikhar Khan (Minhas) (Died in Air crash 1949)

·         General Asif Nawaz Janjua - Chief of Staff Pakistan Army.

·         General Muhammed Anwar Khan (Minhas)(First Engineer in Chief of Pakistan Army)

·         General Tikka Khan Janjua - Chief of Staff Pakistan Army.

·         General Muhammad Yusaf Khan Kaimkhani, former Vice Chief Of Army Staff of the Pakistan Army

·         General Iftikhar Janjua - Died on the frontline and honoured as a National Hero.

·         Lieutenant General (retd.) Mohammad Tariq

·         Brigadier (retd) Amir Gulistan Janjua and also Governor (retd) of NWFP

·         General Iftikhar Ali Khan (Manj, Alpial)

·         Lieutenant General Afzal Janjua

·         Lieutenant General Afzal Muzaffar

·         General Afzal Janjua

·         General Tariq Pervaiz Khan

·         Lt Gen Raja Saroop Khan former Governor of Punjab

·         Maj Gen Shah Nawaz Khan Janjua, Indian freedom fighter with the Indian National Army

·         Maj Gen Raja Sakhi Daler Khan Kashmiri freedom fighter with the Indian National Army

·         Maj Gen Rao Farman Ali, former Adviser to the Government of East Pakistan during 1971

·         Maj Gen Iftikhar Janjua, the most senior Pakistani officer to have been killed in battle during 1971

·         Brig Raja Habib ur Rahman Khan Freedom fighter with Indian National Army, Fateh-e-Bhimber (Liberator of    
          Bhimber) Azad Kashmir

·         Brig Amir Gulistan Janjua, former Governor of the North-West Frontier Province

·         Lieutenant General (retd) Rao Farman Ali Khan

·         General Ahsan Saleem Hyat (Vice Chief of Army Staff)

·         Brigadier Nisar Mahar

·         Brigadier Raja Fiaz Ahmad Janjua

Air Force

• Air Chief Marshal Kalim Saadat
• Air Vice Marshal Raja Aftab Iqbal
• Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman, current Chief of Air Staff of the Pakistan Air Force

Nishan-e-Haider

·         Raja Muhammed Sarwar

·         Major Raja Aziz Bhatti

·         Pilot Office Rashid Minhas

·         Major Shabir Shareef

·         Sawar Muhammad Hussain Janjua

Victoria Cross

• Subaidar Khudadad Khan Minhas

Hilal-e-Kashmir

• Saif Ali Janjua

Civil
·         Sir Shahnawaz Khan Bhutto, Sindh

·         Khan Bahadur Raja Faqir Ullah Khan Jarral

·         Khan Bahadur Malik Zaman Mahdi Khan Janjua

·         Khan Bahadur,Raja Sahib, Chaudhry Aurangzeb Khan, E.A.C Minhas

·         Nawab Salahuddin Khan,(Tanoli Janjua): Nawab of Amb state.

·         Raja Allahdad Khan Minhas Chief Secretary, NWFP

·         Raja Ahmad Khan Minhas Chief Secretary, Baluchistan

·         Ms Tehmina Janjua - Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the United Nations

·         Dr Gulfaraz Ahmed Federal Secretary, Government of Pakistan

Cricket
·         Waseem Hassan Raja

·         Rameez Hassan Raja

·         Rana Naved-ul-Hasan

·         Sajid Mahmood (Janjua)

·         Rao Iftikhar Anjum

·         Shafqat Rana

·         Azmat Rana

• Shakoor Rana
• Majid Haq
• Omer Hussain
• Saqlain Mushtaq

Hockey
·         Col. Zafar Zafri Minhas

·         Ch. Mudassar Ali Khan Minhas

·         Mujahid Rana

Boxing
·         Amir Khan (boxer)  Olympic silver medalist 2004, Gold medalist in Junior Olympics 2003.

Academics, Science and Technology
·         Prof. Rao Muhammed Akber

·         Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan Rajput (Vice Chancellor, Mehran University of Engineering and technology)

·         Dr. Gulfaraz Ahmed Minhas, BSc Civil Engineering (Gold Medalist), PhD(Stanford University California, USA) formerly: Chairman OGDC, Chairman NEPRA, Federal Secretary Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Resources, Member Board of Trustees Pakistan Science Foundation, Member National Reconstruction Bureau, Member Sixth National Finance Commission, presently: Regular Visiting Faculty National University of Sciences and Technology, Executive Director International Institute of Peace & Conflict Resolution

·         Raja Sabri Khan (M.Sc. Aero & Astro, MIT)--Minhas

·         Dr. Muhammad Mohsin Farooq Rana (PMC Faisalabad)--(Toor Rajput)

·         Prof. Dr. F.A.Shams (Late) M.Sc.M.A.(Cantab) President Pakistan Academy of Geological Sciences also former:Director ,Institute of Geology..Dean Faculty of Science, Director Centre for Integrated Mountain Research,Punjab University Lahore.(Naru Rajput)

·         Rana Muhammad Safdar Jang khan. (Naru Rajput),(Ex. D.P.I. Punjab)

·         Lt. General Mohammad Akram Khan (Vice Chancellor, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore.)

Arts

·         Inayat Hussain Bhatti (1928–1999) Multidimensional icon of Pakistan. His body of work includes contributions as a singer, actor, producer, director, script writer, social worker, columnist, religious scholar and a protagonist of the development of Punjabi language and literature.

North America
·         Riasat Ali Khan (1933 – 2003)

·         Dr. Ali Rajput, O.C., S.O.M.

·         Yasin Janjua - Economist

 References

·         A Glossary of the Tribes and Castes of the Punjab and North-West Frontier Province (3 vols)Maclagan Ibbetson, H.A. Rose:

·         Handbook on Rajputs.Bingley, A.H, Delhi: AES, 1986

·         Annals and antiquities of Rajasthan or the Central and Western Rajput States of India by James Tod

·         The early history of Rajputs: (750 to 1000 A.D.)

ALL RAJPUT YOUTHWING OF INTERNATIONAL

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RAJPUT NISHAN-E-HAIDER HOLDERS

_RAJPUT NISHAN-E-HAIDER HOLDERS

__Nishan-e-Haider

Nishan-e-Haider (Urdu: نشان حیدر, translated as “Emblem of Haider, where Haider is the epithet of Ali and means Lion”), is the highest military award given by Pakistan. It was established in 1957. It is awarded to military personnel, regardless of rank, for extraordinary bravery in combat. The award is considered to be the highest military award and is only awarded to those who have sacrificed their life. Its exclusivity may be gauged by the fact that since it was established only 10 awards have been made and given. To date all awards have been made posthumously (after the death). Of the 10 recipients, 9 have been from the Pakistan Army and one has been from the Pakistan Air Force. Pakistan has fought battles in 1948, 1956, 1965, 1971 and 1999. Most of all the Shaheeds have been of Rajput (Rajpoot) or Pathan families. Here I will mention only Rajput Shaheeds who have been awarded with Nishan-e-Haider. Rajput is a caste.

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Pilot Office Rashid Minhas Shaheed
Date of Shahadat: 20 August 1971
Age: 20 years

Born 17 February 1951, commissioned as a pilot in the Pakistan Air Force. Pilot Officer Minhas was taxiing for take-off on a routine traning flight when an Instructor Pilot forced his way into the rear cockpit, seized control of the aircraft and took off. When Minhas realized that the absconding pilot was heading towards India, he tried to regain control of the plane but was unable to do so. Knowing that it meant certin death, he damaged the controls and forced the aircraft to crash thirty two miles short of the border on 20 August 1971. He died at the age of 20.

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Major Raja Aziz Bhatti Shaheed
Date of Shahadat:10 september 1965
Age: 37 years

Born 1928 in Hong Kong. Commissioned into the Punjab Regiment, 1950. On 6 September 1965, as Company Commander in the Burki area of the Lahore sector, Major Bhatti chose to move with his forward platton under incessant artillery and tank attacks for five days and nights in the defence of the strategic BRB canal. Throughout, undaunted by constant fire from enemy shell arms, tanks and artillery, he organized the defence of the canal, directing his men to answer the fire until he was hit by an enemy tank shell which killed him on 10 September 1965. He was 37 years old.

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Major Tufail Muhammad Shaheed
Date of Shahadat: 17 August 1958
Age: 44 years

Born 1914 in Hoshiarpur. Commissioned into the 16th Punjab Regiment, 1943. Early in August, 1958, Major Tufail, a Company Commander in the East Pakistan Rifles, and his patrol encircled an Indian post in the Lakshmipur area. And, though mortally wounded in the hand-to-hand encounter that followed, Major Tufail continued to lead his troops till the Indians were driven out, leaving four dead and three prisoners. He died the same day on 7 August 1958 at the age of 44.

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Jawan Sawar Muhammad Hussain Shaheed
Date of Shahadat: 10 sep 1971
Age: 22 years

Born 18th June 1949 in Dhok Pir Baksh (now Dhok Mohammad Husain Janjua). Enlisted as a driver on 3 September 1966. Although only a driver in the 20th Lancers, when war broke out in 1971, Sowar Mohammad Hussein took an active part in every battle in which his unit was engaged unmindful of any danger, no matter how grave. When he spotted the enemy digging in along a minefield near the village of Harar Khurd in December 1971 on his own initiative he directed accurate fire at the enemy resulting in the destruction of sixteen enemy tanks. But while directing fire from recoilless rifles, he was hit in the chest by a burst of machine-gun fire and died on 10 December 1971 at the age of 22.

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Captain Muhammad Sarwer Shaheed
Date of Shahadat: 27 july 1948
Age: 38 years

Born 1910, Village Sanghori, Commissioned into the Punjab Regiment, 1944. During the Kashmir Operations soon after the birth of Pakistan, as Company Commander in the 2nd Battalion of the Punjab Regiment, Captain Sarwar launched an attack causing heavy casualties against a strongly fortified enemy position in the Uri Sector under heavy machine-gun, grenade and mortar fire. But on 27 July 1948, as he moved forward with six of his men to cut their way through a barbed wire barrier, he died when his chest was riddled by a burst of automatic fire. He was 38 years old.

Other Nishan-e-Haider holders are Major Mohammad Akram Shaheed, Lance Naik Muhammad Mahfooz Shaheed, Major Shabbir Sharif Shaheed, Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed and Havaldaar Lalak Jan Shaheed.

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INDIAN RAJPUTS

_INDIAN RAJPUTS

Historical figures Maharana Pratap of Mewar, a 16th century Rajput ruler and great warrior. The Mughal emperor Akbar sent many missions against him. He survived to ultimately gain control of all of Mewar, excluding Chittorgarh Fort. Statue of Prithvi Raj Chauhan at Ajmer

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• Banda Bahadur, Sikh Dogra Rajput(Minhas Sub Clan) warrior against the Mughal Empire.Leader of Khalsa armies.Defeated Punjab governor Wazir Khan and founded the first independent Sikh Kingdom. Executed by Mogul Empire for not converting to islam.
• Bappa Rawal, First Gehlot king at Chitrakut(Chittor),who defeated Arabs after their capture of sindh

• Gogaji, Chauhan Rajput and Local deity of Rajasthan.
• Vachra Dada, a Solanki Rajput and folk deity of Gujarat.
• Maharaja Gulab Singh, Started his career as Maharaja Ranjit Singh captain soon rise in rank and stature to become the first Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir.[1]
• Chatrapati Shivaji- Founder of Maratha Raj considered the greatest warrior of modern Indian Subcontinent. Many scholars believe Shivaji to be a descendant of Sesodia.[2][3][4]While some scholars doubt Sisodia origin of Shivaji.[5] For more Info see Bhosle
• Zorawar Singh Kalhuria rajput conqueror of Ladakh,Baltistan,Gilgit,Western Tibet.[1]
• Prithvi Narayan Shah, United Emperor of Gorkha, descendants of Sisodia of Chittor.He was of mixed race Aryan Rajput from father side and Mongol from mother side.

Politicians of India

        Pratibha Patil is the 12th and current President of India and first woman to hold the office

• Shah Nawaz Khan Janjua, Indian soldier with the Indian National Army and Former Union Minister

        Arjun Singh Former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh,Former Cabinet Minister,Government of    
        India,a            
         dedicated Congressman and Rajput leader from Madhya Pradesh.
        Dr. Karan Singh M.P Rajya Sabha and heir-apparent to the then ruler of the state of Jammu and
        Kashmir
        Maharaja Hari Singh, in the royal family of Jammu and Kashmir. He received the Padma Vibhushan in
        2005.
        Dr.   Raman Singh is the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh Thakur Sanjay Singh Rajput leader from Uttar
        Pradesh,belongs to the Royal family of Amethi

• Pratibha Patil, President of India
• Arjun Singh, Senior Congress Leader.Former Minister for Human Resource and Development
• Dr. Karan Singh, Senior Congress Leader and 1st Governor of Jammu and Kashmir
• Digvijay Singh, Former Chief Minister under Madhya Pradesh, General Secretary of the Congress Party
• Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, 11th Vice President of India. Also served Three times Chief Minister Of Rajasthan from BJP party.
• Rajnath Singh, former National President of BJP
• Thakur Sanjay Singh M.P from Sultanpur U.P and secretry A.I.C.C.
• Vishwanath Pratap Singh, The 10th Prime Minister of India. Former Finance Minister of India, also Served as Chief Minister Of Uttar Pradesh.
• Chandra Shekhar, The 11th Prime Minister of India. Led Samajwadi Janata Party (Rashtriya)
• Deep Narayan Singh, 2nd Chief Minister of Bihar
• Dr.Anugrah Narayan Singh,Member Constituent Assembly of India & 1st Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar
• Madhav Singh Solanki, Former Chief Minister of Gujrat
• Jagdambika Pal, Former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and Member of Parliament
• Chandrashekhar Singh, Former Chief Minister of Bihar
• Satyendra Narayan Singh,Rajput Chieftain,Member of Provisional Parliament,Member of 1st Lok-Sabha & Former Chief Minister of Bihar
• Raghubansh Prasad Singh M.P from Vaishali Bihar and former cabinet minister.
• Bharatsinh Solanki, Minister, Government of India
• Virbhadra Singh, Former Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh from Indian National Congress and current Union Cabinet Minister
• Harikesh Bahadur, Senior Congress leader
• Nikhil Kumar, current Governor of Nagaland
• Raman Singh, Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh from BJP party
• Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Former Union Minister.
• Bhanwar Jitendra Singh, Secretary A.I.C.C, Member of Parliament from Alwar Rajasthan
• Prabhunath Singh, Former Member of Parliament from Maharajganj Bihar
• Gayatri Devi, former Maharani of Jaipur
• Jaswant Singh, Leader of opposition, Rajya Sabha and Former Finance Minister of India
• N. K. Singh, former Revenue Secretary of India & Member of Parliament(Rajya Sabha)
• Sushil Kumar Singh (politician), Member of Parliament from Aurangabad Bihar
• Bhakt Darshan, Former Union Minister Govt. of India
• Dharam Singh, Former Chief Minister of Karnataka
• Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister of Himachal Pardesh
• Bhagat Singh Koshiyari, Former Chief Minister
• Digvijay Singh, former railway minister
• Harish Rawat, PCC Chief, Uttarakhand
• Maharaja Karni Singh, Rajasthan Leader
• Tan Singh
• Rameshwar Prasad Sinha Freedom fighter,Member of Constituent Assembly of India
• Dilip Singh Judeo, Former Indian Minister of State for Environment and Forests
• Shankersinh Vaghela, Former Chief Minister of Gujrat , Current Union Minister or Textile
• Nareshchandra Singh, Former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh from Indian National Congress
• Kalikesh Singh Deo, Member of Parliament from Saintala Constituency
• Kalyan Singh Kalvi
• Shyama Singh, First woman Member of Parliament (LS) from Aurangabad
• Amar Singh, Member of Parliament Rajya sabha
• Uday Singh,Member of Parliament from Purnea Bihar.
• Chhavi Rajawat,Female Sarpanch of Soda, Rajasthan, described as changing face of Rajasthan by Times of India.
• Shivraj Singh Chauhan C.M Of Madhya Pradesh

• Gabar Singh Negi, awarded the Victoria Cross
• Darwan Singh Negi, awarded the Victoria Cross
• Admiral Vijai Singh Shekhawat, Chief of the Naval Staff
• Admiral Madhvendra Singh, Chief of the Naval Staff
• Lieutenant General Kanwar Bahadur Singh, MBE, GoC-in-C, Central Command, Governor, Himachal Pradesh
• Brigadier Maharaja Sawai Bhawani Singh, MVC, Maharaja of Jaipur
• Lieutenant General Thakur Nathu Singh Rathore, former GoC-in-C, Eastern Army Command
• General Vijay Kumar Singh, Chief of the Army Staff
• Company Havildar Major Piru Singh, awarded Param Veer Chakra posthumously for gallantry of highest order, during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947
• Colonel Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, AVSM, Olympian
• Lieutenant General Hanut Singh, Strategician
• Major Shaitan Singh, awarded the Param Vir Chakra, the highest gallantry award posthumously during the 1962 Indo-China war.[11]
• Naik Jadu Nath Singh,awarded Param Vir Chakra in 1948 Indo-Pak War.[12][13]
• Lieutenant General Sagat Singh
• Karni Singh Rathore
• Saurabh Singh Shekhawat
• Rajendrasinhji Jadeja, first Chief of Army Staff
• Raja Sakhi Daler Khan, Kashmiri soldier with the Indian National Army
• Col. Rana Jodha Jung Bahadur, Commander-in-Chief Tripura State Forces, KCIO 1st King's Commissioned Officer