A history of the Jat Tomars (1) Ravi Chaudhary - source Jat Ithihaas,( Jat History) Mahendra Kumar Shastri,

Parmesh Sharma Shastri, Rajpal Singh Shastri, 1991, Madhur Prakashan, Bazar Sitaram, New Delhi 110006)

According to the Mahabharat, Parikshit took the throne of Indraprasta after Yudhistra. His dynasty ruled for 1864 years or 28 generations, the last king Khemkaran was defeated by Vishrawah, who took the throne. His dynasty ruled for 14 generations. It lasted 500 years. The third dynasty ruled for 15 generations. Then Raja Dughsen came to power and his, fourth dynasty came to power, and after nine generations, the last king was Rajpal. This is supported by the Rajatarungani, and by other inscriptions. This fourth dynasty was uprooted by Raja Vikramaditya Tanwar. (Tomar). He destroyed Indraprasta,( modern Delhi) and shifted the seat of power to Avanti in Ujjain. According to Todd, Vikramaditya, not only destroyed Indraprasta, but also started a new era which is the Vikramaditya era which starts in 57 BCE. After the destruction of Indraprasta, it became less than a village, with no great prominence on the next 800 years. In about 800 CE, Anangpal Tomar, following in the footsteps of his ancestor Vikramaditya, reestablished Indraprasta as the seat of his power. The Tomars renamed Indraprasta as Dhilli or Dilli. Delhi was the center of power for the Tomar dynasty, and stayed that way even after them. In the Delhi area this capital shifted to a number of places, it name may have changed, but the centre of power remained in Dilli. There is a saying Dilli was uprooted many times, and it reestablished many times.

The centers of power in the vicinity of Delhi were: 1. Anangpur 2. Surajkund 3. Yoginipur 4. Mahipalpur 5. Mehrauli 6. Lalkot 7. Dillikah 8. Killohkheri 9. Siri 10. Tuglakabad 11. Jahanbad 12. Firozabad 13. Khizrabad 14. Mubarakbad 15. Deenpanah 16. Shergarh 17. Salimgarh 18. Shahjahanabad 19. Lalkila 20. New Delhi Delhi was given its look by the Tomars, who made it an object of pride by their efforts. Lakes, Temples were inaugurated, and they increased the splendour of Dilli. The ruins of many of these Lakes, Temples, and buildings can still be seen, and give evidence to reality of that age, and legend of the Tomars.

Anangpal Tomar, the First, built in Anangpur, a 289 foot long great Bundh ( a Dam).On two sides were rocky hills, and between them a small river. The river was dammed, with a pucca, sturdy dam, and that is testimony to the engineering skills of the Tomars. Raja Anangpal Tomar built a fort on the hill on top of the Dam, and signs of that fort can be seen today. In 1051 CE Anangpal Tomar II became the ruler and established his capital at Lalkot (Red Fort). He removed the iron victory pillar, erected by his ancestor Vikramaditya Tanwar, from the Vishnudutt Hill, and re erected it bin the centre of his capital Lalkot. The pillar is now outside the Kutb Minar in Delhi, and is testimony to the metallurgical skills of the Tomar era.

In Delhi Shakarpur is the ancient Shakarprasta. This city was as famous as the other cities of the Mahabharat- Tilpat (Telprasta), Soonpath (Svarnprasta), Indrapath (Indraprastha).The Tomars built temples, and lakes in these places. The Bhairon Mandir (temple) of Shakarpur is clear evidence of the ancient Mandirs of the Tomars. The Tomars built the temple of Kaushiki Devi at Okla. She was born here, and she destroyed the rakshasas (demons) Anangpal Tomar II first made his capital at Dhillkapuri, which is between Yoginipur and Mahipalpur. An account of the beauty of the city of Dhillika is found in the Palam Vavli inscription, and in the inscription on the Iron Pillar. The poet Shridhar in 1132 CE makes reference to the city of Dhillika in his book Parshvanath Charita, (Account of Parshvanath). In those times Dhillika was part of Greater Haryana. Anangpal Tomar constructed the lake of Anangpal (Anangpal sarovar), and decorated Dhillika with palaces and temples. One great fort was Lalkot (Red Fort). The place of the Raja surrounded the Iron Pillar. Today that city, those temples are no more, all destroyed, yet this Killi ( iron nail/pillar) is testimony to the glory of the Tomars, the descendants of Vikramaditya Tanwar, many centuries after him. The Raja had this pillar uprooted and reinserted into the ground, and there is an interesting legend of that, for the pillar could not be erected again with the same strong foundation as before. A saying developed: Killi Jo Dilli Bhaii, Tomar Nrp Bhayya Mathiheen

The pillar which was taken to Delhi The Tomar king had lost his senses The Bhat (bard) of Prithbviraj Chauhan Jagnik repeats this account. This is the place that later came to be known as Dilli (Hindi) or Delhi (English). The Iron Pillar or Killi (nail) is 22 feet high and 41/2 feet in circumference. When one sees this pillar one understands what expert metallurgists the craftsmen who made it were. The pillar of beaten iron, indicative of its of its decorative forehead, looks auspicious and great. For centuries this pillar had borne the assault of the winds and rain, yet even now not a trace of rust can be found. There are many more such examples, which are hidden in the ruins of Delhi, which bear testimony to the glory of the Tomars.

The first name of Dilli or Delhi was Dhillkapuri. Deshostith Hariyanakya Prthviyama Svargasanninam Dillikavya Tatra Tomarreh-rasisth Nirmitha

Anangpal Tomar I was the son of Kunwarpal Tomar. Kunwarpals father was Jaipal Tomar., whose elder brother Shalakshpal Tomar put him on the throne. At the time of the invasions of Mahmud of Ghazni it was this Raja Shalakshpal who was ruling Mehrauli- Lalkot or Dhillika, and in 1005 CE he handed over the throne to his younger brother Jaipal. Shalakshpal retired towards Samchana (Gurud) in Haryana and took Sanyaas (spiritual retirement). It is this great personage of whom an account is to be rendered. It is he who was the founder of the Desh Khap of 84 villages. Historians have betrayed the Tomars by restricting their accounts of the Tomars only to the last Raja Anangpal Tomar, whereas there are 26 generations between Anangpal Tomar the 1st and Anangpal Tomar the 2nd. The dynastical list of the Tomars who sat on the throne of Delhi is as below: Tomar Ascended the Throne CE 1 Anangpal 736 2 Vasudev 754 3 Gang 773 4 Prithvimal 764 5 Jaidev 814 6 Virpal 839 7 Adhereh 849 8 Vijay 875 9 Anek 876 10 Rikshpal 919 11 Sukhpal 940 12 Gopal 961 13 Salakshpal 976 14 Jaipal 1005 15 Kunwarpal 1021 16 Anangpal 2nd 1051 17 Vijaypal 1081 18 Mahipal* 1105 Founded th city of Mahipalpur and built a Shiv Temple. 19 Arkpal ( Anangpal3rd) 1130 20 Vahardpal Devs Son ascended 1190 21 Tejpal 1162 ( ruled for 15 days. He was defeated and killed by Kutubudin Aibak.)

Arkpal Tomar, also known as Anangpal the thirds was the last ruler of this dynasty. He ascended the throne in 1130 CE. He had no sons. He had two daughters. The elder Balm was married to Raja Vijaychand of Kannauj, who had a son borne to him -Raja Jaichand Rathor. The other daughter Kamla was married to the son of Raja Someshwar of Ajmer, who was borne a son Prithviraj Chauhan. It was this Prithviraj Chauhan who was seated on the throne of Delhi after Anangpal Tomar the third or Arkpal Tomar. Historians err in considering the Delhi Tomars to be Rajputs. Nowhere in the Rajput groups do we find the sons of the daughters taking over the inheritance. Our concern here is now with Salakshpal Tomar who loved seven generations before Anangpal Tomar the third, and abdicating his throne, in favor of his younger brother. The descendants of Salakshpal Tomar even toady, are to be found living in Desh republic, near modern Baraut, proud of their royal lineage and that they are Jats. This Khap is also known as Salakyan Tomars. His other brother Salakshpal gave his name to 84 villages of Kalashlayan Gujars, and those Jats have joined the Gujar stream.

Salakshpal Tomar ascended the throne of Indraprasta I 979 CE. He ruled for 25 years, 10 months, and 10 days before abdicating the throne in favour of his younger brother Jaipal in 1005 CE. He retired to Samcharan( modern Rohtak), and then after some time crossed the river Yamuna, and came to the banks of the River Krishna near Meerut, and this became part of the territory of the Tomars. The Meerut Gazetteer tells us of the tradition that The district of Meerut formed part of the dominions of Mahipal, King of Indraprasta. Raja Salakshpal Tomar, when he arrived in this area had with him 500 warriors of whom 205 were Jats, and the rest were from other communities. At this time the country was fearful of the invasions of Mahmud of Ghazni. The Meos lived between the Krishna Yamuna Doab( land between), and they were now leaning towards Islam. Raja Salakshpal Tomar later came to be known as Salakpal Tomar in this area. They were the same person. Upto now the forms of societies had been, Ganrajya (republican or Samrajya (monarchy) or they could be called Ekrat, Dvirat, Aratt, and Samrat, but Salakshpal started the society of Chaudratt. In this area he started six chaudhratts of 14 villages each, and this totaled to 84, and was known as the Chaudratt of the Chaurasi (or 84)..First the Chaudhary on one village was selected, and then the Chaudhary of 14 villages and finally each community (biradari) selected their Chaudhary at the 84 village level. The Chaudhary was, he who took on the duty of serving his people, and was constant ready to do so. This was done under the supervision of the Jat Chaudhries. The janpad (republic) would invite learned persons and rajas to participate. The janpad in time was called Salaklayan Janpad. This republic was also known as the Salakalyan or Sarvkalyan Khap (the republic that benefits all). This republic was also known as Desh or country, and the saying took hold, that if indeed there is a country it is the Salaklayan Khap. The Khap became known as the Desh Khap. Salakpal's younger brother started the Kalashlayan Chaudhrat, which joined the Gujar stream. Another brother Bharomull started another Chaudhrat. (Note the author uses the term Chaudrath and Chaudhrat interchangeably. This is more common than expected in the Hindi language and has other implications in the study of History) The older existing Pals and Khaps soon took to using this nomenclature of Chaudhrat. These kinds of republics had existed much earlier, where the members of a clan would live together, and would govern themselves adopted republican methods. They however had and maintained their relationships with the Emperor. (Samrat), in this rapid development, each clan developed its own Khap (republic), but we also find other clans present, though one clan would be a majority. Other communities existed, but the ownership of the land was in the hands of the Jats. The hostile invaders through the centuries tried their best to destroy our special civilization, and culture, but the Chaudrahat society established by Salakshpal, and governorship over the land, Bhaichara, (cooperative) method of land cultivation, is till in the nature and speech of the people there today. They never accepted being dominated over by anyone, yet would willingly sacrifice all if approached with gentleness. The culture of the Chaudhary was held in greet esteem. His orders were obeyed by all. His word was like that of a king. The bigger conflicts were dealt with through the Panchayat or council of five. This republic had so much strength that foreign powers bowed before them. THE FIRST CHAUDHRAT IN THE 84 VILLAGES OF THE DESH KHAP OF THE TOMARS.

1. BARAUT : The first Chaudhary of 14 villages was Rao Rampal Tomar 2 BAWLI : : The first Chaudhary of 14 villages was Rao Mahipal Tomar 3. KISHANPUR BARAAL : The first Chaudhary of 14 villages was Rao KrishnaPal Tomar 4. BIJRAUL : The first Chaudhary of 14 villages was Rao Chandrapal Tomar 5. BAAMDHAULI : The first Chaudhary of 14 villages was Rao Haripal Tomar 6. BALVAHNDI (Hilwandi) : The first Chaudhary of 14 villages was Shahohpal Tomar !4 villages of Shahpur Badhauli, for some reason, were established in the Koil (Aligarh) area, and here too there are 14 villages of Salakpal Tomars. There they are known as Salakyan (Kadhir). Later Shahpur Badhauli was inhabited by the people from the Meher Patti and the Baraut Chaudhran. As the custom of the 14 villages spread, this was followed by the establishment of the Chaudhrat of seven (7) villages, but Mahipal, the eldest son of Salakshpal established the Chaudhrat of 16 villages instead of 7. In this manner a republic of 84 villages was established. The centre was established at Baraut... The first Chaudhary of this republic was the youngest son of Salakpal Rao Deshpal. This Chaudhrat became the best known. In this Janpad there were Chaudhries from all biradharis (communities). There names should be given (by the author) but could not due to shortage of space. At the same time, Rai Sukhpal Tomar established his centre at Bakhenah (now Bijnor), and established the Desh Chaudhrat at Kelanpur, Husainpur, Hirnakhera, Mustafabad, Sheikpuri, Malriya, Salmabad, Bharera, and at Shadipur in Moradabad.

In the District of Muzzafarnagar, the villages of Haidernagar, Gadhiajru, Veenpur, and Shahpur also come in this Chaudhrat. In Mathura district we find the villages of Nangla Thadal, Udaipur, and Nangla Bhaiy were also established by the Salakyan, and come into the Desh Chaudrat. In Muzzafarnagar the Rajputs of Veeral have come out of the Desh Jats and have joined the Rajput community. They are therefore known as Salakyan rajputs. In Haryana the village of Samchana is older than the Desh.

In the same manner one great warrior, who established the village of Gopalpur Khadana, went to Bundelkhand where he displayed great prowess. He settled there and started the Salakyan Chaudhrat. He later married a Rajput lady, and when the Rajput Jagir of Shavpur was established, he became the Jagirdar, and joined the Rajput community. There was a lot of interaction and going and coming between Bundelkhand and Bawli, and Khandana, and Kishenpur Baraal. As the current era approached this decreased and ended. Even today one finds the Salakalyan Rajputs in Bundelkhand.

Salakshpals daughter also honored her ancestors. There is a well near Garhmukteshwar (on the Ganga River, on the Delhi- Nainital road, some 100 km from Delhi. The well is known as Nung. The legend is- this well was inaugurated by Yudhistra (of the Mahabharat fame). The Tomars conquered seven villages near Garh Mukteshwar, and devoted their revenue to the upkeep of this well. The practice carried on until British times.

The people of the Desh have generally forgotten that the famous well of Garhmukteshwar was inaugurated by their ancestors. It is a result of this that they have lost their power and falling behind in modern revolutions, yet even today if they make the effort, the Desh Khap will be second to none. The youngest son of Salakshpal was Rao Deshpal, who lived in Baraut. The eldest son Rao Mahipal, who had his centre of activity of Bawli, and the mid son was Rao Krishnpal who centre was Biraal, and that place was renamed Krishn Biraal, and later Kishanpur Biraal. Raja Salakshpal die in Baraut. Upon his death, his youngest son Deshpal was recognized in his place, and form that time, Baraut gained in respect. In the Salakshpal era, much work took place in Kishanpur Biraal- Buildings were built, tanks/lakes were constructed, and the scale of activity far exceeded the activity in another part of the Desh . However after Salakshpals death, the paramount of Baraut in relation Kishanpur Biraal kept increasing. Salakshpal and his successors gave a great deal of emphasis on education of the population, and opened many schools. Salakyan is a branch of the Tomars. Tomars and Tanwar are the same. The other offshoots of the Tomars are, Tenua, Antal, Antale, Gurdiya, Bhind Tanwar, Kuntal, Chapothcut, Chabuk, Chawla, Chopra, Chokar, Salakyan Tomar, Miteh Tomar, Salakyan Kadhir.

[ note I will question some of these goths as originating fom the Tomars- e.g Antal, Kuntal, Chabuk. Chokar etc -Ravi}. Source: Jat Balwan, Jat History (1991) Mahendra Kumar Shastri, Madhur Prakashan, 2804 Arya Samaj Mandir, Bazar Sitaram, Delhi 11006

GUJAR AND JATS

The Gujar Community is a martial community of India. Until now Historians have not been able to say exactly as to what is the origin of word Gujar, Gurjar, Gaocher, Kosar, Khosa or Khijar. The Gujars are also described in modern history books as descendants of Huns. The theory is that Hun tribes used to keep on moving but their base was in the country near Bahre Khijar (Black sea). From here they went to Europe and Central Asia. Their main occupation was grazing cattle and sheep. They used to call themselves Khujar. Khujar got converted to Gujar

Although Huns were shepherds,they were brave warriors. They were from pure Aryan stock they invaded India in about 400 AD. When defeated and driven out by king YASHODHARAMAN they concealed themselves in the mountains. A large number settled down in these countries. But amongst Indian Gujars only five gotras are after the name of Hun Sardars.Th e rest of the Gujars are from Jat Gotras. Some of them are from Rajputs also. Dr. Huthi of Georgia paid a visit to India in 1967 and studied the Gujars living in Northern India. He has stated that there are Georgian tribes too among the Gujars because the accent of the Indian Gujars, their dress and their bullock carts resemble that of the Georgians. Dr. Huthi is of the view that they came to India when Timur let loose a reign of terror over them and consequently they settled here. They came here to protect their lives and religion and called themselves Georgian", Jorjars",. Later this word was changed into Gujjar.

The "Khetana" caste of the Gujjars is also a proof of the fact that they came from Khotan. The Gujar Gotras are divided into three groups. One group is after the name of Hun Sardars; these are Meharkul, Torman, Jabila, Chhabri Chiche etc. The second group is after the names of foreign Jat groups whose ancestors have come from Gor and Khotan coutries; these are Casana, Khatana, Gorsi, (Ghosi) Birket etc. The third and largest group Gujars of gotras are the same as Jat Gotras.

The Gujar force ascendancy arose after the death of King Harsh Vardhana and they undertook the task of protecting the Hindu religion and checking the advance of Islam on the Western frontiers of the country.

The Jats accepted Gujar leadership because Gujars were Buddhists and had arisen for a noble cause. The Jats who joined the Gujar force also came to be known as Gujars by and by. (Kings of Solankni Gotra,PANWAR or PARTIHARS established two kingdoms named BHINMAL, and TIRA (ACHALGARH) in the area of Mount Abu. The proof of Parmars and Pratihars being Gujars or Huns is that there was a town named JABLAPURI which both these kingdoms claimed as their heritage. JABILA ( HUN) was the chief of the tribe.

Kasana or KASVAN is a Jat Gotra in Rajasthan at present. King KANISKA was a foreign Yuchi (YATI Jat and Khathans were Khotani or Turkish Jats. Turkistan has been a pure Jat country and the ancestors or Turks were of TAKSHAK GHORSI (Ghosi) (GHORZAY), the Zablastanis of Kabul were Indians. GORZAI a big tribe of Pathans in Ghazni (ZABILASTAN) claim their origin from Gazni. The Gaur Jats and Rajput had their kingdoms in RAJASTHAN also. This was because AFGHANISTAN was a province of India and tribes often shifted from one province to another.

The Arab historian SULEMAN NADVI in his book Tarikhe-Tibri' writes that in 900 A. D. there was a powerful Jat king of BALHARA Gotra. He ruled on the Western frontiers of India and was a fast friend of Arab Kings. On the other hand the Gujar was a bitter foe of Arab and Islam. The Gujar rule had that time spread over most of India. About 70 Jat Gotras joined the Gujar force and started calling themselves GUJARS. Some of these Jat Gotras are given below. Bhind Bhoria Bhatti Babar Bagiar Bar Bhilaut Bhadan Chalukya Chaura Cirwar Changas Dulesra Duhal Dehru Goraya Jarija

Jinder Kitcher Kataria Khokkar Khirya Khare Kharal Punia Rathi Rawasia Phalswal(Poruval) Sindher Singal Sargu

Lamba Midhan Matsara Medh Puni Sandal Thakrela Titarwal Tanwar Thand Gomat Girwar Gaherwal Jamgal Jaglain Bander Birru Chandal Chandel Chhonker The Gujars were Buddhists. After the death of King Harsha vardhan, the Puranic Mat eclipsed Buddhism. The Brahmin priests did not admit Gujars as 'Akshatriyas' calling them foreigners. This point was an obstacle for hem in winning over the public faith and establishing a firm Gujar rule- With this policy, the Brahmins succeeded in converting Gujars from Buddhism to the Puranic Mat. Later the Gujars in power were named as 'Rajputs', after the ceremony of 'Agni Kund Yagya' and granted the privileges to be classified as 'Aksahtriyas'

Source : R S Joon- History of the Jats, Rohtak, India Ch 6. ' offshoot communities of the Jats'