Kharal (Punjabi: ) is a Punjabi Muslim tribe predominantly found in the Sandal Bar region of Punjab and some parts of Sindh.

History and description

The Kharals predominantly inhabit the western plains of Punjab that lie below the Salt Range and its surrounding areas. The Kharals seem to be most concentrated in the Ravi River Valley between Lahore and the former Montgomery District, this corresponds well to Ain-i-Akbari (1595 CE) listing of Kharal Zamindaris in different Parganas. Additionally, Kharals were designated as a Martial race being known for their bravery and fierceness. Modern Indian and Pakistani census reports mention Kharals as Rajputs though a journal by Government College University listed Kharals along other tribes as Jats. Rai Ahmad Khan Kharal is a historical personality, who was the chieftain of the Kharal tribe, who revolted against the British in the 1857 revolt, where he consequently took leadership of the many local tribes in the region. He was killed while offering afternoon prayers by the British on September 21, 1857. The Kharals are also famous in the Indian Subcontinent due to the one of the greatest and tragic Punjabi romances called Mirza Sahiban. According to the story of Mirza Sahiban as narrated by the Punjabi writer Pilu, the story's protagonist is Mirza, son of the chief of the Kharal of Danabad, who falls in love with his cousin Sahiban, of the Sial tribe. To date there have been many film adaptations in both Pakistan and India of the Story of Mirza and Sahiban.

Subclans

The Kharals have numerous subdivisions more than 150 and clans some of which include Nuwenke, Rehman e (ky), Tule,Basheraky,Ablana, Mangera,Chimnay,Sheraky,Goggara,Lakhera, Upera, Lakhera, Peroka, Jalab ke, Begeke, Randhaira, Lalhaira, Rubera, Sahi, Lodike[y], Dehar, Churiara, Khar, Bhandra, Daulke[y], Sherke[y] and Gogera; the Kharals use many titles including Rai, Chaudhry and Malik but Rai is mostly used.

Notable People

External links‌