Aheer

Aheer is a Muslim tribe of Rajput status found mainly in the Thal desert region of Punjab, Pakistan.

They are also found in Sindh, Pakistan.

History and origin

There are two traditions AbOUT the origin of the aheers

One connects them with the Aheer ethnic group found in North India. The Aheer are a sub-caste of the Yadav or Yaduvanshi division of the Chandravanshi Kshatriya tribe who are Rajputs in North India and Nepal. Amongst them the most famous one was a Rao Tula Ram Aheer a famous freedom fighter of The INDIAN Rebellion of 1857. The Aheer and Yadav make form a single community in India amounting to about 10% population of India.The Aheer’s also referred as 'Abhira'[1] or 'Abhir' are one of the most ancient martial tribes [2][3], of India, who ruled over different parts of India and Nepal[4] since the ancient times. The word "Abhira" means 'fearless'. Right from the times of the Shakyas, the Kushans and the Synthians (6000 BC) they have been warriors par excellence, and only then agriculturists and farmers. Aheer’s have long cherished the tradition of bravery and warfare [5], which is evident by their large-scale presence in the Indian army and police forces. As a mark of respect towards the Aheer bravery, the British Rulers of India included Aheer amongst the martial races. Aheer community resides in large numbers in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat,[Maharashtra] and [Tamilnadu]. They are also present in large numbers in Terai, the plains that lie in the southern part of Nepal.A majority of Aheers occupy the Rewari Thesil of Gurgaon district. This area is known as Aheerwal. When Shershah Suri fought against Mughal chief, Humayun, the Aheer ‘Khap’ helped Humayun under the leadership of Rao Rura Singh. When Humayun occupied the throne of Delhi again he made Rao Rura Singh the Chief of a Pargana and the Head Quarters of the Pargana was named Rewari. During the reign of Mughals the Aheer State remained as their trust-worthy friend and Rao Tej Singh made a name with them. In 1803 Lord Lake reduced the power and position of the Mughals and captured the Aheers State which was at that time ruled by Puran Singh. Rao Tula Ram was born in 1825. When he was thirteen, Rao Puran Singh died.

The word Aheer is said to be derived from abhir or abhira which means fearless. According to other traditions, the Aheers are the descendants of the famous Qutabshah, ancestor of the Khokhars and Awans, and himself descended from Hazrat Ali(R.A) the fourth Muslim caliph of Islam. The Harals of Chiniot, Sargodha and Gujranwala Districts of Punjab are also said to be a sub-caste of the Aheers.

Malik is title used by aheers in chiniot and khushab while in jhang title of mehar is used.In india they use title of Rao,especially quiet abundant in Rewari (district Gurgaon) of Haryana state.The name of haryana is derived due to abundance of aheers there and the language of aheerwati is spoken there.

Language

The Aheer in Punjab speak Jhangochi and Seraiki, while those in Sindh speak Sindhi.

Location

Found principally in Khushab, Bhakkar, Mianwali, Jhang, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Chiniot, Khanewal,Rahim Yar Khan Districts of Punjab, Pakistan.

Their main villages in Chiniot District are Chak 142J.B (Aheeran), Chak 235JB (Haiboana), Langrana and Mouza Lodhran.

In Jhang District the main village is Chak 410 JB(Aheeranwala).

In Sargodha district Aheer are found mainly near Sahiwal, where there are several villages.

In Mianwali District there are many villages of Aheers, most notable: Aheeranwala, Aba Khel, Ahheranwala, Jandanwala and Wandhi Aheeranwali near Pai-Khel.

In Khanewal District they are found in Kabirwala and near Qadirpur Raan.

Also found in Khushab District. In Khusab they are in large numbers along with Tiwanas and Awans and are quite active in the politics, and found mainly in Mohallah Aheeranwla in main Khushab city and in satellite town Jouharabad. The most influential are the aheers of the Khusab district.Their main villages in Khushab are Aheerpur and Rakh Baghoor.

The tribe is also found in Larkana District and Qambar Shahdadkot district of Sindh province of Pakistan.

In Mandi-bha-ud-din district Tehsil Malakwal there is a famous village of Aheer family Chak 7 (Aheeranwala).

See also

  • Yadav
  • Jats
  • List of Jat Clans of West Punjab
  • Ahirs