Samtia

Samtia are a Muslim Jat clan found in Bhakkar and Layyah districts, of Punjab, Pakistan.

History & Origin

They claim Rajput extraction and tell the following story of their origin; Ram Chandar and Gonda adopted Islam under Sultan Allaudin Khilji of Delhi. They then assumed the names of Muharam and Variam respectively.The former was appointed Kardar or governor of Sindh and with his brother came to that country, where he married the daughter of the old governor. But the population rose against the new governor, and the two brothers fled with their kinsmen. The settled in the Sindh Sagar Doab, near the city of Layyah. They overcame the Gashkori Baloch and Bahalim Shaikhs, who occupied the country. They were in turn dispossed by Seharr Jats, who drove them from the western parts of Layyah and Bhakkar districts. The Samtia and Seharr are still biter rivals.

They are also believed to be closely linked with the Bhukar clan of Jats. There are also some other tribes in other areas of Pakistan which are believed to be the ancestors of the main Samtia caste. In Sindh, where a few Samtia are still found, the name of the tribe is pronounced as Samtio.

See also

• List of Jat clans of West Punjab