Kharal (Shahmukhi: کھرَل) is a Punjabi Muslims Jat Muslim tribe predominantly found in Punjab, as well as Derajat.
Origins
The earliest recorded mention of the Kharals appears in the 16th–17th century poetic work of Hazrat Pilu, who described
Mirza Kharal as a
Jats in the famous romance
Mirza Sahiban.
In the 17th century, Sufi poet Hafiz Barkhurdar Ranjha also referred to Mirza Kharal as a Jats in his version of the same folktale.
British colonial records from the 19th and early 20th centuries also recorded the Kharals as Jat Muslim and noted Rajputisation of some of the population over time.
History
Rai Ahmad Khan Kharal was the tribal chieftain of the Kharals and a key leader in the 1857 uprising against British rule. He united several tribes in armed resistance and was eventually martyred while offering afternoon prayers on 21 September 1857.
The Kharals are also central to the legendary Punjabi love story of Mirza Sahiban. Mirza, the son of a Kharal chief of Danabad, falls in love with his cousin Sahiban, a member of the Sial tribe. The tale has been immortalized in Punjabi literature and film.
Subclans
The Kharal tribe has numerous subclans. Some of the main subdivisions are:
|
| =CHAVERAKHAN |
| Basheraky |
| Mangera |
| Sherakhy |
| Gogairah |
| Lakherah |
| Uperah |
| Perokah |
| Begekeh |
| Randhairah |
| Lalhairah |
| Ruberah |
| Sahi |
| Lodikeh |
| Dehar |
| Churiarah |
| Khar |
| Bhandrah |
| Daulkeh |
| Sherkeh |
| Baira |
| Gogerah |
-
Khar (Punjabi: کھر) is a prominent subclan of the Kharal tribe. They are primarily found in the Multan and Sahiwal (formerly Montgomery) districts and are considered influential in Muzaffargarh District.
Notable people
-
Rai Ahmad Khan Kharal – freedom fighter and tribal leader
-
Khalid Ahmed Kharal – Federal Minister of Information, Secretary General PPP
-
Naseem Kharal – Sindhi landlord and short story writer
-
Rai Mansab Ali Khan (politician, born 1948) – Provincial Minister for Social Welfare
-
Ghulam Mustafa Khar – Former Governor and Chief Minister of Punjab
-
Ghulam Noor Rabbani Khar – Member of the National Assembly
-
Hina Rabbani Khar – Former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs
-
Malik Ghulam Raza Rabbani Khar – Member of the National Assembly
-
Malik Ghulam Arbi Khar – Member of the National Assembly
-
Rai Ghulam Mujtaba Kharal – Member of the National Assembly
-
Rai Usman Khan Kharal – Member of the Provincial Assembly of Punjab
-
Rai Haider Ali Khan Kharal – Member of the Provincial Assembly of Punjab
-
Naeem Ahmed Kharal – Member of the Provincial Assembly of Sindh
External links
