SONS OF PUNJAB

Rushna and Suleman Gilbert
5 min readJul 21, 2020

Punjab or Panjab is a land of 5 rivers; Beas, Chenab, Jhelum and, Sutlej. Punjab’s mud has a magic in it. It has a rich culture of hospitality. Its culture is incredible which includes beautiful clothes, language, music and, food. Punjabi people are very friendly and very systemize as well. Punjabi history is something which every Punjabi should be proud of. Bhagat Singh, Ahmed Khan Kharal, Jaypal, Ranjit Singh and, Mirza Qalandar… are some brave soldiers of this great land.

Punjabi Clothes
Punjabi Music
Punjabi Food
Bhagat Singh
Ahmed Khan Kharal
Ranjit Singh

Dulla Bhatti is the name that leaves this list incomplete. He was born in 1547 in Sandal Bar. He is a folk hero. He belonged to the Bhatti tribe which is a gens of Rajputs, Gurjars, and, Jats found in Indo-Pak. Bhatti Rajputs claims the Chandravanshi region. Gurjar Bhatti’s were cattle keepers. Many of them are cattle keepers now as well. In 1857, the British East India Company took some of the lands of Bhatti’s. Britishers were badly opposed. Bhatti’s fought against them and gave them a tough time. Sikh Sidhu Jat rulers of Patiala and Nabha claim to be the descendants of Bhati ruler Rawal Jaiswal. Bhatti name has an association with Sanskrit Lord Bhatta(Bhat). Bhatti clan also refers themselves with Yadavpati, reflecting their Krishna and Yadu links with Jaisalmer — the city of ancient of Bhatti tribe. Dulla Bhatti had the bravery in his genes. He was the 3rd generation fighter against cruelty. His grandfather Sandal Bhatti fought against Mughals in order not to give unnecessary taxes or lands. His son Farid Bhatti carried out the mission and supported the farmers. Sandal and Farid Bhatti both were killed by Mughals. But, it doesn’t lower the Bhatti’s spark for social justice. Dulla Bhatti stopped the illegal occupancy of lands. He fought against King Akbar soldiers; it has also been said soldiers were unknown to Sandal bar territory which was named on this grandfather’s name.

Mughal Empire
Akbar — Mughal Emperor

Once King Akbar went in the forest in Pindi Bhattian with his relative for hunting. He didn’t knew that it is Dulla Bhatti’s territory. Dulla Bhatti’s soldiers took the Akbar to him. Dulla Bhatti didn’t know how King Akbar looks like. He inquired about his identity, Akbar terribly said he is the drummer of King Akbar. Dulla Bhatti said: “I am sorry for this mistake if you are not Akbar then I realize you and If you are Akbar, so this is very shameful to you.” Dulla Bhatti respected elders, women, and loved the younger ones. Dulla Bhatti is considered the HERO OF RAJPUTS. Dulle De Bar means the forest of Dulla Bhatti which is a famous region in Punjab, Pakistan. Dulla Bhatti was hanged to death on March 26, 1599, by King Akbar as of opposition. He was buried in Miani Sahib graveyard, Lahore. Mughals considered him a traitor. But, in his view — he was fighting for masses rights. Unfortunately, Dulla Bhatti is lost in our history. He is not given the regard he deserves. He’s alive today because of his bravery and Punjabi folk singing culture which reminds ‘Dulle Da Var’ meaning the battle events of Dulla Bhatti.

Miani Sahib graveyard — Lahore, Pakistan
Dulla Bhatti Chowk — Lahore, Pakistan

Bhatti tribe bravery can be noticed by their cities; Pindi Bhattian, Bhatinda, Bhattu and, Dullewala… There are many other places where Bhatti people even now are living. Jaisalmer was also founded by a Bhatti ruler. Bhati Gate is also evidence of Bhatti tribe bravery and presence.

Bhatinda, India
Dullewala, Pakistan
Jaisalmer, India
Ancient Bhatti’s Jaisalmer Fort, India
Ancient Bhati Gate — Lahore, Pakistan
Bhati Gate now — Lahore, Pakistan

QUESTION HERE ARISES WHERE IS BHATTI TRIBE NOW?

Here is the answer — Approximately 241,309 people have ‘Bhatti’ surname. It is the 2,289th most common surname in the world. Many are those who didn’t have their surnames as their castes, but they’re of this tribe. Its highest density and prevalency is in Pakistan. This tribe is submerged and is doing well. Some of notable Bhatti tribe Pakistani’s are:

Raja Aziz Bhatti Shaheed(Nishan-e-Haider)

Shahbaz Bhatti

Irshad Bhatti

Dildar Pervaiz Bhatti

Arif Hameed Bhatti

Bilawal Bhatti

Kashif Bhatti

Zafar Rasheed Bhatti

Razia Bhatti

Arif Masih Bhatti

Rasheed Bhatti

I FEEL PROUD TO BE A BHATTI!

Note: This article does not promote racism. It is for information purposes. It does not tend to hurt any individual, society(ies), religion(ies), and clan(s) feelings. Thanks!

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Rushna and Suleman Gilbert
Rushna and Suleman Gilbert

Written by Rushna and Suleman Gilbert

We are freelance writers and enthusiasts.

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