| Jats
The Hindu Jats occupy a prominent place in Haryana, being the single largest
group in the region. Some of the Jats claim themselves to be of Rajput
origin and maintained that their Rajput ancestors came from Malwa, Bikaner,
Dharangar which lay to the east near the ancient Hastinapur. It was the
Jats who formed the ethnic nucleus of the people now called the Punjabi's.
The Jats are divided into twelve chief clans (gotras)
and about 137 minor gotras. The main gotras are Maliks ( also called Gatwallas),
Dahiya, Ahlawat, Rathi, Dalal, Sahrawat, Kadian, Jakhar, Golia and Deswal.
The Muslim Jats, called Mullas are a separate group. The Jats form a predominant
proportion in the districts of Hissar and Karnal and are also found in
good strength in Ambala.
The Jats have great physical and moral energy, are admirable
cultivators. Besides agriculture, they engage themselves in trade and
production of local products in the rural area. Jats join in large numbers
in the Services, particularly in the army and the police. They are finding
representation in civil services also. |
