Mohyal Brahmin: Difference between revisions

What links here Related changes Page information Get shortened URL
Created by 103.140.73.159
Last edited December 16, 2025
VisualWikitext
No edit summary
 
m further refined citations per sources and updated info
 
(One intermediate revision by one other user not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
'''Mohyal Brahmin''' is an Indian caste of [[Saraswat Brahmin|Saraswat Brahmins]] with origins in the [[Punjab region]]. They have originated from Sindh and Afghanistan region.{{cn|date=August 2021}} The members of this clan originate from the broader [[Saraswat Brahmin]] group and comprise seven sub-clans named [[Bali clan|Bali]], [[Bhimwal]], [[Chhibber]], [[Datt]], [[Lau clan|Lau]], [[Mohan (clan)|Mohan]] and [[Vaid]]. These each claim their lineage from one of seven different [[Brahmin]] [[rishi]]s.
{{Short description|Sub-caste of Saraswat Brahmins}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2024}}
'''Mohyal Brahmins''' are a sub-caste of [[Saraswat Brahmins]] from the [[Punjab]] region.<ref name=":0" /> A sub-group of the [[Punjabi Hindu]] community, Mohyal caste comprises seven clans named [[Bali clan|Bali]], [[Bhimwal]], [[Chhibber]], [[Datt]], [[Lau clan|Lau]], [[Mohan (clan)|Mohan]] and [[Vaid (surname)|Vaid]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Hanks |first=Patrick |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vG7MZ9J6dAgC&q=Mohyal |title=Dictionary of American Family Names: 3-Volume Set |date=2003-05-08 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-508137-4 |location=USA |pages=89, 414, 605 |language=en}}</ref>


The majority of them identify as Hindu, A very small minority of Mohyals also have an association with shia muslims because they help imam hussain in karbala calling,these Mohyals are called [[Hussaini Brahmin]]s.
Several Mohyal families might also opt to  use surnames like [[Bakhshi]], [[Bhai (surname)|Bhai]], [[Chaudhri]], [[Dewan]], [[Malik]], [[Mehta]], and [[Raizada]], as a hereditary courtesy title bestowed upon their families for their bravery and service.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-04-26 |title=Mohyal History – Mohyal History |url=https://mohyalhistory.com/mohyal-history/ |access-date=2025-08-14 |language=en-US}}</ref>


Certain scholars have suggested a connection between Mohyals (Vaids in particular) and the Baidya (Vaidya) community of Bengal. [[Sena dynasty]] of Bengal is identified as Vaidya,<ref>https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.50087/page/n210/mode/1up</ref> and Brahmakshatriya (i.e., Militant Brahmins). According to historian T.P. Russell Stracey, "'''Vaidya''' is a different rendering of '''Vaid'''".<ref>https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.237762/page/n142/mode/1up</ref> Panchanan Raya referred to the Lau clan as being descendants of a branch of Sena kings,<ref>https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.279334/page/n185/mode/1up</ref> and he also connected the Mohyals with Bengali Baidyas <ref>https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.279334/page/n184/mode/1up</ref> and stated that many families of the latter clan merged with the former clan.<ref>https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.279334/page/n185/mode/1up</ref> It is worth noting that Dhanvantari gotra is found as the original gotra among the Bengali Baidyas,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.co.in/books?redir_esc=y&id=I3JDAAAAYAAJ&focus=searchwithinvolume&q=dhanvantari|title=Origin and Growth of Caste in India|last=Dutt|first=Nripendra}}</ref> which is also the gotra of the Mohyal Vaids.  
According to an oral tradition, some Mohyal Brahmins helped [[Husayn ibn Ali|Imam Hussain]] in the [[Battle of Karbala]]; these Mohyal Brahmins are called [[Hussaini Brahmin]]s.<ref name="HussainiBrahmins">Multiple sources:
*{{cite news | date=5 November 2014 | language=en | publisher=Firstpost | url=https://www.firstpost.com/living/meet-the-hussaini-brahmins-hindus-who-observe-muharram-alongside-muslims-1788623.html | url-status=live | access-date=14 April 2022 | title=Meet the Hussaini Brahmins, Hindus who observe Muharram alongside Muslims | archive-url=https://archive.today/20220414061233/https://www.firstpost.com/living/meet-the-hussaini-brahmins-hindus-who-observe-muharram-alongside-muslims-1788623.html | archive-date=14 April 2022 }}
*{{cite news |date=30 September 2019 |last=Datta |first=Nonica |url=https://thewire.in/religion/the-forgotten-history-of-hussaini-brahmins-and-muharram-in-amritsar |url-status= live |access-date=30 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101130440if_/https://thewire.in/religion/the-forgotten-history-of-hussaini-brahmins-and-muharram-in-amritsar |archive-date=1 November 2020 |title=The Forgotten History of Hussaini Brahmins and Muharram in Amritsar |publisher=[[The Wire (India)|The Wire]]}}
*{{cite news |date=5 November 2014 |last=Akram |first=Maria |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/For-Hussaini-brahmans-its-Muharram-as-usual/articleshow/45039950.cms |url-status=live |access-date=30 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122165217/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/For-Hussaini-brahmans-its-Muharram-as-usual/articleshow/45039950.cms |archive-date=22 January 2016 |title=For Hussaini brahmans, it's Muharram as usual |work=[[The Times of India]]}}
*{{cite news |date=21 September 2018 |first=Khalid|last=Alvi|author-link=Khalid Alvi |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/hussaini-brahmins-hindus-muslims-muharram-mohyal-brahmins-5367234/ |url-status=live |access-date=30 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928131917/https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/hussaini-brahmins-hindus-muslims-muharram-mohyal-brahmins-5367234/ |archive-date=28 September 2018 |title=In Good Faith: The Hindus with Hussain |work=[[The Indian Express]]}}
*{{cite news |date=31 December 2017 |last=Sheikh |first=Majid |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1379906 |url-status=live |access-date=30 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180101100115/https://www.dawn.com/news/1379906 |archive-date=1 January 2018 |title=Spiritual connect of two villages on both sides of the divide |publisher=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]]|location=Pakistan}}
*{{cite news |date=4 October 2018 |last=Rasool Dehlvi |first=Ghulam |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/opinion/op-ed/041018/mystic-mantra-hussaini-brahmins-upheld-the-truth.html |url-status=live |access-date=30 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181003234208/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/opinion/op-ed/041018/mystic-mantra-hussaini-brahmins-upheld-the-truth.html |archive-date=3 October 2018 |title=Mystic Mantra: Hussaini brahmins upheld the truth |work=[[Deccan Chronicle]]}}
*{{cite news |date=25 November 2012 |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/where-hindus-join-shias-to-mourn-imam-hussain/story-WYAq3mZrRbABPzSXlSCR0J.html |url-status=live |access-date=30 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170815180628/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/where-hindus-join-shias-to-mourn-imam-hussain/story-WYAq3mZrRbABPzSXlSCR0J.html |archive-date=15 August 2017 |title=Where Hindus join Shias to mourn Imam Hussain |work=[[Hindustan Times]]}}
*{{cite news |date=5 November 2014 |last=Tharoor |first=Ishaan |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2014/11/05/why-these-hindus-celebrate-the-muslim-festival-of-moharram/ |url-status=live |access-date=30 July 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220330150436/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2014/11/05/why-these-hindus-celebrate-the-muslim-festival-of-moharram/ |archive-date=30 March 2022 |title=Why these Hindus celebrate the Muslim festival of Moharram |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]}}
*{{cite web |date=16 May 2004 |first=Yoginder|last=Sikand|author-link=Yoginder Sikand |url=https://www.milligazette.com/Archives/2004/16-31May04-Print-Edition/1605200441.htm |url-status=live |access-date=30 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040824205552/https://www.milligazette.com/Archives/2004/16-31May04-Print-Edition/1605200441.htm |archive-date=24 August 2004 |title=Hindu followers of Muslim imam |work=[[The Milli Gazette]]}}</ref> Prior to the [[Partition of India]], Mohyal Brahmins lived primarily in the western [[Punjab]], including present-day [[Hazara Division|Hazara division]] and the [[Pir Panjal Range|Pir Panjal]] regions of [[Khyber Pakhtunkhwa]] and [[Jammu and Kashmir (princely state)|Jammu and Kashmir]] respectively.  


The Mohyals do not practise priestly duties.<ref>https://www.ecoi.net/en/file/local/1305628/1226_1374670688_ind39846.pdf</ref> The same tradition is seen in the Bhumihar clan and the Bengali Baidya clan, who, despite following Brahmin varna-rituals, are often considered as Semi-brahmins <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.co.in/books?redir_esc=y&id=ttcnAQAAMAAJ&focus=searchwithinvolume&q=Sharma|title=Multiculturalism: Public Policy and Problem Areas in Canada and India|last=Raj|first=Christopher S.}}</ref> for not performing priestly duties.
After the partition, most migrated to, and settled in the new created [[Republic of India]]. As per data by the [[Government of Punjab, India|Government of Punjab]], the priestly practice of Mohyal Brahmins has slowly reduced after the partition.<ref>{{cite web |date=31 January 2012 |url=https://www.ecoi.net/en/file/local/1305628/1226_1374670688_ind39846.pdf |access-date=20 March 2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220107153948/https://www.ecoi.net/en/file/local/1305628/1226_1374670688_ind39846.pdf |archive-date=7 January 2022 |title=Country Advice: India |work=[[Refugee Review Tribunal]]}}</ref> Mohyals do not perform priestly duties.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ttcnAQAAMAAJ&q=Sharma|title=Multiculturalism: Public Policy and Problem Areas in Canada and India|last=Raj|first=Christopher S.|year=2009|publisher=Manak Publications |isbn=9788178311845}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Fazl |first=Abul |date=5 November 2014 |url=https://kashmirobserver.net/2014/11/05/the-brahmins-who-fought-for-imam-hussain-at-karbala/ |access-date=8 July 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211204202830/https://kashmirobserver.net/2014/11/05/the-brahmins-who-fought-for-imam-hussain-at-karbala/ |archive-date=4 December 2021 |title=The Brahmins Who Fought For Imam Hussain at Karbala |work=Kashmir Observer Online}}</ref>{{Hinduism in India| collapse}}
 
<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://kashmirobserver.net/2014/11/05/the-brahmins-who-fought-for-imam-hussain-at-karbala/|title=The Brahmins Who Fought For Imam Hussain At Karbala|last=Fazl|first=Abul|date=November 5, 2014|work=Kashmir Observer Online|access-date=8 July 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>Mohyal Brahmin along with [[Tyagi]] Brahmin Of Haryana,[[Nambudiri]] of Kerala,[[Bhumihar]] Brahmins of MP, Bihar, UP are Known as '''Brahmrishi''' Community Of Brahmins. Though they are a different section of Brahmins than the above mentioned groups.


== Contributions to Sikhism ==
== Contributions to Sikhism ==
===Spirituality and identity===
The majority of Mohyal Brahmins identify as [[Hindu]], with some also identifying as [[Sikh]]. [[Guru Nanak]], continuing in the tradition of [[Bhakti movement|Bhakti]] Saints, revitalised [[Sanātanī|Sanatan]] ('Hindu') wisdom in order to make to accessible for the common people of late [[Medieval India]].<ref>{{Cite book|title=Bhakti religion in North India : community identity and political action|date=1995|publisher=State University of New York Press|others=Lorenzen, David N.|isbn=0-585-04526-7|location=Albany|oclc=42854916}}</ref>{{page needed|date=June 2024}} As a part of this transformation, many Punjabi Hindus, including the Mohyals, revered and followed Guru Nanak. This devotion towards Nanak's ''mat'' (teachings/wisdom) led them to follow Nanak's successors and then assist in the creation of the Sikh ethos. Moreover, as the latter Gurus became martial, this community was a natural home for the warrior-class of the Punjabi Hindus.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|title=Who is a Sikh? : the problem of Sikh identity|last=McLeod, W. H.|date=1989|publisher=Clarendon Press|isbn=0-19-826548-4|location=Oxford|oclc=19125681}}</ref>{{page needed|date=June 2024}}<ref name="auto1">{{Cite book|title=The Construction of religious boundaries : culture, identity, and diversity in the Sikh tradition|last=Oberoi, Harjot.|date=1994|publisher=University of Chicago Press|isbn=0-226-61592-8|location=Chicago, IL|oclc=30157084}}</ref>{{page needed|date=June 2024}}


Guru [[Guru Nanak|Nanak]], revitalised faith in order to make it accessible for the common people of Late [[Medieval India|Medieval]] India. As a part of this transformation, many Punjabi Hindus, including the Mohyals, revered and followed Guru Nanak.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}} This devotion towards Nanak's ''mat'' (teachings/wisdom) led them to follow Nanak's successors and then assist in the creation of the Sikh ethos. Moreover, as the latter Gurus became martial, this community was a natural home for the warrior-class of Punjabi Hindus.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/19125681|title=Who is a Sikh? : the problem of Sikh identity|last=McLeod, W. H.|date=1989|publisher=Clarendon Press|isbn=0-19-826548-4|location=Oxford|oclc=19125681}}</ref>{{page needed|date=July 2020}} A distinct Sikh [[religious identity]] was not created until the 19th century, thus, referring to the period of the Gurus as ''Sikhism'' is problematic.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/30157084|title=The Construction of religious boundaries : culture, identity, and diversity in the Sikh tradition|last=Oberoi, Harjot.|date=1994|publisher=University of Chicago Press|isbn=0-226-61592-8|location=Chicago, IL|oclc=30157084}}</ref>{{page needed|date=July 2020}}
Some notable Mohyals include the brothers [[Bhai Mati Das]] and [[Bhai Sati Das]], both died alongside the ninth Guru, [[Guru Tegh Bahadur]], for protecting [[Hinduism]] from [[Persecution of Hindus#Aurangzeb|Aurangeb's extremist policy.]]<ref>{{Cite book|title=The history of Sikh gurus|last=Prithi Pal Singh, 1928-|date=2006|publisher=Lotus Press|isbn=81-8382-075-1|location=New Delhi|oclc=297207913}}</ref>{{page needed|date=July 2020}}


===Guru period===
==See also==
 
* [[Punjabi Hindus]]
Other notable Mohyals include the brothers [[Bhai Mati Das]] and [[Bhai Sati Das]], who both died alongside the ninth Guru, [[Guru Tegh Bahadur]], for protecting Hindu Religion from Islamic Jihad.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/297207913|title=The history of Sikh gurus|last=Prithi Pal Singh, 1928-|date=2006|publisher=Lotus Press|isbn=81-8382-075-1|location=New Delhi|oclc=297207913}}</ref>{{page needed|date=July 2020}} As the family of the latter Gurus and this Chhibber family were close, Bhai Chaupa Singh Chhibber became a care-taker of [[Guru Gobind Singh]], the tenth guru.<ref>The Making of the Sikh Rehatnamas (2008) -  Dr S S Kapoor and Mrs Mohinder Kaur Kapoor</ref>{{full citation needed|date=July 2020}}
* [[Saraswat Brahmins]]
* [[Hussaini Brahmin]]s


== References ==
== References ==
Line 22: Line 32:


==External links==
==External links==
* [http://www.mohyalonline.com/ Official Website of General Mohyal Sabha]
*[https://sundayguardianlive.com/news/book-captures-indias-military-history-tales-warriors]
* [http://www.milligazette.com/Archives/2004/16-31May04-Print-Edition/1605200441.htm Hindu followers of Muslim imam, The Milli Gazette, Vol.5 No.10, (16–31 May 04)]
* [https://www.mohyalonline.com/ Official Website of General Mohyal Sabha]
* [https://www.milligazette.com/Archives/2004/16-31May04-Print-Edition/1605200441.htm Hindu followers of Muslim imam, The Milli Gazette, Vol.5 No.10, (16–31 May 04)]
* [https://www.merit.ac.in/ Official Website of Educational Institution Directly run by G.M.S.]


{{India topics}}
{{Demographics of India}}
{{Brahmin communities}}
{{Hinduism in Pakistan}}
{{Ethnic groups, tribes and clans of the Punjab}}
{{Social groups of Jammu and Kashmir}}
{{The seven Mohyal clans}}
{{The seven Mohyal clans}}
{{Ethnic groups, tribes and clans of the Punjab}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Mohyal (Jati)}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Mohyal (Jati)}}
[[Category:Mohyal| ]]
[[Category:Indian castes]]
[[Category:Mohyal]]
[[Category:Brahmins]]
[[Category:Hindu communities]]
[[Category:Hindu communities of Pakistan]]
[[Category:Punjabi Brahmins]]
[[Category:Brahmin communities]]
[[Category:Brahmin communities of India]]
[[Category:Punjabi tribes]]
[[Category:Punjabi tribes]]
[[Category:Indian castes]]
[[Category:Social groups of Delhi]]
[[Category:Social groups of Punjab, India]]
[[Category:Social groups of Jammu and Kashmir]]
[[Category:Tribes of Rawalpindi District]]

Latest revision as of 14:45, 16 December 2025


Mohyal Brahmins are a sub-caste of Saraswat Brahmins from the Punjab region.[1] A sub-group of the Punjabi Hindu community, Mohyal caste comprises seven clans named Bali, Bhimwal, Chhibber, Datt, Lau, Mohan and Vaid.[2]

Several Mohyal families might also opt to use surnames like Bakhshi, Bhai, Chaudhri, Dewan, Malik, Mehta, and Raizada, as a hereditary courtesy title bestowed upon their families for their bravery and service.[3]

According to an oral tradition, some Mohyal Brahmins helped Imam Hussain in the Battle of Karbala; these Mohyal Brahmins are called Hussaini Brahmins.[4] Prior to the Partition of India, Mohyal Brahmins lived primarily in the western Punjab, including present-day Hazara division and the Pir Panjal regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Jammu and Kashmir respectively.

After the partition, most migrated to, and settled in the new created Republic of India. As per data by the Government of Punjab, the priestly practice of Mohyal Brahmins has slowly reduced after the partition.[5] Mohyals do not perform priestly duties.[6][7]Template:Hinduism in India

Contributions to Sikhism[edit | edit source]

The majority of Mohyal Brahmins identify as Hindu, with some also identifying as Sikh. Guru Nanak, continuing in the tradition of Bhakti Saints, revitalised Sanatan ('Hindu') wisdom in order to make to accessible for the common people of late Medieval India.[8][page needed] As a part of this transformation, many Punjabi Hindus, including the Mohyals, revered and followed Guru Nanak. This devotion towards Nanak's mat (teachings/wisdom) led them to follow Nanak's successors and then assist in the creation of the Sikh ethos. Moreover, as the latter Gurus became martial, this community was a natural home for the warrior-class of the Punjabi Hindus.[1][page needed][9][page needed]

Some notable Mohyals include the brothers Bhai Mati Das and Bhai Sati Das, both died alongside the ninth Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur, for protecting Hinduism from Aurangeb's extremist policy.[10][page needed]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 McLeod, W. H. (1989). Who is a Sikh? : the problem of Sikh identity. Oxford: Clarendon Press. ISBN 0-19-826548-4. OCLC 19125681.
  2. ↑ Hanks, Patrick (8 May 2003). Dictionary of American Family Names: 3-Volume Set. USA: Oxford University Press. pp. 89, 414, 605. ISBN 978-0-19-508137-4.
  3. ↑ "Mohyal History – Mohyal History". 26 April 2017. Retrieved 14 August 2025.
  4. ↑ Multiple sources:
  5. ↑ "Country Advice: India" (PDF). Refugee Review Tribunal. 31 January 2012. Archived (PDF) from the original on 7 January 2022. Retrieved 20 March 2022.
  6. ↑ Raj, Christopher S. (2009). Multiculturalism: Public Policy and Problem Areas in Canada and India. Manak Publications. ISBN 9788178311845.
  7. ↑ Fazl, Abul (5 November 2014). "The Brahmins Who Fought For Imam Hussain at Karbala". Kashmir Observer Online. Archived from the original on 4 December 2021. Retrieved 8 July 2020.
  8. ↑ Bhakti religion in North India : community identity and political action. Lorenzen, David N. Albany: State University of New York Press. 1995. ISBN 0-585-04526-7. OCLC 42854916.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  9. ↑ Oberoi, Harjot. (1994). The Construction of religious boundaries : culture, identity, and diversity in the Sikh tradition. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press. ISBN 0-226-61592-8. OCLC 30157084.
  10. ↑ Prithi Pal Singh, 1928- (2006). The history of Sikh gurus. New Delhi: Lotus Press. ISBN 81-8382-075-1. OCLC 297207913.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)

External links[edit | edit source]

Template:Demographics of India

Template:Hinduism in Pakistan Template:Ethnic groups, tribes and clans of the Punjab Template:Social groups of Jammu and Kashmir Template:The seven Mohyal clans

Retrieved from "https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mohyal_Brahmin&oldid=458305"
Discover more