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{{Infobox caste
|caste_name=Khatris
|classification=[[Kshatriya]]
|subdivisions=Aathghar, Barahghar, Bawanjahi, Charghar, Dhaighar, Kukhran, Sareen and others
|populated_states=[[Punjab (India)|Punjab]], [[Delhi]], and [[Sindh (Pakistan)|Sindh]]
{{Infobox caste
{{Infobox caste
|caste_name=Khatris
|caste_name=Khatris
Line 10: Line 5:
|populated_states=[[Punjab (India)|Punjab]], [[Delhi]], and [[Sindh (Pakistan)|Sindh]]
|populated_states=[[Punjab (India)|Punjab]], [[Delhi]], and [[Sindh (Pakistan)|Sindh]]
|languages=[[Punjabi language|Punjabi]], [[Hindi language|Hindi]], [[Sindhi language|Sindhi]], [[Pashto language|Pashto]] and [[Urdu]]
|languages=[[Punjabi language|Punjabi]], [[Hindi language|Hindi]], [[Sindhi language|Sindhi]], [[Pashto language|Pashto]] and [[Urdu]]
|religions=[[Hinduism]], [[Sikhism]], [[Islam]], [[Christianity]], [[Jainism]]}}


'''Khatri''' ([[Punjabi language|Punjabi]], [[Hindi language|Hindi]]: is the Punjabi adaptation of [[Sanskrit]] word [[Kshatriya]] (Hindi:, Kshatriya). The Kshatriya are the traditional members of the Hindu military order. As administrators and rulers, Kshatriya were assigned with protecting Dharma, and serving humanity and the world. In course of time, however, as a result of economic and political exigencies, the Khatri also expanded into other occupations.
The [[Khatri]] community traces its origins to the [[Potohar]] and [[Majha]] regions of the Punjab. These regions are historically connected with the composition of the [[Vedas]], the [[Mahabharata]], [[Ramayana]] and [[Puranas]] as well as more modern religious texts such as the [[Guru Granth Sahib]].

The [[Khatris]] are most numerous in the [[Jalandhar]] and [[Amritsar]] districts. Another very high concentration of [[Khatris]] is in [[Delhi]]. They can also be found in major towns of [[Haryana]] like [[Karnal]], [[Ambala]], [[Sirsa]], [[Kurukshetra]] and [[Hisar]]. Historically, there were very high concentrations of Khatris in the [[North-West Frontier Province]], notably in [[Lahore]], [[Jhelum]], [[Peshawar]], [[Rawalpindi]], [[Gujranwala]], and [[Sialkot]]. [[Khatris]] along with other Punjabi tribes like [[Rajputs]], [[Jatts]], [[Aroras]], [[Banias]] and [[Harijans]], historically bore the brunt of all invasions into [[India]] yet remaining to the core-[[Indian]]. [[Khatris]] have had a significant role in shaping [[Punjab]] and its culture. All throughout their history [[Punjab]] has been their beloved homeland. When Pakistan and India gained independence, most of the [[Khatris]] in what became Pakistan migrated to India. Today [[Khatris]] live in all regions of India, but are concentrated in [[Punjab]], [[Haryana]], [[Delhi]], [[Uttar Pradesh]] and [[Gujrat]]. Khatris have served in the civil, government, and military sectors for centuries<ref>. As [[Kshatriya]]s</ref>. In modern times, Khatri's play a significant role in the Indian economy, serving as businessmen, administrators, landlords and military officials. In addition, [[Khatris]] have significantly contributed to [[Indian Cinema]] since the times of [[Prithviraj Kapoor]] and continue to flourish in [[Bollywood]] today.

Punjabi Khatris were adversely affected by the [[partition of India]], as it resulted in the loss of their traditional home regions. These Khatris migrated to India, where they were forced to start anew their lives. Despite losing their land, businesses, and all other material assets during the partition of India, Khatris earned the clout that they held in pre-partitioned India.

Most [[Khatris]] are [[Hindu]] or [[Sikh]], and a smaller minority belong to other faiths such as [[Jainism]], [[Christianity]] and [[Islam]]. [[Khatris]] of all these faiths collectively form one community.


==Khatri Family Names==
''Main article: [[wikt:Appendix:Khatri surnames|List of Khatri surnames]] on [[Wiktionary]]''


=== Origin and Distribution ===
{{see also|Hinduism in Punjab|Indian caste system|Potohar}}

The Khatris are a prominent Indian community that originated in the [[Potohar]] region of north-western Indian subcontinent. This region is of considerable historical significance in the development of the Indian culture since the composition of the [[Vedas]] and classics like the [[Mahabharata]], [[Ramayana]] and [[Puranas]].


=== Military Tradition ===

Khatris have an extensive military tradition and have excelled in the [[Armed Forces]] having received many honors and gallantary awards for their service. Within the '''[[Indian Armed Forces]]''' ([[Bharatiya Thalsena]]) the present [[Chief of Indian Army Staff]], [[General]] [[Deepak Kapoor]] is Khatri and he took charge from another Khatri, [[General]] [[Joginder Jaswant Singh]] [[Marwah]] who took charge from another Khatri, [[General]] [[Nirmal Chander Vij]].


===Description of "Khatri Caste" from the GAZETTEER LUDHIANA by Government of Indian State of Punjab, India===

{{bquote| ''Khatris''. – Khatri is a popular variant of the Sanskrit word Kshatriya, which was used to describe the warrior caste among the Hindu according to the varanashram propounded by the Shastras. In course of time as a result of economic and political exigencies, however, the Khatris also resorted to mercantile occupations, which were originally adopted by the Vaisas, the trading classes.<br>
Like Brahmans there are further sub-divisions amongst Khatris-Bannjais, Sarin, Dhaigharas, chargharas, etc. in the reign of Alaudin Khiliji widoe re-marriage was enforced. Fifty-two castes of Khatris are said to have submitted a memorandum, duly signed, to the Emperor. The signatory castes are called Banjais. Certain castes of eastern Punjab refused to sign the memorandum and were called Shari-Ain, later corrupted to that of Sarin. The Khokhrain baradari is said to consist of the descendants of certain families of Khatris who were believed to have joined the Khokhars in a rebellion and with them other Khatri families were loath to have matrimonial relations. The Bahri section of the descendants of Mehr Chand, Khan Chand and Kapur Chand, three Khatris who went to Delhi in attandance upon one of Akbar’s Rajput wives, and who thus separated from rest of the Khatri castes, married only within each other’s families.8 (8.These appear to be conjectural for the same division appears among the Brahmans of western plains.) the number of the members of this caste is fairly large. The more prominenty, however, in point of social rank are the Mehra or Mehrotra, Khanna, Kapur and the Seth sub-castes.<br>
Prior to partition certain castes, such as churamani, Nanda. Khullar, Jerath, Chopra and Vij were particularly associated with Ludhiana; Behl, Kapoor, Mehra, Seth, Berri Sencher and Dhir with jagraon; Batte, sondhi and Karir with Machhiwara and Bahlolpur; sehgal and Thapar with Rai kot and Had and Cham with Khanna and Sally, Sanan and Handa with Batala. After partition different castes of Khatris have been widely dispersed with the result that it is very difficult to ascertain their numbers caste-wise, especially because compilation of statistics according to castes has been discontinued since 1947.<br>
Khatris are generally mild in disposition. They are mostly literate and law abiding.
Khatris in the district are a great commercial class. They have also made their mark in industry. In Payal sub-tahsil they are generally land-owners. They also engage themselves in Government or private service<ref>[http://punjabrevenue.nic.in/gaz_ldh8.htm Castes, People, GAZETTEER LUDHIANA, Department of Revenue, Government of Punjab (India)], Accessed on November 15, 2008; Homepage: [http://punjabrevenue.nic.in/fdigs.htm]</ref>}}

'''Source:''' ''Castes, People, GAZETTEER LUDHIANA, Department of Revenue, Government of Punjab (India)''<ref>[http://punjabrevenue.nic.in/gaz_ldh8.htm Castes, People, GAZETTEER LUDHIANA, Department of Revenue, Government of Punjab (India)], Accessed on November 15, 2008; Homepage: [http://punjabrevenue.nic.in/fdigs.htm]</ref>


==The sub-groups of Khatris==
The sub-groups within the Khatri caste include [[Dhaigarh]], [[Baragarh]], [[Bawanjai]], and [[Kukhran]]; which are again split up into subsects such as [[Charghar]], [[Panj-jati]], [[Chey-jati]], [[Aatghar]], and [[Sareen]].


=====Dhaighar=====

The [[Dhaighar]] (2 1/2 houses - the number 3 being considered unlucky) grouping comprises of [[Kapur]]/[[Kapoor]], [[Mehra]]/[[Mehrotra]]/[[Malhotra]], [[Seth]], and [[Khanna]].<ref name="PR">[http://punjabrevenue.nic.in/gaz_asr9.htm Punjab Revenue] Castes and Religions of Punjab]</ref>

=====Baraghar=====

The [[Baraghar]] (12 houses) sub-group consists of twelve names. According to H.A. Rose's book, '''Glossary of the Tribes and Castes of the Punjab and NWFP''', [[Chopra]], [[Dhawan]], [[Gandhoke]], [[Kakar]], [[Mahindru]], [[Sahgal]], [[Soni]], [[Talwar]], [[Tandon]], [[Vohra]], [[Wadhaun]], and [[Wahi]], all form the [[Baraghar]] group of Khatris.

=====Bawanjai=====

The largest sub-group is called [[Bawanjai]] (52 houses), which consists of a list of fifty-two names.<ref>M.A. Sherring, Hindu Castes and Tribes as represented in Banares, 1872.</ref>.

=====Kukhran=====

The [[Kukhran]] are a subgroup of Khatris consisting of nine names. These names are [[Anand]], [[Bhasin]], [[Chaddha]], [[Chandok]], [[Kohli]], [[Sabharwal]], [[Sahni]]/[[Sawhney]], [[Sethi]] and [[Suri]]. The roots of this subgroup originate from the town of [[Bhera]], [[Sargodha]] district of Pakistani Punjab.


=== Prominent historical Khatris ===

[[Image:MalikbhagoMOD.jpg|thumb|Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of the Sikh Panth, was born in the Bedi Khatri clan.]]
Many prominent historical figures have emerged from the Khatri. All ten [[Sikh Gurus]] were Khatri. Three out of the five "dear fives" Chosen by Guru Gobind singh were so called Dalits or low castes. This clearly reinforces the fact that people do not become superior by being Khatris, Jatts or Brahmins. The names of most Khatris included the word 'Dev', such as Guru Nanak Dev Ji, [[Guru Angad Dev]] Ji etc.

* [[Guru Nanak]]: ''[[Bedi]]''
* [[Guru Angad]]: ''Trehan''
* [[Guru Amar Das]]: ''Bhalla''
* Last living seven Gurus: ''[[Sodhi]]''


Raja Fateh Chand was a ''Maini'' [[Khatri]] chieftain of [[Bihar]] who served [[Guru Tegh Bahadur]] Ji with dedication during his visit in 1665. Raja Fateh Chand and his wife converted their house into a dharamsala for the sangat or devotees to assemble in holy congregation. The place came to be known as Maini Sangat. On the site now stands [[Gurdwara Bal Lila Maini Sangat]].

[[Haqiqat Rai]] was a [[Puri]] Khatri whose martyrdom was celebrated on ''Basant Panchami'' in Lahore until independence. [[Hari Singh Nalwa]] <ref>http://www.punjabheritage.org/cultural-heritage/legend---stories-from-the-life-of-hari-singh-nalwa.html Stories from the Life of Hari Singh Nalwa by Dr. Vanit Nalwa</ref>, Maharaja Ranjit Singh's most feared general was an [[Uppal]] Khatri. The father and son pair of the Diwans [[Sawan Mal]] and [[Mul Raj Chopra]] were successive governors of [[Multan]] under [[Ranjit Singh]]. Sadhu Singh Gulla from the clan of Rame Shah Gulla & Shame Shah Gulla, Shah of [[Gujranwala - Sialkot]] fought against the British Empire in the 19th century.

One of the most important character of famous Punjabi legend Raja [[Rasalu]] is minister [[Mahita Chopra]]<ref>The Legends of the Panjab By Sir Richard Carnac Temple, Reprint of the 1884-1900 ed. published by Education Society's Press, Bombay, ISBN 0405101287</ref>, <ref>Four Legends of King Rasalu of [[Sialkot]], The Folk-Lore Journal, 1883 Folklore Enterprises, Ltd, p. 129-151</ref> Most scholars agree that [[Raja Rasalu]] ruled from [[Sialkot]] and lived sometime between 400 to 500 AD.<ref>The adventures of the Panjab hero [[Raja Rasalu]] and other folk-tales of the Panjab By Charles Swynnerton, Published 1884
Original from Oxford University </ref> If it is true then [[Chopra]] clan name originated in that time.<ref>ibid</ref>

===Khatris and Sun Worship===

Raja Vanvihari Kapoor has written that major Khatri clans are named after Lord Sun.<ref>Jwalaprasad Mishra, Jati Bhaskar, 1914</ref>The [[Saraswat Brahmin]] clan of which some of these were yajamanas are also mentioned below.

* Kripakar [[Kapur]] Priests: Pambu
* Shankan [[Khanna]] Priests: Jhingana
* Martanada [[Tandon]] Priests: Jhingana
* Mitra Mehra Priests: Jetali
* Shreshtha Seth
* Dhavan Dhawan
* Mahendra Mahindru
* Bahukar Bahora (Vohra)
* Chakravali Chaupada (Chopra)
* Karalagni Kakkar Priests: Kumadiye
* Surya Suri
* Sahasrakar [[Sahgal]] Priests: Mohile

According to the [[Bhavishya Purana]], Punjab indeed was an ancient center of Sun worship.

==Religion==
===Sanatan Khatris===

A majority of Khatris are [[Sanatan Hindus]] <ref>M.A. Sherring, Hindu Castes and Tribes as represented in Banares, 1872.</ref>. As noted in the introduction, the Khatri community have been positioned in roles of administration, rule and warfare within Punjab. The Khatris were the patrons ('Yajamansas' or in Punjabi 'Jajmani') of the [[Saraswat Brahmins]]. <ref>Jwalaprasad Mishra, Jati Bhaskar, 1914</ref>. The Khatris are among the very few non-Brahmin communities that have traditionally studied the [[Vedas]].<ref> Hindu Tribes and Castes By Matthew Atmore Sherring, Published 1872
Trubner and co[http://books.google.com/books?id=8V4IAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA167&dq=The+Tribes+and+Castes+of+the+North-Western+Provinces+and+Oudh&lr=#PPA277,M1]p 277</ref> Additionally, [[Saraswat Brahmins]] accept both Kachcha and Pakka food from Khatri's.


===Arya Samaj Khatris===

Arya Samaj became popular among [[Punjabi Hindus]], especially Khatris <ref><Political Elite and Society in the Punjab, By Puri, Nina Published 1985 Vikas
</ref>who were attracted to a similar message by the [[Sikh Gurus]] earlier <ref>[http://www.chowk.com/articles/10040 Chowk: : The Amazing Khatris of Punjab<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>. Arya Samaj inspired individuals like [[Swami Shraddhanad]] and institutions like [[Dayanand Anglo-Vedic Schools System]] started by Lala [[Hansraj]]<ref>Mahatma Hansraj: Maker of the Modern Punjab By Sri Ram Sharma, Published 1941, Arya Pradeshik, Pratinidhi Sabha</ref>.


===Sikh Khatris===

A portion of the Khatris are Sikh.<ref>Census of India, 1901 By India Census Commissioner, Sir Edward Albert Gait, Published 1903 Office of the Superintendent of Government Printing, India, Part 2 Tables, page 292. The Sikhs form 5.89% of the Khatris</ref> <!-- 60% of Punjab is Sikh, it is likely that Sikhs aren't a minority community but mostly equal --> All the Ten Sikh Gurus were Khatris from the [[Sodhi]], [[Bedi]], [[Trehan]] and [[Bhalla]] clans which claim [[Suryavanshi]] [[Kshatriya]] descent according to the autobiographical [[Bichitra Natak]] by [[Guru Gobind Singh]]. <ref>[http://www.sridasam.org/dasam?Action=Page&p=113 Sri Dasam Granth Sahib<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>. During the lifetime of the Gurus, most of their major supporters and Sikhs were Khatris. A list of this is provided by [[Bhai Gurdas]] in [[Varan Bhai Gurdas]], a contemporary of the Sikh Gurus<ref>[http://www.searchgurbani.com/main.php?book=bhai_gurdas_vaaran&action=intro Vaaran Bhai Gurdas :VaarPauri:SearchGurbani.com<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>.


The martial development by the [[Sikh Gurus]] is well documented, with the first master (Guru Nanak Dev) Ji, calling upon Sikhs to make a "ball of their head" to play the game of love. The second Guru (Guru Angad Dev) Ji encouraged physical activities of Sikhs by encouraging wrestling bouts and [[Kabaddi]]. The 6th Guru (Guru Hargobind Dev) Ji took up the [[sword]] and fought many battles against neighboring Rajputs and Mughals. The 9th Guru [[Guru Teg Bahadhur Dev]] Ji fought many battles with the 6th Guru and was an accomplished martial artist. The 10th master [[Guru Gobind Singh]] Ji, was proficient in the art of [[warfare]] as well as an accomplished [[swordsman]], [[marksman]] and [[equestrian]]. The tenth Guru's maternal side of the family were accomplished warriors and fighters in their own right. [[Guru Gobind Singh]] Ji's maternal uncle, [[Kirpal Chand]] Ji served as a [[General]] in [[Guru Hargobind]] Ji army and guided [[Guru Gobind Singh]] ji from an early age.


In the Sikh scripture, the [[Dasam Granth]], [[Guru Gobind Singh]] Ji gives a detailed account of his [[Sodhi]] lineage and [[Guru Nanak Dev]] Ji's [[Bedi]] lineage in the [[Bachittar Natak]] portion of the granth. In [[Bachittar Natak]], the autobiography of the 10th master, [[Guru Gobind Singh]] Ji begins by stating that he is of the [[Sodhi]] clan which belongs to the [[Suryavanshi]] [[Kshatriya]] dynasty. [[Guru Gobind Singh]] Ji further traces the [[Sodhi]] and [[Bedi]] [[Khatri]] clans to the two sons of ''Lord Sri'' [[Rama]] Ji'', Luv and Kush. <ref>[http://www.sridasam.org/dasam?Action=Page&p=144 Sri [[Dasam Granth]] Sahib<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>.


[[Luv]] and [[Kush]] were born to [[Sita]] at [[Ram Tirath]], which is a temple situated on the outskirts of [[Amritsar]]. The place gets a special mention in the great Hindu epic [["Ramayana"]]. It was here that [[Sita]] was given shelter by the great sage [[Valmiki]], who is also the author of [[Ramayana]], after she was ostracised from [[Ayodhya]] on the doubts about her chastity. [[Luv]] and [[Kush]] were trained in [[shastras]] and art of warfare by rishi [[Valmiki]].


A legend based on [[Hindu]] oral traditions states that [[Lahore]] was named after [[Lava]], son of Lord [[Rama]], who supposedly founded the city. To this day, the [[Lahore]] fort has a deserted temple dedicated to [[Luv]] (also pronounced as Loh, hence "Loh-awar" or fort of Loh). Another legend says the town of [[Kasur]] (now in Pakistan) was named after [[Kusha]], the younger son of Lord [[Rama]].


{{cquote|''The sacred sections of the Khatris'' :-There are four sacred sections among the Khatris , whose position must be touched upon , These are the :-
'''[[Bedi]]''' (Guru Nanak Dev) Ji of the Dharman-Bunjahi or Chota -Sarin sub group .<br>
'''[[Sodhi]]''' (Last seven Gurus) of the Chota Sarin sub-Group.<br>
'''[[Trehan]]''' (Guru Angad Dev) Ji of the Bara-Sarin sub group <br>
'''[[Bhalla]]''' (Guru Amar Das Dev) Ji of the Bara-Sarin sub group .<br>
These four sections became sanctified by the births of the various Sikh Gurus to them
<ref>Denzil Ibbetson, Edward MacLagan, H.A. Rose "A Glossary of The Tribes & Casts of The Punjab & North-West Frontier Province", 1911 AD, Page 512, Vol II,</ref>}}


[[Sahib Singh Bedi]] (1756-1834), was tenth in direct descent from [[Guru Nanak Dev]] Ji, and much revered in Sikh times for his piety as well as for his martial prowess. He was born at [[Dera Baba Nanak]], [[Gurdaspur]] district. At the time of [[Maharaja]] [[Ranjit Singh]]'s coronation at Lahore on April 11, 1801, Baba Sahib Singh Bedi placed the [[tilak]] or mark of sovereignty on Ranjit Singh's forehead anoiting him Maharaja of Punjab.


[[Bhai Binod Singh]], was a Khatri of the [[Trehan]] clan and a direct descendent of the second [[Sikh Guru]] [[Guru Angad Dev]] Ji. Bhai Binod Singh was a devoted disciple of [[Guru Gobind Singh]] Ji, and was one of the few Sikhs to accompany the tenth master to the South in 1708. [[Bhai Binod Singh]] fought many battles as a [[Commander]] and was leader of the [[Tatt Khalsa]], (True Khalsa). It was [[Bhai Binod Singh]] whose [[Tatt Khalsa]] declared the official [[Sikh]] [[Warcry]] to be [[Sat Sri Akal]].


[[Bhai Daya Singh]]- Was a Khatri of the [[Sobti]] clan and the "first" of the [[Panj Pyare]]<br>. In the historic divan in the [[Keshgarh Fort]] at [[Anandpur]] on 30 March 1699, Bhai Daya Singh was the first to rise at the Guru's call and offer his head.


During the reign of [[Maharaja]] [[Ranjit Singh]], the [[Misl]] that was always ahead of other Misls and continuously moving ahead and helping other Sikh Misls was the [[Dallewalia Misl]], founded and led by [[Gulab Singh Dallewalia]] a Khatri Sikh.


One more head of the family Baba '''Tikka Baba Harbhajan Singh Bedi''' is based in Chandigarh, India. Tikka Baba Harbhajan Singh Bedi is the 16th Descendent in the bloodline starting from Guru Nanak Dev Ji with two sons Tikka Surjinder Singh Bedi and Kunwar Arvinder Singh Bedi. Arvinder Singh Bedi is blessed with two sons Tikka Nain Noor Singh Bedi and Kunwar Gagandeep Singh Bedi making the 18th current bloodline starting from Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

Many Hindu Khatri families raised at least one [[Sikh]] son after the formation of the [[Khalsa]] in 1699. This resulted in Khatri clan names being present in both [[Hindu]] and [[Sikh]] communities worldwide.

{{see also|Hinduism and Sikh Panth}}

===Jain Khatris===

The number of Khatris who are [[Jain]] is very small. However one of the best known Jain munis in recent times, Acharya [[Atmaram]] (also known as Shri [[Vijayanandsuri]] <ref>The Svetambar Murtipujak Jain Mendicant, by John E. Cort
Man, 1991 Royal Anthropological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland.
</ref>) (1841-1900) was a Kapoor Khatri, born at Lahra, Firozepur. <ref>Mangilal Bhutoria, Itihas ki Amar Bel- Oswal, Ppriyadarshi Prakashan, Calcutta, 1988</ref>.

===Muslim Khatris===
The [[Muslim]] Khatri ([[Urdu language|Urdu]]: are the Khatri converts to [[Islam]]. With the advent of [[Islam]] following invasions by [[Turkic peoples|Turkic]] tribes from [[Afghanistan]] and the [[North West Frontier Province]] from the 11th century onwards, there were conversions of Hindus to the faith from among various Punjabi communities, including Khatris .Generally they retained their tribal, clan or caste affiliations as has been the norm in the region. Similarly, the Khatris who converted to Islam, continue to retain a strong social identity and are known as ''[[Punjabi Shaikh]]s''.

Pakistan continues to have a prominent community of Khatris known as [[Punjabi Shaikh]]s as well as [[Khawaja Shaikh]]s. Some Muslim Khatris like the [[Sahgal family]] of Pakistan are examples of well-known and successful Muslim Khatris.


===Khatri's in Central Asia===

The Khatris, along with Aroras and Lohanas engaged in trade in Central Asia<ref>Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India By R.V. Russell, R.B.H. Lal, Re-Published 1995, Asian Educational Services</ref> <ref>The Indian Diaspora in Central Asia and Its Trade, 1550-1900 By Scott Cameron Levi, Published 2002
BRILL</ref> . The [[Hindu temples of Kabul]] and the Hindu [[Fire Temple of Baku]] built and maintained by them still exist.


==Khatri Organizations==

The sessions of Akhil Bhartiya Khatri Mahasabha were held in Lucknow in 1916, 1936, 1952 and 1980. Lucknow Khatri Sabha was established in 1927 and publication Khatri Hitashi was started in 1936<ref>The Indian Historical Review By Indian Council of Historical Research, Published 1982 Vikas Pub. House</ref>.


=== Divisions recorded in the [[Ain-i-Akbari]] ===
Divisions among the Khatri groups were reported by Emperor [[Akbar]]'s close adviser [[Abu'l-Fazl ibn Mubarak|Abu'l Fazal]] in his book ''Ain-i-Akbari'' (compiled in 1590 AD).

{{cquote|''The division into the bara and Bunjahi groups is noticed in the Ain-i-Akbari:- "The Kshatriya (now called Khatris) form two races, the [[Sun Dynasty]]/[[Suryavanshi]] and [[Lunar Dynasty]]/[[Somvanshi]] * * There are more than 500 tribes of these [[Kshatriya]]s , of whom 52 (Bawanjai) are pre-eminently distinguished and 12 (Baraghar) are of considerable importance
<ref>Denzil Ibbetson, Edward MacLagan, H.A. Rose "A Glossary of The Tribes & Casts of The Punjab & North-West Frontier Province", 1911 AD, Page 510, Vol II,</ref>}}


Regionally [[Nanda]], [[Khullar]], [[Jerath]], [[Chopra]] and [[Vig]] were particularly connected with [[Ludhiana]]; [[Bahl]], [[Kapoor]], [[Mehra]], [[Seth]], [[Beri]], and [[Dhir]] with [[Jagraon]]; [[Sondhi]] with [[Machhiwara]] and Bahlolpur; [[Sehgal]] and with [[Raikot]]; Gulla with Sahowala, Bhopalwala - [[Gujranwala]] - [[Sialkot]] and Had and Cham with [[Khanna]]<ref>http://punjabrevenue.nic.in/fdigs.htm Punjab District Gazeeters</ref>


=See Also=
* [[Forward Castes]]
* [[Maharaja Ranjit Singh's Generals]]
* [[Punjab Chiefs]]


= Distinguished Khatris =

In addition to three Indian prime ministers, many distinguished soldiers, administrators, writers, businessmen and artists have been Khatri.

{{main|List of distinguished Khatris}}



=References=
{{Reflist}}
*{{1911}}
* Jwalaprasad Mishra, Jati Bhaskar, 1914.
* M.A. Sherring, Hindu Castes and Tribes as represented in Banares, 1872.
* Raja Vanvihari Kapur, The History of Khatris
* The Khatris, a socio-historical study, Baij Nath Puri, M.N. Publishers, 1988.
* Bhai Gurdas ''Ji'', Varan Bhai Gurdas Ji, Vaar 8 - Pauri 10.
* The Indian Diaspora in Central Asia and Its Trade, 1550-1900 by Scott Cameron Levi.
* Denzil Ibbetson, Edward MacLagan, H.A. Rose ''"A Glossary of The Tribes & Casts of The Punjab & North-West Frontier Province"'', 1911 AD, Page 501-526, Vol II,
* Ibid, Page 537-538, Vol II.
* Temple, R.C. '' "The Legends of The Panjab"'', 1884, Reprinted by Institute of Folk Heritage, Islamabd, 1981.
* Khatris are Kshatryas http://punjabrevenue.nic.in/gaz_ldh8.htm
* Mahan Kosh by Bhai Kahan Singh Nabha

{{Ethnic groups, tribes and clans of the Punjab}}

[[Category:Social groups of India]]
[[Category:Social groups of Pakistan]]
[[Category:Pre-Islamic heritage of Pakistan]]
[[Category:Punjabi tribes]]

[[sv:Khatri]]
|religions=[[Hinduism]], [[Sikhism]], [[Islam]], [[Christianity]], [[Jainism]]}}
|religions=[[Hinduism]], [[Sikhism]], [[Islam]], [[Christianity]], [[Jainism]]}}


Revision as of 18:01, 28 April 2009

Khatris
ClassificationKshatriya
ReligionsHinduism, Sikhism, Islam, Christianity, Jainism
LanguagesPunjabi, Hindi, Sindhi, Pashto and Urdu
Populated statesPunjab, Delhi, and Sindh
SubdivisionsAathghar, Barahghar, Bawanjahi, Charghar, Dhaighar, Kukhran, Sareen and others


Khatri (Punjabi: ?????, Hindi: ?????) is the Punjabi adaptation of Sanskrit word Kshatriya (Hindi: ????????, Kshatriya). The Kshatriya are the traditional members of the Hindu military order. As administrators and rulers, Kshatriya were assigned with protecting Dharma, and serving humanity and the world. In course of time, however, as a result of economic and political exigencies, the Khatri also expanded into other occupations.

The Khatri community traces its origins to the Potohar and Majha regions of the Punjab. These regions are historically connected with the composition of the Vedas, the Mahabharata, Ramayana and Puranas as well as more modern religious texts such as the Guru Granth Sahib.


The Khatris are most numerous in the Jalandhar and Amritsar districts. Another very high concentration of Khatris is in Delhi. They can also be found in major towns of Haryana like Karnal, Ambala, Sirsa, Kurukshetra and Hisar. Historically, there were very high concentrations of Khatris in the North-West Frontier Province, notably in Lahore, Jhelum, Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, and Sialkot. Khatris along with other Punjabi tribes like Rajputs, Jatts, Aroras, Banias and Harijans, historically bore the brunt of all invasions into India yet remaining to the core-Indian. Khatris have had a significant role in shaping Punjab and its culture. All throughout their history Punjab has been their beloved homeland. When Pakistan and India gained independence, most of the Khatris in what became Pakistan migrated to India. Today Khatris live in all regions of India, but are concentrated in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Gujrat. Khatris have served in the civil, government, and military sectors for centuries[1]. In modern times, Khatri's play a significant role in the Indian economy, serving as businessmen, administrators, landlords and military officials. In addition, Khatris have significantly contributed to Indian Cinema since the times of Prithviraj Kapoor and continue to flourish in Bollywood today.

Punjabi Khatris were adversely affected by the partition of India, as it resulted in the loss of their traditional home regions. These Khatris migrated to India, where they were forced to start anew their lives. Despite losing their land, businesses, and all other material assets during the partition of India, Khatris earned the clout that they held in pre-partitioned India.

Most Khatris are Hindu or Sikh, and a smaller minority belong to other faiths such as Jainism, Christianity and Islam. Khatris of all these faiths collectively form one community.


Khatri Family Names

Main article: List of Khatri surnames on Wiktionary


Origin and Distribution

See also: Hinduism in Punjab, Indian caste system, and Potohar

The Khatris are a prominent Indian community that originated in the Potohar region of north-western Indian subcontinent. This region is of considerable historical significance in the development of the Indian culture since the composition of the Vedas and classics like the Mahabharata, Ramayana and Puranas.


Military Tradition

Khatris have an extensive military tradition and have excelled in the Armed Forces having received many honors and gallantary awards for their service. Within the Indian Armed Forces (Bharatiya Thalsena) the present Chief of Indian Army Staff, General Deepak Kapoor is Khatri and he took charge from another Khatri, General Joginder Jaswant Singh Marwah who took charge from another Khatri, General Nirmal Chander Vij.


Description of "Khatri Caste" from the GAZETTEER LUDHIANA by Government of Indian State of Punjab, India

Khatris. – Khatri is a popular variant of the Sanskrit word Kshatriya, which was used to describe the warrior caste among the Hindu according to the varanashram propounded by the Shastras. In course of time as a result of economic and political exigencies, however, the Khatris also resorted to mercantile occupations, which were originally adopted by the Vaisas, the trading classes.

Like Brahmans there are further sub-divisions amongst Khatris-Bannjais, Sarin, Dhaigharas, chargharas, etc. in the reign of Alaudin Khiliji widoe re-marriage was enforced. Fifty-two castes of Khatris are said to have submitted a memorandum, duly signed, to the Emperor. The signatory castes are called Banjais. Certain castes of eastern Punjab refused to sign the memorandum and were called Shari-Ain, later corrupted to that of Sarin. The Khokhrain baradari is said to consist of the descendants of certain families of Khatris who were believed to have joined the Khokhars in a rebellion and with them other Khatri families were loath to have matrimonial relations. The Bahri section of the descendants of Mehr Chand, Khan Chand and Kapur Chand, three Khatris who went to Delhi in attandance upon one of Akbar’s Rajput wives, and who thus separated from rest of the Khatri castes, married only within each other’s families.8 (8.These appear to be conjectural for the same division appears among the Brahmans of western plains.) the number of the members of this caste is fairly large. The more prominenty, however, in point of social rank are the Mehra or Mehrotra, Khanna, Kapur and the Seth sub-castes.
Prior to partition certain castes, such as churamani, Nanda. Khullar, Jerath, Chopra and Vij were particularly associated with Ludhiana; Behl, Kapoor, Mehra, Seth, Berri Sencher and Dhir with jagraon; Batte, sondhi and Karir with Machhiwara and Bahlolpur; sehgal and Thapar with Rai kot and Had and Cham with Khanna and Sally, Sanan and Handa with Batala. After partition different castes of Khatris have been widely dispersed with the result that it is very difficult to ascertain their numbers caste-wise, especially because compilation of statistics according to castes has been discontinued since 1947.
Khatris are generally mild in disposition. They are mostly literate and law abiding.

Khatris in the district are a great commercial class. They have also made their mark in industry. In Payal sub-tahsil they are generally land-owners. They also engage themselves in Government or private service[2]

Source: Castes, People, GAZETTEER LUDHIANA, Department of Revenue, Government of Punjab (India)[3]


The sub-groups of Khatris

The sub-groups within the Khatri caste include Dhaigarh, Baragarh, Bawanjai, and Kukhran; which are again split up into subsects such as Charghar, Panj-jati, Chey-jati, Aatghar, and Sareen.


Dhaighar

The Dhaighar (2 1/2 houses - the number 3 being considered unlucky) grouping comprises of Kapur/Kapoor, Mehra/Mehrotra/Malhotra, Seth, and Khanna.[4]

Baraghar

The Baraghar (12 houses) sub-group consists of twelve names. According to H.A. Rose's book, Glossary of the Tribes and Castes of the Punjab and NWFP, Chopra, Dhawan, Gandhoke, Kakar, Mahindru, Sahgal, Soni, Talwar, Tandon, Vohra, Wadhaun, and Wahi, all form the Baraghar group of Khatris.

Bawanjai

The largest sub-group is called Bawanjai (52 houses), which consists of a list of fifty-two names.[5].

Kukhran

The Kukhran are a subgroup of Khatris consisting of nine names. These names are Anand, Bhasin, Chaddha, Chandok, Kohli, Sabharwal, Sahni/Sawhney, Sethi and Suri. The roots of this subgroup originate from the town of Bhera, Sargodha district of Pakistani Punjab.


Prominent historical Khatris

File:MalikbhagoMOD.jpg
Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of the Sikh Panth, was born in the Bedi Khatri clan.

Many prominent historical figures have emerged from the Khatri. All ten Sikh Gurus were Khatri. Three out of the five "dear fives" Chosen by Guru Gobind singh were so called Dalits or low castes. This clearly reinforces the fact that people do not become superior by being Khatris, Jatts or Brahmins. The names of most Khatris included the word 'Dev', such as Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Guru Angad Dev Ji etc.



Raja Fateh Chand was a Maini Khatri chieftain of Bihar who served Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji with dedication during his visit in 1665. Raja Fateh Chand and his wife converted their house into a dharamsala for the sangat or devotees to assemble in holy congregation. The place came to be known as Maini Sangat. On the site now stands Gurdwara Bal Lila Maini Sangat.

Haqiqat Rai was a Puri Khatri whose martyrdom was celebrated on Basant Panchami in Lahore until independence. Hari Singh Nalwa [6], Maharaja Ranjit Singh's most feared general was an Uppal Khatri. The father and son pair of the Diwans Sawan Mal and Mul Raj Chopra were successive governors of Multan under Ranjit Singh. Sadhu Singh Gulla from the clan of Rame Shah Gulla & Shame Shah Gulla, Shah of Gujranwala - Sialkot fought against the British Empire in the 19th century.

One of the most important character of famous Punjabi legend Raja Rasalu is minister Mahita Chopra[7], [8] Most scholars agree that Raja Rasalu ruled from Sialkot and lived sometime between 400 to 500 AD.[9] If it is true then Chopra clan name originated in that time.[10]

Khatris and Sun Worship

Raja Vanvihari Kapoor has written that major Khatri clans are named after Lord Sun.[11]The Saraswat Brahmin clan of which some of these were yajamanas are also mentioned below.

  • Kripakar Kapur Priests: Pambu
  • Shankan Khanna Priests: Jhingana
  • Martanada Tandon Priests: Jhingana
  • Mitra Mehra Priests: Jetali
  • Shreshtha Seth
  • Dhavan Dhawan
  • Mahendra Mahindru
  • Bahukar Bahora (Vohra)
  • Chakravali Chaupada (Chopra)
  • Karalagni Kakkar Priests: Kumadiye
  • Surya Suri
  • Sahasrakar Sahgal Priests: Mohile

According to the Bhavishya Purana, Punjab indeed was an ancient center of Sun worship.

Religion

Sanatan Khatris

A majority of Khatris are Sanatan Hindus [12]. As noted in the introduction, the Khatri community have been positioned in roles of administration, rule and warfare within Punjab. The Khatris were the patrons ('Yajamansas' or in Punjabi 'Jajmani') of the Saraswat Brahmins. [13]. The Khatris are among the very few non-Brahmin communities that have traditionally studied the Vedas.[14] Additionally, Saraswat Brahmins accept both Kachcha and Pakka food from Khatri's.


Arya Samaj Khatris

Arya Samaj became popular among Punjabi Hindus, especially Khatris [15]who were attracted to a similar message by the Sikh Gurus earlier [16]. Arya Samaj inspired individuals like Swami Shraddhanad and institutions like Dayanand Anglo-Vedic Schools System started by Lala Hansraj[17].


Sikh Khatris

A portion of the Khatris are Sikh.[18] All the Ten Sikh Gurus were Khatris from the Sodhi, Bedi, Trehan and Bhalla clans which claim Suryavanshi Kshatriya descent according to the autobiographical Bichitra Natak by Guru Gobind Singh. [19]. During the lifetime of the Gurus, most of their major supporters and Sikhs were Khatris. A list of this is provided by Bhai Gurdas in Varan Bhai Gurdas, a contemporary of the Sikh Gurus[20].


The martial development by the Sikh Gurus is well documented, with the first master (Guru Nanak Dev) Ji, calling upon Sikhs to make a "ball of their head" to play the game of love. The second Guru (Guru Angad Dev) Ji encouraged physical activities of Sikhs by encouraging wrestling bouts and Kabaddi. The 6th Guru (Guru Hargobind Dev) Ji took up the sword and fought many battles against neighboring Rajputs and Mughals. The 9th Guru Guru Teg Bahadhur Dev Ji fought many battles with the 6th Guru and was an accomplished martial artist. The 10th master Guru Gobind Singh Ji, was proficient in the art of warfare as well as an accomplished swordsman, marksman and equestrian. The tenth Guru's maternal side of the family were accomplished warriors and fighters in their own right. Guru Gobind Singh Ji's maternal uncle, Kirpal Chand Ji served as a General in Guru Hargobind Ji army and guided Guru Gobind Singh ji from an early age.


In the Sikh scripture, the Dasam Granth, Guru Gobind Singh Ji gives a detailed account of his Sodhi lineage and Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Bedi lineage in the Bachittar Natak portion of the granth. In Bachittar Natak, the autobiography of the 10th master, Guru Gobind Singh Ji begins by stating that he is of the Sodhi clan which belongs to the Suryavanshi Kshatriya dynasty. Guru Gobind Singh Ji further traces the Sodhi and Bedi Khatri clans to the two sons of Lord Sri Rama Ji, Luv and Kush. [21].


Luv and Kush were born to Sita at Ram Tirath, which is a temple situated on the outskirts of Amritsar. The place gets a special mention in the great Hindu epic "Ramayana". It was here that Sita was given shelter by the great sage Valmiki, who is also the author of Ramayana, after she was ostracised from Ayodhya on the doubts about her chastity. Luv and Kush were trained in shastras and art of warfare by rishi Valmiki.


A legend based on Hindu oral traditions states that Lahore was named after Lava, son of Lord Rama, who supposedly founded the city. To this day, the Lahore fort has a deserted temple dedicated to Luv (also pronounced as Loh, hence "Loh-awar" or fort of Loh). Another legend says the town of Kasur (now in Pakistan) was named after Kusha, the younger son of Lord Rama.


The sacred sections of the Khatris :-There are four sacred sections among the Khatris , whose position must be touched upon , These are the :-

Bedi (Guru Nanak Dev) Ji of the Dharman-Bunjahi or Chota -Sarin sub group .
Sodhi (Last seven Gurus) of the Chota Sarin sub-Group.
Trehan (Guru Angad Dev) Ji of the Bara-Sarin sub group
Bhalla (Guru Amar Das Dev) Ji of the Bara-Sarin sub group .
These four sections became sanctified by the births of the various Sikh Gurus to them

[22]


Sahib Singh Bedi (1756-1834), was tenth in direct descent from Guru Nanak Dev Ji, and much revered in Sikh times for his piety as well as for his martial prowess. He was born at Dera Baba Nanak, Gurdaspur district. At the time of Maharaja Ranjit Singh's coronation at Lahore on April 11, 1801, Baba Sahib Singh Bedi placed the tilak or mark of sovereignty on Ranjit Singh's forehead anoiting him Maharaja of Punjab.


Bhai Binod Singh, was a Khatri of the Trehan clan and a direct descendent of the second Sikh Guru Guru Angad Dev Ji. Bhai Binod Singh was a devoted disciple of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, and was one of the few Sikhs to accompany the tenth master to the South in 1708. Bhai Binod Singh fought many battles as a Commander and was leader of the Tatt Khalsa, (True Khalsa). It was Bhai Binod Singh whose Tatt Khalsa declared the official Sikh Warcry to be Sat Sri Akal.


Bhai Daya Singh- Was a Khatri of the Sobti clan and the "first" of the Panj Pyare
. In the historic divan in the Keshgarh Fort at Anandpur on 30 March 1699, Bhai Daya Singh was the first to rise at the Guru's call and offer his head.


During the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the Misl that was always ahead of other Misls and continuously moving ahead and helping other Sikh Misls was the Dallewalia Misl, founded and led by Gulab Singh Dallewalia a Khatri Sikh.


One more head of the family Baba Tikka Baba Harbhajan Singh Bedi is based in Chandigarh, India. Tikka Baba Harbhajan Singh Bedi is the 16th Descendent in the bloodline starting from Guru Nanak Dev Ji with two sons Tikka Surjinder Singh Bedi and Kunwar Arvinder Singh Bedi. Arvinder Singh Bedi is blessed with two sons Tikka Nain Noor Singh Bedi and Kunwar Gagandeep Singh Bedi making the 18th current bloodline starting from Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

Many Hindu Khatri families raised at least one Sikh son after the formation of the Khalsa in 1699. This resulted in Khatri clan names being present in both Hindu and Sikh communities worldwide.

See also: Hinduism and Sikh Panth

Jain Khatris

The number of Khatris who are Jain is very small. However one of the best known Jain munis in recent times, Acharya Atmaram (also known as Shri Vijayanandsuri [23]) (1841-1900) was a Kapoor Khatri, born at Lahra, Firozepur. [24].

Muslim Khatris

The Muslim Khatri (Urdu:  ????? ) are the Khatri converts to Islam. With the advent of Islam following invasions by Turkic tribes from Afghanistan and the North West Frontier Province from the 11th century onwards, there were conversions of Hindus to the faith from among various Punjabi communities, including Khatris .Generally they retained their tribal, clan or caste affiliations as has been the norm in the region. Similarly, the Khatris who converted to Islam, continue to retain a strong social identity and are known as Punjabi Shaikhs.

Pakistan continues to have a prominent community of Khatris known as Punjabi Shaikhs as well as Khawaja Shaikhs. Some Muslim Khatris like the Sahgal family of Pakistan are examples of well-known and successful Muslim Khatris.


Khatri's in Central Asia

The Khatris, along with Aroras and Lohanas engaged in trade in Central Asia[25] [26] . The Hindu temples of Kabul and the Hindu Fire Temple of Baku built and maintained by them still exist.


Khatri Organizations

The sessions of Akhil Bhartiya Khatri Mahasabha were held in Lucknow in 1916, 1936, 1952 and 1980. Lucknow Khatri Sabha was established in 1927 and publication Khatri Hitashi was started in 1936[27].


Divisions recorded in the Ain-i-Akbari

Divisions among the Khatri groups were reported by Emperor Akbar's close adviser Abu'l Fazal in his book Ain-i-Akbari (compiled in 1590 AD).

The division into the bara and Bunjahi groups is noticed in the Ain-i-Akbari:- "The Kshatriya (now called Khatris) form two races, the Sun Dynasty/Suryavanshi and Lunar Dynasty/Somvanshi * * There are more than 500 tribes of these Kshatriyas , of whom 52 (Bawanjai) are pre-eminently distinguished and 12 (Baraghar) are of considerable importance [28]


Regionally Nanda, Khullar, Jerath, Chopra and Vig were particularly connected with Ludhiana; Bahl, Kapoor, Mehra, Seth, Beri, and Dhir with Jagraon; Sondhi with Machhiwara and Bahlolpur; Sehgal and with Raikot; Gulla with Sahowala, Bhopalwala - Gujranwala - Sialkot and Had and Cham with Khanna[29]


See Also


Distinguished Khatris

In addition to three Indian prime ministers, many distinguished soldiers, administrators, writers, businessmen and artists have been Khatri.

Main article: List of distinguished Khatris


References

  1. ^ . As Kshatriyas
  2. ^ Castes, People, GAZETTEER LUDHIANA, Department of Revenue, Government of Punjab (India), Accessed on November 15, 2008; Homepage: [1]
  3. ^ Castes, People, GAZETTEER LUDHIANA, Department of Revenue, Government of Punjab (India), Accessed on November 15, 2008; Homepage: [2]
  4. ^ Punjab Revenue Castes and Religions of Punjab]
  5. ^ M.A. Sherring, Hindu Castes and Tribes as represented in Banares, 1872.
  6. ^ http://www.punjabheritage.org/cultural-heritage/legend---stories-from-the-life-of-hari-singh-nalwa.html Stories from the Life of Hari Singh Nalwa by Dr. Vanit Nalwa
  7. ^ The Legends of the Panjab By Sir Richard Carnac Temple, Reprint of the 1884-1900 ed. published by Education Society's Press, Bombay, ISBN 0405101287
  8. ^ Four Legends of King Rasalu of Sialkot, The Folk-Lore Journal, 1883 Folklore Enterprises, Ltd, p. 129-151
  9. ^ The adventures of the Panjab hero Raja Rasalu and other folk-tales of the Panjab By Charles Swynnerton, Published 1884 Original from Oxford University
  10. ^ ibid
  11. ^ Jwalaprasad Mishra, Jati Bhaskar, 1914
  12. ^ M.A. Sherring, Hindu Castes and Tribes as represented in Banares, 1872.
  13. ^ Jwalaprasad Mishra, Jati Bhaskar, 1914
  14. ^ Hindu Tribes and Castes By Matthew Atmore Sherring, Published 1872 Trubner and co[3]p 277
  15. ^ <Political Elite and Society in the Punjab, By Puri, Nina Published 1985 Vikas
  16. ^ Chowk: : The Amazing Khatris of Punjab
  17. ^ Mahatma Hansraj: Maker of the Modern Punjab By Sri Ram Sharma, Published 1941, Arya Pradeshik, Pratinidhi Sabha
  18. ^ Census of India, 1901 By India Census Commissioner, Sir Edward Albert Gait, Published 1903 Office of the Superintendent of Government Printing, India, Part 2 Tables, page 292. The Sikhs form 5.89% of the Khatris
  19. ^ Sri Dasam Granth Sahib
  20. ^ Vaaran Bhai Gurdas :VaarPauri:SearchGurbani.com
  21. ^ Sri Dasam Granth Sahib
  22. ^ Denzil Ibbetson, Edward MacLagan, H.A. Rose "A Glossary of The Tribes & Casts of The Punjab & North-West Frontier Province", 1911 AD, Page 512, Vol II,
  23. ^ The Svetambar Murtipujak Jain Mendicant, by John E. Cort Man, 1991 Royal Anthropological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland.
  24. ^ Mangilal Bhutoria, Itihas ki Amar Bel- Oswal, Ppriyadarshi Prakashan, Calcutta, 1988
  25. ^ Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India By R.V. Russell, R.B.H. Lal, Re-Published 1995, Asian Educational Services
  26. ^ The Indian Diaspora in Central Asia and Its Trade, 1550-1900 By Scott Cameron Levi, Published 2002 BRILL
  27. ^ The Indian Historical Review By Indian Council of Historical Research, Published 1982 Vikas Pub. House
  28. ^ Denzil Ibbetson, Edward MacLagan, H.A. Rose "A Glossary of The Tribes & Casts of The Punjab & North-West Frontier Province", 1911 AD, Page 510, Vol II,
  29. ^ http://punjabrevenue.nic.in/fdigs.htm Punjab District Gazeeters
  • Public Domain This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). Encyclopædia Britannica (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. {{cite encyclopedia}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  • Jwalaprasad Mishra, Jati Bhaskar, 1914.
  • M.A. Sherring, Hindu Castes and Tribes as represented in Banares, 1872.
  • Raja Vanvihari Kapur, The History of Khatris
  • The Khatris, a socio-historical study, Baij Nath Puri, M.N. Publishers, 1988.
  • Bhai Gurdas Ji, Varan Bhai Gurdas Ji, Vaar 8 - Pauri 10.
  • The Indian Diaspora in Central Asia and Its Trade, 1550-1900 by Scott Cameron Levi.
  • Denzil Ibbetson, Edward MacLagan, H.A. Rose "A Glossary of The Tribes & Casts of The Punjab & North-West Frontier Province", 1911 AD, Page 501-526, Vol II,
  • Ibid, Page 537-538, Vol II.
  • Temple, R.C. "The Legends of The Panjab", 1884, Reprinted by Institute of Folk Heritage, Islamabd, 1981.
  • Khatris are Kshatryas http://punjabrevenue.nic.in/gaz_ldh8.htm
  • Mahan Kosh by Bhai Kahan Singh Nabha
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