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{{Infobox caste
{{Infobox caste
|caste_name=Luthra
|caste_name=Luthra
|classification=[[Kshatriya]]
|classification=[[Vaishya]] - [[Arora]]
|subdivisions=
|subdivisions= [[Mair Rajput|Rajput Luthras]] and [[Arora|Arora Luthras]]<ref>[http://mairrajputs.tripod.com/gothras.html Mair Rajput Gotras]</ref>.
|populated_states=[[Punjab (India)]], [[Haryana]], [[Delhi]], [[Sindh]] and [[Uttar Pradesh]]
|populated_states=[[Punjab (India)]], [[Haryana]], [[Delhi]] and [[Sindh]]
|languages=[[Punjabi language|Punjabi]], [[Hindi language|Hindi]] and [[Urdu]]
|languages=[[Punjabi language|Punjabi]], [[Hindi language|Hindi]] and [[Urdu]]
|religions=[[Hinduism]] and [[Sikhism]]}}
|religions=[[Hinduism]] and [[Sikhism]]}}


'''Luthra''' ([[Punjabi language|Punjabi]]: ਲੂਥਰਾ, [[Hindi|Hindī]]: लूथरा) is an [[Indo-Aryan languages|Indo-Aryan]] [[Khatri]],[[Arora]] and [[Rajput]] surname originating in the [[Punjab region]] of the [[Indian subcontinent]].<ref>[http://www.ancestry.com/learn/facts/fact.aspx?&fid=10&fn=&ln=Luthra Luthra]</ref> It is part of the broad [[Kshatriya]] caste. The Kshatriyas in Hinduism are one of the four [[varna]]s. They are traditionally members of the military or ran in an administrative capacity. The Kshatriya were assigned to protecting the Hindu [[dharma]]. Over the course of time, Luthras have migrated to places across [[Punjab]] and [[Sindh]].
'''Luthra''' ([[Hindi|Hindī]]: लूथरा, [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]]: ਲੂਥਰਾ) is an Indian (Panjab): Hindu (Arora) and Sikh name based on the name of an Arora clan. <ref>[http://www.ancestry.com/learn/facts/fact.aspx?&fid=10&fn=&ln=Luthra Luthra]</ref> Over the course of time, Luthras have migrated to places across [[Punjab]] and [[Sindh]].


When [[Pakistan]] was founded in 1947, most of the Luthras migrated to India. Today, Luthras live in numerous regions within India, but are mostly concentrated in [[Punjab]], [[Haryana]], [[Delhi]], [[Uttar Pradesh]]. Luthras can be both [[Sikh]] and [[Hindu]], as the religions are generally very close in the Punjab region.<ref name="Legends">Temple, R.C. "The Legends of The Panjab", 1884. Many reprints 1977, 2002 (ISBN 81-7167-636-7, 0405101287)</ref><ref name="Imperialrule">Imperial Rule in the Punjab: The Conquest and Administration of Multan, 1818-1881 by J[ames] Royal Roseberry, III. Journal of the American Oriental Society, Vol. 110, No. 1 (Jan. - Mar., 1990), p. 176</ref><ref name="Punjabchiefs">[http://books.google.com/books?vid=0SDNkzZ6Nj2dOEev&id=Q0ABAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA272&lpg=PA272&dq=chopra&num=100&as_brr=1 Griffin, Lepel Henry. The Panjab chiefs, historical and biographical notices, 1865]</ref>
When [[Pakistan]] was founded in 1947. Most of the Luthras migrated to India. Today, Luthras live in numerous regions within India, but are mostly concentrated in [[Punjab]], [[Delhi]], [[Uttar Pradesh]] and [[Haryana]]. Luthras can be both [[Sikh]] and [[Hindu]], as the religions are generally very close in the Punjab region.<ref name="Legends">Temple, R.C. "The Legends of The Panjab", 1884. Many reprints 1977, 2002 (ISBN 81-7167-636-7, 0405101287)</ref><ref name="Imperialrule">Imperial Rule in the Punjab: The Conquest and Administration of Multan, 1818-1881 by J[ames] Royal Roseberry, III. Journal of the American Oriental Society, Vol. 110, No. 1 (Jan. - Mar., 1990), p. 176</ref>


== History ==
=== Origins ===
The Luthras are usually [[Indo-Aryans]] of the [[Khatri]] or [[Arora]] castes of the Punjab and Sindh. They are of the [[Kshatriya]] [[Varna]], which in [[Vedic]] times, was the civil ruling and administration group which also included warriors. A number of Luthras migrated to [[Aror]] (modern-day [[Rohri]], near [[Sukkur]] in Sindh, Pakistan) in ancient times and joined a group of [[Arora]]s which had settled there.<ref>[http://www.ancestry.com/learn/facts/fact.aspx?&fid=10&fn=&ln=Luthra Luthra]</ref>


=== Independence ===
Some Luthras are [[Mair Rajput]]s and originate from the Rajput clans of [[Rajasthan]]. These Luthras are related to the Arora Luthras, but originated in [[Ajmer]] and migrated to the Punjab later in their history and began their relation after reaching the Punjab.<ref name="Mairhistory">[http://mairrajputs.tripod.com/history.html History of the Mair Rajputs]</ref> The two divisions of the Luthras are closely related but have sometimes been split over their history, particularly in ancient battles where Mairs were inclined to protect their homeland of Ajmer and Aroras were inclined to defend Aror.<ref name="Mairhistory"/> Thus, some Luthras identify as [[Mair Rajput]]s while other Luthras identify as Aroras and/or Khatris.


⚫
Luthras were also affected by the [[Partition of India]] in 1947. Some were forced out amidst the violence in Pakistani Punjab as Hindus and Sikhs were expelled to create an Islamic republic. Thus they left the Aror region and settled in Indian Punjab and in regions such as [[Uttar Pradesh]] and [[Delhi]]
The origin of the Luthras as a subcaste is ambiguous. However, the broader parent-castes of the Luthras, the [[Arora]]s or [[Khatri]]s, are Indo-Aryans who have inhabited India since 2000 BC (some estimates indicate earlier dates). They belong to the region where the [[Rig Veda]], [[Hinduism]]'s most ancient scripture, was written.


=== Middle Period ===
== Current spread ==
⚫
Luthra's are currently based all over the world as Indian [[diaspora]]. They are also prominent in the Indian states of [[Uttar Pradesh]], [[Delhi]], [[Punjab]], [[Haryana]], [[Himachal Pradesh]] and have small populations in states like [[Maharashtra]] and [[Bengal]]. Some Luthras may reside in [[Pakistan]], but they would be an extremely [[Hinduism in Pakistan|small minority]].
[[Image:Map of Vedic India.png|thumb|350px|right|The position of the Kuru kingdom, which Luthras joined the ranks of, in [[Vedic civilization|Iron Age Vedic India]].]]
In Iron Age Vedic India (c. 1000 BCE), they were inhabitants of the [[Kuru (kingdom)|Kuru Kingdom]]. The dynasty was later ruled by [[Yudhishtira]], who led the [[Kurukshetra War]] against the [[Kauravas]] which is detailed in the Hindu epic, the [[Mahabharata]]. In this war, the Kshatriyas assumed the role of warriors for either side of the battle.

Dispersal and dissolving of such kingdoms resulted in a Mauryan invasion of most of India. The [[Mauryan Empire]] ruled the region inhabited by the Luthras in a period of conflict followed by peace. [[Greek]] and Mauryan forces clashed on numerous occasions, with the Greeks eventually being defeated. The Kshatriyas of the Punjab joined hands with the Mauryans in defeating the foreign force.

After the fall of the Mauryan Empire, a power vacuum shortly existed in the region. In about 100 CE, the [[Kushan]]s from [[Central Asia]] invaded the Punjab, whom the Aroras including the Luthras resisted but failed in the face of the nomadic hordes from Central Asia. However, the Kushans were benevolent rulers and assimilated within Indian culture with many converting to [[Hinduism]] and [[Buddhism]]. The [[Gupta Dynasty]] assumed control of [[Northern India]] in 400 CE, and the Kshatriyas, including Luthras, joined forces with the Guptas to maintain law and order in what became India's Golden Age.

=== The Islamic Period ===

The Luthras were affected by the [[Islamic invasion of India]] as much as numerous other communities of the region. A number of Luthras came under pressure to convert as the city of [[Aror]] fell to the invaders. Most of the them spread across to further parts of the [[Punjab]] and [[Sindh]]. The [[Mughal Empire]] brought great cruelties to the local remaining Hindus, as tens of thousands were slaughtered for failure to accept the new faith. Kshatriyas like the Luthras, prominently including [[Rajput]]s, failed to protect their lands. [[Mair Rajput]] Luthras were particularly involved in fighting for their lands. During 661-680 AD, [[Arab]] generals failed to gain land in India reportedly because of the brave fighting of the [[Jat]]s and ''[[Mair Rajput|Mairs]]''.<ref name="Mairhistory"/>

This began the practise of ''[[jauhar]]'', in which numerous Kshatriyas were killed as they rushed out while vastly outnumbered to battle the [[Muslim]] armies and protect their cities. [[Sir Jadunath Sarkar]] contends that that several Muslim invaders were waging a systematic ''[[jihad]]'' (''Holy War'') against Hindus in India to the effect that "Every device short of massacre in cold blood was resorted to in order to convert heathen subjects." <ref> {{cite book |last=Sarkar |first= Jadunath |authorlink=Jadunath Sarkar |title=Islamic invasion of Hindus in India }} </ref> An estimate of the number of people killed, based on the Muslim chronicles and demographic calculations, was done by [[K.S. Lal]] in his book ''[[Growth of Muslim Population in Medieval India]]'', who claimed that between 1000 CE and 1500 CE, the population of Hindus decreased by 80 million, most of whom were Kshatriyas (who lost their lives in battle) or [[Dalit]]s (who were easy targets for conversion).<ref> {{cite book |last=Durant |first= Will |authorlink=Will Durant |title=
"The Story of Civilization: Our Oriental Heritage" (page 459)}} </ref><ref>{{cite news | first =Koenraad | last =Elst | title =Was there an Islamic "Genocide" of Hindus? | url =http://www.kashmirherald.com/main.php?t=OP&st=D&no=138 | publisher = [[Kashmir Herald]]| pages = | page = | date = 2006-08-25 | accessdate =2006-08-25 }}</ref>

=== The Dal Khalsa ===

In the 1600s, the rise of [[Sikhism]] and the ''[[Dal Khalsa]]'' (Sikh Army) provided incentive for Hindu Kshatriyas to fight for the creation of a Sikh Empire in the Punjab. Traditionally, the first son of Luthras were brought up as Sikhs to protect Punjab.<ref>See [[Hinduism and the Sikh Panth]]</ref> This tradition has been wiped out recently but was prominent in the past. The Sikh Army eventually expelled the Mughals from large parts of the Punjab in 1716 and continued to resist Mughal attacks up till 1799. They united together to form the [[Sikh Confederacy]] in the Punjab, where former Kshatriyas (Sikhism rejects casteism) held prominent positions as rulers and warriors. From 1801-1849, [[Maharaja Ranjit Singh]] united the Punjab under the [[Sikh Empire]]. The Empire was the strongest in India, rivalled only by the [[Maratha Empire]], with which it was friendly with. Kshatriyas including Luthras formed an integral part of the military, which included 35000 regular soliders and approximately 300000 irregular or militia troops. The military also had 188 [[field artillery|heavy artillery guns]] and 70000 [[cavalry]]. The Sikhs were later faced with an external threat from the [[British Empire]], which had sought conquest over all of India. The Punjab was the last state to fall, in 1849, as the troops failed to hold off against the British in the [[Second Anglo-Sikh War]].

=== Independent India ===

Most of India was involved in the struggle for Independence and the Luthras also played a part in this. They did so both as part of the [[Indian National Congress]] and as part of the [[Hindu Mahasabha]]. Most of their efforts was limited to the Punjab region however and no Luthras are particularly famous for their independence efforts.

⚫
The Luthras were also affected by the [[Partition of India]] in 1947. Some were forced out amidst the violence in [[West Punjab]] as Hindus and Sikhs were expelled to create an Islamic republic. Thus, they left the Aror region and settled in Indian Punjab and in regions such as [[Uttar Pradesh]] and [[Delhi]]

== Current Spread ==

⚫
The Luthra clan is currently based all over the world as part of the [[Indian Diaspora]]. They are also prominent in the Indian states of [[Uttar Pradesh]], [[Delhi]], [[Punjab]], [[Haryana]], [[Himachal Pradesh]] and have small populations in states like [[Maharashtra]] and [[West Bengal]]. Some Luthras may reside in [[Pakistan]], but they would be an extremely [[Hinduism in Pakistan|small minority]].


== Role in society ==
== Role in society ==

Luthras are [[Kshatriya]]s and are known for their prominence as warriors and of the ruling and administrative class.<ref>[http://www.ancestry.com/learn/facts/fact.aspx?&fid=10&fn=&ln=Luthra Luthra]</ref> However, later they expanded into [[mercantile]] classes and lived as merchants.<ref>[http://www.ancestry.com/learn/facts/fact.aspx?&fid=10&fn=&ln=Luthra Luthra]</ref> Mainly Luthras were involved as warriors in various Indian military battles. As Kshatriya, They were generally at the front-line in battles.

In modern times, with the changing world, the position of 'warrior' does not fit in. Many Luthras have entered the Indian military and some have entered politics, but the vast majority have involved themselves with businesses across the world. This trend began as early as the Muslim conquest of the subcontinent. Many Luthras are quite successful in terms of business<ref>See prominent Luthras list below</ref> and in the original system of varnas, have expanded into domains previously held only by Vaishyas while many retain their Kshatriya ways.

In terms of politics, Luthras mainly subscribe to the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (or its ally the [[Shiromani Akali Dal]]), with a minority supporting the [[Indian National Congress]].


== Religion ==
== Religion ==
⚫
Luthras are predominantly [[Hindu]]. However, after the foundation of Sikhism some members of subcastes like Luthra would devote their first child to the [[Sikh]] gurus and pronounce him as a Sikh, thus increasing the number of Sikhs who are also Luthras. The tradition has fallen out of prominence in modern society.


⚫
==Prominent Luthras==
⚫
Coming from the period in which Vedic traditions were founded, Luthras are predominantly [[Hindu]]. However, after the foundation of Sikhism and the Dal Khalsa, members of subcastes like Luthra would devote their first child to the [[Sikh Gurus]] and pronounce him as a Sikh, thus increasing the number of Sikhs who are also Luthras. The tradition has fallen out of prominence in modern society.

⚫
== Prominent Luthras ==

*[[Avie Luthra]] - filmaker and writer<ref>[http://www.asiansinmedia.org/news/article.php/television/1183 Avie Luthra]</ref>
*[[Avie Luthra]] - filmaker and writer<ref>[http://www.asiansinmedia.org/news/article.php/television/1183 Avie Luthra]</ref>
*[http://content-ind.cricinfo.com/ci/content/player/30797.html Sachin Luthra] - [[cricket|cricketer]]
*[[Suresh Luthra]] - [[cricket|cricketer]]<ref>[http://content-ind.cricinfo.com/ci/content/player/30863.html Suresh Luthra profile]</ref>
*[[Suresh Luthra]] - [[cricket|cricketer]]<ref>[http://content-ind.cricinfo.com/ci/content/player/30863.html Suresh Luthra profile]</ref>
*BK Luthra - Chairman of the Luthra Academy.<ref>[http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/01may20/state.htm Luthra Academy]</ref>
*K.K. Luthra - Famous lawyer. The KK Luthra Memorial All India Moot Court Competition is held in his memory.<ref>[http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/01may20/state.htm KK Luthra]</ref>
*K.K. Luthra - Famous lawyer. The KK Luthra Memorial All India Moot Court Competition is held in his memory.<ref>[http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/01may20/state.htm KK Luthra]</ref>
*K.S. Luthra - Founder of Luthra Hydro-Pneumatic Industries; provider of renewable energy sources.<ref>[http://www.luthrahydropneumatic.com/aboutus.htm Luthra Hydropneumatic]</ref>
*[[Tajender Luthra]] - Deputy Commissioner of Police in [[Chandigarh]] India.<ref>[http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20031003/ncr1.htm Tajender Luthra]</ref>
*[http://www.vlcc.co.in/ Vandana Luthra] - owner of numerous beauty parlours and health clinics in India.
*[http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20031003/ncr1.htm Tajender Luthra] - Deputy Commissioner of Police in [[Chandigarh]] India.
*[[Arun Luthra]] - Saxophonist, composer and musician in New York City.<ref>[http://www.arunluthra.net Arun Luthra]</ref>
*[[Arun Luthra]] - Saxophonist, composer and musician in New York City.<ref>[http://www.arunluthra.net Arun Luthra]</ref>
*Rajiv Luthra - Famous lawyer and owner of law firm.<ref>[http://www.luthra.com/ Rajiv Luthra]</ref><ref>[http://www.thelawyer.com/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=123312&d=11&h=24&f=46 Rajiv Luthra]</ref>
*AK Luthra - Chief Commissioner of [[Income tax]]. <ref>[http://www.oistbpl.com/prevnews.htm AK Luthra]</ref>
*AK Luthra - Chief Commissioner of [[Income tax]]. <ref>[http://www.oistbpl.com/prevnews.htm AK Luthra]</ref>
*[[Ankur Luthra]] - Rhodes Scholar and [[philanthropist]], founder of Computer Literacy 4 Kids (CL4K)<ref>[http://www.berkeley.edu/news/media/releases/2003/05/05_ankar.shtml Ankur Luthra]</ref><ref>[http://www.cl4k.org/our_founder_ankur.html Ankur Luthra: Our Founder]</ref>
*[[Dev Luthra]] - Theatre actor.<ref>[http://www.pilgrimtheatre.org/about/bios/Dev_Luthra.htm Dev Luthra]</ref>
*[http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2063725/ Suneet Luthra] - Actor
*[http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/parikshit-luthra/508701/main Parikshit Luthra] - Actor
*[http://www.lifepositive.com/Mind/work/corporate-management/chandni-luthra.asp Chandini Luthra] - Vice President of ITDC (Duty free shops)
*[http://www.hindu.com/2005/03/26/stories/2005032604281800.htm Amit Luthra] - [[golf]] player
*[http://artsci.wustl.edu/~philos/history/luthra.htm Chaman Luthra] and Adarsh Luthra - founders of the "Nisha Luthra Prize in Philosophy".
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/ECG-Made-Easy-Atul-Luthra/dp/1904798217 Atul Luthra] - [[author]]

⚫
== See also ==


⚫
==See also==
*[[Arora]]
*[[Arora]]
*[[Khatri]]
*[[Mair Rajput]]
*[[History of Hinduism]]
*[[History of Hinduism]]
*[[History of Sikhism]]
*[[History of Sikhism]]

Revision as of 09:32, 11 May 2007

Luthra
ClassificationVaishya - Arora
ReligionsHinduism and Sikhism
LanguagesPunjabi, Hindi and Urdu
Populated statesPunjab (India), Haryana, Delhi and Sindh

Luthra (Hindī: लूथरा, Punjabi: ਲੂਥਰਾ) is an Indian (Panjab): Hindu (Arora) and Sikh name based on the name of an Arora clan. [1] Over the course of time, Luthras have migrated to places across Punjab and Sindh.

When Pakistan was founded in 1947. Most of the Luthras migrated to India. Today, Luthras live in numerous regions within India, but are mostly concentrated in Punjab, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. Luthras can be both Sikh and Hindu, as the religions are generally very close in the Punjab region.[2][3]


Independence

Luthras were also affected by the Partition of India in 1947. Some were forced out amidst the violence in Pakistani Punjab as Hindus and Sikhs were expelled to create an Islamic republic. Thus they left the Aror region and settled in Indian Punjab and in regions such as Uttar Pradesh and Delhi

Current spread

Luthra's are currently based all over the world as Indian diaspora. They are also prominent in the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and have small populations in states like Maharashtra and Bengal. Some Luthras may reside in Pakistan, but they would be an extremely small minority.

Role in society

Religion

Luthras are predominantly Hindu. However, after the foundation of Sikhism some members of subcastes like Luthra would devote their first child to the Sikh gurus and pronounce him as a Sikh, thus increasing the number of Sikhs who are also Luthras. The tradition has fallen out of prominence in modern society.

Prominent Luthras

See also

References

  1. ^ Luthra
  2. ^ Temple, R.C. "The Legends of The Panjab", 1884. Many reprints 1977, 2002 (ISBN 81-7167-636-7, 0405101287)
  3. ^ Imperial Rule in the Punjab: The Conquest and Administration of Multan, 1818-1881 by J[ames] Royal Roseberry, III. Journal of the American Oriental Society, Vol. 110, No. 1 (Jan. - Mar., 1990), p. 176
  4. ^ Avie Luthra
  5. ^ Suresh Luthra profile
  6. ^ KK Luthra
  7. ^ Tajender Luthra
  8. ^ Arun Luthra
  9. ^ AK Luthra

Luthra

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