Punjabi Saudagaran-e-Delhi
The Punjabi Saudagaran Delhi or sometime refered to as the Qaum-e-Punjaban (Punjabi: ਕ਼ੌਮ ਏ ਪੰਜਾਬਣ, Urdu: قوم پنجابن) are a community of Muslim Khatris, that historically lived mainly in the old Delhi, India.[1] Some of this community is now found in Pakistan.
History
According to their tradition, a few families left Sargodha, in what is now Pakistan in the 17th Century in search of business oportunities for North India. They were then converted to Islam at the hands of the famous Sufi saint Shamsuddin Sabzwari. They often use the surname Shamsi ( a disciple of Shams), in his honour.[2]
The Qaum-e-Punjaban are divided into various lineages. These include the Batla, Chapra, Chawla, Chandna, Dalal, Gaba, Kathuria, Kalia, Lohia, Mehra, Sardana and Mehindarata. They also use Shaikh as a title.
A common surname within the community is Allahwala, or God fearing in English.
They are an entirely Urdu speaking community, Punjabi ceased being the spoken language from the eighteenth century onwards.
Associations
The Jamiyat Punjabi Saudagaran-e-Delhi (Association of Punjabi traders of Delhi) was registered in Delhi 1910, and is composed of a president, two vice-presidents, one honoury secretary and one joint secretary. [3]
Current Position
The partition of India in 1947, was extremely traumatic event, and a significant portion of this community had to leave to leave India. After independence of Pakistan in 1947, a large number of these traders migrated to Lahore and Karachi. Some still continue to live in Delhi.[4]
The Jamiyat is now split into organizations, one in India and one in Pakistan.
In Karachi, the Qaum-e-Punjaban form an important element with in the business community of that city.[5]
The Delhi Mercantile Society, in Karachi is the principal settlement of the Qaum-e-Punjaban in Pakistan.
Famous Persons
- Kamila Shamsie author
- Javed Jabbar poltician and social activitist
- Mehreen Jabbar daughter of Javed Jabbar
- Husain A Kalia, founder of the Kalia & Khanani Money Exchange
See Also
References
- ^ People of India Delhi K Singh editor
- ^ People of India Delhi K Singh editor
- ^ http://graveyard.jpsdpk.com/main
- ^ [www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2003/03/06/stories/2003030600560300.htm Death no leveller in Capital cemetery]
- ^ http://125.209.91.254/CDGK/NewsDetails/tabid/255/NewsId/604/Default.aspx