Jats

agricultural group of India and Pakistan

Jat(Jadgal), Jutt or Jaat is a community of traditionally non elite peasants[a][b][c] in northern India and Pakistan. High-caste Hindus often call them Shudras but the Jats call themselves Kshatriyas.[4]

History

Jats had its origins in pastoralism in the lower Indus valley of Sindh until they were forced northwards due to the Islamic conquests.[5]

"... (North India) contained large numbers of non-elite tillers.Like many similar titles used elsewhere, this was not so much a caste name as a broad designation for the man of substance in rural terrain. … To be called Jat has in some regions implied a background of pastoralism, though it has more commonly been a designation of non-servile cultivating people".[6]

Many Jat people serve in the Indian Army, including the Jat Regiment, Sikh Regiment, Rajputana Rifles and the Grenadiers, where they have won many of the highest military awards for gallantry and bravery. Jat people also serve in the Pakistan Army especially in the Punjab Regiment.

Distribution

Jaats inhabited throughout the Punjab region, Sindh and some other northwestern parts of Subcontinent. [source?]

Notes

References

Further reading

  • Census Of India 1911 Volume XIV Punjab Part 2 by Pandit Narikishan Kaul
  • 'A glossary of the tribes and castes of the Punjab and North West Frontier Province' by H.A. Rose, Page 354, published in 1919.