Chahal Jats

One of the largest Jatt tribes in the Punjab. They are found in greatest numbers in Patiala but are numerous in Ambala, Ludhiana, Amritsar, Gurdaspur and as far west as Gujranwala and Sialkot.

It is said that Raja Agarsen Surajbansi had four sons :- Chahil, Chhina, Chima and Sahi and that the four Jatt tribes bear these names are sprung from them. Their original home was Malwa. In Amritsar they say that Chahal was a son of Raja Khang, who once saw some fairies bathing in a tank. He seized their clothes and only restored them on condition that one of them became his bride. The Chahal migrated to Pakhi Chahilan near Patiala and there founded Rala JoGa or Joga Rala in the Malwa.

The Chahil affect Jogi Pir, originally Joga, son of Rajpal, who is said to have been killed after fighting with the Mughals. Jogi Pir who is said to be the guru (preceptor) of Chahal jats. It is said that during the times of Mughal rule, Jogi Pir fought with the forces of Mughal rulers. During the battle, his head was chopped off, but his headless body kept on fighting until it fell down dead in this village (Bhopal). The people were deeply touched by the sacrifice of Jogi Pir and got a smadh constructed here.

Another story also says that once a few persons were going to some place for business purpose, and night befell them. They stayed under a grove of trees in the premises of the smadh. They felt pangs of thirst at night, but there was no source of water where from they could quench their thirst. A heavenly voice which was believed to be that of Jogi Pir was heard: “ why do you die of thirst? Pick out abrick from the pond and take water”. They did likewise, found water from underneath the brick they picked up and thus they quenched their thirst.

A fair is held here twice annually for three days on Bhadon 28 (August-September)and Chet 16 (march- April) at the smadhof Jogi Pir. It is attended by both Hindus and Sikhs, Chahal Jats in particular in large number. The people pay their obeisance at the smadh, especially after the birth of a son or the solemnization of marriage. Earth is also scooped one of the tank by the people for involking the blessings of Jogi Pir.

pt:Chahal