Gakhars

Gakhar
Languages
Pothowari, Hindko, and Urdu
Panoramic view of Pharwala Fort, traditional seat of the Gakhar clan

The Gakhars (also Gakkhar or Ghakhar or Ghakkar) are a clan found predominantly on the Potohar plateau in the northern part of Pakistan's Punjab province. In the 1990s, Gakhars who professed Islam were reported to be most prevalent in Hazara district and in northern districts of Punjab such as Rawalpindi district.[1] Hindu Gakhars have also been recorded, historically in areas such as the Punjab where a Gakhar ruled in the time of Babur.[2]

Medieval Gakhars

The Gakhars had engaged in a long-running battle for sovereignty over the Salt Range. Gakhars were renowned for their skill in building forts and fortified cities,[3] such as the Rawat Fort.

The history of this region (the Salt Range) from the thirteenth century onward had been a sickening record of wars between the Janjuhas and the Gakkhars for political ascendancy.[4]

References

  1. ↑ Van Donzel, E. J., ed. (1994). Islamic Desk Reference. BRILL. p. 106. ISBN 978-9-00409-738-4.
  2. ↑ Chandra, Satish (2006). Medieval India: From Sultanat to the Mughals. 2 (Revised, 2nd ed.). Har-Anand Publications. p. 45. ISBN 978-8-12411-066-9.
  3. ↑ Journal of the Pakistan Historical Society, Volume 54, Issues 1-2. Pakistan Historical Society. 2006.
  4. ↑ Bakshi, S. R. (1995). Advanced History of Medieval India. Anmol Publ. p. 142.

Further reading

  • Gakkhar, A. S Bazmee Ansari, in Encyclopedia of Islam, 2nd ed.,Edited by J.H.Kramers et al., E.J Brill, Leiden, pp. 972–74.
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