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The Janjua Rajput (Urdu: جنجوعہ, Punjabi ਜਨ੍ਜੁਅ) (also spelt Janjuha, Janjuah) are one of the most dominant royal warrior clans of Punjab. They were the last Punjabi Emperors of Punjab before the conquests of Sultan Mahmud Ghazni.

They have a recorded history that spans centuries through famous Maharajas, Rajas, Emperors, Sultans, Nawabs and Princes since the vedic age to the modern era. They were among the earliest Rājput converts to Islam.

Rebelling against the Delhi Sultanate in the early 13th and 16th century, the Janjua Rajas aided Emperor Babur in his conquest of India. They served as Generals in the Imperial Mughal Army and have played a major part in Punjabi history through the battles, rebellions and alliances with World conquerors.

Under the British Raj of India, they were designated as a Martial Race^[1] and provided strong numbers to the British Imperial Army in both World Wars.

The Janjua Rajput tribe possesses a strong Martial Reputation, and has produced many highly decorated and award winning Military Generals and Officers to the Pakistan Army. They are also distinguished as providing Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the United Nations in the form of Ms Tehmina Janjua, as well as Governors to the Provinces of Pakistan and Ambassadors to the Middle East and Nepal.

Internationally renowned and popular sportsmen such Olympic medal winning International Boxing sensation Amir Khan and International Cricketer Sajid Mahmood, are indicative of the Janjua's rising success in the world of sport.

Contents 1 Ancient Patriarchs of the Janjua Rajput 2 The Janjua Emperors of the Hindu Shahi Dynasty 2.1 Anandpal Shah 2.2 Tirlochanpal Shah 2.3 Bhimpala Shah 3 The Janjua Rule of Mathura 4 The Rise of Raja Mal Khan 5 The Main Branches of The Janjua Rajput 5.1 Khakha Rajputs 5.2 Raja Jodh and Raja Bhir 5.2.1 Raja Darwesh Khan 5.3 Nawab Talib Mehdi Khan Janjua 5.3.1 The Janjua Sultans 5.3.2 Ranial and Dhamial Rajputs 5.4 Janjua of North Western Frontier Province 5.5 Raja Kala Khan - Sultan Ahmed Sani 5.5.1 Kharwal Rajputs of Kahuta 6 The Janjua and the Mughal Emperor Babur 7 Forts and Castles of the Janjua 8 Characteristics of the Janjua Rajputs 9 Martial Distinction During the British Raj 9.1 Janjua contribution to World War One & Two 10 Famous Janjua in The Pakistani Army and Government 10.1 Jawan Sawar Muhammad Hussain (Shaheed) 10.2 General Asif Nawaz Janjua 10.3 General Tikka Khan Janjua 10.4 Major General Iftikhar Khan Janjua 10.5 Brigadier Amir Gulistan Janjua 10.6 Ms Tehmina Janjua 11 Famous Janjua in Sports 11.1 Amir Khan - Boxing 11.2 Sajid Mahmood- Cricket 12 Janjua Residence 13 Royal Titles 14 References 15 Prominent Janjuas of Today 16 See also

The Janjua Rajput tribe are a branch of the ancient Pandava dynasty through the Valiant warrior hero Prince Arjun Pandav, who is the ancestor of the Janjua.

Prince Arjun, known as the Achilles of India,^[2] was famous for his valour, superior military skill and inspiring heroism. He was known as the perfect Kshatriya (Warrior), and was known as the Supreme Archer.

Arjun was well built, extremely handsome and a dilligent beloved student of his Martial Art master Drona. Arjun was not only a martial arts hero, but also a romantic hero of the Mahabharata epic^[3] which records his romantic adventures as well as his martial campaigns.

According to legend, Prince Arjun was believed to be the semi-devine son of Indra (King of the Vedic Aryan deities), borne to mortal queen Kunti and heir to the Pandava dynasty.^[4]

The Pandavas were a Chandravanshi Kuru branch of the ancient Vedic Aryans of India descending from the legendary vedic emperor Pururava (also known as Puru) and lived in about the 14th century BC. General Alexander Cunningham of India concluded the Janjua to be of Aryan origin.^[5]

Prince Arjun was himself first cousin to the famed Hindu prince Lord Krishna and married Krishna's sister, Subhadra, to extend his dynasty.

Prince Arjun's great grandson, Maharaja Janamejaya, is the apical ancestor of the Janjuas and was also known as the Serpent Killer after the famous mass revenge killing of all snakes and the Nagas people - a large community of snake worshippers who were rulers of a nearby state responsible for the assassination of his father Parikshit.^[6]

Maharaja Janamejaya was later the ruling Emperor of the Kingdom of Hastinapur, the capital of which was Indraprasta (modern day Delhi). His descendants were known historically as the Pandava Dynasty, and the Pauravas. Pauravas, Panduvanshi being patriarchal names of the same dynasty.

Regarding the Janjuas descent from the Pandavas dynasty, the Bali and Bhimwal generals of Raja Dhrupet Dev of Mathura, recorded that the Janjua Raja Dhrupet Dev was the descendant of Emperor Janamejaya. This reference was recorded in 1195AD.^[7]

Sir Lepel H Griffin K.C.S.I. had also recorded in the early 1900s that the Janjua were Pandavas in origin.^[8]

India's other name Bharat or Bharat-Varsh is actually named after a forefather of the Pandava dynasty, Bharat. Bharat-Varsh means "Kingdom of Bharat"^[9] The Mahabharata epic is a narration which records a war between Bharat's later descendants the Pandavas and their cousins the Kauravas for the throne of Hastinapur.

This epic is also believed to be the world's longest poem and Janamejaya was responsible for the retelling of it. The Pandavas were also known as Pauravas after another prominent ancestor Puru.

The Pauravas ruled Kekaya which was widely known as the Kingdom of the Puru/Pauravas Clan and it was Rai Por or more popularly known in the west as King Porus who fought Alexander the Great in 326 BC (in what is now Jhelum, Pakistan) in the famed Battle of the Hydaspes.

It is said:

“	Unlike Darius, Porus fought aboard his elephant until the end..In victory Alexander treated Porus with the dignity reserved for a great warrior reinstating him a vassal king and sealing the bond of friendship	”
—From The Horse in the Ancient World by Ann Hyland[10]

According to Arian, Alexander is said to have asked King Porus "How would you like me to treat you?" to which Porus famously replied "As a Raja (king)". The answer touched Alexander, who in return allowed the Raja of the Pauravas to retain his Kingdom and more.^{[11][12][13][14][15]}

The page List of Indian monarchs gives an account of the period of rule of the Bharata-Puru-Pandava-Pauravas-Janjua Shahi phase which began from approx 1600BC to 1026AD.

From about 964AD, the Janjua chief Parambhattaraka Maharajadhiraja Paramesvara Sri Jayapaladeva (Epithets known from the Bari Kot inscriptions) succeeded the Brahmin Hindu Shahi Emperor Bhimdev. The Janjua Shahiya emperors now ruled from Ghandar (Kandahar of Afghanistan) to the whole of Punjab in what was known as the second phase of the Hindu Shahiya, the Janjua Shahi Dynasty.

Famed ethnologists and Indo researchers Sir Alexander Cunningham,^[16] Elliot and Dowson^[17] and Sachau^[18] led research into the origins of the Pala Hindu Shahiya, the second dynasty that succeeded the initial Brahmin Dev Shahiyas. Through independent research they concluded that the origins of Emperor Jayapala Shah was in fact in the Janjua Rajput. In 1973's Al-Biruni International Congress in Pakistan, Dr Hussain Khan presented a paper in called "An Interpretation of Al-Biruni's Account of the Hindu Shahiyas of Kabul" which also confirmed the same findings. Finally, the Janjuas own genealogy records the names of the Janjua Shahi Jayapala as well as the continued descendants of his House.^[19]

Jayapala was challenged by the armies of Sabuktigin and his son Sultan Mahmud towards the end of his reign as emperor. According to the Minháj ad-Dīn in his chronicle Tabaqát-i Násiri,^[20] writes a testament to the political and powerful stature of Emperor Jayapala Shah, "Jayapála, who is the greatest of all the ráis (kings) of Hind..." Upon being captured after a fierce battle with Sultan Mahmud, Jayapala was ransomed and upon his release, "he ordered the construction of a funeral pyre. Mounting and setting it alight, he nobly perished in the flames".^[21] Misra wrote:"Jaypala was perhaps the last Indian ruler to show such spirit of aggression, so sadly lacking in later Rajput kings".^[22]

His son prince Anandapala who ascended the throne (in about March/April 1002AD) already proved an able warrior and General in leading many battles prior to his ascension.

According to Adáb al-Harb^[23] in about 990, "the arrogant but ambitious Raja of Lahore Bharat, having put his father in confinement, marched on the country of Jayapála with the intention of conquering the districts of Nandana, Jailum and Tákeshar." Jayapala instructed prince Anandapala to repel the opportunist Raja Bharat. Anandapala defeated Bharat and took him prisoner in the battle of Takeshar and marched on Lahore and captured the city and extended his father's kingdom yet further.

During his reign many losses were incurred on his kingdom by the Ghaznavids. During the battle of Chach between Sultan Mahmud and Anandapala, it is stated that "a body of 30,000 Gakhars fought alongside as soldiers for the Shahi Emperor and incurred huge losses for the Ghaznavids."^[24] It is also mentioned in the same text that "the Gakhars (or Khokhars) formed a very significant force in the armies of the Sáhis".^[25]

Despite the heavy losses of the enemy, he eventually lost the battle and suffered much financial and territorial loss. This was Anandapala's last stand against Sultan Mahmud.

Anandpala eventually signed a treaty with the Ghaznavid empire in 1010AD and shortly a year later died a peaceful death. R.C Majumdar^[26] compared him ironically to his dynasty's ancient famous ancestor "Porus, who bravely opposed Alexander but later submitted and helped in subduing other Indian rulers." And Tahqíq Má li'l-Hind finally revered Anandapala in his legacy as noble and courageous.^[27]

Tirlochanpála, the son of Anandapala, ascended the throne in about 1011AD. Inheriting a reduced kingdom, he immediately set about expanding his kingdom into the Siwalik Hills, the region of the Rai of Sharwa. His kingdom now extended from the River Indus to the upper Ganges valley.

According to Al-Biruni, Tirlochanpála "was well inclined towards the Muslims" and was honourable in his loyalty to his father's peace treaty to the Ghaznavids. He later rebelled against Sultan Mahmud and was eventually assassinated by some of his own mutinous troops in 1021-22AD, an assassination which was believed to have been instigated by the Rai of Sharwa who became his arch-enemy due to Tirlochanpala's expansion into the Siwalik ranges.^[28].

He was romanticised in Punjabi folklore as the Last Punjabi ruler of Punjab.

Bhímapála, son of Tirlochanpala, succeeded his father in 1021-22AD. He was referred to by Utbí as "Bhīm, the Fearless" due to his courage and valour".^[29] Considering his kingdom was at its lowest point, possibly only the control of Nandana, he admirably earned the title of fearless from his enemy's own chronicle writer. He is known to have led the battle of Nandana personally and seriously wounding the Commander of the Ghaznavid army Muhammad bin Ibrahim at-Tāī^[30]

He ruled only five years after his father before meeting his death in 1026AD.

His remaining descendants, Rudrapal and his brothers Diddápála and Anangapāla had settled in Kashmir and played a major role in the court of Kashmirian king Ananta (1028-63AD). According to the Rājtarahginī,^[31] Rudrapal proved himself extravagant in personal valour by crushing the rebels of the king, as commander in chief of the Kashmiri royal army.

Al-Biruni, despite living under Sultan Mahmud's grace, praises the house of Jayapala:

“	We must say that in all their grandeur, they never slackened in the ardent desire of doing that which is good and right, that they were men of noble sentiment and noble bearing	”
—Al-Biruni

Kalhana writes of the Shahis:

“	"Where is the Shahi dynasty with its ministers, its kings, and its great grandeur? ... The very name of the splendor of Shahi kings has vanished. What is not seen in dream, what even our imagination cannot conceive, that dynasty accomplished with ease	”
—Rājtarahginī, Kalhana

The later descendant of Rudrapala, Dhrupet Dev gained the rule of Mathura state in about 1150AD through intermarriage with the daughter of the Raja Hukum Ram, King of Mathura, who had no male issue to extend his dynasty. Dhrupet Dev was also the ruler of the Mandu fort of the Siwalik hills. His rule of Mathura was ended in 1195AD when Qutb-ud-din Aybak, the general of the Ghorid army, attacked Mathura and ousted the ruling royal family. According to Mohyal historians (Gulshan-e-Mohyali) Raja Dhrupet's younger brother Raja Shripat Dev, accompanied the exile back to the Siwalik hills. Shripat Dev later, "established his dominion at Katasraj (old name Namaksar) in Tehsil Pind Dadan Khan, Distt. Jhelum." The Mohyal commanders in chief of the Janjua army at this point were Rai Tirlok Nath Bali and Bam Dev Bhimwal.^[32][33]

Raja Dhrupet Dev was the father of a famous Janjua Sardar Raja Ajmal Dev Janjua who embraced Islam in the 12th century and rose to become the next rising force of the Janjua Rajput. He followed the Islamic tradition of change of name after conversion and was then known as Raja Mal Khan. He was among the first Muslim Rajputs recorded in Indian history. This conversion was done before the armies of Shahabudin Ghauri entered into the Indian Plateau to conquer whilst he was very young in his teens and inclined towards Islamic philosophy of the Sufis brought by the Dervishes of the Chistiya order.

Raja Mal Khan migrated from Mandu fort in the Siwalik Hills to the Koh-i-Jud and settled at Rajgarh which he later renamed Malot. He re-conquered the Salt Ranges of Punjab to establish the dominion which his forefathers lost almost two centuries earlier to the Ghaznavids.^[34][35] (Malot was originally called Shahghar or Rajghar - meaning home of the Shahis/Kings but was later changed to Malot in recognition of its famous King Raja Mal.)

The Tarikh-e-Alfi of the Ghorids mentions the rebellious behaviour of Raja Mal Khan towards the Delhi Sultanate. It records that a "Rai Mal" of the mountains between Lahore and Kabul excited a rebellion against them and intercepted communications between Lahore and Ghazni.^[36]

There is still today remnants of an ancient fort in Malot, Chakwal which was initially built by the Shahis and later rebuilt by Raja Mal Khan. It is also inscribed that the last Hindu Shahi prince Raja Mal embraced Islam at this place.^[37]

Raja Mal Khan was also the first ruler to begin the mining of salt in the Salt Ranges of Kallar Kahar and in the Khewra Salt Mines of Punjab which is currently the world's second largest salt mine.^{[38][39][40][41]}

Many prominent Muslim tribes trace their lineage back to the Janjua through the five princes of the House of Raja Mal Khan Janjua. The five princes were Raja Bhir Khan, Raja Jodh Khan, Raja Kala Khan, Raja Tanoli Khan and Raja Khakha Khan. Jodh and Bhir were born of a Gakhar Rani while Kala, Khakha and Tanoli were born of another Rajput Rani.^[42]

Raja Khakha Khan was succeeded by three sons, Faggal Khan, Aliya Khan, Mangi Khan who took over from him on his death. The Raja's of the Khakha Janjua of Kashmir and Pakhli became a renowned tribe of the Kashmiri region. Raja Khaka Khan's descendants inhabit Muzaffarabad, Kot Khakha amongst other villages near the Jammu frontier of Kashmir.^[43]

“	The Khakhás, who enjoy the proud title of Rájá, are, like the Chibs, Musalmán Rájputs, and trace their descent to Rájá Mal......They regard themselves as belonging to the Janjuah tribe	”
—The Imperial Gazetteer of Kashmir and Jammu[44][45]

The Khakha Rajputs are renowned for being a powerful and warlike Muslim Rajput tribe. During the period of the Afghan overlordship over the region of Kashmir it is recorded that they, "...paid little to their overlord and were practically independent." Even when the Sikh empire tightened their hold over the Jhelum Valley of Kashmir, the Khakha Rajputs retained a privileged position.^[46]

The proud and privileged position of the Khakha Rajputs within their kingdom as well as their strong alliance to the Bhambas Sultans is renowned throughout their history in the region. Their power and dominance aided Yakub Shah in his defence of Kashmir, in what was the first defeat of Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1582 on his first incursion into the Kashmir valley. But Akbar eventually returned more powerful and finally conquered the region in 1586.^[47]

Sir George Campbell of the British Raj referred to them as "...a curiously handsome people."

The Khakha Rajputs have continued their ancestral tradition of the recording of the family lineal tree. The above all indicate a strong a continuance of the Janjua traditions by the Khakha Rajas, making them a highly successful and powerful branch of the Janjua dynasty. They have always been a force to be reckoned with in the Jhelum Valley and their reputation as a defiant warlike tribe is well renowned.

According to Lepel H. Griffin:

“	"On the death of their father they determined to divide the country called, from Raja Mal, the Maloki Dhan between them. Jodh took the Salt Range near about the Makrach, and captured the town of Makshala from a colony of Brahmans (mohyals)...He changed its name to Makhiala and built there a fort and two tanks for rain water..... Wir Khan (also spelt Bhir), took the possession of Khura (also spelt Khewra) near modern Pind Dadan Khan. He had one son, Raja Ahmad Khan, from whom have descended the families of Malot, Badshapur, and Dalwal"	”
—Chiefs and Families of note in the Punjab[48]

The descendants of Raja Jodh had continued to rule this region through various interruptions until the age of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Raja Bhir meanwhile took over Malot (Rajghar) state in Chakwal from his father. Raja Bhir's son, Raja Acharpal became a famous chief after his father's death. The above mentioned Ahmed Khan was in fact Acharpal, who later changed his name after converting to Islam.

Raja Darwesh Khan Janjua of Garjaak/Girjakh Jehlum (son of Raja Sanghar Khan mentioned below and descendant of Raja Jodh) was a highly renowned Raja of Jhelum. Initially a Malik (prince), he later established his own kingdom and named it Darapur, thereafter becoming the Raja of Darapur.

“	Darapur was founded by Malik Darwesh, a fighting chief, who avenged many of the injuries his tribe had received from the Gakhars	”
—Sir Lepel H.Griffin KCSI[49]

Malik Darwesh had fought the Gakhar chief Hathi Khan Gakhar in Punjab. Malik Darwesh Janjua defeated Hathi Khan famously in a decisive and courageous battle causing him to flee defeated to Basal, while Hathi's cousins Adam Khan and Sarang Khan escaped to Dangalli. Malik Darwesh Khan recovered the territory that was taken from his tribe by Hathi Gakhar.^[50]

The recovered territories were distributed amongst his tribe, of which one part formed his own Kingdom of Darapur, spreading over twenty two large villages and estates. Even to day the area is called in Vernacular Bai (22) Deis (land, villages, etc) firstly at Malikpur and then shifted to Darapur (today Malikpur is a small village where no Janjua resides; but almost entire landed property is held by the Janjua Rajas of Darapur. In this area besides Darapur the main villages of Janjua abode are Chakri Dhuman Khan. It has become known as Chakri Rajgaan since the fame of General Asif Nawaz Janjua as Chief of Army Staff. Bajwala Dattan is now known as Bajwala Kalan.

Mughal Commander - Raja Darwesh Janjua was a distinguished and noted Commander of the Imperial Mughal Army under Emperor Akbar's reign, in a campaign to capture Prince Mirza Hakim in June 1581^[51]

Raja Darwesh Khan's great-grandson, Raja Shabat Khan had fought under Sardar Mahan Singh Sukarchakia (father of Maharaja Ranjit Singh) in many campaigns in the late 18th century. But upon Raja Shabat Khan's death, the Sikh chief Sardar Atar Singh Dhari assassinated his son and successor, Raja Ghulam Muhi-ud-din Khan.^[52]

The Janjua didn't appear to trust the Sikhs thereafter and rebelled valiantly against their rule.

Raja Darwesh Khan's later descendant Raja Zaman Mahdi Khan of Darapur, was also distinguished by Sir Lepel H.Griffin as a true noble:

“	He (Raja Zaman Mahdi Khan) acted up to the traditions of his tribe in honesty of character, loyalty to the authorities, and in unstinted hospitality to the strangers within his gates. In 1891, he was a Provincial Darbari and was granted the title of Khan Bahadur by the British Raj.	”
—Punjab Chiefs[53]

Raja Zaman Mehdi Khan Janjua distributed his inheritance equally in four parts between himself and his three brothers, Raja Shakir Mehdi Khan Janjua, Raja Abdullah Khan Janjua, and Raja Paindah Khan Janjua.

Later Raja Shakir Mehdi Khan Janjua died issueless (he had two sons who fled away, and now their descendants are said to be at Qasur)and his share was reassigned back to Raja Zaman Mehdi Khan Janjua, whereupon Raja Zaman Mehdi Khan Janjua was admitted as Chief of Family and was conferred the title Malik.

It may be added that as per decision made at the time of Malik Zaman Mehdi Khan (when he was appointed as Chief of Family) only the eldest son of the Chief of Family shall be the decorated as Chief of Family and only he shall use the title of Malik while all others shall be called as Raja.

It may also be added that the part of property coming from Raja Shakir Mehdi Khan Janjua was entered in the Revenue Record as 'Sardari Hissa' (and not as the personal property) whereby was to be used for the welfare of the family e.g. education and well-being, therefore, it was non-divisible among the heirs, and it was (at the time of death of the Chief of Family) set to pass on as a UNIT to the next Chief of Family with the same conditions. …Masoud Mehdi Janjua of Darapur.

Malik Zaman Mehdi Khan's only son, Malik Talib Mehdi Khan served as Deputy Commissioner, Ambassador to Kabul, and trusted Prime Minister of the Bhawalpur State ^[54]. Malik Talib Mehdi Khan Janjua was appointed as Nawab with the rank of Major without attachments of any kind. He assumed rulership of the tribe after his father's death. At this point, almost the entire tribe served in the Imperial Army.^[55]

Nawab Malik Talib Mehdi Khan Janjua had only one son, the late Nawabzada Malik Afzaal Mehdi Khan Janjua MNA. He was Chief of the family after the death of his father Nawab Malik Talib Mehdi Khan Janjua. During the time of Nawabzada Malik Afzaal Mehdi Khan Janjua, Sardari Hissa was treated and calculated by the Government, as personal property and thus was subjected to Martial Law Regulations; but Revenue Record was not changed whereby the left over (by the application of Martial Law Regulations) part of the Sardari Hissa still appears in the Revenue Record, as Sardari Hissa. …Masoud Mehdi Janjua of Darapur.

The only son of Nawabzada Malik Afzaal Mehdi Khan Janjua is Nawabzada Malik Iqbal Mehdi Khan Janjua, Ex-Provincial Minister, and Member of National Assembly (1988-1999^[56]). He succeeded the rule of the Darapur Estate after his father's death.

Raja Najeeb Ullah Khan Janjua (the paternal nephew of Malik Zaman Mehdi Khan Janjua who in his turn was the father of Nawab Talib Mehdi Khan) was among first Imperial soldiers from Imperial Indian Army to get the King’s Commission. Raja Najeeb Ullah Khan was the first Muslim to receive the prestigious King’s Commission, and he was in the British Battalion.

Raja Ghulam Mehdi Khan Janjua [the paternal nephew of Nawab Talib Mehdi Khan and father-in-law of Nawabzada Iqbal Mehdi Khan Janjua (Current Chief of Darapur dynasty)] was a Provincial Civil Servant at the time of Independence and later on retired as Deputy Commissioner.

Raja Masoud Mehdi Janjua is the first science graduate of Darapur Family; he joined Election Commission of Pakistan and retired as Deputy Election Commissioner.

The Janjua Sultan of Watli, Sultan Fateh Muhammad Khan (descendant of Raja Jodh through Raja Sun Paal) valiantly opposed Sikh, holding them off for over 6 months in Kusuk Fort, Watli. The current ruler of the Watli estate being Sultan Raja Azmat Hayat Khan, who has also served as Member of the Provincial Assembly.

During the 20th century, Watli Sultan Dynasty and the Darapur Dynasty were united through marriage. Raja Feroze Khan Janjua (The father-in-law of Nawabzada Malik Afzaal Mehdi Janjua...father of Nawabzada Malik Iqbal Mehdi Khan Janjua, the current Chief of the Darapur Dynasty) was the son in law of the Watli Sultan.

Janjuas of triangle of Darapur-Nara-Chak Shadman Khan near Jalalpur Sharief: In this area besides these three villages, Janjuas live mainly in the villages of Bajwala Kalan [Khan Sahib Haji Raja Talib Khan,Director General of Veterinary Dept, United Punjab,and his son Raja Abdul Hameed Khan Ex-Registrar (Audit) Co-oprative Societies, West Pakistan, belonged to this village], Chakri Rajgan (Brig. Raja Muhammad Afzl Janjua and his younger brother Brig. Raja Muhammad Zaman Janjua the father of General Asif Nawaz Khan Ex-Chief of Army Staff belonged to this village), Rajroor, Nakki (General Muhammad Afzal Janjua belongs to this village) Nakka Khurd, Pind Sowikka, Kotal Kund and Wagh (Raja Muhammad Afzal retired Member National Assembly, and his son Raja Assad sitting Member National Assembly, belong to this village). …Masoud Mehdi Janjua of Darapur Tehsil and District Jhelum.

Janjuas of the area in between Jalalpur Sharief and Pindadan Khan: In this area, Janjuas mainly live in villages of Jalalpur [Raja Muhammad Aslam Khan Janjua (well known lawyer) belonged to this village] Thil, Ghhoura, Pindi Siadpur, and Sherpur. …Masoud Mehdi Janjua of Darapur Tehsil and District Jhelum.

Janjuas of the area in between Khewrah and Choha Sadden Shah: Besides, Watli the Janjuas live in this area in the main villages of Saloi and Kahjjula. General Muhammad Iqbal Janjua and Late Brigadier Gulzar Ahmad Janjua (A famous writer) are natives of this region.

The Janjua Sultan of Makhiala, Sultan Firoz Ali Khan was a famous warrior king of his time and from Raja Jodh's line through Raja Rai Pal. He opposed Maharaja Ranjit Singh during his conquest of Punjab. After his death his son Ali Haider Khan was crowned Sultan. But he ruled for a very short period before his own untimely death. His son Ashgar Ali Khan was then crowned the next Sultan of Makhiala^[57]

Ranial Rajputs and Dhamial Rajputs are a branch of the Janjua through Raja Bhir and Raja Jodh respectively. According to Tehreek-e-Janjua^[58] these two Rajas employed a sudden military onslaught to conquer the areas of Ranial and Dhamial. The repute of their military success spread far and wide amongst other dominant clans of the day. Raja Malu took the area Ranial whilst Raja Mubarak took the Dhamial plain. Interestingly, Raja Malu's offspring were known as the Rajas of Ranial and Raja Mubarak's offspring likewise known as the Rajas of Dhamial. This later culminated in the recognition of these two branches as simply Ranial Rajas and Dhamial Rajas. Their influence today is recognised in key roles of administration and as members of local government.

During the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar the Janjua rule of Darband (which was the name of the central headquarters of the State of Tanawal) was recorded in the famous book of Mughal Akbar's reign, the Ain-i Akbari.^[59] It records that the Janjua were chiefs and inhabitants of Darband. They were under orders to pay the Mughal Emperor a revenue of 3,100,000 dams in money and to maintain a "cavalry of 20, Infantry of 500 Janju'as."

The Mughal Emperor Jahangir makes mention of a large predatory and unruly band of Janu'á (the recorded name of Janjua by his script writers) in the Chach plain near Attock^[60]

Today the Tanoli Janjuas reside throughout Hazara district, with strong numbers in the Haripur region. They predominantly speak Hindko^[61]

Lieutenant General Afzal Khan Janjua (retd) former Corps Commander Karachi of the Pakistan Army, hails from Shamsabad, and is a renowned Tanoli Janjua.

Raja Kala Khan became the ruler of Kahuta district in present day Rawalpindi, Pakistan. He became Muslim early on his rule and following tradition, changed his name to Sultan Ahmed Sani. His two sons, Juss Rai and Patt Rai were united in their control of Kahuta. It comprises over sixty villages of various clans including Gakhars, Minhas and Awans. Raja Kala Khan's descendants are in abundance in Kahuta Rawalpindi. Most of his descendants work in the Pakistan Army and are fine sportsmen including Amir Khan and Sajid Mahmood. A Mazhar (Large Tomb) was erected on his death and his descendants congregate every year at this Mazhar to commemorate his life. His descendants refer to as Dada Pir Kala.

During Ahmed Shah Abdali's conquest of Northern India, he was allied by Sardar Ameer Khan of Kahuta, the chief of the Kahuta Janjua Rajas.

Sardar Bahadur Noor Khan was a prominent personality of the Matore Janjua branch of Raja Kala Khan, and was conferred the title of Sardar Bahadur by the British Raj. He was elected as the MLC and Vice Chairman of the District Board Rawalpindi. After his death, his son, Khan Bahadur Sardar Feteh Khan was elected as MLA from Kahuta and Murree Tehsils in 1937.

The Kharwal or Garwal Rajputs of Kahuta (not to be confused with Garewal Rajputs which are a distinctly different tribe and settled in India) are a branch of Janjua through Raja Kala Khan. They reside only in the hills of the eastern half of the Kahuta region called the Kahuru ilaka. They have been recorded by Sir Denzil Ibbetson as:

“	...a fine strong race, decidedly superior to the ordinary (non Janjua) Rájpúts, and socially much the same position as other Janjúas	”
—Sir Denzil Ibbetson[62]

The Rawalpindi Gazetteer records the Kharwal Rajput chiefs in the early 1884 as Raja Ali Mardán Khan and Raja Burhán Ali Khan, who were counted in the census as Janjua Rajputs^[63]

There is a handwritten Parwana (letter of gratitude) by the minister of world conqueror Amir Timur to the Janjua Sultan family of Watli, Northwest Frontier Province, Pakistan for their service to his entourage, which is still held by them to this day.^[64] The Janjua were honoured by Amir Timur for supporting his conquest of India, throughout his campaign.^[65] This formed the foundation for the later loyal alliance between Tamerlanes future descendants, the Mughal Emperors and the Janjua.

The Mughal conqueror Babur made overtures to the Janjua, and detailed them in his famous Baburnama:

“	They have become the traditional rulers of the mountaineers and of the people and tribes between Nilab and Bhera. Their rule, however, is benevolent and brotherly, they do not take whatever they want....The people (subjects) also serve in their army....the chief is called Rai and his younger brothers and sons are known as Malik	”
—Mughal Emperor Babur, detailing the Janjuas just administration and the organisation of titles among the Janjua[66]

An important allied Afghan chief of Babur's campaign of Punjab, Langar Khan Niazi was also stated by Babur to be a maternal nephew of the Janjua:

“	Langar Khan was sent to Malik Hast (Asad). He hastened there, convinced him of our good intentions and favour and brought him back that night	”
—Baburnama[67]

The Janjua chief Malik Hast (Asad) was recorded by Babur as, "the lone ruler of the tribes and clans in the Sohan River area." He was invited by Babur to unite with him through Malik Hast's nephew Langar Khan Niazi.^[68]

The hand written record of Amir Timur was brought to Babur by Raja Sanghar Khan and Malik Hast (Asad). Babur honoured this record. The Janjua Rajas were now allies to the House of Babur. Babur allowed the Janjua to continue their rule in their respective Kingdoms as before.^[69]

The Baburnama also mentions Malik Hast (Asad) and Raja Sanghar Khan as strong warriors and assigned important roles as reinforcements to important strongholds. Malik Hast himself being only 23yrs old according to Babur's estimation and yet trusted staunchly with this responsibility.^[70]

The Janjua Rajputs also took part in the battles against Rana Sangha in 1527AD in which the Mughals famously defeated the Sesodia Rajputs who had allied with the Afghans against him. Raja Sanghar Khan Janjua is stated to have been involved in charging the army of Sangha when they came out of the fortress and after overwhelming them, the Mughal allies put them to flight.^[71]

Many forts within Punjab are still remnant of their royal past, such as the Kusak fort, Sohava fort, Khushab fort, Garjaak castle in Makhiala Jhelum, Malot fort in Chakwal District, Nagi fort, Dalowal fort, Dhandot fort, Kath Saghral and Masral fort, Dhak Janjua fort, Akrand fort, Anderana fort, Sialkot fort (which was given to the Janjua by Sultan Firuz Shah Tughluq who accepted their suzerainty in that region in about late 14th century^[72] and many more. Some of these forts were lost, other's gained as the changing climate of rulers endured.

However, the Kusak Fort is still in control of the Janjua Sultan of Watli. The Watli Sultans were the descendants of Raja Jodh Khan through his second son Raja Sunpaal.

“	The Watli family noted for its heroic defence of the fort of Kusak against the Sikhs...Sultan Lal Khan was held in much esteem. The title Sultan is allegedly to have been bestowed upon the representatives of these two branches (Makhiala and Kusuk) by the Emperor Babur. It is much prized in the family, being only used by the head	”
—Punjab Chiefs by Sir Lepel h. Griffin KCSI[73]

It has been recorded how the Janjua Sultan Alim Khan constructed Kusak fort. In the early 19th century, Sultan Fateh Muhammad Khan of Watli, valiantly opposed Maharaja Ranjit Singh himself who in "...about 1810 besieged it (in person) ineffectually for six months until the want for water by his subjects compelled the Sultan to surrender."^[74] The fort was immediately reinstated to the Sultan.

The Janjua Rajputs possess a proud Martial reputation and rank very highly as the aristocracy of the Salt Range. Their pride in their ancestry is renowned and are always addressed by their ancestral title of Raja ^[75]

The tribal system of loyalty to the clan is still adhered, and they tend to only align with other tribes of equally high social rank and reputation.^[76]

“	The great Janjua tribe have retained their pride of lineage and their Rájput title, and can be ranked as Míán Sáhu or first class Rájpúts...physically well-looking, with fine hands and feet; much given to military service, especially in the cavalry;...poor agriculturists, with great pride of race and are always addressed as Raja	”
—Sir Denzil Ibbetson[77]

The Janjua are famed as a restless and warlike Muslim Rājput tribe^[78] and are "doubtless pure Rājputs".^[79]

Today a great many Janjua are employed in the Pakistan Army and Navy, as well as the Police Forces in Pakistan and the United Kingdom.

It is interesting to note, that despite the separation of the five major branches of Janjua, all branches appear to have remained equally strong in the regional politics and in retaining their traditional Warlike characteristics and defiant independence without relent.

During the nineteenth century, the British rulers of India, quickly realised the Martial potential of the Janjua Rajput, and designated them as a Martial Race. The Janjua were heavily recruited into the British Imperial Army.^[80][81]

“	The Janjúas of the Salt Range are considered second to none in Martial Spirit and Tradition, and with the Gakkars and Tiwánás form the élite of the Punjábi Musalmáns	”
—Jhelum Gazetteer[82]

The British held a high regard for the Janjua recruits;

The Janjuas of the Salt range by way of contrast, were held to be among the best Muslim soldiers, and were also 'the only really pure Rajputs in the plains of Punjab'....the British preferred their Martial races to be as socially exclusive as they were themselves

—"Recruiting, Drafting, and Enlisting (Military and Society, 1)" Peter Karsten^[83]

Due to their high aristocratic status, no Janjua would serve in any regiment that was not commanded by a Janjua or any other tribe of equal social standing, a rule that the British duly honoured when selecting regiments for them.^[84]

The Janjua also took part in the Allied Forces, during both World War One and World War Two, with very high numbers. The tribes of Jhelum and Rawalpindi particularly supplying the largest numbers.^[85]

Jawan Sowar Muhammad Shaheed Janjua of the Raja Jodh line of Gujar Khan, received the Nishan-e-Haider from the Pakistani Government, which is known as the Highest Gallantry Award of Pakistan, for sacrificing his life for his country. His ancestral village in now named after him in honour of his valiant memory^[86]

General Asif Nawaz Janjua of Chakri Rajgan, of the Raja Darwesh Khan line (see above), was a highly notable General of the Pakistani Army achieving the high grade of Chief of Army Staff in August 18th, 1991:

“	A tall, handsome, Sandhurst-trained officer, he was straight enough to be brusque. He was easily slighted and would go into a paroxysm of nervous energy at the mere hint of being challenged. With all of this, he had no time for fools and had an enormously long memory. In short, he was not someone that a Pakistani politician would like to see as an army chief	”
—Hassan Abbas[87]

General Tikka Khan Chief of Staff, Army of Pakistan was a famous General of his time. Descended from the Kala Khan line (see above) of Kahuta, Rawalpindi. He also served as Defence Minister, as well as the Governor of Punjab (Pakistan). General Tikka Khan was at the Sialkot front during the 1965 India-Pakistan war, and successfully defended the city from an Indian attack, during the epic Battle of Chawinda, halting and then pushing back the Indians. Due to these performances, General Tikka became something of a hero to the Pakistani people, having the image of being an extremely tough commander and a loyal soldier who strictly followed the the army chain of command.

Major General Iftikhar Khan Janjua of the Jhelum Janjua branch. Known as a National Hero in Pakistan, given the popularly known reference The Hero of Rann of Kutch after his death in the 1971 Indo-Pak War. In National commemoration for his last memorable sacrifice for his country, Iftikhar Khan Janjua Road in Rawalpindi, where the location of the Pakistan Army Museum, is named in his honour.^[88]

Brigadier Amir Gulistan Janjua served in the Pakistan Army. Upon retirement, his excellency was appointed as Pakistan's Ambassador UAE, Nepal and Saudi Arabia. He also served as Governor of the North Western Province of Pakistan between 16 Jun 1988 to 19 Jul 1993. He is the current President of the Friends of Nepal Organisation.^[89] A highly respected and nationally renowned Raja.

Ms Tehmina Janjua is Pakistan's Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations. She has played an influential role in Pakistan's contribution to the United Nations.^[90]

Amir Khan, born in Bolton, originally hailing from Raja Kala Khan's line of Kahuta, Rawalpindi is a world class boxer. He was a silver medalist in the 2004 Olympics whilst only 17yrs old. He was a Gold medalist in the previous 2003 Junior Olympics. His professional career set to rise, his last fight with Mohammed Medjadji lasted only 43 seconds, with Amir knocking him out in the first round.

Sajid Mahmood hailing also from Kahuta, Rawalpindi from Raja Kala Khan's line. He is a world class cricketer, playing professionally for the England Cricket team and also for his home county of Lancashire.

Janjuas are spread throughout Punjab both in India and Pakistan.

There are Sikh, Muslim and Hindu Janjuas, the majority of Muslim Janjuas are in Pakistan and serve in the Military of Pakistan in large numbers.

Raja Bhir descendants reside primarily in Malot Chakwal and Jhelum holding some sub branches, such as Ranial Rajputs and Dhamial in Rawalpindi

Raja Jodh descendants inhabit mainly the Jhelum region although some sub branches were displaced during the Sikh Conquest, migrating to Malowal and Gujar Khan.

Raja Kala Khan descendants inhabit the Kahuta region of Rawalpindi exclusively, with some residence also in Gujar Khan also.

Raja Khakha Khan descendants reside in the lower Jhelum Valley of Kashmir in Muzafferabad and Kot Khakha regions.

Raja Tanwali/Tanoli descendants reside in Mansehra, Hazara with some sub branches in Rawalpindi.

The Sikh Janjua Rajputs are in abundance in Hoshiarpur, Faridkot, Kapurthalla and Fatehghar Sahib of Indian regions of Haryana in Punjab. Labh Janjua, the famous Punjabi mainstream folk singer is a Sikh Rajput from Fateghar Sahib.

The Hindu Janjua Rajputs reside in the Indian Punjab region also, with some movements also to Delhi.

Many Janjua Rajputs have different suffixes/titles with their name depending on their descendency. The stronger more dominant branches will hold the mentioned some highly recognised prestigious titles whilst others will retain ancestral titles. Some lesser known displaced branches use simply just the surname Janjua without the ancestral titles.

Raja - The high ranking aristocratic Janjua clans of Pakistan use their ancestrally inherited title of Raja. Janjuas of the Jodh, Khakha, Bhir and Kala Khan dynasties are always referred to Raja.^[91]

Nawab - The title Nawab was conferred on the ruler of the Darapur State, Malik Talib Mehdi Khan. His current descendants use the title as Nawabzada since the abolition of princely states and legal power of the titles. Cuurent chief, Nawabzada Iftikhar Mehdi Khan.

Kunwar - (pronounced Koo-war) Hindu Janjuas use the title of Kunwar with their names. Sikh Janjuas use the surname Janjua.

Malik - The title Malik (meaning prince) is used by a branch of the Jhelum Jodh branch of Janjua. In the days of Babur, it was used by all except the chief of the tribe, who would be called Rai/Raja. Malik Darwesh Khan and Malik Hast (Asad) were known by these titles, until the former established his own kingdom after which he declared himself Raja of Darapur.

Sultan - The tribal chief of the Janjuas of Watli, who also retains control of the Fort of Kusak uses the centuries revered title of Sultan which was conferred by Mughal emperor Babur. The title was also conferred to the King of the Makhiala Janjua branch. The prestigious name of the Watli Sultans and the Sultans of Makhiala was held in greater esteem after their successful resistance against the Sikhs. The title is only held by the head of these two respective clans and is not used by any other Janjua at all.

Mirza - A well-known Janjua chief of Ratala tehsil Gujar Khan, Mirza Atta Mohammad Khan was known by the title of Mirza (Persian title of Prince of the blood) and was a renowned tribal chief of Ratala during the early to mid 20th century. His great grandfather Raja Abdullah Khan (descendant of Raja Darwesh Khan), being displaced by the upheaval of the Sikh conquest of Garjaak and Darapur^[92] took his remaining army and conquered the region of Ratyal from a Ratyal chief who was loyal to the Sikh empire. His domain was over seven large villages consisting of Mughal Kayanis, Jatts and Gakhars. He defeated the Ratyal Chief and renamed it Ratala.

Khan - Traditionally applied to a Islamic Tribal chief, the title has been used by the heads of the respective Janjua branches since before the 16th century. Mughal Emperor Babur himself recorded the use of this title by the Janjua Lords.^[93]

• General Asif Nawaz Janjua - ex Chief of Army Staff of the Pakistan Army of Chakri Rajgan, Tehsil and District Jhelum.
• General Tikka Khan - Ex Chief of Army Staff of the Pakistan Army.
• Colonel Mohammad Nawaz (Late) - from Matore, Tehsil Kahuta, District Rawalpindi
• Raja Muhammad Zafar-ul-Haq - former Federal Minister, former ambassador of Pakistan to Egypt, former Leader of the House in the Senate of Pakistan and presently Chairman Pakistan Muslim League (N) and Secretary General World Muslim Congress since 1992 (from Matore, Tehsil Kahuta, District Rawalpindi).
• Raja Muhammad Ali - member of the Provincial Assembly of the Punjab, Since 2002 (from Constituency No. PP-2). He is the son of Raja Muhammad Zafar-ul-Haq (from Matore, Tehsil Kahuta, District Rawalpindi).
• Lt. General (Retired) Ahmad Jamal Khan - from Matore, Tehsil Kahuta, District Rawalpindi.
• Lt. General (Retired) Ahmad Kamal Khan - former Deputy Chief of Army Staff from Matore, Tehsil Kahuta, District Rawalpindi.
• Shah Nawaz Khan (general) of the INA fame, former Union Minister of India, also belonged to Matore, Tehsil Kahuta, District Rawalpindi.
• Lt. General (Retired) Afzal Janjua - former Corps Commander Karachi, Pakistan.
• Major General (Retired) Saleem Arshad - from Matore, Tehsil Kahuta, District Rawalpindi.
• Major General Khalid Nawaz Janjua - son of Col. Mohammad Nawaz from Matore, Tehsil Kahuta, District Rawalpindi.
• Major General Zaheer-ul-Islam - GOC Murree from Matore, Tehsil Kahuta, District Rawalpindi.
• Major Shaukat Nawaz Janjua - son of Col. Mohammad Nawaz - Joint Secretary, Ministry of Defence from Matore, Tehsil Kahuta, District Rawalpindi.
• Brigadier Asif Nawaz Janjua - son of Col. Mohammad Nawaz from Matore, Tehsil Kahuta, District Rawalpindi.
• Brigadier (retired) Amir Gulistan Janjua - Governor of the North West Frontier Province and also Pakistan's ambassador to the UAE, Nepal and Saudi Arabia
• Major General Iftikhar Janjua - hero of Runn Kutch who is known as the only General to have died on the front line.
• Major Farooq Janjua of Chakri Rajgan is a sword of honour. He was also awarded a Sitara-e-Jurat for his gallantry in the 1971 War.
• Taimour Afzal Janjua of Chakri Rajgan - former CEO of Askari Leasing and presently serving as the GM Finance for Faysal Bank.
• Raja Mohammad Asad Khan - MNA Tehsil and District Jhelum.
• BrigadierNaeem Janjua - Bajwala Kalan, Tehsil and District Jhelum.
• Gen Afzal Janjua (retired) - DG ISI, Nakki, Tehsil and District Jhelum.
• Raja Mohammad Afzal Khan - ex MNA, Senator, Tehsil and District Jhelum.
• Major Sher Afzal Janjua - Teh Gujar khan Data Bhatt.
• Saim Sher Janjua Beaconite S/O Major Sher Afzal Janjua
• Muhammad Afsar Janjua - Teh Gujar khan Data Bhatt.
• Umar Afsar Janjua S/O Muhammad Afsar Janjua

• Hindu Shahi reference
• Amir Khan Janjua
• Raja
• Ranial Rajputs
• Khakha
• Shahi