Khokhar

Quick Facts: Who was Khokhar?

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Khokhar

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A large Punjabi tribe originating from northern Punjab, historically influential in the region.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Khokhar (Punjabi: کھوکھر) is a large Punjabi tribe originating from northern Punjab. They are primarily native to Punjab, Pakistan; but are also found in the Indian states of Punjab and Haryana. Khokhars predominantly follow Islam, having converted to Islam from Hinduism from the 13th century CE onwards. The original homeland of Khokhar tribe appears to be in upper Punjab, specifically the areas in and around Salt Range (known in historical sources as Koh-i-Jud), Rawalpindi, Gujrat and Sialkot. For a time they were under influence of Jammu Kingdom but in the mid-12th century CE, Khokhars asserted their independence with the help of last Ghaznavid ruler, Khusrau Malik.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

In 1204–1205, the Khokhars revolted under their leaders Raisal and Bhikan against Muhammad of Ghor, raided Multan and Lahore and blocked the strategic roads between Punjab and Ghazni in such a way that not a single soul could pass along them. As Qutubuddin Aibak was not able to suppress the rebellion, Muhammad of Ghor himself undertook the campaign against the tribe. He defeated them in his final battle fought on the bank of Jhelum and subsequently ordered a general massacre, as well as took many as prisoners who later converted to Islam. While returning to Ghazni, he was assassinated at Dhamiak located in the Salt Range in March 1206 by the Isma'ilis whom he had persecuted during his reign. Some later accounts attributed the assassination of Muhammad of Ghor to the Khokhars, however these later accounts are not corroborated by early Persian chroniclers who confirmed that his assassins were from the rival Ismāʿīlīyah sect of Shi'a Muslims.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Dr. Habibullah, based on Ibn al-Athir's statement, is of the opinion that the deed was of a joint Bātini and Khokhar affair. According to Agha Mahdi Husain, the Khokhars too might be called Malahida in view of their recent conversion to Islam. In spite of the crushing defeat, Khokhars managed to regain their independence. By the time Mongols under Genghis Khan first invaded Punjab in 1221 while chasing the retreating armies of Khwarezmian prince Jalal al-Din Mangburni, the rivalry between Khokhar chief Rai Sangin and Qubacha was described as long-standing. Genghis Khan annihilated the Khwarezmians at the Battle of the Indus besides modern Attock.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1204: 1204 Milestone — In 1204–1205, the Khokhars revolted under their leaders Raisal and Bhikan against Muhammad of Ghor, raided Multan and Lahore and blocked the strategic roads between Punjab and Ghazni in such a way that not a single soul could pass along them.
2. 1206: 1206 Milestone — While returning to Ghazni, he was assassinated at Dhamiak located in the Salt Range in March 1206 by the Isma'ilis whom he had persecuted during his reign.
3. 1221: 1221 Milestone — By the time Mongols under Genghis Khan first invaded Punjab in 1221 while chasing the retreating armies of Khwarezmian prince Jalal al-Din Mangburni, the rivalry between Khokhar chief Rai Sangin and Qubacha was described as long-standing.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Khokhar

True or False: “The Khokhar tribe was entirely composed of converts from Hinduism to Islam during the 13th century CE.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While they predominantly follow Islam after converting from Hinduism starting in the 13th century CE, their history shows complex interactions and alliances with various groups.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Khokhar