Prof Suresh Chander
In an intriguing blend of heritage and history, the Janjua community in Pakistan claims an ancestral lineage dating back to Janamejaya, the great-grandson of Arjuna, from the epic Mahabharata. The Janjuas, proud of their lineage, are now devout Muslims, embracing both their ancient roots and contemporary identity without conflict. Their genealogy, or Shajra, was meticulously compiled in 910 AD, preserving a record of their ancestors as far back as Bharat, supported by over a thousand years of documentation and confirmed by 13 historical sources.
This connection stands in contrast to India, where many Muslim communities have either lost or do not emphasise their ancestral histories. In Pakistan, however, a prominent segment of the
Ashrafiya-the social group considered to have high status in Islamic societies due to foreign lineage claims, such as Arab or Persian ancestry-distinctly traces its roots to the Pandavas, particularly through Janamejaya.
It is in contrast to India where many converts to Islam have forgotten their ancestry or prefer to forget it. This has resulted in debate around Ashrafiya (plural of Sharif meaning VIP, Very Important Person)
Muslims, considered to be of higher social status and claiming foreign ancestry, such as Arab, Persian, or Turkish. and Ajlaf Muslims, considered to be of lower social status.
Some of the prominent Janjuas in Pakistan include noted figures such as journalist Maulan Zafar Ali Khan, former Army Chief Asif Nawaz Janjua, NSA Nasir Janjua, Urdu poet N.M. Rashid, Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua, and cricket player Saad Janjua, among others.
The Legacy of Janjuas
The name “Janjua” originates from the Sanskrit word meaning “warrior” or “brave.” The Janjua Rajputs attribute their name to Rajdeopal Janjua, the last king of Hastinapur, who was honored for his courage. Belonging to the Chandravanshi (Lunar Dynasty), they are a distinct branch from the Suryavanshi (Solar Dynasty).
Early History and Migration
The Janjua clan, originally a Punjabi Rajput lineage, traces its origin to around 1000 BC. They are primarily based in Pakistan’s Pothohar Plateau, with some residing in Punjab and Haryana, India.
According to tradition, the Janjuas’ lineage goes back 29 generations from Khiman Raj to Arjuna.
Sir Lepel H. Griffin, a British colonial administrator, records that in 980 AD, Raja Mal, a descendant of the Pandavas and the Rathore Rajputs, migrated from Jodhpur or Kannauj to Punjab, where he and his family eventually settled. Raja Mal’s five sons established lineages across various regions, with descendants today spread across Rawalpindi, Attock, Muzaffarabad, and Chhamb.
In The Punjab Chiefs, Griffin wrote that Raja Mal had heard that the Pandus had once taken shelter in the hills to the north of Jhelum perhaps area around Katasraj temple, and journeyed there with his followers and relatives and laid the foundation of the Rajgarh village that was later named Malot after him. According to folklore Pandavs during their exile for 12 years spent some time around Katasraj temple in the Salt Range.
Historically, the Janjuas held sway over the Salt Range, building fortresses like Malot, Makhiyala, and Kusak, and ruled this region for around seven centuries. Their early conversion to Islam in the 12th century did not erase their historical legacy, and they retained control over their territories up to the 19th century.
A Living Legacy
The Janjuas’ recorded history offers an unbroken connection to the past, suggesting a rich, continuous story that bridges antiquity with the present. Their unshaken lineage provides a fascinating glimpse into cultural synthesis, where the community has transitioned through languages, religions, and cultural shifts over the centuries, yet retained a proud link to an ancient past.
The story of the Janjuas offers more than a glimpse into a community; it challenges perceptions of the Mahabharata and its characters, often considered mythological. For the Janjuas, their lineage is a matter of history, not mythology-preserved in records, folklore, and identity across generations.
Their claim is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Indian subcontinent, bridging the gap between history and mythology.
(The author is former Head of Computer Engineering Department in G B Pant University of Agriculture & Technology)
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