Birote

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Birote is a town in the Circle Bakote area of Abbottabad District on the bank of the Jhelum River in Pakistan between the borders of Punjab and Kashmir.^[1].

Contents 1 Origins of the name 2 Birote Kalan (Great Birote) and Birote Khurd (Small Birote) 3 Birote subdivisions 3.1 Basian 3.2 Notable persons of Basian 3.3 Termuthean 3.4 Kahoo 3.5 Juleal 4 Birote Khurd 4.1 Bhan 4.2 Hotrole 4.3 Hotrerhi 4.4 Sangrerhi 4.5 Mohrha 4.6 Lohwur 4.7 Naker Qutbal 4.8 Naker Qutbal 5 Union Councils Heads 6 The highest and lowest places 6.1 Mukeshpuri 6.2 Manwan ni hell 7 Geography and ethnicity 8 Dhond Abbasies of Birote 9 Other Tribes 10 Scholars of Birote 11 Transport and Communication 12 Personalities 13 Historical Notes 14 References and notes

[edit] Origins of the name

The site of Birote was previously called Bermang, meaning "very beautiful place". Another name was Danna, which means "high place".

There are several theories for the origin of the word Birote. One holds that it is derived from two words: beer (wrestler) and wet (place). These eventually evolved to become Bi+rote or bee+rote. In the past Birote was famous for wrestling and related sports. Another explanation is that Birote is a combination of two other words: bee (twenty) and rote (bread).^[2]

[edit] Birote Kalan (Great Birote) and Birote Khurd (Small Birote)

Birote has 43 mosques, 8 medaris, 40 primary schools, and 2 higher secondary schools (one for boys and the other for girls). The area was well known throughout the province for its golden apples but now Rawalpindi supplies apples to the area. The main tribe of Birote is Dhond Abbasi, however, there are Alvi Awan, Avan, Syeds, Mughals, Bhati Rajpoot and many other tribes here. The first chairman of this Union Council was Sardar Mohammed Irfan in 1962. The total population of Birote is 23,000 as of the 1998 census. Two roads link here: the Kashmir Highway and the Upper Dewal Kohala Road also known as Khaqan Abbasi Road which has heavy traffic day and night. Other roads linked with Birote are Swar Gali Bakote Road, Basia Malkote and Bakote Road, Choorean Lower Dewal Road, Termuthean Malkote Road and newly built Termuthean Lower Dewal Road. Birote has a bank, a post office, a largest telephone exchange of 30,000 lines, one PhD Dr. in science, first accountant general of Pakistan Haji Sarfraz Khan and one Chief Minister of Haryana (India) Shafi Qureshi.

[edit] Birote subdivisions

Birote [1] Kalan and Khurd are comprised of more than one dozen villages. It runs from Basian or Abbasian in the north, to New Kohala Bridge in the west, to Tarmuthean in the south along the NWFP, Punjab and AJK borders, and to the last Union Council of NWFP in south east of the province. This area belonged to the Ratnal sub-tribe Lehral of Dhonds. These people were responsible as army personnel for guarding and continual sentry duty in the past. This is a high educated Union Council in NWFP especially in Abbottabad district as well as in Circle Bakote.

[edit] Basian

Abbasian (formerly Basian)^[3] is an ancient village of Birote from the Vedic age. This village is well known for its Hindu Temple and a Merget (a Hindu place for burning the dead) on the west bank of the River Jhelum. This place was the first home of Ratten Khan,^[4] who was an ancestor of the Ratnal Dhonds of Birote and Basian. An old cemetery tells the stories of tribes centuries before. The population of Abbasian is 1,580, many of whom are among the most wealthiest in the NWFP. A considerable number of residents are transporters and drivers. A very beautiful Mosque in shape of Al-Faisal Mosque of Islamabad but menarats has been abolished and a Quranic school is located in Basian. There are two private schools and one primary and middle government schools for both sexes.

[edit] Notable persons of Basian

• The first meeting of Ibrahim Khan and Sardar Qayume was held in Basian at Dewan.
• Muhammad Yaqoob Khan Abbasi (Kashmir Movement leader) who fought against Hinduism defeating the Hindus Phagri Mahaz near Muzafarabad. He was considered a very noble person and one of the most patriotic leaders of Abbottabad. He was murdered by Haider Khan father of Shahin Abbasi ex-councillor.
• Qazi Zafeer-ul-Haq Alvi Chishti was a religious scholar, teacher and hakeem (auovadik doctor). His father Qazi Mohammed Zaman Qureshi migrated Chlattan, Birote Khurd in 1935 and settled at Thala. He taught in High School Osia, Murree, Bakker and in 1951 he migrated to Rawalpindi with his family. He was personal physician of late Gen. Zea-ul-haq in 1985 to his death in Bahawalpur C 130 crash. Renowned poet and composer of Pakistan National Song Hafiz Jalindhry was his close friend and stayed in his house when he came in Rawalpindi. He establish his clinic at Pull Shah Nazar near Raja Bazar of Rawalpindi. He died in 1997. He buried in Eid Gha graveyard in Rawalpindi.
• Azad Khan is another renowned personality of Basian who was the second Chairman of Union Council of Bakote cum Birote during 1965-70. He was a contractor and constructed third pillar of Kohala Bridge in 1953. He died in 1985.

[edit] Termuthean

To be continued

[edit] Kahoo

Kahoo is in between Birote and Termuthean, starting from Bandi in east to Nakkar Qutbal Ram Kot in the west. Kahoo means olive tree in local Dhondi/Kareali language. One Sufi Gull Baba shrine is located in the eastern edge of Kahoo near Ayobia forests. Kahoo has two parts, Kahoo Sharqi and Kahoo Gharbi. The major group in Kahoo Sharqi is KhanalNikodral and there are other groups like Changsal and Qutbal of Dhond Abbasi tribe. There are also many non-Abbasi tribes, mainly Naik Mohammedal Alvi Awans, Qazies, Bhatti Rajpoots, Seyeds and Avans. In Kahoo Gharbi Qutbal the sub-tribe of Dhond Abbasi tribe is dominated but other non-Abbasies tribes are Satti and Awans.

Above to Bandi a place called Saraan where local Muslim League (N) office holder Mohammed Farooq Abbasi belonged. A few reuines of Hindu Khashtrias houses are telling stories of Non-Muslims in Birote who were killed at Kanairpull one mile south of Kohala Bridge in 1947. Central Kahoo Sharqi is situated at top where some renowned personalities of Circle Bakote living are late Professor Ghulam Kibrea Abbasi (a scholar and first journalist of Birote), late Haji Issab Khan (a lumbardar and true Muslim Leaguien), Haji Sarfraz Khan (first Muslim accountant general of Pakistan in Ayoub era), Tahir Fraz Abbasi (first highly qualified lawyer and first Nazim of Birote in new Pervaizi local bodies system), Qazi Wajahat. In east on the top of Kahoo Sharqi is Government Higher Secondary School Birote collapsed after 5th Oct 2005 earthquake. Next to this area along to Birote Kahoo boundary a mohalla called Tangan, Faqirall Dhond abbasies are living there. Naik Mohammedal Alvi Awan five families are also living and Molana Mohammed Dafter (first renowned scholar of Circle Bakote from Deoban India), Molana Abdulhadi (first mufti from 1961) and Mohammed Obaidullah Alvi [2] (first high qualified journalist of Circle Bakote) and Ghulam Nabi Shah father of Dr. Ilyas Shah (First transporter before independence 1947) Mohammed Razaq Abbasi (first transporter who ran his service in 1968 as Murree Hills Transport till his death in 2002). Aliabad (Moonda) is another important part of Kahoo Sharqi where first lady councillor of UC Birote elected among others was Shahida Islam Abbasi, but she has lost her candidate status in 2005 elections. Fida Abbasi and Sajjad Abbasi s/o Aziz Khan are settled in Karachi and famous journalist in Daily Ummat Karachi [3] also belonged to Koonhan, Kahoo Sharqi. Amejority of messons and water mills runners are also living in Kahoo Sharqi near Knair Kas. Higher Secondary School Birote, Girls Higher Secondary School Birote, One religious female school, a SEEDA School and college System, Rural Health Center and Circle Bakote largest telephone exchange with 3500 lines are situated in Kahoo Sharqi. There are only two Mosques, one in Central Kahoo and other in Bandi in Kahoo Sharqi among 6000 population. In the first week of January 2006 teacher of Kahu Sharqi, Mohammed Reaz provides the internet facility to local earthquake effects @ Rs. 20 for those who search their names in website [4] and not find their names in website [5] , but those names are display on screen are charging Rs. 100/= to them. Mohammed Reaz said that it is cheapest service than to visit Abbottabad two ways. It is worth mentioned that ERRA official and lack of information to earthquake effects disturbed them and no one help them in this regard. People of UC Birote are paying happily to Teacher Mohammed Reaz. He is earning more then Rs. 1,000/= daily to people. This is first time in UC Birote a private internet facility providing to public. (to be continued)

[edit] Juleal

(to be continued)

[edit] Birote Khurd

The western part of the Union Council is not developed and has a very poor communications system. This region has many wards.

[edit] Bhan

Tikka Khan Abbasi from Bhan served in the British Army from 1910-1935.

[edit] Hotrole

To be continued

[edit] Hotrerhi

To be continued

[edit] Sangrerhi

To be continued

[edit] Mohrha

To be continued

[edit] Lohwur

To be continued

[edit] Naker Qutbal

To be continued

[edit] Naker Qutbal

To be continued

[edit] Union Councils Heads

In new local bodies system 1961 Ayoub Khan Government introduced local bodies as Union Council, Tehsil Council and district council. Before this Lamberdari system was enforced but it had lost it's values of good governance. As a result a Union council Bakote formed. Bakote, Birote and Birote Khur was it's wards. The total population according to 1961 census Union Council was 18,000 and Birote was 10,000. Local bodies elections held in Oct, 1961 and Union Council Bakote awarded the first and new local leadership. Chairmans of Union Council Bakote are as under till 1981, Gen. Zea new regime.

• Sardar Mohammed Irfan was the first Union council Bakote Chairman from 1961 to 1965. He Was an influential person with a large crowed of bradrimen. He formed a committee for construction of Govt Middle School building in Merra Kahoo Sharqi. All Union Council said YES and the collect money for this noble cause from Peshawer to Karachi. Land for school gifted by Ayoub Khan (Father of Mohammed Nawaz Khan Shopkweeper near Shool and building of school was completed within two month. District Agriculture Department sprayed and cooperated with local Apple growers and they produced world class GOLDEN AND KING AMRI APPLE on his demand Said department also constructed dams on nullas. He died in 1983 in Rawalpindi.
• Sardar Azad Khan was second chairman of Union Council Bakote/birote. He elected in 1966 election and got vote of confidence from UC councillors. He also gained educational upgradation of Government Middle School Birote as High School in 1969. New classes were started in 1970. A shed was constructed in premise of school for technical education on his recommendations, that flew in 1972 by heavy wounds. He was a contractor and he started second bus service from Basian to Rawalpindi in 1977. He died in 1988 in Rawalpindi. He was uncle of Zoake Akhter Abbasi (General Councilor) and father in law of Najib /abbasi, younger brother of Zafir Abbasi (Journalist of Birote).
• Haji Mohammed Azam Khan was the first Chairman of Union Council Birote that separated in first time from Bakote in 1981. He has no contributions in any field. He is only a trader and he tried to restoration of high status of Kohala after flood of 1991 but Government refused his appeal and constructed New Kohala Bridge at the last end of Union Council in north.
• Qazi Sajawal was the first and last Chairman of Union Council Birote Khurd during 1981 to 85. He belonged to Mojwal Family of Mohrha Birote Khurd. He constructed a way from Mohrha to Birote Kalan but the leader of construction party was assassinated there in 1984. He is engaged in business in Karachi.
• Ghulam Irfan Khan was second chairman of united Union Council possessed office from 1985 to1988 of Birote. He worked for electrification, water supply scheme and telephonic interaction during his tenure. He got funds from District Council and constructed Hotrerhi Choke to Mohrha road first time. Najib Abbasi of Julial, Shaheen Haider Abbasi of Basian and Abd-ul-Gafoor nickname Khushi Mohammed of Kahoo were his councillors. He died in 1992 in Birote.
• Tahir Fraz Abbasi was the first high educated Nazim of Birote in President Gen. Pervaiz Musharraf new local bodis system enforced in 2000. He belonged to Kahoo Khanal sub-tribe and a high educated family. His uncle Haji Sarfraz Khan was first Accountant General of Pakistan, Nasir Fraz Abbasi DRO (NADRA) Muzaffarabad is his elder brother.The people of Union Council Birote very like to him due to his lot of services and honesty and Rawalpindi MNA Hanif Abbasi is his cousin. He practicing as a lawyer in district courts Abbottabad. Politically he if a worker of ruling party Pakistan Muslim League (Q). He constructed Choorean Sindhwari Hell to Hotrerhi Pull Link road, Chorean Juleal Road. He lost his seat in Birote in 2005 as Nazim but he played a very constructive role in Birote politics. Among others Gulestan Abbasi (Naieb Nazim), Khushi Mohammed, Shaheda Islam Abbasi and Shamim Akhter Abbasi were in his cabinet.
• Mohammed Afaq Abbasi is the second Nazim of Birote, possessing Secondary School Certificate (1979) and employment in Japan. Earthquake of 5 October 2005 had occurred immediately after his election but badly failed to compensate quake effects till now. He and his cabinet severely damaged public confidence. He is worker of Ex-Chief Minister vice president of Pakistan Muslim League (N) NWFP Sardar Mehtab Ahmed Khan and people of Birote elected him only for this reason.

[edit] The highest and lowest places

The peak of Mukeshpuri or Moshpuri, ^[5], some 90 kilometers north of Islamabad, called Samannat is the highest place in Birote, nd Manwan ni hell is the lowest point of Birote, located one mile below Julial on right bank of River Jhelum and the three borders of Kashmir, NWFP and Punjab. Mukeshpuri is 2800m / 9100 feet high covered with pine trees. It is an attractive hiking place for tourists but, in winter, is extremely inhospitable due to constant snow cover.

[edit] Mukeshpuri

• Mukeshpuri is sacred to Hindus. According to Mahabharata, its name is derived from Sanskrit words: Moksha (peace) + Puri (place). In Hindu mythology and in Ramayana, when Ram and his brother Lakshman were fighting with Lankan devil chief Arjun, Lakshman was wounded. Hanuman, the monkey god took this hill to east south of India in Lanka where the famous Indian Mahabharata World war erupted and the Vedic herbal physician collected herbs from Mukeshpuri for Lakshman's treatment. The mountain was replaced. Indian Prime Minister Nehru respected this hill top and Indians leave monkeys here every year. In the vadic age there was a Vishno Temple called Dewal. It was situated here in Taxila and Kohala (called Pattan in those days) way. Another legend is that a local feudal lord Moj Khan, son of Lehr Khan, forefather and chief of the local Dhond Abbasi tribe in the fifteenth century occupied this area and over time his name evolved to be Moju, Mohyoo and that this place was named for him. His descendants who lived here are called Mojwals. Mukeshpuri TopIt is greatly revered because of its wide open spaces, cool, clean air, and greenery. From Nathiagali on the western side of mountain the ascent is a steady 4 km climb. On the way is a bird sanctuary created with the help of the European Union. One can descend on the Donga Gali side but the slope is steep. Looking east from the top of Mukeshpuri last region of NWFP the Circle Bakote on the Jhelum River, is visible. The top of Mukeshpuri is called Semannat meaning unproductive place. According to one ancient legend it was the cave of a dragon from Vadas named Rakshesh

[edit] Manwan ni hell

• Manwan ni hell is the lowest place in UC Birote on three provincial borders of NWFP, Punjab and Azad Kashmir on the right bank of the Jhelum river. There are eight houses built of blue stone and mud with wooden roofs owned by Chandal Dhond Abbasies more than five families. The place possessed a rich historical assets as a crossing point between Kashmir and Taxila in Gandhara time, the first town of Kethwal and Satti tribe who constructed current Circle Bakote and Murree Hills civilization and Dhondi/Karheali languages before the arrival of Karhlal and Dhond Abbasi tribe six centuries ago. There are a few graves with east and west directions in an old graveyard of Katwal tribe showing the history and Gandhara grave culture of before the dawn of Islam in Taxila Kingdom. This place was linked to Patten (Old Kohala) in north with a road along right bank of River Jhelum to Mirpur in AJK. In that time it was a cultural as well as a business center, but it had lost it's importance ion the beginning of nineteenth century (1750-1800) when Gakherhs failed to control all this region and it accompanied by Ranjit Sing field marshal Hari Sing Nalva in 1803. A battle was occurred there and all houses of Katwal and Satti tribes were gutted, all ladies and children became slaves by brutal HS Nalva and his army. He developed another place Pattan (Old Kohala) as a business and trade center and established an army post at old Dak Bagallow. Manwan Ni hell is called this place now because after the bloodshed of Nalwa Army only old and oldest ladies of Katwal and Satties tribes were remained there.

[edit] Geography and ethnicity

Birote is surrounded by the areas of Bakote, Nathea Gali, Ayube Reala and most northern Union Council Dewal of the Tehsil Murree. The founder of the Dhond tribe of Birote was Lahr Khan who died in 1233 and is buried in Termutthean. The main sub tribes of Dhond Abbasi of Birote are: Khanals, Kutbals, Mojwals, Bankal, Murtal, Kamalal, Tehreal, Miral, Mehral, Changsal, Baghiberal, Rakheal, and many more. The Dhond Abbasi tribe has been a feudal and ruling tribe for five centuries.

[edit] Dhond Abbasies of Birote

See Dhond Abbasies of Circle Bakote.

[edit] Other Tribes

The Alvi Awan Naik Mohammedal family of Birote and Taj Mohammedal, Seyeds and Qureshies tribes are the religious and leading intellectual class. The Batti Rajpoots, Mughals and Avans are working class tribes. They are all reputed to be brave, intelligent, and play a supportive role in the development of Birote.

[edit] Scholars of Birote

There are many ingenious and highly qualified persons in this Union Council. (To be continued)

[edit] Transport and Communication

The bus service on the Rawalpindi Srinagar Road started in the first decade of the twentieth century. The first transporter was named Contractor Amin Khan who later founded Allied Chiraghdin Transport Company. (To be continued)

[edit] Personalities

Like every region of Circle Bakote, many personalities who changed the socio-political history and created a new emerging atmosphere. (To be continued)

[edit] Historical Notes

• Birote was a part of Bakote until 1981 when a separate Union Council was formed.
• Birote was first mentioned in a book of a British tourist Legacy To Kashmir published in 1891 (reprint by Sang-e-Mil Publishers Lahore).
• Birote was a part of Hazara constituency in the 1936 elections when only 7 landowners cast their votes. (To be continued)

[edit] References and notes

1. ^ Location map from fallingrain.com
2. ^ The words wet, beer, bee, and rot are all of the Dhondi language which derived from the Kethwali language that was spoken in Birote and Circle Bakote before the dawn of Islam by the Kethwal, Satties and Karhals tribes.
3. ^ The name Basian is derived from the Sanskrit word Bas, which means fragrance of flowers http://dsal.uchicago.edu/cgi-bin/romadict.pl?query=bass&display=simple&table=macdonell
4. ^ (Real name was Sardar Abdur Rehaman)
5. ^ (Mosh is derived from the word Mohyo, the original Moj Khan, forefather of Birote Khurd of the Mojwal family)