Malhi
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Malhi is a Jat Gotra or clan from the North Indian state of Punjab.
Earlier based in the region around Sialkot (now in West Punjab, Pakistan), the Malhis were mostly rich landlords. One of the earliest Jat clans, the majority of Malhis migrated to Indian Punjab during the Partition of India in 1947. It is believed that there were twelve villages of the Malhi clan in the undivided Punjab between 1850-60 during British Rule. One such village is Kotli Soorat Malhi, a village in Gurdaspur District. [1]
From a historical standpoint, the Malhi clan is most famous for its association with the death of Alexander the Great. It is believed that Alexander the great died from a spear thrown by the Malhi clan as he tried to invade their fortress during his retreat from Northern India.
- The Malhis. This clan is mostly found around Baddomalhi, in the Raya tehsil. They trace their descent from Ram Chanderji of Surajbhansi family. In loyalty they are reported upon as second to none. The people of this clan are also found in 12 or 13 villages round about Badiana, a village midway between Pasrur and Sialkot. One of the rising families in this tract is that of *Risaldar Pal Singh of Bathe, of the late 25th Cavalry.
The ancient writers such as Diodorus [6], Arrian [7], and Strabo [8], tell us that during Alexander's invasion of Punjab, the area around Multan,an ancient city now in Pakistan,was occupied by Malli(Malhi) people. Thus, as per Professor McCrindle [9], "The Malloi (Malli or Malhi) occupied the district situated between the lower Akesines (modern Chenab river), and the Hydraotes (modern Sutlej river), which in Alexander's time joined the former river below Multan-a city which owes its name to the Malloi (Malli)". Even today Malli or Malhi Jats exist in Punjab. The present Member of Canadian Parliament, G.S. Malhi, also belongs to this Jat clan.
"Multan" is the shorter version of the word "Malli-stan". The word "Stan" or "Sthan" in Sanskrit (ancient language of the Hindus) means place. Thus, Mallistan or Multan means a place where Malli live. The very same analogy is applicable for the Hindi (national language of India) word "Hindustan" for India. This word is composed of two words Hindu and Stan or Sthan, thus the word Hindustan means a place where Hindus live.
[edit] References
- ^ Extract From the book *Handbook on Sikhs, by Major A. E. Barstow, 2/11 Sikh Regiment (late 15th Ludhiana Sikhs ). Written in 1899 and later revised at the request of the Govt of India in 1928.
