Sood

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Sood/Sud is a last name of Parmar Kashtrya origin with close ties to the Khatri community in Punjab. The name originated from the district of Sirhind in Punjab. They are now in the Indian states of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and other areas of Northern India. Some Soods are there in parts of Afghanistan. Contents [hide]

   * 1 Sood History
         o 1.1 Glimpses of Sood History - India
   * 2 See also
   * 3 External links

Sood History

Glimpses of Sood History - India

The word 'Sood' is of Sanskrit origin and means a brave person or a victor of enemies. It also means a man who can make progress. Sood also means "interest" on a loan. Soods were known to be money lenders. Soods have a very ancient and glorious ancestry with noble qualities.

Soods are the descendants of the Kashatrias and in particular King Parmar whose second son was named Sood. They are Agnikul Rajputs. At the time of Ashoka, Buddhist influence spread all over India. Soods helped to re-establish the Vedic Dharam in one part of India. For eight generations thereafter the capital of Sood dynasty was Patten in Sindh and later shifted to Amar Kot.

In 331 BC, after defeating Poras, Alexander's invasion and entry into India at the banks of River Beas was stopped by the superior forces of Rai Shah Sood. This event is recorded in Alexander’s memoirs and also in the Indian history books. Alexander recognized the sterling quality of the Soods and admired their strict adherence to their principles, bravery and practice of Vedic religion. After the death of Alexander, Sood reigned uninterrupted for some time and extended their territory and influence to Alwara, Kashmir, Khandar, Sistan and to Yaumna on the other side. The kingdom was even extended up to Karachi. Indian sailors escorted by Sood forces used to trade with Basara, Istanbul and Greece. There are records of 101 Sood Kingdoms with respective Rajas under Sood Emperor of Alwara.

There are accounts of various Sood queens and in particular Queen Shub Devi Sood, who was educated and took keen interest in the administration of her State. She used to ride horses fully armed like kings and went to battle. 'Sati', 'Jauhar' or self immolation was prevalent at that time by the Rajput women. In the context of circumstances prevailing at that time, this voluntary act by royal women to save the honour of the Raja after his death was an act of valour. History is charred with several such examples set by brave Sood women.

Sood King Dhar gave refuge to a Muslim from Basara named Ilafi, who later turned into a traitor. He joined hands with the local Buddhists and Lohana Jats and organized a rebellion against the Sood Emperor. After great turmoil and bloodshed this rebellion was initially crushed but later Mohamad Bin Quasim invaded India whilst Dhar was the King. Rana Mokha was the first Sood to be converted to Islam. Soods fought fierce guerilla warfare and re-established control of Amar Kot under Rana Hameer in 1143 AD. After that the Moghul dynasty was well rooted in India.

After the defeat of Humayun by Sher Shah Suri, who was chased out of Delhi to take refuge in Amar Kot with Rana Rai Prashad Sood. This incident is recorded in Tazok-e-Humanyun'. It was here that the famous Prince Akbar was born. Humayun was escorted to Kabul from where he later recaptured the throne of Delhi. He invited Rana Rai Prashad Sood to Delhi and honoured him. Akbar was the next Emperor and held high regard for Sood Kings and never came into direct conflict with them. It was only when Dewan Hari Singh Sood assisted Chittor against the forces of Akbar that Amar Kot was attacked with the help of Baluch and Bahawalpur forces and lost. Soods scattered to various parts of Sindh, Marwar and Rajasthan. Rana Chagga went to Chittor and was given a 'Jaghir' known as Soodgarh which was later known as Sirhind. Amarkot was later recaptured by the son of Rana Jagga.

Soods being displaced in Sirhind had their first difficulty to marry their sons and daughter to the royal Rajput families. Their customs, dress and ornaments were different to that of other Hindus of that area. There were signs of bravery on their faces and they mostly took royal estate on contract. They began to be subdivided into various subcastes and started intermarrying. Originally, there were 52 subcastes of Soods which derived their names either from the Raja, Kingdom or village they hailed from. Soods were invariably always rich and successful. They were renowned not to publicise the marriages of their children. Boys did not always inherit their fathers’ property. All Soods used to give 10 Rupees and 10 bricks each to the couple at their marriage. Soods always, therefore, lived in brick built houses.

When Raja Man Singh Kachwaha was appointed Governor of Kabul by the Mogul Emperor, he visited Sirhind and soon five thousand Soods armed as Rajput warriors accompanied Raja Man Singh to defeat the Pathans. Upon return the Soods were appointed Governors in Lahore, Agra and Pak Pattan.

Ahmed Shah Abdali invaded India seven times and every time Sirhind was the target as it was an important trade centre and on strategic route to Delhi. So much so that it was known as the cursed city. Disgusted with constant plunder and instability, Soods began migrating to the mountaineous regions and created further separate 52 subcastes, usually after the names of the villages they settled in. Therefore there is a large concentration of Soods in the Shimla region today.

History tells that several Hindus were buried alive when they refused to be converted to Islam by the Moghul Rulers. It was in Sirhind that two brave sons of Guru Gobind Singh were buried alive in the wall. Hindu population of Sirhind at that time consisted of many Soods. All the land belonged to the rulers. Soods of Sirhind purchased land at exorbitant prices by collecting gold nuggets to cremate the brave sons of Guru Gobind Singh. After this was discovered Soods had to flee from Sirhind. Sikhs helped evacuating Soods back to their own villages in Punjab to escape Moghul atrocities and pillage.

Soods then adopted whatever profession they could earn to their living. Some took to agriculture, money lending and estate management. By this time, the Moghul rule was on its last legs and the British arrived in India.

Around 1886 some Soods ventured abroad and left for East Africa. In early 1900 many Sood families made their homes in East Africa and other parts of the world. They made a major contribution in the administration and building of East Africa together with the British.

The community was in total disintegration and in order to reunite the community 'Sood Sahayak Sabha' was formed in 1881 in Lahore. An important document known as 'Dastoor-ul-Amal' was prepared by Jai Dial Sood which basically was a 'General Agreement' for a code of conduct of Soods in relation to abolition of dowry and excessive expenses at weddings. In 1919 the next conference was held in Ludhiana and followed by various conferences in other cities.

Jallianwala Bagh episode in 1919 cannot go unrecorded, since it was Dr. Gurubux Rai Sood who presided over the meeting, since he was the chief organiser. The British massacre by General Dawyer took place and many Soods gave their lives. The partition of India in 1947 saw another displacement of Soods.

In the early 1900 there were a lot of misconceptions as to the origins of Soods, which inspired Madan Mohan Sood to publish a book 'Origin and History of Soods' and made a priceless contribution to trace our origins. Salamat Rai Sood wrote a book in Urdu called ‘Tarikh-i-Soodan'. Ram Rattan Sood the author of 'Origin of Soods' made a fascinating contribution of listing life history of some prominent Soods of past two centuries in his books 'Lest We Forget Them' Vol. 1 & 2. Other people who have contributed in uniting the community to name a few are Justice Tek Chand Sood, Jagdish Ram Dogar, Braham Sarup Sood, Dharam Dev Mayor, Mela Ram Sood, Shadi Ram Sood, Buti Ram Sood, Ramji Das Phakey for Sood Sabhas. Prof. P.C. Sood has been the torch bearer of the Vedic Dharma and there is hardly any Arya Samaj or Mandir where Soods have not played an important role. Amongst the saints Baba Sital Das in Lahore, Baba Duni Chand and Maharaj Mansa Ram both of Noormahal grace our ancestry. Amongst the most prominent Soods, the names of Rai Bahadur Jodha Mal Kuthiala, the king of timber trade, Rai Bahadur Sir Justice Jai Lal Sood, Dr. Dharam Vir, Shri A.K. Sood, Dr. J.D. Mohindra, Kidar Nath Sood, the famous journalist and writer along with many other philanthropists and Industrialist and popular personalities in the community and society. Soods played an important role in the Freedom movement during the British Raj and there numerous personalities who were put in jails and later made useful contributions in the Government. Prof. Kashyap is a renowned botanist and written numerous books on this subject. Major Sohan Lal Sood is even credited with planting of the first Chandan Van plantation in Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh. In the film industry the name of Kamini Kaushal cropped up the name of Kuldeep Sood recordist stands out with pride, the name of Sanjeeva Sood as an editor is well known.

Mr. Bipan Chand Sood , the son of Bhagmal Sood, is considered to be the stalwart driving forward the unity of Soods all over the world today. He is the president of the Sarvdeshik Sood Sabha (Worldwide Sood Sabha) and also the chief patron of Sood Sabha, Chandigarh. He has been fecilitated by Sood Sabhas all over the world, the most recent being the title of Sarvdeshik Sood Rattan by the Sood Sabha of North America. His younger brother, Umesh Chand Sood, is also an active Sood Biradri member, having served as the Finance Secretary of the above mentioned Sabhas. Mr. B.C. Sood has been recognized many times in the past by various Sabhas for his humanitarian and genrous deeds. These include honouring outstanding students each year in memory of his late wife. One such student honoured has been his own family member, Ankit Sood. Ankit was recognized as the Youngest Microsoft Certified Professional in India at the age of 13. Thus, his family continues to make Soods proud worldwide.

Dr.Bhushan Sood,Dental Surgeon, son of Late Parkash Chand and Shanti Devi from Jaijon Doaba-Hoshiarpur,now settled in Canada, has been awarded "Sood Rattana" title on 4th of February, 2007 by Chandigarh Sood Sabha, for his untiring effort to set up " Sood Sabha of North America." He also set up a website and uploaded the book title: Origin & history of Soods, written by Late Madan Mohan Sood. He is also creating a global Sood Directory. He is also President of Can In Multicultural Association.

Kuldip Rai Sood,PES-I (Retd.) was born on September 12, 1933 in Burma (now Myanmar) when this country was a part of India. His father Late Shri Hans Raj Sood was an engineer in Burma Irrigation Department. He is the only child of his parents who expired during his infancy. He was taken to his native village “Kotla Soodan” in District Jalandhar (Punjab) from Burma by his grand parents and was brought up there by them. Presently he is serving as the Honorary Secretary of the ‘Society for the Care of the Blind’ Sector: 26, Chandigarh and also as the Principal of the ‘Institute for the Blind’ being run under the aegis of this Society. During his stewardship, the Institute has touched the glorious heights and has become the reputed Institution in Northern India for the visually handicapped children. In recognition of his excellent services he was honoured on Republic Day 2003 by Chandigarh Administration. He has also been decorated with several awards and honours by different social organisations like Lions Club Chandigarh and Canara Bank. From humble beginning he has raised the standard of the Institute to Senior Secondary (12th) level. The students have shown 100% results with earning a place in merit lists. Various facilities like free Transport to Day-Scholars, Free Boarding & Lodging besides Free Education, Free Uniforms, Books, Stationery and Scholarships/Incentives have been provided to the students aspiring for higher education due to his untiring efforts and farsightedness. The Institution is still marching ahead in his mission ‘Help the Blind’ under his guidance and patronage. In brief, under the leadership of Mr.Kuldip Rai Sood, the visually impaired students are prepared to excel in every field i.e. education, vocational training, games, extra-curricular activities, which they have proved by winning medals in national and even international meets.Kuldip Rai Sood is also Vice-President of ‘Sood Sabha Chandigarh’ and Advisor for Sood Sabha of North America. He got 'Life Time Achievement Award' from sood sabha of North America.

Professor Sunder Sham Sood of S.D.College, Hoshiarpur, has written a poetical book titled "Zindabad-Murdabad". He is an elder brother of Dr.Bhushan Sood.

Mr.Moti Lal Sood has been the elected Councillor of Hoshiarpur, Punjab, India, for the last twenty eight years.He is also an elder brother of Dr.Bhushan Sood.

Jitendra Kumar Sood has been the elected Mayor of Tarn Taran, Punjab, India, for the last over two decades.

Sood Sabha of Khanna,Punjab, India has been formed on 27th of April,2007, This has been initiated by a young and inspiring medico couple; Dr.Ila Sood and Dr.Jagjiwan Sood who run an Eye and Gynae Hospital there. They got the motivation from Sood Rat'na Dr.Bhushan Sood who is the founder and CEO of "Sood Sabha of North America". Dr.Bhushan Sood was the chief Guest .Four executive members of Sood Sabha of Chandigarh who attended the first meeting cum get-together held at Golden Grain Club-Khanna are: President-Mr.Kulwant Rai Sood, Founder Member and past President-Mr.Bal Krishan Sood,Sr.Vice President-Col.Sham Lal Sood and General Secretary-Mr.Surinder Sood. Special guest for the occasion was Ms.Priya Sood who is a local senior judge at the local district courts. A five member adhoc committee (Paanch Pyaras)was formed to look after the council (Sabha)and the members of the Adhoc committee are: Dr.Hans Raj Sood, Dr.Vinod Sood, Mr.Parvesh Sood, Mr. Raj Sood and Mr. Pallav Sood. Members were very excited and happy. An upcoming youth,Vikrant Sood, gave ideas as to how newer generation could be involved in the affairs of the community welfare.Donations were raised. One of the demands were to present a substantial gift on the marriage of any one in the sood community. A very delicious and sumptous dinner was served by the hosts; Dr.Ila and Dr.Jagjiwan Sood.

Mrs.Jyoti (Inderjote Grewal) Sood was a special invitee and Judge for the second annual international dance competition which was organized by Ontario International Development Agency at Brampton, Ontario, Canada on 4th of May, 2007.Her contribution in various social activities was acknowledged and appreciated.

There are three Sood M.L.A.s in the present Punjab Legislative Assembly; namely- Tikshan Sood, Harish Dhanda(Sood) and Brahm Mahindra(Sood).

Capt.Ram Sood, has been unanimously elected President of Sector-06 Residents' Welfare Association, Panchkula, Haryana, India his brother lives in NEW DELHI. He is also chairperson of Parks and recreation development of Municipal Council's Ward-4, Panchkula.Many SOODS have settled in UK glasgow and nottingham being the main area`s

SUB CASTES OF SOOD COMMUNITY OF PLAINS AND THEIR SACRED PLACES OF JATHERIES

S.NO. SUB CASTE NAME OF SACRED PLACE LOCATION

1.       Burnwal
2.       Baurie
3.       Balgan
4.       Bery
5.       Badhoo
6.       Bharak
7.       Bodhi
8.       Bhokhi
9.       Behal

10. Brahmi 11. Bhola 12. Dosaj Dhandra 4 km. from Ludhiana 13. Dhanda 14. Dhati 15. Dhiri 16. Dhookhi 17. Daddan 18. Dhaunchak 19. Deli 20. Dhoop 21. Gandel 22. Gajri Palasour 5 km. from Taran Taran 23. Gopal Sati Shiv Mandir Fatehgarh Road, Hoshiarpur 24. Gajjey 25. Jari 26. Janpal 27. Kajley 28. Khurpay 29. Lav or lau 30. Mohindra 31. Momman 32. Mohni 33. Mukand 34. Mandal 35. Mahiyar (Mayor) 36. Makaurey 37. Nandoo 38. Nehra 39. Phassi 40. Parwaha 41. Paul 42. Poora 43. Phakka 44. Rora 45. Rodher 46. Rohnir 47. Sulhan 48. Sanwal 49. Tagaley 50. Teji 51. Ugal Virk Phagwara-Ludhiana Road, 8km. from Phagwara 52. Udhar 53. Sallan Sood Shimla.

SUB CASTES OF SOOD COMMUNITY OF HILL AREAS AND THEIR SACRED PLACES OF JATHERIES

S.NO. SUB CASTE NAME OF SACRED PLACE LOCATION

1.       Banta                Bohan                   Jawalaji Rani Tal Road
2.       Bhagley
3.       Basohal
4.       Basalia
5.       Bajwaria
6.       Bhagra                    Lohara                  Mubarikpur-Kurloohi-Kinnoo     Bharwain Road
7.       Chehray
8.       Chakaseday
9.       Chonolia

10. Chamib 11. Chaukand 12. Chaujar Baggi Jawalaji-Khudian (Baggi) 13. Chimia 14. Cheema or Cheemray Nakroh Mubarikpur, Daulatpur Road 15. Dhopal 16. Dogar Ambota Gagret- Daulatpur Road 17. Doddal 18. Dhophmal 19. Dogan 20. Indoria 21. Jullundray 22. Jehalghat 23. Jandrangloo 24. Karol Gummer Jawalaji- Rani Tal Road 25. Kuthiala Garli Garli Khad - ke- Par 26. Kataway 27. Kalandar 28. Kandal 29. Laserday 30. Lakhanty 31. Langey 32. Lahespar 33. Saluria Behdala Una- Nangal Road 34. Lamsay Jaijon Jaijon-Santokhgarh Road, 2 km. from Jaijon 35. Ling 36. Mithey or Mithoo Chandpur 8 km. from Jaijon 37. Mahdodia, Mehdodia Bal Khalsa Una- Pirnagaha Road 38. Mangwalich 39. Mehtay 40. Mand 41. Nehdal 42. Pnalkolia 43. Phagdey 44. Paptopay (Paway) Babu Nath Shah Village Purmandal 25 km. from Samba (Jammu) 45. Panbalia 46. Shall 47. Sabloria 48. Sawali 49. Sah 50. Saraup 51. Takalo 52. Butail 53. Kaunsal 54. Dhuli Anil Sood Machiwara-25km Ludhiana

[ Source: Glimpses of Sood History and Sub Castes of Sood Community is derived from Sood Sabha magazine published by Sood Sabha, Hoshiarpur.]

Content uploaded by: Amit Sood email ID: amitksood@gmail.com

Comments by a Sood 1. In the Tables above giving Sood castes and their Jatheries, refer 25. Kuthiala Garli Garli Khad-ke-Pār Original Kuthiālā Jathery is situated at Lohārā* (*See Jathery for Bhāgrā). Incidently Bhāgrā Jathery has also been relocated recently to its present convenient location at Lohārā. Perhaps one enterprising Kuthiālā, from Garli, brought stone(s) touched with original Jathery situated in The Khud at Lohārā, long time back and establihsed the now known place and recorded in the table. 2. In the book 'Origin and History of Soods', published by Sood Sabhā, Chandigarh, there is reference to Soods being Rājputs. This is different from the stand taken in the article above, where Soods have been linked to Khatris. ibid, It is also mentioned that there was talk of Soods formally merging with Rājput Social Group, which did not come off. Also that there is reference to Emperor Dāhar of Alwara, a Sood. In this book 52 sub-castes for Soods living in plains of Punjab and separate 52 sub-castes of Sood living in hills of Punjab have been listed against 54 each listed in the tables above. Even some of the names are different. 3. I am told that 'Sud' is a Sanskrit word meaning 'Pāchakā' equivalent of a cook. --Atul kuthiala 06:23, 17 April 2007 (UTC)

Sood

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