Basra (clan)

The Basra is a clan of Jats found in both Punjab, Pakistan and Punjab, India.

Contents

History and origin

According to their traditions, the tribe is descended from Basrai, a Saroha Rajput. Most of the popular personalities of Basra's include:

Riaz Basra (1967 – 14 May 2002) was a Pakistani militant involved in sectarian fighting with Shia elements in Pakistan. Basra founded the militant organization Lashkar-e-Jhangvi in 1996

Geeta Basra (born on 13 March 1984) is an Indian actress who appears in Bollywood films. So far she has starred in two films

Distribution

Basra Jats are found mainly near Gharial Kalan, Kharial Khurd,Bule Chak, Akbarian-Bhagian, Hamidpur and Gundowal in the district Sheikhupura, Kali Subha (District Gujranwala) and Raya tehsil of Sialkot District, Punjab, Pakistan.

They claim Phagwara in the Kapurthala District, Punjab, India as their home. Famine drove them with their herds to the jungles of Sialkot and they settled at Kali and in the neighborhood.

In India, Phagwara remains a stronghold of this tribe. They are also found at Bangala and Umarpur in Phillaur Tehsil of Jalandhar District.

Religion

The Basra Jats are Muslim in Pakistan and Hindus/Sikhs in India.

References