The Jalap are a Muslim Rajput tribe is met with chiefly in the Pind Dadan Khan Tehsil of the Jhelum district, there are also a few small villages in the Bhera tehsil of Sargodha District.[1] They are the predominant tribe in the Jalap Illaqa, the rich well tract between the Jhelum River and the Salt Range. According to the 1931 Census of India, they numbered 400.
The Jalaps claim to be Khokhar Rajputs, and claim descent from Jalap, who according to traditions was a holy man, and is buried in Sargodha. Jalap is said to be buried at Ramdiani in Sargodha District. Sidharan, who was several generations in descent from Jalap led the tribe to its present location. The Pind Dadan Khan plain was at that time held by the Janjua Rajputs, whom the Jalap ousted.[2]
According to another tradition, at the time of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, they were settled along the banks of the Chenab river. Jalap was the chief of the tribe, and the Emperor asked him to give his daughter in marriage, as other Rajputs had done. Jalap agreed, but the rest of the clan disapproved, and when he came home, they set upon him and killed him. Shah Jahan then sent an army to punish them, and being driven from their home they crossed the Jhelum, and after many fights with the Janjua established themselves where they are found.
The Jalap are closely connected with the Bharat and Khiwa clans that also reside in the Pind Dadan Khan Tehsil.
The best known families reside at Kotli Peeran, Chak Shadi and Pinnanwal. Other Jalap settlements include Dhudi Thal, Pinanwal, Dharyala Jalap and Khotian Jalap, all of which are in Pind Dadan Khan Tehsil of Jhelum District.