The Phulkian (or Phoolkian) sardars were rajas and aristocrats of the Punjab in India tracing their genealogy from the 12th century raja of Jaisalmer Rawal Jaisal, Yadu Bhatti Rajput of Chandra Vanshi clan and descendants of Lord Krishna, Avatar of Lord Vishnu.[1]
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The Phulka family had descended from the eponymous group, the Phul, from whom descended the rulers of Patiala, Jind, Nabha as well as the chiefs of Bhadaur, Malaudh and Badrukhan and the Sardars of Juindan, Laudhgarh, Dyalpura, Rampura and Kot Duna. The early progenitors of the Phulka House were scions of the Rajput family of Jaisalmer who left their desert homes around the time of Rai Pithora and established themselves in Hisar, Sirsa and Bhatner. Maharaja Ala Singh of Patiala descended from Phul and to his genius must be ascribed the remarkable and rapid rise of the family in the first stages of its history.[2]
Phul, a Sidhu Brar was the founder of this family. Phul's eldest son Tiloka was the ancestor of the Nabha, Jind and Badrukhan royal families and his second son Rama sired six sons and out of Dunna, Ala Singh and Bakhta sprang the princely states of Bhadaur, Patiala and Malaudh which were the most important of the Cis-Satluj States belonging to Phulkian Misl. Collaterally, the descendants of Phul were connected with the rulers of Faridkot , the extinct Kaithal family, and the feudatories of Arnauli, Jhumba, Saddhuwal, and, north of the Sutlej, Attari. These numerous branches of a vigorous stock belonged to the great Sidhu-Brar tribe, the most powerful Jat clan south of the Sutlej .[3]
Maharawal Jaisal, having founded the State of Jaisalmer in 1156 AD, was driven from his kingdom by a rebellion and took refuge with Prithvi Raj Chauhan, the last Hindu King of Delhi, and later settled near Hissar.[4] Hemhel, his son, sacked that town and overran the country up to Delhi but was repulsed by Shams-ud-din Altamash. Subsequently, in 1212, that ruler made him governor of Sirsa and Bhatinda. But his great-grandson Mangal Rao, having rebelled against the Muhammadan sovereign of Delhi, was beheaded at Jaisalmer. His grandson, Khiwa, sank to the status of a Jat by contracting a marriage with a woman of that class; and though the great Siddhu-Barar tribe in the following centuries spread itself far and wide over the Malwa country beyond the Sutlej, the descendants of Khiwa fell into poverty and obscurity, until one of them, Sanghar, entered the service of the emperor Babur with a few followers. Sanghar himself fell at First Battle of Panipat in 1526 AD when Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodhi ; but the Mughal emperor rewarded his devotion by granting his son Baryam the chaudhriyat or intendancy of the waste country south-west of Delhi and thus restored the fortunes of the family. The grant was confirmed by Humayun ; but in 1560 Baryam fell fighting against the Muhammadan Bhattis, at once the kinsmen and hereditary foes of the Siddhu tribe. Baryam was succeeded as chaudhry by his son Mahraj and his grandson Mohan who were both engaged in constant warfare with the Bhattis, until Mohan was compelled to flee to Hansi and Hissar, whence he returned with a considerable force of his tribesmen, defeated the Bhattis at Bhedowal, and on the advice of the Sikh Guru Har Gobind founded Mahraj in Ferozepore District. But the contest with the Bhattis was soon renewed, and Mohan and his son Rup Chand were killed by them in a skirmish about 1618. His second son Kala succeeded to the chaudhriyat and became the guardian of Phul and Sandali, the sons of Rup Chand.[5]
Phul along with his brother Sandali became orphans in 1618 AD and both were taken under the wings of their uncle Chaudhary Kala who founded Mehraj on the advice of the sixth Guru Hargobind . They both visited Guru Hargobind as youngsters, it is said that their uncle told them to rap their bellies to indicate to the guru the poverty and hunger they were enduring. On being told his name was Phul which means flower, the Guru Hargobind said, “ The name shall be a True Omen, and he shall bear many blossoms .” The guru blessed Phul and is said to have told him that he would make a king.[6] When Shah Jehan’s army attacked the guru in 1635 at Lehra near Mehraj, Kala along with his clan sided firmly with him. The guru ended victorious. A happy Guru Har Gobind asked Kala to fence as much land he wanted to. By evening, Kala had marked twenty-two villages and put his fence (Morhi) into the ground. The Bhullar Jats, who considered themselves to be the original dwellers and owners of this area removed his fence and threw it into a well. When Kala complained against this to the guru, he remarked: "Bhai Kala, your roots have reached to the other world." Hence, Kala founded a village and named it as Mehraj.
The Guru Har Rai had blessed him thus: You feel’eth hunger now, worry no more...your house shall be a very big Charity House ....donating and feeding many…….the horses of you Armies shall graze in grasslands spanning the area between the Yamuna and Sutlej and the prophecy of the guru was fulfilled.[7][8]
The sons of Phul, Tilok Singh and Ram Singh were blessed with Khande da Pahul by Guru Gobind Singh himself at Damdama Sahib. Guru Gobind Singh in a Hukamnama (royal edict) addressed to the two sons of Phul, Rama and Tiloka on 2 August 1696 , called upon them for aid in his fight with the Hill rajas proclaiming " tera ghar mera asey " meaning Your House is My Own bestowing special status on the House of Phul.[9] It is said that it is because of this blessing from Guru Sahib that the other 11 Misls never attacked the Phulkian states despite some provocations. They were blessed with the Apaar kirpa of Guru Gobind Singh evidence of which can be seen in the Patiala Hukumnama (edict) sent by Guru Sahib in 1696 AD.[10] Its translation into English reads:
There is one God. The Guru is great. It is the order of the Guru. Bhai Rama and Bhai Tiloka, the Guru will protect all. You are required to come with your contingent. I am much pleased with you. Your house is my own. On seeing this letter you should come in my presence. Your house is my refuge. You should come to me immediately.On seeing this letter you should arrive with horsemen. You must come. A Sirpau (robe of honour or Jorra) for you is being sent . Keep it with you. Bhadson 2 Samat 1653 Bikrami
This was the initiation of the prestigious Sikh Sirpau or Siropa, as it is popularly known. Bhai Tiloka and Bhai Rama had been the most ardent devotees of Guru Gobind Singh and had won Guruji's favour by showing extraordinary valour in battles and were baptised by Guruji himself at Damdama Sahib.
Patriarch of the Yadu race of Chandra Vanshi clan. Espoused Ella, a princess of Surya race.
Rajput King of the Yadu race and founder of Mathura which remained their seat of power. Had issue:
Had issue .... and several generations later ....
Founded Dwarka (computed by Historians to be about 1100 years before Christ). Yadu's exterminated in the conflict of Dwarka. Had eight wives.
Son of Hari and Rookhmani (his first wife). Married a princess of Vidarbha (विदर्भ) who bore him two sons: (i) Anurad (ii) Bujra
Had issue two sons: (i) Naba (ii) Khira
Yadu Rajput King of Mathura and Dwarka. Son of Burja Chandra Vanshi (Lunar Clan). Compelled to flee to Marusthali (conjectured to be Merv, now a part of Iran) from Dwarka by other Rajput tribes long subjugated by the Yadus. Had issue:
Had issue:
Espoused Kamlavati, his chief queen daughter of Vijaya Sinh, Prince of Malwa who bore him one son Bahu (meaning strong).
Died by a fall from his horse. Had issue:
Married daughter of Raja Mund Chauhan of Ajmer who bore him a son Rijh but poisoned and killed her husband.
Ruled Marusthali (Land of The Dead in Sanskrit) for twelve years. Married Soobhag Sundri, daughter of Ber Sinh Prince of Malwa. Invaded and vanquished Farid Shah of Khorasan (Persia, Iran) who lost 30,000 men and Raja Rijh lost 4,000 in two battles. Had issue:
Occupied Ghazni, Afghanistan making it his stronghold. Married Hansavati, daughter of Judbhan. Erected a huge fortress amidst the mountains and called it Gujni after himself as foretold by the Guardian Goddess of the Yadu race. Lost Ghazni to Khorasan who held it for sometime.Fought a fierce battle with Shah of Khorasan Shah Mamraiz and Sekander Roomi resulting in the destruction of thirty two thousand men. Conquered all the countries to the west. Invaded Kandrupkel in Kashmir and later married the daughter of its Prince by whom he had a son, Salbahan
Driven out from Ghazni by Mamnenez, King of Khorasan. Married daughter of Jaipal Tuar of Delhi. Had fifteen sons; all went on to be rajas and set up their own Kingdoms. Conquered Punjab and established his capital at Sialkot. Expelled from Kabul but returned to defeat the Indo-Scythians in a decisive battle at Kohror near Multan and regained Ghazni.Established the Saka era from the date of battle and assumed title of Sakari (foe-of-the-Sakas)Founded city of Salabhana near Lahore in S.V.72. His eldest son was Baland.
Left Ghazni to the charge of his grandson, Chakito who later became King of Baloch Bukhara from whom descended the Chakito Mughals. Shifted his capital to Salbahanpur and had issue seven sons. Invaded by the Kings of Syria and Khorasan but repulsed their attacks. Kullar, his third son had eight sons most of whom embraced Islam. Jinj, his fourth son had seven sons.
Succeeded his father Baland. Changed the patronymic of Yadu to Bhatti and thenceforth known as Bhatti or Bhati Rajputs. Conquered fourteen Princes around his Kingdom and added to his fortunes. Held court at Lahore.[12] Had issue two sons: (i) Mangal Rao (ii) Musur Rao
Pushed back by King of Ghazni, Dhundi. Moved to Mer with his tribe (in the Great Indian Thar Desert).[13] Had issue six sons: (i) Majam Rao (ii) Kulursi (iii) Moolraj (iv) Seoraj (v) Bhul (vi) Kewala
Solemnized marriage with daughter of Soda prince of Amerkote. Laid the foundation of a castle across the Sutlej and named it Tannote after Tunna Mata but died before its completion. Had issue three sons: (i) Kehar (ii) Moolraj (iii) Gogli
Married daughter of Allansi Deora of Jhallore. Renowned for his exploits. Invaded the Barahas in 730 AD. In 731 AD,completed the construction of fort at Tanote making it his capital. Had issue five sons: (i) Tunno (ii) Otirao (iii) Chunnur (iv) Kafrio (v) Thaem
Found hidden treasure and erected a fortress naming it Bijnot in AD 757 in Cholistan Desert S.787 Died after a reign of eighty years.
Succeeded Tunno in 814 AD Engaged in continual feud with the Langahas and Barahas whom he plundered. Later, Bijirao and eight hundred of his kin and Clan treacherously massacred by his enemies. 336 vikram samvat (~ AD 392)
Escaped to Boota, his maternal abode after the carnage. Founded Hanumangarh (then Bhatner in Rajasthan) Ruled 853-908 AD. Was the first to take the title of Rawal (King) Founded the city of Dera Rawal and Derawar Fort in 853 AD. Conquered Lodorva from Lodra Rajputs in 9th century (Rajasthan). Excavated several lakes in Khadal including Tunnosirr and Deosirr. Slain by Choona Rajputs while on a hunt having reigned for fifty five years. Had two sons: (i) Mundh (ii) Chedu
Ruled 908-979 AD. Had issue:
Married daughter of Raja Vallabh Sen Solanki of Patan in 1011 AD. Ruled 979-1044. Founded Bhatinda in 965 AD (then known as Tabarhindh). In 1008 AD, tributary of King Anandapal of Delhi. Invaded by Mahmud. Had issue five sons: (i) Doosaj (ii) Singh (iii) Bapirao (iv) Ankho (v) Malpasao
King of Laudorva (Rajasthan) Ruled 1044-1123 AD. Had issue:
Ruled 1123-1148 AD. Had issue two sons: (i) Jaisal (ii) Vijayraj ( Lanjha )
Ruled 1153-1168 AD. Founded the Golden City of Jaisalmer in 1156 AD, fulfilling the prophecy of Lord Krishna, the head of Yadav Clan, who foretold Arjuna that his descendent would build his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill. He was later driven from his kingdom by a rebellion and wandered northwards to settle near Hissar. Had issue four sons: (i) Rawal Salvahan II Crowned in 1168 AD. Jaisalmer State (Bhatti ) Throne usurped by his son Bijil (ii) Rawal Kalhan Crowned in 1190 (iii) Rai Hemhal (Hemraj) (iv) Pem
Born 1150 AD. Sacked Hisar in 1180. Supported Mohammed of Ghor when he invaded India. Sacked and overran the country up to Delhi, but was repulsed by Altamash. Subsequently, in 1212, made Governor of Sirsa and Bhatinda country by Shams-Ud-Din Altamash, the third Tartar King of Delhi. Ousted the Panwar Rajputs from the area of Muktsar. Died 1219 AD.
Had issue twenty one sons; Batera being the eldest.
Had issue:
Having rebelled against the Muslim Sovereign of Delhi,was beheaded at Jaisalmer.
Built Khiva Khota. Sank to the status of a Jat by contracting marriage with Rajo,a Saräo-Basehrä lady from Neli Dulkot of ordinary class. Had issue:
Born 1250. Also ancestor of Sidhu Jats. Fell into poverty and obscurity.
Had issue four sons: (i) Dhar ( Debi ) Kaithal Jhumba Bhaika Arnauli Sadhowal (ii) Bhur (iii) Sur (iv) Rupach
Had issue:
Had issue two sons : (i) Sidtilkara became an ascetic. (ii) Satrach ( Satra )
Had issue two sons: (i) Jertha (ii) Lakumba Lakumba had one son Hari who is the ancestor of Attari and Harike families.
Had issue:
Had issue:
Had issue:
Had issue:
Had issue:
A known marauder and warrior. Also ancestor of Brar Jats. Regained Bathinda after defeating the Bhattis. He also rebelled against the Delhi government.Made Bidowali in Bathinda his stronghold. He and his men attacked Timur near Tohana during Timur's terrible raid on Northern India in 1398 AD resulting in heavy losses.[14] Died 1415 in Bidowali. Had two sons: (i) Paur (ii) Dhul ancestor of Faridkot Royal family
Had issue:
Had issue:
Had issue three sons: (i) Baho (ii) Mehna (iii) Kilja
Had issue:
Entered the service of Emperor Babar with his followers. Killed on 21 April 1526 in Battle of Panipat when Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodhi. Had issue:
Granted the title of Chaudhary by Emperor Babar in 1526 and Chaudhriyat of the waste country south-west of Delhi which was reconfirmed by Emperor Humāyūn in 1554.Helped Humāyūñ in his final victory against Sikandar Shāh Sur in 1555. Fell fighting the Muslim Bhattis, their traditional foes along with Suttoh, his grandson and only son of Mehraj. Died 1560 AD. Had issue two sons: (i) Ch. Mehraj( Maharaj ) (ii) Geraj
Succeeded his father Bariyam as Chaudhary and engaged in warfare with the Bhattis. Had issue:
Died 1560. Had issue three sons: (i) Ch.Pukhoh( Pakhu ) (ii) Lukho (iii) Chaha
Killed fighting at Bhidowal. Had issue two sons: (i) Ch. Mohan (ii) Habbal
Fell into arrears with the Government and compelled to flee to Hansi and Hisar. Returned with a considerable force and defeated the Bhattis at Bhidowal. Founded Mehraj on the advice of Sixth Guru Hargobind naming it after his great-grandfather. Killed along with his son Rup Chand in a skirmish with Bhattis in 1618 AD.[15] Had issue two sons: (i) Ch. Rup Chand (ii) Ch. Kala
Died 1618. Killed by the Bhattis. Had issue two sons: (i) Phul (ii) Sandali Kala succeeded to the Chaudriyat after the death of his brother and became the guardian of his two sons Phul and Sandali.
1603-1652 Fought for Sixth Guru Hargobind against Muslim Delhi Sovereign in War of Gurusar 1635 AD and emerged victorious. The Guru blessed Phul and is said to have told him that he would make a King. The Guru Har Rai also blessed him and proclaimed that his descendants shall rule the entire area between the Yamuna and Sutlej.
Founded Rampura Phul in 1627 (now in Distt.Bhatinda).[16] He was often in conflict with local chiefs which enraged the Governor of Sirhind who summoned him and put him behind bars. Received royal firman from Emperor Shah Jahan and Prophecy of Guru was to be fulfilled. Killed by accident after feigning death in funeral pyre to escape imprisonment in 1652 AD. Had issue six sons:
(i) Ch.TilokaDied 1705. Ancestor of Nabha, Jind and Badrukhan.
(ii) Ch.Rama Died 1714. Ancestor of Bhadaur, Patiala, Malaudh and Kot Duna.
(iii) Rughu Ancestor of Laudgarhias
(iv) Channu (v) Jhandu (vi) Takht Mal Gumti Jagirdars
Appellation of dynasty ‘Phulkian’ is derived from their common founder Phul whose descendants were the great ruling and feudal families known as Phulkian Chiefs who used Phulkian from Phul, as their eponym.[17]
Successfully raided the Bhattis and others including Hassan Khan and Muslim chief of Kot. Captured Kot and Bhatîân. Obtained the intendancy of the Jangal tract from Mohameddan Governor of Sirhind. Choudhary Ram Singh founded Bhai Rupa in 1680 and built Rampur. Rama and Tiloka were baptized with Khande da amrit at the hands of the Tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh at Damdama Sahib. Guru Gobind Singh in a self written Hukamnama addressed to the two sons of Phul, Rama and Tiloka on 2 August 1696 called upon them for help in his fight with the Hill rajas proclaiming “ tera ghar mera asey .”
Rama and Tiloka later helped Bandā Singh Bahādur with men and money in his early exploits (1710–16) Rama was killed at Maler Kotla in 1714. Married Sabi daughter of Bhuttar zamindar of Nanun who bore him six sons:
Phul left six sons, of whom Tiloka was the eldest, and from him are descended the families of Jind and Nabha.[21] From Rama, the second son, sprang the greatest of the Phulkian houses, that of Patiala besides Bhadaur, Kot duna and Malaudh .[22] In 1627 Phul founded and gave his name to a village which was an important town in the State of Nabha. His two eldest sons founded Bhai Rupa while Rama also built Rampur. The last named successfully raided the Bhattis and other enemies of his line. He then obtained from the Muhammadan governor of Sirhind the intendancy of the Jangal tract. The other four sons succeeded to only a small share of their father's possessions.Bir Singh laid foundation stone of Village Bangi Rughu near Talwandi Sabo in district bathinda in memory of his grandfather Raghu of Jiundan. Rawal Jaisal's third Prince was Mokal whose son was Hansraj or Hans the Phulkian Sardars Sidhu-Brar bans are their heirs.[23]
The Phulkian Sardars had always been on the right side of the Mughal government in Delhi. Patiala, Jind, and Nabha [24] received royal titles from the declining Mughal power. They came under the loose domination of the new military machine of Mahadji Sindhia and later under the British who took Delhi in 1803. Phulkian sardars approached the British government for seeking protection against the rising power of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Although Ranjit Singh was very moderate towards the Phulkian rajas, in due course, with the rising power of Ranjit Singh, they became suspicious of his designs and hence sought British protection. Accordingly, the leaders of the Cis-Satluj Sikh states including the rulers of Patiala, Nabha and Jind decided in a conclave to send a deputation to the British resident in Delhi, Mr. Seton. They presented their memorandum to the British resident on 1 April 1809 and pledged their loyalty to every succeeding power in Delhi and formally sought protection of the British. The British were very glad to entertain their offer and accordingly they signed the Treaty of Amritsar on 25 April 1809 with Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The Maharaja agreed not to carry out his military exploits in the Cis-Satluj territories.[25] Under the British Empire, honours or rewards bestowed on the native princes of India,[26] grants were made to the maharaja of Patiala and the rajas of Jind and Nabha consisting of, first, a sunnud from the Governor General confirming to him and his heirs forever his possessions and all the privileges attached to them and secondly, the recognition of his right, in failure of direct heirs, to adopt a successor from the Phulka family.[27] This right of adoption was granted to the Chiefs of Patiala, Jind, and Nabha in 1860, together with the further concession that, in the event of the chief of any one state dying without male issue and without adopting a successor, the chiefs of the other two, in concert with the political agent, could choose a successor from among the Phulkian family. Succession in those cases was subject to the payment to the British government of a nazarana or fine equal to one-third of the gross revenue of the state. The political agent for the Phulkian states and Bahawalpur was at Patiala.[15]
Eleven of the descendants of Phul of the Phulkian family in the Cis-Sutlej States who had rank, position and were entitled seats to attend the durbars of the Viceroy 1864-1885 were:
The Bhadour chiefs sat in durbar as feudatories of Pattiala; the Badrukhan chiefs of Jhind, and the Malaudh sirdars as British Jagirdar chiefs.[28]