Gujjar the Great

Vishwajeet Pradhan

Vishwajeet Pradhan was born on 11 September, 1965 and is a well known Bollywood personality. He comes from Meerut, Uttar Pradesh and belongs to a Gujjar family. He is also very much active on political front and deeply associated with the Samajwadi party. In the year 1991, he marked his acting debut with the movie “Prahaar: The Final Attack”. From thereon he has turned up in numerous Bollywood movies some of them being Zakhm, Raaz, Lamhaa and Zeher.


Amid 2000s, he was generally seen in the character of policeman in different films like Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani, Lakeer-The forbidden lines, Zeher, Bardaast, Lal Salaam. In 2006, the actor had played the role of Dilawar Khan in the Bollywood film “Umrao Jaan” featuring Abhishek Bachhan and Aishwarya Rai Bachhan. He also got badly injured while shooting for films like No Problem and Rakt Charitra.


In 2003, he featured in the super hit movie “Chalte Chalte” playing the role of Sharukh’s friend. His role of S.S.P Brahmanand Jakhar gained much more popularity than some of his other roles in television. He played the character in Star Plus’s popular serial “Maryada lekin kab tak?”.Recently he has widely been acclaimed for his role in Life Ok’s show “Ek Boondh Ishq”. He is playing a dual role of Rudra Pratap Singh and shemale Kalavati. With over the top makeup and abundance jewelry, he is playing the dual role perfectly in the serial. He has likewise won the award for the best actor in a negative role.


He eventually got married to a fashion designer Sonalika Pradhan. He has got two children, namely, daughter Dhruvika and son Ojas.

Amrutha Gujjar Great Gujjar Student

The Northshore Schools Foundation has announced Amrutha Gujjar, a Woodinville High School senior and National Merit scholar, as the featured keynote speaker at the upcoming All in for Kids Luncheon April 7 at the Lynnwood Convention Center.

Gujjar, was one of nine applicants for the Foundation’s first ever scholarship opportunity. “We were pleased to receive applications representing all four of our high schools and each of the applicants were stellar examples of great students in our community,” said Teri Foose, Northshore Schools Foundation Board member and Luncheon chair person. “It was such a hard decision; I wish we could have granted the scholarship to each of these well-deserved, hardworking students.”

“Amrutha stood out as an outstanding recipient. Her academic excellence, demonstration of business acumen with FBLA, commitment to service and her passion behind computer science and innovation make her an excellent reflection of the quality of students our District is producing.”

Amrutha is ranked in the 99th percentile in the United states as a National Merit Finalist, and she has been invited to speak both with President Obama as a part of the prestigious ALA Girls Nation Program and with the TED-Ex program regarding the future of Computer Science.

“The unbelievably rapid innovation that has happened in the past few decades can be attributed to the collective efforts of people working all around the world,” Said Gujjar in her application to the Foundation. “I want to get involved, so that I can join to effort to change the way of life and improve the standard of living. I also want to take the opportunity to change the dynamics of the field… It is our responsibility to extend the reach of computer science to students of all races, genders and backgrounds so that they can join the collective effort to continue the rapid innovation that has become iconic of the age that we live in”

She has also been recognized by the Woodinville Chamber of Commerce as the Student of the month.

Gujjar has benefited from the Foundations investment in programs for students at Kokanee Elementary, Leota Junior High and Woodinville High school including support for AP Science and Computer Science courses. “The NSF goes beyond just funding school programs though-­‐ it inspires students by rewarding their achievements,” Gujjar said.

Amrutha Gujjar is part of an impressive line-up of presenters at this year Annual All in For Kids Luncheon, including, Kiro 7 Anchorwoman Michelle Millman, Superintendent Larry Francois and several other amazing student speakers, who will speak to the value of the Foundation and Districts commitment to Teacher Excellence.

This year's luncheon festivities will feature a Student Expo with emphasis on Health & Humans services programs within the District including: Sports Medicine, Hospital Services, Event Management Hospitality and Tourism, Garden programs at Crystal Springs and more. The student expo is open from 11:00 a.m. - noon at the Lynnwood Convention Center.

The Luncheon program and Gujjar’s Keynote will follow. Tickets to the event are available at www. NorthshoreSchoolsFoundation.org Funds raised at the event will support innovation and the Foundation's funding initiatives of supporting Literacy and Arts; Career and College Readiness, STEM Education; support for Advanced and Disadvantaged Learners; Health & Enhancement; and Teacher Excellence in all thirty-one (soon to be thirty-two) Northshore schools.

BOSTAN KHAN KHATTANA(1916-1978)

BOSTAN KHAN KHATTANA(1916-1978)
A.I.G(R) POLICE KPK
Bostan khan khattana was born in the historical village of KPK TAKKAR distric Mardan. He was honest ,dutifull,and sincere to his job.He is an example for the police department because of his honesty. He used cycle for his duty he was never involved in any type of corruption.
Queen Elizabeth had given him reward and honor certificats when she visited Pakistan during the period of president Ayub khan.
Bostan khan Khattana always focused on education and particularly said to the Gujjars to get education.He was died on 17th January 1978. But he is still alive in the hearts of Gujjars all over the country.
May ALLAH bless him.

22 March Gujjar International Day

International Gurjar Day

International Gurjar Day

Gujjar International Day

22 March is Gujjar International Day. 

Māru-Gurjara Architecture (Rajasthani architecture)

Māru-Gurjara Architecture (Rajasthani architecture) originated somewhere in sixth century in and around areas of Rajasthan.

Etymology


The name Maru Gurjara has its genesis in the fact that during ancient times, Rajasthan and Gujarat had similarities in ethnic, cultural and political aspects of the society. Ancient name of Rajasthan was Marudesh while Gujarat was called Gurjaratra.

"Maru Gurjara art" literally means "art of Rajasthan and Gujarat".

Development

Carved elephants on the walls of Jagdish Temple that was built by Maharana Jagat Singh Ist in 1651 A.D

Māru-Gurjara Architecture show the deep understanding of structures and refined skills of Rajasthani craftmen of bygone era. Māru-Gurjara Architecture has two prominent styles Maha-Maruand Maru-Gurjara. According to M. A. Dhaky, Maha-Maru style developed primarily in Marudesa, Sapadalaksa, Surasena and parts of Uparamala whereas Maru-Gurjara originated in Medapata, Gurjaradesa-Arbuda, Gurjaradesa-Anarta and some areas of Gujarat.Scholars such as George Michell, M.A. Dhaky, Michael W. Meister and U.S. Moorti believe that Māru-Gurjara Temple Architecture is entirely Western Indian architecture and is quite different from the North Indian Temple architecture. There is a connecting link between Māru-Gurjara Architecture and HoysalaTemple Architecture. In both of these styles architecture is treated sculpturally.

Styles of Rajasthani architecture include:

Jharokha
Chhatri
Haveli
Stepwell (baoli or bawdi)
Johad
Jaali
Char Bagh or Charbagh

Architecture in Rajasthan represents many different types of buildings, which may broadly be classed either as secular or religious. The secular buildings are of various scales. They include towns, villages, wells, gardens, houses, and palaces. All these kinds of buildings were meant for public and civic purposes. The forts are also included in secular buildings, though they were also used for defense and military purposes. The typology of the buildings of religious nature consists of three different kinds: temples, mosques, and tombs. The typology of the buildings of secular nature is more varied.

The Prathiharas (647- 1200 AD)Temples of Osian, near Jodhpur, Rajasthan

Harihara Temple at Osian

Sun Temple at Osian

Teli-ka-mandir at Gwalior

The temples of Osian, near modern Jodhpur in Rajasthan are among the earliest medieval temples built by the Pratiharas in the eighth century. There are fifteen Hindu temples and shrines, and a cluster of Jain temples (11th century), built during the Gurjara Pratihara dynasty between the 8th and the 12th. The temples are built in red sandstone have intricate carvings on their walls, pillars and shikhars. The are dedicated to Harihara - the symbolic union of Hindu gods Vishnu and Shiva, to the Sun God and Shakti (mother goddess).

The temples built during the early 8th century had smaller shrines, about eight feet tall. The shikhara had become a crowning feature of the temples and Hindu architecture at this time. The builders of Osians are credited for adding the mandapa (open assembly hall supported on column) to the temples.

Teli-ka-Mandir at Gwalior

Teli-ka-mandir is said to be a last attempt at adopting the Buddhist Chailtya hall roof over a rectangular plain as a model for Hindu shrine. It is similar to one of the forms of the rathas of Mahabalipuram in the South.The Teli-ka-mandir has finely sculptured horizontal friezes. The 24 meter high tower, is rectangular at the base and become pyramidical halfway up. This form of architecture was discarded by the North Indian Hindu architects later but could be seen in the architecture of the Southern India

History of Lahore

History of Lahore :
The city of Lahore has a Gujjar origin. The earliest princes were said to be Gujjar and traditional Panjabi tribal origins. Hieun Tsang, the Chinese traveller, who visited the Punjab in 630 AD, speaks of a large city, containing many thousands of families, chiefly Brahmans, situated on the eastern frontier of the kingdom of Cheka, which he says, extended from the Indus to the Beas river.


Around 580 BC., when king Bimbisara ruled South Asia, the society came to be divided into different communities based on their occupation.[dubious – discuss][citation needed] One of their communities was called Kshatriyas and King Luv's descendants were classed with them and came to be known as Luvanam, which was also referred to as Luvana.[5] The Luvanas from Loharghat became known as Loharana (masters of swords;[dubious – discuss][citation needed] or iron ("Loha") chiefs ("Rana")), which later became Lohana.[dubious – discuss]

Chinese traveller Faxian, who visited South Asia between 414 and 399 B.C., calls Lohana a brave community ruling the northwest territory of South Asia, in his diary.[citation needed] Another Chinese traveler, Kurmang who came in the eleventh century A.D. speaks of a Lohrana kingdom as a mighty power.[citation needed][dubious – discuss] Historian Burton writes Lohanas were brave people and says they were spread over today's Baluchistan (Pakistan), Afghanistan and eastern fringes of Central Asia.[citation needed] Col. Todd, who delved into history of Rajasthan, describes Lohanas as one of the oldest Kshatriya community.
Invasions

At the period of the first Muhammadan invasion, Lahore was in possession of a Chauhan prince, of the family of Ajmer. Whether owing to change of dynasty, or to Lahore's exposed position on the high road from Afghanistan to India, it was subsequently deserted and the seat of the government was removed to Sialkot or its vicinity, where it remained until the period of the invasion of Mahmud of Ghazni in the beginning of the eleventh century; that the conqueror re-occupied the deserted city, and established a garrison in a fort, which was built possibly, like the Old Fort at Delhi, on the ruin of the old Rajput stronghold.

In 682 AD, according to Ferishta, the Afghans of Kerman and Peshawar, who had, even at that early period, embraced the religion of the Prophet, wrested certain possession from the Hindu prince. A war ensued, and in the space seventy battles were fought with varied success, until the Afghans, having formed an alliance with the Ghakkars, a wild tribe inhabiting the Salt Range of Punjab, compelled the Raja to cede a portion of his territory. The next mention of Lahore is in the Rajputana chronicles, where the Bussas of Lahore, a Rajput tribe, are mentioned as rallying to the defence of Chittore, when besieged by Muslim forces in the beginning of the ninth century.
Image of Mahmud in his court where noblemen and noblewomen convened.

At length, in 975 AD, Sabaktagin, Governor of Khorassan and father of the celebrated Mahmud advanced beyond the Indus. He was met by Jeipal, the Raja of Lahore whose dominion is said to have extended from Sirhind to Lamghan and from Kashmir to Multan. By the advise of the Bhati tribe, the Raja Jeipal formed an alliance with the Afghans, and, with their aid, was enabled to withstand the first invasion. However, Sabaktagin later repeated his invasion on his succession to the throne of Ghazni. A battle ensued in the vicinity of Lamghan ending with the defeat of the Raja and overtures being made for peace. His terms were accepted and persons were sent, on the part of Sabaktagin, to take the balance of the stipulated ransom. On reaching Lahore, Jeipal proved faithless and imprisoned those commissioned to receive the treasure. On learning intelligence of his perfidy, Sabaktagin, in the words of the Ferishta, "like a foaming torrent, hastened towards Hindustan".[3]

Another battles ensued, in which Jeipal was again vanquished, and he retreated, leaving the territory to the west of the Nilab or Indus in the hands of the invader. The invader did not retain the conquests that he had made for in 1008 AD, a confederation headed by Anangpal, the son of Jeipal, again met the advancing army, now commanded by Mahmud, son and successor of Sabaktagin, in the vicinity of Peshawar. Lahore was allowed to remain intact for thirteen years longer. Anangpal was succeeded by Nardjanpal, while Mahmud pushed his conquests into Hindustan. But in 1022 AD, he suddenly marched down from Kashmir, seized Lahore without opposition, and gave it over to be plundered.[4] Nardjanpal fled helpless to Ajmer, and the Hindu principality of Lahore was extinguished forever. A final effort was made by the Hindus in the reign of Modud, 1045 AD, to recover their lost sovereignty, but after a fruitless siege of six months, they retired without success

Pir Samiullah gujjar khatana

Pir Samiullah gujjar khatana was the first tribal leader in Swat to raise a lashkar, or tribal army, to oppose the Taliban. He claimed to have organized more than 10,000 tribesmen to oppose the Taliban and protect 20 villages. Samiullah and his followers are members of the Gujjar community, which is a group distinct from the dominant Pashtun tribal confederations that support the Taliban.

Pir was rival tribal and religious leader opposing Mullah Fazlullah's forces in the Matta region of Swat. Pir and eight of his followers were killed in a Taliban assault on Dec. 16 2008. Two of his aides were subsequently beheaded in public, while an estimated 40 of his followers have been captured. The Taliban also torched the houses of Samiullah and 15 elders of his group.

Pakistan National Movement

Pakistan National Movement (PNM), is being established, as a social, welfare & Non-Political Organisation across the Country by Ch. Muhammad Ashraf Gujjar Advocate
…………………………………………………………………………………………
Pakistan National Movement (PNM) earlier established by Ch. Rehmat Ali in 1932, has been revived and re-established by Ch. Muhammad Ashraf Gujjar, Advocate Supreme Court, to project and promote the ideals and rationales of Pakistan Movement, as propounded by our great leader – Ch. Rehmat Ali and to struggle for bringing back his mortal remains (body) to Pakistan - which is buried in the Cambridge City Cemetery UK
…………………………………………………………………………………………
Pakistan National Movement (PNM) which was founded by great leader of Pakistan Movement – Ch. Rehmat Ali, in the year 1932, has been revived by Ch. Muhammad Ashraf Gujjar, Advocate Supreme Court- Founder President Islamabad High Court Bar Association.
.
Ch. Muhammad Ashraf Gujjar, who would be the first Chairman of the PNM, maintained that the PNM by maintaining its social, welfare and non-political colour, shall project the ideals of Ch. Rehmat Ali, by translating into urdu and publishing the books, leaflets and letters authored by him so that we the Pakistani should know the basic rationales of Pakistan Movement.
.
The Prime idea of Pakistan National Movement (PNM) would be to bring back the mortal remains of Ch. Rehmat Ali, Founder President of Pakistan National Movement, who is buried in the Christian grave-yard of Cambridge City Cemetery in United Kingdom.
.
He announced to establish the branches of Pakistan National Movement (PNM) in the whole of Pakistan, including Gilgit-Baltistan, AJK and overseas, to undertake social and welfare activities in non-political manner, in addition to celebrating the birth and death anniversaries of Ch. Rehmat Ali at every town of Pakistan. The PNM shall also fight against all social evils.

Gojri folk instruments

Dr. Javaid Rahi
The Gujjar tribes, mainly residing in India, Pakistan and Afghanistan, play some musical instruments since times immemorial to create certain specific sounds of music. Some instruments associated with them are part of their nomadic practices and some were adopted by them from other communities to add to their musical tradition.
There are a number of examples where Gujjar artists have made significant addition or alteration to the basic structure/formations of a borrowed music instrument to accommodate Gojri folk tunes to it.
While studying the musical practices popular among Gujjars, it has been found that they have their unique traditions. They hold distinct compositions and tunes which separate the Gojri music from Kashmiri, Dogri and Punjabi Music popular in Jammu and Kashmir and adjoining states. Among Gujjars this tradition of music and singing has been continuing for long and every new tribal artist through his performance adds to its ethos.
The main folk instruments used by Gujjars are mainly made from wood, animal skins, clay, metal or other material. Some of the musical instruments are as under:-
Alghojo : Alghojo is a type of flute made from a single hollow shaft of mainly wild-bamboo called ‘Nagal’ in Gojri with six or seven finger holes. A normal Alghoza is 7 to 11 inches long. For nomad Gujjars Alghoza is a sharpened divine instrument.
They make it locally in accordance with requirements.
Since this instrument is mainly associated with pastoral nomads and cowherds the Gujjars play traditional tunes on it. Popular folk-song and tunes are played on this instrument.
Jodhi /Do naal: Jodhi means two flutes (Aloghozas) which when played jointly are called Jodhi. The tune of the Jodhi instruments resembles that of flute.
Playing of Jodhi is still popular in nomadic Gujjar and Bakerwal society. It is made of hilly bamboos by cuttings small reeds. Folk tunes are played on it.
The instrument is played with three fingers on each side.
The sound in Jodhi is generated by breathing into it quickly and the recapturing of the breath on each beat creates a bouncing, swing rapid rhythm.
It is also a popular choice among musicians for recording new albums. The signature tunes of Gojri programmes broadcast from All India Radio Jammu /Srinaga/Poonch are based on Jodhi tunes.
Banjli: Banjili is a flute which varies in size from less than 12″ to nearly 30″. Every nomad is fond of Banjli. They keep this in side-pockets of their upper wear.
They play the tune of folk songs like shopia, maahiya, jangbaz, besides the traditional tribal tunes on this instrument.
Bisili : Bisilli is a typical folk instrument used by nomads. It is triangular /trilateral in shape. The instrument has hollow belly with a hole at the centre and two holes on either side, besides a mouth pipe. The player blows his breath through the mouth pipe and plays in fingers on the side holes. It is made of clay and is hardened in fire. The instrument is used by the cattle or sheep tenders for singing the folk tunes.
This instrument when played sounds like whistling . It resembles that of flute or algoza.
Leaf Instruments
Leafs of various trees are typically rolled into pipes for producing musical sounds by shepherd boys who generally use this device for flashing signals to their sheep and cattle.
They are also well versed in making different sounds by putting their fingers in mouth and folded tongue.
Chhung: Chung is an instrument made of Iron with one wire of copper. The instrument is five to seven inches long. This mouth organ once very popular among nomads is dying very fast. Just a few Chung players are left among Gujjars of Jammu and Kashmir.
This tribal Chung is like a 5 to 7 inch Trishul- a weapon of Hindus -with “three spears” and is different from the Persian Chung – an Iranian harp.
This instrument has round curve joining two straight lines. Between two straight lines there is thin wire mainly made of wire which is the main part of this instrument.
Shepherds play traditional tunes on it through mouth.
Yaktaro : A “one-string” instrument is also popular among Gujjars of Jammu and adjoining areas towards Punjab. Gujjar artists use this instrument to sing Sufiyana Gojri poetry.
Eik Tara’s main structure is made of wood with one string.
Dhool: Dhool is drum. It is large wooden cylindrical shaped with two heads mainly made of skin of animals. It is generally struck on one side with a lose “L’ type wooden stick called “Damno” bowed at the end, and with a large thin stick called “ Chinj” on the other side, though it is also played by the bare hands. It is the principal accompaniment for the “Sharnai (oboe).
Dhool players in Gujjars are called “Mirasi”. They are invited to play Dhools on Marriage, Khatnal, Leetari, Satranj Chekai, Laadi and on other celebrations.
For dances they play the beats mainly called “Dhukro” for Gujjars.
Sharnai : Sharnai is derived from Persian word Surr (feast) Nay (pipe-reed).This is an instrument usually accompanied with “Dhool”. “Sharnai” is largely known as a wind instrument
The Sharnai players are called ‘Merasi’ in Gojri. Usually the senior most person among a drum beating team plays the Sharnai.
Dhool and Sharnai is an important part of any ritual performed by the Gujjars.
Chimtoo: this is a kitchen tool (tong in English) mainly used to grip and lift objects. Gujjars used it as an instrument of music with certain modifications. Chimtoo is used as accompanying instrument.
It is used by artists while singing mystic poetry.
Ghadhoo/ Ghodholi: Ghara is earthen pot / pitcher which is also used as a Musical Instruments by Gujjar artists. In Gujjar marriages and other ceremonies, women folk use it as a musical instrument to draw the tunes.
In some tribal areas where Dhool is not allowed owing to religious binding, Ghara is used as Dhool for singing and dancing.
Saargi (Tota) : The Tota Saargi is popular in Gojri Musical Tradition since long. This is slightly different to “Sarangi”- a string instrument used in Hindustani classical and other Folk music. In Gojri Saargi is very popular instrument and is played in singing of “Baet”, “Barramah’ and other Gojri folk songs.
The Saargi is made of Wood, animal skin (Madh) with four up wires and 11 down wires.The helping organ of Sargi is called “Gaj” in Gojri.
In every tribal locality we find some popular Sarangi players. Ustad Mohammad Hussain Merasi, Ustad Ghulam Mohammad Danslaya, Ustad Jatoo Merasi, Ustad Noora Merasi and Bashir Mastana are some popular names who sing Gojri folk on Sargi.
The Gojri Music and Folk –Instruments of Gujjars are very rich in term of their inheritance. Other communities residing in Gujjar populated area also share the same culture.
During the course of research it has been observed that a number of folk instrument which were in use in past are extincting rapidly.
There is urgent need to preserve these old instrument with preservation of their noting in writing and audio-visual form with all notations for all generations to come.
(The author is working as Chief Editor in J&K Academy of art, Culture and languages)

Message to Gujjar Nation