The Royal Gurjars : Their Contribution to India/Naunihal Singh.
New Delhi, Anmol, 2003, xvi, 370 p., $50. ISBN 81-261-1414-2.

Contents: Preface. I: 1. Introduction. 2. The Punjab Kandi. 3. The Beas-Sutlej Kandi. 4. The Changar. 5. The Ghar. 6. Conclusions and generalisations. II: Introduction. 1. Gurjaradesa. 2. Royal dynasties in Gurjaradesa and their origins. 3. The founding of the Gurjara power. 4. Life and culture. 5. The rise of the first empire. 6. The Zenith: Mihira Bhoja the great. 7. The rise of the second empire. Appendices. III: 1. Contribution of Gurjars to the integration of India. References and bibliography. Index.

"This book entitled The Royal Gurjars: Their Contribution to India is an ancient history of Gurjars. Who they were and what they did for the protection of India. The Gurjars fought with the Arabs and the British. During the 19 century in the year 1857 this struggle was the spark of the first independence efforts in the districts of Meerut and Bulandshahr and elsewhere. Perhaps, this was the precursor of Quit India Movement, 1942.

"For those who are not aware of the sacrifices made by Gurjars for India it is a good informative book. They are a peaceful race and spread all over the country. In fact, the name of Gujarat came after Gurjars. There are at least 15 lac Gurjar Muslims in Jammu and Kashmir. The Gurjar saved Kashmir during first invasion of Pakistan when Pakistan annexed the area called Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK). Three Muslim Gurjars (nomads) including one women were awarded Padmashree by the President of India for this act of patriotism. There are Gurjar Sikhs and Hindu Gurjars in the country. The book is educative on all those matters. This book will be useful for the history students and the historians as such." (jacket)

Gurjars in Indian Army

Azad Hind Fauj

The Indian National Army (I.N.A) or Azad Hind Fauj was the army of the Arzi Hukumat-e-Azad Hind (The Provisional Government of Free India ) which fought along with the Japanese 15th Army during the Japanese Campaign in Burma, and in the Battle of Imphal, during the Second World War. It consisted mostly of Indian prisoners of war who, in the course of service in the British Army, had been captured by Axis forces, although a significant portion were recruited from Indian civilians in Japanese-controlled Malaya and Burma.

Gurjar soldiers and officers was in great number in Azad Hind Fauj. Among which Cap. Mukhram Singh, Cap. Surajmal and Col. Man Singh are the most mentionable names. Cap. Surajmal fought many successful battles and won the confidence of Netaji Subhash Chadra Boss and Genral Shah Nawaz Khan. Col. Man Singh also impressed every one with his inteligence and bravery. Gurjars soldires did not gave up even in unfavourable conditions. Netaji Subhash Chadra Boss himself appriciate their bravery and patrotism.

After Independence

After the partition of India on the basis of religion; Indian army was also divided, Muslim Gurjars of Punjab regiment were gone to the Pakistani army and Hindu Gurjars remained in the Indian Army. After the Second World War and before partition, Britishers permitted the formation of the Gurjar regiment in the Indian army, after looking at the great bravery and sacrifices of the Gurjars in the 2^nd world war; but this issue was not being able to complete because of partition of India. Gurjar leaders also don’t force on it or may be they were thinking that the formation of the Gurjar regiment will be done in the Independent India; but partition of India vanish the hopes of the formation of the regiment.

Gurjar company of the Rajput regiment on every opportunity prove themselves as great fighters, as in police action of Hydrabad. When Pakistani Invaders entered into the Kashmir and occupied a wide area of riyasat then the Rajput regiment with their Gurjar companies was posted to protect the riyasat. Gurjar soldiers fought with great courage under the commands of Col. Girdhari Singh Gurjar and saved most of the region of Kashmir from Pakistan. 10 lakh of Gurjar of Kashmir also revolted and supported the Indian army. Pir Hazrat Nizamuddin Gurjar was a powerful leader who assures Sh. Ranbir that his Gurjar army is always with the peoples who are with India. Jauni Gurjari a brave woman who fought against the Kabailee attack while leading woman army. Her scarifies can not be forgotten by any one.

In 1962, China attacked India and war begins between the two nations. In this war brave Gurjar soldiers and officers of Rajput regiment fought with their full strength. Area near the Khijeman, Dhola, Sela army posts are still remembered by the name of Gurjar soldiers of 2^nd Rajput regiment who fought there. In Ladhak and especially at Chusul post the bravery and sacrifice of the Gurjar soldiers can not be forgettable. In this brutal war with China many a thousand soldiers were killed, many Gurjar soldiers won medals for their sacrifice.

In 1965, Pakistan's "Operation Gibraltar" which was designed to infiltrate and invade Jammu&Kashmir, fighting broke out between India and Pakistan in an area known as the Rann of Kutch, Gujarat. This time also Gurjar officers of different regiments prove themselves as Greatest of fighters. At Mander, Uri, Punch Chamb, Sialkot etc. Gurjar soldiers of 6^th Rajput regiment fought with great courage. Famous Kargil hills are most momentous as these hills are so close to the road which leads to Ladhak. These hills were won by the Gurjar Companies of 4^th Rajput regiment by destroying the army post of Pakistanis. On September 22, the UNSC unanimously passed a resolution that called for an unconditional ceasefire from both nations. The war ended the following day. The Soviet Union, brokered a ceasefire in Tashkent, where Indian Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri and Pakistani President Ayub Khan signed an agreement to withdraw to pre-August lines no later than February 25, 1966.

The war remained largely inconclusive despite Pakistan suffering relatively more losses, and saw a six year period of relative peace between the two neighboring rivals before war broke out once again in 1971. Very soon Indian government came to know the importance of Kargil hills which was given back to Pakistan as per Tashkent agreement. This time Pakistan strengthens its forces on the Kargil hills. So Indian army looking at past ones on Kargil, ordered 4^th Rajput regiment to attack on Kargil hills. Gurjar soldiers immediately attacked with their full strength. This time it was not easy to recapture the hills but the bravery and sacrifice of Gurjar soldiers let them won the hills. Battle of longewala is generally regarded to be one of the decisive battles in the two week long war. Against considerable odds, the Indian 'A' company of 120 odd soldiers of the 23rd Bn, The Punjab Regiment,led by Major Kuldeep Singh Chandpuri, managed to repulse a 2000-3000 strong 51st Infantry Brigade backed by the 22nd Armoured Regiment of Pakistan. For his part, the Indian company commander Major (later Brigadier) Kuldip Singh Chandpuri was decorated with India's second highest gallantry award, the Maha Vir Chakra. (Battle of Longewala : Movie-Border)

It is high time to consider about the old demand of the formation of Gurjar regiment in the Indian army.

Gurjar Legends

The Gurjar is a great race of the world. Gurjars had been ruling the India since historical times, there some families were called Rajputs in medieval period. Rajput, Maratha, Jat and Ahir are heirs of the Khsatriyas. They are not foreigners. there is no community being called Khsatriya except us all. How that Khsatriyan race can be eliminated in which Ram and Krishna were born. All of us Rajput, Maratha, Jat and Ahirs are the stars whereas Gurjar is the Moon in the Khsatriyan sky. It is beyond human power to lessen the dignity of the Gurjars.. (Words By - Thakur Yashpal Singh Rajput)

Gurjar Emperors

Gurjar was most powerful khsatriyan group of his time. They conquered regions after regions but they never looted the conquered cities, never dishonored the women and never massacred the people. They proved as best administrator in the world history. Public liked them so much that their kingdoms were called Gurjaratra, Gurjar Bhumi, Gurjar Mandal, Gurjar Rastra, Gurjar Desh and Gurjar Bhubhuj and the Gurjar ruler were called Gurjarendra, Gurjareshwar and Gurjarnath by them. Their warriors were called Gurjar Brahm Senani. Gurjars always loved men of learning, the Bhrahmins, Poets, Scientist, Singers, Astronomers etc. They themselves are learned people. In their early days their language was Sanskrit, as time went on it converted into a soft language called Gurjari.

The Greatest Kings Of India:

• Poras -- Fought with Alexendra
• Kanishka Kushan (127-147CE)
• Yashodharman (425-532?CE)
• Mihir Bhoj (835-890 CE)
• Pulakesi Chalukya II (609-642 CE)
• Moolraj Solanki (952-997 CE)

Films & Sports

Gurjars In Films

• Ranjeet -- Popular Villain In Hindi Film Industry.
• Arjun Rampal -- Super Model Turned Actor.
• Mukesh Rishi -- Cool Actor In Hindi Film Industry.
• Vishwajeet Pradhan -- Great Character Artist.

Gurjars In Sports

• Shri Bhim Singh -- Famous Wrestler won Gold at Asian Games 1966.
• Vitender Singh Pawar -- Mr. India(Body Building) (1994 to 1997), Mr Asia in 1997 in South Korea and Mr Commonwealth in Malaysia in 1998.

Gurjar Intellectuals

Gurjars in Arts, Films & Sports:

• Saher Ludhyanvi -- Legendary Revolutionist Urdu Poet, Many Songs Have Filmed in Hindi Film Industry.
• Hazrat Mian Muhammad Buksh Poswal -- Famous Punjabi poet(Author of "Saif - ul - Malook").

Gurjar Leaders

Greatest Leaders:

• Late Sh. Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel -- Iron Man of India
• Vijay Singh Pathik -- Indian Revolutionary, Satyagrahi & Hindi Poet
• Ch. Rahmat Ali Gorsi
• Late Sh. Rajesh Pilot -- Indian Political Leader- www.RajeshPilot.Com
• Sh. Ram Chandra Vikal -- Ex Deputy Chief Minister of U.P.
• Ch. Fazal Elahi Gurjar -- Ex President of Pakistan

Gurjar Warriors

Gurjars consider themselves as the protector of their country and faith. They sacrifice themselves to perform this duty. It is on records in history that not even a single Gurjar accepted the subordination and faith of the invaders to save his domain or estate or land.

The Great Indian Warriors:

• Manu Deo Gurjar -- 712 CE fought with the Mohammad Bin Qasim but died, while defending Deval(Karachi).
• Veer Yograj Singh Gurjar –- Fought with Timur-e Lang.
• Hari Singh Nalwa -– Army chieftains of Maharaja Ranjit Singh Of Punjab.
• Partap Rao Gurjar -– Army chieftains of Chatrapati Shivaji.
• Gurjar Singh –- Great sikh warrior – Quila Gurjar Singh of lahore is after his name.
• Dhan Singh Kotwal -– Freedom Fighter of India, First revolt against British Army in Meerut.
• Kamal Ram Gurjar –- First Indian to Receive First Grade Victoria Cross form George V.
• Brig. Kuldeep Singh Chandpuri –- A Real Life Hero (Commander in the Battle of Longewalla;movie Border).

Gurjari

Gurjars are brave people and even their women are no less brave and fearless, so in dramas, songs, folk-songs and stories, Gurjari became a symbol of bravery, chivalry and beauty...

Gurjari:

• Yashodha -- Mother of Shri Krishana..
• Radha -- Beloved of Shri Krishan.
• Mrig Nayani -- Gurjari Mahal (Gwalior) Was Built After Her Name.
• Meena Gurjari -- Fought With Turk Army
• Panna Dhaya -- Greatest of Sacrifices.
• Rani Padmini
• Mata Gujjari Kaur Jee -- Mother of Guru Gobind Singh Jee.
• Jauni Gurjari -- Leads the women army in 1948 against the Kabailee attacks of Pakistan.
• Supriya Gurjar -- India's first fighter plan female pilot.

Gurjar Personalities

Award Winners

Name	Awarded	Year	Comments
Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel	Bharat Ratan	1991	Iron Man of India
Mohammad Deen Gurjar	Padmashree	.	Patriotism
Shrimati Mali Gurjari	Padmashree	.	Patriotism
Shrimati Sarba Gurjari	Padmashree	.	Patriotism
Shri Bhim Singh	Arjun Award	1966	Wrestling
Brig. Kuldeep Singh	Maha Vir Chakra	1971	For Gallantry(movie Border)
Om Prakash Gurjar	International Children's Peace Award	2006	Awarded at the age of 14

Gurjars With Amazing Capabilities:

• Badamsinh Juwansinh Gurjar -- Longest moustache in the World 12-1/2 Feet.

AND THEN WE CRIB THAT GURJARS ARE NOWHERE AND HAVE DONE NOTHING...ITS JUST THAT WE DONT KNOW ABOUT OUR HISTORY!!!

गुर्जर इतिहास

आदि काल से ही भारत भूमि पर भयंकर आक्रमण बाहर से होते रहें है, जिनमे भारतीय संस्कृति को समाप्त करने का हर सम्भव प्रयत्नों में कोई कमी नही छोड़ी। चाहे यवनो, पार्थवो व लुटेरे अरबी या तुर्की हमलावरों के आक्रमण या साम्राज्यवादी अंग्रेजो के, सभी ने भारतीय संस्कृति को समाप्त करने दौरान कितनी भारी संख्या में जनसंहार हुआ होगा इसकी सहज ही कल्पना की जा सकती है। नादिरशह व तैमुरलंग के खुनी कत्लेआम से शायद ही कोई अनभिज्ञ हो।

इतने संघर्षो व हमलो के बावजुद भारतीय संस्कृति आज भी दुनिया में गौरवमयी रुप मेंदेखी जाती है। विश्व गुरु के रुप में जाना जाने वाला यह देश आज भी अन्य देशो की तुलना में आदर्श देश है। जहाँ इस आर्थीक युग में भी मर्यादयें जीवित है। इस संस्कृति के जीवित रहने कारणो में यदि हम गहराई में जाऐ तो पता चलता है कि इसको जीवित रखने के लिए लाखो वीरों ने अपने प्राणों की आहुती दी है। उन्ही के फलस्वरूप ही हम इस संस्कृति की गौरवमयी शाया में आज भी समुचित स्तर पर है।

अपनी इस संस्कृति की रक्षा करने में जिन महानवीरों ने अपना बलिदान दिया उनमें से कुछ का बिखरा बिखरा विवरण इतिहास में कुछ निष्पक्ष इतिहासकारों ने किया है। फिर भी अधिकांश का उल्लेख एकत्रित रुप में नही मिलता है। वैसे तो इस रक्षा समर में कई जातियो के वीर काम आए परन्तु प्रमुख भुमिका, नेत्रत्व व वीरता जिन वीरों की रही उनमें से अधिकांश गुर्जर जाति से थे। प्राचिन भारत का इतिहास देखें या वर्तमान भारत का, इस जाति के वीरों की संख्या मुख्य रही है। जिन्होने अपने प्राणों बाजी लगा कर देश, धर्म व संस्कृति की रक्षा की। देश की अखण्ड़ता के लिए इस जाति के वीर सदैव प्रय्रत्नशील रहे है।

गुर्जर वीरों ने प्राचिन काल में अपनी भारतीय संस्कृति का प्रसार स्वदेश की सीमाओ से बाहर अति सूदूर देशो में जा कर किया, जहाँ से लौट कर भारत, अफगानिस्तान, ईरान, तिब्बत व मध्येशिया के विशाल भूखण्ड़ों को विजय कर के महान कुशान साम्रज्य स्थापित कर सुख स्म्रद्धि का युग प्रारम्भ किया। तत्पश्चात अपने जनेन्द्र साम्राट यशोधर्मा के नेत्रत्व में गुर्जर देश का निर्माण किया। धर्मान्ध अरब आक्रांताओं को निरन्तर 250 वर्षो तक स्वदेश से खदेड़ते हुए भारतीय धर्म व संस्कृति अभुतपुर्व सफलता के साथ रक्षा करते हुए महान गुर्जर प्रतिहार साम्रज्य की स्थापित किया। फिर बाद में अपने सोलंकी गुर्जर साम्राटो के नेत्रत्व में सदियो तक तुर्क आक्रांताओं को खदेड़ कर स्वदेश व स्वधर्म की रक्षा करते हुए अपना सर्वस्य न्यौछावर कर दिया। परन्तु सत्ता विहिन होकर भी सदा विदेशी आक्रांताओं से टकराती रही और अन्त में ब्रिटिश साम्राज्यवाद में सन 1822 से 1857 तक निरन्तर टकरा कर अपना जन, धन, वैभव सब स्वाहा कर अति दीन अवस्था को प्राप्त हुई।

"Imperial Gurjars"...

ऋषि भूमि भारत पर कई बार यहाँ की संस्कृति को समाप्त करने के उदेश्य से बाहरी आक्रमण हुए। यहाँ की संस्कृति व सभ्यता की रक्षा हेतु समय-समय पर अनेक वीरों ने अपने प्राणों की आहुती दी, भारतीय साहित्य में इन वीरों का उल्लेख मिलता है। परन्तु कुछ ऐसे वीर या वीरों के समूहों को नजरन्दाज भी कर दिया गया है, जिन्होने अपना सर्वस्य न्यौछावर कर इस ऋषि भूमि की रक्षा की। रक्षा का भार वहन करने वालो को वैदिक वर्ण व्यवस्था के अनुसार क्षत्रीय कहा गया। कालांतर में विभिन्न कारणो से क्षत्रीय समूह अपने दायित्व से विचलित भी हुए परन्तु कुछ क्षत्रीय समूहों ने अपने इस गुरुत्तर दायित्व से मुँह नही मोड़ा और उन्होने सदैव अपने प्राणों की बाजी लगा कर देश, धर्म व संस्कृति की रक्षा की। ऐसे क्षत्रीय समूह को इतिहासकारों ने गुरुत्तर व गुर्जर के नाम से उल्लेखित किया है।

भारतीय इतिहास पर अनेक पुस्तकें भारतीय अथवा विदेशी इतिहासकारों व लेखकों द्वारा लिखी गई, परन्तु अधिकांश ने गुर्जर जाति के कार्यो, बलिदानो व क्षमताओं पर कुछ कहने का कष्ट नही किया। इतिहास इस बात का साक्षी है की यदि 250 वर्षो तक अरब आक्रांताओं को गुर्जर वीर करारी चोट न देते तो भारतीय संस्कृति पूर्णतः नष्ट हो जाती। इसी प्रकार तुर्क व अफगानो तथा बाद में अंग्रेजी शासन के विरुद्ध गुर्जर वीरों ने विद्रोह न किया होता तो भारतीय संस्कृति का स्वरूप कुछ ओर ही होता, भारत की आजादी के उपरान्त अगर भारत की 556 रियासतों को गुर्जर वीर स्व सरदार वल्लभ भाई पटेल एक झण्ड़े तले न लाते तो वर्तमान भारत का संगठित स्वरूप दिखाई न देता।

इन सब बातों के होते हुए भी इतिहास की पुस्तकों से इस वीर देशभक्त जाति का नाम समाप्त करने के पीछे इतिहासकारों का कोई भी उदेश्य रहा हो, परन्तु दुसरी जो विशेष हानि हुई कि, गुर्जर जाति में हीन भावना का आगमन।