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Lobanas(or Labana) are a tribe which live all over India. Labanas have their own language called lubanki which is a dialect. However, this language is only spoken by Labanas outside the Punjab, state of India. The Labanas of Punjab and Haryana are mostly Sikhs.
{{nocasteism}}
{{infobox caste
|caste_name = Labana
|classification = Landlords/Merchants
|subdivisions =
|populated_states = [[Punjab]], US, [[UK]], Europe
|languages = [[Punjabi]], [[Hindi]], other Eurpoean languages
|religions =[[Sikhism]], [[Hinduism]], [[Islam]]}}


==Historical Background==
'''Lobanas''' (Also pronounces as Lubana, Labana, Lobana, Lohana) is a very rich community that lives in and around Indian subcontinent. Basically, Labanas are braham kashatriya rajputs which means they are upper class people in hindu (jaati verna)cast system. Initially they were kings and rulers of many different dynasties like  Gurjar pratiharas/ Pal dynasty/ Chhendlas dynasty/ Chohan dynasty etc later  they  started Trading/Merchant/Transportation. This community was engaged in Maritime trade and Land Trade which includes Trading and transportation of Goods like Gun powder, Grains, spices, Diamonds, Gold,  etc. In Punjab Region, during socio-economic reforms, Labanas overwhelmingly became agriculturists. Labanas have their own dialect called ''"[[Lubanki]]"'' which is said to be mixture of Hindi, punjabi, Marwari, Gujarati. The Labanas of [[Punjab]] and [[Haryana]] are mostly [[Sikhs]] and speak mainly [[Punjabi]] or [[Hindi]]. They are also called lohana (in {{Wiki|Rajasthan}}, [[Gujarat]] and [[Maharashtra]]. Lavana is another variation often heard.


==ORIGIN==
In [[Punjab]], Labanas started leaving merchant work and shifted to agriculture and turned to landholding community since times of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
The term Lobana appears to have been derived from LUN (salt) and the BANA (trade). The Lobanas were the great salt-carrying and salt-trading community. They were occasionally called Banjaras. Locally, they were known by different names in parts of the Panjab. In Ambala district, for example, on account of their versatility in adopting different vocations, the lobanas were called Bahrupias


It is said that lobanas are of Turkish origin they travel from turkey toward india thats why they are also called banjaras because during travel they have to set up some buisness on their way
Notable [[Baba Makhan Shah Lobana ]] was a great merchant Marine who owned over 250 big marine ships for his vast international trade business. He traveled around India, Africa, Portugal and other Europe  for trade of multiple goods.


Different views are prevalent about the origin of the Lobanas.  
{{tocright}}
=='''Historical Background'''==
#The origin of the word, 'Luvana' is that it has originated from the Sanskrit means linage of luva(son of god Ram).
#One more accepted etymology is Lobana also means who wear Iron Dress, i.e. dress of Military person, derived from Loh & Bana. They mentioned Lobana were Military persons who were Kashatriya rajputs they also served in Guru's army from sixth guru sahib till the end of sikh empire and played major role in fight against Mughal samraj and corrupt hindu kings. Nishan wali misl belonged to lubana sikhs.<ref>last= SGPC Parkash|title=Gurmat Parkash|accessdate=October 2000|publisher=SGPC|isbn=81-7835-664-3|page=80</ref><ref>Piara Singh Tanda, Lobana Sewak</ref><br />
===Origin===


In Ludhiana and Jhang districts, the Lobanas claimed to be the descendants of Chauhan Rajputs of Jaipur and Jodhpur.  
{{Main|Origin Of Labanas}}
Lobanas are residing in and around India from ancient times. People of Labanas were basically kashatriya Rajputs.<ref>Dr. Jaswant Singh, Punjab Di Labana Biradri</ref><ref>Piara Singh Tanda, Lobana Sewak, Jan 2008</ref>, offshot of Ikshwakus of Ramayana. <ref>History Of The Later Harappans And Silpakara Movement, Gyan Publishing House,page=268</ref>.
In 1891 Census, they were categorized under Rajputs and are descendents of Suryavanshi and Chandarvanshi Kashatriyas. 
* In [[Ludhiana]] and [[Jhang]] districts, the Lobanas claimed to be the descendants of Chauhan Rajputs of {{Wiki|Jaipur}} and {{wiki|Jodhpur}}. <ref>History Of The Later Harappans And Silpakara Movement, Gyan Publishing House,page=268</ref>
* In [[Gujarat]] district, they claimed to be Raghu vanshi Rajputs. <ref>History Of The Later Harappans And Silpakara Movement, Gyan Publishing House,page=268</ref>
* The Lobanas of [[Kangra]] and [[Hoshiarpur]] districts claimed their origin from the Gaur Brahmins of Pilibhit. A good number of them traced their origin from Gaur Brahmins who came to the [[Panjab]] from Ranthambore in Aurangzeb's time. <ref>Supplement to the glossary of Indian terms, Henry Miers Elliot, page=110</ref> <ref>The Indian Encyclopaedia, Genesis Publishing Pvt Ltd,page-629</ref>


In Gujrat district, they claimed to be Ragubansi Rajputs. The Lobanas of Kangra and Hoshiarpur districts claimed their origin from the Gaur Brahmins of Pilibhit. A good number of them traced their origin from Gaur Brahmins who came to the Panjab from Ranthambore in Aurangzeb's time.  
According to Piyara Singh Tanda Of Laban Sewak Jan 2008, Labanas were once part of the Rajputs (a warrior caste), he attributes the name laban to use of iron (loh) in the armor they wore. Some people from among these warriors started trading to expand their wealth with peace thats how the name altered to Vanzaras (trade/transport). It is said that the Lobanas are of Turkish origin. They travelled from Turkey/ eastern europe toward india.  The Lobanas were the great ammunition powder -carrying and grains/spices -trading community. They were occasionally called Banjaras. Locally, they were known by different names in parts of the Panjab.


It appears to be more appropriate to regard the Lobanas as a sub-division of the great Banjara tribe, forming one of their Principal sub-castes.
===People & Professional Background===
*In the past the Naik lobanas would wear a garland of diamonds and pearls around there neck, it showed their wealth. They used to go through Deserts and deep forests and were more probable to be attacked by robbers and pirates, so Naik have security arrangements to deal with those situations. Lobanas had big work force who worked for them for a long time. Lobana’s main work force were shikligars who helped them carry their goods from one place to another. They always had well trained guards with weapons for securty of their workers and goods. Gulcharan Singh also claims that both Tipu Sultan and the Duke of Wellington were also labanas. The bodies of lobanas were fit and they were tall as they were fighters.
* Lobanas also worked as intelligence for Kings and held major posts in army.
* The Ladies of Lobanas were said to be beautiful and fair in colour. They were bold and not fearful. J.H Huttel in book the Trioe & Caste wrote that the ladies of lobana community were famous for beauty & domestic freedom and also put beautiful clothes.
* In Marinetime Transportation and Trade, "The lobanas took  products  from all over India to the harbours of Surat(Gujrat, India) to be sent to ports scattered around the world on ships that were often owned by Lobanas. [[Makhan Shah]] Labana was the owner/master of many ships and trade around India, Africa and Portugal. <ref>Colonel Gulcharan singh</ref>
* Their village is called Tanda, which is word of Lubanki Dielect(Danda) which means the Halt or Stopping place of Caravan. In Kangra, there were four halt station which are developed as Village to towns. When british annexed india, they stopped moving jobs and became settlers and resided in villages, this lead to Socio-Economic changes in them.


==SIKH HISTORY==
==Contribution in Sikhism==
{{Main|Lobanas (During guru's period)}}
Lobana Sikhs are mostly descended from Hindu Labanas and people of this community is well known in Sikhism. [[Guru Nanak]] met many rich Lobana Traders during his journey and guided the path of truth. In an account of Bhai Bala Janamsakhi, During North Udasi, Nanak met a trader of gun powder and guided him to the truth.<ref>Sakhi 72, Bhai Bala Janamsakhi</ref>. Following are some famous names in Sikh History:
* First Sikh Labana recorded in Sikh History was [[Bhai Mansukh]], who came in contact with [[Guru Nanak]], accepted the [[Sikh]] thought and preached it around South India and [[Sri Lanka]] region. <ref>[http://www.sikh-heritage.co.uk/movements/lobanas/lobanasVS.htm Sikh Heritage]</ref><ref>Bhai Bala Janamsakhi</ref>. Bhai Mansukh told King Shivnabh about Guru Nanak. <ref>Mahankosh, Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha, Page 949</ref>
* During Guru Angad Dev times, Bhai Saunde Shah, with Lobana congregation, came to meet Guru Angad dev and bring many commodities to giru sahib. <ref>Bhai Veer Singh, Asht Gur Chamatkar, Bhag 1, Page 18</ref>
* During Guru Arjun Dev Times Baba Hasna another very rich lobana served Under guru sahib.
* One of wealthy Lobana trader, [[Baba Makhan Shah]], searched 9th Guru and bring him before Sikhs on directions of Guru Har Krishan. He also punished Dhir Mall for his act against Guru Tegh Bahadur.
* Lakhi Shah is among name in history who cremates guru Teg bahadur sahib’s body in his house in 1675 to perform last rights of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib.<ref>Puna Rakaab Gand-mein aure, Nom Guru Ka Tann jis thoo-rae, saskario thaa sikh luvaane, naaik lakhi lijj ghat aane, Panth Parkash, Giani Gian Singh, Page 1135</ref>.
* During Guru Gobind Singh times, Many Lobana Sikhs joined Guru Gobind SIngh's army. Makhan Shah's son Bhai Javand Singh was killed in Chamkaur in 1705<ref>Bhai Javand Singh, Beta Makhan Shah Da, Pota Dase Shah Da Parhpota, bane da, aulaad, bohan shah pelia gotra  taanda, pragna desh muzafrabad desh| Guru Gobind Singh Marg(Sampadak Fauja Singh), Punjab Bhasha Vibhag, Patiala 1973 Page 34</ref>. Son of Lakhi Shah, Bhai Hem Singh Khalsa, was martyed in fight of Anandpur in 1704. Shaheed bhai Mani singh ji along with his 9 brothers out of ten and his sons and grandsons also big names of sikh martyrs. Bhai Bachittar singh, chittar singh udai singh, Ajab singh, Anaik singh sons
Of shaeed bahi Mani singh and grandsons of baba Lakhi shah lobana are also big names in the list of sikh martyrs. Shaheed bhai Dayala ji were also from the same family. Later baba Banda singh bahadur, bhai Baaz singh, bhai Rann singh, bhai Hem singh sacrifices for sikhi were also from lobana families. Lobanas also helped in purchasing armours<ref>Muhar, Chaap Karvai Lubana, Lai aayo gur teer sujaana (Koer Singh, Gurbilas Patshahi 10, Page 145)</ref>


Baba Makhan Shah, Lakhi Shah, Bhai Kuram & many more lobanas name are include in sikh history.
* Other Lobanas include Baba Takhat Mal, Baba Dasa Lobana, [[Bhai Kuram]] & many more Lobanas name are include in sikh history.


''View Article'' '''[[Lobanas (During guru's period)]]'''
===After Guru's period===
* When Banda Bahadur need soldiers then many lobana participated in his army. Kesar Singh Chibber in Banwalinama wrote,
Saath Lubana sikhan aad kharota, <br>
maal balad ladey hoyae, maarag chaley jaaya, <br>
chela bhej nayak sad mangaya.


==After Guru's period==
* As per Prachin Panth Parkash, When [[Banda Singh Bahadur]] needs money then a Caravan of Labanas helped them: <br>
ਨਹੀਂ ਖਰਚ ਅਬ ਹਮਰੇ ਪਾਸ ।<br>
ਆਵੇ ਖਰਚ ਯੋ ਕਰੀ ਅਰਦਾਸ ।<br>
ਆਏ ਲੁਬਾਣੇ ਲਗ ਗਈ ਲਾਰ।<br>
ਦਯੋ ਦਸਵੰਧ  ਉਨ ਕਈ ਹਜ਼ਾਰ ।<br>
ਸੋਊ ਬੰਦੇ ਆਈ ਅਗੇ ਧਰਯੋ ।<br>
ਕਰੇ ਅਰਦਾਸ ਬੰਦੇ ਹੇਠ ਫ਼ਰਯੋ ।


During the MISL period, the Lobanas joined the services of various MISLDARS. They mostly served in the Bhangi, Ramgarhia, Shaheed and Ahluwalia MISLS. Some of them were in the ruling class of the Ahluwalia Misl. During the time of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the Lobanas were recruited into the Khalsa Army. They proved to be good soldiers.
During the [[Misl]] period, they ruled Nishan wali misl and some Lobanas joined the services of various Misldars. They mostly served in the Bhangi, Ramgarhia, Shaheed and Ahluwalia Misl. Some of them were in the ruling class of the [[Ahluwalia Misl]]. During the time of [[Maharaja Ranjit Singh]], the Lobanas were recruited into the [[Khalsa]] Army. They proved to be good soldiers. Maharaja Ranjit Singh gave lands of Sahadra Pargana, Gujranwala and Multan to Lobana people for their outstanding contributions.


During the eighteenth century the Lobanas began to follow a settled way of life. There are many instances regarding their settlement as cultivators by the Sikh rulers to extend cultivation. The Lobanas of Lower Indus, Gujranwala and Jhang, for instance, settled as cultivators during the Sikh rule. In Kangra district, the Lobanas ascribed their settlement by Raja Dharam Chand and Langrapal. In the early nineteenth century, the Lobanas had established their own important villages. For instance in Gujrat district, they had three villages named Bazurgwal, Khori Dunna Singh and Tanda. Tanda was a well-known Lobana settlement. It was situated on the land of Moth-sa-duddin which was a part of chhachhan TAPPA.
==During British Rule==
Lobanas also joined in english forces, then they started buying land in areas of Ambala, Hoshiarpur, Jalnadhar, Ludhiana, ferozpur, Lahore, Amritsar, gurdaspur. They have equal status as jatts.


Wherever the Lobanas settled they mainly named their villages as Tandas. Tanda in Lobanki dialect means a travelling body or gang. In Kangra district the Lobanas had four hamlets each called Tanda. In this way the Lobanas replaced their nomadic and pastoral life by settled way of life. By the mid-nineteenth century, the Lobanas at some places owned not only parts of villages, but also entire villages and even groups of villages. They were chiefly found in the Panjab during the Sikh rule.
During the eighteenth century the Lobanas started focusing just on farming due to British government’s  control on all sort of trades. The Lobanas of Lower [[Indus]], [[Gujranwala]] , [[Jhang]], multan and Hoshiarpur owned big pieces of land for agriculture. In [[Kangra]] district, the Lobanas ascribed their settlement by Raja Dharam Chand and Langarpal. For instance in [[Gujrat]] district, they had three villages named [[Bazurgwal]], [[Khori Dunna Singh]] and [[Tanda]]. Tanda was a well-known Lobana settlement. It was situated on the land of Moth-sa-duddin which was a part of chhachhan TAPPA.
 
Originally, the Lobanas were transporters and carriers. They supplied grains and other things of necessity in different parts of country. They had their own pack of animals. The trade was conducted in the shape of caravans and was responsible for security particularly in the dangerous tracts like forests and deserts. It was his duty to arrange fodder and make other administrative arrangements. He lived like a prince and wore a chain of pearls hanging from the neck.
 
Under the Sikh rule, majority of the Labanas continued their former occupations on traditional pattern. Bulk of them earned livelihood as professional carriers and only some of them as traders. Cattle-trade was also prevalent among them. In the business management, they could not compete with the Khatris and Aroras. Their position was similar to few other carrying and trading communities like Bhabras, Prachas and Khojas. Like the other trading communities the Lobanas also harvested profits from the expansion of trade. Thus their financial position gradually improved. The improvement in their economic condition paved the way for upward social mobility among the Lobanas.
 
In the late eighteenth century some of the Lobanas followed pastoral pursuits. Under the Sikh rule, the Lobanas were entering the agrarian hierarchy. This process was accelerated by the agrarian policy of Maharaja Ranjit Singh to extend cultivation. The general policy of Maharaja Ranjit Singh towards the agrarian classes was guided by the security and development of revenues. The grants of waste land were given to new cultivators. Among other factors this gave an opportunity to the Lobanas to become agriculturists. For example, the Lobanas of Lower Indus settled as agriculturists during the period of Diwan Sawan Mal. Similarly, the Lobanas of Gujranwala and Jhang districts entered the agrarian hierarchy when the state repaired and dug the perennial an inundation canals. The land was given to them by Maharaja Ranjit Singh at nominal rent. They acquired proprietorship of the waste land cultivated by them. Thus, the Lobanas became peasant-proprietorship in some districts of the Panjab towards the end of the Sikh rule. Considering the premium attached to the possession of land in a predominantly agrarian society, this may be traced as signifying upward social mobility.
 
In retrospect, we see that the Lobanas became a well-known community in the Panjab towards the end of the Sikh rule. Their financial position gradually improved under the Sikh rule. A good number of the Lobanas followed pastoral occupation. They began to enter in the agrarian hierarchy by making the best use of facilities provided by the state. But majority of the Lobanas still continued with their traditional occupations.


==Clans In Lobanas==
==Clans In Lobanas==
{{Main|Lobana Clans}}


Ghotra( Or Ajrawat Or Lakhman), Multani, Labana, Sujlana, are main clans mostly found and well known.
Other Clans are Badwalie, Belia, Bhagtaun, Bhonie, Dahgre, Danie, Dara Shah, Datla, Dhandsi, Dotal, Fatra, Ghare, Gojalia, Gujars, Jullon, jTatra, Kankanya, Kharrie, Khera, Khasarya, Kulwana, Lahoriae, Lavana, Lohana, Lulia, Makhan Shahi, Maniani, Mathaun , mathaunie, Mochie, Nanaut, Narowal, Padurgi, Palsiya, Parwal, Pelia, TAdra, Wamial, Wamowal
==Lobanas Personalities==
====Sant Baba Prem Singh====
Sant Prem Singh worked for the uplift of the Lobana community in the first half of the twentieth century. He was an important social, political and religious leader of the Lobanas.
Born in 1882 at Khori Dunna Singh, a village in Gujrat district, he went to Morala Sahib in his early age and learnt Panjabi and KIRTAN. In 1908 he was nominated as SANT of the DERA by Baba Bishan Singh. Henceforth he took keen interest in his community. He regarded education as the best means of upward social mobility. Many schools were started under his guidance. He was the prominent leader of Vihar Sudhar Movement. Sant Prem Singh preached Sikhism enthusically and remained a member of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandak Committee from 1926 to 1950. He also became the member of its executive committee in 1948.
Sant Prem Singh was an active Lobana participant in the Akali Movement. He sent a Jatha of 25 Lobanas for the Morcha under Giani Chet Singh. He contested for the membership of Legislative Assembly and was elected twice, in 1937 and then in 1946. He remained its member upto his death in 1950.
====Sant Majha Singh (1866-1971)====
He was born at Maksudpur in Kpurthala state in 1866. His parents died in his childhood. Compelled by the circumstances he had to take shelter in Dera Hoti Mardan. After a long service he became a SANT second in command in 1912. He became prime SANT in 1937.
Sant Majha Singh paid his attention to eradicate the social evils. He preached the gospel of Sikhism. After partition, his contribution to the Lobana community in the fields of education and social reforms is praiseworthy. He died in 1971.
====Sardar Bahadur Mehtab Singh Galowal====
Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Sardar Bahadur Mehtab Singh was born in 1854 at Galowal, Tehsil Dasuya, district Hoshiarpur. After getting some education, he joined the army. He was recruited in the 1st Sikh Regiment in 1874. On account of good performance he became Subedar Major. He won many medals and got allotment of 5 squares of land in Chak 115 in Shahpur district and was also honoured with the title of ' Sardar Baahadur'.
Mehtab Singh's services for the Lobana community i the army and agriculture are well-known. Firstly, he was able to create separate companies of the Lobanas in the 48th Pioneers in 1901 and 12 Bengal Pioneers in 1903. Secondly, due to the efforts the Lobanas of ten districts were included among the agricultural tribes of the Punjab in 1906.
====Dr. Sunder Singh====
He was born in 1870 at Bazurgwal in Gujrat district. After fetting middle standard education he joined Lahore Medical School and got the degree of Local Native Doctor in 1893. He joined regular as a Sub-Assistant Surgeon in Burma and was promoted first to Assistant Surgeon and then to a Civil Surgeon in 1912. He retired from service in 1920 and came back to India.
After retirement Dr. Sunder Singh devoted his whole time for the betterment of the Lobana community. He also assisted Sant Prem Singh in Vihar Sudhar Movement. On the educational side, he played an important role for the establishment of Guru Gobind Singh Khalsa Lobana High School, Tanda in Gujrat district. He remained the secretary of that institution upto his death in 1940. He opened two primary schools in his own village one for boys and the other for girls. In these schools free education was given to the poor. Later, one school was upgraded as Middle School. He died in 1940.
====Sardar Bahadur Gopal Singh====
Sardar Gopal Singh was born in 1862 at Nurpur Lobana in Kapurthala state. He got knowledge of Urdu, Pesian, English and Gurmukhi in his early career. He joined army in 1882 but left it in order to manage the estate awarded to his father in Lahore district.
During the First World War, he sent maximum recruits from the Lobana community. Recognising his services, two squares of land in chak 28 in Chunnian tehsil of Lahore district and five squares in te Okara tehsil of Montgomery district were awarded to him. He was honoured with the title of 'Sardar Bahadur' in 1916. From 1919 to 1922 he remained a member of the Punjab Legislative Council.
Gopal Singh supported the planned programmes for the uplift of the Lobanas. He did a lot to establish Guru Gobind Singh Khalsa Lobana High School at Tanda in 1921. He Participated in the VIHAR SUDHAR LEHAR. In 1928, he arranged Vihar Sudhar Conference at Chak No. 37 Pattoki in Lahore district. He died in 1947 at Nurpur Lobana.
====Bawa Harnam Singh====
Bawa Harnam Singh was born on 10 June 1915 at Khori Dunna Singh in Gujrat district. He passsed matriculation examination from Guru Gobind Singh Khalsa Lobana High School, Tanda, in 1921. For higher education he joined Khalsa College, Amritsar. After sometimes he migrated to Sikh National College, Lahore. He did his B.A. from the same institution in 1936.
After study he participated in the programme chalked out for the uplift of Lobana community. In order to preach against social evils and bring socio-religious awakening among the Lobanas, he started a weekly, 'Prem Sandesh', in 1942. After 1950, he dominated Lobana community. He was elected M.L.A. a number of times and taken in the Akali Ministry as Minister of State for Agriculture and Forests in 1970. He died in 1981.
====Major Sharam Singh====
Major Sharam Singh was born in 1901 at Dhamkin in Lahore district. He got his primary education from his village, middle from Sharaqpur and did matriculation from Lahore. For higher education he joined Khalsa College, Amritsar and passed F.A. in 1918. Afterwards, he joined education core in the army as an Havaldar in 1920. He was promoted as jamedar in 1928, Subedar in 1932, Subedar Major in1934, Liutenant in 1939, Captain in 1945 and Major in 1948. He retired as Major in 1963.
While in service he extended support to the programmes for the uplift of the Lobana community. He had a keen desire to spread education in the community and gave financial assistance for this purpose. He encouraged female education and set an example by sending his own daughters for higher education in good institutions.
Occupationally his contribution to the Lobanas was really praiseworthy. He taught and qualified many young boys of the community for taking service in the army. Due to his efforts many Lobanas joined army.
After retirement, in order to bring socio-cultural awakening among the Lobanas he started a monthly 'Lobana Sewak' in 1955. This journal continued uptil 1960. His health deterioted afterwards and he died in 1963.
====Chaudhary Lakhi Singh====
Chaudhary Lakhi Singh was born on 1 January 1902 at Tanda in Gujrat distrct. He did B.A. and passed various degrees related to accounts. He joined service as Financial Adviser and Accounts Office in the Custodian and Rehabilitation Department in 1920. On 17 January 1960 he retired as Examiner Local Fund Punjab.
Keenly interested in the spread of education he worked as the secratary of Guru Gobind Singh Khalsa Lobana High Schools, Tanda, established a middle School named Lakhi Singh Middle School in 1931 and gave financial assistance to Lobana educational institutions.
He had a great interest in writings. He wrote various books like Accout and Audit, Municipal Laws, Civil Service Regulations, Fundamental and Supplementary Rules.
Chaudhary Lakhi Singh was close to Sant Prem Singh. He preached against social evils and unique features of Lobana culture.
After retirement, he took active part in politics. He was elected a member of the Punjab Legislative Assembly as an Akali candidates in 1962. He died on 1 January 1977 at Miani Afghanan in Hoshiarpur district.
====Giani Chet Singh====
Giani Chet Singh was born in March 1902 at Bhakhrewali, Gujrat district. He learned Punjabi from the village Granthi. but he got primary education in Urdu medium. Under the guidance of Pundit Narain Singh he studied many Granths in Urdu and Hindi. In 1919, he analysed Sri Guru Granth Sahib under the guidance of Giani Amir Singh Ji at Amritsar.
In 1921 Giani Chet Singh went to Dera Morala Sahib. He supported the Vihar Sudhar Movement, educational and religious programmes arranged under the guidance of Mahant Prem Singh. A good number of the Lobanas were baptised by him. He was appointed a head-granthi in Singh Sabha Gurdwara in Gujranwala in 1936. In 1944 he was appointed a granthi in Sri Harimandar Sahib Amritsar. he bacame the head-granthi of the same institution on 10th February 1963 and retired from this post in 1974.


Politically, Giani chet Singh participated in the Akali Movement. He led a JATHA of 25 Lobanas for Pheru Morcha and was imprisoned on 7th April 1924. He was punished for 6 months imprisonment and sent to Multan Jail. He is still alive.


====Giani Harcharan Singh====
Ghotra( Ajrawat or lakhman), Pelia/Palia,  Multani, Parmar, powar Labana, Sujlana, Patwalia , Lambarh , chhandlas/shandlas are main clans mostly found and well known.


Giani Harcharan Singh was born in March 1904 at Nangal Lobana in Kapurthala Sate. He passed middle standard examinationfrom Anglo-Vernacular English School, Nadala in 1921. He did Giani in 1926. Then he joined Shaheed Sikh Missionary College started by shiromani Gurudwara Prabandak Committee in 1927 and studied there for two years. He also taught in same institution in 1929-30.
Other Clans are Badwalie, Belia, Bhagtaun, Bhonie, Dahgre, Daniye, Dara Shah, Datla, Dhandsi, Dhami, Dotal, Fatra, Garhe, Gojalia, sihane, Gadria, Gujars, jullon, Titarya, chauhan/ chohan, Brahman,  Kakaniya, Kharrie, Khera, Khasarya, Kulwana, Lahoriae, Lavana, Lohana, Lalia, Shahi, Maniani, Mathaun , mathaunie, Nanaut, Narowal, Bhadurgi, Palsiya, Parwal, Tadra, Wamial, Wamowal,  


Giani Harcharan Singh was important leader of the Vihar Sudhar Lehar in the third decade of the twentieth century. He was the stage secretary of Vihar Sudhar conference arranged at Khokharwali in Sialkot district in 1925. He was ont of the close associates of Sant Prem Singh. His role in the politics is also noteworthy. He took part in the Non-Cooperation and Akali Movements and was imprisoned on 20th March 1922. He supported Sant Prem Singh in his elections for the Legislative Assembly in 1936 and 1946. He is still alive.
==Geographical Distribution==
'''Country''':India


====Bibi Jagir Kaur====
'''Continen'''t:Asia


Bibi Jagir Kaur, ex-President of the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee belongs to the Labana community, and is the daughter-in-law of this household.
'''Region''':South Asia


====Gulzaar Lahoria====
'''Population in India''':355,000
Gulzar lahoria a famous punjabi singer is also a lobana. He have done wonderful job in two latest albums i.e Dilan de mamle & Ishq Parahiyaan


==Other Parts==
'''Largest States on file:'''


Other parts of India
Punjab (283,000), Haryana (16,000),
Rajasthan (11,000), Jammu and Kashmir (10,000),
Uttar Pradesh (10,000), Delhi (8,000),
Maharashtra (3,600), Uttaranachal (3,300),
Chandigarh (2,200), Madhya Pradesh (1,900),


Besides Punjab, these tribes are also found in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharastra, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Bihar and Gujarat. In these areas, they may not necessarily follow Sikhism.
== Notable Labanas ==
* Baba Makhan Shah Labana


[[Category: Social Groups Of India]]
== Labana Matrimonial (Mariages) ==
* Labana Marriages are very strict have to be Labana Matrimonial.
* Labana Bride or Groom for (Example) Labana Bride or Groom is Kundlas or Sandlas can not marry both surnames, have to be other Labana Surnames reasons why its like marrying brother or sister.
<references />

Latest revision as of 07:53, 1 April 2023

For Information only
ਜਾਣਹੁ ਜੋਤਿ ਨ ਪੂਛਹੁ ਜਾਤੀ ਆਗੈ ਜਾਤਿ ਨ ਹੇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ (ਪੰਨਾ 349, ਸਤਰ 13, Nanak)

Sikhism does not endorse caste based distinctions in society that lead to unequal opportunities for some people. In fact, Sikhism completely rejects class or race based distinctions between humans, that leads us to make an inequitable society. Such distinctions have surfaced only due to ill interests of certain section of people, who, on the pretext of making a society more manageable through these classifications, eventually paved the way to an unequal grouping within the human race. This article is just for information purpose and to share how people from different castes came into the Sikh fold. So, please treat this article as a source of general information about this issue and kindly do not amend this article to highlight this important underlying Sikh principle. If you have any comments, please discuss them appropriately here

Castes & Tribes
Labana
Classification Landlords/Merchants
Subdivisions
Significant populations in Punjab, US, UK, Europe
Languages Punjabi, Hindi, other Eurpoean languages
Religions Sikhism, Hinduism, Islam


Lobanas (Also pronounces as Lubana, Labana, Lobana, Lohana) is a very rich community that lives in and around Indian subcontinent. Basically, Labanas are braham kashatriya rajputs which means they are upper class people in hindu (jaati verna)cast system. Initially they were kings and rulers of many different dynasties like Gurjar pratiharas/ Pal dynasty/ Chhendlas dynasty/ Chohan dynasty etc later they started Trading/Merchant/Transportation. This community was engaged in Maritime trade and Land Trade which includes Trading and transportation of Goods like Gun powder, Grains, spices, Diamonds, Gold, etc. In Punjab Region, during socio-economic reforms, Labanas overwhelmingly became agriculturists. Labanas have their own dialect called "Lubanki" which is said to be mixture of Hindi, punjabi, Marwari, Gujarati. The Labanas of Punjab and Haryana are mostly Sikhs and speak mainly Punjabi or Hindi. They are also called lohana (in Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra. Lavana is another variation often heard.

In Punjab, Labanas started leaving merchant work and shifted to agriculture and turned to landholding community since times of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

Notable Baba Makhan Shah Lobana was a great merchant Marine who owned over 250 big marine ships for his vast international trade business. He traveled around India, Africa, Portugal and other Europe for trade of multiple goods.

Historical Background

  1. The origin of the word, 'Luvana' is that it has originated from the Sanskrit means linage of luva(son of god Ram).
  2. One more accepted etymology is Lobana also means who wear Iron Dress, i.e. dress of Military person, derived from Loh & Bana. They mentioned Lobana were Military persons who were Kashatriya rajputs they also served in Guru's army from sixth guru sahib till the end of sikh empire and played major role in fight against Mughal samraj and corrupt hindu kings. Nishan wali misl belonged to lubana sikhs.[1][2]

Origin

Main article: Origin Of Labanas

Lobanas are residing in and around India from ancient times. People of Labanas were basically kashatriya Rajputs.[3][4], offshot of Ikshwakus of Ramayana. [5]. In 1891 Census, they were categorized under Rajputs and are descendents of Suryavanshi and Chandarvanshi Kashatriyas.

  • In Ludhiana and Jhang districts, the Lobanas claimed to be the descendants of Chauhan Rajputs of Jaipur and Jodhpur. [6]
  • In Gujarat district, they claimed to be Raghu vanshi Rajputs. [7]
  • The Lobanas of Kangra and Hoshiarpur districts claimed their origin from the Gaur Brahmins of Pilibhit. A good number of them traced their origin from Gaur Brahmins who came to the Panjab from Ranthambore in Aurangzeb's time. [8] [9]

According to Piyara Singh Tanda Of Laban Sewak Jan 2008, Labanas were once part of the Rajputs (a warrior caste), he attributes the name laban to use of iron (loh) in the armor they wore. Some people from among these warriors started trading to expand their wealth with peace thats how the name altered to Vanzaras (trade/transport). It is said that the Lobanas are of Turkish origin. They travelled from Turkey/ eastern europe toward india. The Lobanas were the great ammunition powder -carrying and grains/spices -trading community. They were occasionally called Banjaras. Locally, they were known by different names in parts of the Panjab.

People & Professional Background

  • In the past the Naik lobanas would wear a garland of diamonds and pearls around there neck, it showed their wealth. They used to go through Deserts and deep forests and were more probable to be attacked by robbers and pirates, so Naik have security arrangements to deal with those situations. Lobanas had big work force who worked for them for a long time. Lobana’s main work force were shikligars who helped them carry their goods from one place to another. They always had well trained guards with weapons for securty of their workers and goods. Gulcharan Singh also claims that both Tipu Sultan and the Duke of Wellington were also labanas. The bodies of lobanas were fit and they were tall as they were fighters.
  • Lobanas also worked as intelligence for Kings and held major posts in army.
  • The Ladies of Lobanas were said to be beautiful and fair in colour. They were bold and not fearful. J.H Huttel in book the Trioe & Caste wrote that the ladies of lobana community were famous for beauty & domestic freedom and also put beautiful clothes.
  • In Marinetime Transportation and Trade, "The lobanas took products from all over India to the harbours of Surat(Gujrat, India) to be sent to ports scattered around the world on ships that were often owned by Lobanas. Makhan Shah Labana was the owner/master of many ships and trade around India, Africa and Portugal. [10]
  • Their village is called Tanda, which is word of Lubanki Dielect(Danda) which means the Halt or Stopping place of Caravan. In Kangra, there were four halt station which are developed as Village to towns. When british annexed india, they stopped moving jobs and became settlers and resided in villages, this lead to Socio-Economic changes in them.

Contribution in Sikhism

Main article: Lobanas (During guru's period)

Lobana Sikhs are mostly descended from Hindu Labanas and people of this community is well known in Sikhism. Guru Nanak met many rich Lobana Traders during his journey and guided the path of truth. In an account of Bhai Bala Janamsakhi, During North Udasi, Nanak met a trader of gun powder and guided him to the truth.[11]. Following are some famous names in Sikh History:

  • First Sikh Labana recorded in Sikh History was Bhai Mansukh, who came in contact with Guru Nanak, accepted the Sikh thought and preached it around South India and Sri Lanka region. [12][13]. Bhai Mansukh told King Shivnabh about Guru Nanak. [14]
  • During Guru Angad Dev times, Bhai Saunde Shah, with Lobana congregation, came to meet Guru Angad dev and bring many commodities to giru sahib. [15]
  • During Guru Arjun Dev Times Baba Hasna another very rich lobana served Under guru sahib.
  • One of wealthy Lobana trader, Baba Makhan Shah, searched 9th Guru and bring him before Sikhs on directions of Guru Har Krishan. He also punished Dhir Mall for his act against Guru Tegh Bahadur.
  • Lakhi Shah is among name in history who cremates guru Teg bahadur sahib’s body in his house in 1675 to perform last rights of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib.[16].
  • During Guru Gobind Singh times, Many Lobana Sikhs joined Guru Gobind SIngh's army. Makhan Shah's son Bhai Javand Singh was killed in Chamkaur in 1705[17]. Son of Lakhi Shah, Bhai Hem Singh Khalsa, was martyed in fight of Anandpur in 1704. Shaheed bhai Mani singh ji along with his 9 brothers out of ten and his sons and grandsons also big names of sikh martyrs. Bhai Bachittar singh, chittar singh udai singh, Ajab singh, Anaik singh sons

Of shaeed bahi Mani singh and grandsons of baba Lakhi shah lobana are also big names in the list of sikh martyrs. Shaheed bhai Dayala ji were also from the same family. Later baba Banda singh bahadur, bhai Baaz singh, bhai Rann singh, bhai Hem singh sacrifices for sikhi were also from lobana families. Lobanas also helped in purchasing armours[18]

  • Other Lobanas include Baba Takhat Mal, Baba Dasa Lobana, Bhai Kuram & many more Lobanas name are include in sikh history.

After Guru's period

  • When Banda Bahadur need soldiers then many lobana participated in his army. Kesar Singh Chibber in Banwalinama wrote,

Saath Lubana sikhan aad kharota,
maal balad ladey hoyae, maarag chaley jaaya,
chela bhej nayak sad mangaya.

  • As per Prachin Panth Parkash, When Banda Singh Bahadur needs money then a Caravan of Labanas helped them:

ਨਹੀਂ ਖਰਚ ਅਬ ਹਮਰੇ ਪਾਸ ।
ਆਵੇ ਖਰਚ ਯੋ ਕਰੀ ਅਰਦਾਸ ।
ਆਏ ਲੁਬਾਣੇ ਲਗ ਗਈ ਲਾਰ।
ਦਯੋ ਦਸਵੰਧ ਉਨ ਕਈ ਹਜ਼ਾਰ ।
ਸੋਊ ਬੰਦੇ ਆਈ ਅਗੇ ਧਰਯੋ ।
ਕਰੇ ਅਰਦਾਸ ਬੰਦੇ ਹੇਠ ਫ਼ਰਯੋ ।

During the Misl period, they ruled Nishan wali misl and some Lobanas joined the services of various Misldars. They mostly served in the Bhangi, Ramgarhia, Shaheed and Ahluwalia Misl. Some of them were in the ruling class of the Ahluwalia Misl. During the time of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the Lobanas were recruited into the Khalsa Army. They proved to be good soldiers. Maharaja Ranjit Singh gave lands of Sahadra Pargana, Gujranwala and Multan to Lobana people for their outstanding contributions.

During British Rule

Lobanas also joined in english forces, then they started buying land in areas of Ambala, Hoshiarpur, Jalnadhar, Ludhiana, ferozpur, Lahore, Amritsar, gurdaspur. They have equal status as jatts.

During the eighteenth century the Lobanas started focusing just on farming due to British government’s control on all sort of trades. The Lobanas of Lower Indus, Gujranwala , Jhang, multan and Hoshiarpur owned big pieces of land for agriculture. In Kangra district, the Lobanas ascribed their settlement by Raja Dharam Chand and Langarpal. For instance in Gujrat district, they had three villages named Bazurgwal, Khori Dunna Singh and Tanda. Tanda was a well-known Lobana settlement. It was situated on the land of Moth-sa-duddin which was a part of chhachhan TAPPA.

Clans In Lobanas

Main article: Lobana Clans


Ghotra( Ajrawat or lakhman), Pelia/Palia, Multani, Parmar, powar Labana, Sujlana, Patwalia , Lambarh , chhandlas/shandlas are main clans mostly found and well known.

Other Clans are Badwalie, Belia, Bhagtaun, Bhonie, Dahgre, Daniye, Dara Shah, Datla, Dhandsi, Dhami, Dotal, Fatra, Garhe, Gojalia, sihane, Gadria, Gujars, jullon, Titarya, chauhan/ chohan, Brahman, Kakaniya, Kharrie, Khera, Khasarya, Kulwana, Lahoriae, Lavana, Lohana, Lalia, Shahi, Maniani, Mathaun , mathaunie, Nanaut, Narowal, Bhadurgi, Palsiya, Parwal, Tadra, Wamial, Wamowal,

Geographical Distribution

Country:India

Continent:Asia

Region:South Asia

Population in India:355,000

Largest States on file:

Punjab (283,000), Haryana (16,000), Rajasthan (11,000), Jammu and Kashmir (10,000), Uttar Pradesh (10,000), Delhi (8,000), Maharashtra (3,600), Uttaranachal (3,300), Chandigarh (2,200), Madhya Pradesh (1,900),

Notable Labanas

  • Baba Makhan Shah Labana

Labana Matrimonial (Mariages)

  • Labana Marriages are very strict have to be Labana Matrimonial.
  • Labana Bride or Groom for (Example) Labana Bride or Groom is Kundlas or Sandlas can not marry both surnames, have to be other Labana Surnames reasons why its like marrying brother or sister.
  1. ^ last= SGPC Parkash|title=Gurmat Parkash|accessdate=October 2000|publisher=SGPC|isbn=81-7835-664-3|page=80
  2. ^ Piara Singh Tanda, Lobana Sewak
  3. ^ Dr. Jaswant Singh, Punjab Di Labana Biradri
  4. ^ Piara Singh Tanda, Lobana Sewak, Jan 2008
  5. ^ History Of The Later Harappans And Silpakara Movement, Gyan Publishing House,page=268
  6. ^ History Of The Later Harappans And Silpakara Movement, Gyan Publishing House,page=268
  7. ^ History Of The Later Harappans And Silpakara Movement, Gyan Publishing House,page=268
  8. ^ Supplement to the glossary of Indian terms, Henry Miers Elliot, page=110
  9. ^ The Indian Encyclopaedia, Genesis Publishing Pvt Ltd,page-629
  10. ^ Colonel Gulcharan singh
  11. ^ Sakhi 72, Bhai Bala Janamsakhi
  12. ^ Sikh Heritage
  13. ^ Bhai Bala Janamsakhi
  14. ^ Mahankosh, Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha, Page 949
  15. ^ Bhai Veer Singh, Asht Gur Chamatkar, Bhag 1, Page 18
  16. ^ Puna Rakaab Gand-mein aure, Nom Guru Ka Tann jis thoo-rae, saskario thaa sikh luvaane, naaik lakhi lijj ghat aane, Panth Parkash, Giani Gian Singh, Page 1135
  17. ^ Bhai Javand Singh, Beta Makhan Shah Da, Pota Dase Shah Da Parhpota, bane da, aulaad, bohan shah pelia gotra taanda, pragna desh muzafrabad desh| Guru Gobind Singh Marg(Sampadak Fauja Singh), Punjab Bhasha Vibhag, Patiala 1973 Page 34
  18. ^ Muhar, Chaap Karvai Lubana, Lai aayo gur teer sujaana (Koer Singh, Gurbilas Patshahi 10, Page 145)
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