Brar

Brar (Punjabi: ਬਰਾੜ) is a Surname and a Jatt tribe from the Punjab, India region. The origin of Brar clan is village Bidowali in district Sri Muktsar Sahib and is the birthplace of Rao Brar. The Brars, valiant, brave warriors, descended from the Sidhu's who had earlier descended from the Bhatti Rajputs.

Rao Brar, 10th in descent from Rao Sidhu, was a famous and powerful chief. He was a known marauder and warrior. Brar had six sons, namely Dull, Paur, Sawal, Peeplu, Dodhru and Sairu. Brar's two sons, Paur and Dull continued Brar clan. Dull was the ancestor of the Brar Clan and for his descendants the patronymic changed from Sidhu to Brar. Paur’s descendants kept the name Sidhu.

Rao Brar a successful warrior regained Bathinda after defeating the Bhattis and fought with Jaid and Dhaliwal Jatts, Bhatti’s of Sirsa, Chattarasal Rajputs at Fakasar, Theri and Kot Ladhona. He also rebelled against the Delhi government, made Bidowali as his stronghold. He died in 1415 BCE in Bidowali. Brars family was then known as a strong warlike family that were overwhelmingly loyal, brave, fearless and courageous. During Timur's raid on Northern India in 1398, the Brars robbed Timur in the area of Tohana in today's Haryana. After marauding, the Brars used to take shelter in the jungles of the area. The enraged Timur started deforestation on a large scale. Timur killed a large number of Brars and avenged his losses.

Dull is the ancestor of the Rajas of Faridkot and of the Brar tribe, which holds most of the districts of Mari, Mudki, Muktsar, Buchan, Mehraj, Sultan Khan, Bhadaur, Faridkot and many villages in Patiala, Nabha, Jhumba and Malaudh. The Phulkian Sidhu Rajas descend through Phul, a descendant of Paur. Sanghar, a fifth-generation descendant of Paur became very powerful. He helped Babar in 1524 CE at Lahore, when Babar defeated Ibrahim Lodi on 21st April 1526, in which Sanghar was killed at the battle of Panipat. In recognition of his service, Babar gave the Chaudhriyat of the waste country to the southwest of Delhi to Sanghar’s son, whose name he changed to Bariam, meaning, Buhadar. This office was confirmed on Bariam by Humayun, Babar’s son and successor. Bariam lived at Neli and rebuilt Bidowali. He and his grandson Suttoh were killed in a battle with the Bhatties in about 1560 CE. Bariam left two sons, namely, Mehraj or Maharaj, and Garaj. Suttoh, son of Maharaj, had three sons, namely, Pukko, Lukko, and Chaho. Pukko was killed in a battle with the Bhatties but left two sons, Habbal and Mohan. Mohan had two sons, Rup Chand and Kala. Rup Chand had two sons, Sandali and Phul. Mohan defeated the Bhatties at Bhidowal and received the Chaudhriyat. Under the advice of Guru Hargobind ji, the sixth of the Sikh prophets, he founded the village Mehraj. Twenty two villages have grown out of this village and their descendants are called Maharajkian Sikhs. Mohan and his son Rup Chand were killed in a battle with the Bhatties in about 1618 CE. Then, Kala succeeded to the Chaudhriyat and the guardianship of Phul and Sandali. Soon after Mohan’s death, Guru Hargobind ji visited Bidowali and blessed Sandali and Phul that the boys shall feed thousands and Phul shall bear many blossoms.

Also, the Brars were once involved in a feud with the Manns, Bhullars, Hayers, Bhattis family, who did not like the Brars on their territory. A major battle was fought between the Brar's and Manns, Bhullars, Hayers and Bhattis at Mehraj, with Paur's descendants leading the Brars to victory.

Paur had one son named Bersi. Nabha State, Patiala State, Phoolke, Mehrajke and Ghurajke are from the lineage of Paur.

The Harike Sidhu's also claim to be Brars although they are not.

Dull succeeded Brar as Chief. Dull had four sons, namely, Binaipal, Shainpal, Lakhanpal and Rattanpal. The eldest Binaipal succeeded as tribal Chief. He represents the main line of the Brar clan.

Binaipal's descendants are in Faridkot, Sanghar, Kauni, Jheendwala, Jaito, Vinjuke, Doda, Mateke, Mahabadar, Bhagsar, Jhutti Patti of Bathinda, some villages in Ferozepur, Moga & Barnala district etc. Sanghar from the lineage of binaipal attained eminence. He had fourteen sons including Bhallan.

Ratanpal's descendants are in Ablu, Kotli, Daan Singh Wala, Phulewala, five Mehma's, Ballo, Muktsar, Ballamgarh, Ramgarh Chungha, Khunde Halal & Tolawala.

Lakhanpal's descendants are in Deon, Bhangchari, Mallan, Dhurkot etc.

Shainpal's descendants are in Sarainaga and Fidde etc.

References:

• The Rajas of the Punjab by Lepel H. Griffin, printed by the Punjab Printing Company, Limited, in 1870 for the Punjab Government.

Brief Explanation of Brar Clan History by Dr. Sukhpreet Singh Udoke

• https://youtu.be/vFTcVqoay1Q?si=7447sZ6fVLrUPtzH

People with the surname:

Famous people with the surname, who may or may not be affiliated with the clan, include:

• Adesh Kanwarjit Singh Brar (1939–2012), Congress MLA from Punjab
• Harpal Brar (born 1939), Indian Communist Politician, Writer and Businessman, based in Britain
• Harcharan Singh Brar (1919–2009), Indian Politician, Chief Minister of Punjab, Governor of Orissa and Governor of Haryana
• Jagmeet Singh Brar (born 1958), Indian Politician, Lawyer, Writer and Poet
• Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale (1947–1984; born Jarnail Singh Brar), Sikh Preacher and Leader of Damdami Taksal
• Jagbir Singh Brar, Indian Politician (MLA), Lawyer and PWRMDC chairman (2019–present)
• Karan Brar (born 1999), American Actor
• Kuldip Singh Brar, Indian Army General
• Mink Brar (born 1980), German-Indian Model, Actress and Producer
• Manpreet Brar (born 1973), Indian Actress and Model, Femina Miss India
• Preet Brar, Punjabi Musician
• Raj Brar (1972–2016), Punjabi Singer, Actor, Lyricist and Music Director
• Ranveer Brar, Indian Chef and TV presenter
• Air Marshal Trilochan Singh Brar (1925–2014), Head of the Indian Air Force