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Who are Mohyals?

Mohyals are a class of Brahmins whose origin is shrouded in mystery. They are a distinct category of Brahmins who combine military knowledge with wise learning and never pretended to do any priestly duties. This militant Brahmin race is divided into seven clans known as  Lau, Datt, Bali, Chhibber, Vaid, Mohan and Bhimwal.

Any authentic history of their origin is not available. However, mention about them is made in historical records from the earliest times. During the time of the British East India Company , in the early part of the last century, TP Russell Tracey made a serious effort and wrote the history of this class , which was gratefully acknowledged by the General Mohyal Sabha at Lahore on 30 June1911.

He mentions that the Mohyals are primarily a military class, divided into seven clans claiming their origin from the Raj Rishis, who figured long before the Mahabharat, they have been prominently associated with the government of the country whether military or civil, in the days of universal Hindu rules. They have also figured at some early period of history in the affairs of Arabia, Central Asia Afghanistan and Persia . At the time of his writing he states that they were spread from Afghanistan, Punjab to Bihar. In UP and Bihar they were known as Bhumihars. The Bhumihars also claim their descent from Parshu Ram from whom the Chibbers also claim descent.

Mohyals claim their origin from the Raj Rishis who figured long before the Mahabharata. Being of pre-vedic origin the ancient Mohyals paid homage to their spiritual leaders like Parshu Ram. Their basic religion was the belief in the laws of morality as enunciated by the sages Vyasa and Vashishtha. The Mohyals claim that they are the progenies of the great Raj Rishis who were distinctly different from the class of Brahm Rishis because besides being high priests of spiritualism, they also wielded temporal powers. In fact, ParshuRam was the first Brahmin in history to wear arms and to conquer territories.

There are other theories about the origin of Mohyals. They have figured in Arabia as citizens and rulers of the land. They lived in Arabia like free citizens. The word 'Misr' in the Arabic script is inscribed on the antiques found in the possession of certain Mohyal families.