# Bhati (Gurjar clan)

Bhatis are a clan of Gurjars found primarily in the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh (specifically Western Uttar Pradesh) and Haryana and in Punjab, Pakistan.
They follow both Hinduism and Islam although they follow primarily the former.

## Origins

Bhatis claim origin from the ruler Rao Bhati who founded a city sixty miles from the city Multan in Punjab where his family ruled for centuries. This city was destroyed during Mahmud Ghazni's invasion in 1026 AD. The areas around the city survived till 1398 wherein they were destroyed by Taimur.
After the destruction of the city, the Gurjars who left Punjab retained their Hindu identity while Gurjars who remained in Punjab were converted to Islam.

## The Bhatis of Punjab

The Bhatis who stayed in Punjab were divided into two camps, one who stayed in the region of the Rachna Doab and other who travelled into Malwa.
Those who remained in Punjab, Pakistan settled around trade routes and settled the districts of Gujrat, Gujranwala and Gujar Khan.
Those who settled in Malwa settled in the Lakhi Jungle and led an independent life, as the area was hard to administer owing to their geographical surroundings and their resistance to foreign invaders, including a failed offensive against Babur.

## Resettlement in India

The Bhatis who travelled from Punjab travelled to hills of Gurugram district where they expanded up to 350 villages. The area from Gurgaon to the river Ganges was called Gujarat due to the prevalence of Bhati Gujars.

## Social status

The Bhattis of Punjab slowly lost their identity, while clan identity grew stronger in the Bhattis of the Upper Doab.
Gurjars in the upper doab are considered a dominant caste, and among them the Bhattis the most dominant clan along with the Nagar clan.
The Bhattis were notorious for their ruthlessness and physical violence regarding agricultural and land disputes.

## Culture

The Rajputs and Gurjars of the Upper Doab shared the same cultural habits and traditions.
The Bhatis, like other Hindu Gurjar clans, practiced exogamy.
There is also evidence within the Rajputs and Bhatti Gujjar populations of the Upper Doab of female infanticide in the 1820s and intercaste marriages due to the lack of females in the clan.
Female infanticide within the Bhattis had died out by the early 1900s and is completely non existent in the present day.

## Role in the First War of Independence

Bhattis had a huge role in the Indian Rebellion of 1857 in Gurugram district and Bulandshahr.
In Gurugram district, the Bhattis (among other Gurjar clans) waged guerilla warfare against British forces led by Brigadier General Showers, who had in his command 1500 men, 18-pounder guns and 2 small mortars. After defeating Rao Tula Ram and ending the revolt in Mewat, the British perpetuated a small genocide against the Bhatis, destroying entire villages with their civilians, such as the villages of Sbahpur, Bali Khera, Kerla, Cbitora, Nahirika, Gujar Naogla, Babarpur and Kebri.
In Bulandshahr, the Bhattis had become Zamindars. Unhappy with invasive British-style social reforms, harsh land taxes, summary treatment of some rich landowners and princes, and skepticism about the improvements brought about by British rule started and led the revolt in 1857.
After two months struggle they were defeated and overpowered by European soldiers superior in number and technology. After the defeat, lands of Bhattis were annexed and redistributed to the Jats, who had appeared to have remained loyal in the British memory. The Gurjars, in general throughout the upper doab, were characterized as "criminal tribes" and continuously demonized in British press while being contrasted to the Jats who were characterized as industrious and loyal.