Jats

of Dholpur State, 1870s]]
 of the 14th Murrays Jat Lancers]]

The **Jats**, also spelt as **Jaat**, **Jatt,** and **Jutt**, are an agriculturist and landowning community of Northern India and Pakistan. Originally pastoralists along the Indus river-valley, many Jats migrated into the Punjab, Delhi Territory, Jangladesh, and the western Gangetic Plain by the 17th and 18th centuries. Of Hindu, Muslim and Sikh faiths, they are now found mostly in the Indian states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, and the Pakistani provinces of Sindh, Punjab and AJK. 

## History
The Jats are a diverse community in the Indian subcontinent, ranging from simple landowning peasants to wealthy and influential Zamindars. Originally pastoralists in the Indus Valley, they became farmers by the 8th century, as noted during the Umayyad conquest of Sindh. Arab writers called them “Zutt” and described their presence in various regions.

Starting in the 10th century, Jat clans established independent chiefdoms in historical Jangladesh. From the 11th century onwards, Jats would migrate up from Sindh and Rajasthan into Punjab, adopting agriculture with tools like the water wheel. By Mughal times, “Jat” often meant “peasant” in Punjab, and some became landowners. By 1595, Jat Zamindars controlled about 32% of Punjab’s Zamindaris.

During the Mughal Empire’s decline in the 17th century, ambitious Jat chiefs would revolt. Gokula would lead the Brajwasi Hindu Jats against Emperor Aurangzeb, leading to the formation of petty states which united under the Bharatpur State. Punjabi Sikh Jat chiefs would form most of the Sikh Misls, resisting Mughal and Durrani forces, and later uniting under the Sikh Empire. And in Rohilkhand, the Rohilla dynasty of Rampur State descended from an adopted Muslim Jat.

During the British Raj, some Jats would rule princely states. For example, the Phulkian dynasty ruled over Patiala, Faridkot, Jind, and Nabha.

Jats were classified as a “martial race” by the British, favoured for recruitment into the British Indian Army due to perceived physical fitness, though considered politically subservient and intellectually inferior. Post-1881, Sikh Jats were prioritised for recruitment as the British deemed Hindus less suitable. Jat sepoys would fight in both World Wars. Following the Partition of British India, most Hindu and Sikh Jats settled in India, while most Muslim Jats settled in Pakistan.

## Demography
In India, Jats and Sikh form 20–25% of Haryana’s population and 20–35% of Punjab’s, with 9% in Rajasthan, 5% in Delhi, and 1.2% in Uttar Pradesh. Classified as a General (forward) caste in most states, Jats in Rajasthan (except Bharatpur and Dholpur) qualify for central OBC reservation. Seven states include Jats in their OBC (Other Backward Castes) lists.

In 2009, the Pakistani Jat population was estimated to be roughly 21 million. The Jats, together with Rajputs and Gujjars, are part of the dominant Punjabi Muslim communities settled across eastern Pakistan.

## Culture and society 
 of Indian Army, during the Indian Republic Day parade]]

Initially pastoralists with little exposure to major religions, Jats adopted Islam in West Punjab, Sikhism in East Punjab, and Hinduism in areas between Delhi and Agra, reflecting regional religious influences.

The Khap system was historically the prevailing system of organisation for the Jats of Rajasthan, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. Khaps are clan-councils, presided over by clan elders and notables. Historically, Jat Khaps would raise militias to capture new territory for the clan or push for increased autonomy. The system continues to exist today, albeit extrajudicially, policing social norms in Jat-dominated areas.

Many Jats serve in the Indian Army, including the Jat Regiment, Sikh Regiment, Rajputana Rifles, and Grenadiers, earning numerous gallantry awards. Jats also serve in the Pakistan Army, particularly in the Punjab Regiment.

## Notable persons 
* Charan Singh, former prime minister of India 
* Devi Lal, former deputy prime minister of India
* Jagdeep Dhankar, current vice president of India
* Bhagat Singh, Indian socialist revolutionary
* Suraj Mal, Maharaja of Kingdom of Bharatpur
* Virendra Sehwag, former Indian cricketer 
* Dharmendra, Indian actor
* Chhotu Ram, Indian politician and co-founder of the Unionist Party
* Hanuman Beniwal, founder of the Rashtriya Loktantrik Party
* Maharaja Ranjit Singh, founder of Sikh Empire

## References
### Notes
### Further reading
* Census Of India 1911 Volume XIV Punjab Part 2 by Pandit Narikishan Kaul
* 'A glossary of the tribes and castes of the Punjab and North West Frontier Province' by H.A. Rose, Page 354, published in 1919.