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Synopsis of History of Lohanas - by R. T.Somaiya
History main
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But
again a new ruler came to their aid. His name was Uderlal who is
revered as Dariyalal. His father was Ratnarai Thakur,
who lived in Nasasrapur, about 90 miles from Hyderabad
(Pakistan). Uderlal fought with the Muslim chief Markah and
initiated him into the truth of religion. He won freedom for
Hindus from Muslims and devoted the rest of his life in the
service of humanity. At last he disappeared, entering the earth.
Even today he is revered both
by Hindus and Muslims who visit the site of his samadhi.
In Gujarati, Lohanas performing the puja (ritual
worship) of Dariyalal are known as Pujaras and
Dariyalal's descendants as Ratnani. |
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The Lohanas felt their identity was increasingly
threatened in Sindh and they began to migrate towards
Kutchchh, Saurashtra and Gujarat. Famous warriors once,
they took to trade and business. Their instincts of the
warrior past were tested in 1764, when Gulam Shah Kora
attacked Kutchchh and they had to account for themselves
in the battle of Zora. Lohana women fought alongside
their men in this battle and the land of Kutchchh is
strewn with memorial stones marking the deaths of brave
Lohanas. A saying in
Gujarati eulogies Lohana women thus: Only Rajputani,
Loharani and Miyanai bring forth gem of children.
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Lohanas are still to be found in Afghanistan and
Pakistan, which are now Islamic states. In Afghanistan,
they still maintain their religious identity and are
known as Lokhathra.
The Lohanas who keep their Hindu identity in Sindh
are known as Sindhi
Lohana.
Those Lohanas who were
converted to Islam are known as Khojas. Many of them
retain their Hindu names. The most celebrated among them
was the creator of Pakistan, Mohammed Ali Zinnah, whose
father's name was Jinabhai Thakkar.
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A few names of the long list are Shri Guru Nanak, Saint
Jalaram, Saint Lal Bapu, Yogiji Maharaj, Bhikshu Akhand Anand, Maharishi
Priyanath, Thakkar Bapa, Shree Nanjibhai Kalidas Mehta, Seth Shree Virjibhai
Maskai, Madhvanis,
Vajubhai Kotak, Smarat Ranmal Lakha, Dada Jashraj.
Praising Lohanas, Akha Bhagat said:
"Thakkars went for name, not for money
Worked in front for fame, and did not fail."
Original article by : Babubhai T.Thakkar
(Edited by CE. Lohanaonline.com)
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Disclaimer / Copyright 2009
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