Raja Gaj

Raja Gaj was a ruler of Afghanistan. Maharaja Gaj founded the Ghazni city of Afghanistan in Yudhishthira year 3008 (93 B.C.).

Jat Gotras

Gajrania gotra is found in jats who are descendants of Raja Gaj.

Genealogy of Raja Gaj

Hukum Singh Panwar has given the ancestry of Bharatpur rulers starting from 1. Yadu. Shini is at S.No. 38, Krishna at S.No. 43 and Vajra at S.No. 46. From Naba at S.No. 47 onward we follow James Tod who has based on records of Brahman Sukhdharma of Mathura.

1. Yadu → → → → 34. Andhaka → 35. Bhajmana → 36. Viduratha → 37. Shura → 38. Shini → 39. Bhoja → 40. Hardika → 41. Devamidha → 42. Vasudeva → 43. Krishna → 44. Pradyumna → 45. Aniruddha → 46. Vajra →

47. Naba → 48. Prithibahu → 49. Bahubal (w.Kamlavati Puar) → 50. Bahu → 51. Subahu → 52. Rijh → 53. Raja Gaj (founded Ghazni in Yudhishthira 3008= BC 93) → 54. Salivahana (S.72 = AD 16) → 55. Raja Baland

History

Ram Sarup Joon writes that...The Bhatti Rajputs are a branch of Madrak Jat gotra and are named after Bhatti Rao, son of Gaj, ruler of Gajni. The Bhatti Raja of Jaisalmer later converted to Rajput.

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Bhattis are a Jat as well as a Rajput clan, and fortunately for history, they have left their annals in Jaisalmer (Rajasthan) where they ruled for centuries. These records of theirs, have been included by Col. James Tod in his well known Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan, in three volumes. We are quoting from this work of James Tod.

The Bhattis of Jaisalmer trace their origin to the same Zabulistan/Gazni area of Afghanistan, where the Jat clans were ruling. Their annals, written by Brahman Sukhdharma of Mathura give the usual Yadu line of Krishna of Dwarika up to Naba, and then the Brahman writer says, "Thus far from Bhagvata, and I continue the history of the Bhattis.... " Here is clear admission that the genealogy of the Yadus has been given from Bhagvata Purana and the Bhattis who sought to be connected with the Yadus, are connected with 'Naba'.

Vajra had two sons, Naba and Khira. When the Yadus were exterminated in the conflict at Dwarica, and Hari had gone to heaven, Vajra was on his way from Mathura to see his father, but had only marched twenty coss (forty miles), when he received intelligence of that event, which had swept away his kindred. He died upon the spot, when Naba was elected king and returned to Mathura, but Khira pursued his journey to Dwarica.

Naba had issue Prithibahu. Khira had two sons, Jhareja and Yadubhan. Yadubhan went to Behera and became a great prince, had a numerous progeny, and the place of their abode was henceforth styled Jadu Ka Dang.

Prithibahu, son of Naba became prince of Marusthali. He had a son Bahubal, who espoused Kamlavati Puar, daughter of Vijaya Singh, Prince of Malwa. His son Bahu was killed by a fall from his horse ; he left one son, Subahu, who was poisoned by his wife, a daughter of Mund Raja Chohan of Ajmer : he left a son, Rijh, who reigned twelve years. He was married to Subhag Sundri, daughter of Ber Sing, prince of Malwa. His son was Raja Gaj.

Raja Gaj founded Ghazni. On Sunday, the 3d of Bysāk, the spring season (Vasant), the Rohini Nikhitra, and Samvat Dharmaraja (Yudhishthira) 3008 (=93 BC), Raja Gaj seated on the throne of Ghazni. Raja Gaj invaded Kashmir ; and married the daughter of its prince, by whom he had a son, called Salivahan. When this child had attained the age of twelve, tidings of another invasion came from Khorasan. Raja Gaj sent his family and kin, and on pretence of a pilgrimage to Jwalamukhi, with the prince Salivahan, to Punjab, where he fixed on a spot with abundance of water, and having collected his clansmen around him, he laid the foundation of a city which he named after himself, Salivahanpura (Salpura), on Sunday, the 8th of the month of Bhadoon of S. 72 (=16 AD). The surrounding Bhomias attended, and acknowledged his supremacy. Salivahan conquered the whole region of the Punjab.

Salbahan had fifteen sons, who all became Rajas : viz., Balund, Rasaloo, Dhurmungud, Vacha, Roopa, Soondur, Lekh, Juskurn, Naima, Maut, Neepak, Gangeou, Jugeou ; all of whom, by the strength of their own arms, established themselves in independence.

Raja Baland succeeded. He had seven sons : Bhatti, Bhupati, Kullar, Jinj, Sarmor, Bhynsrecha, Mangreo.

Raja Bhatti succeeded his father Raja Baland. He conquered fourteen princes, and added their fortunes to his own. Among his effects, he reckoned twenty-four thousand mules laden with treasure ; sixty-thousand horse, and innumerable foot. As soon as he mounted the gadi, he assembled all his forces at Lahore preparatory to the teeka-dour destined against Beerbhan Bhagel, lord of Kanakpur. Beerbhan fell in the battle which ensued, at the head of forty thousand men. With Bhatti, the patronymic was changed, and the tribe thenceforth was distinguished by his name.

Bhupati had a son, Chakito, from whom is descended the Chakito (Chagitai) tribe.

Kullar, third son of Raja Baland, had eight sons, whose descendants are designated Kullar Their names were, Seodas, Ramdas, Asso, Kistna, Samoh, Gango, Jesso, Bhago ; almost all of whom became Moosulmauns. They are a numerous race, inhabiting the mountainous countries west of the river, and notorious robbers.

Jinj, the fourth son, had seven sons ; Champo, Gokul, Mehraj, Hansa, Bhadon, Rasso, Jaggo, all whose issue bore the name of Jinj and in like manner did the other sons become the patriarchs of tribes. Doubtless the junction of Jinj with that of Johya, another numerous tribe, formed the Jenjuheh of Babar ; the Johyas of the Bhatti annals, now known only by name, but whose history forms a volume. The sons of Jinj have left numerous traces — Jenjian on the Garah ; Jinjinialli in the desert, &c. Jinja and Jinjwaria are Jat clans originated from Jinj.

Raja Bhatti had two sons, Mangal Rao and Masur Rao.

Mangal Rao succeeded, but his fortune was not equal to that of his fathers. Dhoondi, king of Ghazni, with a mighty force, invaded Lahore; nor did Mangul Rao oppose him, but with his eldest son fled into the wilds on the hanks of the river. The foe then invested Salivahanpur, where resided the family of the Raja.

Masur Rao escaped and fled to the Lakhi Jungle. There being only a cultivating peasantry in this tract, he overcame them, and became master of the country.

Masur Rao had two sons, Abhe Rao and Saran Rao. The elder, Abhe Rao, brought the whole Lakhi Jungle under his control, and his issue, which multiplied, became famous as the Abhoria Bhattis.

Saran Rao quarreled with and separated from his brother, and his issue descended to the rank of cultivators, and are well known as the Saran Jats.

Mangal Rao, the son of Bhatti, and who abandoned his kingdom, had six sons : Majam Rao, Kullarsi, Moondraj, Seoraj, Phool, Kewala.

Thus the offspring of Kullar-rai became the Kularia Jats.

Those of Moondraj and Seoraj, the Moonda and Seora Jats.

The younger boys, Phool and Kewala, who were passed off as a barber (nai), and a potter (kumhar), fell into that class.

Raja Gaj founds Ghazni

James Tod writes that The Raja sent scouts to obtain accurate intelligence, and marched to Harreou to meet him ; while the foe encamped two coss from Koonjsheher.¹ A battle ensued, in which the invader was defeated with the loss of thirty thousand men, and four thousand on the part of the Hindus. But the foeman rallied, and Raja Rijh, who again encountered him, was wounded and died just as prince Guj returned with Hansavati, his bride, daughter of Jud-bhan of the east. In two battles the king of Khorasan was vanquished, when he obtained an auxiliary in the king of Room (Romi-pati), to establish the Koran and the law of the prophet in infidel lands. While the armies of the Asuras were thus preparing their strength. Raja Guj called a council of ministers. There being no strong-hold of importance, and it being impossible to stand against numbers, it was determined to erect a fortress amidst the mountains of the north. Having summoned his friends to his aid, he sought council of the guardian goddess of his race ; who foretold that the power of the Hindus was to cease, but commanded him to erect a fort and call it Gujni. While it was approaching completion, news came that the kings of Room and Khorasan were near at hand :

Roomi-pat, Khorasan-pat hae, gai pakhur, pāi,

Chinta terā, cht'h legi ; soono Jud-pat Rai²

" The stick wounded the drum of the Jadoo prince ; the army was formed, gifts were distributed, and the astrologers were commanded to assign such a moment for marching as might secure the victoiy.

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[p.199]: " Thursday (Vrishpatrvar) the 13th of Mah, the enlightened half of the moon, when one ghurri of the day had fled, was the auspicious hour ; and the drum of departure sounded. That day he marched eight coss, and encamped at Doolapoor. The combined kings advanced, but in the night the Shah of Khorasan died of indigestion. When it was reported to the king of Room (Shah Secunder Roomi) that Shah Mamraiz was dead, he became alarmed and said, ' while we mortals have grand schemes in hand, he above has other views for us' Still his army advanced like waves of the ocean ; caparisons and chains clank on the backs of elephants, while instruments of war resound through the host. Elephants move like walking mountains ; the sky is black with clouds of dust ; bright helms reflect the rays of the sun. Four coss (eight miles) separated the hostile armies. Raja Guj and his chieftains performed their ablutions, and keeping the Joginis¹ in their rear, advanced to the combat each host rushed on like famished tigers ; the earth trembled ; the heavens were overcast ; nor was aught visible in the gloom but the radiant helm. War-bells resound ; horses neigh ; masses of men advance on each other, like the dark rolling clouds of Bhadoon. Hissing speeds the feathered dart ; the lion roar of the warriors is re-echoed ; the edge of the sword deluges the ground with blood ; on both sides the blows resound on the crackling bones. Here was Jud-Rae, there the Khans and Ameers, as if Time had encountered his fellow. Mighty warriors strew the earth; heroes fall in the cause of their lords. The army of the Shah fled ; he left twenty-five thousand souls entangled in the net of destruction ; he abandoned elephants and horses, and even his throne. Seven thousand Hindus lay dead on the field. The drum of victory resounded, and the Jadoon returned triumphant to his capital.

" On Sunday, the 3d of Bysāk, the spring season (Vasant), the Rohini Nikhitra, and Samvat Dharma-raja (Yudhishthira) 3008,² seated on the throne of Gujni, he maintained the Jadoon race With this victory his power became firm : he conquered all the countries to the west, and sent an ambassador to Kashmir to call its prince Kandrupkel³ to his presence. But the prince refused the summons : he said the world would scoff at him if he attended the stirrup of another without being first worsted in fight. Raja Guj invaded Kashmir ; and married the daughter of its prince, by whom he had a son, called Salbahan.

"When this child had attained the age of twelve, tidings of another invasion came from Khorasan. Raja Guj shut himself up for three entire days in the temple of Kuladevi : on the fourth day the god-

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[p.200]: dess appeared and revealed to him his destiny ; that Gujni would pass from his hands, but that his posterity would re-inherit it, not as Hindus but as Mooslems; and directed him to send his son Salbahan amongst the Hindus of the east, there to erect a city to be named after him. She said that he would have fifteen sons, whose issue would multiply ; 'that he (Raja Guj) would fall in the defence of Gujni, but would gain a glorious reward hereafter.'

Prince Salivahana arrives in the Punjab

James Tod writes that " Having heard his fate revealed, Raja Guj convened his family and kin, and on pretence of a pilgrimage to Jwalamukhi, he caused them to depart, with the prince Salbahan, for the east.

" Soon after the foe approached within five coss of Gujni. Leaving therein his uncle Seydeo for its defence. Raja Guj marched to meet him. The king of Khorasan divided his army into five divisions ; the Raja formed his into three : a desperate conflict ensued, in which both the king and the Raja were slain. The battle lasted five pahars,² and a hundred thousand Meers and thirty-thousand Hindus strewed the field. The king's son invested Gujni ; for thirty days it "was defended by Seydeo, when he performed, the Saka;³ and nine thousand valiant men gave up their lives.

" When tidings of this fatal event were conveyed to Salbahan, for twelve days the ground became his bed.⁴ He at length reached the Punjab, where he fixed on a spot with abundance of water, and having collected his clansmen around him, he laid the foundation of a city which he named after himself, Salbahanpoor. The surrounding Bhomias attended, and acknowledged his supremacy. Seventy-two years of the era of Vikrama had elapsed when Salbahanpoor was founded, upon Sunday, the 8th of the month of Bhadoon.⁵

" Salbahan conquered the whole region of the Punjab.

Salbahan had fifteen sons, who all became Rajas : viz., Balund, Rasaloo, Dhurmungud, Vacha, Roopa, Soondur, Lekh, Juskurn, Naima, Maut, Neepak, Gangeou, Jugeou ; all of whom, by the strength of their own arms, established themselves in independence.

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[p.201]: " The coco-nut from Raja Jeipal Tuar was sent from Dehli, and accepted.¹ Balund proceeded to Dehli, whose prince advanced to meet him. On his return with his bride, Salbahan determined to redeem Gujni from the foe and avenge his father's death. He crossed the Attoc to encounter Jellal, who advanced at the head of twenty thousand men. Crowned with victory, he regained possession of Gujni, where he left Balund, and returned to his capital in the Punjab: he soon after died, having ruled thirty-three years and nine months.

" Balund Succeeded. His brothers had now established themselves in all the mountainous tracts of the Punjab. But the Toorks² began rapidly to increase, and to subjugate all beneath their sway, and the lands around Gujni were again in their power. Balund had no minister, but superintended in person all the details of his government.

Jat descendants

Their descendant Jats founded a dynasty later known as Chagatai. Chagatai Khan (b. 1183– d.1241) was the second son of Genghis Khan. He was Khan of the Chagatai Khanate from 1226-1242 C.E.

Maharaja Gaj was killed in war with Mughals. Maharaja Gaj had sent his son Shalivahan to India before war with Mughals. The present Maharawal of Jaisalmer is descecdant of Maharaja Gaj. Mahraja Jaisalmer later on got converted to Rajput.

Dalip Singh Ahlawat writes that the city of Ghazni in Afghanistan was founded by Raja Gaj.

राजा गज द्वारा ग़ज़नी की स्थापना

ग़ज़नी - अफ़गानिस्तान की प्राचीन राजधानी ग़ज़नी है जो कि अपभ्रंश है गजनी का। इस नगर को श्रीकृष्ण जी के वंशज राजा गज ने बनवाया था (टॉड राजस्थान)। जब राजा गज की यादव सेना का युद्ध असुरों की सेना से हो रहा था और असुर सेना अपना बल बढ़ा रही थी तो इस दशा में एक किला बनाने की आवश्यकता पड़ी। तब राजा गज ने अपने मंत्रियों की सलाह से उत्तरी पहाड़ों के मध्य एक किला बनवाया तथा उसका नाम गजनी रखा। संवत् धर्मराज (युधिष्ठिर) 3008, रोहिणी नक्षत्र, वसन्त ऋतु, वैसाख बदी तीज, रविवार को राजा गज, गजनी के सिंहासन पर आसीन हुआ और यदुवंशियों के नाम को कायम रखा। (टॉड राजस्थान, पृष्ठ 1057, 1059) (पृ० 40)।

नोट - 1. आज युधिष्ठिरी संवत् 5088 है जो कि ईस्वी सन् से 3100 वर्ष पहले चालू हुआ था तथा राजा गज, गजनी के राजसिंहासन पर ईस्वी सन् से 1020 वर्ष पहले आसीन हुआ था। 2. श्रीकृष्ण जी के वंशज राजा गज एवं उसके वीर सैनिक जाट थे।

राजा गज - इन्होंने सबसे पहले अफगानिस्तान में गजनी राज की स्थापना की तथा गजनी के पास बुद्ध का एक बड़ा विश्व प्रसिद्ध ऐतिहासिक स्तूप बनवाया था जिसे सन् 2001 में सभी विरोधों के बावजूद तालिबानियों ने डायनामाइट से उड़वा दिया। राजा गज के वंशज राजा बालन्द ने इस्लाम धर्म अपनाया। इसके बाद वहां के सभी जाट मुस्लिम धर्मी हो गए और इन जाटों ने चंगताई नामक मुगलवंश की स्थापना की।

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ठाकुर देशराज ने लिखा है .... यदुवंश में एक गज हुआ है। जैन पुराणों के अनुसार गज कृष्ण का ही पुत्र था। उसके साथियों ने गजनी को आबाद किया। भाटी, गढ़वाल, कुहाड़, मान, दलाल वगैरह जाटों के कई खानदान गढ गजनी से लौटे हुए हैं।

References

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