Sarmal (Clan)
𑚨𑚪𑚢𑚭𑚥 | |
|---|---|
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Jammu and Kashmir (union territory), Himachal Pradesh, Punjab | |
| Languages | |
| Dogri, Pahari, Urdu | |
| Religion | |
| Hinduism |
The Sarmal (also known as Sadmal or Surmal) are distinguished Dogra Rajput tribe, primarily found in the Pahari and Dogri-speaking regions of Jammu and Kashmir, with deep roots in the warrior traditions and spiritual practices of the western Himalayas. They are chiefly associated with the Sauram Hills in Samba District, though their influence extends across several regions across Jammu, Kathua, Doda, Kishtwar, and parts of Himachal Pradesh.
Origins and Cultural Roots
[edit]The name Sarmal[1] (Saṛmāl) is believed to derive from Sauram, a reference to the Sauram Hills, marking their connection to this ancient region. The Sarmals are a sub-group of the Ghotan/Ghotar tribe, which historically played a significant role in local governance and military defense in the Samba and Doda districts. The Ghotar Sarmals are distinguished from other Ghotar families by their unique cultural and ancestral identity, although their roots remain intertwined with the Ghotar tribe.[2]
The Sarmals are considered descendants of the Khas Arya lineage, tracing their ancestry to ancient ethnic groups such as the Takshakas and Kushans. Their warrior traditions and spiritual practices are deeply embedded in the Pahari (hill) culture of Jammu, which values combat readiness, mountain warfare, and a connection to the land and its deities.
Historically, the Ghotar Sarmals held leadership roles in their communities, contributing to military efforts and local governance. Their migration from the Sauram region to other parts of Jammu and Kashmir marks a significant chapter in their history, solidifying their presence in regions like Bhalessa and Samba.
Warrior Heritage: The Pahari Raje
[edit]The Sarmals are renowned for their warrior heritage. They are linked to the ancient Ayudhajivi Sanghas, warrior societies described by the grammarian Panini as groups that “live by the profession of arms.” Like other Pahari tribes, the Sarmals were skilled in mountain warfare, required to be agile and self-sufficient in harsh environments.
A prominent faction within the Sarmals, the Kaal-Vastri/Siah-Posh warriors, were known for their distinctive black attire and spiritual practices. These warriors were not only formidable combatants but also acted as shamans, performing rituals to seek ancestral guidance during battle. Their martial and spiritual traditions remain an integral part of the Sarmal identity, especially in areas like Bhalessa, where rituals honoring their ancestors continue to be practiced.
Migration and Settlements
[edit]The history of the Sarmals is marked by migration due to changing political and military circumstances in the Jammu-Kashmir region. The Ghotar Sarmals migrated from the Sauram Hills to areas like Doda and Kishtwar, where they faced new challenges but also gained opportunities to assert their leadership and governance roles. Their return to Bhalessa, believed to be their ancestral homeland, solidified their identity as Pahari rulers.
The Sarmals played key roles as Wazirs, military leaders, and administrators in areas like Samba and Kathua. An important historical chapter during the Sarmals' rule came with the downfall of Raja Kehal Dev, a Ghotar Sarmal, during a siege led by Raja Mahlo Dev Lakhanpuriya. Mahlo Dev's strategic alliance with the Delhi Sultanate and his marriage into the Sarmal family led to the fall of Raja Kehal Dev and the eventual transfer of his kingdom. Despite the fall of Kehal Dev, his legacy lives on in places like Kehli Mandi, Samba. It was during Kehal Dev's rule that Samba flourished as a hub for skilled artisans, earning it the title “City of Handloom[3]” (Sheetei aala Shehr).
Spiritual Practices and Leadership
[edit]The Sarmals are deeply spiritual, with mountain deities at the center of their belief system, maintaining a profound connection to their ancestral gods and a long history of honoring the divine forces that guide and protect them. One of the most revered figures is Jagmai Mata Mall[4] (Sukrala Mata), whose shrine atop the Sukrala hill in Billawar serves as a central point of devotion. She represents both a fierce protector and a compassionate mother. Her divine influence over the region signifies not only the strength of the people but also their deep bond with the land and its sacredness. Worship of her is deeply intertwined with the very identity of Duggar Desh,[5] where she is honored as the first Kuldevi, venerated across generations.
Another spiritual figure of immense importance is Baba Shivo Ji,[6] whose divine presence is considered a guiding force for the community. As the Kuldev of the Sarmal clan, Baba Shivo's legacy is deeply embedded in the cultural and spiritual consciousness of the people. His blessings are sought for strength, courage, and victory, with his connection to the land and its people rooted in ancient spiritual practices and rituals.
Alongside these revered figures, an essential deity in the spiritual practices of the Sarmals is Baba Kaliveer Ji,[7] who presides over the spiritual realm of Duggar Desh and honored as the DuggarDeshaadhipati, the divine ruler of the land. Baba Kaliveer embodies justice, strength, and guardianship. His influence extends beyond personal devotion, shaping the moral and ethical fabric of the region and acting as a spiritual sovereign.
In addition to their religious practices, the Sarmals also maintained the role of shamans or spiritual guides within their communities. These shamans performed critical functions in both spiritual matters and tribal warfare, providing guidance, protection, and leadership. Their shamanic rituals[8] were intertwined with their warrior traditions, symbolizing the sacred connection between the Sarmals and their lands.
Surmals of Bhalessa
[edit]The Surmals (another name for the Sarmals) are considered the founders and early settlers of Bhalessa in Doda District. The region remains the spiritual and historical heart of their identity. Over time, some Surmals migrated to Bhaderwah, Billawar, Bani, and Chew, while others extended their reach into Himachal Pradesh. Despite these migrations, the Surmals have maintained a strong connection to their ancestral lands.
Honorifics such as Raja, Rao, Thakur, Rana, and Samyal (the latter reflecting their Samba roots) are used by the Sarmals. Other titles like Wazir, Kotwal, Rathar, Minhas, Katoch, and Mehta have been awarded to many for their bravery and administrative skills.
Gadun Clan: A Connection with the Sarmals
[edit]The Gaduns are a tribe historically linked to the Sarmals, though their exact lineage is debated. While some believe the Gaduns trace their ancestry to the Pashtun tribes, others, including Colonel H.C. Wylly, suggest that their origins lie in Rajput ancestry. The Gaduns[9] were originally part of the Dogra mercenaries of the Sarmal line from Gandoh Bhalessa and later migrated to areas across the Indus River, establishing communities in Hazara, including Sultanpur, Mansehra, and Abbottabad.
Role in Military History
[edit]The Sarmals,[10] as part of a broader tradition of mountain warrior tribes, are deeply linked to the Ayudhajivi Sanghas, a network of warrior societies. Their martial skills and spiritual practices were central to their identity, and many served in prominent military campaigns, such as those led by General Zorawar Singh Dogra. Many Sarmals from Doda, Kishtwar, and Bhaderwah served in his army, contributing to military efforts in the region.
Saurumant Lineage
[edit]The Saurumant lineage,[9] a significant historical reference for the Sarmals, is believed to have been associated with an ancient ruling principality in the Sauram[11] Hills. The term Saurumant refers to those "armed with throwing darts and arrows," pointing to their early role as both defenders and warriors. This lineage is often connected to the Kaal-Vastri warrior traditions and is celebrated for its historical and spiritual significance in the region.
Legacy and Identity Today
[edit]Today, the Sarmals are spread across Jammu, Kathua, Doda, Bhaderwah, and neighboring regions like Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. Despite the changing political and cultural landscapes, the Sarmals continue to honor their ancestral traditions, both as warriors and spiritual leaders. Their distinct cultural heritage — marked by their fierce warrior code and spiritual practices — remains integral to the identity of the community.
Conclusion
[edit]The Sarmals are a people whose identity transcends the labels of Rajput or Khas Arya. They are a community forged by the mountainous terrain, warrior traditions, and spiritual practices of the western Himalayas. As Ghotar Sarmals, their roots lie deep in the Sauram Hills, and their migration, both physical and spiritual, reflects their resilience and adaptability. Whether as warriors, shamans, or leaders, the Sarmals continue to play a vital role in shaping the cultural and political landscape of the Jammu-Kashmir region.
References
[edit]- ^ Baluchistan (Pakistan) (1907). Baluchistan District Gazetteer Series. Printed at the Times Press.
- ^ "History | District Samba, Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir | India". Retrieved 2025-07-10.
- ^ Experts, Arihant (June 4, 2019). "Know Your State Jammu and Kashmir". Arihant Publications India limited – via Google Books.
- ^ Singh, Ravinder (2021), "Understanding the Concept of Shakti: Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in Jammu", Understanding Culture and Society in India, Singapore: Springer Singapore, pp. 149–175, doi:10.1007/978-981-16-1598-6_8, ISBN 978-981-16-1597-9, retrieved 2025-07-10
- ^ Newspaper, The Calabash (2023-01-10). "Tradition and Values | The Calabash Newspaper". Retrieved 2025-07-10.
- ^ "The Story Of Baba Shivo Or Baba Goran And A Glimpse Of The Dogra "Dev" Dynasty". 2024-06-06. Retrieved 2025-07-10.
- ^ "बाबा काली वीर जी कथा और साधना". MPDRST धर्म रहस्य. Retrieved 2025-07-10.
- ^ Sarmal, R. S. S. (2023-01-01). "The Shamanic Sentinels of the Himalayas: Uncovering the Dogras' Mystique". DOGRALAND Research Institute for Social Transformation.
- ^ a b Upadhyaya, Venus (2025-03-15). "A Hunza Warrior in Dogra Army anda Rare Royal Clan of Shivaliks". The Sunday Guardian Live. Retrieved 2025-07-10.
- ^ Kitts, Eustace John (1885). A Compendium of the Castes and Tribes Found in India. Printed at the Education Society's Press, Byculla.
- ^ "Sodam Village Population - Samba - Samba, Jammu and Kashmir". www.census2011.co.in. Retrieved 2025-07-10.