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Historical background of village Mehraj was extremely challenging, Sidhu Brar fraternity of village Mehraj is connected to Jaiselmer city of Rajasthan. Offspring’s of Raja Jaisel came to Punjab and occupied some area of Punjab and set up their own Tribe. Gotra Sidhu came out of Sidhu Rao's name and gotra Brar came out of Brar rao's name. Sidhu Brar spent much time in Bidowal afterwards; they were evicted by bhattis with the help of Mughals. The Head of tribe was Baba Mohan they took shelter in Bhullar's Mari. They devoted to sixth guru of Sikhs, they told Guru Hagobind about their tragedy. In 1632, 5 K.M. away from Bhullar's Mari they dig out mori means made their own place, and they started living there.

1. To introduce the Historical background of Village Mehraj. 2. To find the Sidhu Brars relation with Mugal Emperor. 3. To find to Sidhu Brars relation with Guru Hargobind. 4. To introduce the difficulties of Sidhu Brar Tribe

1. Historian, Balwant Singh , Sidhu Braran Da Itihaas, Jagjeet Singh Dardi 2. Sidhu, Namdev Singh, Sidhu Braran da Nikas te Vikas

Birth of the Sidhu Founder of Sidhu Gotra in the family of Kheeva Rai

In the Kheeva family Sidhu was born from the Jatt mother Rani Saddi's womb. Rajput queens of Kheeva Rai with the midwife's accomplice have thrown this kid outside in a dry drain. From this place a cobbler named Bingar took Sidhu with him. This secret was opened to Kheeva Rai after some days. Kheeva took his son back from the house of Bingar cobbler. This kid was named on his return to him. Kheeva married his son to the Gill Jatt family. Shortly Kheeva Rai was died.

Starting of Sidhu Gotra on the name of Sidhu

Sidhu Rai took the throne at Bathinda after the demise of his father. Bhatti Rajputs of Bhatner (Ganganagar) provided major loss to Sidhu Rai. Sidhu Rai was contemporary to Emperor Mohammad Tughlaq and he died during this time after establishment of Gotra Sidhu in his name.

Sons of Sidhu Rai

There were four sons to Sidhu Rai. First, Dahar, whose lineages are Bhalaria, Sidhu Bhaika, second one is Bhoor whose successors are Brar and Harike Sidhu. Third,  Suraj, whose pedigree are Mehar Miyan Sidhu. Fourth son is Roop whose lineage is called as Mathi to Peerke Sidhu. After the death of Sidhu Rai his sons were expelled from Bathinda on the instructions and help of Emperor Giasudin Tughlaq by Bhattis of Bhatner. From Bathinda his sons settled at Fakharsar Thehri (now in Muktsar) and Ladhukot etc. places. No one knew the Sidhu lineage for a long time. Sons of Bhoor Rai were Abhay Rao (ancestor Saini Fafda lineage) and Bahirao and Sidhu Tinchari. Bahirao's sons were Abhay Rao and Lakhan Rao. Chadhta was son of Abhay Rao and Mahi was son of Chadhta. Ghulla was son of Mahi and Mehra was son of Ghulla. Hamir was son of Mehra and Brar was son of Hamir. Sidhu’s were living from last nine generations and Therefore, Brar was born in the 10th generation who took over his ancestors' throne. Brar was very brave and many warriors of the nation have followed him. In the year 1399, Amir Taimur weakened the Bhattis of Bhatner with his attacks. In this situation Brar also attacked on the weak Bhattis. Bhattis surrounded Brar in the battleground of Lakhi Jungle Fakharsar Thehri, but Brar did not lose his hope and faced Bhattis with utmost   courage and valour. In the end he defeated Bhattis and took over the throne of Bathinda belonged to his ancestors. He was gifted by the great landlords of the area Rai Brar captured the Bathinda and there was fight at Bidowal Nagar. Bhatti Kings of Bhatiner side,  Mahmood Tughlaq with them on the behalf of their relations because once they married their daughter to Tughlaqs, in order to fight against Brar Rai.  Brar Rai faced Tughlaq near Sirsa with a big army. The battle continued for two days, on hearing a bad news from Delhi on third day, emperor returned to Delhi. After his return, Brar defeated his enemies. This has created Brar’s impression in the region and all enemies were afraid from him. Brar had five sons. Dull  Rai, Paur Rai, Pipa Rai, Dhandal Rai and Seng Rai.  Dull Rai was ancestor of Faridkot family. He became king of Bathinda after   the death of  Brar Rai. Paur Rai became king of Bidowal.  After the death of these two brothers Kahi Rao son of Paur Rao was defeated by Bhairo Bhattis and they captured Bathinda and Bidowal. Paur had four sons - first was Baahu - his successors are Marajhke and Jalal Brar, second son was Hallar whose children are Brars of Sabo, third one is Chahar, whose successors are Janike Brar and fourth is Manna whose children are known Maihne Brar. The Baahu had one son whose name was Kaahi and Kaahi's son was Wariyam. Wariyam was given land rights at Lakhi Jungle Bidowal (now in District Muktsar) by Emperor Babar. Wariyam helped Emperor Babar in many battles as he was appointed Feudal Lord (Chaudhary). Emperor Babar  has given him title of "Biram" on seeing his bravery. When Sher Shah Suri expelled Himayun from India then with the conspiracy of Bhattis of Bhatner with new King, Wariyam Rai was expelled from Bidowal. Wariyam settled with his relative Gill when he was expelled from Bidowal. When Emperor Himayun returned from Iran and attacked on Emperor Sikander Suri then Wariyam went to help Himayun with 500 soldiers. Himayun again became emperor of Delhi  He again appointed Wariyam feudal lord of Bidowal. When Wariyam Rai reached at Bidowal from Delhi to get the possession he was killed with his grandson Satto by Bhattis.

After the death of Chaudhari Wariyam his son   Marajh collected army of his friends and relatives and to capture his Bidowal region attacked on this. A fierce battle with Bhattis was fought at the ground near Bidowal. Chaudhary Marajh with his real brother kharaj died in this battle.

Chaudhary Marajh had five sons - 1. Satto  2. Sehaina - His lineage is Bidhate Brar. 3. Kala - His lineage is Mehte Ke Brar. 4. Taala - His successors established Village Sukhladhi. 5. Chandu.

After the killing of Chaudhary Marajh in the battle Sidhu Brar Community put the turban of Chaudhary (Head of the tribe) on the head of Pakho who was son of Satto who was martyred in the Bidowal battle. Chaudhary Pakho was a gentle and farsighted person. He avoided the unplanned battles with the powerful Bhattis. Pakho Brar met Emperor Akbar along with Chaudhary Bhallan through the reference of Diwan Todar Mal and explained his problem to Akbar. He produced the royal stamps awarded to his ancestors. Emperor Akbar respected Pakho highly who was having the stamps issued by ancestors of Akbar. Pakho was appointed Chaudhary of Southern Jungle, Diwan Todar Mal was sent along with him so that he can possess Bidowal and it happened. When Diwan Todar Mal returned then Nawab Mansoor Khan Bhatti of Sirsa (Haryana) attacked on Chaudhary Pakho to pull him out from Bidowal. Chaudhari Pakho faced him along with help of Chaudhary Bhallan and defeated him. But the conditions were not peaceful after this victory and it was routine to fight with Bhattis. The matter was taken to Delhi Durbar a lot of times, but due to the presence of Diwan Todar Mal in the Delhi Durbar the decision always remained favorable to Brars. Understanding the influence of Brar at Delhi Durbar, Mansoor Khan married his daughter to Emperor Akbar and established his recognition at Delhi Durbar. When he was adequately regarded at Delhi Durbar to fulfill his motive he said to the courtiers at Delhi Durbar that they should explain to the emperor that for peace in Punjab, if marital relations are established by marrying daughters of royals of Punjab as it was did with royals of Rajputana. Courtiers talked with Emperor Akbar on this suggestion of Mansoor Khan. Akbar was agreed with the suggestions of his courtiers and he was ready to establish relations with royals of Punjab by marrying their daughters. Akbar came to Punjab and sought hands of the daughters of Chaudhary families of Punjab. Chaudhary Mehar Mitha of Dhaliwal clan agreed to marry his daughter with Akbar. Chaudhary Pakho replied that he will respond after consulting his community.

Chaudhary Pakho did not respond on this issue for a long time. Then Nawab Mansoor Khan arranged an order of the kingdom to pressurize the Brar clan to marry their daughters and came with the army to attack on the Brars. Nawab Mansoor Khan threatened Pakho at Lakhi Jungle. Nawab Mansoor Khan was old enemy of Pakho so the warning was unbearable to him. Pakho murdered Nawab Mansoor Khan. When emperor came to know of this incident, he forfeited the feudal lordship (Chaudhar) of Pakho. Region of Chaudhary Pakho were possessed by the sons of Nawab Mansoor Khan. To kill Chaudhary Pakho all the Bhatti company marched. Chaudhary Pakho was left alone by his friends and relatives. But Chaudhary Pakho was making troubles of Bhattis while he was at Lakhi Jungle for a number of months. After some time he faced Bhattis at the place of Kot Ladhu. Pakho was killed in this battle. Chaudhary Pakho had two sons - 1. Mohan  2. Hambal - His lineage settled at Village Kuttiwal (Bathinda).

After his demise his son Mohan ran towards Hissar. His friends were residing there. His attacked on Bhattis with their help. He defeated Bhattis near Bidowal and took possession of his region. Bhattis expelled Mohan from Bidowal with the help of Delhi throne. But Mohan again tried to attack on Bidowal with the help of his friends. When it was notice by Bhatti Kings, they arranged to issue order from the emperor Akbar that if someone will rebel and help Mohan son of Pakho, will face bad consequences. After issuing of this royal order even blood relatives parted their ways from Mohan and he had to spend his life disguising with this tribe.

After spending long period in exile when Akbar was died and respect of Bhattis was reduced in the Delhi Durbar, Mohan tried to recapture Bidowal. But Bhattis failed his plans. He was depressed and he left the plan to capture Bidowal area, he settled at Maari of Kaura Bhullars (this is a place between current Rampura and Mehraj).

But the bad luck did not part with him. Here he was disturbed by the ethnic Bhullar and Hayer (Jatt Gotras). They considered Sidhu Brars as bullock cart pullers and did not offer them anything of use.

Sidhu Brar were   so disturbed that they were left with no place to settle permanently and were frequently ousted. Mohan and his tribe was empty handed from all sides. He settled with his tribe at the place wherever they saw water, whether it was a pond or a little water body in a forest.

Water was a scarce resource in those times. Crop was rain dependant. Mohan was ousted forcefully from his property at Bidowal by Bhattis and he was dependant on other communities to eat and take shelter. Sidhu Brar were beggars. They were not liked by Bhullar, Hayer and other communities. Kora Bhullar did not want to keep any relation with Sidhu Brar. Bhullar did not consider them up to the mark and did not allow them to fetch water from their wells. Wells were not commonly available in those times and were full of salty water which was not potable. There were meager potable wells. There was no well at a distance of about 10 Kohs from Village Mehraj. The only one was donated by a trader near the Maari of Kaura Zimindars. When the pond was dry during summers, people had to fetch water from that only well and transported it with themselves. For the availability of water people of Mehraj and Mohan's tribe also stayed near this well.

At that time Guru Hargobind reached at village Maari while he was preaching Sikhism. A fair was celebrated in the memory of the ancestors of Kora Bhullars at this place. Guru Hargobind gave his sermon among the people who were gathered in this fair. A lot of people joined Sikhism. Mohan and his two sons Roop Chand and Kala who are from the lineage of Marajh (Mehraj) were also among those who joined Sikhism. Mohan and Kala requested Guru Hargobind that they have no place for permanent stay. When our wives go to the wells of Bhullars they laugh at them, and we are helpless. A woman of their tribe was disturbed by Bhullars when she went to fetch water, she did not covered her face from the old people of tribe and said that there seems no man in this tribe to save my pride, so I will cover the face when they will behave manly.

Mohan requested that there is thousand acres of land lying barren in the possession of Bhullars, let they grant us land for settlement of one village and up to the time there is no relation between us the survival and settlement is impossible. On next day when Bhullars and Maan came to Guru Hargobind, Guru politely requested them, "Brothers, my Sikhs! Give some lands to Mohan tribe to settle a village and also have marital relations with them." But Bhullars and Maans denied this and requested by  saying that even an inch land will not be granted to them and there don’t have any relation with them.

When Bhullars denied the request of Guru Hargobind, and  Guru said that now you are not giving the land to settle one village to these people, one day they will become the owners of whole country and will not accept your relations. After listening these words of Guru Sahib, Kora Bhullars left the place in anger.

Guru Hargobind asked Mohan to leave the place and settle your village at the place where you reach at sunset today. Mohan obeyed it. The sunset occurred when they reached 2.5 to 3 Khos and he laid the foundation of the village there. The place was named after his ancestor Marajh. Kora Bhullars were anger when they came to know this.

When Baba Mohan narrated this to Guru Hargobind so Guru said,

Bhullars called their relative son - in - law Zaid Purana Sardar of Purbi Jungle who was a Sidhu Brar to march against Sidhu Brars. On knowing this Mohan informed this to Guru Hargobind. Guru Hargobind patted Kala (aka Daya Chand) and said, go and fight bravely, I will help you with best efforts. Guru Hargobind sent an army of 500 soldiers consisting his brave men Bidhi Chand, Chhina, Labhan, Karma, Choohar etc. to help Mohan. Mohan was accompanied by his son Kala, Roop Chand, Sema and fight was near Gummatsar Tilla.

There was rain of bullets and arrows from both sides. Guru Hargobind took position near Marajh to help the side of Marajh. Zaid Purana was marching killing the army men and he thrown his Saang weapon towards Kala but Kala took the attempt on his shield but his four teeth were broken.

Bhai Jaita hit at Zaid Purana and he fallen. He was split into two pieces by Kala and the victory voice was roared. "Take this Arjun and Bhim of yours!" Bhullars were broken with this incident and Marajh lineage was victorious in the battle.               

After this victory Mohan thanked Guru Hargobind. Guru Hargobind said to Mohan, "Take the land as much as you want." Mohan possessed many khos of land around the Marajh village and no other objected under the influence of Guru Hargobind. Twenty two villages are settled in this land and commonly known as Marajh ka Bayiya.With the passing of time marajh word convert in Mehraj

From this research, It is concluded that background of village Mehraj was full of difficulties. Residents of village Mehraj belong to Sidhu Brar Gotra. Roots of Sidhu Brar Gotra deemed to be started from Lord Krishan. Most of the time of these residents went in wars. Sidhu Brar's had always been disrespected by rulers except Babur and Himanyu. Sidhu Brar had been evicted by Bhattis in village badowal and they spend lot of their time as nomads. Eventually, with the blessing of sixth guru of Sikhs, Guru Hargobind village Mehraj had been set up. This was also opposed by "Kode Bhullars". Battle was also happened brother in law of Bhullars and Sidhu Brar which was won by Sidhu Brar, Now this village Mehraj falls under district Bathinda , Tehsil Phul.

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