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Origin of Likharies
The Likharies trace their origin from the sturdy race of Rajputs, a peasant stock of “Dham Gotra” a sub-caste of Rajput who originally lived in village Piplanwala, Hoshyiarpur district. Owing to turbulent days and instability of Govt., they (Dham Gotra) led a migratory life till circumstances forced them to make alliance with “Ramgariah misel” under the leadership of Sardar Jassa Singh. Likharies fought for their factional rule, in early period of history, and later for their country's cause. Even in the far off Sikh rule in the early eighteenth century, they had been combatants in the Sikh Army, and fought for their country in a spirited manner and won laurels. This trait of their military acumen runs a red thread in their sphere of common life. Likharies derived main source of their income from proceeds of their cultivated land. Collectively the likhari family members owned among themselves no less than 1300 bighas and 120 bighas of jagir land. In virtue of their possessing large tract of arable land the family wielded great influence in the country side.
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War activities of Likharies and their Achievements
War activities of Likharies in alliance with Ramgarhia "misel" as well as during Maharaja Ranjit Singh's rule in the Punjab are memorable.Sardar Dial Singh founder of Likhari family in alliance with Ramgarhia "misel" siezed two villages viz; Warpal and Chatiwind by force of arms for their factional rule. Maharaja Ranjit Singh after assuming the sovereignty of Punjab, confiscated the above two villages and granted instead two other villages in Jagir viz ; Mullawalla and Bahminianwalla lying in Bist Jullundar.
The receipients of landed Jagirs were required to supply a stipulated number of fighting "Sowars" to the Crown in consideration of the nature of Jagir-grant. Under this provision S. Dial Singh (Likhari) in collaboration with "Sulakhanian patti" supplied to the "Sarkar" 22 "Sowars" for the Sikh Army.
During the turbulent days, S. Dial left his original place of residence in Dhand Kasel, and migrated to live in a vacant place, later named Jethuwall, where his descendants lived and even continued to live till now. The Civil administration record called "misel haqiyat" contained an entry to the effect that "The Jethuwall was originally colonised by the Ramgarhia Sikh Sardars".
Sardar Dial Singh had four sons, namely S. Jaimal Singh, S. Ranjeet Singh, S. Fateh Singh and S. Wazir Singh ; of them the two last named died issueless. Regarding S. Ranjeet Singh nothing is known about him and no feedback is available. The present likhari family as such is a shoot of brave Sikh army man S. Jaimal Singh.
S. Jaimal Singh had four sons viz ; S. Chattar Singh, S. Jowahar Singh, S. Hira Singh and S. Attar Singh. He was enlisted in the Sikh Army, and so were his three sons (S. Chattar Singh. S. Jowahar Singh and S. Attar Singh), who fought heroically in different theatres of Sikh Wars. As a brave son of a brave father, S. Chattar Singh was killed in action in Firoze-shah campaign during1845. He left behind no male issue.
Role
Role of Likharies in British and Indian Army
The year, 1765, emerged a new era in the Sikh history and embarked upon consolidation of "Misaldari" power brought about by waging relentless wars with Mughals and Afgans, who held sway over Punjab. This "Misaldari" order consisting of 12 "Misels" ruled over Punjab for 35 years. The Ramgarhia "Misel", also included members of the Likhari family which played an important and functional rule in Punjab along with members of other `Misels".
Later the struggle for land seized from previous rulers generated an atmosphere of mutual distrust and suspicion resulting into keen rivalry among "Misaldari" chiefs, which led to their disintegration.Viewing the tottering state of "Misaldari" system, Maharaja Ranjit Singhconsolidated all the "Misels" into a compact Empire under his monarchial rule in alliance with Jagirdari system during, 1800 A.D.
Maharaja Ranjit singh was a statesman of an high order of his time. The Maharaja organised the Sikh Army into a formidable fighting machine, equipped with modern arms of that time. His sway extended from Ambala to Kashmir, Multan, Peshawar and Jamrud. Invincible as the Sikh Army was, it was perfectly disciplined and well paid.
Unfortunately the Maharaja died on 27th June, 1839. On his death subversive elements became active. The Commander-in-Chief of the Army in secret alliance with the British led the Sikh Army into its defeat. The Sikhs fought on eight different theaters of war with the British; but, were defeated through lack of striking power due to subversive activities of their Commander.
Some of the prominent members of the Likhari family took active part in the campaigns; and one of them (S. Chattar Singh) was killed in action in Firozeshah in 1845. While the other member (S. Jowahar Singh) valiantly fought in Mudki, Subhraon and Ferozeshah campaigns and had his left hand toe slashed and horse killed in action. These brave soldiers will keep alive their memories for all time to come.
The Sikhs ruled over Punjab for 83 years inclusive of "Misaldari" system which ended in dismay and the British Government annexed the Pun-jab in, 1849. With the consolidation of British rule in Punjab the Likharies' trait of military acumen came into activity again by their having joined the British Army to fight for their country's cause and even abroad. Later on, when India won its independence, the Likharies enlisted themselves in the Indian Army in defence of their motherland.
Apart from Defence services Likharies also rendered their services in the Administration, Engineering, Medical and in other branches to the nation in home and in other countries which is evident from the achievements of the present Likhari family.