Waiha

The Waiha or sometimes pronounced Veha are a Seraiki speaking rajput tribe, found in the province of Punjab.[1]

History and origin

The veha trace their origin back to the city of Jaisalmeer in Rajasthan. According to their traditions, in the 11th Century, the Raja of Jaisalmir gave the town of Hurar, now known as Tajgarh, in dower to his daughter, Huran. Her descendant, a Raja Bhunak Bhati is said to have converted to Islam, at the hands of a local Sufi, Sayyid Ahmed Bilauri. There are two traditions as to the origin of the word Waiha. The word waiha is said to derive from the Seraiki word vih, which means twenty, as twenty leading members of the tribe converted to Islam. Another name derives the word from wahi, which means cultivation in the Seraiki language, because the Raja of Jaisalmeer confiscated their lands on their conversion to Islam, and the Sayyid told them to take cultivation.[1]

Distribution

They are found mainly in the districts of Muzaffargarh, Multan, Rahim Yar Khan and Rajanpur. They occupy several villages near the town of Sadiqabad.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 A Glossary of the Tribes and Caste of Punjab by H A Rose page 488 Low Price Publications
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