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Reference: Anoop Singh Chahar, Jat Society Agra, November 2013, pp. 26-27

According to ancient history, during the 4th century, the Chahal clan (known as “Chol” to European historians) were rulers in Gurargan, located in Dahistan, Central Asia, east of the Caspian Sea. In 438-439 CE, the Persian Emperor Yazdgerd II launched a campaign against the Chahals. In the grassy plains of Dahistan, the Chahals managed to kill the Emperor’s soldiers in their own camp. In 440 CE, Yazdgerd III defeated the Chahals in battle. It is believed that the Chahals arrived in India, possibly in the 5th century. They are pronounced both as “Chahal-Chahal” and “Chahar-Chahar.”

The Chahals are known by various names: “Geek” in the Middle East, “Chol” in South India, and “Chahar” in China, Mongolia, and Braj (India). In Punjab, Haryana, and Pakistan, they are referred to as “Chahal-Chahal.” The Chahals can be found across different religions, including Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, and others, both in India and abroad.

The Chols are mentioned in various ancient texts, including the Ramayana, Mahabharata, the accounts of Megasthenes, Ashoka’s inscriptions, and other scriptures.

The Chahar branch of the Chol Jat clan was known to have ruled in South India during the Ramayana period. By the Mahabharata era, their kingdom extended into the northern regions as well.

In the Mahabharata, Book of the Forest, Chapter 48, the king of the Chola country is recorded as having made a significant donation to the Rajasuya Yagna of Maharaja Yudhishthira.

Mahabharata Sabha Parva, Chapter 24, mentions that Arjuna had conquered the Chola kingdom among other northern regions.

Mahabharata Bhishma Parva, Chapter 10, describes the geography of India, including the Chola state along with the southern kingdoms.

Mahabharata Bhishma Parva, Chapter 46, includes the Chola king among the southern rulers.

In the 8th century, the Chola dynasty ruled over the Jats in South India, encompassing most of Tamil Nadu and Mysore.

In the 9th century, the Chola dynasty established itself over the remnants of the Pallavas. The founder of this dynasty was Vijayapala Narkesari (850-891 CE), with its capital at Tanjap (Tanjore or Thanjavur). The dynasty produced several valorous kings, including Rajendra Chola II (1051–1063 CE) and Rajaraja (1063–1070 CE). After Kulottunga (1070–1120 CE), the Chola rulers weakened. By the 14th century, the Chola dynasty was defeated by the Chalukyas and Malik Kafur.

Chahal Jat Clan in Dahistan

The Chahal Jat clan ruled over the region of Dahistan (around the Caspian Sea). They were defeated by Yazdgerd III in 440 CE. The population of Chahal Jats is spread across several districts in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana. In Punjab, many are Sikh, while in other regions, Chahal Jats follow various religions, including Islam and Christianity.