The real identity of Ahluwalia caste is that of 'Kalal'. Kalal is a caste of professional distillers and wine-sellers. In the Hindu ritual framework, Kalal was regarded as a low caste owing to their engagement in the manufacturing of a product proscribed in religion. During 18th century , one of the member of Kalal caste by the name of Jassa Kalal converted to Sikhism and rose to prominence . His descendants started calling themselves 'Ahluwalia' because Jassa Kalal was from the village 'Ahlo'. In the later period, not just descendants of Jassa Kalal , but all Hindu as well as Sikh Kalals of Punjab started writing their caste name as 'Ahluwalia' instead of 'Kalal'. This is generally done to hide the actual origin of the caste.
Since Jassa Kalal's descendants managed to hold on to a fledgling Sikh princely state of Kapurthala, they sought to improve their social status by trying to form matrimonial alliances with the ruling Rajput houses. The latter however knew well of the humble origins of the custodians of Kapurthala state from the Kalals and rejected their proposals with condescension (see Maharaja: The lives, loves and intrigues of the Maharajas of India, Diwan Jarmani Dass).
Kalal or Ahluwalia Subcastes
Aakre Ashkal Banal Bhawrishi Bhagat Bhambral Bhandari Bhar Bharoo Bejagade Bimat Bontra Caprahaan Chandwaan Channi Dhaul Diwan Harshyaan Hoon Jaardi Jaiswal Janvathiya Jari Jaspal Joshan Judge or Jaaj Josh Kaath Kandel Kannu Kapoor Kent Kher Ludhatia Madhvati Malhi Mali Malihan Malik Mumick or Mamik Nagi Neel Pabra Paintal Paul or Pal Rana Rekhi Rosha Ratra Sadd Sand or Sandh Sambhi Sigat Sikand Shrikant Sulhyan Talwar Tulsi Yashpal |
Sikh Caste Names >