Arain

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The Arain (Urdu: آرائین) are an agricultural^[1] caste^[2] settled mainly in the Punjab^[3][4] (Pakistan and India), with significant numbers also in the Sindh^[5] (Pakistan). They are chiefly associated with farming^[6][7], traditionally being small landowners or zamindars^[8][9].

Origin[edit]

Many Arain claim Arab descent^[10], doubtless based upon the demographic that nearly all Arain are, and have been, Sunni Muslim, as were the early Arabs of Muhammad bin Qasim's expedition^[11].

The Arain, despite being majority Muslim, do have Sikh and Hindu members^[12], as do the other agricultural castes of the Punjab (the Jats, Gujjars and Rajputs)^[13]. The Arab origin claim can therefore be largely viewed as a desire for claiming an unbroken practise of Islam through the ages, for current prestige rather than accurate genealogical designation^[14]. Local indigenous ancestry is claimed from other tribes of the Punjab such as the Surajbansi Rajput^[15], or from Persia^[16], and the majority of Muslim agricultural tribes are certainly converts to Islam^[17].

A study by the Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences on blood types of the major ethnicities in the Punjab showed that O is the most common blood group (among all ethnicities), except among the Arain where B is most common^[18], the difference being statistically significant^[19]. Whilst not proof of non-local ancestry, it does illustrate a difference between the Arain and the other castes inhabiting the Punjab. Obviously, more research is needed for greater detail on the caste's migratory provenance^[20].

The Arain during the British Raj[edit]

The Arain land holders should not be confused with the more gentrified zamindars such as the feudal Rajput landlords of vast holdings. Polo, partridge shoots and tea parties were therefore not associated attributes. Neither were the more negative and profligate practises such as "...dancing girls, drunken evenings listening to poetry, or numerous marriages..."^[21]. When the British wanted land developed in the Punjab after its annexation, Arain were brought in to cultivate lands around the cities, forming irrigated colonies^[22]. The Arain were so favoured for their "hard work, frugality and sense of discipline"^[23]. Subsequent development of towns and cities and increasing urbanisation resulted in the value of the land settled by Arain to rise significantly, and Arain families thus flourished^[24]. Education was prioritised with the new found wealth^[25] and the Arain came to dominate the legal profession amongst urban Punjabi Muslims. Many used law to enter politics^[26].

The Arain were classified as a "non-martial race" by the British^[27], a classification deemed arbitrary and based on prejudices prevalent at the time (see martial race).

Prominent Arain[edit]

General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, the sixth President of Pakistan (and Chief of Staff of the Pakistani Army) was an Arain from Jalandhar^[28].

Chaudhry Mohammad Ali, a Civil Servant from Jalandhar, became Pakistan's second Finance Minister (1951-1956) and Pakistan's fourth Prime Minister (1956-1957)^[29].

Mian Sir^[30] Fazli Husain, the first Chief Minister of the Punjab^[31].

Mian Amiruddin, mayor of Lahore at the time of the Partition^[32].

Mian Sir Muhammad Shah Nawaz, an influential politician of the Punjab in the 1920s^[33].

Mian Iftikharuddin^[34], a politician^[35], landlord and founder of the Imroze and Pakistan Times newspapers (later to be nationalized by the Ayub government). He was to play an important role in turning the Muslim community of urban Punjab towards favouring an independent Pakistan^[36].

References[edit]