Kala Kamala is a village located within the Gujrat district of Punjab, Pakistan, it is approximately 88 miles southeast of Islamabad, the capital city of the country.[1] The village was said to have been founded by two brothers, Kala and Kamala, belonging to the Gujjar ethnic group, and stands as a cultural emblem of the Gujjar community's heritage in the region.
Kala Kamala
کالا کملا | |
|---|---|
Village | |
  Kala Kamala Location within Pakistan  Kala Kamala Location within Asia | |
| Coordinates: 32°35′59″N 73°45′58″E / 32.59972°N 73.76611°E | |
| Country |  Pakistan |
| Province |  Punjab (Pakistan) |
| Division | Gujrat Division |
| Köppen climate classification | Humid subtropical climate |
| Population | |
• Estimate (2023) | 4,000 |
Mr. Kala is said to have then migrated to Kala Gujran, an area adjacent to Jehlum city,[2][3] which is possibly named after him. The village remains home to the descendants of Mr. Kamala, who continue to inhabit the region and play a substantial role as landowners, carrying on a legacy within the community.
History
editThe village of Kala Kamala traces its origins to the migration of two brothers, Kala and Kamala, whose precise origins remain unknown. Belonging to the Gujjar ethnic group, specifically affiliated with the Teekriye clan of Gujjars, known for their historical presence in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and northwestern India,[4] these brothers laid the foundations of the village. The Gujjars are traditionally engaged in agricultural, pastoral, and nomadic pursuits.[5][6][7]
Following the village's establishment, one of the brothers, Mr. Kala, reportedly migrated to Kala Gujran near Jehlum city.[2][3] It is speculated that he might have played a pivotal role in founding this subsequent settlement. The lineage of Mr. Kamala's family, one of the village's founding figures, continues to reside in Kala Kamala, preserving their legacy within the community. The village remains a testament to the cultural and historical heritage of the Gujjar community, adapting across time while retaining its foundational roots.
Economy
editThe village's economy primarily thrives on agriculture, focusing on wheat, rice, and sugarcane cultivation, like in other regions of Pakistan, Punjab. Complementing this, the secondary sector includes buffalo and cow breeding.[8][9][10] Four significant milling centers for wheat and rice form the backbone of the agricultural industry, initiated by local landowning families. The first center, established in the early '90s, was followed by three more post-2007, facilitating substantial nationwide trade in these primary products.
The livestock breeding caters to the local demand and that of nearby villages. Moreover, remittances from emigrants in North America, Europe, and Arab countries significantly contribute to the village's economy.[11][12] This support has led to the prosperity of many residents, with a notable number establishing wealth and settlements in various European countries and North America.[13][14][15]
Demographics
editThe village has a diverse array of ethnic groups, namely the Gujjar ethnic group, who is predominantly the most influential, alongside Qureshi, Faqeer, Qasbi, Mochi, Nai, Machi, and Mussali.[16]
The Gujjars, the predominant ethnic group, are further divided into distinct clans.[citation needed] The Teekriye clan form the majority and are considered the village's founders.[citation needed] Additionally, the community comprises Khatana, who migrated from Ismaila Shareef, Kasana from Noonanwali, Aqle from Bhaugaseet in the Kharian subdistrict, and Miane.[citation needed]
Services
editThe village hosts a petrol station[17] and boasts over four medium-sized shops, catering to the needs of its residents.
Location
editSituated approximately 5 km from the city of Dinga, the village is positioned along the Dinga-Mangowal road. It's located within the district of Gujrat, just 30 km away from the district headquarters.
It is approximately 88 miles southeast of Islamabad, the capital city of the country.[citation needed]
Religious sites
editBaba Noor Shah
editA revered figure from Panjan Kasana, Baba Noor Shah, a respected Syed, passed away in this village. The people of Kala Kamala constructed a shrine in his honor.[citation needed]
Mian Ghulam Ahmed
editAn esteemed elder from the Miane family, his tomb is situated at the village's center. He was regarded as a deeply spiritual individual.[citation needed]
Baba Khan Saab
editAnother revered figure, whose shrine is adjacent to the village's graveyard, was known for his spiritual presence. Legend tells of an extraordinary event during a turbulent period when the Hindu Khatris threatened Muslim communities.[citation needed] Baba Khan Saab, seeking protection from Allah, was said to have experienced a miraculous event—where the ground opened up, leading to his descent into the earth, forming a sacred site at that spot.[citation needed]
References
edit- ^ "Kala Kamala, Punjab Province, Pakistan". Mindat. 2023-11-11. Retrieved 2023-11-11.
- ^ a b "Kala Gujran, Jhelum, Punjab - North: 49490 | Pakistan Postcode ✉️". pak.postcodebase.com. Retrieved 2023-11-11.
- ^ a b "Kala Gujran on a map of Pakistan, location on the map, exact time". my.maptons.com. Retrieved 2023-11-11.
- ^ Rahi, Dr Javaid. "The GUJJARS -Vol : 01 A Book on History and Culture of Gujjar Tribe : Ed Javaid Rahi".
{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires|journal=(help) - ^ Service, Tribune News. "BJP sets its eyes on Gujjar-Bakarwal tribes in Jammu and Kashmir". Tribuneindia News Service. Retrieved 2023-11-11.
- ^ "J&K Delimitation: As seen from the side of Gujjars, Bakarwals". The Indian Express. 2022-02-18. Retrieved 2023-11-11.
- ^ "Kashmir's nomadic tribes of Gujjar and Bakarwal- Finding identity among the unidentified". The Independent. 2021-08-02. Retrieved 2023-11-11.
- ^ "Big push for the rural economy in Pakistan". International Growth Centre. 2020-07-31. Retrieved 2023-11-11.
- ^ "Economy | Punjab Portal". Punjab Portal. 2023-11-11. Retrieved 2023-11-11.
- ^ www.ifpri.org https://www.ifpri.org/publication/agriculture-and-rural-economy-pakistan-issues-outlooks-and-policy-priorities. Retrieved 2023-11-11.
{{cite web}}: Missing or empty|title=(help) - ^ "Remittances - MRC Pakistan". www.mrc.org.pk. Retrieved 2023-11-11.
- ^ Imran, Kashif; Devadason, Evelyn S.; Cheok, Cheong Kee (2019). "Developmental Impacts of Remittances on Migrant-Sending Households: Micro-Level Evidence from Punjab, Pakistan". Journal of South Asian Development. 14 (3): 338–366. doi:10.1177/0973174119887302. S2CID 213213717.
- ^ "Pakistan's People Are Fleeing Not Only Economic Crisis But Extremism". thediplomat.com. Retrieved 2023-11-11.
- ^ "OVERSEAS PAKISTANIS FOUNDATION – Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis & Human Resource Development, Government Of Pakistan". Retrieved 2023-11-11.
- ^ Werbner, Pnina (2005), "Pakistani Migration and Diaspora Religious Politics in a Global Age", in Ember, Melvin; Ember, Carol R.; Skoggard, Ian (eds.), Encyclopedia of Diasporas: Immigrant and Refugee Cultures Around the World, Boston, MA: Springer US, pp. 475–484, doi:10.1007/978-0-387-29904-4_48, ISBN 978-0-387-29904-4, retrieved 2023-11-11
- ^ "Our History | District Gujrat". District Gujrat. 2023-11-11. Retrieved 2023-11-11.
- ^ "Google Maps". Google Maps. Retrieved 2023-11-11.