HISTORY OF THE DHANYAL TRIBE

Dhanyal / Dhanial is one of the largest tribe living in Potohar plateau and Lower
Himalayas for the last eight centuries. 

This tribe traces their lineage to Hazrat Ali Ibn Abi Talib. Dhanyal tribe consists of Hazrat Ali's descendants. Moaazam Shah renowned as Dhanni Peer is forefather of Dhanyal Tribe. Dhanyals are  not Fatmi descendants of Hazrat Ali (RazilAllah Anha). They belong to Hazrat Ali's 9th wife Hazrat Khola bint-e-Ayas bin Jaffar Bannu Hanifa. Hazrat Khola gave birth to Hazrat Ali's famous son Muhammad bin Ali known as Muhammad bin Hanfia.

Most of the Dhanyals are settled in the cities of Rawalpindi, Islamabad and in Kotli Sattian and Murree Hills. Some other branches of the tribe live in kashmir, Abbottabad, Sialkot and Hazara.

Dhanyals are famous for their bravery. Members of this tribe were recruited into the
armies of the Mughal Empire, British Empire and after Independence, into the Pakistan Army.

After independence however the Dhanyals in urban areas have turned to other fields such as education, medicine, engineering, business and social sciences.

The name ‘Dhanyal/Dhanial’ is derived from Mohazzam Shah which was the name of chief and famous Sufi saint of Lower Himalayas who shifted from Dhanni (old name of Chakwal) in late 12th century. Forefathers of Mohazzam Shah who were Arab Muslims, migrated from Iraq into Multan during the era of Muhammad Bin Qasim. Desandants of Mohazzam Shah ruled Multan state for about 190 years. Mohazzam Shah supported Muhammad Ghori to curb the activities of Hindu Rajputs who aggressively attack Muslim army of Muhammad Ghori. Due to influence of Mohazzam Shah alias Hazrat Baba Dhanni Pir, many non-Muslims of this area converted to Islam. 

The forefather of Dhanyal tribe was inspired by Syed Ali Hamdan Ali Shah-i-Hamdan of Srinagar, Kashmir. Mohazzam Shah sacrifices his life with the battle of Hindu Dogra Rajputs in Kashmir in 13th century. Mohazzam Shah was the spiritual leader of Dhanyal, Satti and Abbasi tribes in the area of Kotli Sattian and Murree Hills, plain area of Potohar and Kashmir. 

Hazrat Baba Dhanni Pir’s shrine is situated in Mouri Sayyaedan, a valley on Lehtrar Road in tehsil Kotli Sattian, District Rawalpindi, Pakistan. An Urs (annual death anniversary) is held every year in April at his shrine.

Some members of Dhanyal tribe use the title "Raja" with their names,  which does not mean that the tribe is any offshot of Rajput – they are Alvi and Arab Muslims like Awan and Shaikh or Qureshi, Abbasi and Sayed. Some member of the tribe called themselves as Shah, it does mean that they are Sayed, it is proved that Dhanyals are non-fatimi descendants of Hazrat Ali Al-Murtaza (RA). Most of the historians do not recognized them and even in the era of british rule, they were counted as Rajput tribe in 1891, 1901, 1911 and 1931 census.

Origin of Dhanni Peer is as follows

1. Imam Ali al Murtaza
2. Muhammad ibn Hanfiyya
3. Ibrhaim
4. Hasan
5. Zayd
6. Ismail
7. Hasan al At'rush
8. Qasim
9. Hassan
10. Ibrahim
11. Ali
12. Muhammad
13. Abdullah
14. Muawiya
15. Jafar
16. Amir Malik
17. Khusro Shah
18. Muazam Shah / Dhani Pir

PUNICA GRANATUM (WILD POMEGRANATE)

Punica Granatum, also known as Pomegranate, has long been touted for its high levels of Vitamin C and antioxidants, which can help prevent cell damage. Several studies have shown its ability to speed wound healing, as well as play a positive role in the repair of sun damaged and aging skin. Pomegranate extracts exert their positive effects by extending the life of fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin, the components that give strength and support to the skin.

 Punica granatum. Wild pomegranate is very common on low hills of Kotli Sattian. It is locally known as "Dani" and "Anardana".

RJ AHMER NAJEEB SATTI / RAJU ROCKET

Rj Ahmer Najeeb Satti, known as Raju Rocket (Born 15 July 1990) is an Actor, Stand-up comedian, Presenter and Sports Anchor. He started his career as a theater artist in 2010 and furthered his acting career on television the following year. He joined FM 101 in 2011 as a Presenter. Meanwhile he continued acting in Dramas and his work on TV as a sports anchor for PTV and Kay2 TV. Currently Ahmer is working for FM 98 and DB TV. He has special talent to make people laugh and does stand-up comedy on a regular basis at events. 
Ahmer Najeeb studied Software Engineering at Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Tecnology. He hails from Kuliyari, Malot Sattian.

Captain Muhammad Waqar Satti

Captain Muhammad Waqar Satti is serving in Merchant Navy as a ship Captain. He served in PNSC and various international shipping companies and rose to the rank of ship captain. He is a graduate of Pakistan Marine Academy Karachi. He holds masters certificate of competency from Singapore. During his tenure of service he commanded most of the time Chemical tanker ships, which is known as highly specialized job and a handful of Pakistanis have accomplished such feat.

He is son of Lt. Commander (R) Muhammad Azeem Satti and younger brother of Vice Admiral (R) Muhammad Shafiq Satti. He hails from village Dewangarh of Union council Beor, Tehsil Kahuta, Rawalpindi.

SCENERY OF KOTLI SATTIAN

The hills, slopes and narrow valleys among the spurs are often extremely beautiful and attractive. Green Pines, Olive and many other evergreen and seasonal trees are found on the lower hills. The lowest hills and valleys contain a luxuriant growth of various trees, bushes and under growths.

The Patriata, Khalabut and Phofandi hills are beautifully wooded and the scenery is exquisite. The panorama view comprises, as it frequently does, a breathtaking picture of a foreground of lovely, lush woodland scenery and a background of the lofty snow clad peaks of the Himalayas. 

many of the lower valleys are extremely picturesque as well, especially the valley between Narrar and Phofandi spurs on the southwest. The tributaries of the Soan River run down with many beautiful, picturesque pools and streams. The numerous fountains, having cool, fresh and health-giving water are found throughout this region. 

The scenery near the western banks of the Jhelum river is often fine, especially below the beetling cliffs of the Narrar mountain. In many cases, small hamlets and little patches of cultivation are found high up on the hillsides and mountaintops. 

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Related Articles
CLIMATE OF KOTLI SATTIAN
BEAUTIFUL PLACES OF KOTLI SATTIAN
PHYSICAL CONFIGURATION OF KOTLI SATTIAN
GEOLOGICAL FORMULATION OF KOTLI SATTIAN
GEOGRAPHY AND DESCRIPTION OF KOTLI SATTIAN

Reference : A Handbook of Kotli Sattian 

RUBUS ELLIPTICUS (YELLOW HIMALAYAN RASPBERRY)

Rubus Ellipticus is commonly known as Golden Evergreen Raspberry and Yellow Himalayan Raspberry. It is known as "Akhay" in local language of Kotli Sattian.

Rubus Ellipticus is an evergreen shrub producing a cluster of stout, heavily armed, upright, biennial stems from a woody root-stock. It usually grows 100 - 300 cm tall, occasionally up to 450 cm. The stems only produce leaves, and do not flower, in their first year of growth, forming flowering branches in their second year and then dying after fruiting. The plant can rapidly form tall, dense thickets. The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and a medicine. The fruit is sold in local markets in the Himalayas. 

Habitats 

Shrubberies and open hillsides, to 2300 metres in the Himalayas. Dry slopes, montane valleys, sparse forests and thickets at elevations of 1000 - 2600 metres.

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked,  A good raspberry-like flavor. Sweet with a pleasant blend of acidity. The golden yellow fruit is about 10 mm in diameter.  The fruit contains about 10.9% sugars, 1.1% protein, 0.5% ash, 0.55 pectin. The fruit is a good source of micro nutrients such as anthologists, phenol's, flavoring and vitamin C. They have a moderate to good antioxidant activity and make an excellent, healthful addition to the diet.

Medicinal

The plant is astringent and febrifuge. A decoction of the root, combined with Girardinia diversifolia root and the bark of Lagerstroemia parviflora, is used in the treatment of fevers. The juice of the root is used in the treatment of fevers, gastric troubles, diarrhea and dysentery. The root, combined with the dried fruit of Brucea javanica is given in the treatment of dysentery. A paste of the roots is applied externally to wounds. Both the roots and the young shoots are considered to be a good treatment for colic. The leaf buds, combined with Centella asiatica and Cynodon dactylon, are pounded to a juice and used in the treatment of peptic ulcers. The juice of the fruit is used in the treatment of fever, colic, coughs and sore throat. The inner bark is used in Tibetan medicine, it is said to have a sweet and sour flavour plus a heating potency. A renal tonic and antidiuretic, it is used in the treatment of weakening of the senses, vaginal/seminal discharge, polyuria and micturition during sleep.

DEEWAN-E-SATTI - THOON

The village of Thoon is situated about 20 km eastward from the main road that lies between Rawalpindi and Kotli Sattian. It stands on steep slopes which raise from the Jhelum river upward to the top of the Narrar Peak (Panjpeer). The maximum height of the settlement is 3,953 feet above sea level. 

The Jhelum river flows at the foot and Khad Thoon joins in it. This separates the village from the other villages in the north. The village along with its many settlements are spread on slopes that face the northeast. It is surrounded by evergreen woods and presents a picturesque view.

This village is unique among Sattis, because the founding father of the Satti Tribe, Baba Satti was born in this village and this is the fundamental settlement of the tribe. Some antiquities related to the forefathers, particularly the father of the tribe still exist and call the tribesmen to come forward and preserve these legacies in reference to your history. 

COLONEL (R) MUHAMMAD YAMIN SATTI

Colonel (R) Muhammad Yamin Satti (Late) was Member of Punjab Assembly for three consecutive terms during 1985-93 and served as Minister for Communication & Works during 1990-93. He also served as Chairman District Council Rawalpindi. He is popularly known as Baba-e-Kohsar and Baba-e-Sattian. He played a vital role in establishing Tehsil Kotli Sattian. 

GHULAM MURTAZA SATTI

Former MNA Ghulam Murtaza Satti was born on June 18, 1966 in his native place Narrar in Tehsil Kahuta, District Rawalpindi. He was elected as MNA on a PPP seat in year 2002. He was elected nazim of the Narrh union council in Kahuta Tehsil in 2000.

On July 24, 2008, the federal government appointed former MNA Ghulam Murtaza Satti as head of Infrastructure Project Development Facility (IPDF). 


Murtaza Satti joined Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf in 2017.

An educationist by profession, he completed master’s degree in public administration from Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad in 1991. 

He got his early education in his native village and after completing his matriculation he traveled to Karachi for his further education.  Murtaza was a colour holder in the volley ball during his university days while he was studying in Karachi University. he is an avid hunter as well.

DR NELOFAR RAUF SATTI

Dr Nelofar Rauf Satti is a full time faculty member at National institute of psychology, centre of excellence, Quaid -i-Azam university, Islamabad. She completed her PhD in Developmental psychology from the same institution. Her PhD research work is with families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. She presented and published her research work on various national and international platforms. Currently she is teaching and supervising research projects at postgraduate level. She is an active member of World Autism Association. Dr Nelofar is the daughter of former Chief Flying Instructor Rawalpindi Flying Club, Raja Abdul Rauf Satti (Late) of Lehtrar (Pallan).


Publications

"Characteristic Symptoms and Adaptive Behaviours of Children with Autism"
"Parental Stress and Autism: Differences in Perceived Stress and Coping Behaviour"
"Depleting Cultural Heritage"