The term "Ranghad" is commonly associated with Ranghars, or individuals of Rajput descent originating from Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. While a significant portion of individuals bearing this surname adhere to the Muslim faith, there also exists a considerable Hindu population among the Ranghad community in Haryana. Following the Partition of India in 1947, many Muslim Ranghads migrated to Pakistan, primarily settling in the provinces of Punjab and Sindh.

Etymology of the term "Ranghad" The term Ranghad finds its roots in Sanskrit, deriving from the combination of "rann" meaning "battle," and "ghada," meaning "to make." When combined, Ranghad signifies "the one who is made for battle."

Historical records reveal variations in the application of the term across different regions and contexts. According to the Rohtak Gazetteer of 1883, Ranghad was used to describe both Hindu and Muslim Rajputs in the Rohtak district. Similarly, the Hisar Gazetteer echoes this usage in Hisar. However, in Karnal, the term Ranghad referred exclusively to Muslim Rajputs. This distinction is further supported by the "Geographical, Statistical, and Historical Description of Hindostan and Adjacent Countries" (1820), which associates Ranghad solely with Muslim Rajputs.

The etymology of Ranghad as a term denoting a warrior is corroborated by various sources. "Elliot's Races of the North-Western Provinces" (1844) and H. Blochmann's translation of "Ain-e-Akbari" both attribute its origin to "rann," meaning battle. Additionally, James Tod's "Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan" (1829) tells that Ranghad is an epithet applied to Rajputs, implying a turbulent nature stemming from strife.

Rajasthani literature further reflects the usage of Ranghad as a synonym for Rajputs, irrespective of their religious affiliation. For instance, the verses of "Rajiya Ra Doha" by Kripa Ram Ji Khidiya (1743-1833), also known as Rajiya Barhath Kriparam Khidiya, depict Ranghad as emblematic of Rajput valor. "Jaat subhaav na jaaye, ke Ranghad bodo hai,

Hai ran maacha aaye, reeth bajaave Raajiya."

"Ran Ranghad raaji rahe, baale mocha bat

Tarwara tegaa jhade, jad maache gah ghat.

Rann rachi jad Raanghada, kampe dhara Kamath

Rath roke pahata ravi, jad maache gah ghat." These verses, along with numerous others from Rajasthani literature, emphasize the heroic attributes associated with the term Ranghad.

Through various historical accounts and literary references, the term Ranghad emerges as a symbol of martial prowess and valor, encapsulating the spirit of Rajput heritage across different regions and epochs.

Ranghadi language The Ranghad Rajputs migrated from Haryana settled in Pakistan refer their language as ranghadi. Although the same language is known as Haryanvi in India.

According to the book "A memoir of central India" (1832), The Ranghadi Bhasha prevails as far West as the Indus, East as far as the frontier of Bundelkhand, South to the Satpoora hills, and North to Jeypoor, Joudpoor, and Jesselmeer. There is in different provinces a difference in the pronunciation, and in many of the words; but the language is the same, and is written in the same character. Many books and songs have been composed in this language. The reason is that because the Rajputs of this region often known as Rangra/Rangda.

Further he also mentioned that the word Ranghad, the Rajpoots say, is derived from Run, signifying battle, and Gurh, a fort; an epithet asserted to have been given them by one of the Kings of Delhi, expressive of their bravery.

Conversion to Islam The conversion to Islam among the Ranghad community is a subject marked by various narratives across different estates. Some accounts attribute their conversion to figures like Khawaja Moin ud Din Ajmeri, renowned for their religious teachings. However, a significant wave of conversions occurred during the reign of Firoz Shah Tughlaq, a prominent ruler of the Delhi Sultanate. Under his administration, a substantial number of Rajputs, including groups like the Qaimkhani and Khanzadas of Rajputana and Mewat, embraced Islam. This period witnessed a similar trend among the Ranghad estates, wherein many were compelled or influenced to convert to Islam.

The influence exerted by these converted Ranghads subsequently extended to other Rajput communities in Haryana, fostering a broader wave of conversions to Islam within the region.

Ranghad resistance against British colonial rule

Pre-1857 Rebellions In 1803, after the dominance of the British over Haryana, the Muslim Bhatti Rajputs of western Haryana adopted a tough stance against the British. They organized under the leadership of Zabita Khan of Sirsa and Rania, and Khan Bahadur Khan of Fatehabad. In response, the British Government launched several expeditions to subdue the rebellion. Despite numerous attacks, the British were unable to rout the Bhattis and their leaders. British established a strong garrison at Hansi fort under the command of Mirza Illahi Beg, a Mughal chieftain who was appointed as the Nazim of Hisar. However, he was killed by the Ranghads. Consequently, the British distributed the aforementioned territory among the nawabs of Jhajjar, Loharu, and Dujana. The British sent Colonel Browning in 1803, but the Bhattis again defeated the British forces. In the battle Colonel Browning was also killed.

The British postponed campaigns in the Sirsa region until 1809, during which time the Bhatti Rajputs continued their plundering in British territory. The British Resident, A. Scton, at the instance of Governor General Lord Minto, dispatched a large contingent under the command of Edward Gardiner in 1809 to establish British control over the region.

Gardiner first targeted the Rohtak territory, marching via Ballabhgarh and reaching Beri in the middle of March 1809. Here, he encountered little opposition from the rebels. Subsequently, the Zamindars of Dighal, Kahanaur, and Nigana (Ranghad villages) were brought under control.After settling the Rohtak region, Gardiner proceeded to Hisar. While en route, about 2,000 Ranghads attacked the British force on May 14, 1809, resulting in a bloody battle at Balliali, a small village near Hansi. Despite the villager's gallant efforts, they were defeated due to their small numbers and inferior arms and ammunition.

Following this, Colonel Skinner, Colonel Ball, and Colonel Adam's forces joined Gardiner's contingent. The contingent first attacked Bhiwani, and then the British troops launched an assault on the Bhatti Ranghads, but were defeated and Col. Ball was killed. In the months of June–July 1810, Colonel Skinner, with his cavalry force, launched another attack, but again was defeated. On December 3, 1810, Colonel Adam, commanding a considerably large force, attacked the rebels. The Bhattis fiercely resisted the British force at Fatehabad but were ultimately defeated. Colonel Adam then attacked Sirsa and Rania on December 19 and 21 respectively. Nawab Zabita Khan fled, while the Bhattis fought valiantly, albeit in vain.

In this region, a considerable military force was stationed at Hansi, which also served as the civil headquarters. Edward Gardiner held charge of the district for six years. Even after his submission to the British, Nawab Zabita Khan continued to encourage raids on his neighbors and disregarded his masters' authority. The British Resident repeatedly instructed the Bhatti Chief to restrain his activities but to no avail.

Finally, in 1818, a British force was dispatched against him. Despite the Bhattis utmost resistance, they were ultimately defeated. Consequently, thousands of Bhattis were killed, and Sirsa and Rania were confiscated.

Similarly, opposition arose from the Ranghads, Meos, Ahirs, and Jats of southern Haryana, including the districts of Gurgaon and Mahendergarh. These territories were either directly ruled by the Company or through native chiefs. The people fought beyond expectations, and the British forces crushed their rebellion by 1809.

Mutiny of 1857 During the Indian Rebellion of 1857, the Ranghads openly opposed British colonial rule and fought bravely. Ranghads in the Rohtak district, who served as soldiers in a regular regiment of the East India Company, played a significant role. When these soldiers went on leave, Bahadur Shah Zafar's messenger Tafazzul Hussain, leading a small army, met with these Ranghads. The messenger convinced them to join the revolt.

Upon learning of this development, Rohtak's collector, John Adam Loach, deemed it more appropriate to flee with his officers, recognizing their inability to face the rebels. Subsequently, the rebels set fire to government offices and bungalows and released prisoners from Rohtak jail. John Adam Loch, along with the 60th regiment native infantry led by Thomas Seaton, attempted to control the rebels by camping at the District Court Rohtak with the regiment. However, the soldiers of the same regiment also turned rebellious.

Under the leadership of Rao Basharat Ali, the rebels liberated a large portion of Rohtak from British control. In response, Major General Wilson dispatched Lieutenant Hudson to Rohtak with six British officers and 361 armed soldiers to crush the rebellion. Soon, Hudson confronted the rebels under the command of Risaldar Basharat Ali Rao. Hudson described the rebels as fighting fiercely, but Risaldar Basharat Ali was martyred, and the rebels retreated.

The following morning, Ranghads under the leadership of Rao Sabar Khan attacked Hudson's force with 300 horse riders and 1000 other soldiers. Hudson was defeated and retreated to Delhi with his remaining force.

1915 Singapore Mutiny On 27 January 1915, the 5th Light Infantry was to be transferred to Hong Kong for garrison duties. The 5th light infantry primerly consisted of Ranghad soldiers. Under the leadership of three officers, Subedar Dunde Khan, Jemedar Chiste Khan, and Jemedar Ali Khan the regiment did a mutiny against the British army. The mutiny lasted for almost three days and they killed about 36 British soldiers. Mutiny was eventually suppressed by Allied forces after several days of intense conflict. Allied naval vessels, including French and Japanese warships, arrived to assist in quelling the rebellion. The mutineers were gradually rounded up and captured, with many of them scattering into the jungle. 64 mutineers were sentenced to transportation for life, and 73 received prison terms ranging from seven to 20 years. 47 were sentenced to execution by firing squad publicly.

Ranghad Rajput clans

Panwar The Panwars of Rohtak claim descent from two of the princes of Ujjain named Kalyan Singh and Bhawan Singh, who were married to the Tomar princesses of Delhi. These princesses were the daughters of Raja Anangpal Tomar II. Raja Anangpal, the ruler of the Tomara dynasty at that time, granted them jagirs in Rohtak and the surrounding region. Raja Kalyan Singh, first of all, established a new town named Kalanaur, derived from his own name. Later, his descendants spread throughout the Rohtak region and established many estates. The city of Rohtak is also said to be named after one of the Panwar chieftains named Rohtas Singh Panwar after he built a new fort named Rohtasgarh. The Panwars of Rohtak were formidable adversaries of the Tanwars of Hisar, and Sandhill at Mahim served as the fixed boundary between their territories.

Chauhan