Kot Choudrain

The pre-colonial history of Kot Choudrain is intertwined with that of the broader Chakwal region, a cradle for early human settlements dating back to the ancient Soan Valley civilization. Archaeological findings include stone tools and artifacts from the Paleolithic era. The area’s location along ancient trade routes linked it to the Indus Valley Civilization and later Indo-Aryan migrations, though evidence of continuous occupation at Kot Choudrain is sparse. By the medieval period, tribal strongholds formed amid Rajput clan feuds, with the Mair tribe — claiming descent from Minhas Rajputs of Jammu — emerging as dominant proprietors in the Dhanni tract. The village was likely established as a fortified settlement by the Mair-Minhas Chaudhri families, serving as a taluqdari stronghold.

Under Mughal rule in the 16th century, Emperor Babur drained the marshy Dhanni lake via the Ghori Gala pass, enabling settlement by tribes including the Mairs, who received jagirs (land grants) for services. Internal disputes between branches like Chakwal and Badshaham were common. During Sikh rule in the early 19th century, the Chaudhrials maintained influence as revenue collectors while facing pressure from Ranjit Singh’s expansion.

According to the official *Jhelum District Gazetteer of 1904* (Chapter III – The People), Imperial Chaudhri Ghulám Mehdi, the chief of Kot & Mair Minhas Chief , stands out as a shrewd and far-sighted leader during one of the most turbulent periods in the region’s history. As the Mughal Empire crumbled and local tribes such as the Awáns, Janjúas, and Ghakars posed constant threats, he strategically invited Sardar Maha Singh — father of the future Maharaja Ranjit Singh — to extend protection over the area. In return for this alliance, Maha Singh agreed to grant the old talukdárs (landlords) 200 rent-free asámis (plots of cultivated land, each asámis is roughly 180 acres) and to honor their existing contracts across the pargana.^[4]

What truly sets Chaudhri Ghulám Mehdi apart, however, is his remarkable ability to preserve his family’s holdings when most other chiefs suffered devastating losses. Following a notorious incident in which many new talukdárs (Zamindars) were invited to a banquet and slaughtered by Old Sikh-appointed chaudhris, Maharaja Ranjit Singh confiscated the estates of nearly all the old proprietary families. Chaudhri Ghulám Mehdi alone escaped this widespread confiscation and was permitted to retain the entire Kot Rupwál iláka (estate). The Gazetteer suggests that the Maharaja deliberately chose to keep at least one influential and strong chief from the old order on his side, recognizing the value of such loyalty amid the shifting power dynamics.

Even later, during the upheavals of 1848 — when certain chiefs disgraced themselves by surrendering a British lady (Mrs. George Lawrence) to the Sikhs, leading to further confiscations and loss of proprietary rights — the Chaudrial of Kot (the chiefly line descending from Imperial Ghulám Mehdi) partially escaped the full penalty.

During British colonial rule (1849–1947), Kot Chaudhrain's Chaudhrials contributed to military recruitment and retained their estates under the colonial land revenue system. Sardar Sultan Muhammad Khan served as the first Honourable Magistrate of Jhelum District, head of the Mair-Minhas clan, and a Risaldar in the Royal Poona Horse, and was grandfather to Sardar Ghulam Abbas and Sardar Aftab Akbar. Sardar Khizar Hayat Khan, another family member, was the first MNA elected from Chakwal in 1962 and served as Senator (1985–1988).

After Pakistan’s independence in 1947, Kot Choudrain experienced demographic changes due to Partition, with Muslim families migrating from East Punjab. Mid-20th-century land reforms under President Ayub Khan limited holdings to 500 acres, weakening traditional landlord dominance. The Basic Democracies Order of 1959 formalized union councils like Kot Choudrain for local governance. Under General Zia-ul-Haq (1977–1988), infrastructure improved and local elections strengthened union council functions. In 2001, General Pervez Musharraf’s devolution plan further enhanced local governance and infrastructure, including water and sanitation. The 2005 Kashmir earthquake caused moderate damage, prompting reconstruction efforts.^[5]

• **Chaudhary Ghulam Mehdi** –The Great Chief of Kot & Mair Minhas , preserved family estates during Sikh era & controlled the Dhani Area .^[6]
• **Sardar Sultan Muhammad Khan** – First Honourable Magistrate of Jhelum District, WWI veteran, Risaldar of Royal Poona Horse, head of Mair-Minhas clan.
• **Sardar Khizar Hayat Khan** – First MNA from Chakwal (1962-1964)(1965-1969)(1977), Senator (1985–1988), paternal cousin of Sardar Ghulam Abbas.
• **Sardar Ghulam Abbas** – Former MPA (1985-1988)(1993-1996) , District Nazim, Provincial Minister, current MNA (2024–present).^[7]
• **Sardar Aftab Akbar Khan** – MPA (2018–2023), Tehsil Nazim (2005–2009), Chairman Punjab Education Foundation.

Information from Sources :

Sang e Meel ^[8]

District Gazetteer of Jhelum 1904 ^[9]

Dawn News ^[10]

All India Gazette 1922 ^[11]

1880 Gazette records ^[12]