Mohana (Sindhi tribe)

The Mohana or sometimes pronounced Mohano are a Sindhi tribe found in the provinces of Sindh and Punjab in Pakistan. Many of them prefer the self-designation Mir Bahar[1]

The Mohana of Sindh

Boathouse in pakistan

Mohana historically involved in the Fishing industry. The Mohana tribe are Muslims, following the Sunni Hanafi Fiqh, and speak Sindhi. Many Mohana prefer self-designation Mir-Bahar, which means Lord of the sea. They are found throughout Sindh, but are concentrated along the shore of Lake Manchar. In Balochistan, the Mohana are often referred to as Medes, and are found mainly in Makran. According to some traditions, the Mohana are descendents of the Scythian Medes, who lived on the banks of the Indus some thousand years ago. They are one of the Sindhi tribes mentioned in the Chachnama, and together with the Lohana, Soomra and Samma are considered to be the original inhabitants of Sindh.[2]

The Mohana are not only fishermen, but sailors and boatmen as well. Many are employed on fishing trawlers in Karachi. They have many sub-divisions, the main ones being the Karachia and Laria. Each sub-division inter marries, although there is a preference in marrying close kin. They also have a close relationship with the Mallaah community of coastal Sindh, and the two groups often intermarry.[3]

The Mohana of Punjab

The Mohana are also found in Punjab, especially in the districts of Muzaffargarh, Rahim Yar Khan and Rajanpur, along the banks of the Indus river. Unlike the Sindh Mohana, a number of Punjab Mohana are settled agriculturists. They have nine clans which are as follows:

All these clans intermarry and consider themselves of equal status. Most Ichchhe are now farmers, with their villages found along the Indus. The Balhara or Bilhara are now entirely landowners and cultivators, owning several villages on the Chenab and Indus.[4]

The Mohana are strictly endogamous, very rarely marrying out of their tribe. However, there customs are similar to tribes of a similar status found along the banks of the Indus such as the Jhabel and Mallaah. They speak Seraiki among themselves and Urdu with outsiders.

The Mohana of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa [KPK]

The Mohana are also found in KPK, especially in the district of D.I.KHAN and Tank. In D.I.KHAN along the banks of the Indus river. Unlike the Sindh Mohana Punjab Mohana, KPK Mohana agriculturists and they are Govt: Employee and other Business. They have clans which are as follows:

See also

References

  1. ↑ Gazetteer of the province of Sind by Edward H Aitken 1907 pages 177 to 178
  2. ↑ Gazetteer of the province of Sind by Edward H Aitken 1907 pages 177 to 178
  3. ↑ Gazetteer of the province of Sind by Edward H Aitken 1907 pages 177 to 178
  4. ↑ A Glossary of the Tribes and Castes of Punjab and the North West Frontier Province Volume page 124 by Horace A Rose
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