The Lost Princes: Uncovering the Forgotten History of the Mohyal Vaid Kings

Sadly, history has a repeated habit of overlooking interesting stories, and the warrior Brahmins of India, particularly the Mohyal Vaids, are a prime example of this. The Mohyal Vaids were highly influential scholars, rulers, and defenders, and their lineage successfully straddled the very different worlds of spirituality and warfare.    

His Highness Prince Vikram of Jalalabad and the history of his family intertwines with theirs. HH Prince Vikram's grandmother, Princess Pushpa Devi, came from Pakistan after the partition. The Indian government, recognising her lineage, granted her land and a Privy purse. She married Pandit Jagdish Mittar Dhaumya  ( Pandit Jagdish Mittars grandfather was the Raj Vaidya -Royal Doctor-in the royal court of the King of Kashmir. HH Prince Vikram is their grandson.

His Highness Prince Vikram of Jalalabad, is the current heir of the princely estate of Jalalabad. This deep family connection has sparked a lot of fascination and dogged determination to uncover their forgotten history.

Unlike their more priestly counterparts, the Mohyal Brahmins decided to take to the sword as readily as the scriptures. They came from the ancient Sapta Sindhu region, and their presence in governance and warfare dates back to the Vedic period. Very distinct from other Brahmin communities, they forged strong alliances with kings and emperors while fiercely guarding their identity. The Vaid sub-clan was particularly successful, carving out highly desirable positions of power and honour, with their wisdom and strategic brilliance in battle earning them increasing levels of respect. Their history is not just a story of service but a tale of lost sovereignty - a long-forgotten chapter in India's regal history.

The Mohyals are a branch of the larger Bawanjai Saraswat group – "Bawanjai" meaning 52 lineages, some of which, like the Gakhars, converted to Islam. The Mohyals themselves are a collection of seven Brahmin lineages from the Gandhara region who, long ago, traded priestly duties for the life of a soldier and administrator. This community, known for producing distinguished soldiers (including one of India's most decorated Generals), strictly avoids priestly work, even excommunicating those who break this tradition.    

They also differ from other Brahmin groups in customs and taboos, setting them apart as a distinct ethnic group. When Gandhara faced repeated invasions and a decline in Hinduism, many Brahmins transitioned to administrative and military roles. The Mohyals are believed to have emerged from this group, seven lineages united by their martial and administrative achievements. Other "Brahma-Kshatriya" groups, descended from Parshuram, arose across the subcontinent, like the Bhumihar Brahmins, Goud Brahmins, Gaud Saraswat Brahmins, Anavil Brahmins, Havyak Brahmins and Namboothiri Brahmins. With so many men in military service, the Mohyals developed a warlike culture, earning a reputation for courage, loyalty, and bravery. They have even been called 'Hussaini Brahmins'.

India's history witnessed the Mohyal Vaid's rise to power in many regions during the medieval period. They often served in key posts as administrators and governors under Hindu and Sikh rulers. But while their contributions to the courts of Rajput and Kshatriya kings are well documented, their own independent rule, though significant, sadly remains primarily obscured by history. They were not just key advisors or generals; they were kings in their own right, holding dominion over lands now lost to common historical narratives.  

The decline of Hindu kingdoms and the rise of Islamic invasions altered the destiny of the Mohyal Vaids. While many assimilated into the Mughal and Afghan courts, often retaining a degree of autonomy, they also continued to hold onto their lands. Their people managed their survival by strategically forging strong alliances and necessary resistance when required. But as the wheels of history continued to turn, their rule was gradually eclipsed, their names slowly vanishing from royal chronicles.

During the rise of the Sikh Empire under Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the Mohyals, particularly the Vaids, experienced a resurgence. Many figures rose to prominence, holding positions as high-ranking officials and military leaders and becoming close allies of the Sikh leadership. However, by this time, their royal identity had largely been eroded and replaced by their reputation as warriors and politicians.  

Who were these lost Indian princes? They were proud and strong Mohyal Vaid rulers whose lineages were swallowed by India's shifting political landscape. Some were exiled, others watched their dynasties crumble under colonial rule, and many faded into the background as history was largely rewritten. Unlike the well-documented Rajput or Maratha kings, the Mohyal Vaids were let down and left without a preserved history; their kingdoms may be lost, but their warrior spirit endured.  

Today, descendants of these forgotten rulers remain, carrying the legacy of their ancestors, often unaware of the royal blood that flows through their veins. It is gratifying to know that the Mohyal community continues to thrive, and its members are achieving success in diverse fields. Yet it is a sad truth that the story of their royal past lies hidden beneath layers of long-forgotten history. But the truth is that the Mohyal Vaids were more than just warriors-they were kings, and their story deserves to be told.

HH Prince Vikram is one of your Lost Princes with a long royal history with untold stories to unravel.

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