Jakhar

Jakhar is a surname and clan name used by members of the Jat community in northern India. It is most commonly found in the Indian states of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and western Uttar Pradesh, and among Punjabi- and Haryanvi-speaking communities both inside India and in the diaspora. The name is used by people of Hindu and Sikh backgrounds in these regions.

Origin and usage

The exact origin of the Jakhar surname is not definitively documented. In Jat onomastics, surnames often reflect paternal lineage, clan affiliation, or a historical settlement. The Jakhar clan is generally thought to be linked to a locality or village associated with the name, from which families adopted Jakhar as a surname. Variations in spelling can occur due to regional and linguistic differences.

Socio-cultural context

Historically, Jat clans including Jakhar were prominent in agrarian communities across parts of the Doab and Malwa regions. In contemporary times, bearers of the Jakhar name pursue a range of professions beyond farming, including education, business, and public service. Caste and clan identities can intersect with regional politics and social networks in parts of northern India.

Notable people

Notable individuals bearing the surname include Balram Jakhar, a prominent Indian politician, and Sunil Jakhar, a Punjab-based politician and public figure.

See also

Jat clans and lineage groups; Jakhar clan.