Rohillas

The Rohillas were a community of ethnic Pashtuns who migrated from the Pashtun region of modern-day Afghanistan to the northern Indian subcontinent, specifically the region of Rohilkhand in Uttar Pradesh, during the 17th and 18th centuries. They established a powerful state in this region, which became known as the Rohilakhand. The term "Rohilla" literally means "descendant of the mountains," referring to their mountainous homeland.

The Rohilla state rose to prominence under leaders like Daud Khan and Ali Muhammad Khan. They were known for their military prowess and administrative skills. The Rohillas played a significant role in the political landscape of North India during the decline of the Mughal Empire, often engaging in conflicts with neighboring powers such as the Marathas and Awadh.

The Rohilla state was eventually absorbed into the Kingdom of Awadh in the late 18th century, following the First Rohilla War and subsequent conflicts involving the British East India Company. Despite the fall of their state, the Rohilla community continued to exist and maintained their cultural identity. Today, Rohillas are found in various parts of India and Pakistan, and they are recognized for their historical contributions to the region's socio-political and military history.