The original caste name of the Ramgarhias was Thoka (carpenter) from their occupation. Their ancestors had become Sikhs and were raised from their lowly status to become the high priests of Sikhs. Their skill and their strong right arm brought them power. When Sikhs became the dominant force in Punjab and captured Amritsar, their leader Jassa Singh Thoka, built the fort, Ram Rauni, and changed the name of the clan to Ramgarhia. He, his brothers and their father, Bhagwan Singh, helped Zakariya Khan in a number of battles and were rewarded with several jagirs.
The largest concentration of Ramgarhias is in Ludhiana, which also houses the central secretariat of the Ramgarhia Central Federation.
About the middle of the 18th century, the Sikhs took advantage of the conflict between the Afghans and the Mughals and spread out in the Baro Doab, the Jalandhar Doab and across the Sutlej as far as Jind and Thanesar.
History of Ramgarhia Community: The Ramgarhia community came into existence with the rose of a new leader, Jassa Singh Thoka. The history of this community witnessed a long battle with Mir Mannu, the Mughal governor of Punjab. They have also helped the national leaders in the Indian independence struggle.
Society of Ramgarhia Community: The society is a close knit one where marriages are not held extravagantly. As a community they have served the country soldiers, politicians, religious leaders and vary other ways.
(Last Updated on : 8/04/2009)
