History of the Jats/Acknowledgment
| Wikified by:Laxman Burdak, IFS (R) |
1967 (Eng Tr by Lieutenant Colonel Dal Singh)
The initial desire in me to write a book on Jat history was instilled in me by certain British Officers. In 1910 when I was a Lance Dafadar, Major Wear of the 5th cavalry asked me whether it was correct that the Jats were Scythians or a lower form of Rajput. He said he was not in favor of these opinions but could not find any other record to refute them. I could not give him a suitable reply, but his conversation made me aware of the need for a book on the Jats.
In 1921 when I was Jemadar in 19 KGVO Lancers Major RDC Macdonald, expressed to me his deep dissatisfaction on the absence of any authentic historical record of such a fine martial race as the Jats. Major Macdonald said, that a race without a proper record of its history soon forgets its past and gradually disappears. It was his remarks that made me resolve to write this book. I am grateful to them and the other British Officers who gave me the thought and inspiration in this connection.
In 1945 Lord Wavell expressed to his ADC Honorary Captain Raghbir Singh, that he wished some Jat would write a book in English to express what the Jats thought of themselves in view f the different opinions recorded in history books about their origin. Honorary Captain Raghbir conveyed this to me.
Since then it has been my earnest desire that my book be published in the English Language. My affectionate blessings go to my son Lt. Col. Dal Singh, of the Kumaon Regiment who translated the Hindi manuscript into English.
I am especially debited to Ex Dafadar Ram Swarup Ahlawat B.A. 20 Lancers, for his help in translation, proof reading and completion of the book.
I am most indebted to General K.M. Cariappa ex C-in-C of the Indian Army for sparing his valuable time to peruse the manuscript and write a generous foreword which has elevated the status of my humble efforts.
I am thankful to Hony Capt. Dhara Singh (retd) Ex Havildar Jugti Ram and all those who helped me in numerous ways in bringing out this book Space does not permit me to acknowledge their help individually and by name.
Note: Out of print today, Lt. Joon's book contains 250 pages on history in addition to initial introductory 16 pages. This was also one of the pioneering effort on the History of the Jats. The book translated by Lt. Col. Dal Singh into English was printed in 1967 at the Jaitly Printing Press, 147, Lajpat Rai Market, Delhi - 6.
Back to Books on Jat History