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Diwan Jethmal Chhabria

Since King Akbar's rule, Hindus were employed freely in Government Service.

Miya Adam Shah Kalhori introduced this system first in Sind. He appointed Diwan Gidumal (Gidwani), who was from the days of Mirs given title of Diwan, to his court.

Miya Noor Mohd. Kalhori, while on a visit and inspection of Multan and its surroundings, met Diwan Adomal (Advani) and other Hindus.

In Punjab, Sikhs, led by Guru Gobind Singh, had shown their might, and proved their worthiness.

Diwan Adomal (Advani) having mastered swordsmanship was appointed Commander by Miya Noor Mohd. and brought him to Sind with him. Later other Hindus came to Sind.

Hindus, had already settled in Sind. Naro, towards Tando Bhagi, Asso Sumro (Rajput), Tamachi ( Yadoovanshi Rajput), and others ruled the area around Larkana, but no alliance with Miya Noor Mohd. Rana Dhareja ruled area towards Mirpur Sakri independently. (Sind Gazetteer page 111.)  These Ranas already ruled over Thhar Division

Towards Thata and Jathi, there were Vanjharas (traders), who sailed over the sea and ocean to do their trade. Shah Abdul Latif has made a mention of them in his volumes (Rasalo: Sur Sarag and Samundhi). These traders were worshipers of Sea lords (God) and the wives did Bahrano (Praying to Sea Lord and offering food to fishes in the river, sea and ocean), so that the men return safely back home.

Those Hindus who worked for Kalhoras, were called Amils and Diwans, and those who followed their fathers foot steps were called Bhaibunds. Hindus in Sind, thus came to be divided in two groups.

The Amil means "Amal,( Hukum Ka Amal Karo = Follow the Order), meaning Manager who follows Rulers (Boss, Proprietor, Owner's) order. All Kamoras, big and small, came to be identified as Amils.

The word Diwan is a Farsi ( Persian ) word. Its Sanskrit equivalent is Div, meaning to shine, sparkle. The Diwans would dress in their official attire when attending Rulers Court, Privy Council, Cabinet Council and Diwan e Aam (Public Hall) and stands out amongst the others.

During Muslim Rule, Diwans were appointed to the post of Revenue Collectors.

Diwan Jethmal (Jethmalani) was Governor of Shikarpur.

During the lifetime of Thakurdas, Shikarpur was taken by Mirs (politically).They appointed a Hindu vazir (Dewan Jethmal Chhabria). He was specially appointed to revive the trade activities. He was a typical shikarpuri with trade in his blood. This was a period when barter system was being replaced by currency. Dewan Jethmal was allowed to mint gold mohurs which became running currency (this was fore - runner to British guineas minted much afterwards). The gold mohurs of Jethmal are exhibited in Prince Albert London museum. During this period accounting and money lending skills of Shikarpuris were in great demand. The Shikarpuri banker’s reach extended upto Bukhara, Baku and Astraskhan (Uzbek-Iran border) which continued till Russian czar took over these areas and Russian banks were forced to replace Shikarpuris. Most of the big and monumental Serais (Business offices) in Shikarpur were made in this period. It may be interesting to note that Dewan Jethmal’s progeny have started identifying themselves as Jethmalanis instead of Chhabria after the name of their illustrious ancestor. Thakurdas married a lady who was essentially a very simple natured lady from this diwan Jethmal’s family. He built three storied house in Shikarpur and was a proficient banker and accountant. There was some misunderstanding between him and his wife, and his wife went away to her mother’s house. Although well placed, he found it difficult to continue in Shikarpur with hostile and influential in- laws. He left Shikarpur along with his sons Lalchand and Mulchand for Bukhara.

He returned from Bukhara with more wealth. During his absence, the political climate had improved and Dewan Jethmal also had expired and his sons Lalchand and Mulchand were to be married and settled (about 1860 A.D.) The dramatic conditions under which Lalchand insisted his estranged mother to be called back to bless him at the time of his marriage ceremony became an unforgettable folk-lore heard umpteen times in the family. The details of such drama can even today form the basis of television serial. But in an old conservative Shikarpuri society it created an admiration and controversy. This incident became talk of the town and gave publicity to the family for a long time to come.

JETHMALANI: - Mr. Jethmal.

Nukh: Chhabria.

The Mukhi’s of Hyderabad, Saghranis, have the same Nukh.

Jethmalanis are Arorvanshi hailing from Shikarpur. Diwan Jethmal, son of Diwan Beleram, forefather of the Jethmalanis, was appointed by the Mir, rulers of Hyderabad, as Governor of Shikarpur. The official currency that was in circulation was produced in a Mint owned by Diwan Jethmal. The coins bore his mark “ J ” on it. Even after the British takeover, the coins remained a legal tender.

During the first German war, the price of the metal rose. The metal in the coins was worth more then its face value. This led to coins being melted. Five of those coins were shown by Diwan Gurmukhdas Advocate, son of Diwan Notandas, Grandson of Diwan Jethmal, to the author Diwan Bherumal M. Advani. Due to wear and tear, the alphabet “ J “ was not very visible. But the word ‘Shikarpur’ was very clear. It was an honor for a Sindhi Hindu in the Muslim era, to have his coins as a legal tender.

Diwan Jethmal’s army consisted of “Rohila” (Pathans from the Mountains). He, Diwan Jethmal, being a Hindu, had Muslims protecting him.

Diwan Jethmal was a loyal and trusted Diwan of the Mirs and remained loyal to them even after their rule ended with the British take over. The British offered Diwan Jethmal a post in the government, but Diwan Jethmal declined the offer and migrated to Multan where he lived with Lala Mulraj, Governor of Multan. Soon thereafter, Mir Ali Murad Khan offered Diwan Jethmal the post of Revenue Minister in the State of Kherpur. Diwan Jethmal happily accepted the post and shifted to Kherpur.

Diwan Jethmal’s son, Diwan Notandas was a Mukhtiarkar. (Revenue Officer). Diwan Notandas’ sons: M/s. Sukhramdas, Radhakrishin, Sanwaldas, Gurmukhdas Advocate and Sakhawatrai. The Jethmalanis were the only Diwans in Shikarpur. Sanwaldas had sons: M/s. Ramchand Jethmalani ( his wife Sita Jethmalanai) and Gurmukhdas had a son named Boolchand Jethmalani. His son's names is Ram Jethmalani ( Eminent Indian Lawyer and Former Union Minister)

Diwan Bherumal M. Advani writes that “Mirza Atta Mohammed” had given detailed information on Jethmalanis in his volume “Dastakhat Tareekh”, written in Farsi.

Sources: Links :http://sindhisbysurnames.wordpress.com/2010/10/09/jethmalani-ram-highlights/ http://www.dalsabzi.com/Books/Sindhi_surnames/Chapter%203.htm Diwan Bherumal Meharchand. "Sindh Je Hindun Jee Tareekh"-1919