Duggal

Duggal is a prominent Khatri (Kshatriya) clan from the Punjab region of Northern India and Pakistan.

The Khatris (Punjabi) or Kshatriyas (Sanskrit, (K) silent) are a north Indian community that originated in the Potwar Plateau of Punjab. This region is historically connected with the composition of the Vedas and classics like the Mahabharata and Ashtadhyayi. In the old varna (caste) system, the Kshatriya were members of the Hindu military order who, as administrators and rulers, were tasked with protecting Hindu dharma, and serving humanity. In the course of time, however, as a result of economic and political exigencies, Khatris also expanded into mercantile occupations.

When India was divided to placate the demands of its Muslims for a country of their own, most of the Khatris in the Punjab which was divided to create Pakistan migrated to India. In one of the worst human tragedies of modern history, which resulted in the deaths of untold thousands, millions of Hindu and Sikh families, many of them of the Khatri caste, were forced to abandon their hereditary family lands and move to the Indian side of the British-imposed dividing line. Today, Khatris live in all regions of India, but are concentrated in East Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. While most Khatris are Hindu, some are also Sikh, some Muslim and even a small minority are Jain. Khatris of all these faiths collectively form one community. In modern times, the Khatri play a significant role in the Indian economy, serving as businessmen, civil and government administrators, landlords and military officials.