Karlal

The Karlal (Urdu کرڑال also known as Kard'al, Karaal, Karhral, or Kiraal) is a Hindko speaking tribe in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The majority of the tribe is native of the Abbottabad District, and inhabit the hilly area of the Galyat and the Nara tract. A minority are also settled in the Haripur District.

History

There are mixed views on the tribe's history. Today, however, in Haripur and Abbottabad, they are known as 'Sardars' (leaders). This is because they were among the original leaders of the area before the Delhi Sultanate in the 12th century.

As per 'Wajab Ul Arz' of 1874 compiled by British authorities, the Karlal tribe throughout history tried to retain their independence.

In 1822 Ranjit Singh sent a large force under General Amar Singh Majithia, which was defeated by the Karlals, killing Amar Singh. From 1822 to 1845 the Karlal tribe fought many battles with Sikhs and was able to retain its independence throughout the Sikh period. In 1844 Lahore Darbar sent a large force under Diwan Mulraj and Hari Singh to subdue the Karlal country. Taking advantage of the terrain, the Karlals were able to defeat the Sikh army at Nah, killing more than 150 Sikh soldiers. Despite of the Sikh Empire holding parts of lower Hazara, including some Karlal territory, the Karlal tribe paid no tribute to the Sikh Empire and remained Independent.