Dhund (tribe)

Dhund Abbasi (Punjabi: ڈُھنڈ عباسی, romanized: Ḍhunḍ 'Abbāsī) is a Punjabi tribe mainly populating Pakistan's northwestern Punjab, particularly Muree district, and neighbouring regions of Hazara and Azad Kashmir (mainly Bagh and Muzaffarabad districts).^[1] They natively speak Punjabi dialects, mainly Pahari and Hindko.^[2]

Dhund Abbasi
Religions	Islam
Languages	Punjabi (mainly Pahari and Hindko)
Country	Pakistan
Region	Punjab, Hazara, Azad Kashmir
Ethnicity	Punjabi

They have adopted several titles such as "Khan", "Sardar" and "Raja". The Dhund tribe is divided into four sections: the Chandal, Gaiyal, Ratnial, and Andwal clans.^[3]

History and origins

This tribe claims an Arab ancestry. The title Dhund is said to be an honorary name given to one of their forefathers.^[2][4]

Alleged origins

Hashemite Branch

Dhund Abbasis of Poonch, Hazara and Murree trace their lineage to a common ancestor "Syed Ghayyas-Ud-Deen Zorab Shah Al-Abbasi" (also known as Sardar Zarab Khan Abbasi), whom is said to have served under Mahmud Ghaznavi, and allegedly a descendant of Abbas ibn Abd al-Muttalib, serving as a commander of Arab tribes. He is said to have participated in Mahmud's campaign to conquer Kashmir, after which he and his lineage settled around the region. He is said to have settled in Darab-kot, Kahuta, where he was buried.^[5]

Takht Khan

Some Dhund Abbassis instead trace their ancestry to Takht Khan, whom is said to have participated in the invasion by Timur, after which he and his lineage settled in the region.^[6]