The Loi, Loey, Loyi or Loei, Jats are a small and lesser-known Jat clan with deep roots in the Hoshiarpur region of Punjab, India. The Loi Jats are one of the rarest, if not the rarest Jat clan out there, and they are all original and pure Jats. Originally, they came from the southern part of the Indus Valley in present-day Sindh, Pakistan, which is where all Jats trace their origins. The Loi Jats, as part of the Indo-Aryan tribes, migrated to Punjab in the 16th century and eventually settled in the village of Pandori Ganga Singh.
The name “Loi” is said to originate either from the village Loi in Uttar Pradesh or the villages Loi Sarai, and Loi Bazar. It may of from the Loi mountains in Burma. Loi means shawl, which is used to keep you warm in the Punjabi language. The Loi Jats in Punjab are said to have their origins in Hoshairpur in Pandori Ganga Singh, a Jat village, known for Shaheed Mohinder Singh Babbar.
The Loi Jats have a long history in farming and land ownership, which has been passed down through generations. This connection to the land has shaped not only their livelihoods but also their identity. Known for being hardworking, brave, and resilient, the Loi Jats share the typical traits of Jats—tall, muscular, and strong—qualities that have helped them thrive as farmers. They owned some of the healthiest farm animals and herds of farm animals within their village and gained a high reputation for that.
Today, the Loi Jats are a prosperous community, owning significant amounts of land and leading happy lives. While they are mostly practicing Sikhs now, with a strong connection to their faith, it’s interesting to note that in the 1891 India Census, they were recorded as Hindu Jats. Over time, they fully embraced Sikhism, and it has become a big part of who they are.
Despite their achievements, the Loi Jats remain a relatively small and not very well-known Jat clan. Many of them still live in Punjab, taking care of their farms and land, but others have moved abroad to places like the UK, the US,
and Canada. Even though they’ve spread out, they’ve held onto their heritage and take great pride in their roots.
The story of the Loi Jats, from their beginnings in Sindh to their lives in Punjab and beyond, shows how this small clan has kept its unique identity and traditions alive, despite being lesser-known compared to other Jat groups. Their history is a testament to their strength, adaptability, and deep connection to the land.
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