Mangral Rajputs
The Mangral are a Pothwari-Punjabi Rajput tribe found in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan and Potohar Plateau of Punjab, Pakistan.
History
They claim to be descended from Raja Mangar Pal, a Raja. Mangar Pal emigrated from present day Sialkot to Rajauri, Poonch in what is now Jammu and Kashmir. Raja Mangar Pal's descendants settled there and Kotli Mangrallan town emerged.Raja Mangar Pal was reportedly the son of Raja Amna Pal, the last ruler of Rajouri. Raja Amna Pal governed the region from 1217 to 1272 CE. Mangar Pal is considered to belong to the fifth generation descended from Raja Prithvi Pal, the first formally recorded ruler of Rajouri, who reigned from 968 to 1020 CE.
One local historian contends that the Mangral community predates Raja Mangar Pal, asserting instead that the group derives its name from Mangal Rao, a son of Rao Bhati.
The Mangrals are a distinct community with a notable social standing. Although sometimes referred to as Mangral Gakkhars, historical evidence does not support a direct lineage with the Gakkhars. This association may stem from social customs, such as their practice of not marrying their daughters to any tribe except Gakkhars. Mangrals are also reported to have historically maintained close relations with the Sudhan community.
Following the 1947 Partition of India and Pakistan, the Mangral community was divided geographically and along kinship lines. Some members had previously migrated from Chowki Moong and settled in grazing lands that later became part of India. After partition, they permanently established themselves in regions such as Mendhar in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir.