THIS ABOVE ALL
The brave Khokhrains
Khushwant Singh

Khokhrains are a caste group of Punjabi Khatris, comprising Kohlis (our Prime Minister and his wife Gursharan are Kohlis), Sahnis or Sawhneys, Chaddhas, Anands, Sabharwals, and, perhaps, some other sub-sects. They prefer to make matrimonial alliances among themselves. I know quite a few of them but no one knew how and where the word Khokhrain came from. I have the answer now from the recently published autobiography written by I.P. Anand, entitled A Crusader’s Century: In Pursuit of Ethical Values (K.W. Publishers).

He writes: "Centuries ago when the Aryans were moving down, and since Alexander’s and Porus’ time, certain sects from the principality of Khokhar, somewhere between Baluchistan and Afghanistan, also moved down. Their descendants were called Khokhrains. In the Indian side, Porus ruled the region that fell between the rivers Jhelum and the Chenab, also called Chaj. They were noted for having defeated and killed Mohammed Ghauri, to avenge the murder of Prithvi Raj Chauhan, who was a striking figure in Indian history during the latter part of the 12th century.

"Porus was known for his bravado and for the clout that he had acquired with the support of all those who had accepted his leadership of the Khokhrains. That led to great support for him when subsequently Alexander came into conflict with him near the Jhelum. Thus Porus, who was of the Sabharwal sub-caste and a part of the Khokhrains caste group, came to be the leader."

I.P. Anand joined the Thapar group of companies to become the chief spokesman of its multi-faceted enterprises. He was jailed in the Quit India Movement. He came into contact with many Congress leaders as well as Jaya Prakash Narayan. He was also with the ILO (International Labour Organisation). He has a high opinion of himself and wants his readers to share it.

Different phases of man

After engagement — superman; after marriage — gentleman; after 10 years — watchman; after 20 years — Doberman.

There is only one perfect child in the world, and every mother has it. There is only one perfect wife in the world, and every neighbour has it.

Prospective husband: "Do you have a book called Man, the Master of Women?"

Salesgirl: "The fiction department is on the other side, Sir."

The world’s thinnest book has only one word written in it: "Everything"; and the book is entitled "What Women Want!"

A man who surrenders when he is wrong is honest. A man who surrenders when he’s not sure is wise. A man who surrenders when he is right is a husband.

Girlfriends are like chocolates, taste good anytime.

Lovers are like pizzas, hot and spicy, eaten frequently.

Husbands are like dal rice, eaten when there is no choice.

A man receives a telegram: Wife dead – should be buried or cremated?

Man: Don’t take any chances. Burn the body and bury the ash.

One woman brings you into this world crying; and the other ensures you continue to do so for the rest of your life!

Q: Why doesn’t law permit a man to marry a second woman?

A: Because as per law, you cannot be punished twice for the same offence.

Lady to her maid: "Oh Sita, I have reason to suspect that my husband is having an affair with his secretary."

Sita: "I don’t believe it! You are just saying that to make me jealous."

(Contributed by Vipin Buckshey, New Delhi. Courtesy: Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Husbands)