Bali clan

The Bali are a clan of the Mohyal Brahmin community, who originated from North India, particularly the states of Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Delhi (after the partition).

The Issar/Ishar/Isher clan is a prominent sub-branch of the Bali clan of Mohyal Brahmins, formed in the 12th century after a marriage dispute between the queen of Malot and the children of Rai Tirlok Nath Bali, a notable Mohyal warrior who was one of the seven warriors of Jhelum called to Raja Jayachandra's Rajasuya Yajna in 1191 CE; notable members include actor Puneet Issar. ^{[1] [2]}

Early history

The Mohyals were once priests that resided near the ancient Saraswati river, that used to flow from the Himalayas and down to the Arabian Sea. ^[3] However during the Vedic Period, Bhagwan Parashurama, a famous warrior sage militarised these priests into fierce warriors that would go on to unify the areas of northwestern India and defend it from many invasions. ^[4]

References

1. "History of Mohyals – Part 2 – BALI's". Mohyal Warriors. Retrieved 2025-10-01.
2. "Prithviraj Chauhan – Jaichand Quarrel". Indian Military History. Retrieved 2025-10-01.
3. Bakshi, G.D. (2017). Guardians of the Gate: A Military History of the Mohyal Fighting Brahmins. New Delhi, India: KW Publishers Pvt Limited, 2017. pp. 20–21. ISBN   9789386288776.
4. Dutt, Harish Chander (2020-06-14). "Mohyals Brahmins – marshals or saints?". dailyexcelsior.com. Archived from the original on 2020-06-18.