Dhar (Kashmiri: धर , دھر ), also spelled Dar mostly in Pakistan(Kashmiri: डार , ڈار ), is a Kashmiri surname (kram), of Brahmin origin, found among individuals native to the Kashmir Valley of India, as well as Kashmiri émigrés who have migrated to the Punjab, a region divided between India and neighbouring Pakistan. The caste name is shared among both Hindus and Muslims. The Dhar kram originates from the honorific given to a village head, strongman or a warlord of a jagir. This honorific was prevalent during the 12th Century A.D. and remained in vogue up until the 14th Century A.D. In antiquity, many Dhars migrated to the region of Gauda (present day Bengal), and much later returned to the Kashmir Valley. Nevertheless, to this day, there are many Dhars who are found in that region of Bengal, they belong to different castes (mainly Kayastha and Baniks and sometimes Brahmin or Baidya).
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History and origins
The Dhar kram originates from the honorific given to a village head, strongman or a warlord of a jagir. This title was often used in the 12th century and stayed fashionable up until the 14th century. In antiquity, many Dhars migrated to Gauda, and a large amount later returned to the Kashmir Valley. Nevertheless, to this day, there are many Dhars who are found in that region of Bengal.