Sehgal, also spelled Segal, Saigol or Saigal, is a Punjabi Khatri surname, originating from Punjab in India and Pakistan.[1]
Origins and History
editThe surname Sehgal is traditionally associated with the Punjabi Khatri community, a prominent mercantile and warrior class in North India, particularly in Punjab.[2] The Khatris have historically played a significant role in the economic and social framework of the region.[2] Notably, the surname Sehgal is linked to the Suryavanshi lineage, tracing descent from Lord Rama, and is classified under the Kshatriya varna.[2]
Following the Partition of India in 1947, many families bearing the surname Sehgal migrated to India, while others remained in Pakistan. This period was particularly challenging for the Arora-Khatri and Sikh communities, who faced displacement and had to rebuild their lives in new environments.[3]
Cultural Significance
editIndividuals with the surname Sehgal have made notable contributions to the cultural and intellectual heritage of the Indian subcontinent. They have excelled in diverse fields such as arts, literature, business, and science, reflecting the community's emphasis on education and societal development.[3] For instance, Kundan Lal Sehgal was a renowned singer and actor, leaving a lasting impact on Indian cinema and music.[3]
Notable people
editArt
edit- Amarnath Sehgal, Indian sculptor
- Deep Sehgal, British filmmaker
- Kabir Sehgal, American composer, navy officer and financial executive
- Kiran Segal, Indian classical dancer
- Ikram Sehgal, Pakistani Army officer and defence analyst
- Ramesh Saigal, Indian film director, producer, screenwriter and actor
- Nayantara Sahgal, Indian author
- Tino Sehgal, Indian British-German artist
Business
edit- Azam Saigol (1951-2018), Pakistani businessman and politician
- Rafique Saigol (1933-2003), Pakistani businessman and politician
- Vivek Chaand Sehgal, Indian-Australian billionaire businessman
Entertainment
edit- Aditi Saigal, Indian actress
- Akashdeep Saigal, Indian TV actor, BiggBoss contestant
- Amit Saigal, Indian rock musician
- Baba Sehgal, rapper and actor
- Dhruv Sehgal, actor and director
- K. L. Saigal (1904-1947), Indian actor and singer
- Mohit Sehgal, Indian actor
- Monica Sehgal, Indian actress
- Parvati Sehgal, Indian actress
- Sayyeshaa Saigal, Indian actress
- Sharmin Segal, Indian actress
- Shashikala Saigal, Indian actress
- Sonal Sehgal, Indian actress
- Sumeet Saigal, Indian actor
- Zohra Sehgal (1912-2014), Indian actress and choreographer
Freedom struggle
edit- Lakshmi Sahgal (1914-2012), Indian Independence revolutionary
- Manmohini Zutshi Sahgal (1909-1994), Indian freedom fighter
- Prem Sahgal (1917-1992), Indian independence activist, served in the Azad Hind Fauj
Law and journalism
edit- Gita Sahgal, Indian writer and journalist
- Parul Sehgal, editor and columnist at The New York Times Book Review
- Rubina Saigol (1955-2016), Pakistani feminist scholar and activist
- Sabina Sehgal Saikia (1963-2008), Indian food journalist
- Sangita Dhingra Sehgal, Indian judge
Politics
edit- Amar Singh Sahgal, Indian politician
Science
edit- Amita Sehgal, molecular biologist at University of Pennsylvania
- Narender K. Sehgal, Indian physicist, scientific administrator, and science populariser.
- Sunil Saigal, Indian-born American engineer, dean of the Newark College of Engineering
- Suri Sehgal, crop scientist, seedsman, philanthropist
Sports
edit- Ravi Sehgal, Indian cricketer
See also
edit- Sahgalabad, a small town in Chakwal District, Punjab, Pakistan
- Saigol Group (prononced as Sehgal Group), a group of companies owned by the Saigol family in Pakistan
- Segal (company), human resources consulting firm headquartered in New York
References
edit- ^ Hanks, Patrick (2003-05-08). Dictionary of American Family Names: 3-Volume Set. Oxford University Press, USA. ISBN 978-0-19-508137-4.
- ^ a b c "Punjabi Khatri Gotras". Arora Khatri. Retrieved 14 January 2025.
- ^ a b c "Partition and the Khatri Community". Arora Khatri. Retrieved 14 January 2025.
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