The Ramola caste or surname in Uttarakhand is mainly associated with the Rajput and Chauhan castes/surnames, with some of the members identified as Rajput Ramola. Some historical findings tell us that the surname “Ramola” originally originated from a legendary historic figure named Gangoo Ramola. He is a Chauhan Rajput who settled in the region and became known as the founding ancestor (मूलपुरुष) of the Ramola Caste. Some of the members of the Rawalta community, who are also in Uttarakhand, were declared an OBC, or Other Backward Class, by their state government. One of the members of the Ramola community is also mentioned in a legal case involving the Ramola surname. Yet it is unclear if all Ramonas are associated with this OBC status or not.
Ramola Caste in Uttarakhand
- Rajput and Chauhan Castes Association with Ramola: Many people whose surname is Ramola are of Rajput or Chauhan descent. One historical account tracesthe origin of the Ramola name to a Chauhan Rajput named Gangoo.
- Surname Evolution: The surname may have evolved from Gangoo, who was a Chauhan Rajput who established a lineage in the area, then became “Ramola”.
- Potential OBC Status: The Rawalta community, a group which is associated with the Ramola surname, was declared an Other Backward Class (OBC) community by the state government of Uttarakhand in the year 2004. However, it is not clear that all the individuals with the surname Ramola are part of this OBC-designated community or not. Yet many of the people with the Ramola surname do not associate themselves with OBC but with the general caste.
Historical background of the Ramola caste/surname
The Ramola surname/case is mainly found in the state of Uttarakhand, with the majority of families residing in the Garhwal hills. Historically the Ramola surname is associated with the Rajput clan of Garhwal, as mentioned above. Some old records tell us about the Ramola caste connection with mediaeval forts (garhs) such as Molya Garh and Raika Garh, which were linked with the Ramola Clan back then. Like other Rajput clans, the Ramola people were traditionally considered part of the Kshatriya (warriors) class, protecting the community, Garh and land.
Who is Gangoo Ramola?
We cannot discuss or understand the Ramola caste without mentioning Gangoo Ramola or Gangu Ramola (गंगू रमोला).
Gangoo Ramola, or Gangu Ramola, is a legend and Garhpati of Ramoili. He is an iconic figure in Garhwali folklore, and his stories are also mentioned in Jaguars (the traditional folk epics sung to invoke the local god, goddess, deities and heroes.)
While there are mixed details with myths and facts, Gangoo Ramola is remembered as a powerful and grand ruler.
Cultural identity of the Ramola caste
The Ramola caste/surname, like many other Garhwali Rajput families, follows Hindu customs and rituals, mainly worshipping family deities (Kul Devta). They maintain traditional Rajput values of bravery, community service and honour. Old stories and history generally describe people of Ramola Surane as the protectors of their region during the old Garhwali Kingdom.
Today Ramola surnames/castes are spread across many districts of Uttarakhand, like Pauri, Garhwal, Chamoli, Rudraprayag and others. Approximately 71% of the people with the surname Ramola live in Uttarakhand itself.
Conclusion: The Ramola Caste/Surname today
While the Ramola surname/caste originated in the Ramoili Patti of Tehri Garhwal, today you can find Ramola people across many parts or districts of Uttarakhand and the world.
As is common in hill communities, families or people migrated over the decade for opportunities, agriculture and service. Today we can see a strong presence of people within Dehradun, Pauri, Rishikesh and, of course, their mainland Tehri region.
They remain as a proud community, carrying a surname that is a direct link to the history of Garhwal.
So next time when you meet someone with the Ramola caste/surname, you know you are not just hearing a name, but you also know the history of their name. A piece of Uttarakhand’s deep and cultural past.
So see you some other time with some great stories of Uttarakhand. Till then, bye, and have a nice day.
