The Negi caste, or surname, is a title used by Pahadi Rajputs or Thakurs. The word “Negi” comes from the team name, which means “righteous” or “victorious”. The Negi title has its roots in the northern hill regions of India, mainly in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu.
In earlier times the title “Negi” was given by kings to loyal warriors, military commanders and ministers as a sign of honour and respect. Those who held the Negi title often played important roles in administration and governance. Many were responsible for collecting taxes from villages and serving as zaildars or lambardars.
The Negi title became a mark of trust, leadership and good character among the hill Rajputs, or Rajputs of Uttarakhand.
Important Information Related to the Negi Caste
The Negi caste was a title that was given by kings to trusted warriors and ministers for their service and loyalty. People who held this title were given the important duty of collecting taxes from villages. In return, they received a small share of the amount collected as their payment.
The Negi title holds an important place in the history and culture of the hill regions. It reflects the social and administrative roles played by its holders and shows their contribution to the development of the mountain society.
List of Negi Caste (Surnames) in Uttarakhand
The history of the Negi Rajput community and their migration to the Garhwal region is both fascinating and deeply rooted in the heritage of the hills. Over time, several Negi clans settled in different parts of Uttarakhand, mostly Garhwal, each with its own background, traditions and contribution to society.
Here is the list of Negi caste in Uttarakhand:
- Pundir Negi: The Pundir Negis came to Garhwal from Saharanpur in Vikram Samvat 1722. According to Ratudi ji, they are mentioned in the Prithviraj Raso as being from the area near Delhi.
- Baglana Negi: This community migrated from the Baglan region in Vikram Samvat 1703. Their main settlement was in the village of Shula.
- Khunti Negi: The Khunti Negis came from Nagarkot (Kangra, Himachal Pradesh) and settled in Garhwal in Vikram Samvat 1113. Their first village was named Khunti.
- Sipahi Negi: Arriving from Nagarkot-Kangra in Vikram Samvat 1743, this group got the name “Sipahi”, meaning “soldier”, because many of them served in the army.
- Sangela Negi: Descended from the Jat Rajput community, the Sangela Negis came from Saharanpur in Vikram Samvat 1769. They are known for their tradition of carrying swords, which gave them their name.
- Kharkhola Negi: Believed to be descendants of the Kaintyura community, they migrated from Kumaon to Garhwal in Vikram Samvat 1169 and served as village headmen in Kharkholi.
- Saund Negi: Linked to the Rani castle, they came from Kailakhuri and made Saundari village their home.
- Bhotia Negi: Descendants of the Huna Rajput community, they migrated to Garhwal from the ancient Huna region.
- Mahar/Mwara/Mahar Negi: This Negi clan are the descendants of the Gujar Rajputs who moved from Landhaura to Garhwal.
- Bagdi/Baugdi Negi: This group came to Garhwal from Mayapur in Vikram Samvat 1417. Their name comes from their place of origin, Bagad.
- Singh Negi: Connected to the Bedi caste, they migrated from Punjab to Garhwal in Vikram Samvat 1700.
- Jambal Negi: They settled in Garhwal after migrating from Jammu.
- Richly/Rikhola Negi: This clan came from Reekhali Garkha in Doti, Nepal, and settled in Chhand village.
- Padiyari Negi: Descendants of the Parihar Rajputs, they came to Garhwal from a place near Delhi in Vikram Samvat 1860.
- Lohwan Negi: Originating from the Chauham Rajputs like the Ramola caste, they settled in the Lohia Parganas area of Garhwal in Vikram Samvat 1035.
- Gadkari Negi: They migrated from near Mathura in Vikram Samvat 1476 and made Gagwadi village their home.
- Chopariya Negi: This clan came from Hastinapur and settled in Chopra village in Vikram Samvat 1442.
- Sarwal Negi: They migrated from Punjab and settled in Garhwal around Vikram Samvat 1600.
- Gharkandwal Negi: They are believed to be from the Pang and Ghyddaurasyun regions of Garhwal.
- Kumyan Negi: They reside in the village of Kumain and Kanda.
- Bhana Negi: This clan traces its origin to Patna.
- Koliya Negi: The Koliya Negi migrated from Kumaon and settled in Koli village in Garhwal.
- Sautyal Negi: This group came from Doti, Nepal, and made Sauti village in Garhwal their home.
- Chintola Negi: Originally from Chintolgarh, they are known for maintaining their old traditions.
- Khaddakadi Negi: They migrated from Mayapur and settled in the Garhwal region.
- Bulsada Negi: Descendants of the Kaintyura community, they are originally from Kumaon.
- Neelkanthi Negi: This clan mainly lives in the Garhwal region, and their name is connected to the worship of Lord Neelkanth.
- Neki Negi: Their history is closely linked to Garhwal’s tradition, and they are known for following their cultural and family values with devotion.
- Jardari Negi: The name of this clan is connected to their traditional lifestyle and community roles.
- Hathi Negi: Found in some areas of Garhwal, their name “Hathi” reflects a particular local custom or identity.
- Khatri Negi: The Khatri Negi are known for their skills in trade and craftsmanship, giving them a distinct identity in Garhwal.
- Monda Negi: Members of this clan in different villages in Garhwal play an active role in preserving and promoting local culture.
Notable warriors in Negi Caste/Community
- Birbal Negi: A respected commander in the Kumaon Kingdom, known for his courage and military skill.
- Jhagad Singh Negi: The last known ruler of Koligarh, remembered for his leadership and dedication to his people.
- Nantram Negi: A legendary warrior from the Jaunsar region, celebrated for his strength and valour in battle.
- Lodi Rikhola Negi: A 17th-century general in the Garhwal Kingdom honoured for his role in protecting the region and serving the royal army.
Notable People from the Negi Caste/Community
- Asha Negi: Indian television actress known for her popular roles in TV serials.
- Balwant Singh Negi: Respected officer in the Indian Army.
- Darwan Singh Negi: Recipient of the Victoria Cross for his bravery during World War I.
- Deependra Negi: Indian professional footballer.
- Dev Negi: Well-known Bollywood playback singer.
- Dhan Singh Negi: Former MLA from Tehri, Uttarakhand.
- Gabar Singh Negi: Another Victoria Cross awardee remembered for his courage in battle.
- Jagat Singh Negi: Indian politician.
- Jaiveer Singh Negi: Indian Army officer.
- Janardan Ganpatrao Negi: An Indian scientist recognised for his contributions to research.
- Jeet Singh Negi: Noted music composer from Uttarakhand.
- Kunwar Singh Negi: Braille editor and social worker dedicated to serving the visually impaired.
- Mir Ranjan Negi: Former national hockey player for India and inspiration behind the film Chak De! India.
- Nalini Negi: Indian television actress and model.
- Narender Negi: Indian cricketer.
- Narendra Singh Negi: Legendary Garhwali folk singer and cultural icon.
- Parimarjan Negi: Indian chess grandmaster.
- Pawan Negi: Indian international cricketer.
- Ravinder Singh Negi: Indian politician.
- S. K. S. Negi: officer in the Indian Army.
- Shyam Saran Negi: India’s first voter and ECI (Election Commission of India) ambassador.
- Trepan Singh Negi: Former Member of Parliament from Tehri.
- Ritu Negi: Indian women’s kabaddi player.
- Renu Negi: Indian filmmaker.
- Surendra Singh Negi: Indian politician.
- Chandra Mohan Singh Negi: Indian politician.
Conclusion
The history of Negi Caste, culture and tradition are important parts of Garhwal’s rich and diverse heritage. It is important to collect more information about their origins and customs to help future generations understand and value the legacy of their ancestors. Preserving this knowledge will not only keep the culture of Garhwal alive but also protect the wider heritage of Uttarakhand, ensuring that its ground history continues to inspire generations to come.
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